Federal Court Holds that New Mexico Gun Waiting Period Law Is Unconstitutional
The U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico has granted summary judgment and entered final judgment holding New Mexico’s seven-day firearm waiting period unconstitutional in Ortega v. Grisham. The case was brought by the National Rifle Association and Mountain States Legal Foundation (MSLF), in partnership with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).

Enacted in 2024, the New Mexico law requires purchasers to wait seven (7) days before taking possession of a newly purchased firearm — even after immediately passing a federal background check confirming they were not prohibited from owning firearms. The NRA and MSLF filed suit the day the law took effect, filing on behalf of plaintiffs Samuel Ortega and Rebecca Scott. See: USACarry.com Report.

History of Legal Challenge to New Mexico Waiting Period Law
On August 19, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit held that New Mexico’s gun waiting period violates the Second Amendment. The court ruled that the right to keep and bear arms includes the lawful acquisition of arms and that “cooling-off” periods are a modern invention unsupported by the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. On December 22, 2025, the Tenth Circuit denied the State’s petition for rehearing en banc.

After the case returned to the District Court, New Mexico’s lawyers argued that the Court was not bound by the Tenth Circuit’s decision and the NM waiting period law should be allowed to stand. However, District Judge James O. Browning concluded that the court was bound by the Appellate ruling and granted judgment to the plaintiffs on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

John Commerford, NRA-ILA Executive Director, praised the outcome in this case: “The NRA’s legal team has secured another historic victory by striking down New Mexico’s unconstitutional waiting-period law. A right delayed is a right denied, and the court correctly held that forcing law-abiding citizens to wait after passing a background check cannot be squared with the Second Amendment. Under New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, the NRA’s landmark 2022 case, waiting period laws like this fail because they have no analog in the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.”

This video covers the December 2025 Ortega v. Grisham decision by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, which held New Mexico’s gun waiting period laws to be unconstitutional. After seeing the law struck down by a 3-judge panel of the 10th Circuit, the State of New Mexico appealed to the full en banc panel. But 10 of the 12 judges in that Court have denied that request. The case was then send back to the District Court, which issued its Summary Judgment and Final Judgment last week.

Read the full court opinion (PDF)

If you will be flying with firearms this summer, here are six videos you should watch before you travel. You need to familiarize yourself with current Federal Regulations on gun transport before you get anywhere near an airport. Thankfully, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has an official INFO page that states the important requirements for airline passengers traveling with firearms and/or ammunition.

You’ll want to visit the TSA Firearms and Ammunition webpage, and read it start to finish. In addition, before your trip, you should check the regulations of the airline(s) with which you will fly. Some airlines have special requirements, such as weight restrictions.

We have two other key tips: 1) WEIGH Your Guns and ammo (as packed) BEFORE you get to the airport — so you comply with all airline flight limits without being surcharged; 2) Carry a printed copy of TSA and airline baggage regulations pertaining to firearms — this can help when dealing with airline personnel.

TSA offers this general advice: “You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked, hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. Be aware that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage.”

Traveling by Air with Firearms — Advice from Legal Expert

This is a good video by a very knowledgeable attorney. Washington Gun Law President William Kirk goes over everything you need to know in order to fly safely, and legally, with a firearm if you travel domestically. Kirk states: “While many believe this is a complicated formula of various state laws, in actuality TSA regulations govern all travel domestically with a firearm. There are very specific rules which must be followed in order to do this correctly.”

Colion Noir — Air Travel with Packed Firearms

Popular YouTube host and lawyer Colion Noir has created a good video that shares important points about traveling with firearms. Colion says: “Don’t risk making costly mistakes — get informed and ensure your firearm journey is hassle-free and lawful.” In this video, Colion covers these key points:

1. Bag Check: Learn the crucial pre-flight checklist to avoid any unwanted surprises at the TSA checkpoint.

2. Airline Check: Discover the differences in airline policies and ensure a smooth journey by reviewing your chosen carrier’s firearm guidelines.

3. Law Check: Stay on the right side of the law by understanding the gun regulations in every state you’ll visit during your trip.

4. The Gun Case: Explore the essential details about the TSA-required hard-sided lockable case and find out which one is my top choice.

5. Ammo Transport: Learn the correct way to transport ammunition separately from your firearm, all while staying within the weight limit.

Step-By-Step Guide to Gun Transport — Good Tips

This 18-minute Spiritus Systems video provides some very valuable practical tips for gun owners traveling by air. The host explains what to look for in a rifle case and locking system. He also explains how to pack the rifle and gear efficiently and how to label and track your gun/ammo cases. If you’re new to airline travel with guns, this video is worth watching start to finish. Here are highlights are listed by video times:

How to Efficiently Pack Your Rifles and Gear

Our friend F-Class John often travels by air to major F-Class matches (most recently to the V2 Finale in Texas). John has learned how to transport valuable match rifles and optics most efficiently and economically. In these two videos F-Class John shows how to pack your rifles and equipment, and how to employ carry-on bags to secure optics and other non-regulated equipment.

TSA Video about Airline Travel with Guns and/or Ammo

This is the latest official TSA video covering gun/ammo transport via airlines. When packing for a flight be sure to start with an empty bag (make sure there are no forgotten gun parts or ammo inside before you pack). If you’re planning to travel with a firearm, follow the tips in this video and remember that you may NEVER bring a firearm in your carry-on bag. Also make sure you are not “packing” when entering the airport even if you have a CCW permit. TSA.gov Firearms/Ammo Transport INFO Page.

Official TSA Guidelines for Airline Travel with Firearms and Ammo

When traveling, comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state, and international governments.* Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline about limitations or fees that may apply.

Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. For civil enforcement purposes, TSA also considers a firearm to be loaded when both the firearm and ammunition are accessible to the passenger.

Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.

Bringing an unloaded firearm with accessible ammunition to the security checkpoint carries the same civil penalty/fine as bringing a loaded firearm to the checkpoint. You may find information on civil penalties at the Civil Enforcement page.

Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage. Replica firearms, including firearm replicas that are toys, may be transported in checked baggage only.

Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage.

TSA Guidelines for Transporting Ammunition on Flights

Ammunition is prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage. NOTE: Check with your airline for quantity limits for ammunition.

Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm. Read the requirements governing the transport of ammunition in checked baggage as defined by 49 CFR 175.10 (a)(8).

Small arms ammunition (up to .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge) must be packaged in a fiber (such as cardboard), wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition and declared to your airline.

Ammunition may be transported in the same hard-sided, locked case as a firearm if it has been packed as described above. You cannot use firearm magazines or clips for packing ammunition unless they completely enclose the ammunition. Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be boxed or included within a hard-sided, locked case.

Sometimes you’ll get a barrel that doesn’t stabilize bullets the way you’d anticipate, based on the stated (or presumed) twist rate. A barrel might have 1:10″ stamped on the side but it is, in truth, a 1:10.5″ twist or even a 1:9.5″. Cut-rifled barrels, such as Kriegers and Bartleins, normally hold very true to the specified twist rate. With buttoned barrels, due to the nature of the rifling process, there’s a greater chance of a small variation in twist rate. And yes, factory barrels can be slightly out of spec as well.

After buying a new barrel, you should determine the true twist rate BEFORE you start load development. You don’t want to invest in a large supply of expensive bullets only to find that that won’t stabilize because your “8 twist” barrel is really a 1:8.5″. Sinclair International provides a simple procedure for determining the actual twist rate of your barrel.

Sinclair’s Simple Twist Rate Measurement Method
If are unsure of the twist rate of the barrel, you can measure it yourself in a couple of minutes. You need a good cleaning rod with a rotating handle and a jag with a fairly tight fitting patch. Utilize a rod guide if you are accessing the barrel through the breech or a muzzle guide if you are going to come in from the muzzle end. Make sure the rod rotates freely in the handle under load. Start the patch into the barrel for a few inches and then stop. Put a piece of tape at the back of the rod by the handle (like a flag) or mark the rod in some way. Measure how much of the rod is still protruding from the rod guide. You can either measure from the rod guide or muzzle guide back to the flag or to a spot on the handle. Next, continue to push the rod in until the mark or tape flag has made one complete revolution. Re-measure the amount of rod that is left sticking out of the barrel. Use the same reference marks as you did on the first measurement. Next, subtract this measurement from the first measurement. This number is the twist rate. For example, if the rod has 24 inches remaining at the start and 16 inches remain after making one revolution, you have 8 inches of travel, thus a 1:8″-twist barrel.

Determining Barrel Twist Rate Empirically
Twist rate is defined as the distance in inches of barrel that the rifling takes to make one complete revolution. An example would be a 1:10″ twist rate. A 1:10″ barrel has rifling that makes one complete revolution in 10 inches of barrel length. Rifle manufacturers usually publish twist rates for their standard rifle offerings and custom barrels are always ordered by caliber, contour, and twist rate. If you are having a custom barrel chambered you can ask the gunsmith to mark the barrel with the twist rate.

Bix’n Andy Savage TacSport Pro X and Savage Dakota Triggers

Article based on review by Les Voth

In 2012 benchrest shooter Chris Harris, owner of BulletCentral.com, brought Austrian gunsmith and engineer Andy Atzl’s Bix’n Andy triggers to America. Since then, their collaborative innovation has not slowed or stopped. Well known to the benchrest world, the Bix’N Andy Remington 700 Competition trigger with its frictionless ball trigger design, has broken records and surpassed previous trigger designs what came before The mechanism that replaced friction designs has gained favor among their shooters who have Bix’N Andy triggers on their rifles

Seeking to go beyond providing triggers for Remington 700s, Rem 700 clones, Tikkas, Sakos, and Barnards, BulletCentral.com now offers atop-quality, drop-in Bix’n Andy replacement triggers for the Savage 110 line of rifles. As these popular Savage rifles are offered in many configurations, including competition rifles, hunting rigs, and varmint rifles, it made sense to offer a top-quality Bix’N Andy trigger for Savage rifles.

Bix’N Andy Savage Trigger Review — UltimateReloader.com

In my association with Bullet Central, as their trigger repair and warranty guy, I’ve already seen these new Bix’N Andy Savage triggers installed on competition single shots, prairie dog rifles, truck guns, deer/hog hunting rifles, and varmint rifles. The appreciation shown by their new owners, for having access to the same technology as the most expensive ELR, PRS, F-Class rifles is great to witness.

Installation in Savage Action is Fast and Easy
Changing the trigger on a Savage 110 is as simple as removing the stock, pulling one pin to remove the stock trigger, and putting the new trigger in its place with the return of the pin.

Savage Tacsport Pro X (3.5 oz to 2.2 lbs) | Savage Dakota (1 lb. to 4.4 lbs.)

The Savage TacSport Pro X trigger has a pull force weight range from 3.5 ounces to 2.2 pounds, and the Dakota model starts at one pound and goes up to 4.4 pounds. With the TacSport Pro X model you can change the shoe, from curved, to straight, to the Gator grip shoe, without disassembling the trigger.

When using a Bix’n Andy Savage trigger for the first time, you’ll instantly sense how it precise and smooth it feels. Because you are not trying to “overcome” something with the trigger force it is set at. You’ll note that the movement feels smoother than a friction-based trigger (with the same pull weight).

When you set a trigger to your desired pull force, whether it is under 10 ounces, or over two pounds, the Bix’n Andy trigger will feel lighter than the others because of its inner mechanism. You are not trying to “overcome” you are “setting off” the trigger, if that’s how to describe it.

Also, when some triggers release the cocking piece, they stop at a wall. Bix’n Andy triggers do not. They follow through with slight over-travel, so the rifle is not upset during that time the bullet has not yet exited the barrel. This is a feature that the Bix’n Andy Savage TacSport triggers and also the Dakota share with the original Benchrest triggers from the same company.

Benefits of Trigger Replacement in Savage Rifles
Why would you replace the stock trigger on a Savage 110? Well, it’s like Chuck said on Friday when he came to pick up a truckload of prairie dog pills – “If yer gonna git serious about shooting prairie dogs, yer gonna change triggers!” Who’s Chuck? He’s a retired Vietnam vet/volunteer NRA Range Officer. When asked how many prairie dogs he shot on his last trip, he said “…about 400.”

That many trigger pulls demand a trigger that works, one that doesn’t distract you from the job at hand, and one that allows you to shoot little targets a long ways away.

Are sound suppressors useful in competition shooting? In some disciplines, and in venues where sound “moderators” are permitted, the answer is “yes”. In a past edition of Shooting Sports USA eZine, you’ll find an interesting article about the use of sound suppressors (aka “cans”). The article explores the use of suppressors in Europe and in tactical matches in North America. You’ll also find an explanation of the rules and regulations governing suppressor ownership and use in the United States.

Shooting Sports Editor Chip Lohman tests three rifles from the bench and found that sound suppressors did not harm accuracy. In fact, all three test rifles (one each in .223 Rem, .308 Win, and .338 Lapua Magnum), shot slightly better 5-shot groups at 200 yards when a suppressor was fitted to the barrel. However, the suppressors did alter point of impact. Interestingly, velocity standard deviation (SD) values were lower with suppressors in place for all three test rifles. This observation calls for further study.*

So the use of suppressors in competition could be a good thing. However, in the United States, current NRA rules prohibit the use of sound suppressors. NRA Rule 3.16.1 subsection (a) states: “Sound Suppressors are not authorized for use in High Power competition.” In addition, there are some practical problems with suppressors — the heat rising off of a naked suppressor can create mirage problems (that’s why some shooters wrap their cans with a cover).

Despite such issues, now commonly see suppressors on rifles used in tactical matches and PRS/NRL events. For example, many competitors in the Steel Safari field challenge match use suppressors. The photo below shows our friend Zak Smith competing in the Steel Safari with his suppressed Accuracy International rifle.

Commentary — What Can We Conclude?
Obviously, this three-rifle SSUSA test was not definitive. One well might observe different results with different types of suppressors, fitted to different kinds of rifles. Mounting a suppressor to any barrel will certainly affect harmonics and “tune”. But this SSUSA study does suggest that tactical shooters, who are allowed to use suppressors in competition, may find that the benefits of suppressors (significantly reduced recoil and less noise) outweigh any meaningful accuracy loss, at least in PRS-type matches.

NOTE: The article cautions that one should not extrapolate too much from the SD numbers, given the low number of test shots. Chronograph-maker Ken Oehler, when asked to comment on the SD values stated: “[You should] report the observed SDs, but draw no conclusions until… you can do more testing with larger sample sizes.”

Qualifications to Obtain a Suppressor

With the recent passage of Federal legislation you no longer have to pay a $200 ATF fee when purchasing a suppressor. And a recent Federal court ruling held that it may no longer be necessary to pass BATFE background checks and otherwise comply with Federal and state laws. However, most suppressor sellers are still requiring paperwork. And states can regulate suppressor ownership or use, so be sure to check the laws in your area. On the federal level, the process to acquire a suppressor is regulated under the National Firearms Act of 1934.

PURCHASING TIP: New Legal Standards and NO $200 ATF Fee

With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Gun rights groups have pushed for the repeal of a 1934 law regulating suppressors and short-barreled firearms. The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act paved the way for two lawsuits which culminated in a federal court order currently enjoining ATF enforcement of NFA registration requirements for suppressors and short-barreled firearms, and “any other weapons.”

This marks the first time since the NFA was enacted in 1934 that Americans lawfully acquired suppressors without federal registration — the first unregistered suppressor transfer in 92 years. As promising as this is… it remains unclear whether purchasers outside Texas will be allowed to buy without ATF paperwork.

At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.

NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.

Brownells — Clearance Sale + 20% Off with Code EXTRA20

⏺️ » Deals on guns, ammo and gear plus save 20% with Code

Get big savings with the Brownells Clearance Sale. Along with the already discounted prices, on select clearance items you can save an additional 20% by using Code EXTRA20 during check-out. Sale items include including rifle scopes, rifles (Howa, Hammerli, Henry, Rossi, Mossberg), pistols (Colt, S&W, Sig Sauer, Walther, Springfield, Canik), tripods, ammunition (Federal, Remington, Winchester, Fiocchi), and Nosler brass. Definitely check out this Clearance Sale. There are exceptional deals PLUS 20% Off.

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s — Fall Hunting Classic Sale

⏺️ » Major discounts on hunting optics, accessories, gear, ammo and more…

Affiliated companies Bass Pro and Cabela’s are running a massive Fall Hunting Classic Sale right now with signficant discounts on rifles, shotguns, optics, ammo, hunting gear, rifle cases, gun safes and more. This is a great opportunity to get everything you need for an upcoming fall hunt. Plus the discounts on optics and rangefinders are great for all rifle shooters. And if you need sleeping bags, a tent, or camping accessories, this is a good time to buy.

As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.

Interested in a semi-auto M14 for $2K or less? That would be a very impressive addition to any gun collection (and cost less than a similar Springfield Armory M1A). The CMP has acquired a massive number of military full-auto M14s that are currently being converted to semi-auto functionality. But these rifles retain the stocks, action blocks, and barrels of the originals so they remain very collectible. You should be able to get one of these historic M14s for under $2000.00 with units starting to ship in January 2027. There is no active order page yet for the CMP M14 rifles. CLICK HERE for CMP Official M14 Announcement.

CMP CEO and board chairman Jerry O’Keefe has stated that eventually over 100,000 M14s will be offered for sale, at prices under $2000.00 with a limit of two (2) M14s per buyer per year. Prior to sale, the rifles will be modified to be permanently and irreversibly semi-automatic rifles.

The CMP has stated that the modified M14s will start shipping in January 2027, just 4.5 months away. Why January? The CMP initially stated the first orders would ship in late 2026. However the massive positive response convinced the CMP that more time would be required to build a substantial inventory of converted M14 rifles. CLICK HERE for Shooting Sports USA article with details. NOTE: Purchasers must comply with CMP Sales Eligibility Requirements.

The CMP plans to modify its surplus M14 military rifles, making them permanently semi-auto rather than fully automatic as originally issued. These converted semi-automatic M14s will then be offered for sale through the CMP sales department in early 2027. Do note that the Springfield M1A, basically a civilian version of the M14, has been available for many years. However, this is the first time true, historic military M14s will be sold to the public, albeit after conversion to semi-auto function.

About the M14 Rifle — Military History
The American M14 is a direct descendant of the M1 Garand rifle. The full-auto M14 is a 7.62×51 rifle that was officially adopted as the U.S. Army’s service rifle in 1957. While the M14 was no longer the standard-issue rifle by 1970 — having been replaced by the M16 — M14 variants were used until the late 1980s, often as sniper rifles.

The M14 was developed at Springfield Armory as an upgraded, select-fire evolution of the M1 Garand rifle. M1 designer John Garand worked on the transition and final designs — such as the magazine system — before retiring, while other engineers added features including the gas system and automatic fire capability. The M14 uses an interior receiver and general layout heavily based on the M1 Garand.

A Federal District Court in Texas recently ruled that ATF registration is no longer mandatory for purchases of suppressors (silencers) because Federal legislation eliminated the registration fee, effectively negating the need for paperwork. After the ATF declined to appeal the decision, this opened the door for Texas residents to acquire a suppressor without paying fees or filling out ATF paperwork.

Gun Owners of America (GOA), along with lead plaintiff Silencer Shop, made history on August 13, 2026 as GOA members Brandon Herrera and Wes Virdell lawfully acquired suppressors without filling out registration forms of the National Firearms Act of 1934 and without paying fees.

GOA, Silencer Shop, Herrera, and Virdell notified the Department of Justice and the ATF of their intent to complete the transfers without NFA registration. Because the DOJ and ATF did not object, Silencer Shop transferred the unregistered suppressors to Herrera and Virdell in accordance with all other applicable federal and state laws. The transfers took place at Silencer Shop’s storefront in Leander, Texas on August 13th. Rep. Andrew Clyde (GA-09) and GOA Senior V.P. Erich Pratt also attended.

Two consolidated lawsuits — Jensen v. ATF and Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF — had challenged the NFA’s regulation of now-untaxed suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns.

GOA spearheaded the repeal of a 1934 law regulating suppressors and short-barreled firearms in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The passage of this GOA-backed provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act paved the way for two lawsuits which culminated in a federal court order currently enjoining ATF enforcement of NFA registration requirements for suppressors and short-barreled firearms, and “any other weapons.”

This marks the first time since the NFA was enacted on June 26, 1934, that Americans lawfully acquired suppressors without federal registration. This was the first unregistered suppressor transfer in 92 years.

USCCA Report on Effect of Lawsuit
Historic First: Suppressor Transfer Completed Without a Form 4

Just after midnight on August 13, the first suppressors in 92 years were lawfully transferred without an ATF Form 4 or NFA registration under the federal court’s injunction.

Who is eligible?

The ruling is not nationwide. The injunction protects the plaintiffs in the case and, where applicable, their current and future members and customers. That includes certain members of plaintiff organizations such as Gun Owners of America (GOA), as well as customers involved in covered transactions with plaintiff businesses, including Silencer Shop.

Eligibility also depends on state law and the specific firearm involved. Some states still require the traditional Form 4 process, and this ruling does not eliminate every federal firearms requirement. Buyers still must comply with applicable Gun Control Act requirements, including the required background-check process. READ MORE.

August is National Shooting Sports Month (NSSM). To help grow the shooting sports, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) asks you to bring a new shooter to the range this month. That’s a good mission — adding to the ranks of shooters is the best way to preserve our Second Amendment rights.

The #RangeChallenge is back for National Shooting Sports Month 2026, giving you another level of fun to have on the range. Bring a friend, shoot the official target, have chance to win rewards and let freedom plink. Use the Shooting Sports Month HOST/Events MAP to find a participating range near you or print the target and try it out at your local range. And take note, eight $500 cash prized will be awarded to participants who submit a 2026 Range Target they have shot.

Here’s Your Chance to Win $500 with 2026 #RangeChallenge

Feelin’ Lucky? Then head to the range and shoot a target for a change to win $500.00. Celebrate National Shooting Sports Month and take the #RangeChallenge for a chance to win rewards this month.

The NSSF will randomly select 8 winners in August 2026 to each receive a $500 gift card! To be eligible, submit your own #RangeChallenge entry.

Enter by (1) Uploading a photo of you and your target directly to the Sweepstakes page or (2) Posting a photo or video of you and your target to Instagram with the #RangeChallenge hashtag.

FREE Downloadable Fun Targets for Shooting Sports Month

On the NSSF Shooter Toolkit Page, if you scroll down the page, you’ll find 17 FREE Downloadable Targets. Shown below are 15 of the targets. Pick the target(s) you want on the Shooter Toolkit Page or Download all 17 FREE Targets.

There are regular bullseyes, as well as Darts, Golf, and more. We really like the Billiards target and kids love the Water Balloons target. You can download all 17 targets for free, and then print them out, ideally with a color printer.

What Shooters Can Do to Promote National Shooting Sports Month:
The NSSF says: “As shooters, you serve a critical role in the continued growth of gun ownership and shooting sports participation. We urge you to join us this August for National Shooting Sports Month.” There are a variety of ways you can help this August:

— Introduce a family member, friend, or group of friends to the shooting sports by taking them to a local range that’s hosting an event.

— Spread the word to family/friends and encourage them to get out to the range in August.

— Encourage the ranges and retailers near you to host an event this August and add them to the official events calendar at www.ShootingSportsMonth.org.

Q & A: TOP TEN Questions about Suppressors Answered HERE »

You’d like to protect your hearing, and maybe you’re a little curious about how your rifle might shoot suppressed. So you’re thinking of buying a suppressor (aka “can”, “moderator”, “silencer”). The good news is that suppressor ownership is now legal in 42 of the 50 American states — that’s 84%! And 41 states allow their use for hunting. So for most American adults, getting a suppressor is legal, provided the owner passes required background checks. But you can’t just get one off the shelf at Walmart. Acquiring a suppressor still requires filling out ATF paperwork. Plus there is typically a pretty long wait. But, thankfully, you no longer have to pay for a $200 Federal Tax Stamp (thanks to recent Federal legislation).

States Where Suppressors Are Allowed
Currently, these 42 states allow private ownership of suppressors/silencers: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.

Note: Even if you live in one of the states listed, you should still verify that owning a suppressor is legal in your area. Some states may have municipal- or county-based restrictions.

States Where Suppressor Ownership is Prohibited
Unfortunately, there are still eight (8) States that forbid private ownership of suppressors. The eight No-Go States are: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island. In these eight states, private ownership of suppressors (aka “silencers”) is forbidden. Hopefully some of those eight hold-out states will change their laws in the months ahead.

How to Acquire a Suppressor/Silencer

As of January 1, 2026, the federal transfer and manufacturing tax for silencers, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns was reduced to $0. While the previous $200 ATF fee is gone, all the underlying regulatory requirements remain fully active.

Still Required When Buying a Suppressor:
— Paperwork: You must still submit an ATF eForm or Form 4 through a licensed dealer.
— Background Check: ATF background check and approval are mandatory before taking possession.
— Identification: Fingerprints and passport-style photos must still be provided with your application.

Looking Inside a Suppressor in Action
Popular YouTube Channel Smarter Every Day recently released a cool video featuring rifle suppressors with see-through acrylic sleeves. The team filmed shots through the suppressors using ultra-high-speed (110,000 frame per second) cameras. When played back in super-slow-motion, you can see the flame propagate through the suppressor and the bullet move through each baffle before it exists the muzzle. Watch the results in the video below — it’s mesmerizing:

See Through Suppressor in Super Slow Motion (110,000 fps) — Click Arrow to Watch:

Suppressors, On Average, Reduce Noise Levels about 30 Decibels
In an article for Ammoland, gunwriter Sam Hoober says that you can expect about 30 decibels (dB) of noise reduction from the average suppressor: “Looking at a few different products, SilencerCo attests their suppressors reduce the sound pressure of a 9mm gunshot to anywhere from 125.7 dB to 131.5 dB, depending on the model. Advanced Armament Co, another popular supplier, attests a 23 dB to 33 dB reduction or down to 127 dB. Liberty Suppressors, another manufacturer, attests a reduction of 24 dB to 38 dB, depending on model and other factors. In short, we can presume something on the order of 30 dB of attenuation as an average.”

Using that 30 dB number you can quickly discern that you’ll still need hearing protection — good hearing protection — when shooting any suppressed firearm (even a .22 LR). “Spikes of 130 dB and more can result in permanent hearing damage instantly”. Source: NRA Blog.