Justice Department delays appeal on federal gun restrictions ruling

The Department of Justice has not filed an appeal after a federal judge ruled last week that parts of the 1934 National Firearms Act can no longer be enforced. The judge said that certain provisions—most notably the restrictions on short‑barreled rifles and silencers—violate the Constitution. The ruling is effective immediately, but the DOJ’s silence leaves gun‑control advocates uneasy and Second Amendment supporters hopeful that the administration is backing away from a fight.

The National Firearms Act, passed in 1934, regulates items that can be converted into weapons. It requires a 3‑month waiting period, a $200 tax stamp, and federal registration for silencers and short‑barreled rifles. The judge’s decision centers on the “suppressor” and “short‑barreled rifle” clauses, which critics say are outdated and overly restrictive. The ruling could affect tens of thousands of gun owners who have legally purchased these items and could reduce federal enforcement of these regulations.

Gun‑control groups say the DOJ’s hesitation signals a lack of support for enforcing the law. “The Department’s silence means the ruling stands,” said a spokesperson for the Brady Campaign. Second‑Amendment advocates, however, view the decision as a victory for gun rights. “If the DOJ does not appeal, the federal government will have to comply with the judge’s ruling,” said an attorney for the National Rifle Association. The debate highlights the tension between federal authority and individual rights.

The DOJ is expected to decide within 30 days whether to appeal. If it does not, the ruling will become permanent and federal agencies will have to adjust their enforcement. Congress may respond by revising the NFA, or state governments could step in to tighten or loosen local laws. The outcome will shape how firearms are regulated across the country for years to come.