Private ownership and use of a Handgun down under is about as hard as it gets and super regulated. Specific category H Can only use at a range.....no hunting no exceptions You have to do and prove a minimum of 12 registered range competitions per year or Government take the license and the gun away immediately with a door down raid and SWAT team. You have to have extra safe storage requirements that are regularly audited by the cops. It's all way too over regulated ,restricted and over enforced now to the point where most people who dabble in handguns have given it away. Only the die hards and absolutely dedicated pistol guys exist.
I don’t know how many people remember, but the current emphasis on “assault weapons” is only because the Left’s attack on handguns has failed. The Heller decision basically killed it. Going farther back, the 1934 National Firearms Act initially included handguns along with machine guns, etc. That’s the reason that short barreled rifles and shotguns are regulated, they didn’t want concealable weapons, period. The NRA got pistols dropped from the final version of the bill.
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals stayed their ruling pending the outcome of the two semiautomatic rifle cases taken up by the Supreme Court. Arguments will be held this Fall and a ruling is expected next Summer. A Stay differs from an Injunction in that it merely preserves the status quo. An Injunction is issued against a law when the court finds the plaintiffs are likely to prevail on the merits. So those living in the 3rd Circuit will have to wait on their Constitutional Rights. Meanwhile in Texas a District Court has ruled that the NFA as regards short barreled rifles and shotguns, along with suppressors, is unconstitutional. That’s so because President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill removed the tax on those items, and thus the justification for the registration. If the Justice Department appeals, and I hope that they do, the appeal will be to the Fifth Circuit, which is dependably pro-gun.
Good explanation on the stays and injunctions bit. That will help dummy like me from out of town understand things better. Also help when I watch re runs of Law and Order.and other US cop shows.
The Justice Department had seven days to appeal the District Court’s ruling and they failed to do so. They still can, but for now the ruling is in effect for the plaintiffs and, since many of the plaintiffs were manufacturers and dealers, their customers. People started buying suppressors at midnight on the 13th without the registration hassle. What this means depends upon where you live. Congress used it’s taxing authority to pass the NFA. No tax means its justification disappears. But they used the Commerce Clause to pass the 1968 Gun Control Act, and that has something to say about these former NFA items. That’s why suppressors will still be treated like firearms. Also many states have restrictions that reference the NFA, so things aren’t crystal clear just yet. Hopefully the Justice Department will announce new rules. The SAF recommends that anyone who wants to act now consult a lawyer first. In the meantime, anyone wanting to become a plaintiff in this case can join the CCRKBA, which is a sister organization to the SAF. You can join both for $25. https://secure.qgiv.com/for/texasnfamembership/
As for myself, I’m not particularly interested in suppressors, though if I ever have to use a gun for home defense it would definitely be of benefit. And I have one “pistol” with a permanently folded shoulder stock that I’d be interested in re-animating. But I’ll wait until the smoke clears, even though I’m covered and live in a state that respects our rights.
PSA — Palmetto State Armory, has this to say on the subject. They mention GOA members. Gun Owners of America is another plaintiff. https://palmettostatearmory.com/blog/nfa-challenge-lawsuit-ruling.html
Suppressors have been banned nationally Down Under for long time going back to the 50's or even earlier. However a motion is being prepared and driven by landowners and farmers to have them added to the weapons act for pest destruction purposes. You could bet on that being anal control measures of the highest degree if it gets through. In New Zealand they are mandatory for hunting no big deal at all. Amazing 3 hrs across water by plane no big deal , 3 hrs North ,South or West here can't scratch yourself.
I understand that they’re sold over the counter in most of Europe. There’s no reason whatsoever to have them regulated at all.
