c4 – Texas Gun Rights

Maryland Follows California’s Lead, Moves to Ban Glock-Style Pistols

TXGR Staff — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:56:22 +0000

The gun confiscation agenda is spreading.

Just months after California pushed the envelope with laws targeting so-called “convertible firearms,” Maryland lawmakers are now following suit, advancing legislation that effectively bans the future sale of many of the most popular handguns in America.

And while politicians insist it’s about public safety, the scope of the bill tells a very different story.

At the center of the push is House Bill 577, which targets what lawmakers call “machine gun convertible pistols.”

Beginning in 2027, the bill would make it illegal to manufacture, sell, purchase, or transfer these firearms in Maryland, cutting off access to entire categories of commonly owned handguns.

“Convertible” Gun Ban Targets Some of the Most Popular Firearms in America

The bill never says the word “Glock.”

It doesn’t have to.

Instead, lawmakers crafted a technical definition focused on internal components and the ability to convert a firearm using basic tools.

On paper, it sounds narrow. In reality, it lands squarely on one of the most widely used handgun platforms in the country.

Glock pistols, including models like the Glock 17, 19, 26, and 45, fit that definition almost perfectly.

So do the countless Glock-pattern pistols built on the same internal design, including firearms from Shadow Systems, PSA, Polymer80, Zev Technologies, and others.

These are not niche products. They are among the most commonly owned firearms in America, widely used for personal defense, professional duty, and everyday carry.

Depending on how Maryland regulators interpret the law, the impact could stretch even further.

Other striker-fired platforms, such as the Smith & Wesson M&P series, SIG Sauer P320, and Springfield Armory XD line, could also face scrutiny if they are deemed “readily convertible.”

What’s being proposed isn’t a narrow restriction.

It’s a sweeping limitation on modern semi-automatic handguns.

The Justification: Illegal Devices That Are Already Banned

The entire argument behind the bill rests on so-called “Glock switches,” small conversion devices that can make certain pistols fire automatically.

But there’s a fundamental problem with that rationale.

Those devices are already illegal under federal law: they are classified as machine guns under the National Firearms Act, and possession alone carries severe penalties.

In other words, the conduct Maryland lawmakers are citing is already prohibited.

Rather than focusing on enforcement, the bill shifts the burden onto the firearms themselves, restricting law-abiding citizens instead of addressing criminal misuse.

Manufacturers have already attempted to respond to the controversy.

Glock’s newest designs were widely believed to include changes intended to make these types of conversions more difficult.

But almost immediately, reports surfaced that workarounds were developed to bypass those modifications.

From “Convertible” Pistols to Broader Restrictions

California laid the groundwork for this strategy.

Now Maryland is building on it.

By focusing on the idea of “convertibility,” lawmakers can justify regulating an entire class of firearms based on a rare and already illegal modification.

Critics argue that this approach allows regulators to move beyond targeting specific devices and toward restricting the underlying platforms themselves.

Once that framework is established, the line between “convertible” firearms and commonly owned semi-automatic handguns becomes increasingly thin.

Texas Gun Rights President Chris McNutt says the strategy is clear:

“This was never about ‘Glock switches’ — those are already illegal. This is about using a criminal loophole as an excuse to go after some of the most commonly owned handguns in America. If they can label a Glock ‘convertible,’ they can label almost anything. And once that door is open, nothing is off limits.”

A Policy Fight With National Implications

What’s happening in Maryland is not happening in isolation.

It reflects a broader shift in how firearm regulations are being developed, moving away from outright bans toward more technical definitions that can be applied to widely owned platforms.

And as similar proposals emerge in other states, the outcome of this debate could shape the future of firearm policy well beyond Maryland.

Chip in $25 to Texas Gun Rights to help stop the spread of the gun bans

GOP Pulls Back as Cornyn Campaign Struggles Against Paxton Surge

TXGR Staff — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:56:14 +0000

Washington Republicans are starting to blink.

After pouring millions into propping up Senator John Cornyn’s reelection effort, national GOP leaders are now holding off on committing additional resources to his runoff battle against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton — a clear sign the race may be slipping out of their control.

The Senate Leadership Fund, one of the most powerful establishment-aligned super PACs in the country, recently announced a massive $342 million investment across key races nationwide.

Texas wasn’t on the list.

Over $100 Million Spent — And Still Headed to a Runoff

Cornyn didn’t get here alone.

During the primary, more than $110 million was spent on advertising, with Cornyn and his establishment allies accounting for the vast majority of it.

In fact, nearly $70 million was spent directly boosting Cornyn and attacking his opponents — one of the most expensive Republican primaries in Texas history.

And despite that massive financial advantage, Cornyn still failed to win outright, forcing him into a runoff against Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Even after the primary, Cornyn’s allies continued spending, dumping additional money into ads in an attempt to regain momentum.

So far, it hasn’t worked.

Grassroots Conservatives vs. the Republican Establishment.

Cornyn represents the entrenched, decades-old D.C. machine.

Paxton represents the insurgent wing of the party, fueled by grassroots activists, conservative influencers, and issue-based organizations mobilizing voters across the state.

And right now, the grassroots are winning.

Multiple independent polls show Ken Paxton holding a consistent lead over Cornyn heading into the May runoff, with margins ranging from low single digits to double digits depending on the survey.

A Last-Ditch Poll From Cornyn Allies

But just as national Republicans hesitate, a new poll from Cornyn-aligned forces is trying to change the narrative.

A survey commissioned by the pro-Cornyn group Texans for a Conservative Majority claims Cornyn has opened up a narrow lead, showing him ahead by a single point.

There’s just one problem:

The poll falls well within the margin of error, effectively showing a statistical tie.

Even more telling, it comes from a group directly backing Cornyn — raising questions about whether the release is less about reflecting reality and more about shoring up donor confidence before support dries up completely.

With big-money donors watching closely, a favorable headline — even a shaky one –could be enough to keep the checks coming a little longer.

Gun Owners Driving the Grassroots Surge

One factor driving Paxton’s rise has been a surge of support from gun owners and constitutional conservatives across Texas.

Even the Houston Chronicle has acknowledged the role Texas Gun Rights is playing in mobilizing that base, pointing to the organization’s efforts to expose Cornyn’s long record on gun control policies.

For years, Cornyn has faced criticism from Texas Gun Rights advocates over his role in advancing federal gun legislation and expanding background check systems.

Now, that record is becoming a central issue in the runoff.

Grassroots groups have capitalized on it, helping turn the race into a referendum on trust, loyalty, and constitutional principles.

Establishment Retreat Signals Trouble Ahead

The reluctance of national Republicans to double down on Cornyn is telling.

With limited resources and competitive races across the country, party leadership appears to be weighing whether continued investment in Texas is worth the risk, especially if the base has already made up its mind.

For now, they’re standing down.

And in politics, when the establishment starts pulling back, it’s often because they see the writing on the wall.

Chip in $25 to Texas Gun Rights to help fuel the grassroots movement and hold anti-gun politicians accountable

Can the State Tax Your Rights Away? California’s 11% Gun Tax Heads to Court

TXGR Staff — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:55:54 +0000

A major legal battle is underway in California that could determine whether politicians can tax the Second Amendment out of existence.

Gun dealers in the Golden State have filed a motion for summary judgment seeking to strike down California’s 11% excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and related items, arguing the law is a direct violation of the Constitution.

Their argument is simple: the government cannot single out a constitutional right and slap a tax on it.

If the courts agree, the implications could ripple far beyond California.

California: The Testing Ground for Gun Control

For decades, California has served as the incubator for the radical left’s gun confiscation agenda.

Policies are pushed through in Sacramento first, then exported across the country once they’ve been tested and refined.

From magazine bans to registration schemes, and now targeted taxes on gun ownership, California lawmakers are constantly looking for new ways to chip away at the Second Amendment without outright bans.

The 11% gun and ammo tax is just the latest example — a financial chokehold designed to make exercising your rights more expensive, and ultimately out of reach.

A Targeted Tax Designed to Fund the Gun Confiscation Machine

The details of California’s law make it even worse.

The 11% tax doesn’t replace existing taxes,it stacks on top of them, meaning gun owners are hit with multiple layers of taxation on the same purchase.

Even more concerning, the revenue is funneled into a dedicated “Gun Violence Prevention and School Safety Fund,” bankrolling gun control programs, enforcement efforts, and so-called “violence prevention” initiatives.

In other words, law-abiding gun owners are being forced to fund the very agenda aimed at restricting their rights.

The law also goes beyond taxation.

It creates a regulatory enforcement scheme requiring firearm businesses to comply with strict state oversight — giving bureaucrats the power to revoke licenses and shut down operations over compliance issues.

This isn’t just a tax.

It’s a financial and regulatory weapon.

The Legal Argument: You Can’t Tax a Constitutional Right

The lawsuit challenges California’s law on the grounds that it targets protected conduct—the purchase of firearms and ammunition.

Citing Supreme Court precedent, the plaintiffs argue that the Second Amendment is a fundamental right, and that right includes the ability to acquire firearms and ammunition

The government cannot simply impose special taxes on constitutional rights like speech, religion, or voting.

The warning is clear: if California can get away with an 11% tax today, what’s stopping them from raising it to 20%, 50%, or even 100% tomorrow?

Why This Fight Matters for Texas

What starts in California doesn’t stay in California.

The same anti-gun playbook — regulate, restrict, then price out gun ownership — is already being pushed in other states.

That’s exactly why Texas Gun Rights is taking the opposite approach.

Instead of playing defense, TXGR is pushing to eliminate every tax on firearms, ammunition, and accessories, because exercising a constitutional right should never come with a price tag.

Last year, State Representative Benjamin Bumgarner filed HB 920, which would have done exactly that: abolishing Texas sales tax on guns, ammo, and related gear entirely.

The bill failed to advance.

But the fight is far from over.

“You Don’t Pay a Tax to Speak — You Shouldn’t Pay One to Bear Arms”

Texas Gun Rights President Chris McNutt made it clear where he stands:

“California is showing exactly how the gun confiscation lobby operates. They can’t always ban your rights outright, so they try to tax them into oblivion. That’s why we’re fighting to eliminate every tax on firearms, ammunition, and accessories here in Texas. You don’t pay a tax to speak freely, and you shouldn’t pay one to defend yourself.”

But this lawsuit could set a critical precedent.

If the courts strike down California’s tax, it could shut the door on one of the most dangerous strategies being used against gun owners: using financial pressure to erode constitutional rights.

But if the tax survives, don’t expect it to stay confined to one state.

The blueprint will spreadAnd gun owners across the country will feel the impact.

Chip in $25 to Texas Gun Rights below to help eliminate taxes on gun ownership and defend the Second Amendment.

DOJ Issues Warning to Virginia Governor Over Radical Gun Control Bills

TXGR Staff — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:20:31 +0000

The showdown over the Second Amendment in Virginia has reached a breaking point.

Today — April 13, 2026 — is the deadline for Governor Abigail Spanberger to sign or veto more than 20 gun control bills, including a sweeping AR-15 ban.

But if she signs them into law, the U.S. Department of Justice is making one thing clear: they’re ready to sue.

“2A Rights SHALL NOT BE Infringed”

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon didn’t mince words on X.

“@SpanbergerForVA is on notice: 2A rights SHALL NOT BE infringed.”

And when asked whether DOJ was merely hinting at action?

“It’s not a hint.”

That statement confirms what gun owners have long been waiting to hear—the federal government is prepared to take direct legal action to defend the Second Amendment.

DOJ Warns: Sign the Bills, Face a Lawsuit

In a formal letter to the governor, DOJ’s Civil Rights Division warned it will commence litigation if Virginia enacts legislation that restricts law-abiding Americans’ right to keep and bear arms.

At the center of the warning is legislation like SB 749, which would ban or severely restrict AR-15-style rifles and other commonly owned semi-automatic firearms.

DOJ made clear these firearms are in common use and protected under Supreme Court precedent — meaning any attempt to outlaw them would violate the Constitution.

More Than 20 Bills Await the Governor’s Signature

This isn’t about a single proposal.

The stack of legislation now sitting on the governor’s desk includes over 20 gun control measures, many of which DOJ says could infringe on the rights of law-abiding citizens.

Some proposals go even further, mirroring restrictions the Supreme Court has already struck down.

The message from DOJ is simple: sign these bills, and the lawsuits begin.

Gun Owners Finally See Federal Pushback

For years, anti-gun politicians have advanced sweeping restrictions with little resistance from Washington.

That may be changing.

Chris McNutt, president of Texas Gun Rights said: “This may be the moment gun owners have been waiting for. A DOJ that goes on the offensive for the Second amendment, rather than continue its war on gun owners and defending gun control on the books.”

One can only hope.

With today’s deadline forcing a decision, and DOJ signaling immediate legal action, this fight could shape the future of the Second Amendment nationwide. All eyes are now on Governor Spanberger.

Chip in to Texas Gun Rights below to help fuel the fight to defend the Second Amendment in Texas.

Gun Grabbers Panic Over Felons Regaining Rights

TXGR Staff — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:56:29 +0000

For decades, the federal government has done something that should outrage every freedom-loving American:

It has treated the Second Amendment like a lifetime privilege that can be revoked forever, even for non-violent offenses.

Now, that may finally be changing.

A Long-Overdue Course Correction

The Department of Justice is preparing to revive a long-dormant program that would allow non-violent felons to apply to have their gun rights restored — something that hasn’t meaningfully existed for over 30 years.

That’s right.

For the first time in decades, millions of Americans who:

Paid their debt to society
Stayed out of trouble
Rebuilt their lives

…could finally have a pathway to reclaim their constitutional rights.

And not just any right: the right to keep and bear arms.

Here’s what most Americans don’t know:

Federal law has always allowed for restoration of gun rights under a provision known as 18 U.S.C. § 925(c), but Congress effectively killed the program in the early 1990s by cutting off funding.

So for over three decades, the system has worked like this:

You commit a non-violent felony…

…and you lose your Second Amendment rights for life, no matter what.

No review.
No second chance.
No due process.

Now, Millions Could Be Eligible

Under the new plan:

Individuals with non-violent felony convictions — including things like drug offenses or financial crimes — could apply to have their rights restored
Applicants would have to show:
A history of lawful behavior
Evidence of rehabilitation
No ongoing threat to public safety

In other words:

Individualized review — not blanket punishment.

What a concept.

The Gun Control Lobby Is Panicking

Of course, the gun confiscation cartel is already melting down.

They’re claiming this will:

“Make communities less safe” and “Put guns in dangerous hands.”

But here’s what they won’t tell you: this system already existed.

And the Constitution never said: “Shall not be infringed… unless a bureaucrat says so forever.”

This Is About More Than Gun Rights

At its core, this fight is about something bigger:

Do Americans get a second chance, or not?

Because if the government can permanently strip one constitutional right…

…it can justify stripping them all.

Speech.
Due process.
Self-defense.

All on the chopping block.

The Real Test Is Still Ahead

Now, don’t get ahead of yourself.

This isn’t a full repeal of unconstitutional gun bans.

It’s a step — a crack in the system.

And like everything in Washington, the devil will be in the details:

How strict will the process be?
Who actually gets approved?
Will bureaucrats drag their feet?
But One Thing Is Clear

For the first time in decades, the conversation is shifting.

From: “You lost your rights forever.” To: “Prove you’re not dangerous — and get them back.”

That’s not radical.

That’s what the Constitution demands.

Chip in to Texas Gun Rights and help us keep the pressure on to restore the Second Amendment — without compromise.

Gun Rights Groups Unite Behind Harmeet Dhillon for Attorney General

TXGR Staff — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:45:01 +0000

With Pam Bondi out as Attorney General, no-compromise gun rights groups are already making their preference crystal clear: Harmeet Dhillon is the choice.

And unlike the usual political jockeying in Washington, this push isn’t coming from establishment insiders, it’s coming from grassroots organizations that have spent years fighting the gun confiscation agenda head-on.

Bondi’s Exit Opens the Door for Real Change

For many gun owners, Bondi’s tenure represented a familiar frustration.

While running the Department of Justice, her record was seen as a mixed bag at best, with lingering defenses of federal gun control policies and a lack of urgency in dismantling the anti-gun bureaucracy embedded throughout DOJ.

That’s why her removal is being viewed not as a setback, but as a long-overdue opportunity.

Why Harmeet Dhillon Is the Clear Upgrade

Harmeet Dhillon represents something very different.

She has built a reputation as a legal fighter who:

Treats the Second Amendment as a civil right
Has taken on anti-gun policies in court
Has helped shift DOJ toward going on offense, not just playing defense

Gun rights groups like the National Association for Gun Rights and Texas Gun Rights are rallying behind her because they see someone who won’t manage decline, but will actively push to restore rights.

A Legal Team Already Aligned

Dhillon’s potential elevation wouldn’t happen in a vacuum.

White House Chief Counsel Dave Warrington and Harmeet Dhillon both left Dhillon Law to join the Trump administration at the same time, signaling a coordinated effort to place strong constitutional attorneys in key roles.

Barry Arrington, former Chairman of the Texas Gun Rights Board, recently stepped down to join the DOJ’s Second Amendment Section.

These aren’t isolated moves.

They’re part of a broader shift — one that suggests the executive branch is finally beginning to take the Second Amendment seriously at a structural level.

Not a Silver Bullet, But a Major Step Forward

At the same time, gun rights leaders are making it clear: replacing the Attorney General alone is not a silver bullet.

The Department of Justice is still packed with: layers of entrenched bureaucracy, thousands of anti-gun holdovers, and institutional resistance to reform

But here’s the difference:

Harmeet Dhillon has already been working to dismantle that system from within.

And if she moves up, whoever steps into her current role in the Civil Rights Division would be positioned to continue that work — potentially with fewer obstacles.

Texas Gun Rights President Chris McNutt didn’t mince words:

“Gun owners don’t need another Attorney General who’s going to ‘manage’ the Second Amendment’s decline. We need a proven fighter, and that’s exactly what Harmeet Dhillon has been inside the DOJ. President Trump has a real opportunity here to appoint someone who will take the fight directly to the gun confiscation agenda and start cleaning house.”

The Push Is On

With momentum building, groups like NAGR and TXGR are actively encouraging President Trump to make the call.

Because for gun owners who have watched too many “Republicans” fall short, this moment is about more than just filling a position.

It’s about whether the Department of Justice will finally have leadership willing to defend the Second Amendment without compromise.

Chip in to Texas Gun Rights and help us keep the pressure on to restore the Second Amendment.

Trump Must Deliver on the Second Amendment or Republicans Will Pay the Price

TXGR Staff — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:40:59 +0000

A growing divide is emerging between Republican leadership, President Donald Trump, and the very base that helped fuel their return to power: America’s gun owners.

And while the media is eager to paint this as a collapse in support, the reality is far more complicated, and far more important.

Because for gun owners, this isn’t about personalities.

It’s about results.

Gun Owners Are Sending a Warning Shot

Recent frustration inside the Second Amendment community isn’t random.

It’s rooted in a simple reality: campaign promises are meaningless without action.

From mixed messaging on defensive gun use to lingering distrust from past compromises, grassroots activists are making it clear:

They’re paying attention.

And they’re keeping score.

Yes — There Have Been REAL Wins

Let’s be honest about something the media won’t say.

The Trump administration has delivered meaningful pro-gun progress:

A sweeping executive order targeting Biden-era gun restrictions
A major ATF shakeup, removing anti-gun leadership
The shutdown of the federal gun control office
A broader push to roll back unconstitutional regulations

And just as important, the right people are starting to move into position.

Personnel Is Policy

Inside the administration, strong pro-gun voices are gaining ground:

Harmeet Dhillon working inside DOJ’s Civil Rights Division

Dave Warrington, former NAGR attorney and Board Chairman, stepping into a key legal role as Chief White House Counsel

Barry Arrington, former TXGR Chairman, now inside DOJ’s Second Amendment section after stepping down to serve

These aren’t bureaucrats.

These are fighters who understand the stakes.

The Elephant in the Room: the DOJ Is STILL a Problem

Even with those wins, gun owners aren’t blind.

Under now-fired Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Department of Justice was a mixed bag at best:

Defending Biden-era gun regulations
Dragging its feet on dismantling federal overreach
Sending conflicting signals to the courts

That’s why Bondi’s firing was a clear win for gun owners.

Because leadership matters.

And weak leadership kills momentum.

Congress: The Real Bottleneck Nobody Can Ignore

But here’s the part nobody in Washington wants to talk about:

The biggest failure on gun rights isn’t coming from the White House: it’s coming from Congress.

Outside of removing the tax on certain NFA items, Congress has done NOTHING.

No National Constitutional Carry.
No restoration of rights for non-violent felons.
No abolishing the ATF.
No meaningful rollback of federal gun laws.

Nothing.

And gun owners are noticing.

Trump Must Turn Up the Heat

If Republicans want to keep the trust of gun owners, there’s only one path forward:

Deliver results through Congress.

That means President Trump must use the full weight of the presidency — the bully pulpit — to force weak-kneed Republicans in both chambers to act.

No excuses.

No delays.

No backroom deals.

Because without congressional action, executive orders only go so far.

Gun Owners Are Drawing a Line In The Sand

Let’s be clear:

Gun owners aren’t abandoning Trump.

But they are raising expectations.

They want follow-through, legislative victories, and leaders who won’t fold under pressure.

And let’s face it: Republicans will NOT win without gun owners.

Because gun owners will not be energized without results.

If elected officials want support, turnout, and grassroots energy, they must be unapologetically pro-gun… in word and in action.

And any help from the Trump administration in pushing Congress to act will strengthen Republicans at every level of government.

Take Action Now

If you’re tired of empty promises…

If you want Congress forced to act…

If you believe the Second Amendment must be restored, not negotiated away…

Chip in to Texas Gun Rights today and help us hold weak Republicans accountable and fight for real victories.

Gun Rights Victory: Pam Bondi Ousted as Attorney General

TXGR Staff — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:39:03 +0000

In a stunning shakeup inside the Trump Administration, Attorney General Pam Bondi has been removed from her post — and for gun owners across the country, it marks a long-overdue victory.

Bondi’s tenure, both as Florida Attorney General and later as the nation’s top law enforcement officer, has been shadowed by a troubling record of anti-gun actions that put her at odds with millions of law-abiding Americans.

Now, that chapter has come to an end.

A Record Gun Owners Never Forgot

While Bondi carried the “Republican” label, gun owners never forgot her role in advancing gun restrictions in the aftermath of the Parkland shooting.

As Florida AG, Bondi:

Backed Red Flag Gun Confiscation laws, allowing firearms to be seized without due process
Supported raising the purchase age for firearms to 21
Helped usher in policies that treated law-abiding gun owners like suspects

These actions earned her lasting distrust among Second Amendment advocates, especially those who believe constitutional rights should never be negotiated away.

From Florida to DOJ, More of the Same

When Bondi took over as U.S. Attorney General, many gun owners hoped for (but did not expect) a course correction.

Instead, there was a mixed bag of good and bad. That bad included:

Continued defense of Biden-era gun regulations in federal court
A failure to fully rein in the ATF
A lack of urgency in dismantling the federal gun confiscation agenda

A Turning Point for the Second Amendment

Bondi’s removal signals a major opportunity.

With the Department of Justice playing a central role in shaping federal gun policy — and defending it in court — leadership matters.

Gun owners are demanding the same thing they’ve been demanding all along:

NO compromise.
NO half-measures.
ONLY a full-throated defense of the right to keep and bear arms.

Texas Gun Rights President Chris McNutt didn’t hold back:

“Pam Bondi’s firing is a win for every gun owner who’s sick of being sold out by so-called Republicans pushing the gun confiscation agenda. President Trump must appoint an Attorney General who is unapologetically pro-gun. Someone who will back up the work Harmeet Dhillon is doing in the Civil Rights Division, not undermine it.”

The Fight Is Just Getting Started

Bondi’s exit may be a victory, but it’s not the end of the fight.

The federal bureaucracy is still packed with anti-gun holdovers.

The ATF is still enforcing unconstitutional rules.

And the gun confiscation lobby is still pushing for more restrictions.

That’s why gun owners must stay engaged.

Take Action Now

If you’re ready to hold Washington accountable…

If you want to ensure the next Attorney General defends — not betrays — the Second Amendment…

If you believe in restoring your rights without compromise…

Chip in to Texas Gun Rights today and help us mobilize Texans to defend and restore the Second Amendment — without compromise.

Hegseth Ending “Gun-Free Zones” on Military Bases

TXGR Staff — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:35:21 +0000

In a sweeping and long-overdue move, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has taken direct aim at one of the most dangerous policies ever imposed on America’s military: the forced disarmament of service members on U.S. bases.

For decades, military installations have effectively operated as “gun-free zones,” leaving highly trained troops defenseless on the very ground they are sworn to protect.

That policy is now being dismantled.

A Dangerous Contradiction Finally Comes to an End

Under Hegseth’s new authorization, off-duty service members are now permitted to carry privately owned firearms on base for personal protection, subject to local command guidelines.

This marks a dramatic shift away from the failed doctrine that disarming law-abiding individuals somehow makes them safer.

After all, these are the same men and women entrusted with defending the lives of over 300 million Americans — yet for years, they were denied the basic right to defend themselves at home.

That contradiction has finally been exposed — and corrected.

Gun-Free Zones: A Proven Failure

The policy of disarming service members didn’t make bases safer — it made them targets.

Tragic attacks at places like Fort Hood and the Washington Navy Yard revealed the deadly consequences of so-called “gun-free zones,” where criminals and terrorists knew their victims would be unarmed.

These weren’t failures of training or preparedness.

They were failures of policy — policies pushed by the gun confiscation lobby that prioritized optics over reality.

Trusting Those Who Already Protect Us

Hegseth’s decision restores a basic level of trust in America’s troops.

Service members are already trained in the use of firearms. They are entrusted with advanced weaponry, complex missions, and split-second life-or-death decisions.

To claim they cannot be trusted to carry a personal firearm for self-defense on base was never about safety, it was about control.

Now, that mindset is being rejected.

A Major Victory for the Second Amendment

This reform is more than just a military policy change, it’s a significant step toward dismantling the broader “gun-free zone” agenda nationwide.

For years, anti-gun politicians and bureaucrats have pushed to expand areas where law-abiding Americans are disarmed, creating soft targets in schools, churches, and public spaces.

Hegseth’s move sends a clear message: disarming good people does not stop bad actors, empowering them does.

And this is the message Texas Gun Rights has been sending across Texas for over a decade.

The Fight Is Far From Over

While this is a major victory, the battle to fully restore the Second Amendment is far from finished.

The same forces that pushed to disarm our troops are still working to impose more restrictions on law-abiding Americans across the country.

That’s why grassroots action is more important than ever.

So if you believe America’s service members should never have been disarmed…

If you know gun-free zones put innocent lives at risk…

If you’re ready to fight back against the gun confiscation agenda…

Chip in to Texas Gun Rights today and help us continue mobilizing Texans to defend and restore the Second Amendment — without compromise.

DOJ Opens Discussions in Texas Suppressor Case — Opportunity for Resolution Emerges

TXGR Staff — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:22:35 +0000

After more than 18 months of legal uncertainty, a potential turning point may be emerging in the case involving Texas suppressor manufacturer 1836, LLC.

For the first time since federal agents seized property and equipment in August 2024, the Department of Justice has initiated contact to begin discussions regarding the matter.

A Case Marked by Delay and Uncertainty

As previously reported, the case stems from an ATF raid at a public hunting expo in Fort Worth, followed by additional searches, seizures, and the revocation of a federal firearms license tied to a separate entity.

Despite the passage of time, no indictment has been filed.

Property remains in federal custody.

And statutory deadlines related to forfeiture proceedings have already come and gone.

For the individuals involved — including Texas Gun Rights member Jared Gee — the result has been prolonged uncertainty without formal resolution.

A Shift Toward Dialogue

That posture may now be changing.

According to Gee, federal officials have recently reached out to begin discussions — marking the first clear indication that the case may move toward resolution rather than continued delay.

In a statement, Gee emphasized both caution and optimism:

“We have recently been contacted by the Department of Justice to begin discussions regarding this matter.

I believe this presents an opportunity for the DOJ to do the right thing. Under the current administration, there has been a stated shift toward focusing on violent crime and a growing recognition of Second Amendment protections, including recent developments acknowledging suppressor-related rights.

This case was never about criminal conduct or public safety. We acted in good faith under Texas law, and we are not criminals.

We are hopeful the DOJ will follow through on that approach here and bring this matter to a fair and timely resolution that serves the public interest.”

An Opportunity for the DOJ

The development places the Department of Justice at a decision point.

Federal officials can choose to continue defending an enforcement action initiated under a prior regulatory posture, or they can bring the matter to a close in a way that reflects evolving constitutional standards and stated enforcement priorities.

Recent legal developments have added further complexity to suppressor regulation, particularly in light of post-Bruen challenges and ongoing litigation questioning the scope of federal authority.

At the same time, public statements from federal officials have emphasized a renewed focus on prosecuting violent offenders, rather than pursuing regulatory cases involving otherwise law-abiding individuals.

What Comes Next

As discussions begin, several key questions remain:

Will seized property be returned?
Will the case be formally closed without charges?
Or will federal authorities continue to pursue enforcement despite prior delays and missed deadlines?

The answers will determine not only the outcome for those directly involved, but also how similar cases may be handled moving forward.

More Than One Case

While the immediate focus is on 1836, LLC, the implications extend further.

This case sits at the intersection of federal regulatory authority, state-level firearm protections, and evolving Second Amendment jurisprudence

How it is resolved may signal how aggressively federal agencies intend to enforce contested firearm regulations in the years ahead.

Texas Gun Rights has been closely following this case from the beginning and will continue to monitor developments as discussions proceed.

For now, the initiation of dialogue represents a notable shift, and a potential opportunity for resolution.

Whether that opportunity is realized will depend on the decisions made in the weeks ahead.

If you want to help Texas Gun Rights continue holding federal agencies accountable and defending the Second Amendment without compromise, chip in today.