Though the Court has not yet granted certiorari on a direct challenge to such bans, recent language in the unanimous opinion in Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. v. Mexico has drawn attention from legal scholars and gun rights advocates across the nation.

In her opinion for the Court, liberal Justice Elena Kagan wrote that firearms like AR-15s, AK-47s, and even .50 caliber rifles are “widely legal and bought by many ordinary consumers,” further acknowledging that “the AR-15 is the most popular rifle in the country.”

These statements were not the focus of the case, which dealt with international liability and the PLCAA, but they carry considerable weight.

The National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) immediately seized upon the language, filing a supplemental letter in their ongoing lawsuit against Connecticut’s AR-15 ban (NAGR v. Lamont) before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

“In D.C. v. Heller the Court held that the government may not ban firearms that are in common use by law-abiding citizens,” the group wrote. “In Smith & Wesson Brands, the Court held that AR–15 rifles and AK–47 rifles are in common use by ordinary citizens.”

Despite pushback from Connecticut’s Attorney General claiming that the case had no bearing on assault weapons bans, the argument was clear: if the AR-15 is in common use, it is protected under the Second Amendment.

A Leading Force in Legal Resistance

NAGR has been at the forefront of litigation against so-called “assault weapons” bans, standing virtually alone in pushing no-compromise legal strategies.

From Maryland to California, and now Connecticut, NAGR is pursuing cases that challenge the constitutionality of bans on semi-automatic rifles and standard-capacity magazines.

“Gun control advocates are trying to convince Americans that AR-15s are a uniquely dangerous threat, when in fact, they’re far less powerful than many traditional hunting rifles,” said Texas Gun Rights President Chris McNutt.

The Myth of the AR-15 in Crime

The AR-15 is vilified by the press and politicians, yet FBI crime statistics show that rifles of any kind—not just AR-15s—account for fewer murders each year than knives, blunt objects, or even bare hands.

The AR-15 is not a weapon of choice for criminals. It is, however, a favorite scapegoat for politicians who misunderstand or intentionally misrepresent the data.

The AR-15 platform fires a small-caliber, high-velocity round (.223/5.56), which is considerably less powerful than the .30-06 or .308 rounds commonly used in hunting rifles.

In truth, AR-15s are popular because they are modular, ergonomic, and suitable for a wide range of legitimate uses including home defense, sport shooting, and hunting.

The Real Agenda: Banning More Than Just Rifles

Perhaps this is why the most recent federal gun control proposals, such as Senator Heinrich & Senator Kelly’s “GOSAFE Act,” have broadened their scope well beyond rifles.

These bills use vague definitions that would sweep in not just rifles, but also commonly-owned handguns, shotguns, and virtually any firearm that accepts a detachable magazine or holds more than ten rounds.

In other words, they are not just after AR-15s—they’re after nearly every semi-automatic firearm in circulation today.

Whether this is due to ignorance or deliberate deception is unclear. Either way, the result is the same: disarmament of the American people under the guise of “public safety.”

The Second Amendment: America’s Foundational Firewall

The Second Amendment was not written for deer hunting. It was enshrined in the Constitution to ensure that the people would always retain the means to resist tyranny.

Unlike any other nation on earth, America was founded on the principle that the government derives its power from the consent of the governed—and that consent can be withdrawn.

Without the right to keep and bear arms, the rest of our rights become negotiable. The First Amendment, the Fourth, and every other guarantee of liberty depends on an armed citizenry willing and able to defend freedom.

With the Court potentially poised to take up a case that directly addresses bans on AR-15s and standard magazines, gun owners must stay vigilant.

The fight is far from over, but the tide may finally be turning. And if the Second Amendment is to endure, groups like NAGR, TXGR, and the millions of gun-owning Americans must continue to push back against every encroachment—no matter how small or deceptively marketed.