insights - all things legal

A Depression-era tax, ninety years of challenges, and the court order that just changed the rules

Since 1934, the National Firearms Act has taxed and registered suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and machine guns. On August 5, 2026, a federal court held the NFA's registration and approval scheme unconstitutional for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns — because Congress cut the tax behind it to zero. The injunction does not cover everyone, and Missouri did not join the suit. Read this article for the history and what the ruling means for you.