Kansas-led lawsuit forces ATF to drop nationwide registration requirement for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and shotguns

TOPEKA –Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has welcomed an open letter from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announcing that ATF will no longer require individuals to obtain federal approval before making or transferring short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, silencers, and certain other firearms classified as "any other weapons."

The policy follows a federal court ruling in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF, a case in which Kansas led a coalition of 14 states and private plaintiffs in challenging National Firearms Act registration requirements after Congress eliminated the associated making and transfer taxes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

A federal judge in Texas ruled that, with the tax gone, the government could no longer force people to register these items or get permission before buying or making them, and blocked enforcement of those rules against the plaintiffs. ATF has now decided to stop enforcing the rules nationwide, not just for the people who sued.

"This is a huge victory for firearm owners. Now it's not just Kansans who can purchase suppressors, short barrel rifles and short barrel shotguns without seeking special permission from the government. It's for citizens of all 50 states. I'm proud to say that Kansas led the way in delivering this win," Kobach said.

Under the guidance, individuals may acquire the covered items without submitting an NFA application or waiting for ATF approval. Background checks and other requirements under the Gun Control Act remain in effect. ATF will continue to process voluntary registration applications for those who choose to file them.

Kobach said the outcome confirms that once Congress removed the tax that had been the constitutional basis for these rules, the federal government no longer had authority to force law-abiding citizens to seek permission before exercising their Second Amendment rights.