USA Carry

PIERRE, SD — South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden is calling on federal authorities to revise a longstanding regulation that imposes a mandatory seven-day waiting period before shipping firearms and related accessories across state lines, including suppressors. In a letter sent on March 24, 2025, to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Acting ATF Director Kash Patel, Gov. Rhoden asked for action in light of President Donald J. Trump’s recent Executive Order aimed at safeguarding Second Amendment rights.

The rule in question, 27 CFR § 478.96, requires that licensed dealers notify local law enforcement and observe a seven-day waiting period before shipping firearms or accessories such as suppressors to out-of-state buyers. Rhoden argued that this regulation is outdated and unnecessarily burdensome, especially for South Dakota-based Silencer Central, the nation’s largest suppressor manufacturer and distributor.

“This rule hampers their ability to do business,” the governor wrote, noting that while wait times for ATF Form 4 approvals have improved, the seven-day requirement continues to slow lawful sales. Rhoden pointed out that the original law predates the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993, which now mandates federal background checks for all firearm purchases—including suppressors.

According to the governor, because modern buyers must pass these background checks, the added waiting period serves no safety function and only delays lawful transactions.

“A slight modification to 27 CFR § 478.96 would represent a significant victory for the Second Amendment community across the nation without impacting any safety regulations,” Rhoden wrote.

Rhoden’s appeal aligns with President Trump’s February 7, 2025 Executive Order titled Protecting Second Amendment Rights, which directs federal agencies to review all current policies for potential infringements on constitutional gun rights.

This push for regulatory reform is part of a broader effort to reduce bureaucratic delays and modernize federal firearms laws in alignment with current technology and enforcement practices.

Suppressors, which are regulated under the National Firearms Act, remain legal to own in most states and are commonly used to reduce noise and recoil. Lawful suppressor purchasers already undergo rigorous background checks and registration processes.

Efforts like Gov. Rhoden’s underline a continued commitment from pro-Second Amendment leaders to ensure that lawful gun owners and businesses are not burdened by outdated or redundant federal rules.

Read the original story: South Dakota Governor Urges ATF to Remove Obsolete Suppressor Shipping Rule

PIERRE, SD — Governor Larry Rhoden signed three pro-Second Amendment bills into law during a ceremony at Boyd’s Gunstock in Mitchell as part of his “Open for Opportunity” tour. The signing reflects the state’s continued efforts to protect and expand the rights of law-abiding gun owners.

“One of my favorite things about South Dakota is how free we are – especially when it comes to the freedom to keep and bear arms,” Governor Rhoden stated. “We have taken greater actions to defend our Second Amendment rights than any other state.”

The newly signed legislation includes:

This bill limits the ability of public higher education institutions in South Dakota to restrict the lawful carrying, possession, storage, or transportation of concealed pistols, stun guns, and chemical irritants by individuals with proper permits. Exceptions apply in sensitive areas such as labs with hazardous materials, high-security facilities, or during special events with active security and screening.

HB 1218 ensures that counties, municipalities, and townships cannot prohibit their employees, officers, or volunteers from lawfully carrying concealed firearms and compatible ammunition on government property or in government vehicles. Exceptions exist for secured detention facilities, crisis centers, and transportation situations involving detainees. The bill also protects these government entities from liability stemming from lawful concealed carry.

This bill amends current state law to broaden the situations in which a concealed carry permit holder can lawfully possess a pistol on or around public school grounds. Individuals with permits may now keep firearms in their vehicles or retrieve them from vehicles while on school property, expanding on previous limitations. Enhanced permit holders may also carry with school authorization.

With these additions, Governor Rhoden has signed a total of 157 bills during the current legislative session and vetoed one.

These laws reflect South Dakota’s ongoing efforts to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens while providing commonsense boundaries for safety. Each bill carefully balances individual liberty with public security, reinforcing the principle that responsible firearm ownership is not incompatible with institutional safety.

As more states navigate the evolving landscape of Second Amendment rights, South Dakota’s legislation stands as a model for protecting those rights without compromising lawful governance or public safety. Responsible gun owners benefit from clear legal guidance and reduced arbitrary restrictions—core tenets of any sound firearm policy.

Read the original story: South Dakota Governor Signs Trio of Pro-Second Amendment Bills into Law

ANNISTON, AL — The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has officially resumed sales of surplus U.S. Army M1911 pistols, following an eight-month suspension during the Biden-Harris administration. The revival of the program came swiftly under President Donald Trump’s second term, with CMP reopening its order processing in late January 2025.

CMP CEO Jerry O’Keefe shared a detailed update on February 26 outlining the current status of the program, order processing timelines, and inventory availability. The renewed effort marks a significant policy shift and reinforces the administration’s support for responsible civilian firearm ownership.

CMP is currently processing the remaining 1,300–1,400 orders from the fourth round of M1911 sales, working at a pace of approximately 1,000 pistols per month. All Round Four orders are expected to be fulfilled by mid-April 2025. Orders are being processed in randomized number sequence, with only minor variances due to batch handling.

Going forward, the CMP has transitioned away from the previous “round” system. All new orders received in 2025 will be processed strictly in the order they are received. Fulfillment of these new orders is expected to begin in late April. A newly launched CMP M1911 Order Status webpage offers weekly updates and estimated fulfillment windows based on application dates.

The current lifetime purchase limit of two pistols per person remains in effect, as established by a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of the Army. However, CMP leadership is actively working to increase this limit to four, potentially by summer 2025. First-time buyers may now purchase both pistols in a single order.

In addition, CMP is planning to release rare or collectible M1911 models, including matched serial number M1 Garand and M1911 sets, through its auction platform later this year.

Despite being a finite and historic resource, CMP reports a healthy inventory of surplus M1911 pistols, with supply likely sufficient through 2026. An additional shipment from the U.S. Army is anticipated in the coming weeks, further supporting the program’s future.

Originally authorized under the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, the CMP M1911 program was designed to transfer up to 10,000 surplus pistols per year from the U.S. Army to the public. While the Trump administration first launched the program in 2018, it was paused in April 2024 amid an audit and policy shift under the previous administration.

On January 29, 2025, the CMP announced the return of M1911 sales, crediting the Trump administration’s commitment to Second Amendment rights and historical preservation. The program’s resumption was accompanied by improvements, including a simplified ordering system and free shipping.

This move has been widely welcomed by gun owners and collectors, not only for the opportunity to own a piece of U.S. military history but also as a reaffirmation of the role civilian marksmanship plays in national heritage and firearm safety.

For details on eligibility and ordering, visit https://thecmp.org/sales-and-service/1911-information.

Read the original story: Trump Administration Restores CMP M1911 Sales Program After Pause During Biden-Harris Administration

NASHUA, NH – A bystander with a firearm intervened during a violent altercation involving a knife at a McDonald’s in Nashua, New Hampshire.

On Tuesday night, a fight broke out between two groups who police believe knew each other, and it quickly escalated when 22-year-old Jose Vasquez repeatedly stabbed a 32-year-old man multiple times in the face and abdomen.

Felix Marengo, a bystander eating in his car, witnessed the attack and intervened. He told WMUR reporter Maria Wilson, “A guy started getting stabbed. I got out of my car and took my handgun out. As soon as they saw that, the stabber started running behind Wendy.”

Vasquez surrendered to Nashua police the following day, and he was charged with first-degree assault. Vasquez’s attorney said the victim was the initial aggressor, so it will be interesting to see what the final charges will be.

If the person who got stabbed was the initial aggressor, there is a possibility the judge could determine Vasquez acted in self-defense.

Nashua police stated that additional charges may be filed, pending the outcome of their investigation.

This is a tricky situation for a concealed carry holder because unless you see an incident start, you don’t know who the real victim is and who the person who started it is.

Most news articles failed to mention that a bystander with a firearm stepped in to stop the altercation, and this is a perfect example of why cases of self-defense involving firearms are significantly underreported.

Read the original story: Bystander’s Armed Intervention Stops Stabbing Attack at New Hampshire McDonald’s

MEMPHIS, TN — An attempted robbery early Tuesday morning in Midtown Memphis ended with a suspect in critical condition after a resident defended himself with a firearm, according to the Memphis Police Department.

Officers responded around 5:45 a.m. to reports of a shooting near 31 South McLean Boulevard. Upon arrival, they spoke with a man who stated he had just returned home when an individual attempted to rob him.

According to police, the suspect confronted the man, and a physical altercation ensued. During the struggle, the man produced a firearm and shot the suspect. The injured suspect was transported to Regional One Hospital in critical condition.

Authorities detained the 27-year-old shooter and one other individual at the scene for further questioning. As of the latest reports, no charges have been announced, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Residents in the neighborhood expressed concern about the rising crime in the area and the need for community-based solutions. One neighbor voiced frustration over the lack of structure and opportunity for youth, emphasizing that safety requires not only law enforcement but also economic and spiritual support for the community.

While every self-defense situation is unique, this incident underscores the importance of being prepared and aware, especially when arriving home during early morning hours. Situational awareness and a lawful means of protection can play a critical role in ensuring personal safety when confronted with a threat.

Read the original story: Armed Citizen Shoots Robbery Suspect During Early Morning Struggle in Midtown Memphis

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and 21 other Senate Democrats have introduced the “Keep Americans Safe Act,” a sweeping gun control bill that aims to ban standard-capacity magazines holding more than ten rounds. If enacted, this legislation would prohibit the sale, transfer, possession, importation, or manufacturing of these magazines nationwide, threatening the rights of law-abiding gun owners across the country.

The proposed legislation revives elements of the now-defunct 1994 federal assault weapons ban, which expired in 2004. Proponents, including Kaine, claim that restricting magazine capacity will reduce mass shooting fatalities, citing statistics from the Clinton-era ban. However, independent studies, including a 2004 report from the Department of Justice, found no conclusive evidence that the ban had any meaningful impact on crime rates or public safety.

The bill includes provisions allowing law enforcement agencies to confiscate and destroy newly prohibited magazines while authorizing buyback programs. It also imposes strict serial number and manufacturing date requirements on any future production of magazines.

The “Keep Americans Safe Act” is a blatant infringement on the Second Amendment, stripping citizens of their ability to own commonly used and constitutionally protected firearm accessories. Standard-capacity magazines, which often exceed ten rounds, are widely used by millions of responsible gun owners for self-defense, sporting, and recreational shooting.

The bill arbitrarily defines “large capacity” as anything over ten rounds, ignoring the reality that many handguns and rifles are designed to function with magazines holding 15 to 30 rounds. Criminals, by definition, do not obey laws, meaning this ban would only hinder law-abiding citizens from effectively defending themselves while having little to no effect on crime.

Banning standard-capacity magazines is not just unconstitutional but also ineffective. States that have implemented similar bans, such as California and New York, have seen no significant reduction in violent crime. Moreover, the U.S. Supreme Court’s Bruen decision reaffirmed that gun control measures must align with historical precedent, casting serious doubt on the constitutionality of such a sweeping restriction.

Instead of targeting law-abiding gun owners, lawmakers should focus on enforcing existing laws, addressing mental health concerns, and prosecuting violent criminals. Restricting magazine capacity does nothing to deter crime but does everything to erode the rights of responsible citizens.

This legislation is likely to face strong opposition from Second Amendment advocates, Republican lawmakers, and gun rights organizations. Gun owners and supporters of the Constitution must remain vigilant and actively oppose this and any future attempts to erode their rights.

With increasing attacks on the Second Amendment from anti-gun politicians, now is the time for Americans to stand firm and ensure their freedoms are not further eroded by ineffective and unconstitutional laws.

Read the original story: Democrats Push Magazine Capacity Limits Under Misleading ‘Keep Americans Safe Act’

NEWTON TWP., PA — A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to six months in jail and over four years of probation after shooting an Instacart delivery driver outside his home earlier this year. The incident, which authorities say was based on a misunderstanding, left the driver seriously injured and highlighted the importance of properly identifying threats before using a firearm.

According to police reports, the shooting occurred on the evening of January 20, 2025, at a residence on Misty Lane. Vanessa Sabo had placed an order through Instacart for grocery delivery but failed to inform her husband, Nicholas Sabo, 43.

When Vanessa received a motion alert from a security camera near their utility trailer and vehicles, she mistakenly believed someone was attempting a break-in. She informed her husband, who retrieved his Glock 19 from upstairs. Without verifying the nature of the perceived threat, Sabo fired a single shot at the individual outside.

The victim, 35-year-old Jerrie Wilchombe of Scranton, was struck in the leg. Wilchombe, who was making the delivery with his wife and daughter present in the vehicle, managed to flee the scene before being transported to Geisinger Community Medical Center, where he underwent surgery.

Upon arriving at the scene, police found Nicholas Sabo in the kitchen, with his firearm placed next to a coffee pot. He admitted to shooting Wilchombe but did not provide a legal justification for doing so, according to South Abington Township Police Chief Paul Wolfe.

Authorities confirmed Wilchombe was lawfully delivering groceries, supported by Instacart documentation provided by his wife, Jessica Thomas.

Initially charged with reckless endangerment, Sabo later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. On March 15, 2025, he was sentenced to six months in jail, followed by four and a half years of probation.

This case highlights critical self-defense considerations. First, firearm owners must ensure they correctly identify a legitimate threat before using lethal force. In this case, Sabo seemingly acted on his wife’s mistaken assumption rather than assessing the situation himself. Given that Wilchombe was not attempting to enter the home or displaying any threatening behavior, the use of deadly force was legally and ethically unjustified.

Additionally, communication is key—had Vanessa Sabo informed her husband about the Instacart order, the entire situation could have been avoided. Situational awareness and responsible firearm use are paramount for anyone exercising their Second Amendment rights.

Read the original story: Pennsylvania Man Sentenced After Mistaking Instacart Driver for Intruder and Opening Fire

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Several firearm-related bills are advancing in the Florida Legislature, reflecting continued efforts to adjust gun laws in the state. Three key bills—one lowering the firearm purchase age, another allowing off-duty law enforcement officers to carry weapons at certain events, and a third removing firearm restrictions during emergencies—have successfully passed committee votes and are now heading to the Florida House floor.

House Bill 759 (HB 759) seeks to lower the minimum age to purchase a firearm in Florida from 21 to 18. If passed, it would allow 18-year-olds to buy long guns from licensed dealers and handguns from private sellers. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Michelle Salzman (R), passed the House Judiciary Committee by a 16-6 vote and is now scheduled for a full House vote.

The Senate companion bill, SB 920, sponsored by Sen. Jay Collins (R), has three committee stops remaining before it can proceed to the Senate floor for a vote.

For this measure to become law, either HB 759 or SB 920 must pass both the House and Senate in identical form before being sent to Governor Ron DeSantis for approval.

House Bill 1021 (HB 1021) would allow off-duty law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons into schools, colleges, and professional athletic events when attending as private citizens. Rep. Jeff Holcomb (R) is sponsoring the measure in the House, and Sen. Jay Collins (R) is carrying the Senate version (SB 1248).

HB 1021 has passed through its necessary committees and is now set for a vote on the House floor. Meanwhile, SB 1248 still has three committee stops before it can reach the Senate floor.

If the House and Senate pass different versions, lawmakers would need to reconcile them before the bill can proceed to the governor’s desk.

House Bill 6025 (HB 6025) seeks to remove the automatic ban on selling and carrying firearms and ammunition during a declared local state of emergency due to potential violence or public disorder. Under current law, such restrictions are automatically enacted, limiting the rights of lawful gun owners.

Rep. Monique Miller (R) is carrying HB 6025 in the House, while Sen. Blaise Ingoglia (R) is sponsoring the Senate version, SB 952.

HB 6025 has cleared its committee process and is now headed to the House floor for a full vote. SB 952 has one remaining committee stop before it can advance to the Senate floor.

These legislative efforts highlight Florida’s ongoing focus on Second Amendment rights and self-defense measures. If passed, these bills could bring notable changes to the state’s firearm laws in the coming months.

Read the original story: Bills to Lower Firearm Purchase Age, Expand Carry Rights Advance in Florida

HOUSTON, TX — A suspected burglar was shot and killed Monday afternoon outside a residence in Houston after the homeowners returned to find him on their property.

Houston police responded to a shooting call around 4:05 p.m. at a home on Bonnie Brae Drive, where they discovered an unresponsive male lying in the driveway. Houston Fire Department paramedics pronounced him deceased at the scene. His identity has not yet been confirmed by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

According to the Houston Police Department (HPD), a preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had been burglarizing the home while it was unoccupied. When the homeowners arrived, one of them armed themselves and shot the suspect. The homeowner, an adult male, was not injured.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has been notified, and the case will be presented to a grand jury for review.

In Texas, all homicide cases—regardless of circumstances—are referred to a grand jury for review. This does not necessarily indicate charges will be filed, as grand juries in Texas have historically been reluctant to indict individuals who use force against intruders committing a crime. While it remains to be seen whether prosecutors will pursue charges in this case, Texas law strongly favors the right of homeowners to defend themselves against criminal threats.

Read the original story: Houston Homeowner Fatally Shoots Suspected Burglar Upon Return Home

AUSTIN, TX — A newly proposed bill in the Texas Legislature could allow public high school students to take a gun safety and hunter education course as part of their physical education curriculum. House Bill 1085, authored by Representatives Pat Curry and Helen Kerwin, aims to introduce a “lifetime recreation and outdoor pursuits” course that includes a hunter education component, providing students with valuable outdoor skills and firearm safety education.

The bill was filed on November 12, 2024, and was recently considered in a public hearing before the House Public Education Committee on March 18, 2025. It remains pending in committee as lawmakers deliberate on its potential impact and implementation.

Representative Curry emphasized the importance of integrating outdoor activities and gun education into school curriculums.

“It’s beneficial to have physical education that supports outdoor activities and can teach about guns and gun safety,” Curry told KXXV.

The proposed course would satisfy the physical education credit required for Texas public school students, offering an alternative to traditional gym classes while equipping students with essential firearm safety knowledge.

The course would also pave the way for students interested in hunting by preparing them for state licensing requirements.

“For children who want to get into hunting, you are required to get a license once you are 16 years old to complete a hunter safety course in the state of Texas and many states by the way. That hunter safety course in Texas transfers for the rest of your life,” Curry explained.

With hunting being a significant part of Texas culture, the bill aims to ensure that young individuals receive proper training and education before handling firearms in outdoor recreational settings.

If passed, the bill would allow school districts to offer the course as an elective, ensuring participation remains optional. Parents would have to provide approval before students could enroll. The curriculum would be developed in collaboration with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, ensuring that all educational material meets state safety and conservation standards.

Should the bill pass, the course could be available to students as early as the 2025-2026 school year. The bill requires a two-thirds majority vote for immediate effect; otherwise, it would take effect on September 1, 2025.

HB 1085 represents a significant step toward promoting responsible firearm education among Texas youth. By integrating gun safety into schools, students can develop a foundational understanding of firearm handling, hunting ethics, and outdoor recreation. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to ensure that individuals who choose to own or use firearms do so responsibly and safely.

As the bill awaits further legislative action, it has garnered attention from both supporters and critics, with proponents arguing that such education could reduce accidental firearm incidents and better prepare young hunters for safe participation in outdoor activities.

The bill remains in committee, and its future will depend on further legislative discussions. As lawmakers continue to review HB 1085, Texas residents can follow its progress and provide input through public hearings or by reaching out to their state representatives.

Read the original story: Texas Bill Proposes Gun Safety and Hunter Education as Physical Education Elective