USA Carry

TALLAHASSEE, FL — A comprehensive firearm bill that enhances carry rights for correctional probation officers and expands waiting period exemptions for certain firearm purchasers, including military servicemembers, has been officially enrolled and is now awaiting the governor’s signature.

House Bill 383, titled “Purchase and Possession of Firearms by Law Enforcement Officers, Correctional Officers, Correctional Probation Officers, and Servicemembers,” passed both chambers of the Florida Legislature with strong bipartisan support. The House approved the bill in a 111-0 vote, while the Senate followed with a 33-3 vote. The legislation is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, pending the governor’s approval.

The bill makes several notable changes to Florida Statutes:

In addition, the bill expands exemptions from Florida’s mandatory three-day waiting period between the purchase and delivery of firearms. Exemptions now include:

The bill treats servicemembers the same as concealed carry license holders for the purposes of bypassing the waiting period, regardless of whether they are purchasing a handgun or a long gun.

This legislation is part of Florida’s ongoing effort to streamline firearm regulations for those serving in public safety or national defense roles, providing both clarity and increased recognition of their responsibilities.

From a Second Amendment standpoint, this bill underscores the principle that the right to keep and bear arms should not be subject to unnecessary delays or restrictions. While this legislation specifically addresses law enforcement, correctional officers, and servicemembers, it highlights the broader need to ensure that all law-abiding citizens are treated equally when exercising their constitutional rights.

Read the original story: New Florida Law Expands Concealed Carry Rights for Off-Duty Officers and Military Members

ELIZABETH CITY, NC — A tragic shooting at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) during the school’s annual Viking Fest left one person dead and several others injured. The incident occurred early Sunday near the center of campus, prompting a lockdown and emergency response from multiple law enforcement agencies. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not yet released details about the suspect.

Shortly after the shooting, The Chronicle published an article titled “Shooting at HBCU as lawmakers consider ending concealed carry permits”, attempting to tie the criminal act to North Carolina’s pending constitutional carry legislation. This framing is deeply flawed. The article uses the incident to criticize House Bill 5 and Senate Bill 50—two proposals that would allow law-abiding adults who are legally permitted to own firearms to carry concealed without a government-issued permit. But these proposed changes have absolutely nothing to do with the kind of criminal violence that occurred at ECSU.

The article claims that these bills would “eliminate all safeguards currently in place” and “ease access to firearms.” That is incorrect. The proposed laws do not change who can buy or own a firearm. Federal and state laws still prohibit felons, domestic abusers, and other restricted individuals from possessing guns. Constitutional carry simply removes the requirement for a concealed handgun permit for those already legally eligible to carry. It does not eliminate background checks for firearm purchases, nor does it give criminals new access to weapons.

Calling the current permit system a “safeguard” is also misleading. North Carolina already allows open carry without a permit, meaning anyone legally allowed to possess a firearm can carry it visibly. The only difference with constitutional carry is that those same legal gun owners wouldn’t need an additional permit to carry concealed. If the law doesn’t stop someone from carrying openly, why require a separate process to conceal the same firearm?

Linking a violent act committed by a yet-unidentified individual—whose legal eligibility to possess a firearm is unknown—to legislation that applies only to lawful gun owners is both irresponsible and misleading. It confuses the public conversation about gun rights and distracts from the real issue: enforcing laws that already prohibit criminals from accessing firearms in the first place.

More than half the states in the country have adopted some form of permitless carry without seeing spikes in violence attributable to those laws. North Carolina’s bills follow this national trend, aiming to affirm the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

Read the original story: Shooting at ECSU Unrelated to Constitutional Carry Debate, Yet Media Ties the Two

SACRAMENTO, CA — California lawmakers are advancing a controversial new bill, SB 704, that would treat firearm barrels like complete firearms, requiring all sales and transfers to go through a licensed dealer with a background check. The legislation, introduced by Senator Jesse Arreguín (D), is the latest in a series of proposals that expand regulatory control over individual gun parts — this time targeting components that have never been considered firearms on their own.

Under SB 704, beginning July 1, 2026, firearm barrels could no longer be sold or transferred privately or online without going through a licensed firearms dealer. The bill would mandate in-person transactions, require a background check, and compel dealers to document the sale, including the purchaser’s information and date of transfer. Any violations would be classified as misdemeanors.

California already regulates frames, receivers, and precursor parts, but barrels have traditionally been unregulated. Critics of the bill argue that this is a deliberate strategy to gradually choke off the ability of law-abiding gun owners to repair or customize their firearms — a form of indirect gun control through component-level restrictions.

Second Amendment supporters are sounding the alarm. The National Association for Gun Rights warned that the bill is part of a broader agenda to “target the secondary market” and “ban online sales” by imposing regulation on basic gun parts that pose no threat on their own. Many see this as a continuation of efforts to clamp down on homemade and 3D-printed firearms by regulating every part that could possibly be used in a build, no matter how benign.

A bill has been filed in California that would require background checks for gun barrels.

We have warned that this was always the end goal.
Target the secondary market — driving up the cost of repairing and maintaining firearms in an effort to win through attrition.

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Firearm barrels are not serialized. They cannot fire a round on their own, nor are they sufficient to construct a working firearm without a legally regulated frame or receiver. By requiring background checks for barrels, the state is blurring the line between sensible regulation and punitive overreach.

This bill also raises concerns about cost and compliance burdens for hobbyists and gunsmiths. It would make simple maintenance, such as replacing a worn barrel, subject to the same process as buying a new firearm. Gun owners in rural areas, who rely on online retailers and parts suppliers, would be disproportionately affected.

From a Second Amendment perspective, SB 704 is yet another reminder of how expansive and persistent California’s gun control efforts have become. The concern is not just about barrels — it’s about where this regulatory strategy ends. If barrels require background checks today, what’s next? Springs? Pins? Screws?

As of April 30, 2025, SB 704 remains in committee in the California Senate. It was last set for hearing on April 29 in the Senate Committee on Public Safety, following amendments made on March 26. The bill has not yet reached a floor vote.

If it passes out of committee, SB 704 will proceed through the legislative process toward a full Senate vote. If approved, it will then move to the State Assembly. Opponents are urging California gun owners to contact their legislators and voice strong opposition before it advances further.

Read the original story: California Lawmakers Want Background Checks for Gun Barrels — What’s Next, Springs and Screws?

EMPORIA, KS — The Kansas Supreme Court has ruled that Bass Pro Outdoor World and Beretta U.S.A. are immune from a product-liability lawsuit filed by Marquise Johnson, who was accidentally shot by a friend attempting to disassemble a Beretta handgun inside a vehicle.

The case, Johnson v. Bass Pro Outdoor World, involved a 2018 incident where André Lewis, believing a pistol could not fire without a magazine, pulled the trigger to disassemble his Beretta APX while sitting in a parked car. The handgun, which had a live round chambered, discharged and struck Johnson in the legs, leading to a partial leg amputation.

Johnson filed suit against the gun’s manufacturer, importer, and retailer—Beretta Italy, Beretta U.S.A., and Bass Pro—alleging that the handgun was defective for lacking a magazine disconnect safety and loaded-chamber indicator. The Lyon District Court initially granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants under the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), a federal law shielding firearm manufacturers and sellers from liability when their products are misused criminally or unlawfully.

The Kansas Court of Appeals reversed the district court, arguing that PLCAA immunity should only apply when a discharge is intentional. However, the Kansas Supreme Court reinstated the original decision, holding that the PLCAA bars Johnson’s lawsuit because the gun was discharged due to a “volitional act”—Lewis’ intentional trigger pull—that constituted a criminal offense under Kansas law.

While no charges were filed against Lewis, the Supreme Court found that his actions violated K.S.A. 21-6308(a)(3)(B), which criminalizes discharging a firearm on a public road and is classified as a strict-liability crime, requiring no criminal intent.

The Court rejected Johnson’s claim that a lack of intent exempted the act from PLCAA protections. The ruling emphasized that the federal statute does not require intent to discharge the weapon, only that a volitional act (like pulling the trigger) causes a discharge that constitutes a crime.

This decision reinforces a key principle behind the PLCAA: firearm manufacturers and retailers are not liable when their lawfully sold products are later used in criminal conduct, even if unintentionally. The Court also underscored that even if the gun’s design had shortcomings, federal law recognizes the act of criminal misuse as the sole proximate cause of injury in such cases.

This ruling aligns with similar interpretations in other jurisdictions and affirms the legal insulation provided to the firearms industry when its products are used contrary to their intended operation, whether through ignorance or carelessness.

From a Second Amendment perspective, this decision underscores the strength of federal protections for lawful gun manufacturers and sellers, reaffirming that responsibility for unsafe handling lies with the individual, not the industry. The ruling preserves the critical balance that allows Americans to access firearms for lawful purposes while protecting manufacturers from liability when users act unlawfully or irresponsibly.

Read the original story: Bass Pro and Beretta Cleared After Friend’s Negligent Discharge Leaves Man Amputated in Car Shooting

CHARLESTON, WV — Governor Patrick Morrisey signed into law three major bills aimed at strengthening protections for the firearms industry and reinforcing Second Amendment rights in West Virginia. The legislation, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, addresses negligent marketing claims, prohibits discrimination against firearm businesses by financial institutions, and protects firearms rights during declared emergencies.

House Bill 2067, known as the West Virginia Firearms Marketing Clarification Act, limits the ability to bring negligent marketing lawsuits against firearm manufacturers and sellers. Under the new law, claims can only proceed if specific, strict criteria are met, such as direct targeting of prohibited persons, encouragement of unlawful use, and a clear violation of explicit firearm-specific statutes. Courts are required to summarily dismiss cases that do not meet these standards, narrowing the interpretation of the “predicate exception” under the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA).

House Bill 3342, the Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act (FIND Act), prohibits financial institutions doing business with the state from discriminating against firearm-related businesses or trade associations. The law ensures that lawful firearm commerce cannot be targeted through discriminatory financial practices unless justified by traditional business reasons or compliance with regulatory directives. It also establishes civil remedies and allows the Attorney General to act against violators.

Senate Bill 270 amends state emergency management laws to prevent government officials from suspending or restricting firearms rights during declared emergencies. The legislation designates firearms businesses, including manufacturers, retailers, and shooting ranges, as essential services. It also prohibits the confiscation, restriction, or forced closure of these entities during emergencies except under narrowly defined circumstances involving direct criminal activity.

The new laws will take effect in early July 2025.

NSSF®, the Firearm Industry Trade Association, praised Gov. Morrisey’s leadership in a press release, calling the new laws essential to safeguarding lawful commerce in arms and protecting citizens’ constitutional rights.

Governor Morrisey stated, “As Governor, I will always support and defend West Virginians’ God-given constitutional rights. The bills I signed today further enshrine West Virginia’s strong support for the Second Amendment.”

These measures solidify West Virginia’s reputation as one of the most firearm-friendly states in the nation. By protecting lawful firearm commerce and ensuring constitutional rights are maintained even during emergencies, the state sets a strong example for others.

The passage of these bills reinforces the principle that responsible firearm ownership and lawful commerce should not be undermined by discriminatory practices or governmental overreach, especially during times of crisis.

Read the original story: West Virginia Governor Signs Sweeping New Laws Protecting Firearms Industry and Second Amendment

BISMARCK, ND — On April 23rd, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum signed House Bill 1588 into law, enacting several significant enhancements to the state’s firearm carry and self-defense laws.

House Bill 1588, sponsored by Representative Ben Koppelman, revises a number of existing statutes concerning concealed carry and possession of firearms at public gatherings. One of the major changes eliminates the obligation for individuals carrying a concealed firearm without a permit to proactively inform law enforcement officers during in-person interactions, such as traffic stops, unless the officer specifically inquires about it.

The new law also reduces the penalty for unlawfully carrying a firearm at a public gathering. Previously considered an infraction, it will now be treated as a noncriminal offense, punishable by a $100 fee. Additionally, HB 1588 grants the State Board of Higher Education the authority to permit firearms on school properties and in university buildings, allowing greater flexibility in setting policies that could enhance security measures.

Other updates in the law include changes to the testing requirements for concealed carry licenses, raising the maximum fee a test administrator can charge from $50 to $100. Moreover, individuals carrying under the permitless carry provisions must still present a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID if requested by law enforcement.

The NRA has praised the passage of HB 1588, thanking Governor Burgum, Representative Koppelman, and Second Amendment advocates across North Dakota for their support in advancing the rights of law-abiding citizens.

This legislation marks an important step in respecting and strengthening the constitutional rights of North Dakotans. By streamlining the concealed carry process and clarifying obligations during law enforcement encounters, the state continues to promote responsible firearm ownership while protecting individual liberties.

Read the original story: North Dakota Governor Signs Major Gun Law: No More Duty to Inform, Public Gathering Carry Downgraded to $100 Ticket, and Campus Firearms Approved

NASHVILLE, TN — A woman in East Nashville was forced to defend herself Monday evening after her ex-boyfriend allegedly attempted to break into her home despite having an active order of protection against him.

As reported by WKRN, Metro Nashville police officers were dispatched to the 600 block of South 7th Street around 6:14 p.m. after a neighbor called 911 to report a shooting. According to authorities, the neighbor witnessed the woman shoot a man who was attempting to force entry into her residence.

Investigators later confirmed that the woman had an order of protection in place against the man, who has not been publicly identified. Despite this legal measure, he reportedly tried to break into her home, prompting her to use a firearm to stop the threat. The man was found on the porch suffering from a gunshot wound to his leg. He was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center with injuries described as minor.

Police stated that the ex-boyfriend will be booked on outstanding warrants once he is released from the hospital. A self-defense claim is under investigation. No further information has been released at this time.

This incident underscores an important reality: while protective orders are valuable legal tools, they are ultimately just pieces of paper and cannot physically stop someone intent on doing harm. In this case, the woman’s access to a firearm made all the difference in protecting her life when the protective order alone could not. Anyone relying on legal protections should also consider personal safety planning and, if legally permissible, responsible firearm ownership and training.

Read the original story: Protective Order Fails to Stop Attack: Woman Forced to Defend Herself with Firearm

CROCKETT COUNTY, TN — In an important update to a previously reported incident, authorities have officially determined that a pregnant woman who shot and killed her husband during a violent domestic assault acted in lawful self-defense.

As I previously reported, the shooting took place on April 17, 2025, at a residence on the 6000 block of Chestnut Bluff-Maury City Road. Mrs. Kylie King fatally shot her husband, John King III, during a brutal attack involving a knife, a pistol, and attempted strangulation.

This week, the Crockett County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and 28th Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced that no charges will be filed against Mrs. King. Authorities affirmed that Mrs. King, who is six months pregnant, acted to protect herself, her unborn child, and two other children present in the home.

District Attorney General Frederick H. Agee stated, as reported by WBBJTV, “She had no other choice but to defend herself. That is why people have guns. In this case, she used her firearm appropriately to defend not only herself, but her children.”

Investigators also highlighted that Mrs. King is a survivor of prolonged domestic abuse, and the evidence clearly supported her right to defend herself during the violent confrontation.

Sheriff Troy Klyce emphasized the importance of supporting domestic violence victims and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to providing resources to those in need.

This update underscores the importance of understanding your legal rights and being prepared to protect yourself and your loved ones. Regular self-defense training and knowledge of your state’s use-of-force laws are crucial tools for anyone who chooses to carry.

Read the original story: “She Had No Other Choice But to Defend Herself. That Is Why People Have Guns”: Pregnant Tennessee Woman Cleared in Shooting of Husband

BAINBRIDGE, GA — Taurus has officially announced the release of the new Taurus 58, a lightweight, high-capacity .380 ACP pistol designed specifically for everyday carry needs. The firearm blends modern materials with classic functionality, offering users a durable, easy-to-carry option without sacrificing reliability or performance.

The Taurus 58 features an impressive 15-round magazine capacity in the compact .380 ACP platform. Built on an aluminum frame, the pistol strikes a balance between strength and reduced weight, making it ideal for those who carry daily and prioritize comfort alongside dependability.

Incorporating a double action/single action (DA/SA) trigger system, the Taurus 58 provides shooters with versatility. The initial double action pull is deliberate and smooth, while subsequent single action shots offer a crisp and clean break. This system allows users to tailor their shooting experience to their preferred carry style.

Designed for ambidextrous use, the Taurus 58 includes a manual safety and decocker accessible from either side of the frame, ensuring convenient and safe operation for both left- and right-handed shooters. The pistol also features an integrated front sight and a drift-adjustable rear sight, offering reliable accuracy straight out of the box while allowing for personalized adjustments.

Consumers will have the option to choose between two finishes: a sleek black or a classic stainless steel, catering to a range of personal styles.

The Taurus 58 reflects the company’s continued commitment to innovation and addressing real-world carry needs. It offers a solid combination of capacity, shootability, and portability that should appeal to both new and seasoned concealed carriers.

With its user-friendly design and practical features, the Taurus 58 is set to become a strong contender in the everyday carry market. Taurus continues to focus on delivering firearms that prioritize safety, reliability, and comfort for responsible citizens exercising their Second Amendment rights.

Read the original story: Taurus 58: 15+1 Capacity .380 ACP With DA/SA Trigger Built for Everyday Carry

CZ has officially announced the release of the new Shadow 2 Carry, a handgun that merges sport-pistol precision with the practical needs of everyday concealed carry. Drawing from the highly respected CZ Shadow 2 lineage, the Shadow 2 Carry offers refined ergonomics, lighter weight, and optics-ready capability, making it a compelling choice for both competitive shooters and everyday carriers.

The CZ Shadow 2 Carry features a lightweight 7075 aluminum frame, tipping the scales at approximately 30.7 ounces. It sports a cold hammer-forged barrel renowned for durability and accuracy, now backed by a lifetime warranty. In terms of handling, the pistol is equipped with a finely tuned double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger system, offering a double-action pull of 10.3 pounds and a crisp single-action pull at 3.3 pounds, complete with a short reset for fast follow-up shots.

Safety is a significant focus on the Shadow 2 Carry. It includes a decocker for safely lowering the hammer without discharging the firearm, a firing pin block to prevent accidental discharge, and a double-action trigger system that adds a longer, deliberate first pull.

CZ also designed the pistol to be optics-ready with a direct-mount Shield RMSc interface. This allows users to install a red dot sight directly onto the slide without needing a plate, lowering the sight axis and improving instinctive aiming. Fixed iron sights with luminescent dots remain functional even when an optic is mounted, ensuring reliable backup aiming.

The grip design draws heavily from the celebrated ergonomics of the CZ 75, refined for even greater comfort and control. Controls are easily accessible yet optimized to avoid snagging, an essential feature for concealed carry.

Professional shooter and nine-time IPSC World Champion Eric Grauffel, a longtime member of the CZ Shooting Team, endorsed the Shadow 2 Carry, noting its comfort and performance. His contributions to CZ’s product development have helped refine many of the company’s top competition and carry models.

With its blend of competition-grade precision, thoughtful safety features, and everyday-carry usability, the CZ Shadow 2 Carry marks an important addition to the CZ lineup, tailored for those who demand more from their EDC pistols.

The launch also highlights CZ’s new commitment to durability by offering a lifetime warranty on the barrel, reflecting their confidence in the cold hammer forging process used at their factory.

The CZ Shadow 2 Carry represents a strong example of innovation and quality craftsmanship, offering individuals an effective and reliable tool for personal protection. By blending competition-proven performance with practical enhancements for daily carry, CZ provides responsibly armed citizens with a top-tier option without compromising on safety or comfort.

Read the original story: CZ Shadow 2 Carry Combines Competition Precision with Everyday Protection