WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Eric Burlison (MO-07) has reintroduced the Repeal the NFA Act, a bill aimed at dismantling the nearly century-old National Firearms Act (NFA). This move comes amid growing debate over federal firearm regulations and the authority of unelected agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
First enacted in 1934, the NFA was the first major piece of federal legislation to regulate firearm ownership. It imposes a $200 tax—equivalent to roughly $4,500 today when adjusted for inflation—on the purchase of certain firearms and accessories, such as short-barreled rifles (SBRs), suppressors, and fully automatic firearms. In addition to the tax, the NFA mandates an extensive registration and approval process through the federal government, requiring fingerprinting, background checks, and detailed documentation.
For nearly a century, the NFA has remained a contentious issue, with critics arguing that it disproportionately burdens law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address criminal misuse of firearms. Rep. Burlison’s Repeal the NFA Act seeks to end what he describes as “unconstitutional overreach” by both Congress and federal agencies.
The Catalyst for Repeal: The Pistol Brace Controversy
The renewed effort to repeal the NFA comes on the heels of the ATF’s recent rule reclassifying firearms equipped with stabilizing braces as short-barreled rifles, bringing them under the scope of the NFA. This decision has sparked widespread opposition from gun rights advocates and resulted in multiple federal court rulings against the ATF’s regulation. The rule would require millions of Americans to either dismantle their firearms, register them under the NFA, or face potential felony charges.
Critics argue that the ATF’s reinterpretation of stabilizing braces is an example of unelected bureaucrats imposing significant policy changes without congressional approval. Burlison echoed these sentiments, calling the rule “the latest example of [the ATF’s] audacious disregard for the Constitution.”
A History of the NFA
The National Firearms Act of 1934 was passed during the height of the Prohibition era, a time when high-profile gangsters like Al Capone and John Dillinger dominated headlines. Lawmakers argued that restricting access to certain firearms, particularly machine guns and sawed-off shotguns, would curtail organized crime.
The NFA was not a ban on these weapons but a tax measure designed to make ownership prohibitively expensive and burdensome. By instituting a $200 tax and requiring registration, the law effectively limited access to these items for most Americans. Over time, the NFA has expanded to include additional firearm classifications, such as suppressors and SBRs.
Despite its original intent, many argue that the NFA has evolved into an overly complex and punitive system. The process for acquiring an NFA-regulated item can take several months, deterring lawful gun owners while failing to stop criminals who acquire such items illegally.
Burlison’s Legislative Efforts
Rep. Burlison has a long history of advocating for Second Amendment rights. In his home state of Missouri, he spearheaded several pro-gun initiatives, including Stand Your Ground, Constitutional Carry, and the Second Amendment Preservation Act (SAPA), which prevents state agencies from assisting in the enforcement of federal gun laws deemed unconstitutional.
At the federal level, Burlison has introduced multiple bills targeting the ATF and other regulatory measures. In his announcement of the Repeal the NFA Act, Burlison declared, “The time has come to dismantle this unconstitutional regime and restore our fundamental freedoms.”
The legislation has garnered support from prominent gun rights organizations, including the American Firearms Association and a coalition of state-level advocacy groups. It is cosponsored by Representatives Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Andy Ogles (TN-05), Barry Moore (AL-02), Randy Weber (TX-14), Harriet Hageman (WY-At Large), and Mike Collins (GA-10).
Challenges Ahead
While the Repeal the NFA Act has strong backing from Second Amendment supporters, it is likely to face significant challenges in Congress, particularly in the Senate, where opposition to weakening federal gun regulations remains strong. Additionally, the NFA has been upheld by the Supreme Court in the past, which could complicate efforts to dismantle the law entirely.
Takeaway for Gun Owners
The ongoing battle over the NFA highlights the importance of staying informed about firearm regulations and their potential impact on lawful gun owners. The recent ATF pistol brace rule serves as a reminder that regulatory changes can significantly affect your rights and responsibilities. Gun owners should ensure compliance with current laws while supporting efforts to challenge regulations that overreach constitutional boundaries.
Whether or not the Repeal the NFA Act succeeds, it signals a growing resistance to federal overreach in firearms policy and underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting Second Amendment rights.
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