U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) lauded the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for ending some restrictions when it comes to being able to buy certain types of firearms.
The ATF announced last week that it will stop enforcing federal National Firearms Act prior-approval, registration, tax-stamp, and related requirements for short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, silencers, and certain other firearms.
The guidance follows an announcement by Attorney General Todd Blanche that the Department of Justice will not appeal an August decision made by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, which held that certain provisions of the NFA were unenforceable.
“The direction from the President, Congress, and the courts is clear,” said ATF Director Rob Cekada. “ATF is now following suit with our enforcement posture while continuing to ensure we remain focused where we are needed the most: combatting violent crime in American communities.”
Moore, who is also the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate, praised the move because it ensures Americans’ Second Amendment rights.
“Law-abiding Americans have faced unnecessary federal hurdles to exercising their Second Amendment rights for too long,” Moore said. “The Constitution doesn’t grant the government permission to decide which rights we get to exercise. This is a step in the right direction.”
Law-abiding Americans have faced unnecessary federal hurdles to exercising their Second Amendment rights for too long.
The Constitution doesn’t grant the government permission to decide which rights we get to exercise.
This is a step in the right direction. https://t.co/36DIrLHyxB
— Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) October 11, 2026
Congress eliminated the making and transfer taxes on those firearms in the One Big Beautiful Bill, which Moore voted for last year.
According to the ATF, the guidance does not supersede state and local laws that restrict NFA firearms. Because many state laws require individuals to register NFA firearms, ATF will continue to process NFA applications that are submitted. The guidance also does not affect the Gun Control Act’s requirement to obtain ATF approval before transporting short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns in interstate commerce. Individuals may obtain that approval by filing a Form 20, whether or not the item is registered under the NFA.
Under the guidance, licensed dealers must still complete Form 4473s, run NICS background checks, keep records, and follow all other Gun Control Act requirements. Those engaged in the business are required to pay any special occupational tax. Individuals must also continue to comply with state law, which may be more restrictive.
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee.
