Let’s Dive in!

We’ve all heard the campaign promises about protecting gun rights. President Trump’s February 2025 executive order sounded like a win. But here’s the reality from behind the counter: the fight’s far from over. The anti-gun bureaucracy is still grinding, and your rights are still under attack. Let’s break down what’s happening right now and why you need to stay sharp.

The Government’s Anti-Gun Playbook Is Still in Play

Tulsi Gabbard’s declassified document from April 16, 2025, exposed what we’ve been saying for years: the previous administration used counterterrorism powers as a backdoor for gun control. The document laid it bare:

• Targeting home-built firearms with counterterrorism tools
• Pushing red flag laws to disarm gun owners
• Going after standard-capacity magazines (branded as “high capacity”)
• Expanding surveillance through fusion centers
• Flagging gun owners via mental health screenings

Gabbard deserves props for exposing this, but here’s the kicker: we’re still waiting for proof these programs have been shut down. From what we’re seeing, the bureaucracy is still running the same playbook, even under new leadership. Until we see hard evidence of these policies being dismantled, assume they’re still coming for your rights.

The Pistol Brace Fight Is Evolving, But the Threat Remains

The pistol brace saga is a mess, but there’s been movement. The ATF’s 2021 rule, which tried to reclassify braced pistols as short-barreled rifles under the NFA, got hammered in court. In 2024, the Eighth and Fifth Circuits called it “arbitrary and capricious,” and as of January 2025, braces are legal again. In Colon v. BATFE (11th Circuit), the DOJ recently requested a pause, citing Trump’s executive order to review ATF rules from 2021–2025. This suggests Bondi’s team might be rethinking the brace rule, but don’t celebrate yet.

Cases are still active, and millions of brace owners—over 60% of our customers have at least one—are stuck in limbo. Take the guy with a CZ Scorpion: the feds call it an unregistered rifle, while D.C. calls it an illegal pistol. Same gun, two felonies. That’s not a glitch; it’s a trap. With an estimated 30 million braced firearms in circulation, the bureaucracy’s still poised to turn law-abiding citizens into felons. Every brace we sold was legal at the time, but retroactive enforcement keeps the pressure on. Stay vigilant until we see concrete action, like the ATF rule being repealed.

VanDerStok Is Still a Weapon Against Retailers

On March 26, 2025, the Supreme Court’s 7-2 ruling in Bondi v. VanDerStok upheld the ATF’s 2022 rule, expanding the definition of “firearm” to include parts kits and unfinished frames. This is being used to hammer retailers like Brownells and Primary Arms, who sold 80% lowers and frames—legal from 2016 to 2022 based on ATF’s own guidance. New York’s AG Letitia James is teaming up with DOJ holdovers to sue these companies retroactively.

We had those ATF approval letters in our shop—hell, we laminated one for the wall. Now, those same sales are being called crimes. The VanDerStok decision didn’t settle everything; it left room for future challenges but didn’t stop the lawfare. Trump’s executive order directed Bondi to review these rules, and there’s talk of repealing the 2022 regulation, but we’re not there yet. This is a direct threat to the industry’s backbone and your ability to build your own firearms.

The Second Amendment Task Force: Promises vs. Reality

Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Second Amendment Task Force, launched April 9, 2025, was supposed to roll back anti-gun policies. There are signs of progress: the DOJ dropped a controversial NFA charge against a pardoned January 6 protester and let a deadline pass to challenge a pro-2A ruling in Range v. Garland, which protects non-violent felons’ gun rights. The DOJ also repealed the Enhanced Regulatory Enforcement Policy and is reviewing ATF rules on stabilizing braces and firearms dealing definitions. The task force even launched a pattern-or-practice investigation into Los Angeles County for Second Amendment violations.

But the Task Force hasn’t delivered the sweeping changes we need. The DOJ is still pursuing Biden-era lawsuits, like one against Missouri’s Second Amendment Protection Act, and hasn’t withdrawn from cases targeting retailers. Posts on X show gun owners are frustrated, demanding Bondi reverse course (X Sentiment). From behind the counter, we’re still dealing with the same red tape and threats. The bureaucracy—ATF, FBI, DOJ careerists—doesn’t flip overnight because the White House changes hands.

The Bureaucracy Grinds On

I’ve watched government overreach since the Patriot Act days. As a millennial who grew up during that era, I’ve seen this pattern: administrations change, but the bureaucrats keep pushing their agenda. The ATF and DOJ offices are packed with career folks who don’t care who’s in charge—they’re still anti-gun. Bondi’s Task Force is a step, but it’s not enough until we see rules repealed and cases dropped.

What You Need to Do About It

Your rights are still on the line, so here’s how to fight back:

• Stay Informed: Track cases like Colon and VanDerStok that could hit your setup.
• Make Noise: Call your reps and demand action on ATF overreach.
• Support the Fighters: Back groups like GOA and SAF battling in court.
• Spread the Word: Don’t let anyone think the 2A fight is over.

At Scorpius, we know gear is only half the battle. Knowledge is your real weapon. Regulations can shift fast, and staying ahead means being informed. Keep your eyes open—the bureaucracy’s still gunning for you.

Key Developments Table