Biden Makes Intentions Clear:
“This is just the start.”

After weeks of speculation, President Joe Biden formally unveiled his first measures to “curb the epidemic of gun violence” (i.e., restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens and add further regulations to an already heavily regulated industry) during an April 8 speech in the Rose Garden.

He identified six areas of action, later adding “this is just the start.”

• Ghost Guns: In short, Biden wants to “rein in” ghost guns by treating DIY kits as firearms under the Gun Control Act, which would require serial numbers and background checks. He’s instructed the DOJ to issue a proposed rule to “help stop the proliferation of ghost guns” within 30 days.

• Pistol Stabilizing Braces: Arguing pistol stabilizing braces turn pistols “effectively into a short-barreled rifle,” Biden wants them subject to the requirements of the National Firearms Act. He’s directed the DOJ to issue a proposed rule within 60 days.

• “Red flag” laws: Biden wants to see a national red flag law; in the interim, he asked the DOJ to publish a model red flag legislation so states can begin crafting their own laws.

• Annual Report On Firearms Trafficking: In 2000, ATF issued a report summarizing firearms trafficking in the U.S. Biden is calling for an updated report, which will investigate in how “online sales and ghost guns” contribute to trafficking.

• Community Violence Interventions: The Biden Administration is investing in “evidence-based” community violence interventions. As part of Biden’s $2 trillion infrastructure plan, $5 billion has been proposed to connect individuals to job training and job opportunities.

• ATF Director: Biden also confirmed the nomination of David Chipman to serve as director of the ATF. After a 25-year career at ATF, Chipman worked as a senior advisor for Everytown for Gun Safety before moving into a senior policy advisor role at Giffords (two organizations not known for their fondness of firearms ownership). Chipman has previously pushed for greater regulation on ghost guns.

Meanwhile …

It’s not all doom and gloom — in the midst of these salvos against the industry, two distinct developments have taken place: Americans continue to purchase firearms at a historic pace and two states passed Constitutional Carry laws.

Delivering the second-strongest March on record, the March 2021 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 2,044,136 background checks contributed to a record-setting first quarter. From Jan. 1–March 31, 5,483,342 checks were conducted — a 13.3% jump over Q1 2020 (4,841,126), making Q1 2021 the highest first-quarter on record.

April 2, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a law allowing for people to buy and carry handguns without obtaining a permit. April 8, mere hours after President Biden’s remarks in the Rose Garden, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee ensured The Volunteer State became the 20th state to enact permitless gun carry. The Constitutional Carry law in each state takes effect July 1.

The battle at the federal level looms large, but these achievements at the state level are worthy of commemoration.

With these latest political developments, how do you see sales being impacted at your store? We want to hear from you! Email: editor@shootingindustry.com .