Chairman's Message: 

Engaging the Market

FEATURED ARTICLES

The U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee held a committee bill markup hearing, a key initial hurdle before legislation can be considered for full House approval. The process gives legislators opportunity to amend the base bill before full consideration of the House. Several bills discussed during this particular markup covered pro-Second Amendment and pro-law enforcement priorities.

The approval of the bills passing out of committee is a great sign for Second Amendment supporters and the right of self-defense. It shows pro-firearm, pro-industry Members of Congress are making good on their promises to constituents as well as ensuring President Donald Trump makes good on his promises.

After all, the president declared, “I will sign concealed carry reciprocity. Your Second Amendment does not end at the state line.” President Trump made the promise in a video during the presidential campaign last year, according to Fox News. 

Sponsor

New research shows declining support for hunting and target/sport shooting among the general population. A primary reason for this is concern over gun violence is high and folks are increasingly associating activities such as legal, regulated deer hunting and recreational trap shooting with illegal gun violence.

The findings confirm the need to present hunting and recreational shooting in a more value-positive context to a broad audience, say conservation leaders who commissioned the survey.

On April 1, 2025, Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) and Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) reintroduced the Repealing Illegal Freedom and Liberty Excises Act, or the RIFLE Act. These bills (H.R. 2552 and S.1224 respectively) would remove a $200 excise tax that is imposed on law-abiding gun owners when they purchase certain firearms and accessories that are governed by the National Firearms Act.

Since 1934, gun owners wishing to purchase items such as suppressors and short-barreled rifles have been forced to pay a $200 “sin tax” to the federal government. This tax is, according to the ATF, intended to “curtail, if not prohibit, transactions” of these lawful items. But this legislation would remove that imposing financial barrier.

Trumps latest term in office has started out fast and furious. As our political leaders in DC and at the state level continue to introduce new bills impacting the Shooting Sports Industry, be sure to stay on top of these new developments using the NASGW Bill Tracker.

The NASGW Bill Tracker monitors pending legislation that directly affects the firearms industry, at the Federal and State level. The bills are reflective of the current legislative sessions based on jurisdiction and include defeated, passed and pending bills until the current legislative session ends. Sort bills by their current progress, category, state or region and bill year. Stay informed about current legislation in the works before it impacts your business. 

Click below to view the latest bills of interest. 

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

• NSSF Commends Bicameral Bills to Halt State Excise Taxes on Firearms

• Trucking Surge, Freight Order Drop Reflect Tariff Concerns

• NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging Colorado’s Excise Tax on Firearm and Ammunition Sales

• A Repeat Performance?

• Pennsylvania Supreme Court Tosses Liability Case Against Springfield Armory

• New York Times Perhaps Maybe Possibly Seeing New Light on Guns

UPCOMING EVENTS

April 24-27, 2025

NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

Atlanta GA

May 13, 2025

NSSF Marketing & Leadership Summit

Clearwater Beach, FL

June 23-25, 2025

POMA Annual Meeting

Oregon, OH

October 15-17, 2025

NASGW Expo

Grapevine, TX