Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach just dropped a bombshell, calling on the incoming Trump DOJ to dismantle the outdated and burdensome registration schemes for short-barreled rifles (SBRs) and suppressors under the National Firearms Act (NFA). In a pointed explanation, Kobach argues that these 1934-era requirements—mandating $200 tax stamps, endless ATF paperwork, and months-long wait times—serve no legitimate public safety purpose in 2025. He’s spot on: modern tech like instant NICS checks has rendered the registry obsolete, turning law-abiding gun owners into de facto registrants while criminals ignore the rules entirely. Kobach’s push echoes the Hearing Protection Act and SHORT Act from Trump’s first term, which nearly freed suppressors from NFA shackles, proving these reforms have real bipartisan momentum when framed right.
This isn’t just bureaucratic housecleaning; it’s a seismic shift for the 2A community. Deregulating SBRs and cans would slash costs (goodbye, $400+ per item in stamps and Form 4s), turbocharge the AR pistol market into true SBR freedom, and normalize hearing-safe shooting without Big Brother’s oversight. Imagine suppressors as ubiquitous as earplugs at the range—safer for users, quieter for neighbors, and a boon for manufacturers like SilencerCo and Dead Air. Critics will cry machine guns next, but Kobach smartly ties this to Trump’s agenda, positioning it as low-hanging fruit to build wins before tackling full NFA repeal. For enthusiasts, it’s a clarion call: stock up on trusts now, lobby your reps, and watch the ATF’s grip slip.
The implications ripple far—ending NFA registration sets a precedent to audit the entire registry for constitutionality, potentially exposing Bruen-era vulnerabilities. With Kobach’s influence and a pro-2A DOJ, 2025 could mark the beginning of the end for 90-year-old gun control relics, empowering millions to exercise their rights without apology. 2A warriors, this is your green light: amplify Kobach’s voice, because momentum like this doesn’t come around often.
