January 1 came and went surprisingly without the kind of sweeping gun control wave we’ve seen in recent years.
In fact, the biggest change at the federal level has been a real plus for gunowners. That doesn’t mean anti-gun lawmakers took the year off, particularly at the state level where they can have an even bigger impact on our lives. 2026 could be a tough year for gun owners if they let their political guard down and get complacent. But for now, here’s what changed as the calendar flipped.
Federal: Jan. 1 marked the first day since 1934 Americans could buy a suppressor, short-barrel rifle or short-barrel shotgun without paying the federal government a $200 tax, a monumental Congressional achievement. (See more in GUNS below.) NFA registration for these items remains, but 2A organizations are suing for its total elimination since the removal of the tax no longer provides a basis for the registration requirement.
California: New measures targeting so-called ghost guns expand rules restricting the sale of firearm barrels except through licensed firearms dealers, sharing digital manufacturing files and accessories tied to home production. The laws also strengthen civil and criminal penalties for facilitating illegal firearm manufacturing.
Colorado: Colorado tightened the screws on gun shows. New requirements mandate security plans filed with local law enforcement, liability insurance, stricter age limits for attendees and compliance with the state’s waiting period and background check laws. It’s another step in the state’s broader effort to regulate firearms through event-level restrictions.
Illinois: Illinois expanded its Safe Gun Storage Act. Firearms must now be locked if they could be accessed by a minor, someone seeking to harm themselves or prohibited person. Lost or stolen guns must be reported within 48 hours and violations can carry fines up to $10,000.
Minnesota: Not every state law change cut against gun owners. Minnesota eliminated its decades-old southern “shotgun zone,” allowing rifles during firearm deer season after officials concluded the rule no longer made sense.
What’s Next? The year started off quieter than usual, but don’t confuse quiet with calm. Election-year politics are already heating up. With mid-term elections coming in November, historically, the party in the White House typically loses, so gun owners need to show up at the polls or prepare for not just a wave, but an entire sea, of suck.
