The Weekly Reload Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Jake Fogleman”

First Circuit Upholds Maine's Gun Waiting Period; Judge Tosses Concealed Carry Suit Against NYPD

Stephen Gutowski — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover a new ruling out the First Circuit Court of Appeals which held that waiting periods for gun sales do not even implicate the Second Amendment. We also discuss a New York federal judge's recent decision to toss a lawsuit filed by a licensed concealed carrier who was wrongfully arrested by NYPD officers who were unfamiliar with the city's gun laws.

Stories:
-https://thereload.com/federal-appeals-court-reinstates-maine-waiting-period-law/
-https://thereload.com/judge-tosses-war-heros-suit-against-nyc-over-mistaken-gun-arrest/
-https://thereload.com/analysis-jeanine-pirro-may-have-just-fumbled-a-long-sought-hardware-ban-circuit-split-for-gun-rights-activists/

Hegseth Pushes On Base Gun Carry; USPS Moves to Allow Handguns in the Mail

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I break down the details of a new Pete Hegseth memo that seeks to expand how many off-duty military members can carry personal firearms for self-defense on military installations. We also cover a new US Postal Service proposed rule that would allow legal gun owners to ship handguns in the mail.

Stories:
-https://thereload.com/hegseth-moves-to-make-it-easier-to-carry-guns-on-military-bases/
-https://thereload.com/usps-moves-to-allow-mailing-of-handguns/
-https://thereload.com/trump-doj-doubles-down-on-claim-it-can-ban-all-knives-member-exclusive/
-https://thereload.com/canadian-ar-15-mandatory-buyback-program-concludes-without-a-bang/
-https://bearingarms.com/camedwards/2026/03/31/did-the-case-against-charlie-kirks-alleged-killer-just-fall-apart-n1232065
-https://coloradosun.com/2026/03/27/colorado-3d-gun-bill-amended-jared-polis-veto/

Federal Judge Upholds Post Office Gun Ban; Another Tosses Maryland 'Red Flag' Challenge

Stephen Gutowski — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about a new federal court ruling out of Connecticut where a judge upheld the ban on bringing guns into a post office, splitting with recent rulings on the same law out of Texas and Florida in the process. We also discuss my upcoming range day with the National Journalism Center internship program and the dismissal of a federal lawsuit challenging Maryland's red flag law.

Stories:
-https://thereload.com/federal-judge-upholds-post-office-gun-ban-creating-circuit-split/
-https://thereload.com/federal-judge-upholds-maryland-red-flag-law/
-https://news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/court-upholds-federal-gun-ban-for-misdemeanor-domestic-violence
-https://bearingarms.com/camedwards/2026/03/25/federal-judge-upholds-multiple-gun-free-zones-in-texas-n1231991

New York Drops Social Media Screen from Carry Permit Application; Canada's AR-15 Confiscation Continues to Flounder

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:15:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about a new settlement agreement this week that saw New York agree to stop requiring gun carry permit applicants to disclose all of their social media accounts to the state. We also provide an update on Canada's attempt to confiscate hundreds of thousands of recently banned firearms, an effort that to this point has seen a lot of government spending with little to show for it.

Stories covered:
-https://thereload.com/new-york-agrees-to-stop-requiring-social-media-disclosures-for-gun-permits/
-https://thereload.com/canadian-mandatory-buyback-nets-few-turn-ins-despite-spending-tens-of-thousands-per-firearm/
-https://thereload.com/analysis-people-transporting-guns-have-long-enjoyed-broad-protection-under-the-law/
-https://www.courthousenews.com/eighth-circuit-presses-challenge-to-minnesota-gun-permit-law/
-https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/15/us/politics/brandon-hererra-guns-youtube.html?unlocked_article_code=1.TVA.zoAS.4JAqMFpS9nIL&smid=url-share
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/californias-unconstitutional-kids-gun-ad-law-is-fully-blocked

VA Dems Pass AR-15, Magazine Ban; LA Court Fails to Report Felony Convictions

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the new "assault firearm" and ammunition magazine ban passed by the Virginia legislature this week. We also cover the Los Angeles County Superior Court's admission that it failed to report roughly 147,000 felony convictions to the state background check system.

Links:
https://thereload.com/virginia-legislature-passes-ar-15-ammo-mag-sales-ban/
https://thereload.com/los-angeles-court-didnt-report-felony-convictions-to-background-check-system-for-years/
https://thereload.com/beretta-fires-back-after-ruger-accuses-italian-gunmaker-of-hostile-takeover-attempt/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2026/03/10/trump-felons-gun-rights-mel-gibson/89069619007/
https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/03/california-gun-control-laws-newsom-firearm/

DC Court Strikes Down Ammo Mag Ban; Virginia Gun Sales Surge

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a new ruling from the DC Court of Appeals determining that the District's ten round magazine limit violates the Second Amendment, at least as applied to a particular criminal defendant. We also cover new NSSF background check data showing a surge in gun sales in Virginia while the state weighs strict new gun control bills, plus we recap the week's Supreme Court oral arguments in US v. Hemani.

Links:
https://thereload.com/dcs-highest-court-strikes-down-ammo-magazine-ban/
https://thereload.com/virginia-gun-sales-surge-as-democrats-move-dozens-of-new-restrictions/
https://thereload.com/supreme-court-skeptical-of-marijuana-user-gun-ban-in-oral-arguments/
https://thereload.com/analysis-the-path-for-the-government-to-win-scotus-weed-and-guns-case-member-exclusive/
https://thereload.com/analysis-have-gun-rights-advocates-found-a-way-around-the-machinegun-sales-ban-member-exclusive/
https://wvmetronews.com/2026/03/03/machine-gun-legislation-gets-jammed-up-in-west-virginia-senate/
https://www.texastribune.org/2026/03/05/tony-gonzales-drops-out-republican-primary-texas-23rd-district-congress/

Trump Snubs Guns in the SOTU. How Much Does that Matter?

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I recap President Trump's latest State of Union address, which was conspicuously light on any discussion of his administration's gun policy approach. We discuss how to interpret that omission. We also cover documents in the Epstein Files that show the convicted sex criminal's pursuit of gun rights restoration numerous times up until his second arrest.

Stories:
https://thereload.com/trump-snubs-gun-rights-in-longest-state-of-the-union-speech-on-record/
https://thereload.com/jeffrey-epstein-continually-tried-to-get-gun-rights-back-after-first-sex-crime-conviction/
https://thereload.com/scotus-refuses-nra-free-speech-case-return-lets-qualified-immunity-ruling-stand/
https://www.ammoland.com/2026/02/ccrkba-demands-bloomberg-come-clean-about-epstein-relationship/
http://bearingarms.com/camedwards/2026/02/23/nssf-asks-scotus-to-overturn-new-york-public-nuisance-law-targeting-gun-industry-n1231654
https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/west-virginia-politics/west-virginia-could-sell-its-residents-machine-guns-under-new-bill/

Epstein Files Show Ties to Michael Bloomberg, Interest in Shooting Post-Conviction

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I examine what the Department of Justice's released Epstein files reveal about how much contact he had with Michael Bloomberg, the top funder of the gun-control movement. We also cover Epstein's repeated interest in shooting sports and the gun industry well after his 2008 sex crime conviction rendered him ineligible to possess firearms.

Links:
https://thereload.com/michael-bloomberg-had-closer-ties-to-jeffrey-epstein-ghislaine-maxwell-than-previously-known/
https://thereload.com/epstein-kept-agreeing-to-shooting-trips-even-after-sex-crime-conviction/
https://thereload.com/jeffrey-epstein-considered-investing-in-major-gun-company-after-sandy-hook-despite-sex-crime-record/
http://thereload.com/epstein-guns-and-sex-crimes-a-timeline-member-exclusive/
https://www.abqjournal.com/news/bill-that-would-have-banned-extremely-dangerous-weapons-tightened-dealer-security-stalls/2984103

Appeals Court Tosses Challenge to NJ 3D-Printed Gun File Ban; NY Wins Buffalo Mass Shooting Settlement

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a long-awaited ruling out of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, which tossed a lawsuit brought by gun-rights activists against New Jersey's ban on sharing digital gun designs. We also cover a major settlement against a gun accessory maker that gun-control advocates blamed, at least in part, for the Tops grocery store shooting in Buffalo, New York.

Story links:
https://thereload.com/newsletter-digital-gun-designs-back-in-third-circuits-crosshairs/
https://thereload.com/third-circuit-tosses-challenge-to-new-jersey-3d-printed-gun-file-ban/
https://thereload.com/analysis-the-third-circuits-new-test-for-whether-3d-printed-gun-files-are-protected-speech-member-exclusive/
https://thereload.com/gun-accessory-maker-agrees-to-1-75-million-settlement-in-buffalo-shooting-lawsuit/
https://thereload.com/gun-sales-slow-in-january-despite-silencer-upswing/
https://youtu.be/-L9fwWdOJ50?si=qWq6ILWBi0mmJhdn
https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/12/us/video/firearms-expert-analyzes-masked-subjects-gun-and-holster-in-nancy-guthrie-disappearance-lcl
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/gun-trainers-nationwide-say-women-liberals-are-taking-interest-classes-rcna258195
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/feb/9/virginia-gun-owners-dealers-unload-states-proposed-firearms-crackdown/

Jeanine Pirro Pledges DC Carry Crackdown; ATF Nominee Sails Through Confirmation Hearing

Stephen Gutowski — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss US Attorney Jeanine Pirro's recent comments promising to crack down on gun carry in Washington DC, which drew widespread criticism from gun-rights supporters. We discuss how they arrived as DC police still haven't resumed publishing data on gun crime arrest statistics despite pledging to do so. We also cover the relatively uncontroversial confirmation hearing for Trump's ATF Director nominee, Robert Cekada.

Episode links:
https://thereload.com/trump-atf-director-nominee-faces-little-pushback-in-confirmation-hearing/
https://thereload.com/ninth-circuit-upholds-parts-of-california-switchblade-ban/
https://www.ms.now/opinion/jeanine-pirro-trump-gun-rights-second-amendment-comments
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6999636/2026/01/26/packers-rasheed-walker-arrested-gun/?unlocked_article_code=1.JVA.RvRf.j3r9ekb6_g1x&source=athletic_user_shared_gift_article_copylink&smid=url-share-ta

Trump Admin Attacks Gun-Carry After Pretti Shooting; VA Dems Push 'Assault Weapon' Ban, Magazine Confiscation

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the ongoing fallout from the Alex Pretti shooting as it relates to gun politics, including the fact that Trump administration officials have repeatedly questioned common gun carry practices. Meanwhile, prominent Democrats and gun-control advocates have rhetorically defended Pretti's Second Amendment rights, even as their allies in Virginia are advancing legislation that would have criminalized nearly every aspect of his conduct.

Links:
https://thereload.com/newsletter-the-fallout-from-the-alex-pretti-shooting/
https://thereload.com/trump-doubles-down-on-attacking-gun-carry-in-wake-of-alex-pretti-killing/
https://thereload.com/analysis-will-trumps-anti-carry-comments-translate-to-policy-member-exclusive/
https://thereload.com/several-gun-rights-groups-call-for-investigation-into-ice-killing-of-ccw-permittee/
https://thereload.com/virginia-democrats-advance-assault-weapon-ban-magazine-confiscation-language/
https://thereload.com/analysis-is-the-atfs-new-rule-for-drug-users-a-curb-your-enthusiasm-scenario/
https://www.ms.now/opinion/trump-alex-pretti-nra-cbp-minneapolis-shooting-essayli
https://bearingarms.com/camedwards/2026/01/29/doj-sides-with-2a-groups-in-challenge-to-massachusetts-gun-ban-n1231386
https://www.abqjournal.com/news/gun-bill-sparks-emotional-debate-at-roundhouse/2970242

SCOTUS Casts Doubt on Hawaii 'Vampire Rule'; ATF Proposes New Drug User Definition

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I break down last week's oral arguments in Wolford v. Lopez, which saw a majority of the Supreme Court justices express skepticism toward the legality of Hawaii's "Vampire Rule" gun carry law. We also talk about the ATF's new proposal to redefine who counts as an "unlawful drug user" for the purposes of federal gun law.

DOJ Says Federal Gun Mail Ban Unconstitutional; Last NRA-Endorsed Dem Runs for Senate

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover a new Department of Justice legal opinion claiming that the US Postal Service's ban on mailing handguns is unconstitutional. We also cover a new campaign from a rare pro-gun Democrat that could shake up the battle for the US Senate in November.

US, Australia Shootings Spark Gun Debate; Appeals Courts Uphold Illegal Immigrant Gun Ban

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I assess the political reaction to a pair of terrible mass shootings in Australia and Rhode Island. We also cover two separate federal appeals court rulings that came down this week, each upholding the federal gun ban for illegal immigrants.

Gun-Control Groups Back DOJ in NFA Case; New Federal 2A Division Goes Live

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover a new legal brief from the nation's largest gun-control groups filed in support of the Trump administration's position regarding the constitutionality of the National Firearms Act. We also discuss the DOJ's new Second Amendment division officially going live with an interesting take on who gun rights apply to.

Black Friday Gun Sales Disappoint; New DOJ 2A Division Draws Praise

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I detail the latest monthly gun sales data, which showed Black Friday failed to juice gun sales as it has in recent years. We also cover the reaction from gun-rights groups to the Department of Justice's new dedicated Second Amendment office in its Civil Rights Division. Plus, I chat with a Reload subscriber in a new member segment.

Answering Your Gun Policy and Politics Questions

Stephen Gutowski — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

This week, we're fielding questions from Reload Members!

One of the perks of a membership is the ability to ask questions during our Q&A podcasts (and to join the show in a member segment). It's been long enough now that a new Q&A makes sense. After all, a lot has happened in the world of gun policy and politics.

Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I cover questions on all sorts of topics. That includes the Supreme Court's two new Second Amendment cases, the High Court's reluctance to take up some of the highest-profile gun cases, and the justices' thinking around big Second Amendment cases. We also discuss the ins and outs of permitless carry, President Trump and Biden's performance on gun policy, and whether there's reason to think there's about to be a circuit split on the constitutionality of so-called assault weapons bans.

Trump Picks Permanent ATF Director; Dems Demand Answers of ATF Resource Allocation

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss this week's announcement by President Trump of his nomination of career law enforcement officer Robert Cekada to direct the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. We cover what we know about Cekada's background, how the gun industry is reacting to his nomination, and what to watch for as his nomination moves forward.

Gun-Control Advocates Turn Up the Heat on Ruger

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the Connecticut Attorney General's new lawsuit threat against Ruger if the company doesn't agree to redesign its popular RXM pistol. We talk about how that demand came the same week that gun-control advocates were able to pierce the PLCAA in a separate lawsuit against the company that seeks to hold it responsible for the 2021 Boulder shooting.

Gun Control Wins Big in Off-Year Elections; Everytown Goes After Ruger

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I recap the results of the off-year elections this past week, which saw Democratic candidates and gun-control ballot measures alike win big. We discuss what that might portend for likely changes in gun policy moving forward. We also cover Everytown's latest attempt to replicate its success in pressuring Glock to redesign its handguns, this time by going after Ruger.

Everytown Claims Victory Over Glock Redesign; Judge Strikes Down Florida Carry Law

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the country's largest gun-control group taking a victory lap after Glock announced changes to the design of its popular pistols. We talk about the reputational risks for Glock in appearing to bow to pressure from gun-control groups and progressive lawmakers. We also cover a recent court ruling out of Florida where a state judge struck down a law setting 21 as the minimum age to legally carry a handgun.

SCOTUS Takes a Second Gun-Rights Case; Glock to Redesign Pistols

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the Supreme Court agreeing to hear multiple Second Amendment cases in the same term for the first time in history. We cover the details of its latest case, related to the federal gun ban for marijuana users, and explain why it appears that the DOJ was able to maneuver the case to secure a favorable ruling from the justices. Additionally, we talk about Glock's decision to completely redesign its famous pistols in the face of lawsuits and a new state ban.

Government Shutdown Rankles Gun Groups; NY Ammo Restrictions Upheld

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the ways in which the federal government's ongoing shutdown is impacting key functions that gun-rights advocates care about, drawing fresh criticism of the Trump administration. We also talk about a recent ruling out of the Second Circuit where a three-judge panel of all Trump-appointed judges ruled that ammunition sales aren't protected by the Second Amendment.

Second Amendment Scholars Weigh in on SCOTUS' New Gun-Carry Case

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I break down the lack of consensus among prominent Second Amendment scholars on why the Supreme Court decided to take up its latest gun carry case and how it is likely to rule on the question. We also discuss their thoughts on why the Court chose not to weigh in on the correct historical era for conducting its text, history, and tradition test.

SCOTUS Takes Up Gun-Carry Case; Trump Admin Rolls Back Biden Gun Export Rule

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the Supreme Court announcing its decision to hear a new Second Amendment case dealing with Hawaii's so-called Vampire Rule for gun carry this upcoming term. We also talk about the practical impact its decision last term related to gunmaker liability protections is having in the lower courts thus far. Finally, we cover the Trump administration's ongoing rollback of a Biden-era restriction on gun exports, as well as the DOJ's new lawsuit against Los Angeles over concealed carry permits.

DC Police Mum on Gun Seizure Details; California Passes Glock Ban

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I provide an update in our attempt to gain clarity from the DC Metropolitan Police Department regarding the nature of its enforcement of the city's strict gun control laws during Trump's federal takeover. We also discuss the California legislature's passage of a first-in-the-nation ban on the sale of Glock handguns in a bid to crack down on illegal machine guns.

Charlie Kirk Assassin Repeats Troubling Pattern; Appeals Courts Uphold 'Gun Free' Zones

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I unpack the latest information about the assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, including details suggesting troubling parallels with other recent acts of political violence. We also cover a pair of federal appeals court rulings upholding gun-free zone restrictions in Illinois and New Jersey.

Left, Right Float Gun Laws After MN Shooting; Gun Sales Back Above 1 Million in August

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I break down the ongoing political fallout from the Annunciation Catholic school shooting in Minnesota that has now prompted both Governor Tim Walz and the Trump DOJ to explore possible gun restrictions. We also analyze what the latest monthly gun sales data says about the ongoing state of the industry.

Air Force Reinstates Sig Pistol; Fifth Circuit Rejects Silencer Challenge

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover the Air Force Global Strike Command's recent decision to bring back the Sig M18 pistol for active service. We also talk about the 5th Circuit's re-decision in a case challenging the constitutionality of the NFA's restrictions on suppressors. We wrap up by discussing a new ruling upholding Connecticut's AR-15 ban, as well as the continued lack of clarity surrounding gun arrests in Washington, DC, under its federal takeover.

Trump's DC Takeover Draws Gun-Rights Backlash; Third Circuit Takes AR Ban Case

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I look at the growing discontent among gun-rights groups with the deployment of the ATF and emphasis on gun possession arrests under President Donald Trump's federal takeover of Washington, DC's policing. We also cover the odd legal manuevering in the Third Circuit that may lead to a new circuit split on the constitutionality of so-called assault weapons bans. Then we discuss a Tenth Circuit ruling against New Mexico's gun sales waiting period, a new suit against a major gun-control group, and Florida's request for the Supreme Court to overturn one of its own gun laws.

My Time at CNN Ends; Washington Gun Law's William Kirk on the Sig P320 Saga

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about my time as a CNN contributor coming to an end after three years with the network. We also discuss why 18-20 year olds still can't buy handguns in states like Texas and Louisiana despite a Fifth Circuit ruling that says they have a constitutional right to purchase them. Plus, William Kirk from the Washington Gun Law Youtube channel joins me to give his thoughts on the ongoing saga surrounding Sig's P320 handgun.

Monthly Gun Sales Dip Below 1 Million; Courts Split on Serial Numbers

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover new data showing monthly gun sales have dropped below one million for the first time since 2019. We discuss the headwinds facing the industry and why the sales slide is likely to continue. We also unpack a pair of dueling rulings out of Minnesota on the legality of unserialized firearms and a federal court ruling upholding "may-issue" gun permitting for open carry in Rhode Island.

We Answer Your Gun Policy Questions

Stephen Gutowski — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

There has been a ton of gun news over the past week. So, we figured it would be a good time to have another Q&A podcast.

I think we judged that correctly because we had enough great questions on enough interesting topics sent in by Reload Members to fill up one of our longest podcasts of the year. We discussed everything from the impacts of the National Firearms Act tax cut to the future of the NRA and the Department of Justice's strategy in Second Amendment cases.

Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I dive into the details on each question. We cover a huge variety of topics across every genre of gun coverage.

House GOP Moves to Slash ATF Funding; NRA Loses Free Speech Case

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 14:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I break down the key gun policy provisions included in House Republicans' new Department of Justice funding bill. We also unpack a new Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruling tossing the NRA's free speech case against a New York official that pressured financial companies to cut ties with the group over its politics.

Gun Groups Sue Over Remaining NFA Restrictions; Canada Confiscation Effort Flails

Stephen Gutowski — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I break down a new lawsuit filed by gun rights advocates in the aftermath of the One Big Beautiful Bill that argues NFA restrictions are no longer lawful without its $200 tax. We also talk about Canada's ongoing difficulties in carrying out its now 5-year-old plan to confiscate semi-automatic firearms, as well as Colorado lawsuit that pits mass shooting survivors against a Second Amendment Sanctuary county.

Congress Nears Passage of Silencer, SBR Tax Cut; DOJ Lets Under-21 Handgun Ruling Stand

Stephen Gutowski — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I provide an update on the status of Congress' cuts to the NFA tax for silencers and short-barrelled firearms as the bill gets close to passage. We also unpack the Department of Justice's decision not to appeal a Fifth Circuit ruling that invalidated the federal 21-year-old age minimum for purchasing handguns from licensed dealers.

Parliamentarian Purges NFA Delisting; Rhode Island Adopts AR-15 Ban

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I unpack the political implications of the Senate Parliamentarian's latest ruling on Republicans' attempt to deregulate suppressors and short-barreled firearms. We also cover Rhode Island becoming the latest state to adopt a ban on AR-15s and other semi-automatic rifles. Finally, we recap a pair of recent Second Amendment rulings out of the Ninth and Fourth Circuits before wrapping up with highlights from outside The Reload.

Senate Advances Partial NFA Repeal; Gun Free School Zones Upheld

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:30:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I break down Senate Republicans' new proposal to remove everything but machineguns and destructive devices from regulation under the National Firearms Act as part of President Trump's "big beautiful bill." We discuss the upsides and pitfalls of this approach for gun-rights advocates and explain what needs to happen next for it to become law. We also cover a new ruling out of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on the federal Gun Free School Zones Act, a new DOJ brief arguing that AR-15s are protected by the Second Amendment, and emerging new details surrounding a tragic shooting at a recent protest in Salt Lake City.

Appeals Courts Uphold Gun Ban for Nonviolent Felons; ATF Explains Masked Agents

Stephen Gutowski — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about new rulings out of the Fifth Circuit upholding a lifetime gun ban for someone who committed a traffic crime and the Second Circuit against a white collar criminal. We also provide new reporting on the ATF's recent use of masked agents to conduct operations. Finally, we update everyone on a new concealed carry reciprocity agreement between Pennsylvania and Virginia before covering some big stories from outside of The Reload.

Citigroup Reverses Gun Restrictions; DOJ Tells PA to Issue Non-Resident Gun Permits

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the big news out of the Supreme Court this week before breaking down Citigroup's walk back of its post-Parkland gun business restrictions. We also talk about the Department of Justice's ongoing efforts to defend gun carry among the states, this time targeting Pennsylvania sheriffs who refuse to issue non-resident carry permits. Finally, we discuss the latest monthly gun sales numbers and wrap up with some of the biggest stories from outside The Reload.

House Republicans Pass Silencer Deregulation; SCOTUS Rejects Pending Gun Cases

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 23 May 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the ins and outs of the silencer deregulation provisions included in the budget package just passed by the US House. We explain what they would mean for gun owners and what political hurdles still remain before they can become law. We also cover the Supreme Court's latest case decisions, including its recent rejection of a whole host of pending challenges to the federal gun ban for non-violent felons. Finally, we break down the DOJ's recent settlement over forced reset triggers and other gun stories from outside The Reload.

The Republican Silencer Tax Fight; ⁨Emily Stanley On Becoming a Gun Meme

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 16 May 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I unpack the latest in the growing political fight between gun-rights groups and the House GOP over how much National Firearms Act reform can be included in the President's "big beautiful bill" through budget reconciliation. We also cover recent rulings out of the federal courts, including an en banc Ninth Circuit decision upholding the government's ability to permanently disarm all non-violent felons and a Fourth Circuit ruling ruling the same for those with misdemeanor domestic violence convictions. Emily Stanley, aka Princess and the Pistol, also joins the show to discuss becoming a gun meme.

Special Guest: Emily Stanley.

Gun-Rights Groups Lead in Lobbying; Gun Sales Continue to Slump

Stephen Gutowski — Thu, 08 May 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I unpack federal lobbying data from the first quarter of 2025, which show that gun-rights groups have been far outspending gun-control advocates on the Hill. We also cover new monthly gun sales data showing a continued slump for the industry. Finally, we discuss a new gun industry liability shield signed into law in Tennessee before wrapping up with some stories from outside The Reload.

DOJ Weighs in on 2A at SCOTUS; NRA Reformers Cement Control

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 02 May 2025 14:00:00 -0400

Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a series of legal filings from the Department of Justice urging the Supreme Court not to hear a case on the federal gun ban for non-violent felons. We also look at a brief it filed on the other side of a gun rights issue, urging the Court to overturn a ruling upholding Hawaii's "sensitive places" restrictions on gun carry. Finally, I recap my time covering the NRA's annual meeting, where reformers made major gains at the highest levels of the organization.

SCOTUS Clears Path for Under-21 Gun Carry in Minnesota; Fox Poll Has Trump Underwater on Guns

Stephen Gutowski — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the Supreme Court's decision to reject Minnesota's appeal of an Eighth Circuit decision striking down its age limit for carry permits, effectively clearing the way for young adults to carry guns in the state. We also talk about a new bill signed into law in Iowa this week that accomplishes the same thing for that state's residents. We then cover a new Fox poll showing more people disapprove of President Trump's handling of gun policy than approve in his first 100 days back in office. Finally, we wrap up with an update on my upcoming trip down to Atlanta to cover the NRA's annual meeting.

Trump Rejects Gun Control After FSU Shooting, Skips NRA Annual Meeting

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover the latest updates in the shooting at Florida State University, including the early response from President Donald Trump. We also talk about Trump's decision to skip the NRA's annual meeting for the first time since 2015 and what it says about the group's current influence. Finally, we discuss a new federal appeals court ruling upholding Massachusetts' ban on AR-15s and ammunition magazines as well as a new Montana bill cracking down on red flag laws.

Colorado Governor Signs Semi-Auto Restrictions; ATF Announces Leadership Change

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss Colorado Governor Jared Polis signing the most sweeping and restrictive gun bill in the state's history into law and what that says about gun politics in the Democratic Party. We also talk about major new developments at the ATF, both in terms of potential gun policy changes, as well as the announced shakeup in the top two leadership positions of the agency. We also share new insights from members of the gun industry about what President Trump's tariff plans will mean for gun and ammunition prices going forward.

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Trump Tariffs Pose Risk to Gun Industry; InRangeTV's Karl Talks Trick Shots

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the potential fallout from President Trump's sweeping tariff announcement on the gun and ammunition market. We talk about why the potential cost increases come at a precarious time for an industry already facing some headwinds, including another month of declining gun sales based on newly released figures. Plus, we discuss a pair of opposite rulings in state courts in Pennsylvania and Illinois dealing with the question of whether major gun companies can be sued for crimes committed by third parties with their products.

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SCOTUS Upholds ‘Ghost Gun’ Rule; March for Our Lives Lays Off Staff

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the Supreme Court's 7-2 decision to uphold the ATF's ability to treat unfinished firearms parts kits as completed guns and what that means moving forward. We also talk about the new financial troubles hitting the gun-control group March for Our Lives. Finally, we cover an outlier federal ruling on New York City's stun gun ban before highlighting DOJ's plans for the ATF and investigation into California's gun-carry permitting.

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Federal Appeals Courts Uphold California Mag Ban, Florida Under-21 Gun Ban

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I recap the en banc Ninth Circuit's newest decision upholding California's ban on magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds and its much-discussed video dissent from Judge Lawrence VanDyke. We also talk about a separate Ninth Circuit panel's ruling striking down Hawaii's unique restrictions on handgun sales. Finally, we cover a long awaited en banc Eleventh Circuit decision dealing with Florida's post-Parkland ban on gun sales to adults under the age of 21.

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Special Guest: Mike Willever.

7th Circuit Upholds SBR Ban; Senator Crapo on Silencer Deregulation

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about a ruling out of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals that found short-barreled rifles aren't "arms" as considered by the Second Amendment. We also talk about a pair of state court rulings, one out of Oregon upholding the state's purchase permit requirements and magazine ban, and another out Massachusetts that upheld the state's requirement that out-of-state visitors get a special permit before bringing their guns into the state. Plus, I talk with Idaho Senator Mike Crapo (R.) about the Hearing Protection Act and his views on the GOP's plans for gun policy in Congress.

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Firearms Sales Falter in February; Trump Skips Guns in Congressional Speech

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I break down the latest national gun sales data for February and discuss why they suggest trouble ahead for the gun industry. We also talk about Trump's latest omission of his gun policy priorities in a major public address, this time in his first joint address to Congress. Finally, we briefly recap this week's Supreme Court oral arguments in Mexico's lawsuit against Smith and Wesson that seeks to hold the company financially responsible for cartel violence across the southern border.

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SCOTUS Ducks Felony Gun Rights Case; Daniel Defense Weighs in on NRA Reform

Stephen Gutowski — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover the Supreme Court's latest remand of a case concerning whether convicted felons have any Second Amendment rights. We also discuss major gun manufacturer Daniel Defense's decision to wade into the ongoing efforts to reform the NRA through board elections. We then briefly touch on the Trump administration's decision to tap Kash Patel as acting ATF director before wrapping up with a round up of stories from outside the Reload.

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Trump Freezes New Gun Exports; Maine Waiting Period Blocked

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover the Trump administration's current freeze on processing new export licenses and how it is hitting the firearms industry particularly hard. We also talk about a federal judge issuing a preliminary injunction against Maine's 72-hour waiting period for gun sales, an Arizona state judge tossing a local gun control ordinance under preemption, and we wrap up with some headlines from outside The Reload.

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10th Circuit Upholds Nonviolent Felon Gun Ban; Trump-appointee Upholds Under-21 Ban

Stephen Gutowski — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a ruling out of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals where a panel once again decided that a single mother who wrote a bad check 17 years ago can be disarmed for life. We also discuss a Trump-appointed judge out of Hawaii who ruled that the Aloha state can continue to deny adults under the age of 21 access to firearms. Finally, we wrap up with coverage of an Illinois state court ruling against the state's FOID card law, Trump's Second Amendment executive order, and some quick hits from around the country.

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David Hogg Elected DNC Vice Chair; Bondi Tells ATF to Focus on Guns

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss David Hogg's election for a Democratic Party leadership position and what it says about the party's approach to gun politics. We also talk about Trump's attorney general nominee Pam Bondi getting confirmed despite concerns raised by gun rights groups and unpack one of her first actions with regard to the ATF. Finally, we break down a recent ruling from a district judge who struck down the federal machine gun ban for violating the Second Amendment.

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ATF Still Enforcing Zero Tolerance Policy; Court Strikes Federal Under-21 Handgun Ban

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss new claims from the gun industry about the ATF continuing to enforce its controversial "zero tolerance" policy despite Trump's promises to reverse it. We talk about Trump's lack of gun policy action so far and why some gun-rights groups are starting to speak out. We also cover a significant new ruling out of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals where a three judge panel just struck down the federal handgun sales ban for young adults.

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Guns Largely Absent from Trump's First Week; Familiar Face Back Atop ATF

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I recap the Trump administration's first week back in power, including how gun policy was left out of his flurry of new executive actions. We also cover his pardoning of the January 6 rioters, many of whom will once again have access to firearms despite being convicted of violent offenses. Finally, we break down a few new developments at the ATF and provide a brief update on the latest news out of the Supreme Court in its consideration of an "assault weapons" ban case.

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Bondi Hearing a Bad Sign for Gun-Rights Movement; SCOTUS Rejects 2A Cases

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0500

Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I recap the first confirmation hearing for Donald Trump's Attorney General nominee, Pam Bondi. We talk about why it could spell trouble for the political influence of gun-rights advocates. We also cover the Supreme Court's latest rejection of multiple Second Amendment appeals and where things stand with a closely-watched pending 'assault weapon' ban case. Finally, we wrap up with discussions around the Third Circuit's re-vindication of the carry rights of young adults in Pennsylvania, a guest post on the questionable state of firearms forensics, and a collection of key gun stories from outside The Reload.

Gun Sales Slumped in 2024; 5th Circuit Reaffirms Weed Smoker's Gun Rights

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 15:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover what the latest NICS data show about how much gun sales dropped in 2024. We also discuss another federal appeals court delivering an unchanged verdict on a case remanded by the Supreme Court, this time dealing with the gun rights of a non-violent marijuana user. Plus, we cover House Republicans re-introducing national concealed carry reciprocity in Congress, a new semi-automatic firearm ban proposal in Colorado, and how the major gun-control groups say they're feeling as the new administration gets set to take office.

Appeals Court Upholds Non-Violent Felon's Gun Ban; Trump Pollster Claims Strong 2A Support

Stephen Gutowski — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 22:00:00 -0500

Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about a new ruling out of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld the lifetime felony gun ban against a defendant based on his history of violent misdemeanor convictions. We also cover new survey data from Donald Trump's top pollster indicating strong support for pro-gun judges and policies. We discuss what influence that might have on the incoming administration's policy priorities. Finally, we wrap up with a round up of gun stories from across the country, including new details about the expected shake up amongst ATF leadership under Donald Trump.

NRA Corruption Case Concludes; SCOTUS Rejects Hawaiian Gun Case

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the NRA's New York corruption case finally coming to an end after six years. We also discuss the Supreme Court's latest rejection of a Second Amendment case, the high-profile "Spirit of Aloha" Hawaii gun carry decision. We wrap up by covering the latest reports suggesting the United Healthcare CEO shooter used a 3-D printed gun and what that might mean for homemade gun enthusiasts.

CEO Killer’s Gun Offers Clues; Biden Pardons Hunter's Gun Crimes

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I break down what we can glean about the UnitedHealthcare CEO's assassin based on surveillance footage of his gun. We also cover President Joe Biden's pardon of his son Hunter and what that means for Second Amendment challenges related to his gun crimes. We wrap up by discussing the trend of Trump's law enforcement cabinet picks having a history of supporting red flag laws, the US House of Representatives' new legal brief in Smith and Wesson's upcoming Supreme Court case, and what to make of new reports that Trump's relationship with the NRA has soured.

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We Answer Your Questions on Trump, SCOTUS, and More!

Stephen Gutowski — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

A lot has happened since the last time we did a Q&A episode. So, this week we're answering Reload Member questions.

Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman joins me in fielding a bunch of different topics. We cover everything from the status of the legal fight over "assault weapons" bans, to what Second Amendment case the Supreme Court might take next, to what Donald Trump's next administration will look like.

We do our best to give as much insight as possible into where things currently lie and where they're headed. Reload Members, as always, give us a lot of great questions to work with!

Democrat Support for Handgun Ban Plummets; Gun Owner Gender Gap Narrows

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 15:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I break down new gun polling data from Gallup showing a massive decrease in support for a handgun ban amongst Democrats. We also unpack Gallup data showing a shrinking gender gap, but a widening partisan gap, among gun owners. Finally, we wrap up with a pair of significant gun-related state Supreme Court rulings out of Pennsylvania and Iowa dealing with state preemption and the ability to restrict gun rights for persons with a history of being involuntarily committed.

Judge Strikes Down Illinois AR-15 Ban; NSSF Asks Trump to Close Biden's Gun Office

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 14:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover a significant new ruling out of Illinois, where a federal judge found that the state's ban on so-called assault weapons and large-capacity magazines is unconstitutional. We also cover the growing chorus of voices calling on President-elect Trump to dismantle President Biden's Office of Gun Violence Prevention, with the gun industry's trade group formally making the request this week. Finally, we mention the Senate Republican caucus' selection of South Dakota's John Thune for Majority Leader and what that says about gun policy.

Gun-Rights Advocates Win Big on Election Night But With Some Caveats

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:00:00 -0500

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I breakdown what we know so far about the results of the 2024 election, including the likely balance of power in Congress. We cover what that might mean for gun policy and how the national gun groups did in influencing that outcome with their election spending. We also cover a couple of key gun-related down ballot races that broke in favor of gun-control advocates and discussed why guns likely played a marginal role this cycle.

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Which Races Gun Groups Are Spending On; DC Circuit Upholds Magazine Ban

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover the big races where the national gun groups are pouring their money into before polls close on election night. We also discuss an interesting new ruling upholding Washington DC’s magazine ban on unique grounds. We wrap up by covering Kamala Harris’ recent comments in a podcast appearance attempting to cast Donald Trump as a threat to the Second Amendment.

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Old Clips Give New Insight into Harris Gun Views; House Control Hinges on One Fight Over AR-15 Ban

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover a pair of resurfaced clips from Kamala Harris’ tenure as San Francisco DA that show her taking a more pragmatic view of the Second Amendment and school security policy. We also discuss how party control of the House of Representatives next year could come down to a race in Maine where an incumbent Democrat’s new support for an assault weapon ban could cost him his seat. We finish the show with a round-up of stories dealing with an investigation into gunmakers sharing gun owners’ private data with political operatives, a Democratic Senate candidate’s range day campaign event going awry, and how the Second Circuit has again ruled on New York’s concealed carry restrictions.

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Bruen Decision Hits New Level of Popularity; SCOTUS Vacates Pro-Gun Ruling

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover new polling that finds the Supreme Court's Bruen decision is more popular than ever. We also talk about the Court's recent move to grant, vacate, and remand a lower court decision that sided with pro-gun plaintiffs. We briefly touch on some recent ad spending blitzes from gun groups on both sides of the issue before wrapping up with a discussion of what either a Trump or Harris presidency might mean in practice for gun policy.

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SCOTUS Hears ‘Ghost Gun’ Case, Takes up Smith & Wesson's Fight with Mexico

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I recap how oral arguments over the ATF’s reclassification of unfinished firearms parts kits went this week before the Supreme Court. We also discuss the justices’ decision to take up the case over Mexico’s lawsuit against the American gun industry later this term. Then, we turn to the politics behind Kamala Harris’ decision to reveal that she owns a Glock handgun. Finally, we wrap up with a brief update on the grassroots movement to repeal Massachusetts’ new omnibus gun control law via the ballot and a discussion of The Reload’s reporting being cited in other national outlets.

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VP Candidates Square Off on Firearms Policy; Gun Sales Ramp Up as Election Nears

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I recap the Vice Presidential debate, where the candidates at the top of the ticket were asked substantive gun policy questions for the first time all season. We also unpack the latest monthly gun sale data showing a trend of rising sales heading into the election. We wrap up with a discussion on the Massachusetts Governor's executive action to undermine a grassroots gun-rights campaign as well as a new ACLU brief the group filed in support of a Second Amendment challenge.

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Harris's Past Support for Handgun Confiscation Comes to Light; Gun-Control Groups Blowout NRA in Fundraising

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about Kamala Harris' past support for a San Francisco ballot measure that banned the sale and possession of handguns during her time as the city's District Attorney and what bearing that might have in the current election. We also talk about new FEC records showing the NRA trailing the national gun rights groups in political fundraising by millions of dollars in August. Finally, we wrap up by talking about the record drop in murder in 2023 and the rise of gun ownership among self-identified liberals.

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Voters Give Edge to Harris on 'Gun Violence', Collins Introduces Military 'Red Flag' Bill

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about new polling data showing voters trust Kamala Harris more on the issue of "gun violence" despite ranking the issue low on their list of priorities this election. We also talk about the political implications of young women moving way to the left on the issue of guns. Finally, we wrap up with a discussion of a new federal bill to force the US Military to initiate state red flag orders, the lack of gun policy ballot measures this November, and a new state-level legislative coalition launched by the national gun control groups.

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NRA Board Adopts Reform Plan; Polling Shows Increased Support for Gun Control

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss my time in Texas covering the NRA's latest board meeting, where the group came to an agreement on a reform plan but failed to overhaul its legal strategy after a marathon executive session. We also discuss new corruption allegations against the group in a recently filed lawsuit from a former employee, as well as the group's first big election ad buy of the cycle. Finally, we recap the limited role guns played in the Presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump and new evidence of a modest bump in support for stricter gun laws in the aftermath of the Georgia shooting.

Gun-Control Groups Outraise Gun-Rights Groups; Appeals Court Strikes Down Gun Ban for Pot Users

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I cover the latest federal campaign finance numbers showing gun control groups outraising the NRA and other gun rights organizations in the lead up to the election. We also talk about a pair of federal appeals court rulings, one striking down the federal gun ban for marijuana users and the other striking down Missouri's expansive Second Amendment Sanctuary law. Finally, we wrap up with a quick discussion of gun groups officially appealing to the Supreme Court over Maryland's AR-15 ban and a pair of dueling court decisions on the legality of switchblade bans from across the country.

Bruen Decision Grows in Popularity; Biden Pistol Brace Ban Loses in Court

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover new polling data showing that the Supreme Court's recognition of public gun carry rights is more popular than ever. We also analyze the likelihood of the Supreme Court agreeing to hear an assault weapon case later this year, as well as a new Fox News poll showing voters trust Donald Trump over Kamala Harris on gun policy. We wrap up by discussing a new Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling against President Biden's pistol brace ban, New York officials opting to create gun carry permits for non-residents, and the latest instance of parents of school shooters being taken to court.

Harris Doubles Down on Gun Control with VP Pick; Trump Defends AR-15s

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 15:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover Kamala Harris' VP pick and what it says about the ticket's gun policy strategy. We then turn to Donald Trump's latest attack on Harris for her gun control stances and why it stands out after months of silence on the issue. We also explain why the Fourth Circuit's latest "assault weapon" ban ruling is the strongest candidate yet for Supreme Court review. Finally, we wrap up with a quick discussion of appeals courts continuing to struggle with the question of gun rights for felons, Mexico's latest legal headwinds in its quest to sue US gun companies, and even break a little news about an upcoming NRA meeting.

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We Answer Your Gun Politics Questions

Stephen Gutowski — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0400

This week, we're answering Reload Members' questions on the podcast.

So much has happened in the last few weeks. The NRA's corruption just reached its end stage. Although, there are still some potentially decisive decisions for the judge to make. The Democrats just swapped out Joe Biden for Kamala Harris. Then Harris's campaign walked back her most aggressive gun policy position.

Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I got several questions on those fronts. Plus, a few on my time as a CNN contributor. We did our best to answer as many as we could.

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NRA Avoids Court Monitor; Harris Campaign Walks Back Gun Confiscation

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 15:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the legal consequences the NRA could face now that the remedies phase of its trial has all but concluded. We also cover Kamala Harris' latest flip flop on AR-15 confiscation as well as a federal judge's recent decision to strike down New Jersey's ban on the very same weapons. Finally, we discuss big new election spending pledges from the nation's largest gun control groups.

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Kamala Harris Shifts Party Left on Guns; Gun Control Groups Outraise NRA

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 13:15:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about Kamala Harris' new role at the top of the Democratic ticket for November and what it signals for the party's stance on guns. We also cover the latest reported fundraising totals of the major gun advocacy groups and what they say about the relative stature of gun rights vs. gun control organizations. Finally, we wrap up with a rundown of the latest public remarks from the NRA's new executive vice president, a federal judge's decision to block the ATF's ban on Forced Reset Triggers, and a novel AI-based gun detection technology set to make its debut in the New York subway system.

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RNC Silent on Guns; NRA Trial Starts Back Up

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover the 2024 RNC coming to a close without so much as a single mention of gun policy and what that might mean for the politics of the gun rights movement. We then turn to a recapping of where things stand with the NRA in the second phase of its New York corruption trial. Finally we wrap up with a discussion of a new appeals court ruling upholding gun carry rights for young adults, Massachusetts' new omnibus gun control bill, and the Ninth Circuit's decision to vacate yet another Second Amendment ruling.

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GOP Platform Drops Gun Policy; NRA Membership Numbers Revealed

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the GOP's first new platform in 8 years dropping almost all of the party's gun policy promises and what that means for the future of gun voters. We also discuss newly released NRA documents revealing the true extent of the group's membership decline and the ongoing arguments surrounding its attempts to avoid punishment and further reform in the wake of the New York corruption verdict. Finally, we wrap up with a quick discussion of a new ruling striking down the gun ban for illegal immigrants, a gun rights challenge to New York's body armor ban, and the advent of ammunition vending machines in grocery stores.

SCOTUS Sidesteps More Gun Cases; How Chevron’s Demise Impacts Firearms Litigation

Stephen Gutowski — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the Supreme Court’s refusal to take up any new Second Amendment cases ahead of next term. We then turned to a discussion of whether the demise of the Chevron doctrine makes any difference in gun rights lawsuits. Finally, we wrap up by covering a pair of novel California gun laws that went into effect this week.

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The Push to Codify Ukrainian Gun Rights (Ft. The Counteroffensive's Tim Mak)

Stephen Gutowski — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0400

This week, we've got a guest coming to us straight from the middle of a war zone.

Tim Mak joins the show from Kyiv, Ukraine. He's an experienced war correspondent who has worked for leading news outlets and founded his own independent publication just over a year ago to cover the war in Ukraine on the ground. The Counteroffensive publishes original reporting from inside the country and recently profiled the man behind an effort to install gun-rights protections in the nation's law.

Mak said the effort has made significant progress. Legislation to legalize civilian gun ownership has already made it through a first read in the Ukranian parliament. He said it has a lot of support within President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's party.

Much of that support is driven by Maryan Zablotskiy, who talks a lot like American gun-rights activists and has cultivated relationships inside the American conservative movement. But Mak said he's not the only one in Ukraine whose opinion on gun ownership has been changed after facing the brutal reality of the Russian invasion. Still, he noted not everyone agrees, and there is an active debate over what regulations on civilian guns should remain.

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Special Guest: Tim Mak.

First Presidential Debate Skips Gun Policy; More Fallout From SCOTUS Second Amendment Ruling

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 19:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the lack of discussion on gun policy during the first Presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. We also cover the ongoing fallout from the Supreme Court's Rahimi decision, including Justice Thomas' dissent and the DOJ's request for more clarity from the Court on gun rights for felons. Finally, we discuss the NRA's improved political fundraising numbers, its tone shift on gun rights for felons, the ATF's improved approval times for suppressors, and a Georgia jury's decision to find gunmaker SIG liable for negligent discharges.

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Supreme Court Strikes Down Bump Stock Ban

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 21:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I walk through the Supreme Court's ruling striking down the ATF's bump stock ban as unlawful. We also discuss what the ruling might mean for President Biden's gun executive orders and what it might say about the Justices' appetite for striking down machine gun bans. Plus, we cover the interesting politics of a gun tax ballot initiative set to go before Colorado voters this fall and recap my experience at the National Journalism Center's range day.

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Donald Trump Loses His Gun Rights; Supreme Court Sides with NRA

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 31 May 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss Donald Trump’s 34 felony convictions and what they mean for his position as the gun rights candidate in the 2024 Presidential election race. We also talk about the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling in favor of the NRA’s free speech claims against New York officials. Plus, we cover the narrow loss of a prominent guntuber who tried to unseat an incumbent Republican over a gun control vote in a Texas congressional primary.

NRA Elects New Reformer-Supported Leadership, Still Faces Financial Challenges

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 24 May 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss my time in Dallas covering the 2024 NRA Annual Meeting, where reformers had major success in getting their preferred candidates into top leadership positions. We also discuss what the leadership turnover says about the group's ability to reform itself moving forward, especially in light of its latest financial reports showing continued budget and fundraising woes. Plus, we cover the Supreme Court's decision not to take up a case on Maryland's assault weapon ban and why there's a good shot a conservative justice will issue the majority opinion on bump stocks.

Previewing the NRA's First Meeting Since Corruption Verdict; Brooklyn Man Gets 10 Years for Gun Building

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 17 May 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss my upcoming trip to Dallas to cover the 2024 NRA Annual Meeting and what signs to look for to determine if the group will make substantive reforms or stay its current course. Plus, we discuss the latest in the Dexter Taylor case after a Brooklyn judge sentenced the engineer to 10 years in prison for his hobby of self-manufacturing firearms. We also cover a new ruling out of the 9th Circuit upholding California's sharing of gun owners' personal data with university researchers.

NRA Leadership Still Flying Private; Appeals Court Sends Hunter Biden Gun Case to Trial

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 10 May 2024 15:15:00 -0400

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss The Reload's exclusive reporting on NRA President Charles Cotton's private jet travel. We also talk about Hunter Biden's federal gun charges being upheld by a federal appeals court. Plus, we cover the failure of an "assault weapon" ban in Colorado, a bill going after Glock handguns in New York, and the latest in a Texas congressional primary soaked in gun politics.

Biden Admin Finalizes Gun Export Restrictions; NRA Members Vote in Reformers

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 03 May 2024 15:00:00 -0400

Host Jake Fogleman and I discuss the Biden administration's new rule to restrict firearms exports. We also talk about the Fifth Circuit's ruling upholding enhanced background checks for 18-to-20 year olds and why the results of the latest NRA board elections suggest the members are pushing for change. Plus, we cover my new piece in The Dispatch and my appearance on CNN talking about Tennessee's new armed teacher law.

Trump Jr. Pitched to Lead NRA as Gun-Control Groups Outraise Gun-Rights Movement

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 15:00:00 -0400

Host Jake Fogleman and Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski discuss an NRA board member pitching Donald Trump Jr. to become the group's new leader. Meanwhile, FEC records show the group continues to be outraised by gun control advocates. Plus, they cover the ongoing permitless carry push in North Carolina and the continued spread of gun store MCC bans in red states.

Report Finds Americans Own 717 Million ‘Large Capacity’ Magazines; DC Settles NRA Lawsuit

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Host Jake Fogleman and Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski discuss Maine's new waiting period and background check laws, a new Iowa Bill allowing armed teachers, and an update on Colorado's push to ban "assault weapons." They also cover a new industry study showing the popularity of so-called large-capacity magazines, and why the government of Washington D.C. just settled its lawsuit against the NRA.

New Biden Rule Casts Shadow Over Used Gun Sales; Tennessee Puts Gun Safety in Schools

Stephen Gutowski — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 16:00:00 -0400

Host Jake Fogleman and Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski discuss an 85-year-old woman defending herself in a harrowing burglary, the perspective of a new Israeli gun owner, and Tennessee's new school gun safety program. They also cover how Washington's magazine ban was blocked and then immediately unblocked. Plus, they dissect how Biden's latest rule casts doubt over used gun sales and Stephen gives an update on farm life.

Gun Sales Continue to Decline; Study Finds 2A Sanctuaries Resist 'Red Flag' Orders

Stephen Gutowski — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 16:00:00 -0400

On this week's News Update, Jake Fogleman and Stephen Gutowski examine why gun sales have declined through the first three months of 2024.

They also highlight a California journalist's examination of the "assault weapon" ban, Massachusetts lawmakers taking gun discussions behind closed doors, and an AP poll showing Americans find gun rights important. Jake also details the findings of a recent study on Colorado's "red flag" law usage in "Second Amendment sanctuary" counties. Plus, Steve previews his upcoming range trip with students at the National Journalism Center.

Answering Your Firearms Questions

Stephen Gutowski — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

This week, we're answering your questions on the show!

That's right, it's time for another Q&A episode of the podcast. The questions are submitted by Reload Members, then Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman, and I do our best to answer them.

As expected, this episode features a lot of great questions that really stretch our knowledge. We tackled a wide variety of topics.

Members asked about everything from permits in permitless carry states to the number of lifetime NRA members to the Supreme Court's view of machine guns. The questions take us all over the place.

Plus, I describe how speaking to a group of Columbia University students earlier this week went.

The View From the Courtroom as the NRA Corruption Trial Ends

Stephen Gutowski — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

This week, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman interviews me about what it was like in the courtroom as New York's civil trial against the NRA and its leaders reached closing arguments.

Thanks to the support of Reload Members, I've been able to cover much of the case from inside the Manhattan court where it's happening. This is vital because there is no live stream of the proceedings and the transcripts aren't made available until well after the events of the day, if at all. So, spending the resources to be up there is vital to understanding what is actually happening in a case that will affect the future of the nation's largest gun-rights group, which has received only modest coverage from major media outlets.

Jake asked me about how the closing arguments went. I did my best to summarize what the NRA, Wayne LaPierre, the group's top lawyer, and its former treasurer put up as their defense. And how the office of Attorney General Letitia James tried to rebut those arguments.

I did my best to explain, but the answer went on for a while, and I wasn't able to hit every point. I probably could have talked for another several hours on how the case unfolded over the course of six weeks or even just the closing arguments, which went on for eight hours.

Jake also asked me to predict the outcome of the case based on everything I saw in court. I don't think it's possible to predict exactly how the jury will rule on the many, many questions they have to resolve. But I did think significant parts of the jury instructions make an overall win for the NRA, LaPierre, and others very difficult to imagine.

After going over my time at the NRA trial, we discussed my on-the-ground experience during Donald Trump's speech at the Great American Outdoor Show. The rally took place in Pennsylvania, a key state in what's looking like an inevitable rematch between Trump and President Joe Biden. But it wasn't as newsworthy as I'd expected it to be since the NRA didn't actually announce its endorsement of Trump.

Instead, it was much more akin to a normal Trump rally. Trump made some specific promises about gun policy, but none of them were new.

The lack of an endorsement felt especially odd since the political speech was a new component of the event, and no other politician was invited, including Trump's remaining Republican opponent, Nikki Haley. And the speech was run like a rally, with the NRA repeatedly heaping praise on Trump and calling for him to be president again.

The rally also featured moments where the crowd was encouraged to yell their shared disdain at the media in the room in what has been a staple of Trump rallies for years but which also fell more ominous after the events of January 6th. The crowd was energetic at points, cheering and laughing at Trump's now-familiar routine. But they also quieted down through long stretches of his stream-of-consciousness asides and the venue that started nearly full of Trump supporters was about half empty by the time he wrapped up an hour and 15 minutes after he'd arrived.

Plus, I interviewed Jake about what happened to the rebranded effort to ban AR-15s and other guns in New Mexico.

We Answer All Your Gun Questions

Stephen Gutowski — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0400

It has been a little while since we've done a Q&A podcast. So, we decided to take some questions from Reload Members for this week's episode.

And we got a lot of great questions. I'm not sure if buying a Reload Membership makes somebody smarter or if only smart people buy Reload Memberships, but, either way, we always seem to get really great questions during these Q&As. This time was no different.

We received shrewd questions on a variety of topics. Lots of members wanted to know about the timing of many of the gun cases that have made their way up the federal court system since Bruen was handed down last year. They also wanted to know what cases the Supreme Court is likely to take up. Will SCOTUS accept one of the "assault weapons" ban cases? What about the pistol brace ban?

Also, what's going on with weed and guns? Where is that combination from a legal standpoint?

And what are we seeing from all those new gun owners that have come into the fold over the last few years? Are the predictions of their huge impact panning out? How can we even tell?

There were lots of other great questions too. So, make sure you listen to the full show.

We Answer Your Gun Questions

Stephen Gutowski — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0400

A lot has happened since the last time we took questions on the podcast.

We're living through a time of great change with guns in America. Sales moved to historic levels in recent years, and millions of people from demographics that have been traditionally less likely to own guns have decided to arm themselves. Mass shootings have shocked the nation and led to the first new federal gun restrictions in generations. At the same time, the Supreme Court has handed down a seminal ruling protecting the individual right to carry firearms in public while articulating a specific new test for deciding gun cases moving forward.

Add the upcoming midterm elections on top of all of that, and you can imagine Reload Members had a lot of questions.

Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I did our best to provide some keen insight into the biggest gun stories of the day. We talked about the status of challenges to 'assault weapon' bans in the wake of Bruen, the latest with the ATF's rulemaking, how to properly assess public polling, the status of the NRA, and the fight over gun financing.

We get into all of that and more.

NSSF's Larry Keane on the Industry Reaction to New Credit Card Codes for Gun Stores

Stephen Gutowski — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0400

The gun industry is facing a new fight over financing for firearms.

Gun companies have long struggled to obtain and keep banking services in place despite government pressure in the form of Operation Chokepoint and private pressure from big banks refusing to work with them. But now, gun buyers are facing pressure too. Gun-control advocates convinced the organization that oversees credit card merchant codes to create one for gun stores in hopes of flagging "suspicious" transactions for law enforcement.

So, we have Larry Keane on to tell us how the industry is handling the change. He is the Senior Vice President of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), which represents gun makers and dealers. They are the literal gun lobby.

Keane said the change is part of a larger plan to try and surveil gun owners. He said the goal is to restrict the ability of Americans to buy guns.

He said the code change alone is unlikely to significantly change how things work because the credit card companies are resisting flagging sales based on it. However, he said the goal is to not only track sales by merchant code but to reform the system to allow credit card companies to see every individual product somebody buys. That would effectively allow them to track, report, and block any gun sale to anyone in the country.

Advocates for the code change argue it could be used to identify patterns that indicate they may be planning a mass shooting. Keane said that's not realistic. He argued nobody has identified any discernable buying actions that reliably set them apart from the millions of Americans who buy guns every year.

He also talked about the industry slowdown that's started to show up in major companies' earnings reports. The two publicly-traded gun makers, Smith & Wesson and Ruger, saw huge dropoffs in revenue and profit. Keane said the downturn was to be expected after two years of record sales, and he isn't terribly concerned about it.

Plus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman explains Dick Heller's latest win over DC's gun restrictions.

Special Guest: Larry Keane.

Reload Members Q&A

Stephen Gutowski — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0400

We're doing something different this week.

Instead of interviewing an expert on a single topic, we're letting Reload members interview us on a bunch of different topics. It's our first Q&A episode!

Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I answer questions on a wide range of stories. What is going on with gun laws and armed civilians in Ukraine? How could it affect American gun politics?

How much control does Wayne LaPierre have over the NRA board?

What's happening with President Biden's pistol brace ban proposal? How does grandfathering play into his plan?

What would it take to get a national reciprocity bill? When could gun owners see carry bans or AR-15 bans come to an end? What effect could the Supreme Court's gun-carry case have on that timeline? How might that same Supreme Court ruling affect demand for guns in deep blue states?

Plus, what's the best way to improve media coverage of gun issues throughout the country?