SAF Files Motion in Case Challenging ATF’s Frame and Receiver Rule

BELLEVUE, Wash. — April 27, 2026 — The Second Modification Basis (SAF) and Protection Distributed have filed a movement for abstract judgment in Protection Distributed v. Blanche (previously VanDerStok v. Bondi), difficult the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) rule which expands the definition of “firearm” within the efforts of the Biden Administration to manage so-called “ghost weapons.”

In April 2022, the ATF printed its Remaining Rule amending the regulatory definition of the time period “firearm” to embody precursor elements that, with sufficient further manufacturing operations, might grow to be purposeful firearms frames or receivers, however of their present state have been non-functional – and critically, non-firearm – objects. In looking for to manage these “non-firearm objects” the ATF’s Remaining Rule immediately contradicted Congress’ definition of “firearm” set forth within the Gun Management Act of 1968. The ATF’s re-definition of “firearm” within the Remaining Rule establishes a sensible ban on the non-public manufacture of firearms – a constitutionally protected custom.

“This rule was one of many major assaults by the Biden Administration on the power of peaceful residents to amass arms,” stated SAF Senior Director of Authorized Operations Invoice Sack. “Self-manufacturing firearms for private use is a time-honored custom that numerous residents nonetheless observe, and one that’s totally authorized underneath federal regulation. The body and receiver rule that now we have challenged right here was promulgated with the purpose of constructing self-manufacture so legally complicated as to dissuade People from exercising their rights.”

In December 2022, SAF filed to intervene in an present lawsuit within the Northern District of Texas then generally known as VanDerStok v. Garland. The case challenged the lawfulness of ATF’s regulatory re-definition of a “firearm” underneath the Administrative Procedures Act. SAF scored a significant victory within the Fifth Circuit Courtroom of Appeals, which vacated vital parts of the Rule. The Biden Division of Justice, nevertheless, appealed to the Supreme Courtroom, which dominated on solely a portion of the lawsuit. Right now’s movement for abstract judgment seeks vindication on the remaining claims.

“We might love for the present administration to pre-emptively rescind the Biden period rule and repair the issues it creates,” stated SAF founder and Govt Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “However until and till the ATF acts of its personal accord, now we have an obligation to our members and supporters to push these claims full steam forward. The rule because it stands has main authorized infirmities that have to be aired out in court docket if the rule goes to be left in place as written.”

For extra info, go to SAF.org.

The Second Modification Basis (saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt schooling, analysis, publishing and authorized motion group devoted to safeguarding and selling the basic rights of people enshrined within the Second Modification of america Structure. SAF engages in aggressive authorized motion to make sure the ideas of armed self-defense, private liberty, and the possession of arms are defended, secured, and restored. By way of public schooling initiatives, SAF teaches the significance of the Second Modification to advertise a society that values and workout routines the proper to maintain and bear arms.