📅 2026 Update: Changes in US Gun Law and Regulations

Since the original article on Mayors Against Illegal Guns was published, several key changes in U.S. gun laws and regulations have occurred. These updates influence how firearms are bought, owned, and regulated across the country. The original article continues further down the page for additional context and information.

🔄 Undetectable Firearms Act Reauthorization

In March 2024, Congress reauthorized the Undetectable Firearms Act, extending it through 2031. This law prohibits firearms that cannot be detected by metal detectors or X-ray machines. It notably includes 3D-printed guns, which are becoming more common.

This change reflects ongoing concerns about gun safety and regulation.

💰 Tax Elimination for Certain NFA Items

Starting January 1, 2026, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has eliminated the federal tax for transferring or manufacturing certain firearms, including suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns. These items now have a tax rate of $0, while machine guns and destructive devices still incur a $200 tax. This change may encourage more people to legally acquire these firearms.

📈 Rise in Privately Made Firearms (PMFs)

From 2017 to 2023, there was a significant increase in Privately Made Firearms (PMFs). The total number recovered and reported reached 92,702, with a shocking rise in crimes involving these firearms. PMFs recovered in crimes soared nearly 1,600%, with almost 1,700 linked to homicides.

This trend raises red flags about the accessibility and regulation of homemade firearms.

🔧 Increase in Machinegun Conversion Devices (MCDs)

The number of Machinegun Conversion Devices (MCDs), which turn semi-automatic firearms into machine guns, has also surged. Recoveries of these devices increased by 784% from 2019 to 2023. This rise indicates a growing concern about the illegal modification of firearms and potential safety risks.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • 🔒 Undetectable Firearms Act reauthorized through 2031.
  • 💵 Federal tax for certain NFA items dropped to $0 starting January 2026.
  • 🚨 Privately Made Firearms (PMFs) recovered in crimes surged by 1,600%.
  • ⚙️ Machinegun Conversion Devices (MCDs) increased by 784% in recoveries.
  • 📜 Ongoing changes reflect evolving attitudes toward gun regulation.

💡 Practical Tips for Understanding Gun Laws

Review the details of your own situation with your attorney. Understanding the current laws can help you navigate firearm ownership responsibly.

📄 Know Your NFA Registration Process

To own an NFA item, you need to submit ATF Form 4 or Form 1. This includes a background check and applicable fees. Ensure you understand what is required before starting the process.

🔍 Stay Updated on State-Specific Laws

Gun laws vary widely by state. Some states enforce stricter regulations, including bans on certain firearms and mandatory registration. Be aware of local laws to ensure compliance.

⚠️ Understand Prohibited Persons

Certain individuals are not allowed to possess firearms under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). This includes convicted felons and those with domestic violence convictions. Knowing who is prohibited can help prevent legal issues.

⏰ Plan for NFA Application Processing Times

NFA applications can take time to process. Submit your applications well in advance to avoid delays, especially if you have plans for transfers or manufacturing.

🔗 Use Available Resources

The ATF provides guidance on firearm laws and NFA items. Nonprofit organizations like LegalClarity also offer resources that explain firearm laws and help clarify confusing regulations.

🎯 Be Aware of Ghost Guns

Ghost guns are firearms without serial numbers and are subject to various regulations. Some states require serialization or prohibit them entirely. Understand the laws in your state regarding these firearms.

🏆 Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

The services listed here focus on firearms and accessories, providing important resources for individuals interested in gun ownership and related transactions. The order follows Trustpilot data checked in October 2026, but star ratings can change over time. Reviews reflect user experiences, and unhappy customers often leave more feedback.

🥇 1. GunBroker.com

GunBroker.com has been rated 4.5 stars. It serves as an online marketplace for firearms and accessories, promoting responsible gun ownership. Reviewers appreciate its wide selection and user-friendly platform.

However, some customers note delays in customer service response times due to high sales volume.

🆓 ATF Resources and LegalClarity

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) provides guidance on firearm laws, including information on NFA items and prohibited persons. Additionally, LegalClarity, a nonprofit organization, offers detailed articles on various aspects of firearm laws. These resources can be helpful for anyone looking to understand their rights and responsibilities regarding firearms.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing a Firearm Service

  • 🔍 Service ratings and reviews
  • 🔒 Variety of firearms available
  • 💬 Customer service responsiveness
  • 📜 Compliance with current laws
  • 💵 Fees and taxes applicable

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔫 What are the current penalties for firearm violations?

Penalties vary based on the violation. For instance, individuals prohibited from possessing firearms may face up to ten years in federal prison under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).

🕒 How long does the NFA application process take?

Processing times for NFA applications can vary, so it is recommended to consult the ATF's official website for the most current information.

🧾 What forms are needed for NFA registration?

To legally possess an NFA item, you need to fill out ATF Form 4 for transfers or Form 1 for making a firearm.

🔍 Are ghost guns legal in all states?

Ghost guns, or firearms without serial numbers, are subject to varying regulations. Many states have enacted laws requiring serialization or outright banning these firearms.

🏢 How do state-specific laws affect gun ownership?

States like California, New York, and Illinois have stricter regulations on firearms. This includes bans on certain weapon types and mandatory registration requirements.

🔧 What is the Undetectable Firearms Act?

The Undetectable Firearms Act prohibits firearms that cannot be detected by metal detectors or X-ray machines, including 3D-printed guns. It has been extended through 2031.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Gun Laws

Several recent court rulings have addressed various aspects of U.S. gun laws, including ownership, manufacturing, and sales. These rulings relate closely to the ongoing discussions about firearm regulations and public safety.

For further information, you can browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





Mayors Against Illegal Guns is a coalition of, as the title would suggest, mayors from various American cities who have banded together in order to take action against the problem of illegal guns, be it through implementing new gun laws in their own jurisdictions, or through whatever other means they can. As they say on their website, "The issue of illegal guns is not conservative or liberal; it is an issue of law and order -- and life or death."

The prevailing opinion of this coalition is that illegal guns are a major problem, not because guns are inherently dangerous, but because the presence of guns in the hands of individuals who cannot legally hold them is very dangerous. The coalition's primary aim is not in restricting guns, but is instead in combating crime via new gun laws and enforcement procedures.

Over 500 mayors from across America have signed a statement of principles, attaching them to the coalition, including prominent members Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg of New York and Mayor Thomas M. Menino of Boston.

Overview On Mayors Against Illegal Guns

This statement of principles is not necessarily a statement of action, but is instead simple a list of the basic ideals that the coalition holds, with which the signing mayor agrees; no mayor is committing to act in certain specific ways or to implement certain specific new gun laws, but each is committing to principles such as punishing to the maximum effect those criminals who possess, use, and traffic in illegal guns, or targeting and holding accountable irresponsible gun dealers who break the law by knowingly selling guns to straw purchasers (according to the website). 

The group was founded in 2006 by an initial group of 15 mayors after a meeting at Gracie Mansion in New York City. Now, the group has members in over 40 states, and is actively involved in attempting to make the public more aware of the problem of illegal guns. They offer up news on the subject, as well as information on new gun laws in legislation, and state and local initiatives that might be important to interested parties. They also offer purely practical information about what to do if your gun is lost or stolen. 

In 2008, the organization released a report titled The Movement of Illegal Guns in America: The Link between Gun Laws and Interstate Trafficking. The report came to the conclusion that those states with the weakest  laws concerning gun regulation were also the most likely to be the source of illegal guns in other states. In other words, the number of illegal guns in America is greatly heightened by the prevalence of weak gun laws in some states, while strong gun laws exist in others.

A gun can be purchased in one state and simply transported to another, illegally, but with little difficulty. Their response to this would likely be to suggest new gun laws to increase the measures for controlling guns, but the group does not come out with overarching policies to which all its members adhere.

Mayors Against Illegal Guns is notable for its bi-partisan membership, and also for all it has accomplished in its fight to crack down on illegal guns, from new gun laws to simply increasing public awareness. It has actually even succeeded in getting Wal-Mart, the largest seller of firearms in the nation, to adopt the Responsible Firearms Retailer Partnership.

This Partnership is a ten point code designed to prevent the spread of illegal firearms. The partnership includes provisions such as one for the required videotaping of the point of sale for all firearms transactions, and one for denial of all sales without a successfully returned background check.

Mayors Against Illegal Guns stands out as one of the foremost efforts to eliminate illegal guns in America today. Their work should be lauded, both for its goodness, and for its ability to transcend party lines.