U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Bump-Stock Case

by James E. Wagner | Jul 12, 2024 | FIREARMS LAW, FIREARMS LAW: LOCKED, LOADED AND LAWYERED

On June 14, 2024, the U.S. Supreme released its decision in Garland v. Cargill.  Full opinion here: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/22-976_e29g.pdf  In in 6-3 decision, the Court decided that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) exceeded its...

Those New Regulations on “Engaged in the Business” as a Firearms Dealer

by James E. Wagner | May 14, 2024 | FIREARMS LAW, FIREARMS LAW: LOCKED, LOADED AND LAWYERED

Since the Gun Control Act of 1968, federal law has required those engaged in the business of selling or reselling firearms to be licensed. Before 2022, 18 U.S. Code § 921(a) (21) and 22), contained the most recent test as to whether a person required a firearms...

Evolution of the Modern Handgun

by Frantz, McConnell & Seymour, LLP | May 1, 2024 | FIREARMS LAW, FIREARMS LAW: LOCKED, LOADED AND LAWYERED

I have had the good fortune of being present during two of the great changes in handguns, the switch from revolvers to semi-automatics and the ongoing transition from conventional sights to optical devices. (The switch from black powder to cartridges predates me by...

Time is Running Out for the AR-15 Pistol with a Brace

by Frantz, McConnell & Seymour, LLP | May 22, 2023 | FIREARMS LAW, FIREARMS LAW: LOCKED, LOADED AND LAWYERED

AR-15s come in various configurations. There are rifles, with 20”barrels and carbines, typically with 16” barrels. There are also AR-15 pistols, with barrels under 16”, typically 8” to 14”. The pistols will be the focus of this article. Manufacturers and owners sought...

The Cutting Edge of Tennessee Weapons Law: Knives, Suppressors, Short-Barrel Rifles and Shotguns

by James E. Wagner | Nov 10, 2022 | FIREARMS LAW: LOCKED, LOADED AND LAWYERED

Tennessee has modified its laws regarding knives, firearm suppressors (sometimes called “silencers”) and short-barrel rifles and shotguns.  Despite these changes in state laws, federal restrictions remain in effect. Tennessee has long regulated carrying certain...

Tennessee’s Permitless Handgun Carry Law

by James E. Wagner | May 7, 2021 | FIREARMS LAW, FIREARMS LAW: LOCKED, LOADED AND LAWYERED

Beginning in the late 1800s, Tennessee strictly regulated carrying handguns, by prohibiting carrying pistols “with intent to go armed” in public places. Exceptions were made for on one’s own property or place of business. In 1996, Tennessee adopted a handgun carry...