DOJ Lets Texas Ruling Loosening Silencer, Short-Barrel Gun Rules Take Effect
The Justice Department allowed a federal judge's Texas ruling that loosens rules on silencers and short-barreled guns to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Central on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026.[1]
The injunction applies to plaintiffs in two consolidated Texas lawsuits, including gun groups and manufacturers, and may extend to all members of Gun Owners of America.[1] Gun Owners of America and Silencer Shop said they conducted the first lawful suppressor transfers without National Firearms Act registration since 1934.[1] The Justice Department said it is assessing the ruling and could still appeal.[1] Gun-control groups Brady and Giffords condemned the department's decision not to seek a stay.[1]
On August 5, 2026, Judge James Wesley Hendrix ruled that the National Firearms Act's registration scheme for silencers, short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns is unconstitutional.[1] Hendrix's decision followed Congress's 2025 move to zero out most transfer and making taxes tied to the law.[1]
Hendrix gave the Justice Department one week to seek a stay, but DOJ did not and the judge's injunction took effect at 12:01 a.m. Central on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026.[1]
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- On August 5, 2026, Judge James Wesley Hendrix ruled that the National Firearms Act’s registration scheme for silencers, short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns is unconstitutional after Congress zeroed out most related transfer and making taxes in 2025.
- Hendrix gave the Justice Department one week to seek a stay; DOJ did not do so, and the ruling took effect at 12:01 a.m. Central time on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
- The injunction applies to plaintiffs in two consolidated Texas lawsuits, including several gun groups and manufacturers, and may cover all members of Gun Owners of America.
- Gun Owners of America and Silencer Shop reported conducting the first lawful suppressor transfers without NFA registration since the act was enacted in 1934.
- Gun-control groups Brady and Giffords condemned DOJ’s decision not to seek a stay, while DOJ said it is assessing the ruling and still could appeal.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time