Friday, July 17, 2026, is a day that many New Jersey firearms owners will remember for a long time.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit issued its decision in ANJRPC v. Attorney General of New Jersey (Case No. 24-2415), and it is nothing short of a landmark victory for the Second Amendment. I cannot begin to describe how excited I was when I read this opinion.
For years, law-abiding gun owners in New Jersey have been told that they could not own commonly owned semi-automatic rifles or magazines holding more than ten rounds because the State claimed those restrictions were constitutional.
The Third Circuit disagreed. The Court held that New Jersey’s ban on semi-automatic rifles covered by its Assault Firearm Provisions violates the Second Amendment. It also held that New Jersey’s ban on magazines holding more than ten rounds violates the Second Amendment.
That is a tremendous victory for every responsible firearms owner who has continued to stand for constitutional rights. This decision is about far more than a particular firearm or magazine. It is about reaffirming that constitutional rights do not disappear simply because a state legislature decides it would rather citizens not exercise them.
The Second Amendment is part of the United States Constitution. Like every other constitutional right, it exists to protect the liberties of the people, not to be ignored when it becomes politically inconvenient.
As someone who has dedicated my career to firearms safety, responsible gun ownership, and educating citizens, I am overjoyed by this decision. I have always believed that rights and responsibility go hand in hand. Responsible, law-abiding Americans should never be treated like criminals for owning firearms that are in common use across this country.
This case is another reminder that our constitutional system works. Laws can be challenged. Courts can review them. And when those laws conflict with the Constitution, they can be struck down.
There is still work ahead. Additional proceedings remain, and this case may ultimately find its way to the United States Supreme Court. But today is unquestionably a victory worth celebrating.
On Friday, the Constitution, the Second Amendment and law-abiding New Jersey firearms owners won.
Anyone wishing to read the case judgement can select the button below.
