Category: Blog

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.

Every new firearm owner starts somewhere. Mistakes are often part of the learning process. Fortunately, many common mistakes can be avoided through education, training, and good judgment.

Mistake #1 – Buying before learning safety fundamentals.

Some individuals purchase a firearm before understanding their needs, abilities, or intended purpose. Taking time to research, handle, and test firearms can lead to better decisions.

Mistake #2 – Poor storage practices.

Safe storage should be considered before bringing a firearm home. Responsible storage helps prevent unauthorized access and theft.

Mistake #3 – Not understanding local laws.

It is every firearms owners responsibility to learn, know and understand the local laws in the jurisdiction that they are in. Using the excuse that ” I did not know” is not a valid reason for not knowing local laws.

Mistake #4 – Skipping professional training.

Many new owners rely entirely on information from friends, social media, or internet videos. Professional training provides structured instruction and helps establish safe habits from the beginning.

Mistake #5 – Not having an emergency preparedness mindset Call to action.

Prepared individuals are often better equipped to assist themselves and others during emergencies. Preparedness begins before an emergency occurs. Simple planning today can make a significant difference tomorrow.

Download our free First-Time Gun Owner’s Survival Guide for practical exercises, safety checklists, and beginner guidance.

We have finalized our NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course schedule for August 2026. Please see below flyers for dates and QR code for information.

Reflecting on Freedom: Honoring Our Founding Fathers This Fourth of July

Freedom, Responsibility, and the Legacy Passed Down Through 250 Years of American Independence

Reflecting on Freedom: Honoring Our Founding Fathers This Fourth of July

As the fireworks light up the summer sky and communities across America gather to celebrate the Fourth of July, we are reminded of the extraordinary courage and vision of those who founded our nation 250 years ago. This momentous anniversary not only highlights our shared history, but also the enduring values enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, documents that set our country apart and grant us freedoms many in the world can only dream of.

Celebrating 250 Years of American Independence

On July 4, 1776, a group of visionary leaders declared independence from British rule, forging a new path defined by liberty, self-governance, and the inherent rights of mankind. Their courage and wisdom are the foundation of the United States today. As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, it’s a time to reflect on the sacrifices, debates, and determination that birthed a nation unlike any before.

Our founding fathers: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and others crafted the blueprints for a society built on the principles of freedom, justice, and the rule of law. Their foresight produced not only the Declaration of Independence but, several years later, the Bill of Rights: ten amendments ratified to protect our essential liberties and ensure a government accountable to the people.

The Genius of the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence is more than a historical document, it is a statement of enduring values. Its most famous words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,” provide the philosophical bedrock upon which the United States was built. This assertion of equality, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness fundamentally changed the course of history.

Rarely, if ever, have so few achieved so much for so many. The commitment to these principles gave Americans. and countless people around the world a vision of what self-determination and dignified governance could look like. While our nation has not always perfectly fulfilled these ideals, the aspiration remains at our core.

The Bill of Rights: Safeguarding Our Freedoms

In 1791, the ratification of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights solidified protections for the American people. These critical provisions safeguard freedom of speech, religion, and the press; the right to assemble, petition, bear arms, and receive a fair trial; and protections against unreasonable searches, cruel punishment, and more.

For many, these rights transcend mere legal language: they are a way of life, a promise to each generation that their liberties will not be infringed. In a world where many do not enjoy such freedoms, Americans are uniquely privileged.

Our Responsibilities as Citizens Today

As we take this time to celebrate, it is also a moment to reflect on the responsibilities entrusted to us. The freedoms we enjoy are not simply a gift: they are a trust passed down through generations. Every American inherits not just the rights enshrined by the founders, but the duty to preserve, protect, and improve upon the country they handed to us.

Each of us can play a part: by voting, staying informed, contributing to our communities, and upholding the rule of law. At American Firearms Instruction, we believe in the importance of responsible firearm ownership, education, and safety. Our mission is to equip citizens with the knowledge and confidence they need to exercise their rights safely and responsibly, in the true spirit of our founding values.

Thank Those Who Came Before Us

On this July Fourth, take a moment to pause and reflect on the generations who have shaped the United States. Whether through military service, civic engagement, education, or daily acts of patriotism, countless individuals have shaped the landscape of freedom and opportunity that we cherish today. Let us show gratitude for the visionaries of 1776 and all who have protected and advanced their legacy ever since.

Passing on a Better America

We enjoy rights and freedoms that many in the world still hope to achieve. But with these gifts comes the responsibility to ensure future generations inherit a nation that is not only preserved but improved. This means nurturing our democracy, embracing civility over division, and committing ourselves to the principles of liberty and justice for all.

The founders could not have foreseen every challenge America would face, but their wisdom laid the groundwork for a nation capable of meeting the future’s trials. As beneficiaries of their brilliance, it is our obligation to be thoughtful stewards, innovators, and defenders of what makes the United States exceptional.

Celebrating and Reflecting: A Call to Action

As we raise our flags and celebrate with our families, let’s renew our commitment to the country our forefathers envisioned. The brilliance of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights is not confined to history books: it must be alive in our actions, our laws, and our hearts.

Let us honor their legacy by living up to their high expectations: treating one another with respect, serving our communities, and remaining ever watchful in safeguarding the freedoms we have inherited.

Happy Fourth of July from all of us at American Firearms Instruction. May we always be thankful, vigilant, and devoted stewards of the blessings of liberty!