Supreme Court Upholds Federal Regulations on ‘Ghost Guns’ in Major Ruling
When exactly did ghostly firearms become a federal concern? Turns out, a while ago. But on March 26, 2025, the Supreme Court finally sealed the deal with a 7-2 decision upholding federal regulations on these untraceable weapons. Justice Neil Gorsuch, a Trump appointee no less, wrote the majority opinion. Surprise!
The ruling affirmed the ATF’s interpretation of the Gun Control Act of 1968, giving them authority to regulate weapon parts kits and unfinished frames that can be “readily converted” into working firearms. Not all parts kits, though. Just the ones practically begging to become guns. The Court rejected arguments that the ATF had overstepped, comparing ghost gun kits to starter guns. Same difference, apparently.
This decision means real changes. Background checks for ghost gun kits. Serialization requirements. No more anonymous weapons for people who can’t pass a background check. Manufacturers and sellers? They’re feeling the pinch now. The ATF finally has teeth to enforce rules aimed at reducing untraceable firearms.
The ruling significantly dodged Second Amendment issues entirely. Smart move. Instead, it focused narrowly on interpreting existing firearms laws. It’s a precedent-setter for regulating evolving firearms technology, though the Court left wiggle room for case-by-case evaluation of different weapon parts kits. The ban directly addressed weapons that are easily assembled from parts and lack serial numbers. Bureaucracy at its finest.
Public safety was clearly on the justices’ minds. Cities have reported surges in crimes committed with ghost guns – an estimated 71,024 unserialized crime guns recovered between 2016-2022. The Justice Department noted that regulations had already led to a significant decrease in ghost gun recoveries in major cities. Yikes. LAPD already saw a 50% drop in ghost gun recoveries since 2022 when initial regulations took effect. Numbers don’t lie.
Politically, this upholds the Biden administration’s 2022 rule. Curiously, the Trump administration never opposed the ghost gun ban. Makes you wonder about those Trump-appointed justices, doesn’t it? Especially after they struck down the bump stock ban in 2024.
Not everyone on the bench was happy. Thomas and Alito dissented, with Thomas arguing the majority fundamentally rewrote the law. Alito suggested a narrower ruling was possible. Both raised concerns about executive branch overreach. Classic conservative playbook.
The ghost gun industry just took a major hit. Law enforcement is celebrating. Gun violence prevention groups are claiming victory. The Court specifically cited Polymer80’s Buy Build Shoot kit as an example of products now subject to regulation. Recent polling by Johns Hopkins Center reveals strong bipartisan support for these regulations, with 67% of Trump voters and 69% of Republicans favoring them. And Americans keep arguing about guns, as we’ve done since 1776. Some things never change.
