They have a national history that goes back four score and five years to the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA 1934).1 Being unable to succeed in their goal in one fell swoop, they have implemented bans on various firearms; and created a slowly growing list of prohibited persons who may no longer legally possess firearms.
Here is a short list of just some of their actions, both nationally and in various states and localities:
- 1911 - Sullivan Law in New York
- 1981 - Morton Grove, Illinois gun ban
- 1982 - Chicago gun ban
- 1990 - Mayland Saturday Night Special ban
- 1986 - Hughes Amendment gun ban
- 1997 - Lautenberg Amendment people ban
- 2018 - A proliferation of Red Flag laws, including one proposed in Tennessee.
- Folding or telescoping stock
- Pistol grip
- Bayonet mount
- Flash suppressor, or threaded barrel designed to accommodate one
- Grenade launcher
This Federal ban, which had a ten year sunset, could have been called a lipstick and eye-shadow ban because of the fact that it had no effect on the functionality of a firearm. It also included a ten round magazine capacity limit. A number of states and municipalities passed similar bans which are still in effect. Recently, there has been a spate of similar Goldilocks bans passed around the country.