Waiting Periods, VA Ban on Hold: This Week in FFL News

Colorado and Maine waiting-period cases advance, Virginia's assault-weapons challenge is paused while SCOTUS weighs a similar case, and ATF's direct-to-home shipping rule closes its comment window. This week's digest for FFL dealers.

By Fred Thompson •

Retail FFLs Are Dwindling: 5 Growth Strategies That Still Work

Retail FFL numbers are falling while direct-to-home shipping and online marketplaces rise. These five growth strategies — local search, NFA authority, used-gun digitization, transfer revenue, and rule-change positioning — still work for dealers who execute.

By Gary Stone •

Silencer Rules Lapse, Direct-to-Home Shipping Looms

The administration let 90-year-old silencer regulations lapse after a federal court ruling, while a proposed rule could open direct-to-home gun shipping. Here is what FFL dealers need to know this week.

By Fred Thompson •

DOJ Lets Silencer, SBS & SBR Ruling Stand: Dealer Impact

The Justice Department is leaving in place a court ruling that deregulates silencers, short-barreled shotguns and certain rifles — the biggest federal story for FFL dealers this week. Plus: state pushback, Guns.com's new ecommerce platform, and the Celerant-Slingit used gun partnership.

By Fred Thompson •

What the 2026 ATF Deregulation Means for FFL Dealers

The DOJ let silencer, shotgun and rifle deregulation stand, and a direct-to-home shipping rule is on the table. Here's what that means for FFL economics — and how dealers should position for the next 12 months.

By Mark Edwards •