By Your Friendly Outdoor Expert - February 2026

Hey there, fellow outdoor enthusiasts and gun gear aficionados! Today, I want to chat about something that could shake up the landscape of gun rights in West Virginia: SB1071. This bill has the potential to restore machine gun rights in our beautiful state, and I'm excited to dive into what it means for all of us who appreciate the freedom to enjoy firearms responsibly.

What’s SB1071 All About?

So, here’s the scoop: SB1071 proposes the creation of a state-run Office of Public Defense within the West Virginia State Police. Sounds fancy, right? But what does it actually do? This office would be responsible for procuring and selling modern, select-fire machine guns directly to qualified, law-abiding citizens. Yes, you heard that right—bringing these powerful firearms back into the hands of responsible gun owners!

A Step Toward Responsible Ownership

Now, you might be wondering why this is such a big deal. Well, restoring machine gun rights isn’t just about the thrill of owning a piece of history or having some fun at the range; it’s also about ensuring that law-abiding citizens have access to modern firearm technology while promoting responsibility and safety. After all, we want everyone out there enjoying their outdoor activities without compromising safety!

Why Now?

The timing couldn’t be better for discussions around SB1071. With ongoing conversations about gun rights and regulations across the country, West Virginia has a unique opportunity to lead by example. By establishing a system that allows qualified folks to legally own machine guns under strict guidelines, we can demonstrate that responsible ownership goes hand in hand with safety.

How You Can Get Involved

If this sounds like something you’d like to support (and I bet it does!), here’s what you can do: Contact Chairman Willis! Let your voice be heard and express your support for SB1071. The more people who weigh in on this issue, the better chance we have of getting this bill a fair hearing. It’s time to rally together as a community passionate about both our rights and our responsibilities.

Wrap Up

So there you have it! SB1071 could open doors for many qualified citizens in West Virginia looking to enhance their collection or simply enjoy shooting sports with modern machinery. Let’s keep those conversations going and make sure our voices are heard on this important issue. Stay safe out there and happy shooting!