By AmmoLand Contributor - December 2025

If you’re into gun gear and keeping up with firearm laws, you’ve probably heard the buzz around the National Firearms Act (NFA) and the Department of Justice’s latest moves. Things are getting a bit interesting—and maybe even a little sneaky. The Trump administration stepped in with a brief defending the NFA, which on the surface seems straightforward. But is there more to this story? Could this be a strategic play to push the NFA all the way to the Supreme Court, only to flip the script once it gets there? Let’s break it down.

The DOJ’s Brief: What’s Going On?

Back in the day, the Trump administration filed a legal brief defending the NFA, the federal law that regulates items like silencers, short-barreled rifles, and machine guns. This seemed like a solid move for gun rights advocates, right? But here’s where it gets tricky. Some experts think this defense might be a setup for a “Windsor moment.” That’s a nod to the 2013 case United States v. Windsor, where the government initially defended the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) but then essentially switched sides in the Supreme Court. Could the DOJ be planning the same with the NFA?

What a “Windsor Moment” Could Mean for the NFA

If the DOJ does pull a Windsor, it means they’d defend the NFA up through the lower courts, but once the case hits the Supreme Court, they might turn around and argue against it. For gun owners and outdoor enthusiasts who rely on gear regulated by the NFA, this could be a game-changer. We’re talking potential challenges to decades-old regulations that have shaped how we use and carry certain firearms and accessories.

Why This Matters to Outdoor and Shooting Communities

Whether you’re a hunter, a competitive shooter, or just someone who loves having the right gear for the range or backcountry, the N