GOA’s Federal NFA Win Leaves PA Gun Owners in Legal Limbo: AG Sunday Must Act NOW!

Following a massive legal victory by Gun Owners of America, law-abiding Pennsylvanians are finally seeing unconstitutional federal overreach dismantled.

In Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF, the federal court struck down the National Firearms Act’s unconstitutional registration and transfer scheme for short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, silencers, and “any other weapons.” ATF followed up with an Open Letter conceding they will no longer require registration or approval for these items.

This should be a monumental win for your God-given rights.

Instead, Pennsylvania gun owners and dealers have been left in dangerous legal limbo.

Because of ambiguous language in Pennsylvania’s Crimes Code—specifically Title 18, Section 908 (Prohibited Offensive Weapons)—law-abiding citizens who exercise their constitutionally-protected rights could face criminal investigation, bogus arrests, and first-degree misdemeanor charges carrying lifetime federal firearm bans.

Make no mistake: Section 908 was NEVER meant to target everyday citizens exercising their Second Amendment rights.

Under a plain reading of the text:

• Silencers are not firearms under Pennsylvania law, do not expel a projectile, and are NOT offensive weapons.
• Short-barreled rifles and “any other weapons” are not even mentioned anywhere in Section 908.
• Factory-made short-barreled shotguns have never been “sawed off” and fall entirely outside the statute.
• Furthermore, Pennsylvania law provides clear statutory protections for anyone who possesses a firearm for lawful purposes, such as self-defense, hunting, or sport.

Yet, without clear direction from the Commonwealth’s top law enforcement officer, rogue interpretations could lead to Pennsylvania State Police and district attorneys targeting innocent gun owners who legally purchase or possess these items.

Gun owners and firearm dealers should NOT have to guess whether exercising their rights will result in handcuffs and a criminal record.

That is why GOA has urged Attorney General Dave Sunday issue a formal legal opinion protecting Pennsylvania gun owners.

We delivered a comprehensive legal analysis to AG Sunday’s desk showing that Section 908 does not apply to these items, and strongly urged that his office advise the Pennsylvania State Police to conform their enforcement policies immediately.

Now, Attorney General Sunday needs to hear directly from YOU.

We need AG Sunday to stand up for the rule of law, issue a favorable opinion affirming GOA’s statutory interpretation, and ensure the Pennsylvania State Police do not trample on our rights.

That’s why I need you to send a message to Attorney General Dave Sunday right away by using the form above.

Urge him to issue written guidance confirming that Title 18, Section 908 does not criminalize silencers, short-barreled rifles, and related items, and ask that he instruct the PSP to respect the rights of law-abiding Pennsylvanians.

Please take action immediately!