Rhode Island Ban Also Left Standing: High-Capacity Magazine Challenge Derailed
In a parallel case, the justices also declined to hear a challenge to Rhode Island’s ban on large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, brought by Ocean State Tactical LLC and four residents. They argued the ban failed under Bruen‘s historical test, but the First Circuit upheld the restriction without separate commentary from the Supreme Court.
The challengers, represented by former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement, claimed lower courts rubber-stamped unconstitutional restrictions under the guise of tradition.
States and Gun Rights Groups Demand Certainty
The pressure on the court is mounting. Twenty-seven states and the National Rifle Association filed amicus briefs urging review, arguing the Fourth Circuit sidestepped constitutional text and substituted historical cherry-picking in its ruling. They warned that if left unchecked, courts could ban any weapon by invoking vague historical analogies.
“The court decided an assortment of minor laws justified banning common arms,” the NRA stated. “That logic would have upheld the handgun ban struck down in Heller.”
Meanwhile, pro-gun-control states and lawmakers argued the court should allow more cases to percolate, letting appellate courts refine the doctrine before a national standard is imposed.
