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Weekly Wrap: DOJ Continues Attack on Ghost Guns & FN Wins Army M240L Contract

The Dept. of Justice continues to target "ghost guns," 12 states support Mexico's lawsuit against gun makers, and the Army picks FN for M240L contract.

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So, keep reading for this week’s notable news headlines…

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DOJ Launches National Ghost Gun Enforcement Initiative

The Department of Justice continues to target so-called “ghost guns,” this time launching the National Ghost Gun Enforcement Initiative.

The move comes on the heels of a visit to New York City by President Biden and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to talk about gun violence prevention.

80% Arms GST-9 Tan in Box
80% Arms GST-9 Tan in Box

Under the new initiative, the DOJ aims to bring federal charges against citizens who use “ghost guns.” Additionally, the government looks to train prosecutors on ghost guns to better enforce laws against these types of firearms.

As a refresher, ghost guns commonly refer to 80% kits and receivers that allow the owner to complete a firearm without serializing it.

All Done with 80% Receiver
All Done with 80% Receiver

In April of 2021, Biden introduced executive actions against 80% kits, and the ATF went so far as to publish new guidance on 80% frames and receivers for comment.

Garland has also asked U.S. prosecutors to crack down on those who illegally sell or transfer guns used in violent crimes – prioritizing these crimes.

FN 502 - Shooting

Biden and Garland headed to NYC Thursday to discuss violent crimes in the famed city with Mayor Eric Adams (D) and New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D). Hochul, herself, has cracked down on ghost guns in the state, introducing new measures against 80% kits in October.

AGs in 12 States Back Mexico in Gun Industry Lawsuit

Attorney Generals in 12 states and the District of Columbia backed Mexico in a signed show of support as the nation sues several U.S. gun makers.

Glock G43X
Glock G43X

AGs in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Oregon, and the District of Columbia banded together in a 26-page brief to support the country’s federal lawsuit.

In the $10 billion suit, Mexico alleges that brands like Barrett, Beretta, Century Arms, Colt, Glock, Ruger, and Smith & Wesson played an essential role in the country’s violent narco wars.

Micro Compacts Ruger Max 9
Ruger Max 9

This comes despite the fact that the Mexican military controls the only legal gun store in Mexico, according to Guns.com.

Within the U.S., gun makers are shielded from lawsuits under the Protection of Lawful Commerce Act. But the brief argues that gun makers should be held accountable for crimes committed with their products.

The attorneys state that supporting Mexico in its endeavors also helps the U.S.

Inceptor 10mm 90 grain ARX frangibles and a trio of 10mm handguns. Matches made in frangible heaven.

“We also have a paramount interest in preserving all lawful tools— including statutory and common law remedies for unlawful conduct—to deter gun violence within our borders,” the brief said.

Worth mentioning that attorneys in Antigua and Belize also commented on violence in their countries as a result of American firearms.

Attorneys said gun makers in the U.S. “must not be permitted to hold hostage the law-abiding citizens of an entire region of the world,” according to Reuters.

Suppressed Handguns
Suppressed Handguns

Several gun manufacturers listed in the suit have requested the case be dismissed.

U.S. Army Selects FN for $50M M240L Contract

The U.S. Army has officially selected FN America to fulfill the M240L medium machine gun contract.

The $50 million award covers the cost of the new M240 Lima machine guns and titanium receivers.

M240L Photo Spc Javion Siders
A soldier fires the M240L. (Photo: Spc Javion Siders)

The M240L brings a lighter design – shaving off about 5 pounds compared to the current M240B model. It also features a barrel that is 4 inches shorter than standard M240B.

Chambered for 7.62x51mm NATO, the belt-fed M240L also sports a collapsible buttstock and MIL-STD 1913 rail.

U.S. Army Selects FN for $50M M240L Contract Photo Spc Javion Siders
Soldiers fire the M240L. (Photo: Spc Javion Siders)

The completion date for the M240L is set for January 2027.

Want to learn more about the current machine gun of choice — the M240B? Check out our Machine Gunner’s analysis.

Travis M240B Machine Gun Military
M240B

New Mexico Intros Stiffer Penalties for Gun Crimes

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a bill that would allow state judges to bestow harsher penalties on people with two gun-related crimes.

House Bill 6 imposes tougher consequences for brandishing a firearm in the commission of a crime as well as being a felon in possession of a gun.

Glock G43X Concealed Draw

If caught brandishing a gun, violators will face an extra three years behind bars instead of the current one-year standard.

For felons, possession of a firearm will yield a three-year sentence.

“We are working both to prevent crime and to hold criminals more accountable,” the governor said in a press release. “That is the type of smart, coordinated effort that New Mexicans demand and deserve.”

Compact Handguns

The new bill will go into effect in July 2022.

What do you think of the headlines above? Let us know in the comments. Also, catch up on other Weekly Wraps or news in our News Category.

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5 Leave a Reply

  • Commenter Avatar
    Douglas L Dicketts

    Maybe it wouldn't be such a problem if we had a southern border, you know, like every other country in the world.
    PS does Mexico think their drug cartels couldn't get guns from any other arms manufacturing country. This is normal Democrat behavior if you have a problem and you are part of that problem, blame the intimate object

    February 10, 2022 5:36 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Andrew J Sessions

    Great info!! Can you all go more into the ATF efforts to ban pistol braces and how that is going to look?

    February 6, 2022 4:08 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Jacki Billings, Editor

      Hey Andrew, thanks for reading! We have an article on the ATF vs. Pistol Braces you can read here: https://www.pewpewtactical.com/pistol-braces-and-the-atf/

      February 7, 2022 7:14 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    AJ Hodges

    If Mexico knew anything about how those guns got into thier country they would be suing the US government over Fast and Furious and maybe failure to enforce existing laws regarding straw purchasing and border protection. I think they are suing gun companies because it's not about the guns, it's about making some money and suing an industry that just experienced a massive spike in demand (and profit) seems like a good strategy.

    February 6, 2022 3:38 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    BassCliff

    The AGs backing the Mexican lawsuit should be fired and the suit dismissed. 80% kits should be left alone. Criminals that use a gun to commit a crime should go away for a long time. Congrats to FN. Thanks Jackie!

    February 6, 2022 12:53 am
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