Understanding the Latest Indiana Court Ruling and Its Implications for Second Amendment Supporters

The recent decision by the Indiana Court of Appeals—which claims the Second Amendment does not protect machine gun ownership—should raise serious concern among law-abiding gun owners and constitutional patriots. While the Second Amendment clearly affirms our right to bear arms, activist courts continue to chip away at that freedom under the guise of “public safety.”

At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we believe in individual liberty, personal responsibility, and the inalienable right to self-defense. We also believe Americans should be fully educated and trained in safe, responsible gun ownership—regardless of shifting legal interpretations by unelected judges.

The Case: What Happened in Indiana?

Richard Alan Ballard, a respected military veteran, was convicted of possessing a machine gun in Indiana. He argued that his Second Amendment rights had been violated. However, the state appeals court upheld his conviction, stating that even though the U.S. Supreme Court’s Bruen decision emphasized a “historical tradition” of firearm regulation as a benchmark, that tradition doesn’t extend to machine guns.

In rendering their decision, the court essentially argued that the Founders never intended for Americans to possess what they consider “modern weaponry.” This echoes the same flawed logic we’ve seen used in various gun control proposals—limit ownership based on subjective and inconsistent definitions of what constitutes a “military-style weapon.”

Why This Ruling Should Concern You

This ruling represents a dangerous precedent, because it opens the door to redefining what types of firearms are “protected” under the Second Amendment. If machine guns can be banned today, what’s to stop legislatures and courts from banning AR-15s or semi-automatics tomorrow?

What’s often overlooked is this: The Second Amendment wasn’t written to protect only the means of self-defense that were available during the 1700s. It was written to enshrine the principle that the people—not the government—are the ultimate defenders of liberty. That necessarily means maintaining access to effective, modern tools of defense.

Why “Dangerous and Unusual” Is a Dangerous Standard

The Indiana court leaned heavily on Justice Antonin Scalia’s phrase in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), which stated that the Second Amendment doesn’t protect “dangerous and unusual” weapons. But that standard is highly subjective. A firearm can be “dangerous,” but if it’s in “common use,” it’s supposedly protected. It begs the question: who gets to decide what’s common? The courts? The media? Anti-gun lobbyists?

This outcome gives unelected government officials—state legislators, bureaucrats, and judges—the power to arbitrarily redefine which weapons fall under constitutional protection. That’s not only unconstitutional, it’s offensive to anyone who values self-defense, property rights, and freedom from tyranny.

Liberty Doesn’t Come with Fine Print

Every time a new law, regulation, or court ruling seeks to “clarify” or “limit” the Second Amendment, understand that it is effectively rewriting the Constitution without a constitutional amendment. This ruling follows a trend in blue states and increasingly in red states, where conservative principles give way to political expediency around the issue of firearms ownership.

If they can convince you that liberty needs limits for the “greater good,” you’re already on the path to losing that liberty altogether.

Here’s What You Can Do

If you’re reading this and wonder what role you can play, here are a few simple but impactful steps:

• Stay informed. Follow legislation and court rulings that affect your rights as a gun owner.
• Get trained. Whether you’re new to firearms or a seasoned enthusiast, proper training is paramount. At Fortress Firearms Training, we offer hands-on, real-world instruction for shooters of all levels.
• Join pro-2A organizations. Organizations like the NRA or Gun Owners of America are often on the front lines challenging unconstitutional rulings.
• Speak up politically. Call your representatives. Show up at town halls. Let them know you vote and that your vote is based on preserving Constitutional rights.

Why Firearms Training Matters Now More Than Ever

In an environment where your rights are under constant assault from the judicial bench to the legislative chamber, it’s vital to be more prepared—not less. Guns in the hands of responsibly trained citizens are not threats. On the contrary, they are protectors of family, community, and country. The narrative that “more restrictions lead to fewer crimes” is a myth that ignores data and common sense.

At Fortress Firearms Training, we reinforce the truth that firearms training saves lives and teaches responsibility—not fear. Our courses cover handgun fundamentals, concealed carry preparation, self-defense tactics, and more. We are proud to serve the Upstate South Carolina community and beyond with the education and skills you need to be a safe, confident gun owner.

We train not because we live in fear—but because we live with responsibility.

The Battle for the Second Amendment Is Ongoing

The Indiana ruling is just another chapter in an ongoing legal and cultural battle over gun rights in America. For every gain made by the pro-2A community, there’s often a counter punch by those who favor strict government control over individual freedoms.

Don’t let apathy win. Every freedom guaranteed under our Constitution is only as strong as our willingness to protect it. Whether you’re concerned about self-defense, defending your loved ones, or guarding against tyranny, remember that the right to bear arms is not a privilege—it’s a birthright.

Join the movement—get trained, stay informed, and never surrender your freedom without a fight. Visit Fortress Firearms Training today and find a course tailored to your needs, operated by American patriots who live and breathe Second Amendment values.