Firearm Rights Face Legal Crossroads: What Section 922(g) Changes Mean for Everyday Gun Owners

At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we are staunch defenders of the Second Amendment and the God-given right to self-defense. As the landscape of federal gun laws continues to evolve, particularly following judicial scrutiny of Section 922(g) of the U.S. Criminal Code, it’s more important than ever for responsible gun owners to stay informed and prepared. If you’re concerned about how recent legal decisions could impact your rights, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless.

What Is Section 922(g)?

Section 922(g) of Title 18 of the U.S. Code prohibits certain individuals from owning or possessing firearms.

Those banned include:

• Felons, regardless of the nature of their past crimes
• People subject to certain restraining orders
• Unlawful drug users or addicts
• Individuals with specific mental health histories

While intended to keep firearms out of the wrong hands, this law casts an incredibly wide net—sometimes including people who pose no threat whatsoever to public safety. The problem? It often overrides the Constitution without appropriate historical support or modern logic.

Courts Begin to Push Back

In light of 2022’s landmark New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, multiple federal courts have started re-evaluating the constitutionality of various provisions of Section 922(g). Bruen set a clear precedent: contemporary gun laws must be “consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.” Simply put, modern gun laws can’t go beyond what the Founders would’ve accepted.

Since then, several appellate courts have issued conflicting interpretations:

• The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the provision that barred gun ownership for people under domestic violence restraining orders, arguing it lacked historical precedent.
• The Eighth Circuit declared parts of 922(g) unconstitutional when it excluded non-violent felons from owning guns, citing a lack of evidence that such bans were historically applied.
• Other courts, however, have attempted to uphold 922(g) in full, creating legal chaos and confusion coast to coast.

This inconsistent legal landscape is alarming for law-abiding citizens who depend on their Second Amendment rights to defend themselves and their families. The disparity from one jurisdiction to another means that you could be a lawful gun owner in South Carolina and a criminal across the state line.

The Impact on Responsible Gun Owners

For those of us who live by the law, train regularly, and carry with purpose, the shifting policies around 922(g) reflect a broader governmental overreach that seeks to restrict rather than protect your freedoms. At Fortress Firearms Training, we understand what it means to take responsibility for your own safety. The tightening and inconsistent interpretation of gun laws disproportionately affect the good guys—honest citizens who simply want to protect their families.

Even more concerning is that these rulings are a symptom of a deeper battle. Anti-gun legislators are salivating at the opportunity to exploit legal ambiguities and pass more restrictive laws, all while ignoring the real issue: criminals don’t follow laws.

Gun Control Laws Miss the Mark

Let’s be clear: criminals, by definition, do not obey the law. Piling on more illegitimate restrictions only burdens citizens already trying to do everything right. Consider this:

• 80% of convicted felons who committed gun crimes obtained their firearms through illegal means
• Laws like 922(g) often punish non-violent individuals who’ve made minor mistakes decades ago, even if they’ve turned their lives around
• Defensive firearm use in the U.S. is estimated to occur over 1 million times per year—laws that bar citizens from carrying create soft targets, not safe communities

The Constitution isn’t a document of suggestions. It’s a charter of enduring rights—rights that don’t expire because you were once party to a non-violent offense or wrongfully included in an overly broad category.

Training Is the Best Defense

Despite the uncertain future of federal legislation, one thing hasn’t changed: your responsibility to be trained and prepared. That’s where Fortress Firearms Training comes in. Located right here in Fountain Inn, SC, we provide rigorous, hands-on programs that prioritize safety, situational awareness, and legal responsibility.

Our courses are ideal for:

• First-time gun owners seeking foundational education
• Concealed weapons permit (CWP) applicants looking to fulfill South Carolina requirements
• Experienced shooters wanting defensive refresher training
• Women and seniors interested in personal protection without relying on others

With gun ownership under attack, the best way to preserve your rights is to exercise them responsibly—and that starts with professional training. You can learn more or sign up for a class today at Fortress Firearms Training.

The Bottom Line: Keep Your Powder Dry

The unraveling legal status of Section 922(g) is just the beginning. As the courts wrestle with conflicting interpretations and apply the brakes to overbroad federal rules, now is the moment to reaffirm our commitment to the Second Amendment. Fortress Firearms Training stands behind every responsible gun owner who believes in liberty, accountability, and the need for an armed citizenry.

As we await final rulings from higher courts, including the Supreme Court’s potential review of Section 922(g), we must all remain vigilant. In the meantime, the best course of action is to:

• Stay informed about your rights and any federal or state-specific legal changes
• Get trained and maintain proficiency with your firearms
• Be politically active: support lawmakers and organizations defending your rights

Don’t let Washington dictate who is “worthy” of your rights. At Fortress Firearms Training, we believe every law-abiding American has the right—and the responsibility—to protect themselves and their loved ones. The erosion of those rights doesn’t happen all at once, but by inches. So stand firm, train hard, and never surrender your liberty.