Preserving Our Second Amendment Rights Begins with Education and Training

This week’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to turn away challenges to bans on so-called “assault weapons” in several blue states should concern every law-abiding gun owner in America. It shows a dangerous trend: states like Illinois and Maryland openly undermining the Second Amendment — and the federal government shirking its responsibility to hold them accountable.

At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, we believe that a well-armed and well-trained population is the best defense against tyranny, criminal threats, and the slow erosion of our constitutional liberties. While the recent court decisions are disappointing, they only fuel our resolve to educate, train, and empower citizens to exercise their rights responsibly and confidently.

The Second Amendment Is Not a Suggestion

Let’s be clear: the Second Amendment’s declaration that “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed” is not ambiguous. Yet, several states have adopted sweeping bans on modern sporting rifles, labeling them “assault weapons” and restricting magazine capacities. These are the same tools used by thousands of Americans for home defense, competition, and preservation of liberty.

The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear appeals in challenges to these bans—despite the clear precedent set by the 2022 New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen decision—signals a troubling deference to local legislatures more interested in scoring political points than preserving fundamental freedoms.

Why This Matters to You, Right Now

While South Carolina remains a pro-2A state, we must not grow complacent. Legal interpretations shift, and what happens in Illinois, California, and Maryland today could very well influence federal standards tomorrow. That’s why it’s critical for gun owners in the Palmetto State to remain informed, vigilant, and prepared.

At Fortress Firearms Training, our mission is to help you confidently exercise your Second Amendment rights through proper training and education. We don’t just teach marksmanship—we train responsible citizens to be proactive protectors of life and liberty.

What We Offer at Fortress Firearms Training:

• Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) Classes: Get certified with state-approved concealed carry training. Know the law, sharpen your skills, and carry with confidence.
• Basic and Advanced Pistol Courses: Whether you’re a first-time shooter or a seasoned firearms owner, our customized courses help you improve accuracy and tactical awareness.
• Home Defense Strategies: Learn how to secure your home and respond effectively to threats, ensuring the safety of your loved ones.
• Private Training Sessions: One-on-one or small group instruction tailored to your skill level and personal defense goals.

The Real Agenda Behind “Assault Weapon” Bans

The term “assault weapon” is intentionally vague, deliberately used to stir emotion rather than inform policy. Most of the banned firearms share the same function as other legal semi-automatic firearms: one bullet per trigger pull. What makes them undesirable for anti-gun politicians is their effectiveness and popularity.

Bans on these firearms do nothing to reduce crime rates. In fact, violent crime continues to rise in the very states enacting the strictest gun control measures. This is not about public safety. It’s about control. The ultimate goal is to chip away at gun rights until the Second Amendment is merely symbolic.

Armed and Educated Citizens Are the Best Defense

Criminals don’t obey gun laws. Disarming honest Americans only emboldens those who have no regard for law or life. The left’s fixation on restricting legal gun ownership shows a fundamental misunderstanding of what keeps communities safe: personal responsibility, situational awareness, and the readiness to act when seconds count.

Training is the bridge between owning a firearm and knowing how to use it responsibly. That’s why at Fortress Firearms Training, we emphasize not just range proficiency, but legal and ethical instruction. We believe a gun is only as effective as the person behind it.

We Can’t Rely on Courts to Defend Our Rights Alone

While we hope the Supreme Court will, in future sessions, uphold the Second Amendment in full — as clarified by their own Bruen ruling — we must recognize the battle for our rights is not fought only in Washington. It’s a daily exercise in our communities, our state houses, and our training grounds.

Your role as a responsible firearm owner is vital. Don’t leave your protection—or your rights—in the hands of bureaucrats. Take initiative. Get trained. Teach your family. Empower your neighbors.

Stand Up, Get Trained, and Be Prepared

This isn’t the time to be silent. It’s time to double down on the values that built our nation: freedom, independence, and self-reliance. The Supreme Court’s decision may have dealt a temporary blow, but it does not change the truth: the right to bear arms is a bedrock American principle worth defending at all costs.

Join us at Fortress Firearms Training and become part of a proud tradition of informed, prepared, and principled patriots. Because defending your rights doesn’t start in the courtroom — it starts with you.

Now is the time to train. Now is the time to lead. Now is the time to stand.