FPC Rejects Cornyn's SHOT Act, Demands Stronger PLCAA Shield
Firearms Policy Coalition has formally called on Congress to reject Sen. John Cornyn's SHOT Act in its current form, arguing the legislation falls short of providing genuine legal protections the gun industry and broader Second Amendment community need. The coalition is pushing lawmakers to pursue real PLCAA reform — amendments to the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act — rather than settle for what it views as an inadequate compromise.
Key Details
- FPC's position: The SHOT Act does not go far enough in shielding manufacturers, dealers, and the 2A community from frivolous lawsuits.
- The alternative: Coalition demands Congress prioritize genuine PLCAA reform that closes existing legal loopholes and strengthens immunity for lawful industry actors.
- Timeline: Cornyn's bill has drawn scrutiny from Second Amendment organizations since its introduction, with disagreement centering on scope and enforceability of liability protections.
Why It Matters for Gun Owners
Liability protection directly affects your access to firearms and ammunition. Weak PLCAA language allows anti-gun plaintiffs to sue manufacturers into bankruptcy over criminal misuse — a strategy that bypasses legislative wins like Bruen. If Cornyn's SHOT Act lacks real teeth, gun makers face ongoing financial siege even when courts rule carry restrictions unconstitutional. That forces companies to settle cases rather than fight them, draining resources from R&D, compliance, and legal defense of Second Amendment rights. For owners, this means fewer product choices, higher prices, and manufacturers too financially hobbled to defend your rights in court or lobby for your interests.
DownRange Analysis
FPC is right to reject half-measures. The SHOT Act appears designed to give Republicans political cover without actually stopping the sue-and-settle model anti-gun groups use against the industry. Real PLCAA reform requires explicit language that bans lawsuits for criminal misuse, illegal transfers, and regulatory compliance disputes — not vague carve-outs that leave courtrooms open to creative plaintiff theories. Until Congress passes iron-clad immunity with no exceptions, gun makers remain litigation targets regardless of Bruen victories. Gun owners should contact their representatives now and demand they vote no on Cornyn's bill unless it includes FPC's stronger protections. Settling for less preserves the financial strangulation of American gun manufacturing.
