According to William from Copper Jacket TV, the long-running case Duncan v. Bonta is finally on the verge of reaching the Supreme Court – again. This California-based legal battle challenges the state’s blanket ban on magazines holding more than ten rounds. What makes it historic is how long it’s been bouncing between the courts. William described it as “the better part of a decade” in the making, going from district court to appeals court, then to the Supreme Court, and now circling back again. After years of legal pinball, it may finally get the attention it deserves at the nation’s highest bench.
What Started the Fight
Originally, California had a law banning the future sale of high-capacity magazines, but it allowed pre-ban ownership to continue. That changed when the state decided to outlaw even grandfathered magazines. As William explained, officials demanded residents surrender them, send them out of state, or destroy them altogether. That sparked the Duncan case, a direct challenge to what plaintiffs believed was a violation of Second Amendment rights. This isn’t about commercial sale anymore – it’s about possession, plain and simple.
Judge Benitez’s Bold Decision
The case was first heard by U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez – known among gun rights advocates as “Saint Benitez.” William credited him with applying a fair and constitutional lens to the case, ruling the magazine ban unconstitutional. This ruling led to a short but unforgettable period in California history known as “Freedom Week.” During that one week, Californians were free to buy any capacity magazine they wanted, and as William recalls, they did – cleaning out inventory across the country.
The Ninth Circuit Gets Involved
But the celebration didn’t last. The Ninth Circuit quickly issued a stay on Judge Benitez’s injunction. Although people were allowed to keep what they bought during Freedom Week, the case continued its long, tangled journey. Eventually, the Ninth Circuit ruled that the ban was constitutional. William explained that this sparked the case’s first trip to the U.S. Supreme Court – but the Court delayed acting until another major gun rights case, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, was decided.
The Bruen Gamechanger
The Supreme Court’s decision in Bruen changed the legal landscape. According to William, Bruen told lower courts they could no longer use an “interest balancing” test when it came to Second Amendment cases. Instead, they had to rely on the nation’s history, text, and tradition. With that guidance, the Supreme Court sent Duncan back to the Ninth Circuit. But instead of reconsidering the case directly, the Ninth Circuit sent it all the way back down to Judge Benitez for a redo.
Second Time, Same Verdict
After hearing the case again, Judge Benitez stuck to his original position. He ruled, again, that the magazine ban was unconstitutional. Yet once more, the Ninth Circuit upheld the ban despite the Bruen precedent. William didn’t hold back, calling the court “activists, not judges,” and accusing them of pushing California’s political agenda rather than following the Constitution. Now, the case is heading back to the U.S. Supreme Court for what could be the final time.
A Temporary Win for California Gun Owners
In the meantime, the California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA), Michelle & Associates, and other plaintiffs requested the Ninth Circuit delay enforcement of its ruling while they petition the Supreme Court. William admitted he didn’t expect the court to agree – but it did. The stay gives the plaintiffs 90 days to file with the Supreme Court. That deadline was originally July 18, but just this week, another extension was granted, pushing the new deadline to August 17.
No Legal Issues – Just Strategy
William made it clear there are no legal problems causing the delay. The reason for the extension is purely strategic. Since the case’s last round, other court decisions and precedents have come down that could help strengthen the Supreme Court petition. The plaintiffs want to include everything relevant – new rulings, constitutional arguments, and friend-of-the-court briefs from major pro-2A organizations like FPC, SAF, and GOA.
A Coordinated Effort
According to William, one of the smartest moves by the plaintiffs is allowing time for allies to submit amicus briefs. These are legal documents filed by third parties that support the case’s arguments and add additional reasoning. William believes this coordinated effort is designed to make the strongest possible appeal. “If it leads to a better outcome,” he said, “then by all means, take the time you need.”
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
This isn’t just a California case. If the Supreme Court takes it up and rules against mag bans, it could set a national precedent. That would affect states like New Jersey, New York, and others with similar bans. William called Duncan v. Bonta “the best mag ban case the Court has ever seen.” He emphasized that this case is final, unlike Ocean State v. Rhode Island, which was still ongoing in lower courts. There’s no more waiting. This is it.
Why This Case Matters
What makes this moment so important is how much ground the Second Amendment community has gained – and how much it could lose. The fact that law-abiding gun owners in California are told they can’t keep something they legally bought, sometimes decades ago, strikes a nerve with anyone who values due process and property rights. This case, as William rightly pointed out, has the potential to reset the rules nationwide and finally bring clarity to a debate that’s dragged on far too long.
A Supreme Chance
Here’s the part that fascinates me: Duncan has made two full trips up the judicial ladder, survived aggressive delays, and kept its momentum. That’s rare. Usually, a case dies in circuit court or gets denied review. The fact that this case is complete, post-Bruen, and fully prepped for a Supreme Court showdown makes it unique. The Court now has the opportunity to clearly define what “shall not be infringed” really means in the context of magazine capacity.
Looking Ahead to August 17
Now, all eyes are on August 17. That’s the day the Duncan v. Bonta petition is due to the Supreme Court. William says he expects the filing to be long, packed with history, and rich with constitutional analysis. And he’s hopeful the Court will finally take the case. If it does – and rules in favor of Duncan – it could mark the beginning of the end for magazine bans across America.
William of Copper Jacket TV has been covering this story for nearly a decade, and his latest update gives gun rights supporters real reason to stay alert – and hopeful. If the Supreme Court hears Duncan v. Bonta, it could change gun laws in every state. But if the Court declines, millions of gun owners in California and beyond could lose more than just their magazines – they could lose faith in the judicial system’s ability to protect constitutional rights.
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The article SCOTUS May Finally End Mag Bans Nationwide first appeared on Survival World.
Ed spent his childhood in the backwoods of Maine, where harsh winters taught him the value of survival skills. With a background in bushcraft and off-grid living, Ed has honed his expertise in fire-making, hunting, and wild foraging. He writes from personal experience, sharing practical tips and hands-on techniques to thrive in any outdoor environment. Whether it’s primitive camping or full-scale survival, Ed’s advice is grounded in real-life challenges.
