They Want to Ban Your Rifle – And the Supreme Court Might Finally Step In

Gun rights YouTuber Jared Yanis of Guns & Gadgets 2nd Amendment News opened his latest video with a stark warning: In some states, including Illinois, law-abiding citizens are waking up to find that firearms they’ve owned for years are now banned. Not just rifles like the AR-15, but also magazines that hold more than ten or fifteen rounds. “Imagine being told overnight that you’re now a criminal,” he said. For gun owners, this isn’t fiction – it’s the law in places where aggressive gun bans have been enacted.

The Illinois Law That Started It All

In early 2023, Illinois passed the “Protect Illinois Communities Act.” This sweeping law bans a broad class of semiautomatic rifles, pistols, and even magazines that hold more than ten rounds for long guns or fifteen for handguns. Jared made it clear that this law was a direct reaction to the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision, which reaffirmed the Second Amendment’s scope in June 2022. But instead of honoring that decision, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and state lawmakers doubled down on bans that affect millions of Americans.

Common Guns, Criminalized

Yanis emphasized that this law goes after some of the most popular firearms in the country, including AR-15-style rifles and standard-capacity magazines. “They criminalized lawful ownership,” he said. These are not exotic weapons. These are the same firearms used for self-defense, sport shooting, and competitions, many of which are found in homes across America. Jared argued that the law has no constitutional foundation and ignores recent Supreme Court precedent entirely.

A Judge Hits Pause on the Ban

The legal pushback came quickly. In April 2025, U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Illinois ban. McGlynn ruled that the state failed to demonstrate that the firearms and magazines in question were “dangerous and unusual” under the Bruen test. This test requires any modern gun law to align with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. According to Jared, this was a major win for gun owners, but the battle was far from over.

Illinois Appeals, Gun Rights Groups Step In

Following the injunction, Illinois filed an appeal with the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. That’s when the legal heavyweights entered the ring. Yanis reported that organizations like the Firearms Policy Coalition, Second Amendment Foundation, Gun Owners of America, and the National Association for Gun Rights have filed amicus briefs urging the court to uphold the injunction. These groups argue that there’s no historical precedent for banning firearms based on features or magazine size.

“This Is the One,” Says Jared Yanis

According to Jared, this case could be the one that finally makes it to the U.S. Supreme Court. “I feel your eyes roll,” he joked, acknowledging that many gun owners are tired of hearing that line. But this time, he believes, the pieces are falling into place. The justices recently declined to hear a different assault weapons case out of Maryland, known as Bianchi v. Frosh. Some experts believe the Court is waiting for a better vehicle, and this Illinois case might be it.

The Bruen Test Is at the Center of It All

At the heart of the debate is the Bruen decision, which set a new standard for evaluating gun laws. The decision requires governments to prove that any gun restriction has a clear historical analogy rooted in the time of the Founding. Jared made it clear that Illinois failed this test. “There’s no historical precedent for banning guns because they look scary or hold a few more rounds,” he said. According to the briefs, emotional arguments and fear-driven politics have replaced facts and history.

No Proof That the Ban Will Reduce Crime

Another key point raised in Jared’s video is that the Illinois law has no evidence backing its effectiveness. “Criminals don’t follow magazine limits,” he said. He pointed out that bans like this only disarm responsible citizens, while bad actors ignore the rules altogether. The government hasn’t shown that these bans will lower crime or prevent mass shootings. “This only impacts law-abiding American gun owners,” Jared added.

The Stakes Are National, Not Just Local

Yanis warned that what happens in Illinois won’t stay in Illinois. If the 7th Circuit upholds the ban, it could serve as a legal blueprint for other states. Places like New York, California, and Massachusetts could quickly use it to justify expanding their own bans. Worse, the ruling could pave the way for a nationwide prohibition on semiautomatic rifles and standard-capacity magazines. “This is a test case,” Jared said. “If they win here, they’ll take it everywhere.”

Time for the Supreme Court to Stop Hiding

Jared didn’t hold back his criticism of the Supreme Court. “They’re cowards for waiting,” he said. He believes the Court should stop punting and start doing its job – defending the Constitution. He wants them to hear this case, affirm Bruen, and strike down bans that ignore the Second Amendment’s plain text. “The Constitution hasn’t changed,” he said. “It’s always said what it says.”

Yanis Urges Gun Owners to Speak Up

The video ended with a passionate call to action. Jared urged viewers to stay informed, support the groups filing lawsuits, and get involved. “They’re banking on you being too lazy,” he warned. He encouraged Illinois residents to contact their lawmakers, demand repeal, and remind them that they won’t be disarmed. “Gun owners just want to be left alone,” Jared said, “but we will not be treated like criminals.”

Why This Case Could Change Everything

This Illinois case really could be the moment the Supreme Court stops skirting the core issue – whether states can nullify gun rights by labeling scary-looking rifles as “assault weapons.” The case is strong, the timing is right, and the legal groundwork is already set by Bruen. If the Court steps in, it could finally draw a hard line against states that trample the Second Amendment with vague, fear-based bans.

What makes this especially fascinating is how predictable the anti-gun strategy has become: Ban the gun, say it’s “common sense,” and shame anyone who disagrees. But the gun rights groups are no longer playing defense. They’re attacking these bans at the root – with law, history, and the very Constitution itself. Whether you’re a gun owner or not, this case could redefine how far states can go to strip away constitutional rights.

The Meaning of the Constitution

If the 7th Circuit stands with gun owners and the Supreme Court finally takes the case, this could be a landmark victory for the Second Amendment. But if they don’t, prepare for more bans, more lawsuits, and more erosion of gun rights, state by state. Jared Yanis is right about one thing: the fight isn’t just about Illinois. It’s about whether the Constitution still means what it says.