What is the 922 rule?
Asked by: Marcelle Quitzon | Last update: January 30, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (60 votes)
The "922 rule" refers to 18 U.S.C. § 922, a key federal law regulating firearms in the U.S., primarily known for two main aspects: Section 922(g), which prohibits certain "prohibited persons" (like convicted felons, fugitives, domestic abusers) from possessing firearms, and Section 922(r), which restricts the assembly of semi-automatic firearms using too many foreign-made parts. It's a complex set of laws covering various unlawful acts related to firearm sales, possession, and manufacturing.
What is the 922r rule?
Any gun imported into the USA, has to follow 922r compliance. Plain language of the rule states: There are certain rifles and shotguns that may NOT be imported because they are not “suitable for sporting purposes” and it is illegal to assemble one of these banned rifles or shotguns from too many imported parts.
Is a felon in possession a 922 G?
§ 922(g). Section 922(g) makes it unlawful for prohibited persons to ship, transport, possess, or receive a firearm or ammunition, most commonly because of a prior conviction for a felony offense. Of the 7,419 individuals, 90.4% were convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) because of a prior felony conviction.
Has anyone been charged with 922r?
In the entire history of 922r, not a single private citizen has been prosecuted for a standalone 922r charge. There have been instances of 922r as a tack-on, but only after serious other problems.
What mental illnesses disqualify you from buying a gun?
Federal law disqualifies individuals from gun ownership if they have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution, found incompetent to stand trial, found not guilty by reason of insanity, or adjudicated as a "mental defective" by a court, meaning they are a danger to themselves/others or lack capacity to manage affairs; specific conditions like psychosis, severe depression, or bipolar disorder can lead to disqualification if they result in these legal findings, but a diagnosis alone isn't always enough, with "Red Flag" laws allowing temporary removal for dangerous behavior.
All About 922(r) - The Legal Brief
What are the 10 most disabling mental illnesses?
Mood disorders (major depressive disorder, mania, and dysthymic disorder), anxiety disorders (post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, specific phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder), alcohol use disorder, illicit drug use disorder, intermittent ...
What triggers a denied nics check?
A NICS check is denied (triggers a "deny" result) when the buyer matches records for federal prohibitions like felony convictions, domestic violence, unlawful drug use, being a fugitive, dishonorable military discharge, illegal alien status, or certain mental health adjudications; however, denials can also stem from mistaken identity, clerical errors, or unresolved charges that require more review, sometimes falsely flagging someone as prohibited.
Are black tip bullets illegal?
Black tip bullets, which are a form of armor-piercing (AP) ammunition, are federally legal for civilians to possess but have strict regulations for manufacturing, selling, and importing, with state laws adding further restrictions, especially concerning handgun AP ammo. While federal law bans AP handgun ammo, rifle AP ammo (like M2 AP black tip) remains legal for civilians to own and use for sporting/hunting if their state allows, though possessing or using it loaded in a handgun can be a felony in some states like Florida.
Can a felon own a gun in the United States?
The 1968 Gun Control Act and subsequent amendments codified at 18 U.S.C. § 921 et seq. prohibit anyone convicted of a felony and anyone subject to a domestic violence protective order from possessing a firearm.
What's the most you can sue a police department for?
There is no fixed limit on how much you can sue a police department for in a civil rights case. The amount awarded depends on injury severity, economic losses, and punitive damages. Some cases settle for thousands, while others, especially those involving wrongful death, result in multimillion-dollar verdicts.
What makes a gun charge federal?
What Makes a Gun Charge Federal? Although California has several laws regarding gun crimes in the state, gun charges become a federal offense when weapons or ammunition are shipped, transported, or received across state lines or for foreign commerce by unlicensed individuals, according to 18 U.S. Code § 922.
What is the mandatory minimum for 922 g?
18 USC § 922(g) & (n).
Punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment. May receive minimum sentence of 15 years without parole if offender has three or more prior convictions for a felony crime of violence (e.g. burglary, robbery, assault, possession of offensive weapons) and/or drug trafficking felony.
What are the exemptions for 922r?
The language of Section 922r stipulates clear exceptions to compliance. This includes: Licensed manufacturers who assemble such rifles or shotguns for sale/distribution to the United States, any of its departments or agencies, or any State and its departments, agencies, or political subdivisions.
What state has the freest gun laws?
There isn't one single state with the absolute loosest gun laws, as different states excel in lax regulations across various areas, but Mississippi and Wyoming consistently rank as having the weakest overall gun laws, with Mississippi having minimal policies and Wyoming lacking many common safety regulations like universal background checks. Other states like New Hampshire, West Virginia, Montana, and Arizona also feature very lenient laws, with permitless carry and strong self-defense protections being common themes.
Why does 922r exist?
922r Compliance refers to the legal stipulations set forth in Section 922(r) of the U.S federal law. This law primarily pertains to the manufacture and assembly of semiautomatic rifles and shotguns in the United States. It was designed to prevent the creation of new, non-sporting firearms from imported parts.
What states give felons gun rights back?
Several states, including Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, and South Dakota, offer paths for felons to regain gun rights, often automatically or via petition after waiting periods (5-15 years post-sentence), though processes vary significantly, with some states like Texas restoring home possession rights automatically, while Wyoming restores rights for nonviolent felonies after five years, highlighting diverse state approaches to firearm rights restoration.
What is the most felon-friendly state?
The most friendly state for felons is Vermont, where no felons are disenfranchised and no voting restrictions. In the US, there are 5.17 million people disenfranchised due to a felony conviction. There are 2 million people in prisons around the US.
Can two felons live in the same house?
If you have completed your sentence in full, nobody can restrict who you live with. Two felons can live together without any legal consequences.
What does a red tip ammo mean?
Red Tip Ammo Meaning
Military ammo with a red tip indicates tracer ammunition. Tracer bullets have a hollow base that is filled with magnesium. The flash from the propellant ignites this flammable metal which burns and becomes brightly visible in flight.
Why is 25 caliber prohibited?
25 cartridges, but the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms banned these truncated-cone bullets for their ability to pierce armor. The . 25 ultimately became a last-resort caliber. That means it was used only when larger guns were not available or in conditions where bigger guns couldn't be carried easily.
Is dragon's breath illegal ammo?
Yes, Dragon's Breath shells are illegal or heavily restricted in many U.S. states, including California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Iowa, Hawaii, and Alaska, due to their incendiary nature and significant fire hazard, with specific prohibitions on sale, possession, or use in those areas, though legality varies by state and local ordinances.
What is the hardest background check to pass?
The hardest background checks are typically US government security clearances (especially Top Secret/SCI) and those for high-level law enforcement, involving deep dives into criminal, financial (credit), employment, and personal history (interviews with associates) via extensive forms like the SF-86, far exceeding standard employment screening. These checks scrutinize all life aspects for integrity, reliability, and potential security risks, often requiring disclosure of past drug use, financial issues, and undisclosed criminal records, making them incredibly difficult to pass if issues exist.
What does VAF stand for?
Voluntary Applicant File (VAF)
Can you buy a gun after being denied?
If you've recently tried to buy a gun and were denied because of a failed background check, you may still be eligible to purchase and possess a firearm—and you may have a legal remedy under federal law.