The Watchtower.
Observing the laws, traditions, technologies, and forces shaping the armed citizen.
The Watchtower serves as The Ninth Spur's intelligence and editorial chamber — a place for legislative monitoring, firearms history, technical analysis, cultural commentary, and dispatches from those standing watch.
Featured Dispatches.
Reports, analysis, and observations from beyond the gate.
The Art of Stock Finishing
Preserving wood, protecting legacy, perfecting craft. A workshop examination of boiled linseed oil, tung oil, polyurethane, Tru-Oil, and shellac — and where each finish belongs.
Read Full Dispatch →
June 14, 1777 — More Than Cloth and Color
A symbol carried into battle, defended through sacrifice, and forever tied to duty, honor, military service, and the American spirit.
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The Watchtower: Firearm Law Is Shifting Again
Federal firearm regulations, Supreme Court cases, and North Carolina legislation are moving quickly. The Watchtower examines what has changed, what remains pending, and what lawful gun owners should monitor next.
Read Full Dispatch →
1911 vs. 2011: Two Generations of the American Fighting Pistol
The 1911 and 2011 share a familiar silhouette, but their construction, capacity, handling, and intended roles tell two different stories. This dispatch examines where the designs diverge and why both continue to command loyalty.
Read Full Dispatch →A Carbine Returned to Its Second Hand
Three generations. Two oceans. One rebuild. A dispatch on stewardship and the quiet craftsmanship of preserving an inherited rifle.
Read Full Dispatch →The Unmarked Door, and Why It Stays So
On exclusivity that protects craft rather than performs it. A note on discernment, signal over noise, and the meaning of an unmarked door.
Read Full Dispatch →The Watchmen.
Those appointed to observe, interpret, and sound the warning.
The Watchmen are the voices stationed along the walls of The Ninth Spur. Each brings a distinct discipline, perspective, and field of observation to the Watchtower.
The Sentinel
Tracks bills, court rulings, regulations, and constitutional disputes affecting the armed citizen at the federal and state levels.
View Profile →The Armorer
Examines the mechanics, materials, construction, maintenance, and evolution of the tools we carry.
View Profile →The Chronicler
Records the lineage of arms, the doctrines of free people, and the traditions worth preserving.
View Profile →The Pathfinder
Studies readiness, marksmanship, medicine, movement, survival, and the quiet disciplines of capable citizens.
View Profile →Legislative Bill Tracker.
Federal and North Carolina firearm legislation, drawn from official records and updated automatically.
- FEDERAL·House·May 20, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1041) to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from transmitting certain information to the Department of Justice for use by the national instant criminal background check system; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6047) to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the dollar amounts for the payment of certain disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation under the laws administered by the Secretary; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1329) to permit the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum to be located within the Reserve of the National Mall, and for other purposes; and waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules.
HR1041 · 119th CongressVeterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from transmitting certain information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) utilized by licensed importers or dealers of firearms. Specifically, the bill prohibits the VA from transmitting personally identifying information of a veteran or a beneficiary to the NICS solely on the basis that such veteran or beneficiary has an appointed fiduciary to manage their benefits, unless there is an order or finding of a judicial authority that such veteran or beneficiary is a danger to themselves or others.
ffl and industryRead → - FEDERAL·House·Feb 25, 2026Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 447.
Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act
HR1181 · 119th CongressProtecting Privacy in Purchases Act This bill prohibits payment card networks from using merchant codes that distinguish firearms retailers from general-merchandise retailers or sporting-goods retailers. The Department of Justice must enforce this bill and report annually on the resulting investigations and cases.
firearm ownershipRead → - FEDERAL·House·Oct 03, 2025Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 289.
Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2025
HR38 · 119th CongressConstitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act This bill establishes a federal statutory framework to regulate the carry or possession of concealed firearms across state lines. Specifically, an individual who is eligible to carry a concealed firearm in one state may carry or possess a concealed handgun (other than a machine gun or destructive device) in another state that allows its residents to carry concealed firearms. It sets forth requirements for lawful concealed carry across state lines. The bill preempts most state and local laws related to concealed carry and establishes a private right of action for a person adversely affected by interference with a concealed-carry right established by this bill.
concealed carryRead → - FEDERAL·House·Apr 17, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
PROTECT the Second Amendment Act
HR2930 · 119th Congressfirearm ownershipRead → - FEDERAL·House·Mar 27, 2025Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act
HR2442 · 119th CongressFreedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act of 2025 This bill prohibits a state or any political subdivision of a state from imposing or collecting an excise tax on the sale of a firearm, ammunition, or any part or component of a firearm or ammunition by a manufacture or dealer.
ffl and industryRead → - FEDERAL·House·Feb 20, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
Veterans 2nd Amendment Restoration Act of 2025
HR496 · 119th CongressVeterans 2nd Amendment Restoration Act of 2025 This bill provides that certain individuals are not prohibited from purchasing, selling, or possessing a firearm or ammunition solely because the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has determined they require a fiduciary or are mentally incompetent (i.e., unable to manage their affairs). Under current law, it is unlawful to sell or otherwise dispose of any firearm or ammunition to any person who has been adjudicated as mentally defective. The bill provides that a person must not be treated as having been adjudicated as mentally defective solely because the VA determined the person requires a fiduciary or is mentally incompetent per its regulations. Within 30 days of the enactment of this bill, the VA must notify the Department of Justice (DOJ) that the VA's transmittals of certain information that was provided solely on the basis that a veteran's benefits are managed by a fiduciary were improper, do not apply, or no longer apply. This applies to VA transmittals to DOJ on or after November 30, 1993, for use by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for firearm transferees.
firearm ownershipRead → - FEDERAL·House·Jan 16, 2025Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
FIND Act
HR45 · 119th CongressFirearm Industry Non-Discrimination Act or the FIND Act This bill prohibits the federal government from entering into contracts with an entity that discriminates against firearm trade associations or businesses that deal in firearms, ammunition, or related products. Specifically, the bill requires a federal agency to include in each contract for the procurement of goods or services awarded by the agency a clause requiring the prime contractor to certify that it (1) has no policy, practice, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association; and (2) will not adopt a policy, practice, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association during the term of the contract. The bill establishes (1) a similar requirement with respect to subcontracts, and (2) penalties for violations. The bill makes such prohibition inapplicable to a contract for the procurement of goods or services that is a sole-source contract.
firearm ownershipRead → - FEDERAL·House·Jan 13, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Repeal the NFA Act
HR335 · 119th CongressnfaRead → - FEDERAL·House·Jan 03, 2025Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Abolish the ATF Act
HR221 · 119th CongressAbolish the ATF Act This bill abolishes the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
firearm ownershipRead → - FEDERAL·Senate·Jan 03, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
FIND Act
S137 · 119th CongressFirearm Industry Non-Discrimination Act or the FIND Act This bill prohibits the federal government from entering into contracts with an entity that discriminates against firearm trade associations or businesses that deal in firearms, ammunition, or related products. Specifically, the bill requires a federal agency to include in each contract for the procurement of goods or services awarded by the agency a clause requiring the prime contractor to certify that it (1) has no policy, practice, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association; and (2) will not adopt a policy, practice, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association during the term of the contract. The bill establishes (1) a similar requirement with respect to subcontracts, and (2) penalties for violations. The bill makes such prohibition inapplicable to a contract for the procurement of goods or services that is a sole-source contract.
firearm ownershipRead →
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