Accessory Maker Settles in Buffalo Case — A Warning Sign for the
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Following years of litigation tied to the 2022 Buffalo grocery store attack, Georgia-based MEAN Arms has agreed to pay a $1.75 million settlement to victims’ families and survivors.
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the agreement this week. In addition to the financial settlement, MEAN Arms will permanently cease selling its MA Lock device in New York, revise marketing language, and notify retailers that the product cannot be sold or resold in the state. The MA Lock is a magazine-locking device designed to convert a detachable-magazine firearm into a fixed-magazine configuration—often marketed as a way to comply with state-level “assault weapon” restrictions, including New York’s SAFE Act.
The Buffalo attacker reportedly removed and disabled the magazine lock before carrying out the crime, allowing the use of banned 30-round magazines—despite state restrictions. Following the attack, Attorney General James, along with national gun-control organizations such as Everytown for Gun Safety and Giffords, pursued litigation against MEAN Arms. Plaintiffs argued that the company’s marketing of the MA Lock as a compliance device—while also providing instructions on removal—created liability under New York consumer protection statutes.
MEAN Arms attempted to invoke the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) (2004), which generally protects firearm manufacturers and sellers from being held liable for crimes committed by third parties using their products.
However, a New York state court ruled that the case could proceed under PLCAA’s “predicate exception,” which allows lawsuits to move forward if a company is alleged to have violated state laws applicable to the sale or marketing of its products. Rather than proceed through costly discovery and trial, MEAN Arms chose to settle.
Why This Matters to Gun Owners
This case represents more than a settlement—it signals a broader strategy. Blue states and gun-control advocates are increasingly attempting to pierce PLCAA protections by framing lawsuits around marketing claims, consumer protection statutes, or state-level compliance arguments. If successful, these efforts could chip away at one of the most important federal safeguards protecting the firearms industry from politically motivated and frivolous lawsuits.
PLCAA exists for a reason: firearm manufacturers cannot control the criminal misuse of lawful products any more than automakers can control drunk drivers. Weakening that protection sets a dangerous precedent. This is what gun owners are facing today—especially in states with arbitrary magazine limits and constantly shifting compliance rules. Companies design products to help customers navigate restrictive laws, yet they may still face litigation if a criminal ignores those laws.
Arbitrary Magazine Restrictions Create Legal Landmines
New York’s SAFE Act bans so-called “assault weapons” and limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds. In this case, the attacker bypassed those restrictions entirely showcasing the reality that bans do not stop criminals, but only restrict lawful users. The criminal, by definition, does not care about laws or regulations.
Instead of focusing solely on criminal accountability, the legal battle New York has pursued is targeting the manufacturer over an accessory. That should concern anyone who values due process and fair application of the law. The broader implication? If manufacturers can be held liable when criminals modify or misuse products, the entire industry faces increased legal exposure—especially in politically hostile states.
At 2 If By Sea Tactical, Southern Minnesota’s Premiere Indoor Range and Firearms Store, we believe staying informed is just as important as staying trained. This is exactly why we monitor and report on developments like this. These legal battles don’t stay confined to one state—they influence legislation, lawsuits, and regulatory strategies nationwide. Gun owners must understand the evolving legal landscape, especially as certain states and political leaders continue looking for creative ways to weaken PLCAA protections and impose backdoor liability on manufacturers.
2 If By Sea Tactical is your source for all things 2A. Whether that is exercising your 2nd Amendment rights by purchasing, shooting, or training. Or through staying up-to-date on news throughout the gun world, we are here to bring you comprehensive coverage. Our staff is here to serve you and all Americans by encouraging others to utilize their right “To Keep And Bear Arms”. We encourage every responsible gun owner to stay engaged and informed. What happens in New York today can shape policy conversations in Minnesota tomorrow.
Here at 2 If By Sea Tactical we strive to bring you the best experience in the firearms world. As we continue to grow the media arm of 2 If By Sea, make sure you keep tuning in to our Youtube and Rumble channels and right here at “The Patriot’s Almanac” to stay informed on the latest happenings in the firearm world! But we are not lawyers, so this isn't legal guidance. We are proud to be Southern Minnesota source for all things 2A.
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