Baltimore Settlement Signals Growing Push to Target Gun Industry Through the Courts

The city of Baltimore, MD has always had a crime problem. In recent years officals have used this to push their gun control agenda.

Baltimore officials are celebrating a legal win—but the implications go far beyond one firearms dealer. The city has reached a $2 million settlement with Hanover Armory, a Maryland-based retailer. This is a part of an ongoing effort to hold gun businesses responsible for criminal activity tied to so-called “ghost guns.”

What the Settlement Requires

Under the agreement, Hanover Armory will stop selling unserialized firearm kits. It does not stop there; however, they will also halt sales of items like forced reset triggers, bump stocks, and so-called “Glock switches”.

They will also have to hand over all purchasing and sales data with the city. They are mandated to report attempted purchases by prohibited or suspicious buyers, something FFLs already do. The deal comes after a $62 million jury verdict against the company—one of the largest ever against a gun dealer—which Hanover was in the process of appealing.

The Lawsuit Strategy

Baltimore filed the original lawsuit in 2022, partnering with Brady Campaign, arguing that Hanover Armory contributed to rising crime by selling unfinished firearm parts. City officials pointed to an increase in homemade firearms recovered by police and claimed the retailer “aided and abetted” that trend.

This case is part of a broader strategy of using civil lawsuits to reshape how firearms businesses operate. Another company, Polymer80, previously settled with Baltimore for $1.2 million. Since that settlement, they have gone out of business after facing similar legal pressure nationwide.

A Shift Away from Legislation

We are seeing this case present a growing trend. Gun control advocates and states are turning to gun control through litigation instead of legislation. Their failed attempts to pass new laws have them turning to other means in this fight.

This does go to show that they will never give up, just adjust their tactics. They are continuously filing new lawsuits and attempting to secure large financial judgments against gun shops and manufacturers. Once settlements are reached with he plaintiff, they craft language that has restrictions built into it.

The result of all of these lawsuits is defacto policy changes on firearms while bypassing the lawful legislative process. They are using courtrooms to attempt to circumvent the Second Amendment. This is a strategy we must fight back hard against and fast.

The Data-Sharing Angle

One of the most significant aspects of this settlement is the requirement for Hanover Armory to provide detailed yearly sales reports. They must also turn over all attempted purchases whether that purchase happened or not.

One must ask ow will this data be used and who will have access to it?  Baltimore has increasingly been at the forefront of the gun control push among blue states and that is the endgame here. They are hoping to use this judgement to scare or push out all gun shops in the area.

We’ve already seen concerns about registries and data misuse. Data breaches of gun owners are happening all over the world and this type of data collection provides some serious problems.

The Industry Impact

The reality is that even businesses operating within the law are impacted by cases like this. These types of cases increase legal risk which skyrocket insurance and compliance costs. The impact of that is felt on the consumer as, on order for gun shops to stay in business, the higher costs must be passed on.

We will increasingly see smaller companies squeezed out of the market. The Polymer80 case is a clear example of this. It shows how sustained legal pressure can remove companies from the market without a direct ban.

The Bigger Debate

We often see gun control supporters argue these lawsuits hold “bad actors” accountable and helps reduce crime. What us gun owners know is that criminal misuse is and should be prosecuted at the individual level. Lawful businesses are increasingly being blamed for third-party actions.

We cannot control the actions of individuals once they leave our premises. There is nothing we as business can do other than asks questions at purchase. As long as an individual gives no warning signs and passes a background check, they are entitled to exercise their constitutional rights.

This current approach we are seeing is designed to undermine industry protections like the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). This entire debate comes down to one question. Should manufacturers and retailers be held responsible for how their products are used by others?

What Comes Next

Baltimore officials have already made it clear that they do not view this as a one-off case. They are planning to continue pursuing similar lawsuits against firearms businesses. This falls in line with their broader legal strategy to go after the firearm industry as a whole.

We can expect more cases in an attempt to force more settlements. These officials understand this creates a snowball effect and will create more pressure on the industry. Their endgame is the complete disarmament of their citizens.

We are often asked here at 2 If By Sea Tactical why we continually report on issues like this. The answer is simple, we know that this settlement may look like a local issue—but it’s part of a national trend.

Gun control advocates are using the courts to regulate the firearms industry instead of legislation. They are doing this through financial pressure and legal risk. The hope is it will force the industry to take the compliance measures they dictate.

At 2 If By Sea Tactical, we’ll be watching closely—because what happens in cities like Baltimore often sets the stage for what comes next across the country.

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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