New Mexico Democrats Advance Sweeping Semi-Auto Gun Ban
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Democrats in New Mexico, often called “The Land of Enchantment,” are moving forward with one of the most sweeping firearm bans ever proposed at the state level. Senate Bill 17, ominously titled the “Stop Illegal Gun Trade Act,” is an omnibus gun control package that would prohibit the sale of many of the most common firearms owned by Americans today.
The bill passed the Democrat-controlled New Mexico Senate on Feb. 7 by a narrow 21–17 vote along largely party lines. It now heads to the state House, where Democrats hold a 44–26 majority, making passage increasingly likely.
A First-of-Its-Kind Ban Based on Operating Systems
At the core of SB 17 is a ban on so-called “Extremely Dangerous Weapons.” This category includes:
.50-caliber rifles and their ammunition
Machine guns
Magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds
Gas-operated firearms, either with detachable magazines or fixed magazines exceeding 10 rounds
What makes SB 17 especially alarming is that it does not focus on cosmetic features—such as pistol grips or adjustable stocks—but instead targets firearms based on how they function mechanically. This makes it a first-of-its-kind ban in the United States.
Under the bill’s definition, a gas-operated firearm includes virtually any semi-automatic firearm that uses energy from a fired cartridge to cycle the action. That encompasses:
Long-stroke piston systems (AK-style rifles, M1A)
Short-stroke piston systems (AR-18s, CZ Bren, FN FAL, FN SCAR, HK416, M1 Carbine, Mini-14/30)
Direct impingement systems (AR-15 pattern rifles)
Blowback actions (most .380 pistols and AR-9 platforms)
Hybrid operating systems
In practical terms, this would ban nearly every modern semi-automatic rifle and carbine on the market, regardless of appearance or intended lawful use. Even firearms that would escape the operating-system ban, such as long-recoil shotguns like the Browning Auto-5 or short-recoil pistols like the M1911, Browning Hi-Power, Glock, and similar handguns, would still be restricted to 10-round magazines.
Selling an “Extremely Dangerous Weapon” under SB 17 would be classified as a misdemeanor, carrying civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. House Republican Leader Gail Armstrong condemned the bill, stating: “Senate Bill 17 is an attack on the Second Amendment and on the law-abiding New Mexicans who follow the rules. This bill punishes responsible citizens and small business owners while doing nothing to stop criminals who ignore the law.”
Beyond firearm bans, SB 17 imposes an extensive list of new mandates on federally licensed firearms dealers. These include enhanced security requirements, expanded record-keeping, mandatory reporting to the state, and employee standards that involve yet-to-be-defined initial and annual training programs. According to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety’s own analysis, enforcing SB 17 would cost taxpayers more than $1.5 million per year.
House Republican Whip Alan Martinez warned that the bill puts small businesses directly in harm’s way: “SB 17 puts local gun dealers in the crosshairs and risks driving them out of business. These are family-owned small businesses that serve their communities responsibly. Democrats are willing to sacrifice them to push a political agenda.”
Several pro-Second Amendment organizations have spoken out against the bill, including the National Rifle Association (NRA), the Sportsmen's Alliance, and the National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR). If SB 17 clears the House, it will land on the desk of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is backed by Everytown for Gun Safety and has consistently supported similar bans—both as governor and during her time in Congress in the 2010s.
Why Minnesota Gun Owners Must Pay Attention
This fight does not stop at New Mexico’s borders. Minnesota gun owners should be paying close attention, as several political leaders in the state have openly expressed support for bans modeled after legislation like SB 17. The trend is clear: gun control is no longer being shaped by local culture or state-specific concerns, but by national party platforms that are replicated state by state. What happens in New Mexico today can—and likely will—be introduced in Minnesota tomorrow.
SB 17 represents one of the most unconstitutional gun laws ever passed by a state legislature, targeting firearms in common use and directly contradicting Supreme Court precedent. Each new restriction emboldens lawmakers elsewhere, slowly eroding constitutional rights piece by piece. We are seeing other states such as Virginia, passing their own versions of bills such as this. The trend is in; Blue States are attempting to ram through anti-2A legislation at an alarming rate.
For gun owners in Southern Minnesota, 2 If By Sea Tactical remains your trusted local source for all things Second Amendment. As a premier indoor range and firearms retailer, 2 If By Sea Tactical is committed not just to training and equipment—but to education and awareness. Now more than ever, gun owners must stay informed, engaged, and ready to push back. The ground being taken is national, coordinated, and relentless. If we don’t fight it locally, we lose it everywhere.
Stay vigilant. Stay involved. And stand your ground.
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.
Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay ready.
