The ban on ghost guns, privately made firearms without serial numbers, is set to take effect in Oregon starting Sunday following a federal judge’s denial of a legal challenge to block the prohibition. This decision comes after the U.S. Department of Justice reported recovering over 25,000 ghost guns in domestic seizures in 2022. Stephen Duvernay, a lawyer for the Oregon Firearms Federation and the Firearms Policy Coalition Inc., argued that self-made guns without serial numbers are common in the U.S. and adding serial numbers to their guns or gun parts would be impractical. The law requires firearms made after Oct. 22, 1968 to have a serial number, with violators facing fines or potential incarceration.
State Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, a Democrat, had pushed for the ban on ghost guns for years before it was passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2023. Rosenblum emphasized that unserialized guns are detrimental to public safety, as they are difficult to trace and primarily benefit criminals seeking to avoid detection. Those in possession of firearms without serial numbers are required to have them added by federally licensed gun dealers to comply with the new law. Since July 2023, Oregon has also prohibited the sale, transfer, and import of unserialized firearms, as well as firearms that cannot be detected by metal detectors or X-ray machines.
Rosenblum urged responsible gun ownership, emphasizing the importance of understanding and complying with the new law to ensure the safety of families and communities. Oregon now joins other states, including California, Washington, and Nevada, in regulating ghost guns to prevent their proliferation and potential misuse by individuals seeking to evade the law. The ban on ghost guns reflects a broader effort to address the issue of unserialized firearms, which pose a significant challenge to law enforcement agencies in tracking and preventing gun-related crimes.
The ban on ghost guns in Oregon marks a significant step towards curbing the availability of untraceable firearms in the state, with the goal of reducing the potential for gun violence and illegal activities involving these weapons. The law imposes penalties for violations, with fines escalating for repeat offenders, and aims to ensure that all firearms adhere to the necessary regulations to enhance public safety. By requiring serial numbers on firearms and prohibiting the possession of undetectable weapons, Oregon is taking proactive measures to address the risks associated with ghost guns and prioritize the well-being of its residents.
While the ban on ghost guns has faced legal challenges and opposition from certain groups, proponents of the law emphasize its importance in safeguarding communities and preventing criminal access to untraceable firearms. By regulating the manufacture, sale, and possession of ghost guns, Oregon is aligning itself with other states in addressing this issue and signaling a commitment to responsible gun ownership. As the ban takes effect, it is crucial for gun owners and dealers to familiarize themselves with the requirements and ensure compliance to avoid facing penalties under the new law. Overall, the ban on ghost guns in Oregon represents a significant legislative milestone in enhancing public safety and addressing the challenges posed by unserialized firearms.
