Franklin Armory has officially resumed sales of its groundbreaking Reformation® firearm—this time with the full force of federal law on its side.
Following a decisive legal victory over the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Nevada-based gunmaker announced this week that Reformation is back on the market, available in both 7.5-inch and 11.5-inch barrel configurations. The key difference? This time, it’s clearly and unequivocally classified as a non-NFA “firearm” under the Gun Control Act (GCA)—no tax stamp, no special paperwork, and no NFA nonsense.
What Is the Reformation?
First unveiled in 2017, Franklin Armory’s Reformation is a unique firearm that doesn’t fit the traditional definitions of rifle or shotgun. It features a patented barrel design called NRS™ (Not a Rifle or Shotgun), which uses straight-cut lands and grooves rather than traditional rifling. That design allows it to deliver decent accuracy with specialty ammunition while sidestepping the definitions that trigger federal regulation under the National Firearms Act (NFA).
Despite that, the ATF spent years classifying and regulating the Reformation as if it were a short-barreled shotgun (SBS)—which would normally require a tax stamp and registration under the NFA. Franklin Armory pushed back, partnering with the Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition (FRAC) and eventually suing the federal government.
Court to ATF: You Overstepped
In February, the U.S. District Court in North Dakota handed Franklin Armory a win in FRAC v. Garland, ruling that the ATF had overreached its authority by attempting to classify the Reformation as a “shotgun.” The judge made it clear: a smoothbore means smooth, and straight grooves don’t fit the bill. Congress never gave the ATF the power to rewrite definitions just because something didn’t fit into a neat bureaucratic box.
“The Reformation is simply a GCA firearm,” said Franklin Armory President Jay Jacobson. “It was designed to be the ultimate home defense weapon. It’s short, effective, and legally unencumbered. We’re proud to make it available once again to responsible gun owners nationwide.”
What This Means for Gun Owners
This ruling has major implications for gun owners and FFLs alike. The Reformation can now be bought and sold just like any other GCA-classified firearm—no tax stamp, no wait, no hoops. It joins the ranks of other GCA-only guns like the Mossberg Shockwave and Remington Tac-14.
Franklin Armory is offering two models:
- RS7 (7.5″ barrel): Available in 5.56 NATO or .300 Blackout. MSRP: $1,099.99 (semi-auto) or $1,179.99 (Binary® trigger).
- RS11 (11.5″ barrel): Also available in 5.56 NATO or .300 Blackout. MSRP: $1,479.99 (semi-auto) or $1,669.99 (Binary® trigger).
Each is built on quality receivers with premium furniture and Franklin’s Triumvir® muzzle device.
Why This Sh*t Matters
This win isn’t just about one product. It’s a landmark case about agency overreach, due process, and the right of Americans to buy and sell legal firearms without arbitrary restrictions. It sets a precedent that creative firearm designs can’t simply be regulated out of existence by bureaucratic fiat.
For pro-gun advocates and manufacturers, this is a rare and refreshing example of the system working the way it’s supposed to—where innovation is rewarded, not punished, and federal agencies are reminded that they don’t get to make law, only enforce it.
Want One?
If you’re in a state that respects your Second Amendment rights [sorry, not you: NJ, CA, WA, CT, NY, MD, MA, IL, DC], chances are you can buy a Reformation right now. Check out FranklinArmory.com/Reformation for availability in your area.
Because freedom doesn’t come with a tax stamp.
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Not interested, but what a great little item that kicks ATF ass!!!! Should buy one just to support Franklin stickin’ their finger in ATF’s eye….; SH/RE/LMAO at ATF.
This is interesting though it’s not gonna be for me
This is good news for 2A of course.
But, a 7.5″ or 11.5″ non rifled barrel, in 5.56mm? No thanks.
Not into 300blk.
What exactly is this “deliver decent accuracy with specialty ammunition”?