2024 was a banner year for the Firearms Research Center (FRC). We stayed true to our mission of elevating conversations around firearms and the Second Amendment by rapidly expanding our programming, online resources, and scholarship.
One of our most successful events in 2024 was our Fall Conference on the National Firearms Act (NFA). This event brought together legal scholars, Second Amendment litigators, firearms industry professionals, and representatives from the ATF to discuss the historical and legal complexities of one of the most significant pieces of firearms legislation. The conference attracted nearly 350 participants, both in person and online, underscoring the demand for these types of informative gatherings.
Later in the fall, the FRC played a pivotal role in leading the discussion on a proposed rule to allow concealed carry in certain University buildings at the University of Wyoming. FRC Director George A. Mocsary spoke on the issue before the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees and the Center hosted town halls and webinars that both educated students, faculty, and staff, and provided a forum for feedback. Although the proposal ultimately did not pass by one vote, the FRC was instrumental in facilitating these discussions in a thoughtful way.
In 2024, we also launched our Virtual Seminar Series featuring interviews and lectures on a wide range of topics. This online series is free and some select sessions qualify for continuing legal education credits. By making high-quality, expert-driven content readily available, the series not only enriches the knowledge of legal professionals but also fosters broader public engagement with critical issues surrounding firearms law and policy.
The courtroom remains another arena where the FRC’s impact is keenly felt. FRC leaders contributed amicus briefs in significant cases, including Smith & Wesson Brands v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos and Garland v. Cargill. These briefs underscore the Center’s dedication to ensuring that legal arguments related to firearms are legally and historically accurate.
Last year, the FRC continued to cultivate the next generation of legal professionals through the placement of law students in industry internship programs. These law students received invaluable experience in firearms-related cases and policy work. FRC Director George A. Mocsary continues to teach his Firearms Law and the Second Amendment course, equipping law students who wish to work in the firearms industry with a critical foundation.
The FRC also increased its publicly available online resources. The Center’s website now offers a growing library of academic working papers, legal briefs, and a repository for scholarly work. In addition to these resources, our Forum has become an online hub for firearms-related discussions. We published more than 82 articles from 20 experts on legal, historical, and social issues related to firearms and the Second Amendment.
The FRC’s reach extends to mainstream media as well, where its experts have provided crucial context and clarification on firearm-related issues in national outlets. In an era where soundbites often replace substance, the FRC’s commitment to measured analysis has helped dispel misconceptions and elevate public discourse.
In a time when debates over the Second Amendment can often feel irreparably polarized, the FRC stands firm in its belief that intellectual rigor, historical context, and respect for opposing viewpoints are essential to meaningful progress. By welcoming diverse perspectives and fostering informed debates, the FRC is ensuring the ongoing discussion on our constitutional rights so future generations inherit a robust and thoughtful legal tradition.
Looking ahead, 2025 is poised to be another year of expansion. With the addition of a dedicated Research Director and more Fellows, the center is enhancing its capacity to drive impactful research and scholarship. As we build on the successes of 2024, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing thoughtful, balanced, and informed conversations on firearms.
The FRC was founded at UW in 2023 to establish more voices in the firearms discussion; create a pipeline of graduates prepared to serve as firearms lawyers; and act as a reliable, nonpartisan resource for firearms-related information. By bringing together scholars from a wide range of academic disciplines and experts without traditional academic backgrounds, the FRC’s aim is to foster a broad discourse and produce meaningful change in how firearms are discussed and understood. The center serves as a resource for academics, practitioners, lawmakers, members of the media and the public on the uses and roles of firearms in society — both past and present.