June 10, 2026
Historic Gun Bans That Failed Spectacularly
Photo: A vintage Thompson submachine gun, one of the most famous firearms ever targeted by regulation and one that refused to fade into history.
Gun laws have existed for centuries, but history shows that banning a firearm is often easier on paper than in practice. Today we're looking at a few examples where lawmakers tried to make certain guns disappear... and failed spectacularly.
Fun Fact: Some of the most famous gun bans in history ended up increasing black market activity while doing little to eliminate the firearms they targeted.
The Gangster Era Didn't Kill the Tommy Gun
Few firearms became more famous than the Thompson submachine gun during the Prohibition era. Newspapers, politicians, and law enforcement blamed it for a wave of organized crime violence during the 1920s and 1930s.
Public pressure eventually led to strict federal regulations under the National Firearms Act of 1934. While the law dramatically reduced civilian ownership, it did not make the Thompson vanish. Existing guns remained in circulation, collectors sought them out, and the firearm became an American icon.
Today, the Tommy Gun is remembered as much for its history as for its role in crime.
Military Rifles Keep Coming Back
Throughout history, governments have repeatedly restricted military-style rifles, believing the designs would disappear from civilian ownership.
The reality has often been the opposite.
When certain rifle models became restricted, manufacturers adapted. New versions appeared with minor design changes. Surplus rifles found new markets. Collectors preserved older examples, and demand often increased because the firearms became harder to obtain.
History shows that banning a specific model rarely ends interest in that design. If anything, scarcity tends to make collectors want it even more.
The Black Market Problem
One lesson appears over and over again throughout history: demand doesn't automatically disappear because a law changes.
Whether it was firearms, alcohol during Prohibition, or other restricted goods, black markets often filled the gap when legal access was removed. Criminals, by definition, tend not to follow regulations, which creates a challenge for lawmakers trying to control dangerous behavior through bans alone.
That's why many historians argue that enforcement, education, and responsible ownership often have a greater impact than simply outlawing a particular firearm.
The history of gun bans is complicated and often controversial. But one thing is clear: many of the most famous firearms ever restricted are still well known today. In some cases, attempts to eliminate them only made them more legendary.
Until next time, stay locked and loaded.
- Randy, Locked N Loaded
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