Perhaps? I'm of the opinion that the gun rights situation is better than most people let on.
Concealed carry DRASTICALLY expanded (26 States have constitutional carry), Clinton assault weapons ban was defeated, every subsequent nationwide AWB defeated, multiple ground breaking SCOTUS rulings in favor of private firearms ownership, gun proliferation up the wazoo, 2A sanctuary states seriously in the conversation.
Not saying regulation isn't a concern but I reject the idea that it is inevitable or impending.
I think you’re painting a picture that sounds nicer than it actually looks.
A few things:
Yes, because of the Bruen decision, concealed carry is somewhat easier to obtain in some of the most restrictive states, but, as I’m sure you’re aware, those same states have doubled down on what are now considered sensitive areas. In effect, they have (or will) ban concealed carry throughout most of the state. New York has already done this and California and New Jersey will soon follow. Unless some federal judge somewhere steps in, those of us residing in restrictive states will actually be worse off.
I don’t mean to split hairs, but the Clinton “assault weapons” ban was not defeated - it sunsetted. There’s a big difference.
And since when has every ”assault weapons” ban been defeated. It’s one thing for a judge to rule something unconstitutional, it’s altogether a different thing for restrictive laws to be laid to rest. Once the state appeals, a stay is granted and the years grind on. I should know, I live in California.
Sure, firearms ownership is up, but so is regulation, at least in states with legislative mindsets similar to California.
So how does all of this fit in with airguns? Of course they’ll be regulated. I’ve said it before and I’ll end up saying it again. Some legislators simply don’t like the shooting sports and/or those who participate in them. The tragic thing is that very popular airgun sites like AGN will be complicit in that we dare not discuss those who are against us lest we become subject to a ban.
And in keeping with the original premise of the thread; will the military ever adopt airguns? Never.