Second Circuit Signals Vermont’s Gun Wait Period Burdens Buyers

Second Circuit judges on Tuesday showed concern about the burden that Vermont’s waiting period for acquiring a gun places on gun purchasers, signaling that they may rule against the state on whether to preliminarily block its enforcement.

The state’s requirement that licensed firearm dealers wait three days before transferring a firearm to the buyer seems like a direct, blanket burden on gun buyers, judges said during oral arguments in a case where a group of Vermont citizens, firearm dealers, and the Vermont Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs sought to block the state from enforcing its law.

The case is part of ...