Stop Arming Cartels Act of 2025

This bill would ban new.50 caliber rifles in the U.S. It makes it illegal to import, sell, make, transfer, or possess rifles that can fire.50 caliber ammo. There are exceptions for government use and for rifles people already owned before the law takes effect. Current owners would have 12 months to register these rifles with the federal registry, with no fee, and the registration information cannot be used against them in a criminal case about past or current violations. After 12 months, these rifles would be treated like other tightly regulated firearms under federal law.

The bill also targets gun trafficking linked to drug cartels. It allows lawsuits against gun makers or sellers who knowingly try to sell guns in violation of U.S. “drug kingpin” sanctions. It bars gun sales to people named under those sanctions and makes sure the background check system includes them. It also adds rifles to the rule that requires gun dealers to report multiple firearm sales.

• Who is affected: People who own or want to buy.50 caliber rifles; gun dealers; people under U.S. “drug kingpin” sanctions; law enforcement.
• What changes: New.50 caliber rifles are banned; existing owners can keep theirs but must register within 12 months at no cost; lawsuits allowed for knowing sales tied to sanctioned traffickers; background checks updated; multiple-sale reporting now includes rifles.
• When: Owners have 12 months after enactment to register; the tighter classification under federal law starts 12 months after enactment.