Here is the history of the Thompson-Center lawsuit:
1. ATF told TC that its packaged Contender pistol/rifle set constituted a firearm regulated by NFA (i.e. a SBR).
2. TC sued. Trial court upheld ATFs position and granted summary judgement.
3. TC appealed; Appellate court overturned the trial court's summary judgement (i.e. this was in TC's favor).
4. Government appealed to SCOTUS. SCOTUS affirmed the Appellate court decision (i.e. the packaged Contender pistol/rifle kit did not constitute a SBR).
5. SCOTUS also gave some guidance on what would constitute a SBR from available parts (the whole "intent" thing)
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/ge...4&page=505
6. In July 2011, due to the misinformation about rifle-pistol-rifle configuration changes, ATF issues a ruling "clarifying" the issue.
1. ATF told TC that its packaged Contender pistol/rifle set constituted a firearm regulated by NFA (i.e. a SBR).
2. TC sued. Trial court upheld ATFs position and granted summary judgement.
3. TC appealed; Appellate court overturned the trial court's summary judgement (i.e. this was in TC's favor).
4. Government appealed to SCOTUS. SCOTUS affirmed the Appellate court decision (i.e. the packaged Contender pistol/rifle kit did not constitute a SBR).
5. SCOTUS also gave some guidance on what would constitute a SBR from available parts (the whole "intent" thing)
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/ge...4&page=505
6. In July 2011, due to the misinformation about rifle-pistol-rifle configuration changes, ATF issues a ruling "clarifying" the issue.