Michigan lawmakers have really outdone themselves this time. Senate Bill 1134, introduced during a lame-duck session by Senator Dayna Polehanki (D), is the latest attack on the Second Amendment and a slap in the face to gun owners, hobbyists, and anyone with a shred of common sense. This ridiculous bill aims to ban what it calls “deceptively colored firearms,” which essentially means any firearm that isn’t black, brown, dark gray, dark green, or one of a few other drab, government-approved colors. Anyone with a patriotic red, white, and blue Ruger, a yellow Savage Rascal their kid loves, a hot pink dove hunting shotgun, or any other colored firearm could face serious penalties just for wanting a little bit of personalization.
Content and Penalties
According to SB 1134, any firearm with more than 50% of its surface in an "unapproved" color will be classified as a “deceptively colored firearm.” Violators would be guilty of a misdemeanor and could face up to a year in prison, a $500 fine, or both. Anyone wishing to sell or transfer a “deceptively colored firearm” after the law is enacted, must either surrender it to law enforcement or “fix” it to comply.
The bill also bans “deceptive coloring products.” This could effectively outlaw Cerakote and similar coatings used to customize firearms. It’s not just gun enthusiasts who should be mad—this would hurt anyone in industries like cycling and automotive that use these materials for their projects.
Yes. This bill criminalizes paint.
Covert Firearms
SB 1134 also takes aim at “covert firearms,” which it defines as guns “not immediately recognizable as firearms.” While this is aimed at Cold War relics like umbrella guns, briefcase guns, and camera guns, the definition is so broad it could easily include quirky, perfectly legal firearms like the USFA ZiP .22, or any other firearm with an oddball shape.
Why SB 1134 is Pointless and Dangerous
Supporters claim this bill will “enhance public safety,” but that’s about as believable as a screen door on a submarine. Banning colorful guns won’t reduce crime, but would instead punish law-abiding citizens who want to personalize their firearms. Criminals don’t care what color their guns are, and law-abiding folks aren’t going to suddenly turn to a life of crime because their pistol is pink.
More importantly, this bill is a blatant attack on the Second Amendment. The right to bear arms doesn’t come with a color chart. Firearms are tools, but they’re also personal property, and gun owners should be free to customize them as they see fit.
A Slippery Slope
What’s next? Banning engraved slides because they’re “too pretty”? Outlawing scope colors that don’t match the “approved” list? Maybe the government will start requiring “firearm permits” with every purchase, stamped and taxed like we’re back in 1765 under British rule. This kind of overreach reeks of Big Brother—the government watching, controlling, dictating every detail of what you can and can’t own.
And let’s not forget the devastating impact this will have on competitive shooting sports like USPSA in Michigan. Most competitors rely on brightly colored firearms to differentiate their equipment and improve visibility during high-speed matches. This bill will all but destroy these communities in the state, shutting down a thriving sport that brings enthusiasts together and promotes safe firearm use.
Even worse, many Olympic-style rifles—designed with bright, vibrant colors—would also fall under this ridiculous ban. These precision instruments, which represent the pinnacle of marksmanship and athletic excellence, would be outlawed simply for not looking boring enough to satisfy the government’s drab color palette.
It was never about safety; Michigan wants to control its people, plain and simple.
Fight Back Against SB 1134
If you live in Michigan, it’s time to make your voice heard. Write, call, or email your representative today and tell them to vote NO on Senate Bill 1134. Stop this madness before it becomes law.
Personalization, creativity, and freedom are at the heart of the Second Amendment. Don’t let this foolish, shortsighted legislation strip them away.
Protect your rights. Protect your freedom. Speak up now!
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