A federal judge in Texas ruled Monday that a 2022 regulation targeting unfinished firearm components, commonly known as ghost guns, is unconstitutional. The decision delivers a win to gun rights groups that have challenged the rule for more than four years.

U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor of the Northern District of Texas issued the ruling. It invalidates the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives measure that sought to require serialization and background checks for certain firearm kits and components.

Gun rights organizations have long argued that the regulation exceeded the agency's authority under existing federal law. They maintained that unfinished components do not qualify as firearms under the statutory definition. The judge agreed with that position in Monday's order.

The case stems from challenges filed shortly after the rule took effect in 2022. Plaintiffs included manufacturers, dealers, and advocacy groups focused on Second Amendment protections. They contended that the ATF lacked the power to redefine terms established by Congress.

This marks the latest in a series of court decisions scrutinizing ATF actions on firearm regulations. Gun rights advocates have secured several victories in recent years on similar grounds involving agency overreach.

The ruling applies within the Northern District of Texas but could influence ongoing litigation elsewhere. The Department of Justice has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the decision.

Supporters of the decision view it as a necessary check on administrative expansion into areas traditionally governed by statute. They argue that such rules create compliance burdens without clear congressional authorization.