U.S. District Judge Douglas Woodlock in Boston ruled that the restrictions ordered by Republican Governor Charlie Baker in response to the pandemic imposed an “improper burden” on the constitutional rights of citizens seeking to acquire firearms and ammunition. The court is allowing retailers to reopen as of noon on Saturday but their operations will be by appointment only and require certain other conditions to address social distancing and CDC. Gov. Baker closed, then briefly opened gun stores, only to rescind opening gun stores within hours. Judge Woodlock cited the landmark U.S. Supreme Court 2008 Heller decision holding that the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment guaranteed an individual’s right to own guns for self-defense inside the home. The court picked up on a key point raised in the NSSF amicus brief, that states could not restrict constitutionally protected behavior under the guise of addressing public health issues more generally. A state lawyer indicated it may appeal.  The court postponed, for now, a decision on the issue of whether ranges can reopen.