Last Friday was a major conference day at the U.S. Supreme Court, with several high-profile Second Amendment cases on the docket. These included challenges to magazine bans, rifle bans, short-barreled firearms regulations, and suppressor restrictions from states like California, Washington, and Illinois. As expected, the firearms community was watching closely to see whether the Court would finally step in.

Unfortunately, the news was mixed—and mostly disappointing.

According to the Court’s orders list released Monday morning, Rush v. United States was officially denied certiorari. That means the lower court ruling from the Seventh Circuit stands, ending that particular challenge involving short-barreled rifles and the National Firearms Act. Because Rush came to the Court through a criminal appeal, the denial shuts the door on that case entirely.

The good news—if it can be called that—is what didn’t happen.

Key cases such as Duncan v. Bonta (California’s magazine ban), Gators (Washington’s magazine ban), and Vera Montes (Illinois’ rifle ban) were not denied. While the Court also declined to grant certiorari on these cases for now, they appear likely to be rescheduled for a future conference, possibly as soon as January 9, when the Court returns from its break.

This delay matters. A denial in cases like Duncan could instantly criminalize millions of law-abiding gun owners. For now, existing injunctions remain in place, and no new bans go into effect as a result of this orders list.

Once again, the Supreme Court’s reluctance to take Second Amendment cases stands in stark contrast to how frequently it addresses First Amendment issues. While some Justices have suggested that a major 2A case will be taken in an upcoming term, gun owners are left waiting—and watching—yet again.

For now, Rush is lost, but Duncan, Gators, and Vera Montes are still alive. January may be the next critical moment.