Firearms News

Spin Off: American Outdoors To Separate From Smith & Wesson

American Outdoor Brands Corporation have announced a plan to spin off Smith & Wesson from their non-firearm brands. In a press release timed with the release of the company’s financial report for the first quarter of 2020, American Outdoors announced that “its Board of Directors has unanimously approved proceeding with a plan to spin-off its outdoor products and accessories business as a tax-free stock dividend to its stockholders.”

The splitting of the company into Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (which will encompass the firearm business) and American Outdoor Brands, Inc. (which will include all the outdoor products and accessories businesses) will take place during the second half of 2020.

In their press release Barry M. Monheit, Chairman of the Board, said:

There have been significant changes in the political climate as well as the economic, investing, and insurance markets since we embarked upon what we believe have been our very successful diversification efforts. We believe that separating into two independent public companies will allow each company to better align its strategic objectives with its capital allocation priorities. We also believe that this action will give the investment community clearer insight into the value creation potential in each of these independent companies, ultimately driving enhanced stockholder value. From the standpoint of our stockholders, at the time of the spin-off, the AOBC stockholders will own 100% of each company, thereby maintaining their pre-spin interest in both companies, and will thereafter have the ability to make distinct investment decisions tailored to their particular investment profile.

The press release outlines the American Outdoors belief that the companies will benefit from ‘distinct focus’ and “compelling investment opportunities based on its particular operating and financial model.” James Debney, the company’s current President and CEO, continued “I believe the Board’s decision to spin-off our outdoor products and accessories business will allow each company and its leadership to focus on its unique business characteristics and opportunities and to better drive long-term value for its stakeholders.” Debney has chosen to lead American Outdoor Brands, Inc. half of the company.

American Outdoors also announced that following the spin off Mark Smith to serve as CEO of Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. Smith is currently President of American Outdoor Brands Corporation’s Manufacturing Services Division. The spin off of Smith & Wesson is expected to take 8 to 10 months and when completed the company is estimated “to generate revenue between $450 million and $500 million and adjusted EBITDAS between $90 million and $105 million in its first 12 months as an independent company.”

American Outdoors originally formed in 2002, and was known as the Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation until 2016.

American Outdoors also released their Q1 2020 financial report:
First Quarter Fiscal 2020 Financial Highlights

Quarterly net sales were $123.7 million compared with $138.8 million for the first quarter last year, a decrease of 10.9%.
Gross margin for the quarter was 38.7% compared with 37.8% for the comparable quarter last year.
Quarterly GAAP net loss was $2.1 million, or $(0.04) per diluted share, compared with net income of $7.6 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the comparable quarter last year.
Quarterly non-GAAP net income was $1.7 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, compared with $11.7 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, for the comparable quarter last year. GAAP to non-GAAP adjustments to net income exclude a number of acquisition-related costs and other costs. For a detailed reconciliation, see the schedules that follow in this release.
Quarterly non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDAS was $17.5 million, or 14.1% of net sales, compared with $28.4 million, or 20.4% of net sales, for the comparable quarter last year.

by Matthew Moss

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Dick’s Ed Stack Flirts With Third Party Presidential Spoiler

Read more: https://www.nssf.org/dicks-ed-stack-flirts-with-third-party-presidential-spoiler/#ixzz63g0bzD2d
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution
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USA – -(AmmoLand.com)- Dick’s Sporting Goods CEO Ed Stack is being coy, if not predictable, about a third-party presidential run.

The businessman who recently announced he (possibly illegally) destroyed $5 million worth of modern sporting rifles and cost his publicly-traded company a quarter billion dollars, is reportedly working with focus groups to wade into presidential political pool. It’s exactly what you do when you’re peddling a book to make up for those financial losses.

Stack, author of “It’s How We Play the Game,” is reportedly testing the temperature to see if he’s hot enough – or cool enough – to play spoiler between the Democratic nominee and President Donald Trump for 2020. Presumably, Stack would attempt to co-opt the gun control message after it’s already failed for U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and former Congressman Robert Francis “Beto” O’Rourke (D-Texas) who both used the debate stage to voice a plan to forcibly confiscate lawfully owned semiautomatic rifles.

Dick’s History

In full disclosure, Dick’s Sporting Goods was a member of NSSF. The Board of Governors unanimously voted to expel the sporting goods store in 2018, not because Stack decided they didn’t want to sell modern sporting rifles, but because his company hired a Washington D.C.-based government affairs firm, for “[l]obbying related to gun control.” He wasn’t content to simply make decisions for his own company, which is his prerogative. He wanted to force his decisions on the entire industry. NSSF has largely left Stack and Dick’s Sporting Goods out of gun control conversations since. However, Stack’s move to push himself into the political arena changes the calculus.

According to Politico, a focus group message-tested themes involving Stack and “showing leadership,” by halting modern sporting rifle sales following the tragic murders in Parkland, Fla. Stack, a billionaire, has been ramping up his media profile, recently calling on U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring up misguided gun control legislation for a vote and going on CBS News to promote his new book. It seems like writing a book has become a constitutional requirement for running for president.

The focus group reportedly didn’t offer high praise for Stack, questioning his age (he’s 64), and his lack of charisma.

Limiting Rights is Bad Business

We’ve got our own concerns and they’re drawn directly from Stack’s record of business decisions. These should give every American a good idea of what Stack thinks of their rights, whether it’s related to guns or otherwise. Stack is entitled to make business decisions for his company, regardless of how misguided they might be. But turning those poor business decisions into public policy that would deny Americans their rights is an entirely different conversation.

As CEO, Stack made the following anti-gun decisions:

Ended the sale of all semiautomatic modern sporting rifles at Dick’s Sporting Goods following the tragic Sandy Hook murders.
Extended that ban on AR-15s to include Field & Stream Stores following the Parkland murders.
Barred the sale of standard-capacity magazines at all stores.
Unilaterally imposed age-based gun bans on law-abiding Americans under the age of 21, regardless of state and federal age-discrimination laws.
Removed firearms and hunting items altogether from 125 locations.
Hired a Washington D.C. lobbyist to impose strict gun control and ban an entire class of firearms.
Supports “No-Fly, No Buy” watchlists that deny gun rights without recourse and would serve as an “early warning terrorist notification system.”
Billionaire Hubris

Stack is quick to assign blame for the horrendous criminal actions of individuals to the firearms industry. Worse, he embraces policies that clearly tell the law-abiding American public he doesn’t trust them to exercise their God-given rights. Much like fellow billionaire and perennial presidential pretender Michael Bloomberg, he’s in favor of government nanny-state oversight and corporate overlords to make daily decisions.

One Libertarian Party advisor said Stack’s name has come up as a possible candidate, but that hardly jibes with the party’s platform of severely limiting government intrusion. Stack’s flirting with a presidential foray isn’t serious. It’s not even about enacting gun control. It’s worse.

Stack is only serious about boosting book sales to recoup the crushing debt from his anti-gun campaign.

Opinion By Larry Keane


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Springfield SAINT 5.56 Pistol Announced

Due to the popularity of the SAINT Victor and SAINT Edge pistols, Springfield Armory has announced the new SAINT Pistol chambered in 5.56mm NATO.
The new Springfield SAINT 5.56mm Pistol is designed to offer shooters the quality and performance they expect, but at an even more affordable introductory price point ($849 MSRP). The pistol has many upgraded features, ensuring it delivers value and making it an ideal firearm for personal defense and home protection.

The Springfield SAINT 5.56 Pistol features a balanced 9.6-inch chrome moly-vanadium barrel that maximizes ballistic performance while still offering compact dimensions. The adjustable premium Trinity Force Breach Brace provides enhanced stability and meets ATF requirements for pistol classification.

Hard-use durability and rock-solid reliability are hallmarks of the SAINT Pistol. The barrel is fully Melonite coated for both durability and corrosion resistance, and the forged 7075 T6 upper and lower receiver ensure never-fail strength for the lifetime of the gun. Additionally, its M16 bolt carrier group, machined from Carpenter 158 steel, is shot peened and magnetic particle inspected for long-term durability.

The upper receiver has an optics-ready, flat-top design ready to receive your optic of choice. In addition, the pistol features a pinned Picatinny rail-topped steel gas block that will stand up to a lifetime of use, and allows the SAINT Pistol to accept the iron sights of your choice. Springfield Armory’s noteworthy Accu-Tite tension system ensures a tight lock-up between the upper and lower receiver.

An exclusive BCMGunfighter PMCR two-piece handguard with M-LOK-compatible attachment points features aluminum heat shields and a built-in handstop for comfort and safety. This pairs up with a BCMGunfighter Mod. 3 pistol grip for exceptional handling. The Springfield SAINT Pistol 5.56mm weighs in at only 5½ pounds, unloaded, and measures 25.75 - 28.25 inches long.

Springfield SAINT Pistol Specs:
Caliber/Cartridge: 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 REM)
Magazines: (x1) 30-Round Magpul PMAG Gen M3
Barrel: 9.6-inch CMV, Melonite, 1:8 twist
Sights: NIA
Muzzle Device: A2 Flash Hider
Trigger: Enhanced Nickel Boron Coated Single Slide GI
Upper Reciever: Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum, Type III Hardcoat Anodized, Forward Assist, M4 Feed Ramps
Lower Receiver: Forged 7075 T6 Aluminum, Type III Hardcoat Anodized, Accu-Tite Tension System
Handguard: BCM Gunfighter PCMR, Forward Handstop, M-Lok
Gas System: Direct Impingement Carbine-Length, Picatinny Pinned Gas Block
Receiver Ext: SA Pistol T6 Type III Hard Coat Anodized Aluminum
Bolt Carrier Group: M16 w/ Carpenter 158 Steel Bolt, HPT/MPI, Melonite
Buffer Assembly: Carbine "H" Heavy Tungsten Buffer
Charging Handle: GI Style
Pistol Brace: Trinity Force Breach Brace 1.0 Std. Pistol
Safety Switch: Single Side
Trigger Guard: BCM Gunfighter
Pistol Grip: BCM Gunfighter Mod. 3
Length: Extended 28.5 inches / Collapsed 24.6 inches
Weight: 5 pounds, 8 ounces
Item#: ST9096556BM

Firearms News Digital Staff - October 14, 2019

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The Real Truth About Being a Gunsmith or Manufacturer

If you have an FFL license Type 01 or 02 and are wondering about where you draw the line between performing gunsmithing versus manufacturing, we have answers for you.

Before we delve into the explanation, keep in mind that there are many requirements for firearms manufacturers (FFL Type 07), such as marking standards, reporting requirements and payment of federal firearms excise taxes, that go beyond those for gunsmiths. If you fit the manufacturing criteria as explained below, you should certainly apply for and obtain the type of license for the business you are performing.

Know What You Are
The regulations at 27 CFR 478.11define a “Manufacturer” as “any person engaged in the business of manufacturing firearms or ammunition. The term shall include any person who engages in such business on a part-time basis.”

The regulations define “engaged in the business” as a “Manufacturer of firearms, a person who devotes time, attention and labor to manufacturing firearms as a regular course of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit through the sale or distribution of the firearms manufactured.” A “gunsmith,” on the other hand, is any person licensed as a dealer, which includes a gunsmith, who is engaged in the business of repairing firearms or making or fitting special barrels, stocks, or trigger mechanisms to firearms. A “gunsmith” may also repair, modify, embellish, refurbish or install parts in or on firearms (frames, receivers or otherwise) for or on behalf of a licensed importer or licensed manufacturer with only his or her dealer’s license, provided he or she meets the three specific conditions stated in both ATF Ruling 2010-10 and ATF Ruling 2015-1.

ATF Ruling 2015-1further clarifies this issue by stating, “Any person (including any corporation or other legal entity) engaged in the business of performing machining, molding, casting, forging, printing (additive manufacturing) or other manufacturing process to create a firearm frame or receiver suitable for use as part of a ‘weapon … which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive,’ i.e., a ‘firearm,’ must be licensed as a manufacturer under the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA); identify (mark) any such firearm, and maintain the required manufacturer’s records.”


When You Need A Manufacturer’s License
Generally, a person should obtain a license as a manufacturer of firearms if the person:

Is performing operations that create firearms or alter firearms; in the case of alterations, the work is not being performed at the request of customers, rather the person who is altering the firearms is purchasing them, making the changes, and then reselling them
Is performing the operations as a regular course of business or trade and
Is performing the operations for the purpose of sale or distribution of the firearms
Manufacturing activities include:

Forging receivers
Assembly of firearms
Making modifications or alterations to firearms that change performance and durability
Building or assembling a firearm from parts and entering it into commerce (to sell)
Modifying or altering a firearm by replacing parts with enhancements or modifications to alter the functionality or durability of the firearm from its original specifications (generally to improve the performance)
Forging or building completed receivers that are considered firearms by ATF standards (you are then required to follow all firearm marking and reporting requirements)
Disassembling firearms and rebuilding/reconstructing firearms for resale
Purchasing used or new guns and making modifications such as bluing or Cerakoting and then reselling the firearm
Regularly purchasing surplus military rifles and sporterizing them with modifications such as bending the bolts to accept a scope and drilling the receiver for a scope base, then offering them for sale to the public.
Threading barrels or attaching custom muzzle breaks to company-owned firearms and making them available for sale to the general public
It’s Different For Gunsmiths

The following are examples of gunsmithing when a firearm is received from a customer, repaired or serviced and returned to that same customer:

Engraving or camouflaging a firearm for a customer and hence later returning the firearm
Repairing or adjusting a trigger assembly for a customer, completing “drop-in” repairs
Drilling for and attaching a scope mount, attaching a scope
Replacing or repairing a stock or a grip
Replacing or upgrading sights
Receiving firearm frames from individual customers, attaching stocks and barrels and returning the firearms to the customers for the customers’ personal use (i.e., since the operations performed on the firearms were not for sale or distribution, the company should be licensed as a dealer-gunsmith, not as a manufacturer of firearms)
Threading barrels or attaching custom muzzle breaks

This covers the basics of being a manufacturer versus a gunsmith. In Part II, we’ll examine some of more specific scenarios in which questions may come up, those gray areas you’ll want to consider. In all cases, the information and examples portrayed here are not all-inclusive and should not be interpreted as law or ATF guidelines. It is always our best recommendation to contact your local ATF Office or the ATF Firearms Technology Division with questions. Remember, your ATF partners are always willing to help guide you to do things right and safeguard your FFL. NSSF’s Compliance and Store Security Audit teams are also standing by to assist you with any compliance, security or operational issues.

By John Bocker, John Clark, Wally Nelson and Harry McCabe, NSSF Compliance Consultant Team Members

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COLT REPORTEDLY TO STOP MAKING RIFLES FOR CONSUMER MARKET

Connecticut-based Colt Firearms last week reportedly signaled they are exiting the consumer rifle market in coming days.

The company, originally founded in 1855 by inventor Samuel Colt to make handguns, will stop making rifles for retail sales channels. The news came from The Truth About Guns who confirmed it with Paul Spitale, senior VP of Colt’s commercial business line and was verified by Shooting Illustrated.

“We’re going to focus on the products that our consumers are asking for. We’ve expanded our 1911s and our revolver line, and that market has been very positive for us,” Spitale said. Shooting Illustrated reported that Colt’s rifle line production is occupied, at least for the time being, with outstanding contracts which include orders through police and defense channels.

According to records from the ATF for 2017, the most current available, Colt produced some 31,987 pistols and 7,342 revolvers at their West Hartford, Connecticut factory that year. This compares with 13,942 rifles, of which 2,097 were exported. Since 2017, the company has been aggressively expanding its long-dormant revolver line, introducing several Cobra and King Cobra wheel guns, to an eager audience.

Historically, Colt has been perhaps best known for handguns, but rifles have never been absent from their catalog for long. At the same time, their famous black powder revolvers were making the company a household name, Colt was also producing Ring Lever and Revolving carbines and muskets.

By the end of the 19th Century, their Lightning series of pump-action rifles were extremely popular among shooting galleries and in the hands of sportsmen across the world. Fast forward to the 1950s and the company began marketing bolt-action hunting rifles such as their Alaskan series as well as a line of semi-auto rimfires like the Stagecoach.

Finally, Colt became a huge driving force in modern sporting rifles with the AR-15, a design acquired from then California-based Armalite in 1959. Colt went on to produce the rifle in select-fire models for military and LE contracts as well as semi-auto consumer versions over the past 70 years.

Current new semi-auto Colt ARs still available as of Monday include the M4 Carbine, Modular Carbine, and retro XM177E2.

09/16/19 12:44 AM | by Chris Eger

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KEL-TEC ANNOUNCES P17, NEW AFFORDABLE SUB-$200 PISTOL

Kel-Tec launched a new pistol Friday at the National Rifle Association’s Personal Protection Expo, introducing attendees to the .22 Long Rifle chambered P17.

The polymer-framed pistol features a lightweight design, tipping scales at 0.8-ounces loaded and a mere 14-ounces loaded. Offering 16+1 capacity, the P17 delivers a barrel length of 3.93-inches with an overall length of 6.65-inches. The barrel comes with the added benefit of 1/2×28 threads to accommodate suppressors and other muzzle devices.

Kel-Tec tricked out the P17 with a few other features like an aluminum Picatinny rail, ambidextrous lever-style magazine release and manual safety as well as fiber optic sights. Kris Hammerstrom of Kel-Tec told Guns.com at the NRA’s Personal Protection Expo that the P17 is a welcomed addition to the Kel-Tec brand.

“The P17 is a nice, lightweight package. We kept the manufacturing costs cheap on it, so it’s a nice, affordable, viable option for a .22 LR pistol,” Hammerstrom explained. “It’s great for training purposes. It’s a lot easier to train with .22 LR than 9mm because of costs. Of course, it’s great for concealed carry too since it’s so lightweight.”

Kel-Tec unveiled the P17 to attendees of the NRA Personal Protection Expo, offering the first glimpse at the new pistol. Hammerstrom said the initial reception to the P17 has been positive. “It’s been fantastic. Everyone’s been a big fan of it. Everyone’s looking forward to it.”

The P17 is not yet available for purchase, but Hammerstrom said the company is eyeing a December 2019 ship date. The P17 features an affordable MSRP, retailing for $199.

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OKLAHOMA: DRIVE BY GUN CONTROL GROUP TO HALT CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY STALLS

A move by Democrats allied with Bloomberg-backed anti-gun groups to delay constitutional carry from going into effect across Oklahoma came up short.

The move, a statewide initiative petition that needed 59,320 signatures from registered voters, did not garner enough respondents by the required deadline. If it had been successful, it would have set the stage to put HB 2597 in front of voters for review before it came into law. The new law, signed by Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt in February, leaves the state’s current concealed carry licensing program intact while recognizing that an adult aged 21 and up and is lawfully able to possess a gun can carry one concealed without such a permit. Without the petition drive’s success or further action from courts, Oklahoma will see legal permitless carry beginning in November.

State pro-gun groups see it as a win.

“It’s a victory for Oklahoma and for liberty-loving people and that November the first people will be able to carry a pistol, rifle, or shotgun, loaded or unloaded, without permission from the government to do so,” said Don Spencer, president of the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association, as reported by local media.

The petition drive was backed by Moms Demand Action, a gun control group that, like Mayors Against Illegal Guns, is under the larger Everytown umbrella, the latter formed with $50 million from Michael Bloomberg in 2014. The Oklahoma set back doesn’t mean that Everytown is backing away from state-level politics, however, as last week they announced a $2.5 million effort to flip control of the Virginia state legislature this fall to what they call a “gun sense majority.”

09/9/19 5:00 AM | by Chris Eger

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DEMS PUSH MANDATORY PERMITS FOR HANDGUN PURCHASES

Democrats on Capitol Hill have debuted a proposal to help mandate that those who want a handgun first be approved for a permit.

The legislation, backed by Dems in both the House and Senate, would encourage more states to adopt licensing schemes like Connecticut’s handgun purchasing law, which requires a special renewable permit to purchase any revolver or pistol. Dubbed the Handgun Purchaser Licensing Act, the bill was introduced by U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy of Connecticut along with U.S. Reps. Jahana Hayes, D-Conn and Jamie Raskin, D-Md.

“States require licenses to drive a car in order to protect public safety – requiring a license to buy a handgun should be a no-brainer,” said Raskin.

The proposed legislation would authorize the Department of Justice to establish a grant program to help states develop and implement permit-to-purchase requirements for all handguns including those rented, bought or transferred in private sales or at gun shows. The grant program proposed would require that a state’s PTP law require applicants to be fingerprinted and photographed then subjected to a background check by law enforcement before receiving their permit to buy a handgun. The permit would have to be renewed every five years, or sooner.

The sponsors of the bill point to Connecticut’s pistol permit which requires a $70 fee, completion of a training course from an approved instructor that includes live fire and a background check that can take as long as eight weeks. Under the Connecticut law, applicants convicted of a felony, or any one of 11 misdemeanor offenses, are ineligible to receive a permit.

Only nine states and the District of Columbia currently require would-be gun owners to first apply for and be issued a permit to purchase a firearm. In recent years, Missouri has ditched their PTP program while Republicans and pro-gun groups in North Carolina have attempted to repeal a similar Jim Crow-era law in the Tar Heel State.

The Handgun Purchaser Licensing Act was announced at the same time the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health debuted a white paper to support the concept. The proposal has strong backing from national gun control organizations.

06/17/19 8:00 AM | by Chris Eger

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ILLINOIS GUN SHOP QUITS STATE DUE TO NEW REGULATIONS

Given a short window by state regulators to comply with controversial new mandates, one local gun shop is calling Illinois quits after nearly 15 years.

Lost Creek Trading Post in Marshall, Illinois late last month said they had been told by local officials they had until June 17 to apply for a newly-mandated state-issued license and be certified by July 17. The requirements include a $1,500 fee and a host of new training and regulatory guidelines. Rather than try to jump through the hoops, Lost Creek is pulling stumps for a location across the state lines in Indiana.

“The Illinois Legislature’s Gun Dealer Licensing Act is unreasonable and cost prohibitive for us at this time,” said the store in an announcement on social media. “As of July 14th, we will be unable to sell firearms to you in Illinois. After this date, we may remain open a short time for sales of gun-related items, but no firearms.”

Anti-gun advocates and Chicago-area Democrats fought for the state’s new Gun Dealers Licensing Act only to see it vetoed by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner as being “largely duplicative” with little likely impact on crime. However, once Rauner left office, the measure was swiftly rebooted and signed by newly-installed Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat. The move, as reported earlier this year, put some historic small town gun shops on the endangered list as owners chose to shutter their businesses rather than fork over hard-won dollars to comply with new regulations.

“The requirements to receive a license from Illinois and burdensome not to mention expensive,” said Lost Creek. “We already meet the Federal requirements but these are additional items.”

06/4/19 6:00 AM | by Chris Eger

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ILLINOIS FOID COST INCREASE BILL TANKS, FOR NOW

An Illinois bill that would have required fingerprinting gun owners and raising the costs associated with mandatory Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) cards failed to pass the legislature at the last minute. The measure, SB 1966 passed the Democrat-controlled state House on a narrow 62-52 vote last week but did not make the cut in the state Senate before the spring legislative session ended on Friday.

The bill aimed to revamp the state’s FOID card, which is issued by the Illinois State Police, by upping the cost from $10 to $20, while decreasing the card’s lifespan from 10 to five years. It would have also added a $30 mandatory fingerprinting process to the mix and installed universal background checks.

The proposal’s Senate sponsor, Democrat Julie Morrison, intends to redouble her efforts to pass the bill, saying, “In the months ahead, I will be working with Senators both formally through subject-matter hearings and informally through conversations to ensure that there is no question that we must act to close this loophole.”

While the move was backed by anti-gun groups of all stripes, pro-gun opponents of the measure thanked their supporters for their efforts in halting the FOID bill. “This legislation is an affront to every gun owner in this state,” said Richard Pearson, executive director of the Illinois State Rifle Association. “You should not have to pay money to exercise your Constitutional rights.”

06/3/19 7:30 AM | by Chris Eger

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CHUCK CANTERBURY TO BE NOMINATED BY PRESIDENT TRUMP TO HEAD ATF

The long-term president of the National Fraternal Order of Police, Kenneth Charles “Chuck” Canterbury, Jr., is expected to be nominated to become the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The White House announced the move by President Trump last week, noting that Canterbury has held his current spot in the 350,000-strong FOP since 2003. A South Carolina resident, he formerly served 26 years in the Horry County Police Department in the Palmetto State.

Since word of Canterbury’s nomination, he has been praised by the trade organizations for the firearms and suppressor industries — the National Shooting Sports Foundation and American Suppressor Association.

“Mr. Canterbury brings a proven record of performance that will provide the ATF, and the firearms and ammunition industry, the leadership that is deserved,” said Larry Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel.

The NSSF went on this week to highlight the lawman’s past remarks and actions on Second Amendment issues. These include taking a public stand as FOP president in protecting ATF gun trace data from public disclosure, denouncing a National Football League “no-guns” policy that included off-duty and retired law enforcement officers, the FOP’s objection to a proposed ban on “green tip” ammo, and opposition to smart guns.

Further, Canterbury has a track record of supporting the firearms industry’s Don’t Lie for the Other Guy program aimed at curbing illegal gun purchases from dealers by straw buyers and Project Childsafe, a free gun lock program designed to cut down on accidents.

Coming out in the past week against the plan to put Canterbury in charge of federal firearm regulators are two gun owner member groups, Gun Owners of America and the National Association of Gun Rights. Describing the possible nominee as “anti-gun,” the groups argue he testified in support of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Attorney General Eric Holder and the FOP has in the past supported expanded background checks and opposed constitutional carry.

Meanwhile, two other pro-gun groups, the National Rifle Association, and Second Amendment Foundation, have not released current statements on Canterbury’s nomination. However, in 2011, the NRA spoke with the FOP leader, saying the gun organization and the nation’s largest police group “have worked together on numerous issues, and thanks to the leadership of FOP National President Chuck Canterbury our working relationship is now stronger than ever.”

It should be noted that in recent years, anti-gun standard-bearers such as Ladd Everett — formerly of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence and current director at 1Pulse4America — have attacked the FOP for being against increased gun control.

Canterbury and the FOP, which endorsed Trump in 2016 during his run for office, has since been to the White House in both 2017 and 2018 to meet with the President about police policy and sanctuary cities.

If nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, Canterbury will be the first permanent ATF director since B. Todd Jones resigned in 2015 during the Obama administration.

05/31/19 6:30 AM | by Chris Eger

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SENATE REPUBLICANS INTRODUCE CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY STATES’ RIGHTS ACT

A bill to keep gun owners in constitutional carry states out of a federal legal pitfall while near a school zone was introduced this month to the U.S. Senate.

The Constitutional Carry States’ Rights Act was filed last week by U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, a South Dakota Republican, who stressed the state’s pending permitless concealed carry law could pose an issue for those passing near school zones. In short, the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act bans carrying firearms within 1,000 feet of a school zone, with an exception for those with a carry permit. Supporters of the bill fear that those practicing legal constitutional carry may not meet that exception.

“This legislation would help ensure that gun owners exercising Constitutional carry will no longer be stuck with confusing laws about where they can and can’t have their firearms,” said U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyoming, a co-sponsor.

According to sponsors, the bill, filed as S.1506, would cover both local and out-of-state individuals lawfully carrying a concealed weapon within 1,000 feet of a school zone in states that recognize constitutional carry. The move is needed, points out Enzi’s office, because for example a traveler driving along Interstate 25 in Cheyenne will come within the school zone limit set by the GFSZA, which, if the driver is carrying without a permit, could technically be a violation of federal law.

The Constitutional Carry States’ Rights Act currently has seven sponsors, all Republicans, and has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

05/21/19 5:30 AM | by Chris Eger


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LAPIERRE RE-ELECTED AS NRA EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Following a contentious annual meeting, National Rifle Association board members voted to re-elect Wayne LaPierre as the gun group’s executive vice president and chief executive officer. According to Monday’s statement, LaPierre ran unopposed and received a unanimous vote by the group’s 76 directors.

“United we stand,” LaPierre said in the statement. He added that he was “humbled by the Board’s vote of confidence and its support of my vision for the future.” LaPierre has served in the executive role since 1991.

His comments echoed sentiments shared in Saturday’s speech during the NRA’s annual meeting and right before a group of members called for his resignation. The group expressed dissatisfaction with how NRA officers had managed funds and their lack of transparency. Yet, board members and former NRA presidents said they supported LaPierre and results achieved under his leadership.

Before the meeting, LaPierre also parried away an attack by NRA president Oliver North. In a letter to board members, LaPierre explained North had attempted to force his resignation by threatening to reveal information damaging to both the NRA and LaPierre’s character. However, at the start of Saturday’s meeting, North instead announced he would not seek re-election. He had served one year in the ceremonial position.

NRA directors elected Carolyn Meadows to replace North as president. Meadows has served in several other positions for the gun rights group as well as on the board for other conservative organizations.

04/30/19 5:00 AM | by Daniel Terrill

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ROSSI POSTS INFORMATION ON REVOLVER LAWSUIT SETTLEMENT

Those who own certain Rossi brand .38 Special or .357 revolver models could be eligible to participate in a settlement as part of a class action lawsuit.

The Brazilian-based firearms maker, who since 1997 has been owned by Taurus, announced the settlement earlier this month. Last September, Taurus warned that certain Rossi brand revolvers may, under certain circumstances, fire if dropped. Further, it cautioned the guns should not be used or carried until they have been inspected and/or repaired.

This month’s settlement announcement covers models R35102, R35202, R85104, R97206, R97104, R46202 and R46102 made between 2005 and 2017. The revolvers have a serial number stamped on the frame beginning with the letters Y, Z, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, or K.

The settlement establishes an “Enhanced Warranty” allowing current or future owners to send in their revolvers in for inspection, repair if necessary, certification, and cleaning, all free of charge to include shipping, labor, and parts. Moreover, each owner who files a valid claim under the warranty will receive a $50 cash “Inconvenience Payment.”

The settlement does not include claims for personal injury and the company “denies all allegations of wrongdoing and liability,” brought by the lawsuit.

For more information, go to the Rossi Revolver Settlement website.

04/30/19 6:00 AM | by Chris Eger

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CALIFORNIA SEEKS TO TURN MAGAZINE BAN BACK ON

California officials are asking a federal court to restore their currently suspended ban on detachable magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds.

The long-standing ban, currently blocked by a court order issued last Friday, is needed for public safety, argues California Attorney General Xavier Becerra’s office. As such, on Monday, California asked the court to swiftly restore the status quo up to last week’s ruling to prevent a sudden influx of new magazines now believed to be legally flooding into the state.

Becerra could be right about one thing: new mags are pouring into the state while the ban is on hiatus. Since the news of U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez’s order was posted, big name firearm magazine makers and distributors such as Beretta, Brownells, Magpul and PSA announced they were open to shipping to the West Coast state that has largely been off limits to otherwise standard capacity magazines for two decades. Meanwhile, local gun shops such as Gunfighter Tactical in San Diego and Sacramento Black Rifle posted they had literally thousands of magazines in play.

To help sway the court to keep the ban switch from being thrown back on, attorneys for the National Rifle Association and their state affiliate, who are spearheading the legal challenge, said the recent influx of new magazines should be considered. They replied that should the judgment be stayed, even temporarily, “countless otherwise law-abiding Californians who have already ordered [magazines] in reliance on the Court’s order but have not received them would unjustly be subjected to severe criminal penalties without notice.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who has championed gun control initiatives in the past, took to social media to decry that, “A failure to uphold this ban puts our communities in danger. We will not stand for it.”

04/3/19 5:30 AM | by Chris Eger

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WINCHESTER RECALLS 3 LOTS OF .38 SPECIAL AMMO

Ammunition maker Olin Winchester last week issued a recall on some 100-cartridge twin boxes of .38 Special ammo over safety concerns. The Feb.27 notice details the lots, all 130-grain full metal jacket range loads, are marked “USA38SPVP” near the UPC on the bottom of the box.

The Illinois-based maker has determined the identified lots of 38 Special ammunition “may contain incorrect powder charges,” going on to say, “Ammunition with excessive powder charges may cause firearm damage, rendering it inoperable, and subjecting the shooter and bystanders to a risk of serious personal injury or death.”

The affected loads carry the lot numbers KF21, KL30 or KM52 inside the right tuck flap of the 100-round carton. Other lots are not subject to recall.

Winchester warns those who have such ammo to immediately discontinue use and contact them at 844-653-8358 for free UPS pick-up of the recalled ammo.

03/4/19 7:30 AM | by Chris Eger

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MIDWEST CONCEALED CARRY GAINS: STATS UP IN MINNESOTA, OHIO

New details released in two Midwestern states show that the numbers of those seeking permits to carry a concealed handgun are on the rise.

In Minnesota, the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension reports 66,053 five-year permits to carry were issued in 2018 with another 2,429 applications still listed as “pending,” by regulators. The year ended with some 289,501 valid permits in circulation with Hennepin County, home to Minneapolis, topping the list of counties with 35,291 alone.

According to local media reports, the figures for 2018 were a more than 20 percent jump from the number of permits issued in 2017 when just 55,069 were granted.

Speaking of increases, Ohio saw 69,375 new five-year licenses and a record 98,927 renewals last year according to data from state Attorney General Dave Yost. The renewal rate was up a whopping 83 percent from the year before, noted Yost. For reference, in 2017 only 54,064 permits were renewed.

Former Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, now elected governor, supports concealed carry reform to include national reciprocity. While in his former job, he joined with a group of other state attorneys general to support a U.S. Supreme Court challenge to California’s restrictive “may issue” concealed carry licensing scheme.

03/4/19 7:00 AM | by Chris Eger

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GLOCK: AT LEAST 4 LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES HAVE ADOPTED NEW MODELS RECENTLY

With their late model Gen 5 series and Glock 45 pistols new to the market, the company this week announced a number of police agencies are upgrading.

In a statement this week from Glock’s Georgia-based U.S. headquarters, the Baltimore County Police have made a high-profile switch from the FNS-40 to the Gen 5 G17 while Missouri’s Ste. Genevieve Sheriff’s Department has replaced their Sig Sauer pistols with Gen 5 G19s and G17 models. Meanwhile, in Washington, the Lynnwood Police Department has also swapped out their Sigs for Gen 5s and the Tennessee Department of Revenue is getting new Glock Model 45s in place of Sigs.

“The newest generation of Glock pistols demonstrate precisely engineered design enhancements that perform flawlessly to meet the demanding level of reliability, accuracy and durability required by those who go into harm’s way,” said Josh Dorsey, the company’s VP. “The continued adoption of the 5th generation of Glock pistols by those who swore an oath to protect and defend is a demonstration of trust and dependence in our pistols when seconds count.”

Glock introduced their 5th generation polymer framed striker-fired handguns in late 2017 with updated versions of the G17 and G19, and have moved to expand the models available since then. While legacy generations are still in production, the new Gen 5s delete the finger grooves found on prior versions while adding ambidextrous slide stops, an nDLC finish billed as reducing corrosion, a dehorned slide nose, and a redesigned trigger. Additionally, they carry the Glock Marksman Barrel which brings enhanced polygonal rifling and an improved barrel crown, which the company says promotes increased accuracy.

The Glock 45, a new Gen 5 model described as a crossover design that utilizes a compact slide and a full-size frame, was introduced last September. The 9mm features the same 17-round standard magazine capacity of the G17 while coming in a few ounces lighter and having a 7.44-inch overall length, which is about a half-inch shorter.

02/22/19 5:30 AM | by Chris Eger

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CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY BILLS IN FINAL STRETCH IN KENTUCKY, OKLAHOMA

The Second Amendment could be the only permit required for lawful concealed carry under proposals gaining steam in Kentucky and Oklahoma.

On Tuesday, SB 150 was referred to the Kentucky House Judiciary Committee for review in that chamber. The bill, which had gotten the nod from the state Senate on Valentine’s Day in a 29-8 roll call, would make it clear the way for adults in the state who are lawfully able to possess a handgun to carry one concealed without first getting a license.

The ultimate passage in the legislature would speed SB 150 to Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin, a Republican who was a featured speaker on the subject of gun rights in 2016 at the National Rifle Association’s Annual Meeting held in Louisville.

Meanwhile, in Oklahoma this week, the state Senate Appropriations Committee passed similar legislation, HB 2597, in an easy 18-4 vote without debate. The state House has already approved the measure and Gov. Kevin Stitt, R, signaled his support of constitutional carry soon after the bill carried that chamber, saying he had backed the concept “from the very beginning.”

In both bills, the current concealed carry licensing program would remain intact, with the benefit of offering permits for those seeking them for reciprocal purposes out of the state.

MOVES IN OTHER STATES
In Alabama, state Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa, is working with Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh to get constitutional carry passed into law. While Allen has been frustrated in the past, he told local media last week he thinks he has the votes to push it through this session.

In Iowa last week, a state Senate Judiciary subcommittee voted 2-1 to pass SF 165, an important first step for the legislation that was introduced in January. Like the bills in Kentucky and Oklahoma, it would legalize permitless concealed carry.

The Freedom Caucus of Republicans in the Texas state legislature has made constitutional carry a priority in the Lone Star State, which has seen similar legislation proposed in virtually every session in the past decade only to falter in committee. On Tuesday, HB 357 was referred to the state House Homeland Security & Public Safety Committee for review.

“Law-abiding Texans shouldn’t have to pay a fee or take a test to exercise their constitutional rights,” said state Rep. Mayes Middleton, R-Wallisville.

Finally, in Georgia, a permitless carry measure is stalled in the House Public Safety Committee and anti-gun activists rallied at the State Capitol Wednesday to lobby lawmakers against it. Nonetheless, proponents are digging in and the bill legislation has the support of newly-installed Republican Gov. Brian Kemp.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, R, earlier this month signed a bill that drops the licensing requirement for legal concealed carry in that state, becoming at least the 14th to recognize such a practice.

02/21/19 8:30 AM | by Chris Eger

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ARKANSAS ON VERGE OF REDUCING FEES FOR CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS

Gov. Asa Hutchinson is poised to sign a bill approved on Tuesday by the Republican-heavy state legislature that would cut the cost of concealed handgun carry licenses in Arkansas.

The measure, SB 17, was approved 25-8 by the state Senate last month and 70-18 in the House this week, leaving it up to Hutchinson, a Republican, to sign into law. Under the proposal, the initial fees for an Arkansas Conceal Handgun Carry License would drop from $100 to $50, while renewal fees will be decreased from $50 to $25.

Hutchinson, who has signed gun reform measures into law in the past, announced last December he endorsed the bill, saying he believed it “is good legislation that strikes the right balance in reducing these fees.”

The bill was endorsed by state and national gun rights groups, who are urging Hutchinson to sign the legislation without delay.

The state’s licensing program, administered by the Arkansas State Police, has some 224,000 licenses currently in circulation.

Hutchinson just recently won reelection to a second term as Governor, originally assuming office from Gov. Mike Beebe, a Democrat, in 2015. He was on hand at SHOT Show last month, a regular for the gun-friendly executive, in an effort to meet with prospective companies looking to relocate for more accommodating climes. Arkansas currently calls Nighthawk Custom and Wilson Combat home while Remington has a large ammo plant in Lonoke. In 2013, Thermold Magazines announced it would shift its headquarters and manufacturing operation from North Carolina to the state.

02/6/19 8:00 AM | by Chris Eger

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CONNECTICUT DEMS INTRODUCE BILL TO ADD 50 PERCENT TAX ON AMMO

A first-term Connecticut lawmaker wants to hike the price of ammunition in the state through the application of a special tax.

State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, D-Hartford introduced HB 5700 late last month to tack on a 50 percent tax to ammo sales, a move for which she has found co-sponsors for in the state Senate.

In a statement, House Democrats clarified the bill would exclude ammo sales to police and the military. They argued the measure would reduce the rate of gun deaths in the state, which is already low, while conceding some 83 percent of those were attributable to suicides.

“I’m hearing push back about the need to protect one’s home… but how much ammunition does someone really need to do that?” Gilcrest said in a post to social media that was soon bombarded with negative feedback from pro-gun commenters.

The freshman legislator was elected last year to represent Connecticut’s 18th District with support and endorsement of state and local anti-gun groups including Connecticut Against Gun Violence and Moms Demand Action. In 2017, she advocated against concealed carry reciprocity and in favor of more gun regulation.

The National Rifle Association called the proposed new legislation “dreadful” going on to say it “punishes law-abiding citizens and makes it harder to learn how to safely use firearms.”

While an arbitrary 5-cents per round tax on ammunition in Cook County, Illinois and a similar one in Washington state have been upheld by local courts, a federal judge in 2016 found that a $1,000 excise tax on handguns in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. territory near Guam, was unconstitutional.

Gilchrest’s bill, co-sponsored by first-term Sen. Will Haskell, has been referred to Joint Committee on Finance, Revenue and Bonding. Both chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly are firmly controlled by the Democrats. Meanwhile, newly installed Gov. Ned Lamont, D, received an “F” grade from the National Rifle Association on his run for office last year for his avowed support of gun control policies and endorsement from groups such as Giffords.

02/6/19 7:00 AM | by Chris Eger

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A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN GIFTING A GUN FOR CHRISTMAS

Considering gifting a gun this Christmas? Guns.com rounded up a few important tips to prevent you from breaking any state or federal laws in the process.

Is it illegal to give a gun as a gift?

Buying a gun for someone else is tricky. Even in cases in which the recipient can legally buy and own a firearm, the transaction could still be considered a straw purchase. While the 2014 Supreme Court case Abramski v. United States found that gifting firearms is legally permitted, the caveat is the recipient cannot know about the purchase beforehand.

Therefore, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with gun industry trade groups recommend giving a gift card from a federally licensed dealer instead of an actual gun. This helps avoid the thorny issue of completing Form 4473 for a firearm that will ultimately end up in someone else’s hands.

It’s also important to consider the age of the recipient as well as their eligibility to own a firearm in your state. Many states restrict handgun transfers to those under 18, while others require permits or licenses for legal ownership.

Out-of-state transfers

When it comes to gifting guns to out-of-state friends and relatives, federal law mandates the transfer occur at an FFL in the state where the recipient lives. Handguns can be shipped through common carrier only, while long guns can travel through U.S. mail. All firearms must ship unloaded and clearly marked, though common carriers can require additional regulations.

Instate transfers

There’s no federal law prohibiting you from giving a gun as a present to a friend or relative who lives in the same state. However, residents of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and the District of Columbia must complete such transfers through a local FFL. Maryland and Pennsylvania residents must complete background checks for private party transfers of handguns only.

Heirlooms and antique guns

Transferring heirloom guns from one relative to the next within the same state usually doesn’t require a background check — though some states are an exception to this rule. Transferring firearms to a resident of another state typically mandates the involvement of an FFL. The National Shooting Sports Foundation said pre-1889 antique firearms should be exempt from this requirement, but check with local law enforcement to be sure.

When in doubt, just remember gift cards and gun stores, and double check your state’s laws before wrapping up that special gift this holiday season.

12/17/18 6:30 AM | by GDC Staff

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Remington Introduces the RM380 Executive

Remington have introduced an ‘Executive’ version of their popular RM380 series pocket pistol. The all metal RM380 Executive has a stainless steel barrel and slide with a black anodised aluminium frame and laminated Makassar ebony grips.

The RM380 has a 6 + 1 magazine capacity and as the name would suggest chambered 380 ACP. The Executive has a 2.75 inch stainless steel match barrel with a 1 in 16 twist and an overall weight of 12.2 oz unloaded.

Here’s Remington’s announcement in full:

A tough, all-metal construction for ultimate durability and longevity, the RM380 also features the longest barrel in its class to maximize muzzle velocity and bullet expansion, while facilitating shooting precision and accuracy. Weighing just 12.2 ounces unloaded and measuring just 5 ¼ inches long, the RM380 is easy for anyone to carry unobtrusively, and with an extended beavertail grip, it facilitates a smooth draw even in suboptimal conditions.

The RM380 also features a light and smooth double-action-only trigger, fully functional low profile slide stop, light slide racking force, and an ambidextrous magazine release. The replaceable grip panels allow for customization while the optimized grip angle allows for greater shootability and comfort.

Model RM380 Key Features and Benefits:

– Fully Functional Slide Stop – holds open on last round

– Chambered in .380 Auto

– All-Metal Construction – for durability and longevity (7075 Aluminum Frame)

– 410 Stainless Steel Barrel – longest barrel in its class

– Precise Barrel to Slide Lock-Up – for accuracy and precision

– Long, Smooth, Light DAO Trigger – for safety and shootability

– Fully Ambidextrous, Low Profile Magazine Release

– Checkered Front Strap and Trigger Guard Undercut – allows for improved control and higher hand hold

– Optimized Grip Angle – for comfort, recoil management, and increased shootability

– Extended Beavertail – protects hand and promotes correct grip when drawing in suboptimal conditions

– Grip Panels – Laminate Macassar

– Two 6+1 Magazines – one extended floor plate and one flush

– Wide, Positive Cocking Serrations

– Rugged Fixed Sights – contoured to be snag free

– Light Dual Recoil Spring system – for easy slide racking and lifetime use

The Executive is available now, with an MSRP of $405.

by Matthew Moss

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COLT, FN SPLIT $177 MILLION ARMY M4 CONTRACT AWARDS

The Pentagon last week announced that two of the largest makers of M4 and M4A1 carbines could expect some more government work.

On Thursday the Department of Defense posted that both Colt and FN America were awarded an $88.6 million contract modification by the U.S. Army Contracting Command to run through Sept. 2020 for M4s. The award is an extension of $212 million contract split between the two companies in 2015. The companies originally were picked from a field of six who submitted bids.

Colt will conduct the work at the company’s West Hartford, Connecticut factory while FN will perform their work in Columbia, South Carolina.

Colt developed the carbine as the XM4 in the 1980s from the shorter-barreled Colt Commando-series in conjunction with the M16A2, with an eye to replacing the service’s aging M3 “Grease Gun” SMGs. Adopted as a stop-gap while the Army researched the Objective Individual Combat Weapon program– which promised a leap forward in small arms that never fully materialized– the M4 was first fielded with the Army in 1994 and has been widely adopted across the military ever since.

Although USSOCOM has moved to replace the rifle with FN SCARs and H&K; 416s for some special operations units, the Army has been busy in the past several years with the M4A1+ program, an initiative to upgrade the guns with a heavier barrel, ambi controls, and a full-auto capability in lieu of the long-standard 3-round burst. About 150,000 guns have been so modified by the Army in-house since 2014.

Meanwhile, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, has been pushing a drive for as many as 100,000 new Next Generation Squad Weapons in a new 6.8mm chambering, to replace the 5.56mm M4 and the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon in select front-line units. Thus far, four companies — AAI, FN, General Dynamics, PCP, and Sig Sauer — have been tapped to produce prototypes.

11/13/18 6:00 AM | by Chris Eger

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Fifth Third Bank will sever ties with Spike Tactical, gun industry

Spike Tactical said this week Fifth Third Bank will sever ties with the company as it plans a “discreet” exit from the gun industry.

Owners of the Florida-based manufacturer said Monday the bank would not renew the company’s business line of credit and may transfer its commercial mortgage or recall it early.

“We understand that the gun industry is not a protected class and that banks and other businesses can choose to not do business with us, but we also believe that customers should know if that vendor has decided to enter the political arena and they’ve taken a stand against guns,” said owner Angela Register.

The news comes one month after a gunman opened fire at the Fifth Third Center in downtown Cincinnati, killing three and wounding two others before dying in a shootout with police. In response, top executives at Fifth Third donated $1 million to help the families of the shooting victims and hopes others will join in raising another $1 million.

“We have been touched and strengthened by the community rallying around us,” said Greg Carmichael, chairman, president and CEO of Fifth Third Bancorp. “And we wanted to do more. We know from what we’re hearing from our community that others want to help, too.”

The Ohio-based financial services company operates more than 1,100 branches across the Midwest and South, ranking as one of the largest money managers in the region with more than $363 billion in assets under care.

“This is frightening because yet again, we’re continuing to see the Second Amendment under attack in more and more places,” Register said. “It also seems completely hypocritical that institutions, which have been and continue to be protected by guns, are now attacking the very industry that is often their first line of defense.”

Fifth Third’s new policy follows announcements from Bank of America, Citigroup and Intuit last spring of breaking off relationships with gun makers and retailers over political fallout from the Parkland massacre. Likewise, big box retailers — including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart, Kroger and L.L. Bean — discontinued modern sporting rifles and voluntarily implemented age restrictions on gun sales.

Guns.com reached out to Fifth Third Bank early Tuesday for a response and has not yet heard back.

10/09/18 | by Christen Smith

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Glock introduces new Glock 45 compact crossover, Gen5 MOS designs

The Georgia-based gun maker Glock introduced on Monday a new compact handgun, the Glock 45, and expanded the Gen5 pistol design to include the Glock 17 MOS and Glock 19 MOS.

For the Glock 45, the company describes it as a crossover design that utilizes a compact slide and a full-size frame. The new gun includes all the popular Glock features like a passive trigger safety, front slide serrations, ambi controls, modular backstrap system, and a Glock marksman barrel.

The Glock Compact Crossover Pistol Model G45 will make its debut at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference next month.

Next, the new Gen5 MOS — Modular Optics System, which was introduced in January — will make the Glock 17 and Glock 19 optic ready for precision shooting.

“The MOS platform offers a convenient way for users to mount reflex sights without costly alterations to an original Glock slide,” said osh Dorsey, Glock vice president. “The resulting combination of optical sighting and the unparalleled accuracy and reliability of the new generation of Glock pistols set a new standard for this class of pistol.”

9/24/18 | by Daniel Terrill

The G17 Gen5 MOS and the G19 Gen5 MOS will be available for purchase starting Oct. 5 at participating dealers.

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Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation saves lives through education, opportunities

Derek LeBlanc stood behind the podium at the recent Gun Rights Policy Conference, a participant of a panel aimed at advancing the gun rights message, passionately emphasizing the need for activism as it relates to youth firearm safety education.

LeBlanc is president and founder of the Kids Safety Around Firearms Education Foundation. The nonprofit aims to educate youth on firearm safety while also providing opportunities for students designed to keep kids out of trouble.

Since its inception, Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation has worked with thousands of kids to educate them on basic gun safety, the how-to’s of safe gun handling as well as engaging in field trips to the range to better understand guns. All this work has been devoted to creating an informed youth — one that understands the consequences guns inherently carry.

Additionally, the Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation has worked to eradicate bullying through anti-bullying campaigns that have even gone so far as to prevent at least one school shooting, according to LeBlanc.

“We teach the four basic gun safety rules that would save their lives if they came across guns. We take that many steps further though,” LeBlanc told the crowd at the Gun Rights Policy Conference. “We also talk abut anti-bullying.”

Unlike other organizations, LeBlanc has taken a unwavering approach of inclusivity. Shying away from ideology and branding, LeBlanc looks to reach past just gun owners with his educational programs. LeBlanc said Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation paints with broad strokes, utilizing a friendlier narrative to draw gun owners and non-gun owners alike into the folds of the program. With 42-percent of the kids in his program hailing from non-gun owning households, LeBlanc’s concerns lie with keeping kids alive and well in his community.

“This is not a right or left issue. This is a safety issue. My goal is to be a uniter, not a divider,” LeBlanc said. “A lot of people don’t like guns, so I have to be able to tailor my message to reach people who don’t like guns. That’s what’s made us very successful. It’s the way in which we’ve been able to present the message.”

LeBlanc’s organization is a boots on the ground, Oregon-based grassroots initiative determined to reduce the number of youth deaths at the hands of guns. Though LeBlanc boasts a reach of 5,400, he seeks to grow that number into the millions. For that reason, LeBlanc told Guns.com after his speech he’s working on mobilizing a safety coalition. Using local instructors and resources, LeBlanc said he’s busy creating connections and a pipeline to roll out his vision nationwide.


“I want to reach as many kids as I can,” LeBlanc told Guns.com. “We got to make sure kids know what to do when they come across guns. Nine kids per day get shot with unsecured firearms…it’s so preventable. All you have to do is properly store your guns and educate your kids.”

LeBlanc is no stranger to violence and, specifically, the role guns often play in subverting bad situations. The survivor of a vicious assault that was resolved with a pistol-grip equipped shotgun, LeBlanc has seen first hand the potential — both good and bad — guns possess. While he emphasizes how thankful that a shotgun was his saving grace during his time of need, LeBlanc also says he sees the possible hazard these items pose to kids. It was this realization that propelled LeBlanc to his current position of activist and mentor.

“We need to carry this torch,”LeBlanc commented. “We have to empower our kids to make safe and responsible decisions when it comes to firearms.”

Though LeBlanc spoke to a crowd packed with 2A supporters, he reiterated to Guns.com that this issue goes beyond political lines. Gun safety isn’t a topic that just concerns the “right” but one that impacts all Americans.

“Just because you don’t have guns in the home doesn’t mean your kids can’t be exposed to them. That’s why it’s so critical for us to reach out to the people who don’t have guns in their homes,” he concluded. “Zero firearm accidents is the only acceptable goal.”

To learn more about Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation and to get involved check out their website at: https://kidssafefoundation.org/

9/24/18 | by Jacki Billings

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Trijicon picks up $7 million SOCOM handgun reflex sight contract

The U.S. Special Operations Command awarded Michigan-based Trijicon on Wednesdaya $7.62 million contract for handgun sights. The firm-fixed-price contract for what the military terms as a Miniature Aiming Systems — Day Optics (MAS-D) Handgun Reflex Sight (HRS) is set to run over a five-year period.

According to the award, the sight is “a low profile, wide field of view, passive sight for rapid day and night pistol target engagements in confined spaces, while prisoner handling, or in extremis after the primary weapon malfunctions.”

The U.S. military in recent years has embraced ruggedized miniature reflex-type, or RMR, sights on handguns. The winner of the Army’s Modular Handgun System contract, variants of the Sig Sauer P320 adopted as the M17 and M18 pistols, include a removable top plate for an RMR system.

As far back as 2016, the U.S. Army Special Operations Command identified a need for “low vis” optics-ready Glock 19 handguns with the slide cut to accept a red dot sight, a separate requirement from the MHS program. At the same time, the service identified a need for at least 12,592 handgun RMR sights for use across Army, Marine, Navy and Air Force special operations units.

The competitive contract awarded to Trijicon is classified as “indefinite-quantity” but the 2017 MAS-D-HRS solicitation stated an estimated maximum of 14,350 units would be needed. Military contracting authorities report they had two other offers received. Each competitor had to submit 16 samples for review as well as 10 front and rear suppressor-height sights that enable “absolute co-witness.”

Trijicon’s RMR offerings are substantial with adjustable LED, LED, and dual-illuminated variants of their Type 2 sight currently cataloged, although it is not disclosed which model the military has accepted. The contract was issued through the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane, Indiana.

8/16/18 | by Chris Eger

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Shopify revamps user policies, places restrictions on gun and parts makers

Shopify quietly revamped its policies Monday, effectively banning the sale of certain guns, gun parts and accessories for online retailers using the e-commerce platform.

Shopify’s Acceptable User Policy underwent changes to include a new category of restricted items. On the updated list, semi-automatic firearms that accept a detachable magazine and offer a capacity greater than 10 rounds are no longer considered acceptable for sale via Shopify. Additional restrictions banning the sale of unfinished lowers, pistol grips, forward grips, threaded barrels, suppressors, thumbhole stocks and magazines over 10 rounds have also been instituted.

Shopify members were notified of the changes late Monday night into Tuesday morning with multiple firearms retailers taking to the web to protest the changes.

“This decision will have significant ramifications to our business and should concern every online retailer and Second Amendment supporter,” Cole Leleux, general manager of Florida-based Spike’s Tactical, commented in a press release. “We have invested more than $100,000 in the development of our Shopify store, which will disappear once these policies go into effect.”


Shopify sent an ambiguous email out to members late Monday evening notifying them of the new policies.

Lawrence DeMonico, president of Rare Breed Firearms in Texas, said the policy change will definitely impact his company. Rare Breed Firearms just launched its brand new Spartan lower receiver with the product sold exclusively through a Shopify retailer.

“We have spent the last three years developing the Rare Breed brand and more than $40,000 developing our Shopify site,” DeMonico said in a statement. “Depending on how this policy is rolled out, this is a move that could put companies like ours out of business, and we will undoubtedly be looking to pursue legal options.”

Shopify has offered no explanation as to why their policies have been updated to restrict the sale of firearms related products. Interestingly, Shopify, which boasts nearly 600,000 members, faced backlash in 2017 when it refused to remove sellers providing Breitbart products. At the time the company cited free speech and free commerce as pillars of its moral code.

“To kick off a merchant is to censor ideas and interfere with the free exchange of products at the core of commerce. When we kick off a merchant, we’re asserting our own moral code as the superior one. But who gets to define that moral code?” Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke offered in a statement published on CBC in 2017. “If we start blocking out voices, we would fall short of our goals as a company to make commerce better for everyone. Instead, we would have a biased and diminished platform.”

Guns.com reached out to Shopify Tuesday for comment but received no word by time of publication. However, in the wake of a high school shooting in Parkland, Florida, demonstrations successfully influenced major retailers and financial institutes to alter their policies in similar ways.

In the meantime, Spike’s Tactical is spearheading a movement against the e-commerce platform, asking that any gun manufacturers or retailers experiencing problems over the updated policy contact Spike’s Tactical.

8/15/18 | by Jacki Billings

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Facebook is removing links to 3D gun tech

The social network announced last week they are moving to scrub content related to downloadable 3D printed gun files from their platform.

Facebook, with an estimated 2.23 billion monthly active users as of the second quarter of 2018, said they are actively looking to remove such content, reports Reuters.

“Sharing instructions on how to print firearms using 3D printers is not allowed under our Community Standards. In line with our policies, we are removing this content from Facebook,” said a company spokesperson, going on to explain that the existing policy will soon be updated.

Currently, the platform prohibits the “purchase, sale, gifting, exchange, and transfer of firearms, including firearm parts or ammunition” among private individuals on Facebook.

A 3D plans project, backed by the Firearms Policy Coalition and other gun rights groups, has been blocked by Facebook and its related Instagram and Messenger platforms, said the FPC. The site was established shortly after Austin, Texas-based Defense Distributed was blocked by a federal judge in Seattle from posting 3D gun plans.

“What we are experiencing is a complete ban on CodeIsFreeSpeech.com — not a ‘shadow ban’, not a reduced newsfeed presence, but a complete and total ban,” noted the group. “Welcome to Facebook North Korea.”

As of Monday, the Facebook page for Defense Distributed itself, with 18,000 followers, was still live as was a DefDist CNC milling support group. Also available were pages by the Alliance Against 3d Printed Guns as well as posts from gun control groups against the technology.

The move comes as the social media giant is concentrating on the debate between the intersection of technology and free speech while drawing a line on what it considers offensive content. Notably, Facebook Zucc’d various pages related to firebrand Alex Jones’ InfoWars channel last week, which in turn triggered the standalone InfoWars app to become one of the “hottest in the country” in terms of recent downloads.

8/13/18 | by Chris Eger

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Report: FBI will add 400 million new records to NICS

The Federal Bureau of Investigation will add more than 400 million new records to the database used to vet gun buyers, according to a report this week from the Trace.

The National Data Exchange, aka N-DEx, contains incident and arrest reports, probation and parole documents, according to the report — a trove of information capable of preventing questionable gun transfers from proceeding, such as in the case of the Charleston church shooter.

“The idea that the FBI would have info in a database that would prohibit a gun transaction — but not make it available to the background check examiners — just doesn’t make sense,” said Frank Campbell, a Department of Justice lawyer who helped set up the National Instant Criminal Background Check System in the 1990s, during an interview with the Trace.

With access to N-DEx, investigators working the day in April 2015 when convicted shooter Dylann Roof bought a Glock handgun from a dealer in South Carolina would have seen arrest records where he admitted guilt for drug possession two months prior — an offense barring him from owning guns. Instead, agents could only see an arrest and were unable to narrow down the specifics of the incident within the three-day waiting period allotted for flagged checks. The dealer moved forward with the sale and two months later, Roof — fueled by racism — murdered nine parishioners at a historically-black church in Charleston.

Stephen Morris headed the FBI’s background check division at the time of the attack. He told The Trace adding N-DEx, a process that will likely take up to two years, makes complete sense — and should have been done a long time ago. “At the end of the day, you’re going to get some quicker decisions and that’s a benefit,” Morris said.

Nearly 41 percent of the 120,000 denials in 2016 comprised applicants convicted a crime punishable by more than one year in prison — or two years for a misdemeanor. Another 20 percent of applicants were denied as “fugitives from justice.” About 9 percent of denials were related to substance abuse, according to a federal report released last year.

7/11/18 | by Christen Smith

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United Sporting Companies Purchases AcuSport’s Name, Distribution Capabilities & IT Assets

Acusport is nearing the end of its journey to its final resting place with United Sporting Companies and Ellett Brothers. United Sporting Companies now owns Ellett Brothers, Jerry’s Sport Center and Acusport which are all distributors of firearms and related goods. After facing many tumultuous, roller-coaster years like all of us in the firearm industry coupled with a fast return to normalcy, Acusport eventually filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.

Ellett Brothers, a subsidiary of United Sporting Companies, signed an asset purchase agreement which allowed them to take on the distribution capabilities of Acusport and their IT assets as well without assuming any of their debt. This was announced to the public in early May this year.

Now fast forward to June 29th. The Bellefontaine Examiner, a hometown newspaper for Bellefontaine, Ohio where Acusport is from broke the news that a U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge approved the sale of Acusport to Ellett Brothers. Specifically, Judge John E. Hoffman Jr. cleared the way for Acusport to be sold to Ellett Brothers, and effectively United Sporting Companies, to the tune of $7.35 million. As a part of that agreement, Acusport will also pay out $400K in expense reimbursements and a $300K break up fee. In this final agreement, Ellett Brothers reserves the right to use the Acusport name, if they so desire.

Whenever companies are faced with the decision to file bankruptcy it can be a tremendously difficult path to travel. This can be excruciatingly true for the hundreds of employees involved. Thankfully, there have been over 100 of the former Acusport employees who will be hired on at Ellett Brothers. Even more prominent figures from Acusport have found homes elsewhere. John Flanagan, formerly the Chief Financial Officer for Acusport, has been hired on as the new CFO for Remington Outdoor Company (ROC).

Amidst everything that has been going on the CEO of United Sporting Companies, Brad Johnson, has been rather quiet. This is not a knock on him. He likely has been overwhelmingly busy. With the sale of Acusport finalizing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court he shared these words on July 10th about the acquisition of Acusport into the United Sporting Companies’ family of brands:

United Sporting Companies is pleased to have completed the acquisition of the state of the art distribution and IT assets of AcuSport. Further, we are delighted that we were able to retain and provide employment to over 100 of AcuSport’s former employees. We believe this purchase synergistically combines the best of AcuSport and United Sporting Companies to create the industry’s leading shooting sports distribution company.

At this time, United Sporting Companies is anticipating that shipments from their Utah distribution facility will resume in July while the Ohio facility should do the same by fall 2018.

by Adam Scepaniak

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Man wounded after storing revolver in his oven

An Ohio man suffered injuries last month after picking what later turned out to be a less than ideal storage spot for his handgun.

Robin L. Garlock, 44, of Warren, was taken for treatment at St. Joseph Warren Hospital after he was hit by fragments from a revolver he had stored in his oven, as reported by the Youngstown Vindicator. Garlock had placed the handgun in the kitchen appliance to keep it out of the reach of visiting children but his girlfriend, without knowing the loaded firearm was secreted in the broiler, turned the oven on and the ammunition eventually started cooking off.

“He was struck twice while trying to get the weapon secured,” Warren Police Detective Wayne Mackey told the Vindicator. “The culprit is a Maytag oven.”

Mackey cautioned that while the story seems far-fetched, police found bullet holes in the stove and the gun– which had two empty shell casings in the seized chamber– had “obviously had been in a fire.”

Mackey went on to tell Raw Story that the story was “a weird one,” going on to say that “In thirty years I have not had anybody shot by an appliance.”

While they don’t mention kitchen appliances that can generate a lot of heat, the National Shooting Sports Foundation recommends against hiding a gun in a closet, drawer or similar location.

“Safe storage is employing precautions and multiple safeguards that provide an additional barrier against unauthorized use,” says the trade group on their Project ChildSafe website.

6/11/18 | by Chris Eger

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Supreme Court upholds there is no Constitutional right to sell guns

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday upheld an Alameda County law barring gun stores within 500 feet of residential properties in a blow to gun rights advocates.

The high court declined to take up the case of businessman John Teixeira and his partners who found the California county’s zoning ordinances made it impossible to find a commercial property where they could operate a gun store.

The challenge had been filed with the Supreme Court after the U.S. 9th Circuit ruled in October that local governments could regulate the sale of firearms so long as patrons could still buy them somewhere in the area. The ruling said the Second Amendment does not protect the ability to engage in gun sales.

The case was backed by a number of gun rights groups to include the California Association of Federal Firearms Licensees, the Calguns Foundation, and the Second Amendment Foundation, with attorneys Alan Gura and Don Kilmer at the helm. In the matter, the groups contended the zoning effectively put the entire county off-limits to new gun stores, threatening the constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms by making them unavailable.

The original challenge dates back to 2012 after the plaintiffs attempted for two years to comply with the county’s requirements, but had difficulty finding a location at least 500-feet away from a residential area, day care center, school or other “sensitive areas.” While the men were initially granted a variance from the 500-foot rule to lease a location 446 feet away from a residential area, county officials reversed the decision after a local homeowners’ association objected, leading the entrepreneurs to seek redress with the courts.

While a District Court initially upheld the rule, a split three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit in 2016 found Alameda County’s regulations unconstitutional. The majority noted that county officials should provide evidence showing, for instance, that gun stores increase crime to justify such regulations. That decision, in turn, was vacated and the case was sent for retrial before the larger en banc panel last year who held there were no such constitutional protections on gun sales.

Gun control advocates who stood with the county and filed a number of supporting briefs arguing on behalf of the ban applauded the news from the court. “The Ninth Circuit agreed with our position that Alameda County’s modest zoning law provides a safe distance between new gun dealers and sensitive areas such as schools, and is a lawful exercise of the County’s authority to regulate the commercial sale of guns,” said Hannah Shearer, who handles litigation for the Giffords Law Center. “The Ninth Circuit’s ruling, and the Supreme Court’s decision to let it stand, is an important victory for local governments seeking to keep the sale and spread of guns away from kids and residential areas.”

5/16/18 | by Chris Eger

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State Department releases draft of relaxed export rules

The Department of State released a draft proposal this week easing export restrictions on firearms and ammunition.

The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls finally unveiled the suggested amendments to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) on Monday, shifting oversight of commercial arms sales to the Commerce Department and its Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

The rule change could give American manufacturers more leeway to sell guns internationally, creating more jobs stateside and adhering to the president’s “Buy American” policy platform. Lawrence Keane, senior vice president for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, said in September relaxed restrictions would boost annual gun sales by as much as 20 percent.

“One of the guideposts we used in writing the proposed policy change was to look at what’s commercially available in sporting goods stores in the United States — products where the majority of the end users are not military,” a senior Commerce Department official told The Washington Times.

The proposal removes non-automatic and semi-automatic firearms from ITAR categories I and II. Corresponding parts and ammunition will no longer remain in category III. Firearms dealers large and small would no longer pay a $2,250 ITAR registration fee or a $250 licensing fee.

Instead, the products will transfer to the EAR — and undergo far less regulatory scrutiny, critics fear.

“Under the guise of reducing burdens to completing a sale, this Administration wants to make it easier for a dictator to use American firearms to oppress their people or for terrorists to build armories.”,” said Robin Lloyd, director of government affairs for the Giffords Law Center. “It’s clear the Administration will do anything to appease the gun lobby – even if it means putting profits over the safety of people around the world.”

The new rules will be published in the Federal Register later this month and be subject to a 45-day public comment period.

5/16/18 | by Christen Smith

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Court approves $75 million loan to keep Remington afloat

A federal judge approved a $75 million loan Tuesday to keep Remington in business as it navigates Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, court records show.

The 200-year-old gun maker filed in Delaware bankruptcy court Sunday, seeking to restructure a nearly $1 billion debt load after reporting weak sales throughout the year. The company turned a profit of just $21.6 million in 2016.

Sarah Foss, a legal analyst at Debtwire, told CNN Money the loan represents the”interim amount to get them through the interim period until they get to that final hearing on the additional amount that they’re going to need.” Remington asked for up to $338 million by April 29, according to CNN.

The money, though just a fraction of what Remington needs, will help the company make payroll and churn out firearms — just as it has since Eliphalet Remington assembled his first hand built rifle in 1816.

Cerberus Capital, a private investment firm, bought the company in 2006 in hopes of launching a multi-brand publicly-traded conglomerate headlined by the iconic gun maker. Investors began pulling out of the group, however, after a lone gunman shot and killed 26 students and teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School armed with a Bushmaster rifle.

Remington fell on harder times still after President Donald Trump’s surprise electoral victory left the industry flush with inventory and short on buyers. Competitors Smith & Wesson and Sturm, Ruger and Company reported depleted earnings throughout 2017 as fears of looming gun control waned.

The company delayed plans to file for bankruptcy protections after a school shooting in Parkland, Florida claimed 17 lives. The ensuing heightened political tensions encouraged corporations and financial institutions to rethink their relationships with the gun industry — a fact Remington fears could hurt future profits.

Once it completes its 45-day bankruptcy plan, Cerberus will turn ownership over to Franklin Resources Inc. and JPMorgan Asset Management.

Kevin Cassidy, an analyst at Moodys Investor Service, said Remington faces an uphill battle against fluctuating attitudes toward gun ownership.

“It absolutely hurts them, being in this kind of industry,”he told Bloomberg. “Just like some funds no matter what won’t invest in tobacco, there are investors now that feel the same about gun companies.”

3/29/18 | by Christen Smith

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SAAMI posts approves .224 Valkyrie cartridge specs

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute approved Federal Premium Ammunition’s .224 Valkyrie as an official new cartridge, officially publishing SAAMI standards documents for the long range cartridge.

Free access to technical data and drawings for the new cartridge and chamber designs are now available via SAAMI’s website. The .224 Valkyrie, introduced to the industry in late 2017, is based on a 6.8 SPC case necked down to .22 caliber. The cartridge is designed to work best alongside modern sporting rifle platforms, allowing the rifles to shoot past 1,000 yards.

Founded in 1926, SAAMI is tasked with creating and publishing industry standards for safety and quality in addition to coordinating technical data. The organization said a team of industry experts analyzed the Valkyrie round over a period of six months to determine whether it should be approved by the organization. Ultimately, the round was approved and Federal Premium says its excited to have SAAMI’s support.

“It’s thrilling to have brought the world’s best MSR 15 cartridge to market. We’re proud and excited about our new cartridge, and we deeply appreciate SAAMI’s support with this launch,” Federal Premium Ammunition President Jason Vanderbrink, said in a press release. “SAAMI’s approval of the cartridge was a crucial step in legitimizing it within the industry. Their work creates standards for the cartridge, increasing safety, interchangeability, reliability and quality for the dozens of firearm manufacturers currently building rifles in our 224 Valkyrie.”

The .224 Valkyrie is currently offered in four loads from Federal Premium — 90-grain Gold Medal Sierra MatchKing, 60-grain Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint, 90-grain Fusion MSR and 75-grain American Eagle TMJ.

3/28/18 | by Jacki Billings

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DOJ releases regulation banning bump stocks

The Department of Justice unveiled a regulation late last week “effectively banning” bump stocks.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the new rule clarifies bump stocks fall under the definition of “machine gun” as it pertains to the National Firearms Act of 1934 and the Gun Control Act of 1968.

“Since the day he took office, President Trump has had no higher priority than the safety of each and every American,” Sessions said in a news release Friday. “That is why today the Department of Justice is publishing for public comment a proposed rulemaking that would define ‘machinegun’ to include bump stock-type devices under federal law—effectively banning them.”

The move comes five weeks after Trump publicly leaned on Sessions and the department to draft a regulation banning bump stocks — and soon. The accessory, which mimics automatic gun fire, gained notoriety in October after a lone gunman mowed down 58 people and injured more than 850 others on the Las Vegas strip with a dozen rifles modified with the devices.

“After the senseless attack in Las Vegas, this proposed rule is a critical step in our effort to reduce the threat of gun violence that is in keeping with the Constitution and the laws passed by Congress,” Sessions said.

The proposal represents an about-face for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Back in 2010, the agency declined regulating a bump stock device submitted for review by Texas-based manufacturer Slide Fire Solutions. Rick Vasquez, the now-retired agent who made the call, stood by his decision in October after federal investigators found the same brand attached to firearms in the Las Vegas shooter’s hotel suite.

“The Slide Fire does not fire automatically with a single pull/function of the trigger,” he said in an Oct. 7 Facebook post, noting the single pull trigger remains integral to the definition of a machine gun.

He responded briefly to the impending ban in an email to Guns.com last month. “The ATF has been directed to write a regulation that is stronger then the law,” he said. “An agency can write regulations, but only Congress can write laws.”

Nonetheless, the ATF said in the proposal Friday its previous interpretation was wrong.

“In this proposed rule, the department accordingly interprets the definition of ‘machine gun’ to clarify that all bump stock-type devices are ‘machine guns’ under the GCA and NFA because they convert a semiautomatic firearms into a firearm that shoots automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger,” the DOJ said Friday.

The official notice of proposed rulemaking will be published in the Federal Register, Sessions said.

In the meantime, gun rights groups have already promised a legal challenge.

“Gun Owners of America will seek out other pro-gun organizations to join us challenging this illegal executive action in court,” said Gun Owners of America Executive Director Erich Pratt in a news release Friday. “And we predict that an honest, constitutional and legal analysis by the courts will result in this regulation being struck down.”

Pratt eviscerated Trump for placing himself farther left than the Obama administration, noting the president’s predecessor did nothing when the ATF initially determined bump stocks harmless in 2010.

“Gun Owners of America considers a ban on bump stocks as yet another infringement of our Second Amendment-protected rights. ‘Shall not be infringed’ means what it says — gun control should NOT be the jurisdiction of the U.S. government,” he said. “To be sure, banning these items will not make us any safer and it will only lead to more infringements — to restrictions on magazines, match triggers and more. This is something that the anti-gun Left understands and is hoping for.”

3/26/18 | by Christen Smith

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Second Amendment groups react to YouTube gun policy changes

National gun rights and firearms industry groups are warning YouTube that its actions could estrange the video sharing platform from millions of users, and violate constitutional rights.

In response to YouTube’s pending policy updates on videos that include firearms content, the National Rifle Association, and National Shooting Sports Foundation are concerned the move could herald a comprehensive effort to ferret out lawful gun culture and separate it from the site.

“Millions of Americans watch YouTube videos every day to learn more about the safe and responsible use of firearms, and those videos show law-abiding gun owners participating in lawful behavior,” said the NRA in a statement. “By banning this content, YouTube is engaging in politically motivated censorship and alienating the millions of people who turn to the website for education and training.”

The new rules, announced last Tuesday, including making it clear that YouTube will not host videos highlighting guns or some accessories such as bump stocks or magazines capable of holding more than 30 rounds for private sale by individuals. The Google subsidiary also said it won’t allow clips on manufacturing ammunition, guns, or suppressors or how to install or modify certain accessories. Further, links back to gun dealers and makers will not be allowed.

The NSSF warns this could have a negative effect on otherwise legal firearm commerce. “Much like Facebook, YouTube now acts as a virtual public square,” said the gun trade group. “The exercise of what amounts to censorship, then, can legitimately be viewed as the stifling of commercial free speech, which has constitutional protection. Such actions also impinge on the Second Amendment.”

Meanwhile, content creators have been banging the drum to migrate to dedicated gun-centric platforms such as Full30, GetZone, UGE and James Yeager’s LiberTV start-up as well as alternative sites such as Vimeo, BitChute and even PornHub with reportedly good results. In the case of the latter, an adult website owned by Luxembourg-based MindGeek, the company has said they may look into a non-sexually explicit alternative offshoot for such content in the future, so it’s not so crazy to think there are valid alternatives for YouTube gun vloggers on the horizon.

3/26/18 | by Chris Eger

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Biden meets with gun ‘stakeholders’ as ‘civil’ sell-outs begin

January 10, 2013
By: David Codrea

Joe Biden is meeting throughout the day “with advocates for sportsmen and women and wildlife interest groups as part of the Administration’s effort to develop policy proposals in response to the tragedy in Newtown, the Vice President’s schedule announced today. Among groups known in advance to be attending one of today’s meetings are the National Rifle Association and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

Today’s series of meetings include a different set of what the administration calls “stakeholders.” Yesterday, the Vice President and Attorney General Eric Holder met with what they referred to as “gun safety groups” (even though the organizations in question are not qualified and do not teach gun safety, but rather, are committed gun prohibitionists) and “victims and survivors.”

Likewise, today’s meeting will raise concerns about more than terminology. What gun rights activists will find especially troubling is the premise of the meeting, noting the Second Amendment has nothing to do with sports or wildlife, and particularly noting the disturbing origins of the premise that it does. A true meeting of “stakeholders” would include representatives for those who believe in the unbending of the Founders’ intent for the Second Amendment, who know that it is necessary for the security of a free state, that it shall not be infringed, and who won’t stand for being scapegoated or for citizen disarmament edicts imposed by those who would try.

Meetings and attendees for today, including representatives for retailers and the entertainment industry, were conveyed by a White House official through Michael Scherer of TIME, acting on behalf of the press pool, and include:

11:45 AM: Sportsmen and Women and Wildlife Interest Groups:

Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Blue Water Strategies

Bull Moose Sportsmen's Alliance Action Fund

Ducks Unlimited

Outdoor Industry Association

Pheasants Forever

Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

Wildlife Management Institute

1:45 PM: Gun Owners’ Groups:

Defense Small Arms Advisory Council (DSAAC.)

Firearms Import/Export Roundtable

Independent Firearm Owners Association (IFoA)

National Rifle Association of America

National Shooting Sports Foundation

National Association of Arms Shows

6:00 PM: Representatives from the Entertainment Industry:

Branded Entertainment

Comcast Corporation

Directors Guild of America

Film & Television Alliance

Motion Picture Association of America

National Association of Broadcasters

National Association of Theatre Owners

National Cable and Telecommunications Association

Supplied by the Justice Department:

Today, at 3:15 the Attorney General will meet with retailers as part of the ongoing gun violence sessions being held at the White House by Vice President Biden.

Below is a list of the retailers who will be attendance.

Academy Sports + Outdoors

Bass Pro Shops

Big 5 Sporting Goods

Cabela's

Dick's Sporting Goods

Dunham's Sports

Gander Mountain

Sportsman's Warehouse

Wal-Mart

National Retail Federation – (awaiting confirmation)

There are many concerns this list raises, including what else a company like Dick’s is willing to preemptively surrender to further alienate customers who don’t go there for the sport of it.

Also of concern: The attendance of the Independent Firearm Owners Association, headed by Richard Feldman, once a lawyer representing the gun industry who spearheaded the last industry surrender to the White House, and went on to author an expose of his former allies. Who and exactly how many they purport to represent is somewhat of a mystery, but we do know they portray themselves as "moderates," include "a number of retired law enforcement officers" on their board, and boast "There are 15 million self-identified liberals that own guns -- that's four times the size of the NRA."

Last night, Gun Rights Examiner obtained a “boycotted” copy of an IFoA press statement, not authorized for release until 1 p.m., that is, exactly as this is being typed. The complete statement has now been posted on the organization’s website. Aside from calling for “a return to public civility,” it includes a series of measures presented as needed to fight crime, with dangerous concessions made on two fronts.

“Let’s agree that we are united in opposition to the misuse of firearms, especially the access of guns to criminals and mentally unstable individuals,” it recommends, making no mention of how due process will be ensured for the “unstable” so that innocence is presumed as opposed to having to be proven. As Gun Rights Examiner pointed out on Monday, “reforms” in this area could create a blanket dragnet for gun rights disabilities.

“Let’s agree to require the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) at gun shows,” the release further advocates. “NRA’s Wayne LaPierre supported this to Congress back in May 1999. Our proposal is called the Gun Show Preservation and Protection Act of 2013.”

In other words, end the practice of allowing private sellers to attend gun shows.

The IFOA does not explain what it believes ending private sales at gun shows will accomplish, and why, if they think it will reduce violent crime, they have not also called for ending private sales everywhere, and if that will be a concession they intend to make at some later point once this beachhead has been secured. Nor do they explain how this “agreement” squares with delegated enumerated powers of either Congress or the Executive branch under the Constitution, nor if either the Second or Tenth Amendments should be consulted before agreeing to anything.

Nor do they indicate how, with anti-gunners snarling for viscera, civilly throwing them a scrap and giving them a taste of flesh will do anything but encourage the ravenous pack to close in for more.

If NRA and NSSF join in with this divide-and-conquer preemptive surrender, and show anything but strength, gun owners will have an internal problem to resolve when they should instead be working together toward the victory it is within their power to achieve.

UPDATE: The following information just came in from the reporting pool immediately after this article was published and is quoted below:

The VP said he would give POTUS recommendations by Tuesday. "I have committed to him that I will have the recommendations to him by Tuesday."

He mentioned several recommendations to deal with guns that he said he had heard repeatedly from stakeholders. This included what he called "universal background checks, not just closing the gumshoe* loophole." He also mentioned a call do deal with high capacity magazines. And he said, "The last area is the whole subject of the ability of any federal agency to do research on gun violence."

He compared the current limits on federal data gathering with the 1970s restrictions on federal research over the cause of traffic fatalities. He said there was a need to gather information on "what kind of weapons are used most to kill people" and "what kind of weapons are trafficked weapons."

He described his own personal relationship with guns as "an owner of shotguns--I'm no great hunter, it's mostly skeet shooting for me."

He said he was still hoping to have a conference call with gun manufacturers. "There has got to be some common ground, to not solve every problem but diminish the probability" of future mass shootings. "That's what this is all about. There are no conclusions I have reached."

He referred to Newtown, saying, "there is nothing that has pricked the consciousness of the American people" as the image of "little six-year-olds riddled ... with bullet holes in their class."

* "Gumshoe loophole" is a perfect example of "Authorized Journalists" acting as subject matter authorities. Maybe Biden really said it, though. A transcript is said to be forthcoming.

UPDATE: Dave Workman says "The ‘fix’ was in; NRA ‘disappointed’ at meeting."

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