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Sportsman’s Act Must Wait Until 2017

December 10, 2016 by 2 Comments

The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Government Relations Update contained some discouraging news. The Bipartisan Sportsman’s Act has been stranded as Congress did not pass the Energy Conference Report. The bill had been made a part of the omnibus bill.

Given the funding for range development included in the bill, all I can say is damn!

From NSSF:

Congress Strands Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act in Unpassed Energy Conference Report

The 114th Congress is set to adjourn without having passed the Energy Conference Report that contained the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act. In the end, Congressional leadership didn’t feel important components of energy policy were in place in the legislative package and the measure languished in the conference committee as both sides of Capitol Hill focused on the continuing resolution needed to fun the federal government through April 28, 2017.
NSSF would like to thank U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah) for their stewardship of the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act in their respective chambers. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) also deserves acknowledgement for her work on crafting a bipartisan bill. We would also like to express our thanks and appreciation for the thousands of American hunters, target shooters and gun owners who stood up for their traditions and contacted their senators and representatives during the sustained effort to pass this legislation during the 114th Congress. NSSF will be communicating about legislative priorities for the new Congress in January.
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Happy 500th, Pastor Kenn!

December 8, 2016 by 5 Comments

I first met Rev. Kenn Blanchard in 2011 at the NRA Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh. I had been listening to his podcast The Urban Shooter/Black Man with a Gun for a while and liked his take on things. I really got to know Kenn later that year at the Lucky Gunner Blogger Shoot later that spring. He is one of a kind and I feel fortunate to be able to call him my friend. We in the gun culture are also extremely fortunate to have him on our side as he is a tireless advocate for gun rights.

Kenn is now about to broadcast his 500th show. Having been a co-host on The Polite Society Podcast for a couple of years now, I can tell you how rare that is. And how hard!

So congratulations to Pastor Kenn on this feat of endurance and skill. I’m glad he’s out there!

‘Black Man With A Gun’ Turns 500
Changes Coming to Kenn Blanchard’s Podcast and Blog
Rev. Kenn Blanchard hits a milestone as a digital influencer with the 500th episode of his popular podcast, “Black Man With a Gun,” going live on Dec. 9, 2016 on http://blackmanwithagun.com/.

Averaging 2,500 downloads a week, the weekly podcast is personal, entertaining and informative – with news and stories, and personal views about what is trending in the gun world. With more than 1.5 million downloads to date, Blanchard has interviewed notable celebrities in the gun community, including the NRA’s Wayne LaPierre, R. Lee Ermy, Colion Noir, Mas Ayoob, Julie Goleb, Kim Rhode, and actors such as Tim Able and Ernie Hudson. As a podcaster and speaker, Blanchard is often called to present to the new media nationally, introducing new audiences to the gun community.

Blanchard – who describes himself as an urban gun rights activist, writer, professional speaker and outdoorsman – created the “Black Man With A Gun” website in 1999 to promote his first book, also titled “Black Man With A Gun.” He believed that podcasting would be the best way, in 2007, to connect with the growing number of people he met while testifying on the behalf of concealed carry in the states of Virginia, Texas, Michigan, South Carolina, Maryland and Wisconsin.

In 2017, Blanchard plans to grow not only his podcast, which keeps trending upward, but also his blog, “Black Man With A Gun,” which recently underwent a major redesign. He is joined by a noteworthy team of contributors on the site for training tips, product reviews and commentary.

Blanchard is opening the door for sponsorship of his podcast. A gifted storyteller, Blanchard continues to use technology to put brands into the earbuds and onto the eyes of a growing population that is listening to podcasts.
The Black Man With A Gun Show can be found on iTunes, Stitcher, Spreaker, Podbean, iHeart radio, and the BlackManWithAGun.com.
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Gov. Cuomo Sued Over NY Ban On Tasers And Stun Guns

December 7, 2016 by

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the State of New York were sued yesterday in US District Court for the Northern District of New York over the state’s ban on tasers and stun guns. The Firearms Policy Coalition and the Firearms Policy Foundation sued the state in conjunction with Middleburgh, NY Mayor  Matthew Avitabile.

The suit is brought on Second Amendment grounds and follows the Supreme Court’s decision on a similar Massachusetts case in which they found that a stun gun is covered by the Second Amendment.

From the Firearms Policy Coalition:

FPC, FPF, and Mayor of Middleburgh Sue Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York Over Ban on Tasers and Nonlethal Weapons in New Second Amendment Legal Challenge
ALBANY, NY and SACRAMENTO, CA (December 6, 2016) — Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), Firearms Policy Foundation (FPF), and New York resident Matthew Avitabile have filed a federal Second Amendment civil rights lawsuit against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in an effort to strike down the state’s ban on the acquisition and possession of Tasers and other nonlethal (sometimes called “less-than-lethal”) weapons.
Individual plaintiff Matthew Avitabile is the mayor of Middleburgh, New York and would like to buy and keep a Taser for self-defense. But New York Penal Law § 265.01 states that “A person is guilty of criminal possession of a weapon” if “He or she possesses any….electronic dart gun” or “electronic stun gun,” making the crime punishable as a misdemeanor.
The complaint states that, “Given the [United States Supreme Court] decision in Heller, Defendants may not completely ban the keeping and bearing of arms for self-defense” or “impose regulations on the right to keep and carry arms that are inconsistent with the Second Amendment.”
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court dealt a blow to a similar Massachusetts law, but that case was resolved before a final decision was reached.
Said lead counsel Stephen Stamboulieh about the case, “We are pleased to be working to vindicate Mr. Avitabile’s Second Amendment civil rights and hope to expand the right to keep and bear arms for all law-abiding New York residents through this lawsuit.”
“The Second Amendment absolutely protects the right of law-abiding people to buy and possess all arms in common use for self-defense, like Tasers,” stated Brandon Combs, president of the Coalition and chairman of the Foundation.
“We are more than happy to remind New York that the right to keep and bear arms prevails over paternalistic and unconstitutional statutes like theirs.”
Governor Cuomo and Superintendent of the New York State Police Lt. Col. George Beach are named as defendants in the case.
Stamboulieh is joined on the case by attorney Alan Beck of San Diego. Attorney Stephen Duvernay of Sacramento-based Benbrook Law Group and Eugene Volokh, a UCLA law professor who has written and taught extensively about the First and Second Amendments, are consulting on the case. Before joining the UCLA faculty 20 years ago, Volokh clerked for Judge Alex Kozinski of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and Justice Sandra Day O’Connor of the U.S. Supreme Court. He also operates the popular legal blog “The Volokh Conspiracy,” now hosted at the Washington Post.
A copy of the lawsuit’s complaint can be viewed or downloaded at http://www.firearmspolicy.org/legal/avitabile-v-cuomo.
Firearms Policy Coalition (www.firearmspolicy.org) is a 501(c)4 grassroots nonprofit organization.  FPC’s mission is to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, especially the fundamental, individual Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.
Firearms Policy Foundation (www.firearmsfoundation.org) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. FPF’s mission is to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the People’s rights, privileges and immunities deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition, especially the inalienable, fundamental, and individual right to keep and bear arms.

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A Day That Will Live In Infamy Plus 75 Years

December 7, 2016 by

When an event that was discussed by your parents when you were a kid is now about to have its 75th anniversary, you begin to feel a little old. I was born a little more than 15 years after the Japanese Imperial Navy launched their attack on Pearl Harbor.

My mother would tell me the story, probably apocryphal, of a young Navy officer who grew up in her Staten Island neighborhood who was saved from facial burns by his Noxzema shaving creme. Likewise, she would tell me the story of how my Uncle John skipped class at Manhattan College on December 8th along with some of his fellow classmates to join the Navy.

It was a different time and a different war.

Every year I search for new propaganda posters that include the phrase “Remember Pearl Harbor”. Here are a couple of the more different ones.

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Action Alert From NSSF

December 5, 2016 by 1 Comment

The National Shooting Sports Foundation released an action alert at the end of last week. The Bipartisan Sportsman’s Act which is part of an energy bill that needs to be passed will come up for discussion this week. Even if you don’t hunt or fish the bill includes an item that should appeal to all shooters:  a provision for shooting range development.

From NSSF:


Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act
Your Immediate Action is Needed

The most important legislation in a generation for America’s hunters and target shooters is at a crucial stage. Senators and members of the US House of Representatives have just days to complete negotiations on the Energy Policy Modernization Act conference report that includes the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act.

Call Your U.S. Representative and both US Senators and politely insist that Congress act on the Energy Conference report that contains the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act. Please CALL TODAY before Congress takes up the Continuing Resolution next week to fund the federal government past Dec. 9.

We do NOT want Congress to punt the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act into the next congress that begins in January. We have come too far to go back to “square one” and begin again.

Please call today to help protect and preserve our cherished outdoor traditions.

House Switchboard: 202-224-3121

Look up your U.S. Representative: http://nssf.it/CongLookup

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Monthly Contests

December 5, 2016 by

Aaron at the Weapon Blog has released his monthly list of contests where you can win firearms or assorted related items. The rifle that caught my eye in the list was the Ruger Precision Rifle while the pistol that caught my eye was the Coonan 1911 in your choice of .357 Magnum or .45 ACP. There are also a number of other prizes as you can see below.

Handguns

  • Glock 22
    Deadline: December 8, 2016
    Added to list: November 14, 2016
    https://gleam.io/mBswU/glock-22-giveaway
  • Ruger Armerican Pistol
    Deadline: December 15, 2016
    Added to list: December 2, 2016
    https://ggg.galleryofguns.com/
  • Coonan .357 or .45ACP
    Deadline: December 16, 2016
    Added to list: October 31, 2016
    http://www.coonaninc.com/lp/gun-and-gear-giveaway/
  • 25 Guns of Christmas
    Deadline: December 25, 2016
    Added to list: November 1, 2016
    http://www.tropgun.com/25gunsofchristmas.php
  • Ruger LC9S
    Deadline: December 30, 2016
    Added to list: December 2, 2016
    http://grabagun.com/giveaway
  • Ruger LCP
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: December 2, 2016
    https://www.facebook.com/TombstoneTactical/app/190076381016644/
  • Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: November 18, 2016
    https://www.cashquickpawn.com/pages/promotions-contest-giveaways
  • 5 Elite Guns
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: November 1, 2016
    https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/freegungiveaway/2016nov-dec/index.html?id=MediaBuy2016-11&sid=WeaponBlog
  • Shooters Arms 1911
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: April 5, 2016
    http://www.contests.gunownersofcanada.ca/2016—1911-giveaway.html
  • NRA 24-Gun Collection
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: September 4, 2015
    https://www.nra.org/sweepstakes/
  • Rock Target FS HC
    Deadline: January 31, 2017
    Added to list: November 14, 2016
    http://americanhandgunner.com/fmg-surveys/47756/

Rifles

  • Voodoo Tactical Deluxe Terminator Padded MOLLE Range Bag
    Deadline: December 2, 2016
    Added to list: November 29, 2016
    http://www.guncarryreviews.com/giveaway-time/
  • Smith & Wesson M&P15T
    Deadline: December 2, 2016
    Added to list: November 29, 2016
    http://www.womensoutdoornews.com/2016/11/mp15t-giveaway/
  • Leaspeed6 AR-15
    Deadline: December 14, 2016
    Added to list: November 23, 2016
    http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/bapid=504/ClientPage/2016-Leaspeed6-AR15-Giveaway
  • Ruger Precision Rifle
    Deadline: December 15, 2016
    Added to list: December 2, 2016
    https://www.galleryofguns.com/
  • S.W.A.T Firearms AR-15
    Deadline: December 15, 2016
    Added to list: November 14, 2016
    http://cqrcengage.com/gunowners/app/register?0&m=209762
  • 22plinkster’s Card Splitting Challenge IV
    Deadline: December 25, 2016
    Added to list: November 29, 2016
    https://www.full30.com/video/eaefc7cbdcf07901f4469d4fe554cd6a
  • Bug Out Bag
    Deadline: December 30, 2016
    Added to list: December 2, 2016
    https://contest.io/c/bdico4iz
  • Moriarti Arms AR-9
    Deadline: December 30, 2016
    Added to list: November 30, 2016
    https://moriartiarmaments.com/Monthly-Giveaway
  • Springfield Armory SAINT
    Deadline: December 30, 2016
    Added to list: November 8, 2016
    http://woobox.com/ujwfdi/i472iy
  • Springfield Armory SAINT
    Deadline: December 30, 2016
    Added to list: November 1, 2016
    http://www.gunwinner.com/contest/springfield-armory-saint-giveaway
  • Smith & Wesson SD9VE
    Deadline: December 30, 2016
    Added to list: November 3, 2016
    http://contests.gunownersofcanada.ca/2016—lanz-shooting-supplies-pistol-giveaway.html
  • AX 300 Win Mag
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: November 18, 2016
    https://nagr.org/2017/member_2017_nc.aspx
  • Patriot Ordinance Factory Renegade
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: November 14, 2016
    http://www.impactguns.com/sweepstakes.aspx
  • Colt AR-15
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: October 5, 2016
    https://www.secondamendmentgiveaways.com/
  • Remington 200
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: August 23, 2016
    http://200sweepstakes.remington.com/
  • Thompson/Contender Compass
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: July 19, 2016
    https://tcarms.com/dreamtruckgiveaway
  • Smith & Wesson M&P AR-15
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: October 7, 2015
    http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/win-free-gun
  • Rock Target FS HC
    Deadline: January 31, 2017
    Added to list: November 14, 2016
    http://americanhandgunner.com/fmg-surveys/47756/
  • Savage MK II BTV
    Deadline: 5,000 Group Members
    Added to list: January 7, 2015
    https://mewe.com/join/pray_hard_shoot_straight
  • Xena-15 GEN4
    Deadline: 100,000 Subscribers
    Added to list: February 18, 2016
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFY0jhhMw54
  • Cerakote
    Deadline: Recurring Monthly
    Added to list: October 17, 2016
    https://welikeshooting.com/bdl/
  • CVA Muzzleloader
    Deadline: Recurring Monthly
    Added to list: January 1, 2015
    http://www.cva.com/CVA-Contest.php

Shotguns

  • None this month

Air Rifles

  • Nickel & Gold Colt Peacemaker
    Deadline: December 8, 2016
    Added to list: November 23, 2016
    http://woobox.com/h4ox3o

Ammunition

  • 1,250 Rounds of 12ga Rio BlueSteel
    Deadline: January 31, 2017
    Added to list: November 3, 2016
    http://www.rioammosweeps.com/

Knives

  • Grayman SATU folder
    Deadline: December 15, 2016
    Added to list: December 1, 2016
    http://woobox.com/mo8hai/i8in50

Constitution

  • None this month

Gun Rights Organizations

  • None this month

Accessories

  • Tannerite Pro Pack
    Deadline: December 2, 2016
    Added to list: November 29, 2016
    http://woobox.com/f6f6vr/i80h4m
  • Aimpoint 3X-C Magnifier and FlipMount
    Deadline: December 2, 2016
    Added to list: November 23, 2016
    http://a.pgtb.me/xGzr5J
  • Rugged Suppressors Surge 762
    Deadline: December 4, 2016
    Added to list: November 29, 2016
    https://www.facebook.com/SilencerShop/app/423461697723768/
  • Nine Line Tactical Bundle
    Deadline: December 4, 2016
    Added to list: November 29, 2016
    https://www.facebook.com/NineLineApparel/app/211058802266771
  • Ultimate Outdoor Giveaway
    Deadline: December 14, 2016
    Added to list: November 14, 2016
    http://www.cabelas.com/category/sweepstakes/905258880.uts
  • 85qt Gator Box Cooler Package
    Deadline: December 15, 2016
    Added to list: November 18, 2016
    http://southernlifeapparel.com/pages/christmas-giveaway
  • APOC Armory Complete AR-15 Upper
    Deadline: December 17, 2016
    Added to list: November 23, 2016
    https://www.facebook.com/ar15discounts/app/228910107186452/
  • Rifle Body Armor Kit
    Deadline: December 18, 2016
    Added to list: November 18, 2016
    http://swee.ps/zdsOsQay
  • 5.11 Tactical Christmas Bundle Giveaway
    Deadline: December 23, 2016
    Added to list: November 8, 2016
    https://gleam.io/Bv5WB/511-tactical-christmas-bundle-giveaway
  • Polaris RGR 570 XP
    Deadline: December 28, 2016
    Added to list: October 25, 2016
    https://www.mackspw.com/contestentry–id-17
  • Nickel Boron BCG
    Deadline: December 30, 2016
    Added to list: November 8, 2016
    https://www.facebook.com/APOCarmory/app/228910107186452/
  • $500 Gift Card
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: December 2, 2016
    https://app.brandsatisfaction.com/land/2165?front_surveys=2134
  • SureFire EB1
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: November 18, 2016
    https://everydaycarry.com/giveaway
  • $3,000 King’s Camo Package
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: November 18, 2016
    http://swee.ps/luSoQyhM
  • $5,000 Kahr Arms Gift Certificate
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: October 17, 2016
    http://www.personaldefenseworld.com/2016/10/kahr-firearms-group-shooting-contest/
  • Rocky Boots For Life
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: October 12, 2016
    http://www.rockyboots.com/rockyboots4life/
  • Taurus Judge 10 Year Anniversary
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: October 12, 2016
    http://www.taurus-judge.com/tour/
  • Blastout 51T
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: September 16, 2016
    https://apps.agorapulse.com/mobile/sweepstake/71605
  • $250 2A Shooting Supply Gift Certificate
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: August 25, 2016
    https://2ashootingsupply.com/giveaways/
  • Trip To Taurus Headquarters
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: August 23, 2016
    http://www.taurus-judge.com/tour/index.html
  • Mossy Oak Rock Starz
    Deadline: January 4, 2017
    Added to list: August 30, 2016
    http://www.addictionattractants.com/rockstarzphotocontest.html
  • NRA Ultimate Shooting Experience
    Deadline: February 28, 2017
    Added to list: September 16, 2016
    https://www.nrawc.org/ShootingExperience/default.aspx
  • Yamaha Side-By-Side
    Deadline: May 31, 2017
    Added to list: November 18, 2016
    http://www.powderhook.com/contests/yamaha-side-by-side
  • Patriot Ordinance Factory Drop-In Trigger
    Deadline: Recurring Monthly
    Added to list: August 23, 2016
    https://pof-usa.com/monthly-contest-giveaway/
  • Relentless Tactical Gun Belt
    Deadline: Recurring Monthly
    Added to list: August 16, 2016
    https://relentless.leadpages.co/relentless-tactical-belt-giveaway/
  • $100 60X Gift Card
    Deadline: Recurring Monthly
    Added to list: August 8, 2016
    http://www.60xcustomstrings.com/giveaway/
  • Trailboss
    Deadline: Recurring Monthly
    Added to list: July 13, 2016
    http://www.trailbossguns.com/signup.html
  • ATN SHot Trax-HD
    Deadline: Recurring Monthly
    Added to list: April 4, 2016
    http://lauraburgess.com/clients/american-technologies-network/ATN_VideoContest_0416.pdf
  • Parker Crossbow
    Deadline: Recurring Monthly
    Added to list: February 17, 2016
    http://www.parkerbows.com/giveawaynewxbow.html
  • Parker Compound Bow
    Deadline: Recurring Monthly
    Added to list: February 11, 2015
    http://www.parkerbows.com/giveawaynew.html
  • Dead Air Armament #MuzzleBrakeMonday
    Deadline: Recurring Weekly
    Added to list: June 9, 2015
    https://www.facebook.com/DeadAirSilencers/photos/a.574740122637686.1073741828.567415350036830/682580115187019/
  • Franklin Armory 9″ FST Keymod Rail
    Deadline: 10,000 Facebook Fans
    Added to list: November 18, 2016
    https://www.facebook.com/franklin.armory/photos/a.243357719130637.62582.240937162706026/913602745439461/

Raffles

  • Agency Arms / Mission Volant Shot Show Raffle
    Deadline: December 15, 2016
    Added to list: September 28, 2016
    http://www.shotshowraffle.com/
  • Hart’s Fort Rifle
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: February 8, 2016
    https://www.youcaring.com/homeless-and-at-risk-military-veterans-516369
  • Outdoor Mentors Gun A Week
    Deadline: December 31, 2016
    Added to list: January 6, 2016
    http://outdoormentors.org/content/2016-gun-week-drawing
  • Sandcrabs Baseball Support
    Deadline: January 14, 2017
    Added to list: October 6, 2016
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/99849707935/permalink/10154440211502936/
  • Badger Ordnance USMC M40A5 Rifle
    Deadline: January 18, 2017
    Added to list: November 18, 2016
    http://www.reconsniperfoundation.org/store/badger-ordnance-usmc-m40a5-rifle-raffle
  • 2016 50 Gun Fundraiser
    Deadline: Only 500 tickets sold
    Added to list: January 28, 2016
    http://www.pitstopbbq.org/#!2016-50-Gun-Fundraiser/cp5g/i2l12v0s1

Training

  • Ultimate Shooting Experience
    Deadline: February 28, 2017
    Added to list: November 14, 2016
    https://www.nrawc.org/ShootingExperience/default.aspx
  • Tactical Training Adventure
    Deadline: 60,000 Contest entries
    Added to list: August 17, 2015
    https://freedomfightersfoundation.org/sweepstakes/

Hunting

  • Ohio Big Buck Hunt
    Deadline: December 19, 2016
    Added to list: November 3, 2016
    http://www.buckmasters.com/contests/Hunt/c/JBOHI6/s/4
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An Interesting Latin American Mauser

December 5, 2016 by

From the late 1800s until well into the 20th century, the bolt action Mauser was the rifle of choice of many of Latin America’s armies. Countries like Columbia, Brazil, Peru, and Mexico among others went with the 7×57 Mauser while the Argentines adopted the Mauser in their own distinctive 7.65×53 caliber. Indeed, my own collection includes a Columbian Mauser made by Steyr and a Brazilian Mauser made by DWM Berlin. Both of these are in 7×57. I just need to add an 1891 Argentine Engineer Mauser and I’ll have covered the Southern Cone.

In the video below Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons talks about a single shot Mauser that was adopted by Uruguay. It is referred to as the Doviitis and is a conversion of the blackpower 1871 Mauser to a smokeless 6.5 caliber.

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I Think Tom Might Be Correct – We Need An Asst AG For The Second Amendment

December 1, 2016 by 5 Comments

Tom Gresham made the suggestion on his show Sunday that the Trump Department of Justice should have a special Assistant Attorney General for the protection of the Second Amendment. He referenced how DOJ sent armies of lawyers to the South after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Heller and McDonald decisions confirmed that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms and that right applies in the states. However, the current DOJ is doing nothing to protect that individual civil right.

I think Tom is on to something.

Having just read of the latest attack on the Second Amendment and the gun culture coming out of New Jersey, I think this is doubly true. An ostensibly anti-suicide bill would create onerous requirements on gun ranges that would force them to close. As the 7th Circuit decided in the Ezell v. Chicago, gun ranges are an essential part of the Second Amendment.

From the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs:

The bills as presently written would require the owner or operator of every range and gun club to verify that every range user has an FID card, NJ carry permit, or pistol purchase permit, along with government-issued photo ID, every time that person uses the range. That is an impossible burden for most ranges to meet – most ranges are unstaffed or staffed sporadically by volunteers. Few ranges have staff during all operating hours. NO SHOOTING ACTIVITY COULD OCCUR ON ANY RANGE THAT IS NOT STAFFED TO VERIFY CREDENTIALS.

The bills as presently written would also prevent you from using your own firearms on a range unless the range first verifies your credentials, every time you use the range, and bans all temporary transfer on a range unless the range verifies the credentials of both the transferor and transferee. THIS IMPACTS A HUGE SWATH OF SECOND AMENDMENT ACTIVITY, INCLUDING TRAINING, COMPETITION, TARGET PRACTICE, OPEN HOUSES, RANGE GUESTS, HUNTER EDUCATION, WOMEN’S EVENTS, ETC. (see below for detailed examples).

I think of the ranges that I have open to me in western North Carolina. The indoor ranges are staffed and could meet the requirements of such a bill. However, the NC Wildlife Resources Range at Cold Mountain (yes, that Cold Mountain) and the ranges in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests are neither staffed nor have Range Safety Officers. These free and/or inexpensive places to shoot would have to be shut down.

Sebastian is correct when he concluded:

This would essentially close every club in New Jersey. It would make it impossible to bring new shooters into the sports, since they would essentially need to apply for and receive an FID card before they could even try it out. This would destroy the shooting culture in New Jersey, and that’s exactly what it’s intended to do. Suicide prevention is a ruse. Christie has shown a willingness to veto legislation like this, and will probably continue to do so as long as he’s in office, but it’s going to be hell to pay if Christie is replaced with an anti-gun Democrat.

 If you live in New Jersey, I suggest that you do as the ANJRPC says and contact your legislators. As to the idea of a special Assistant Attorney General for the Second Amendment, I’m not sure how to contact the incoming Trump Administration directly. However, you could send the suggestion to Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) at his Senate offices.

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Reminds Me Of Plinking In My Youth

November 29, 2016 by 2 Comments

I saw this YouTube video by Ron Spomer that he released just yesterday. He compares shooting water filled milk jugs with a .375 H&H and a .22-250 Ackley Improved. You have to watch the video to see which cartridge wins.

Shooting water filled milk jugs reminds me of my late teens when my friend Robert and I would go to the range and shoot them with everything from a .22 to a .30-06. The overfilled ones were the best as they reacted more violently when hit by the .30-06 bullet. Call it plinking or call it a penetration test, it just fun.

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Just Like Clockwork

November 28, 2016 by 7 Comments

The saying that the only two sure things in this world are death and taxes needs a revision. The revision would be to add that in a (purported) campus active shooter situation where little or nothing is known, Shannon Watts of Mommies Demanding Illegal Mayors will be tweeting about it and asking for more gun control.

The first report of an active shooter at Ohio State came in just before 10am EST. The above tweet was made at just a bit after 11am EST. I’d like to be able to say it was her first tweet but it wasn’t. Shannon was tweeting within minutes of the first report.

Reports in the Columbus Dispatch about the incident are relatively sketchy. Some people are in the hospital reportedly with non-life threatening injuries. One of the attackers is reported dead. There is not identification of the attacker. There is no word on whether police killed the attacker or whether it was self-inflicted. There is no word on motive. There is no word on what type of weapon. The list goes on.

The bottom line is that Shannon Watts will use any attack or incident as a reason to push gun control regardless of the circumstances. Her blood dancing is really getting rather old.


UPDATE: More details of this “mass shooting” are coming out. The “shooter” actually hit a number of pedestrians with his car and then started stabbing them with a butcher knife. There were no firearms involved other than that of the OSU police officer who shot and killed the attacker approximately a minute after the attack began. The unnamed attacker is reported in another story to be a Somali refugee with permanent legal residence who was a student. Unlike earlier reports, there appears to have only been this one attacker. The motive for the attack is unknown at this time.