by Now that you’ve shopped for everyone else, do something nice for yourself. Aaron at the Weapon-Blog has just posted the December gun giveaway contests.
Remember, you gotta enter if you wanna win.
Ramping Up The Pressure To Free Brian Aitken (Rally Postponed)
From the Second Amendment Foundation on the Free Brian Aitken Rally:
GOTTLIEB TO SPEAK AT ‘FREE BRIAN
AITKEN’ RALLY DEC. 12 IN NEW JERSEYBELLEVUE, WA – Alan Gottlieb, founder and executive vice president of the Second Amendment Foundation will travel to New Jersey Dec. 12 to join speakers at a rally in Toms River in support of Brian Aitken.
The New Jersey man has been imprisoned for essentially having two legally-owned handguns in his car, parked at his parents’ home, along with other belongings he was moving to a new residence in another city.
Gottlieb will join Scott Bach, president of the Association of New Jersey Association Rifle & Pistol Clubs (ANJRPC) at the microphone, along with radio personality Dennis Malloy, attorney and author Evan Nappen, and members of the New Jersey Legislature, Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll and Assemblywoman Allison Little McHose. Also scheduled to speak are firearms training expert Anthony Colandro and Gene Hoyas of ConservativeNewJersey.com.
“Brian Aitken’s case is a clear demonstration of how easily New Jersey’s restrictive gun laws can be abused,” Gottlieb stated. “SAF and ANJRPC recently filed a federal lawsuit aimed at how the state’s Draconian gun law is administered. How could I not be there on Dec. 12 to support a man whose case amounts to a civil rights outrage?”
The rally is sponsored by the New Jersey Second Amendment Society, which is raising public awareness about Aitken’s plight. Their goal is to petition Gov. Chris Christie to grant clemency and release Aitken from prison before Christmas.
The rally begins at 2 p.m. at the American Legion Post 129 at 2025 Church Road in Tom’s River.
As I said this past weekend, if Chris Christie wants to have a political career outside of the Garden State, he needs to step up and pardon Brian Aitken.
UPDATE: It appears from a notice on the Free Brian Aitken Facebook page that the rally has been called off – or at least postponed.
And there is this letter from Mr. Aitken posted in a column in the Star-Ledger at nj.com. I don’t have a clue as to what is going on or why. If and when I hear more I’ll post it.
Ted Nugent on Feral Cats
Despite his hit, Cat Scratch Fever, the Motor City Madman, Ted Nugent is no lover of feral cats. Indeed, he kills them on sight.
In his column for the Washington Time, Nugent discussed a report from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln which concluded that the way to control the feral cat population was to kill them. Or as Ted would say, whack them.
With regard to the feral cat population and their impact on wildlife, Ted says:
The reality of the situation is that the feral cat population has exploded across the United States (except on my property) and in other countries as well, in large part because of irresponsible cat owners who dump their unwanted pets out in the country when Precious wears out his welcome in short order by killing every songbird and assorted wildlife by the millions. Estimates of the number of feral cats in the United States are well over 100 million. Strange, but not one of these destructive fur balls lives on my ranch.
The destruction feral cats have wrought on songbirds, other mammals and critters is catastrophic, no pun intended. Feral cats prey not only on songbirds but also on game birds, rabbits, squirrels, gophers, mice, shrews, voles and other critters that are food sources for wild predators such as foxes, birds of prey, coyotes and bobcats.
It isn’t often that you find the American Bird Conservancy, the Audubon Society, and Ted Nugent on the same page on anything. However, they all agree that trapping, neutering, and releasing feral cats does not solve the environmental impact of feral cats – the cat will just return to the wild and continue wreaking havoc on wildlife.
It is estimated that feral cats kill over 500 million songbirds annually and in Australia studies have shown that they have caused the extinction of 33 different bird species on some islands. The Nebraska study mentioned above put the cost of the environmental impact of feral cats at $17 billion.
Feral cats lead a Hobbesian life – nasty, short, and brutish. Studies indicate the life expectancy of a feral cat due to disease, malnutrition, severe weather, and other predators is 2-5 years. By contrast, a house cat raised indoors will live 15-22 years by some reports. Releasing a neutered feral cat back into the wild is doing it no favor.
When it comes to feral cats, Ted is right.
PS: While I am a dog lover and a cat tolerator, it is important to remember that wild dogs are also a conservation problem that needs to be dealt with.
FoxNews Covers D’Cruz Case
Larry Thompson, attorney for James D’Cruz and the NRA, and Paul Helmke, head of the Brady Center, appeared on Fox and Friends on Saturday morning to debate whether 18-20 year olds should be allowed to legally purchase handguns as well as carry concealed in Texas.
In the short time period, I would say that Thompson got most of his points made while Helmke said that except for voting 18 year olds aren’t mentioned in the Constitution. So, if one is to listen to Paul Helmke, your only right as an 18 year old is to vote for Obama in big numbers and then shut up. I wish Fox had given them more time to discuss this case.
Watch the latest video at <a href=”http://video.foxnews.com”>video.foxnews.com</a>
H/T James D’Cruz
1986 Firearm Owners Protection Act and the Hughes Amendment
Andrew at the Vuurwapen Blog has a very, very interesting post on this bill and the Hughes Amendment. The Hughes Amendment is the part of the bill that froze the number of machine guns available to be licensed under the National Firearms Act to what existed before this bill was passed.
There’s always been a rumor about it being a late night voice vote that really didn’t have the requisite number of votes to pass, but was ordered to be added anyway.
Now, however, thanks to the detective work of a man who goes by the name AJAX22, we’re finding out that a recorded vote was taken, and the amendment was defeated – but again, it was ordered to be added anyway.
Who was instrumental in this action? None other than Charlie Rangel, then acting as Speaker of the House – the disgraced, corrupt New York congressman who was recently censured on the floor of the House. Are we really surprised that a person of such low “moral caliber” would falsify records to ensure that a law he favored would pass, directly subverting the democratic process? I’m not.
There is some controversy about the vote, the full transcript of which can be found here.
Go to Andrew’s blog and read the whole thing. Even more importantly, follow his links.
Update: There was some confusion about the second vote and I’ve updated the quote from Vuurwapen Blog to reflect that. Also see the second comment below for more of an explanation.
Cook County’s Blair Holt Assault Weapons Ban – Adopted in 2006
Yesterday, I posted a notice from the Illinois State Rifle Association that the First District Appellate Court had ordered briefs from both parties in Wilson et al v. Cook County et al. This was a case challenging the constitutionality of the Cook County, Illinois ordinance called the Blair Holt Assault Weapons Ban. I thought it might be helpful to be able for people to read the ordinance in question.
NOTE: This was adopted in 2006 – this is not something new.
DIVISION 4. – BLAIR HOLT ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN [11]
Sec. 54-211. – Definitions.
Sec. 54-212. – Assault weapons and large capacity magazines; sale prohibited; exceptions.
Sec. 54-213. – Destruction of weapons confiscated.
Secs. 54-214—54-240. – Reserved.Sec. 54-211. – Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Assault weapon means:
(1) A semiautomatic rifle that has the capacity to accept a large capacity magazine detachable or otherwise and one or more of the following:
(A) Only a pistol grip without a stock attached;
(B) Any feature capable of functioning as a protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand;
(C) A folding, telescoping or thumbhole stock;
(D) A shroud attached to the barrel, or that partially or completely encircles the barrel, allowing the bearer to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burned, but excluding a slide that encloses the barrel; or
(E) A muzzle brake or muzzle compensator;(2) A semiautomatic pistol or any semi-automatic rifle that has a fixed magazine, that has the capacity to accept more than ten rounds of ammunition;
(3) A semiautomatic pistol that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and has one or more of the following:
(A) Any feature capable of functioning as a protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand;
(B) A folding, telescoping or thumbhole stock;
(C) A shroud attached to the barrel, or that partially or completely encircles the barrel, allowing the bearer to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burned, but excluding a slide that encloses the barrel;
(D) A muzzle brake or muzzle compensator; or
(E) The capacity to accept a detachable magazine at some location outside of the pistol grip.(4) A semiautomatic shotgun that has one or more of the following:
(A) Only a pistol grip without a stock attached;
(B) Any feature capable of functioning as a protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand;
(C) A folding, telescoping or thumbhole stock;
(D) A fixed magazine capacity in excess of five rounds; or
(E) An ability to accept a detachable magazine;(5) Any shotgun with a revolving cylinder.
(6) Conversion kit, part or combination of parts, from which an assault weapon can be assembled if those parts are in the possession or under the control of the same person;
(7) Shall include, but not be limited to, the assault weapons models identified as follows:
(A) The following rifles or copies or duplicates thereof:
(i) AK, AKM, AKS, AK-47, AK-74, ARM, MAK90, Misr, NHM 90, NHM 91, SA 85, SA 93, VEPR;
(ii) AR-10;
(iii) AR-15, Bushmaster XM15, Armalite M15, or Olympic Arms PCR;
(iv) AR70;
(v) Calico Liberty;
(vi) Dragunov SVD Sniper Rifle or Dragunov SVU;
(vii) Fabrique National FN/FAL, FN/LAR, or FNC;
(viii) Hi-Point Carbine;
(ix) HK-91, HK-93, HK-94, or HK-PSG-1;
(x) Kel-Tec Sub Rifle;
(xi) Saiga;
(xii) SAR-8, SAR-4800;
(xiii) SKS with detachable magazine;
(xiv) SLG 95;
(xv) SLR 95 or 96;
(xvi) Steyr AUG;
(xvii) Sturm, Ruger Mini-14;
(xviii) Tavor;
(xix) Thompson 1927, Thompson M1, or Thompson 1927 Commando; or
(xx) Uzi, Galil and Uzi Sporter, Galil Sporter, or Galil Sniper Rifle (Galatz).(B) The following pistols or copies or duplicates thereof:
(i) Calico M-110;
(ii) MAC-10, MAC-11, or MPA3;
(iii) Olympic Arms OA;
(iv) TEC-9, TEC-DC9, TEC-22 Scorpion, or AB-10; or
(v) Uzi.(C) The following shotguns or copies or duplicates thereof:
(i) Armscor 30 BG;
(ii) SPAS 12 or LAW 12;
(iii) Striker 12; or
(iv) Streetsweeper.“Assault weapon” does not include any firearm that has been made permanently inoperable, or satisfies the definition of “antique firearm,” stated in this section, or weapons designed for Olympic target shooting events.
Detachable magazine means any ammunition feeding device, the function of which is to deliver one or more ammunition cartridges into the firing chamber, which can be removed from the firearm without the use of any tool, including a bullet or ammunition cartridge.
Large capacity magazine means any ammunition feeding device with the capacity to accept more than ten rounds, but shall not be construed to include the following:
(1) A feeding device that has been permanently altered so that it cannot accommodate more than ten rounds.
(2) A 22 caliber tube ammunition feeding device.
(3) A tubular magazine that is contained in a lever-action firearm.Muzzle brake means a device attached to the muzzle of a weapon that utilizes escaping gas to reduce recoil.
Muzzle compensator means a device attached to the muzzle of a weapon that utilizes escaping gas to control muzzle movement.
(Ord. No. 93-O-37, § 6-1, 10-19-1993; Ord. No. 93-O-46, § 6-1, 11-16-1993; Ord. No. 94-O-33, 7-6-1994; Ord. No. 99-O-27, Pt. 3(6-1), 11-23-1999; Ord. No. 06-O-50, 11-14-2006.)
Sec. 54-212. – Assault weapons and large capacity magazines; sale prohibited; exceptions.
(a) No person shall manufacture, sell, offer or display for sale, give, lend, transfer ownership of, acquire or possess any assault weapon or large capacity magazine. This subsection shall not apply to:
(1) The sale or transfer to, or possession by any officer, agent, or employee of Cook County or any other municipality or state or of the United States, members of the armed forces of the United States; or the organized militia of this or any other state; or peace officers to the extent that any such person named in this subsection is otherwise authorized to acquire or possess an assault weapon and/or large capacity magazine and does so while acting within the scope of his or her duties;
(2) Transportation of assault weapons or large capacity magazine if such weapons are broken down and in a nonfunctioning state and are not immediately accessible to any person.(b) Any assault weapon or large capacity magazine possessed, sold or transferred in violation of Subsection (a) of this section is hereby declared to be contraband and shall be seized and disposed of in accordance with the provisions of Section 54-213.
(c) Any person found in violation of this section shall be sentenced to not more than six months imprisonment or fined not less than $500.00 and not more than $1,000.00, or both.
(d) Any person who, prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section, was legally in possession of an assault weapon or large capacity magazine prohibited by this section shall have 90 days from the effective date of the ordinance to do any of the following without being subject to prosecution hereunder:
(1) To remove the assault weapon or large capacity magazine from within the limits of the County of Cook; or
(2) To modify the assault weapon or large capacity magazine either to render it permanently inoperable or to permanently make it a device no longer defined as an assault weapon or large capacity magazine; or
(3) To surrender the assault weapon or large capacity magazine to the Sheriff or his designee for disposal as provided below.(Ord. No. 93-O-37, § 6-2, 10-19-1993; Ord. No. 93-O-46, § 6-2, 11-16-1993; Ord. No. 94-O-33, 7-6-1994; Ord. No. 99-O-27, Pt. 3(6-2), 11-23-1999; Ord. No. 06-O-50, 11-14-2006.)
Sec. 54-213. – Destruction of weapons confiscated.
(a) Whenever any firearm or large capacity magazine is surrendered or confiscated pursuant to the terms of this article, the Sheriff shall ascertain whether such firearm is needed as evidence in any matter.
(b) If such firearm or large capacity magazine is not required for evidence it shall be destroyed at the direction of the Sheriff. A record of the date and method of destruction an inventory or the firearm or large capacity magazine so destroyed shall be maintained.
(Ord. No. 93-O-37, § 6-3, 10-19-1993; Ord. No. 94-O-33, 7-6-1994; Ord. No. 99-O-27, Pt. 3(6-3), 11-23-1999; Ord. No. 06-O-50, 11-14-2006.)
I certainly can see why this ordinance was challenged. Under its provisions, a Ruger 10/22 with a Barracuda stock becomes an assault weapon. It utilizes a detachable magazine, Ramline and Butler Creek make greater than 10 round capacity magazines, and the Barracuda stock is a thumbhole stock.
Then there are pistols that are outlawed right up front such as the Ruger Charger and some models (711 and 712) of the Mauser C-96 as both utilize magazines that attach outside the pistol grip.
As to shotguns, the Saigas are a no-no and then there is that mega-assault weapon the Rossi Circuit Judge. The Circuit Judge has a rotary cylinder. Put a extension tube on your Remington 870 in order to compete in 3-gun competitions and you have an assault weapon.
This ordinance is a joke – it was a feel good measure passed by a county Board of Commissioners that didn’t have a clue. And still doesn’t.
A Revolver for the Elephant Hunter
Any pistol that comes in either .600 Nitro Express and .458 Winchester Magnum is more pistol than I’d want to either carry or, to be frank, even shoot. That said, if you are in the market for an elephant pistol – literally – here you go – The Austrian-made Pfeifer-Zeliska .600 Nitro Express Revolver.
Here are the prices and specs on it:
Price VAT incl. 13.840,- EUR
Technical data:
| Calibre: | .600 Nitro Express or .458 Win Mag. | ||||
| Muzzle velocity: | 462 m/s,Full metal jacket 900 grain | ||||
| Muzzle energy: | 6.230 joule | ||||
| Weight: | 13.23 lbs | ||||
| Capacity: | 5 rounds | ||||
| Barrel length: | 13 inch | ||||
| Overall length: | 21.65 inch | ||||
| Features: | browned special steel. As every revolver is an individual product we can satisfy every customer wish. |
Converting the price into U.S. Dollars, this pistol sells for $18,501. Kynoch Cartridges still loads the .600 Nitro Express and sells new cartridges for $180 for a box of 5 or $36 a piece. However, if you are spending over $18,000 for a pistol why quibble over the price of ammo!
For a full review of this pistol by someone who has actually shot it, go to Tony Roger’s website where he has a full review of it. He says the recoil actually isn’t as bad as one would expect putting it similar to a 500 S&W Mag. He has a lot more pictures and details on this monster revolver.
H/T Weapon-Blog
In Illinois Gun Rights News…
This was just announced this morning by the Illinois State Rifle Association:
ISRA SUPPORTED SUIT AGAINST COOK COUNTY SUCCEEDS IN STATE SUPREME COURT
A case brought against Cook County, challenging its “Assault Weapon” ban passed in 2006, has finally been decided favorably for the ISRA backed Plaintiffs. The case of Wilson, et al. vs Cook County et al., was returned to the State Appellate Court pursuant to the Supreme Court’s exercise of its judicial authority, and the First District Appellate Court has been ordered to vacate its decision and reconsider the case based on the recent decision in McDonald vs. City of Chicago. McDonald was a landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court in which ISRA was one of the Plaintiffs.
In a move that surprised all parties to the litigation, the First District Appellate Court ordered both plaintiffs and defendants to file simultaneous briefs in 15 days, with no Reply briefing allowed. The Appellate court’s Order came within days of the Supreme Court’s issued mandate, which directs the Appellate Court to vacate and reconsider.
The purported “assault weapons,” as defined under the very broad and vague terms of the subject County Ordinance, include numerous semi-automatic handguns and rifles, including the Ar-15, M -1 Carbine, Smith & Wesson P99 pistol, Smith & Wesson 22A, Browning BAR Longtrack, Winchester Super X Rifle, and the Mini-30 Ranch Rifle. just to name a few Since the lawsuit was filed in early 2007. the enforcement of the Ordinance has been at a virtual stand-still, and the objective of the ISRA to see that this unwarranted ban is overturned with finality. A supplementary brief is being filed and the decision of the Appellate Court is expected soon. If required, ISRA is prepared to back this case to the U.S. Supreme Court.
On September 29th, the Illinois Supreme Court sent this back to the First District Appellate Court with an order to vacate its original decision and to reconsider it in light of the McDonald case. They said:
No. 109314 – Matthew D. Wilson et al., petitioners, v. Cook County, etc., et al., respondents. Leave to appeal, Appellate Court, First District.
(1-08-1202)
Petition for leave to appeal denied.In the exercise of this Court’s supervisory authority, the Appellate Court, First
District, is directed to vacate its order in Wilson v. Cook County, case No. 1-08-1202(08/19/09), and reconsider the matter in light of McDonald, et al. v. City of Chicago, 130 S.Ct. 3020 (06/28/10), to determine if another result is warranted.
Sarah Palin Is Such A Tease!
Now I have to watch on Sunday night to see what happens!
Camouflage Isn’t Going To Help You If You Are Stupid
The video above is from a presentation by retired Army LtCol. Tim O’Neil who is considered the father of digital camouflage. He gives some of the theory behind camo and ends with “camouflage isn’t going to help you if you are stupid.” In other words, the world’s best, most innovative camo still won’t hide you if you can’t sit still.
For more on his work, read this post by Christian Lowe in the KitUp blog.