From Jim Bequette, editor, “Guns & Ammo” Magazine:
USA –-(Ammoland.com)- As editor of “Guns & Ammo,” I owe each and every reader a personal apology.
No excuses, no backtracking.
Dick Metcalf’s “Backstop” column in the December issue has aroused unprecedented controversy. Readers are hopping mad about it, and some are questioning “Guns & Ammo”’s commitment to the Second Amendment.
I understand why.
Let me be clear: Our commitment to the Second Amendment is unwavering. It has been so since the beginning. Historically, our tradition in supporting the Second Amendment has been unflinching. No strings attached. It is no accident that when others in the gun culture counseled compromise in the past, hard-core thinkers such as Harlon Carter, Don Kates and Neal Knox found a place and a voice in these pages. When large firearms advocacy groups were going soft in the 1970s, they were prodded in the right direction, away from the pages of “Guns & Ammo.”
In publishing Metcalf’s column, I was untrue to that tradition, and for that I apologize. His views do not represent mine — nor, most important, “Guns & Ammo”’s. It is very clear to me that they don’t reflect the views of our readership either.
Dick Metcalf has had a long and distinguished career as a gunwriter, but his association with “Guns & Ammo” has officially ended.
I once again offer my personal apology. I understand what our valued readers want. I understand what you believe in when it comes to gun rights, and I believe the same thing.
I made a mistake by publishing the column. I thought it would generate a healthy exchange of ideas on gun rights. I miscalculated, pure and simple. I was wrong, and I ask your forgiveness.
Plans were already in place for a new editor to take the reins of “Guns & Ammo” on January 1 2014. However, these recent events have convinced me that I should advance that schedule immediately.
Your new “Guns & Ammo” editor will be Eric R. Poole, who has so effectively been running our special interest publications, such as “Book of the AR-15” and “TRIGGER.” You will be hearing much more about this talented editor soon.
“Guns & Ammo” will never fail to vigorously lead the struggle for our Second Amendment rights, and with vigorous young editorial leadership such as Eric’s, it will be done even better in the future.
Respectfully, Jim Bequette “Guns & Ammo” Magazine:
Too late for apologies. How can you allow one of your editors to print this diatribe ? NO ONE at G&A noticed that this article was against the very rights that your readers cherish ??? My subscription will end soon, and I will NOT be renewing it. As for the Dick (Metcalf) that wrote this rubbish, maybe you can find employment with sarah brady’s group.
I think in the letters section of the same issue a reader chastised G&A for not commenting on 2nd amendment issues in any article they published in the past year. Looks like when they finally decided to get in gear they really let a stinker get in. I agree with Metcalf people should be trained but I disagree that it should required or about how it is acquired. I live in a rural area far removed from training classes and big name instructors but I was taught to shoot at around five years old and have been around firearms for… Read more »
As Ben Franklin said, “those who give up liberty for security will have (nor deserve) either.” Bad or crazy people will always do bad or crazy things. Restricting guns won’t stop them. They will switch to bombs, fire, or other weapons that are easier to use and even more deadly. ALL that will EVER be accomplished by more infringements on “that which SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED” is to create more helpless victims. The average number of deaths in mass shootings where the shooter isn’t stopped until the police arrive is slightly more than 14, but if the shooter encounters armed… Read more »
I see some elitist gun owners mumbling in the above comments that some people (untrained, etc.) who should not have guns–this along the same thought line that just got G&A int trouble (take his gun, not mine).
The only group(s)that should not have guns in our country are convicted or active criminals and left wing anti-constitutional anti-Bill of rights politicians and media types who are also criminals.
The Second amendment and Bill of Rights is solely about INDIVIDUAL citizen rights and has nothing to do with the collective government.
With all due respect, I submit my reaction to this clip which appeared earlier.
“…too many untrained individuals are arming themselves just because the 2nd Amendment gives us that right with little or no training whatsoever…”
This begs the response: Who will then appoint themselves the rightful judge of who is or is not properly trained and qualified? A Commisar?
It was good that they replaced Metcalf but that is what happens when you get weak kneed about the 2’nd ammendment. There is no comprimise & there shouldn’t be. With a commie in the white house we can’t afford someone who isn’t with us 100%