American Newspapers

Column by Alan Caruba

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)-From its earliest days, even before the Revolution, Americans valued their newspapers and understood they played a crucial role in the issues and events of the times in which they lived.

It would take a while, however, before newspapers evolved from highly partisan advocates of the early political factions to their role as watchdogs of government.

A literate population depended on them for news that revealed the increasing futility of dealing with a British monarchy and parliament that found new ways to tax the essentially independent colonies. Newspapers became the glue of the new nation, eagerly read in every state, providing news of Congress and the presidency.

By contrast, authoritarian governments understood the need to keep a tight control over the news and none more than the Third Reich of the Nazi Party and in the Soviet Union.

On May 21st, Kirsten Powers, writing in the Daily Beast.com, borrowed from words of pastor Martin Niemoller, a German who witnessed their rise to power and who framed the manner in which the Nazis targeted, jailed and killed all those they deemed enemies of the state.

His poem, “First they came” was echoed by Powers who wrote “First they came for Fox News, and they did not speak out—because they were not Fox News. Then they came for government whistleblowers, and they did not speak out—because they were not government whistleblowers. Then they came for the maker of a YouTube video, and—okay we know how this story ends. But how did we get here?” The “we” to whom she referred are the nation’s journalists.

“Turns out,” said Powers, “it’s a fairly swift sojourn from a president pushing to ‘delegitimize’ a news organization to threatening criminal prosecution for journalistic activity by a Fox News reporter, James Rosen, to spying on Associated Press reporters.”

“Where were the media when all this began happening?” asked Powers. “With a few exceptions, they were acting as quiet enablers.”

State of Deception: Power of Nazi Propaganda learn more at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

This is what I and many other conservative observers and analysts of the President and his administration have been saying since 2009 and earlier.

“These series of ‘warnings’ to the Fourth Estate,” said Powers, “were what you might expect to hear from some third-rate dictator, not from the senior staff of Hope and Change, Inc.”

In his book, Mein Kampf (My Struggle), Hitler demonstrated his contempt for the public. “The receptivity of the great masses is very limited, their intelligence is small, but their power of forgetting is enormous. In consequence of these facts, all effective propaganda must be limited to a very few points and must harp on these slogans until the last member of the public understands what you want him to understand by your slogan.”

Obama’s 2008 slogan was “hope and change.” He was vague about the change he had in mind, but we have been learning about it since his election.

Hitler and his minister of Popular Enlightenment and Propaganda, Joseph Goebbels, set up a department that dealt solely with newspapers. An instructive history of the press in the Third Reich can be found on the website of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

“When Adolf Hitler took power in 1933, the Nazis controlled less than three percent of Germany’s 4,700 newspapers.” The elimination of the German multi-party political system ended hundreds of newspapers that would offer any opposition to the Nazi Party. What followed in the first weeks of 1933 was the systematic use of radio, press, and newsreels to stoke fears of a pending “Communist uprising.” This occurred in a pre-television and, of course, pre-Internet era, but it was effective when backed up by the thuggish behavior of Hitler’s paramilitary units that were used to “brutalize or arrest political opponents and incarcerate them in hastily established detention centers and concentration camps.”

Not unlike the popularity and influence of Fox News, the well-known Berlin daily, the Vossische Zeitung, was targeted, along with the Berlin Tageblatt. The former employed 10,000 people, but in 1933, its owners, the Ullstein family, were forced to resign and, a year later, sell the company assets. The latter newspaper was owned by the Mosse family that published a number of major liberal papers “much hated by the Nazis.” When Hitler took power, the family fled Germany.

This is not to suggest that Fox News or the Associated Press will suffer a similar fate, but it is no accident that their reporters are being intimidated by an administration that has seized telephone records as a message to their owners and editors to curb any criticism, any investigation of what they are doing.

Asserting that James Rosen, a Fox reporter, engaged in criminal behavior for doing what any reporter would do, seek out information about the government, has outraged many in the press, but whether they will stand firm or buckle under remains the real question. In Germany, the press became an arm of the Nazi regime.

If history is any guide, we have real cause to fear the intent of the Obama administration—one now distinguished by its leadership for having no memory of any steps they have undertaken to oppress organizations that oppose its agenda, mobilizing the IRS and Department of Justice.

We are looking into a tyrannical abyss and it is time to be afraid, be very afraid.

c Alan Caruba

About:
Alan Caruba’s commentaries are posted daily at “Warning Signs” his popular blog and thereafter on dozens of other websites and blogs. If you love to read, visit his monthly report on new books at Bookviews.

Arsenal SLR-106 Rifle Series

Arsenal Inc

LAS VEGAS --(Ammoland.com)- After nearly a decade since its initial introduction into the firearms marketplace, the SLR-106 series is getting a change in to “Collector’s Item.”

Production on the series officially ended.

The SLR-106 rifle and pistol series was Arsenal’s answer to the 5.56 caliber as the company looked to compete in that arena. The years to follow brought much success with several variations and configurations, robust sales and recognition as one of the industry’s best — due in-part to its chrome-lined and hammer-forged barrel.

“In my opinion, the SLR-106 series of rifles, perfectly bridge the gap from east to west. Furthermore, the advancements made in the manufacturing this rifle series will be seen on future models by our company for years to come.” – Walker English, Sales Director, Arsenal, Inc.

A comprehensive audit of the current offerings in the firearms industry, recent trends and near-future shifts with regard to technology and advancement all factored into the decision to discontinue the series. Arsenal’s obligations with military and government contracts, production for the movie industry and commitments to distributors and dealers also shaped this decision.

The current stock of SLR-106 5.56 caliber rifles and pistols will continue to be sold until supply runs out. Arsenal’s availability list is displayed below. Additional SLR-106 products can be found by checking with Arsenal’s distributors and various dealers nationwide.

CLICK TO TWEET

FINAL SLR-106 RIFLE & PISTOL SERIES STOCK

• SLR-106FR
• SLR-106F
• SLR-106CR
• SLR-106UR PISTOL

 

Arsenal SLR-106 Rifle Series

ABOUT ARSENAL INC.
Founded in the year 2000, Arsenal Inc. is the exclusive licensed US manufacturer of the finest, most authentic firearms for government agencies and the shooting public and uses the latest technology and materials in conjunction with the legendary standards of Arsenal of Bulgaria.

Arsenal Inc., may be found online at www.arsenalinc.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/arsenalinc. Contact Arsenal Inc. either by phone at (702) 643-2703 or by email at customerservice@arsenalinc.com. Additional contact information can be found below.

MEDIA INQUIRIES
Mike Doria
PR & Marketing Manager
Arsenal Inc.
(C) 702.527.2073
(O) 702.215.3593
mike.doria@arsenalinc.com

Red Dot Firearms is located at 990 W. Hill Field Road in Layton, Utah.

Action Target

PROVO, Utah –-(Ammoland.com)- Davis County, Utah, recently welcomed a new kind of business to one of its largest shopping districts. Now you can get all of your grocery shopping done and hit the indoor shooting range all in the same place.

Red Dot Firearms, located just off I-15 exit 331 in Layton, recently opened its retail gun store and a 25 yard indoor shooting range capable of handling both handgun and rifle rounds including .5o BMG.

“We are the only retail firearms store in the area besides some of the big box stores, and we were the first place ever to apply for an indoor range license in the county,” owner Denny Wanlass said. “We felt like it was time people in the area had another option.”

According to Wanlass, many shooters in Utah have started moving their weekend shooting ventures away from public lands due to wildfires and other concerns, which means a higher demand for indoor ranges like Red Dot Firearms.

“A lot of people just drive out to the desert to shoot, but last summer, several wildfires were blamed on target shooting. Whether true or not, it’s still driving many shooters away from the wilderness areas and indoors,” Wanlass said. “That combined with the closures of public land and the increase in gas prices make our indoor range the perfect alternative.”

Shooters transitioning from the outdoors also get the added benefit of a climate controlled environment and a ventilation system installed by Carey’s Small Arms Range Systems that exceeds NIOSH, EPA and OSHA standards.

“We wanted a good ventilation system because we take our customers’ health very seriously,” Wanlass said. “Just about every person who has come out of there has said, ‘I love being in a range where I can breathe!’”

Fellow Utah business Action Target was contracted to install the range equipment at Red Dot Firearms including a 48-foot wide steel funnel bullet trap, armor steel ceiling and wall baffles to prevent rounds from escaping, and shooting stalls capable of stopping rifle rounds from point blank range.

“Throughout the course of our research, it was clear that there really isn’t anyone else besides Action Target that is worth using,” Wanlass said. “The equipment on our range is second to none, and that means our customers can shoot with complete confidence that their safety is never going to be jeopardized.”

Red Dot Firearms is now open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Classes in concealed carry, personal defense, hunter’s safety and more will be held regularly.

The ventilation system blows refrigerated air from the rear of the range to the bullet trap where it is filtered to prevent shooters from being exposed to hazardous lead dust.

Action Target’s Total Containment Trap is capalbe of handling handgun and rifle rounds including .50 BMG.

About Action Target Inc.
Action Target Inc. is a privately owned business headquartered in Provo, Utah. As a world leader in shooting range technology with more than 4,000 products and 40 patents for the systems it designs and manufactures, Action Target has installed thousands of shooting ranges across the United States and in 25 other countries around the world. Action Target also designs systems and conducts firearms training for law enforcement and various military divisions. For more information on Action Target, visit www.ActionTarget.com. To learn more about Action Target products or to purchase items online, visit www.ActionTarget.com/store.

Friends of NRA

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The National Rifle Association is pleased to name the 2012 Friends of NRA Volunteers of the Year.

Presented by Mill Pond Press, recipients were recognized for their outstanding impact on Friends of NRA, the grassroots fundraising program for The NRA Foundation, America’s leading charitable organization in support of the shooting sports.

“Volunteers are the backbone of most non-profit organizations and NRA volunteers are heads above the rest,” said Linda Schaner, President of Mill Pond Press. “We at Mill Pond are thrilled to be associated with Friends of NRA and honored to have taken part in recognizing these volunteers’ accomplishments.”

Each NRA Field Representative selected an Area Volunteer winner based on year-round efforts. Area Volunteers received a “2012 Friends of NRA Volunteer of the Year” jacket and special recognition from their NRA Field Representative. From the pool of Area Volunteers, a committee of senior NRA staff selected Region Volunteers of the Year who were honored and recognized May 2, at the National NRA Foundation Banquet during the 2013 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas.

“Friends of NRA volunteers spend countless hours selling tickets, recruiting sponsors, and setting up events,” said Sarah Budi, Director of Volunteer Fundraising. “They are the real testament to the success of the fundraising program and we are grateful for their time protecting and promoting the shooting sports for future generations.”

The 2012 Friends of NRA Region and Area award winners and their committees are listed below:

Region Volunteers of the Year:

• Eastern Region: West Virginia and Western Virginia: William Shank, Midland Trail
• Central Region: Missouri: Tim Heuiser, South East Missouri
• Mid West Region: Colorado: Patty Cattoor, Colorado State and Black Canyon
• Southern Region: Florida (Southern): Gary and Pat Graef, Greater Ft. Myers and Charlotte Harbor
• Western Region: Nevada: John Madden, Reno/Sparks and Modesto

Area Volunteers of the Year:

Eastern Region:

• Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York (Lower) and Rhode Island: Stan Pascoo, Hudson Valley
• Delaware and Pennsylvania (Eastern): Charlie Fox, Bradford Area
• Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont: Elizabeth Elliott, New Hampshire Seacoast
• New York (Upper): Paul Lendvay, Catskill Region
• North Carolina (Eastern): Elvie Jackson, Greater Triangle
• North Carolina (Western): George and Shirley Pullman, Western North Carolina
• Ohio (Northern): Todd Figard, North East Ohio
• Ohio (Southern): Donald Pagath, Zanesville Area
• Pennsylvania (Western): William Tylavsky, PA’s 1st
• Virginia (Eastern) and Washington, D.C.: Hugh Crittenden, Greater Richmond

Central Region:

• Illinois (Northern): Christina Cira, East Central Illinois
• Illinois (Southern): Veron Auld, Perry/Randolf
• Indiana: Richard “Dick” Hacker, Hendricks County
• Iowa: Bobby Meyer, North Iowa
• Kentucky: Scott Smith, Big Rivers
• Michigan: Robert Haviland, WWCCA
• Nebraska: Tim Gray, High Plains
• Tennessee: Butch Rhea, Fayette County
• Wisconsin: Kellie Walsh, State Line

Mid West Region:

• Kansas: Doug King, Butler County
• Minnesota: James Kelley, Itasca County
• Montana: John Shevlin, Central Montana and North Central Montana
• New Mexico: Jeanie Otis, San Juan
• North Dakota: Scott Bachmeier, Southwest
• South Dakota: Doug DeLaRoi, Northern Oahe
• Oklahoma: Jimmy Hawk, Cherokee Strip
• Utah: Monte Smith, Ogden
• Wyoming: Laura Milne, Casper

Southern Region:

• Alabama: Mike Parsons, Huntsville
• Arkansas: Jeff Eddy, Independence
• Florida (Northern): Patty Galyean, Suwannee River
• Georgia: Doug Hollberg, Sr, Central Georgia
• Louisiana: Lori & Marcell Parker, Florida Parishes
• Mississippi: David Goode, DeSoto County
• South Carolina: Charles Johnson, Lexington
• Texas (Northern): John Capps, Ellis and Barnett Shale
• Texas (Southern): Carol Hester, Alamo
• Texas (West): Robin Dawson, Texas Panhandle

Western Region:

• Alaska (Northern): Steve Smith, Nome
• Alaska (Southern): Jodee Kuden, Alaska State
• Arizona: Hugh Winderweedle, White Mountain
• California (Central): Noel Ryan, Paso Robles
• California (Mid): Dan Weare, Exeter and Tulare
• California (North Eastern): Barry Blaylock, Tuolumne County
• California (North Western): Michael Amato, Livermore/Pleasanton
• California (Southern): Dennis Kee, SoCal Gun-O-Rama, South OC, San Gabriel Valley, Metro OC
• Hawaii and Oregon: Mike Fitz, Portland
• Idaho: Rich and Trudy Jackson, Treasure Valley
• Washington: Richard “Rick” Crawford, Kittitas County

Montana Decoy Moose II Decoy

Montana Decoy

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- Montana Decoy is proud to announce the new Moose II decoy. As with all Montana Decoys, it’s lightweight, easy to use and built from an actual photo of a moose in the wild.

“We are always trying to improve our designs by listening to user feedback,”Jerry McPherson, Montana Decoy founder, said.

“While our original Moose decoy worked great, a lot of hunters wanted a more broadside look and the Moose II provides that along with a darker look.”

The Moose II ( http://tiny.cc/5q6hxw )  weighs a mere 40 oz with leg poles and stands 66-inches tall. Folding to a 20-inch circle means you can easily have the Moose II with you on any hunt. Suggested retail is $109.99.

Visit www.montanadecoy.com for more information and to see the full line of Montana Decoy products.

About Montana Decoy:
Created in 1996 by Jerry McPherson, Montana Decoy got its start from an average hunter trying to improve his bowhunting success. Tormented by an uncooperative bull elk, McPherson returned to his truck, thinking about how he could design a packable decoy without any unnecessary bulk and weight. McPherson found inspiration from folding band saw blades. He combined an actual photograph of a cow elk in the wild with a unique and now patented twist-and-fold concept to hold open the decoy. Montana Decoy currently offers turkey, elk, whitetail, mule deer, antelope and predator options along with a Moo Cow confidence decoy. All are easy to use, lightweight and feature ultra realistic HD photography.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Improving forage quality and quantity for elk and other wildlife is the focus of 2013 grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for the state of Oregon.

The grants total $215,790 and directly affect Benton, Douglas, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Tillamook, Union, Wallowa, Wasco and Yamhill Counties. RMEF is also funding a hunting heritage project of statewide interest.

“These projects cover a wide spectrum of actions that will enhance habitat across Oregon’s elk country,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Forest thinning, prescribe burns, seeding and planting native grasses, noxious weed treatments, and restoring aspens will positively affect nearly 4,200 acres.”

Since 1985, RMEF and its partners completed 724 different conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in Oregon with a combined value of more than $43.6 million.

“The funds for these projects are a testament to the passion and dedication of our RMEF volunteers in Oregon. They raise money through their membership drives and banquet fundraising, which stays on the ground in their home state. To them we say, ‘Thank you!’” said Allen.

Allen also thanked RMEF chapters and volunteers around the nation for their dedication to conservation all across elk country.

RMEF grants will help fund the following 2013 projects, listed by county:

• Douglas County–Burn 200 acres to reduce understory tree density in the Coffin Butte area on the Umpqua National Forest and create 12 new acres of forage openings in the Diamond Lake Ranger District to address declining Roosevelt elk populations.
• Klamath County–Thin 205 acres and burn 1,100 acres of previously thinned acreage as part of a five-year project to enhance habitat for elk and other wildlife in the Fremont-Winema National Forest (FWNF); remove lodgepole pine on 90 acres and plant 5 acres of hardwoods to restore meadows on the Deschutes National Forest; remove small trees and burn 79 acres to promote native grass and forbs in a Roosevelt elk calving area south of Crater Lake National Park.
• Lake County–Thin conifers and junipers from 158 acres in the Drews Creek watershed on the FWNF as part of a five-year plan to restore aspen stands and improve elk forage and calving habitat; and thin 198 acres of aspen stands and meadow habitat in the Upper Scyan Watershed on the FWNF (also affects Klamath County).
• Lane County–Carry out prescribe burning, noxious weed treatments and other efforts on 230 acres of the Willamette National Forest (WNF) to increase forage quality for Roosevelt elk and deer; enhance 199 acres via seeding, planting browse shrubs, herbicide treatments, and installing holding tanks and plumbing at two ponds to enhance water availability during the dry season on Foley Ridge in the WNF; burn, cut, seed and prevent weed growth to benefit summer range and calving areas on 85 acres of habitat on Upper and Lower Murphy Meadow on the WNF; remove noxious weeds and seed native grasses on 79 acres along a power transmission line corridor on the WNF; and improve quality of grass, forb and brush habitat on 505 acres by removing blackberry vegetation and small trees plus treatment of noxious weeds on the Siuslaw National Forest (also affects Benton, Douglas and Lincoln counties).
• Linn County–Implement a combination of thinning, burning, browse cutback and seeding and planting of native vegetation to enhance 64 acres of summer meadow habitat for Roosevelt elk in the west Cascade Mountains. The work also includes adding slash to log jams to improve water availability for elk in the WNF.
• Statewide–Host 4-H camp at Lake Creek Youth Camp to introduce youth to careers in natural resources by interacting with professionals in hydrology, forestry, range, wildlife, fisheries, fire science, shooting sports and other fields.
• Tillamook County–Noxious weed treatment applied to 156 acres of meadows in the Siuslaw National Forest. The work also includes mowing, weedeating and mulching to benefit Roosevelt elk herds (also affects Lincoln and Yamhill counties).
• Union County–Thin 300 acres to decrease conifer cover and increase forage on elk summer range on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
• Wallowa County–Thin conifers from 330 acres of historic meadows to improve forage quality and quantity for 400 elk on crucial winter range near Troy.
• Wasco County–Burning of underbrush on 80 acres on the Seven Mile/Rowena Plateau in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area with noxious weed treatment on 45 acres to follow to improve habitat for elk and other wildlife.

Conservation projects are selected for grants using science-based criteria and a committee of RMEF volunteers and staff along with representatives from partnering agencies. RMEF staff and volunteers select education projects to receive grants. RMEF volunteers and staff select hunting heritage projects to be funded.

Partners for 2013 Oregon projects include the Deschutes, Freemont-Winema, Siuslaw, Wallowa-Whitman and Willamette national forests, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and other government, state, wildlife and volunteer organizations.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that protected or enhanced habitat on more than 6.3 million acres–an area larger than Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite and Rocky Mountain national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

International Association for the Protection of Civilian Arms Rights

EU --(Ammoland.com)- Dear IAPCAR members and supporters,

Italian IAPCAR member group FISAT, has sent an important call to action. Attempts are underway by the European Union to further restrict the right of civilians to have certain firearms. It is vitally important to the firearms rights community stand together internationally.

There are three important things we can each do:

1. Read the alert from FISAT below and follow the instructions to participate in the EU survey.
2. Post a link to this alert on your website and send it to all of your members and supporters.
3. Ask all your supporters to send this call to action to all of their friends.

I personally want to thank all of you for your unwavering support of civilian arms rights. It is a privilege to work with you.

International Association for the Protection of Civilian Arms Rights

[Important Message Below]

Dear friends and gun rights activists,

Joining the call of British Shooting Sports Council we ask to IAPCAR and all gun rights association in its organization, to participate to the online survey organized by European Union Commissioner, Cecilia Malmstrom.

The menace to semiautomatic firearms in private hands is IMMINENT, as the online survey maliciously suggests a possible link between private possession of firearms and their us for criminal or terrorist purposes, being nothing else than another attempt to disarm honest citizens for the sake of added “firearms security”.

The questions are utterly misleading.

Question C.2 suggests that the list of prohibited firearms should be extended (it is understood that the Commission is referring to semiautomatic rifles and possibly also to semiautomatic shotguns and handguns).

Question C.4 pursues the mandatory use of locking devices in firearms (imagine the impact if this was made retrospective).

Question C.7 would provide a justification to introduce compulsory mental health tests and suppress the current derogation that allows people under the age of 18 to hunt and sport-shoot if they have parental permission or guidance.

We can expect for sure that the various anti-gun EU associations will take action to orchestrate a deliberate number of answers resulting in a public call for tighter gun control.
Deadline for participation is June 17^th 2013.         

This can’t happen and we ask you to take part to the online survey in the following steps:

Please follow the following steps:

1. Go to:  http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=ReduceFirearmsRisk
2. Choose your language in the icon that is in the upper right part of the screen.
3. Indicate your country, whether you are an individual or an organization and your name or the name of your organization.
4. Answer the questions by clicking on option “1” for each one of them. You do not need to answer the optional questions that request additional comments (questions B.4, C.11, D.5 and E.6).
5. After having answered the questions, as a security measure to avoid computer-generated replies, you will have to type in the numbers and/or letters that will be displayed in your screen and validate them.
6. Your answers will have been submitted by then. You can view them and/or save them as a PDF.

All of the European associations, especially Swedish ones, can contact the proposer of this survey in the person of European Commissioner Ms. Cecilia Malmstrom which can be contacted at these sites, possibly to explain her that firearms of private honest citizens are not to be confused with the ones of criminals and terrorists:

http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/malmstrom/contact/contact-me_en.htm

https://twitter.com/malmstromeu

https://www.facebook.com/MalmstromEU

Swedish citizens in particular can also contact her party, Folkpartiet liberalerna (Liberal People’s Party), to let them know what you think, at the following site and email:

http://www.folkpartiet.se/  –  info@folkpartiet.se

While EU citiziens can contact Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (A.L.D.E.):

http://web.cor.europa.eu/alde/contact-us/Pages/default.aspx

Asking their respective national parties NOT to support Maelmstrom initiatives, you can find various parties members of ALDE at the following page:

http://www.alde.eu/alde-group/alde-across-europe-map-member-state/

We thank you for your help, immediate action is necessary for the protection of our common gun rights.

Best regards,

Simone Ciucchi – FISAT President

May 2013

Bologna, Italy 

Gun Rights Advocates Making Better Offers For Firearms Than The Wayne County (MI) Government

Legally Armed In Detroit

Detroit, Michigan – -(Ammoland.com)- This past Saturday, May 18th, 2013, approximately 50 gun rights activists attended a “Guns for Groceries” event to stage a demonstration of their own against the Wayne County (MI) government.

The Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano and the Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon teamed up with a local church (The New St. Paul Tabernacle Church of God in Christ), the Meijer’s grocery store chain, and the Goodman-Acker law firm to entice citizens to turn in their guns on a “no questions asked” basis.

All month long commercials were being ran over the airwaves seeking to convince Detroit residents that the cause of the violence in their town was caused by guns owned by them. Thus, if they wanted to reduce the amount of violent crime in Detroit, the “obvious” solution floated by the local county government was for everybody to sell their firearms for a $50 gift card to buy groceries at Meijer’s.

Local Detroit gun rights activists, however, know the truth about these “guns for goods” program ran by local governments all across our country:

• They have never been proven to have any positive effect on violent crime rates.
• They encourage firearm thefts because no questions will be asked.
• They potentially lead to the destruction of evidence used in crimes.
• They lead to the destruction of personal property of the rightful owners.
• They consume public resources that could be used to fight crime.
• They exploit the poor by offering $50 for potentially valuable hardware.
• They mislead the public by creating only a “feel good” fluff story in the media.

Accordingly, gun rights activists who are members of a variety of local organizations (e.g. Legally Armed in Detroit, Michigan Open Carry, Inc., Michigan Gun Owners, and Michigan Coalition of Responsible Gun Owners) set up for business in the parking lot of a local fast-food restaurant located next door to the church. Activists made sure that they were equipped to comply with current state law by having either a Michigan Concealed Pistol License or a Michigan Pistol Purchase Permits and Michigan Pistol Sales Record Forms.

Gun rescued by local gun rights activist

The protest was an instant success. Cars that carried people looking for the church had to drive by the gun rights activists in the parking lot. As such, many people pulled over and were willing to part with their firearms for cash, often more than $50, instead of a gift card for groceries.

It didn’t take long for the county officials to discover why their event wasn’t as successful as they thought it would be. In fact, about an hour into the selling period, the Wayne County Executive himself, Robert Ficano, pulled into the parking lot where the gun rights activists were set up and exited his vehicle to survey what was happening. He left 10 minutes. In his place, Wayne County deputies were sent to the lot in his place.

From that moment forward until the event ended, the gun rights activists were harassed by all day by Wayne County deputies. Their first act was to park one of their marked cars by the parking lot’s entrance and started directing people further up the street to the church.

Then a deputy went into the fast-food restaurant and talked to the manager on duty. We do not know what they told the manager, but suddenly, the restaurant reversed its decision to allow gun rights activists onto its property. Prior to contact with the deputies, their presence was allowed as long as it did not interfere with customers buying food.

Thus, the gun rights activists were ejected from the parking lot and had to move their cars. Apparently, the deputies thought their actions were enough to deter the activists. They couldn’t have been more wrong. The activists adjusted by walking up and down the public sidewalk while holding their signs.

The deputies responded by telling them that they would start writing tickets for both being on and obstructing the sidewalk in front of the church. It would be a hour or so later before  discussions with the top deputy in charge confirmed that walking on the sidewalk was legal and that all deputies would be apprised of that fact.

One gun rights activists was detained for a while. It is unclear why it happened. After he was released, Rick Ector from Legally Armed In Detroit, interviewed him so that he could tell us what happened. Check out the video for an account in his own words.

At the end of the day, the Wayne County government bought 200 guns – many of them inoperable pieces of junk. The activists bought 40 guns in working condition. The activists prevailed because they did not quit, especially after being harassed by the Wayne County government.

About The Author

Rick Ector is a National Rifle Association credentialed Firearms Trainer, who provides Michigan CCW Class training in Detroit for students at his firearms school – Rick’s Firearm Academy of Detroit.

Ector is a recognized expert in firearm safety and has been featured extensively in the national and local media: Associated Press, NRAnews, Gun Digest, The Politics Daily, Fox News Detroit, The Detroit News, WJLB, WGPR and the UrbanShooterPodcast.

Connecticut Citizens Defense League

Bridgeport, CT –-(Ammoland.com)- Today, a widely-anticipated lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Connecticut, challenging the constitutionality of the new firearms law that was passed hastily by the Connecticut legislature in response to the tragic shooting in Newtown by a disturbed individual.

The lawsuit seeks immediate injunctive relief and a ruling declaring the new law unconstitutional under the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

It alleges that Connecticut’s new firearms law is not only unconstitutional but dangerous, since it makes both citizens and law enforcement less safe by depriving citizens of firearms that are in common use throughout the country.

The very firearms and design features banned by the new law are commonly used in part because of safety, accuracy and ease-of-use features that make them effective in the hands of citizens who must defend themselves and their families against criminals and the mentally ill who do not obey such laws.

Brought on behalf of individual gun owners, retailers, and citizen’s defense and sportsmen’s organizations, the lawsuit seeks to vindicate the constitutional rights of citizens who are harmed by the broad prohibitions and unworkable vagueness of the new law. The legal challenge focuses on Connecticut’s ban of more than 100 additional common firearms that the law now dubs “assault weapons” and on the ban of standard design features, including magazines that hold more than 10 round of ammunition, that provide improved safety, accuracy, and ease-of-use. The lawsuit also challenges the practical bans imposed by the new law on an even broader array of firearms due to the law’s vague language and interpretative confusion combined with severe criminal penalties.

Plaintiffs bringing the lawsuit include individuals such as an elderly widow who lives alone in a rural area where the emergency response time of a lone resident trooper serving the area is 45 minutes, a rabbi whose synagogue in the Bridgeport area has been broken into by intruders, a young professional woman whose efforts to defend herself are made more difficult by the loss of an arm due to cancer, among other individuals.

In addition, retailers whose businesses have been severely harmed by the law have joined the lawsuit, which was conceived and organized by fellow-plaintiff organizations the Connecticut Citizens Defense League, commonly known as CCDL, and the Coalition of Connecticut Sportsmen. Both organizational plaintiffs represent large numbers of Connecticut citizens whose rights to own the firearms of their choice for self-defense and other lawful purposes, such as sports shooting and hunting, have been harmed by the new prohibitions.

Despite the new law being called “An Act Concerning Gun Violence Prevention and Children’s Safety,” Connecticut’s new firearms law makes Connecticut citizens less safe. Among the individuals harmed by the law’s provisions are women, the elderly, and anyone of a smaller physical stature — individuals who typically lack the strength to operate older style, heavier, or difficult to use firearms and yet who need to be able to protect themselves in challenging home-invasion and other self-defense situations.

CCDL’s President, Scott Wilson, who has seen his organization’s membership grow from 2,500 to 7,600 in just a few months, says “On behalf of our members and all of the plaintiffs, we wish to thank the National Rifle Association, whose vision and stalwart defense of citizens’ fundamental rights has helped make this important legal challenge possible.” Wilson says, “Connecticut’s new gun ban violates Second Amendment rights by depriving law-abiding citizens of firearms that are in common use throughout the country precisely because of their known effectiveness in the protection of citizens, their families, and homes. Criminals and the mentally ill will not abide by this terrible law, which means it has the perverse effect of actually making citizens and law enforcement officers less safe.”

Bob Crook, Executive Director of the Coalition of Connecticut Sportsmen, says, “This law will do nothing to prevent a tragedy or solve the problem of crime committed with guns. Instead of violating constitutional rights, we need to get serious about addressing violence and mental illness.” He continued, “Two recent independent studies by Pew and the federal government have just revealed that gun homicides are down almost 40% and general crime involving guns has dropped a whopping 70% since 1993, which corresponds with the elimination of the federal assault weapons ban. In contrast, the few areas of the country where gun crimes have increased dramatically are the very places where local or state governments have banned or severely restricted gun ownership by law-abiding citizens.”

Many of the design features now banned by Connecticut’s new law have long been standard in firearms design as they enhance safety, accuracy and ease-of-use, and include: design features that enhance a citizen’s ability to balance a firearm properly so that it can be shot safely and accurately based on the size of the owner – especially if the owner is smaller-sized like many women, the elderly, and youth shooters (retractable shoulder stock); design features that allow a long gun to be held more easily for accuracy and to be held onto by its owner if an attacker tries to take the gun from a victim (pistol grip and forward pistol grip); design features that allow those who are in stressful situations with multiple home-invaders or attackers to have sufficient bullets for meaningful self-defense without impractical situation of having to try to reload or access a second gun (standard magazine capacities over 10 rounds), etc. The specific firearms now banned by the law include some of the most commonly used and popular models in Connecticut and in America today, including the light and versatile AR-15.

Some local retailers supporting the lawsuit say that in addition to the increased dangers created by the law, the law is vague and unworkable. Although they are knowledgeable about various types of firearms, many are having difficulty trying to determine which firearms are banned and which are legal to sell. If they decide incorrectly, they could be facing years in jail. Some say it is difficult for reputable dealers to continue serving the law-abiding citizens of Connecticut under these circumstances. If licensed dealers leave the state, it will become increasingly difficult for the people of Connecticut to acquire firearms to defend themselves. Meanwhile, these retailers say, the criminals will still be armed and in an even stronger position to harm and terrorize the people of Connecticut.

The Connecticut lawsuit, like similar legal challenges in New York, Colorado and Maryland, is expected to better define the limits of a citizen’s right to own a commonly used firearm of personal choice for self-defense, defense of family, and other lawful purposes. Each of these states has enacted new firearms laws that make citizens and law enforcement less safe as they try to defend against criminals and the mentally ill who do not obey these laws.

About the CCDL:
The Connecticut Citizens Defense League was formed in 2009 by a small group of concerned citizens as a non-partisan organization to advocate second amendment rights in the state of Connecticut. Since their founding, the group has grown to over 7.500+ members from all walks of life. Thanks to this large supportive base across the state the CCDL has become a fixture of the capitol, and well recognized by committees that see firearms related bills. CCDL is also actively involved at the state Board of Firearms Permit Examiners. As the go-to organization in the state they are consulted regularly by lawmakers who have questions and concerns about pending legislation or existing laws. For more information on the CCDL please visit http://www.ccdl.us//

NSSF Offers Assistance to Firearms Retailers & Shooting Ranges in Wake of Tornadoes

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry, has announced a disaster relief effort to help its members whose businesses were impacted by the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma and northern Texas.

“We want our member companies to know that their trade association stands with them in these challenging times, and that this assistance is another benefit of membership,” said NSSF Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Chris Dolnack.

NSSF is making $100,000 available in dedicated aid for business loss or damage resulting from the tornadoes to qualifying member companies located in federally declared disaster areas, with emphasis placed on providing relief to store-front federally licensed firearm retailers and shooting ranges. Funds are available to members suffering significant financial hardship that are unable to pay for critical and immediate expenses to resume business.

“Many FFLs don’t know if their insurance will cover their losses,” said Joe Keffer, owner of The Sportsman’s Shop in New Holland, Pa., and chairman of the NSSF Retailer Advisory Committee. “NSSF’s relief fund could cover the cost of replacing computers, signage or other workplace equipment that will help a business rebound from storm-related damage.”

“This is a real pick-me-up for businesses that sustained damage from the storms,” said Bill Kempffer of Deep River Sporting Clays and Shooting School in Sanford, N.C., and chairman of the NSSF Range Advisory Committee. “As a range that was affected by a hurricane in the 1990s and knowing the struggle of returning to normal operations amid the cleanup and repairs that need to be done, I am proud to be a part of an organization like NSSF that is willing to provide such help.”

Both Keffer and Kempffer are members of the NSSF Board of Governors.

Applicants for relief should contact Samantha Hughes at NSSF at 203-426-1320. A “Tornado Relief Fund Application” is available online at nssf.org/share/PDF/TornadoReliefFund.pdf. The deadline for submitting applications for assistance is June 14.

“Our goal in providing assistance to qualifying members is to help keep their doors open during extraordinary circumstances,” said Bettyjane Swann, NSSF’s director of member services.

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 8,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

Arizona Elk Society conservation project volunteers.

Arizona Elk Society

Arizona --(Ammoland.com)- It was a good sign to see elk droppings everywhere they worked, during the Arizona Elk Society’s most recent conservation project.

Over the weekend of May 18- 19 2013, they gathered over 60 volunteers to improve the IDA Grasslands habitat for elk and other Arizona wildlife in Flagstaff.

The elk droppings meant that they were in the right place, at the right time, and with a legion of Arizona Elk Society volunteers, they were off to work.

The group removed small sized conifers that invaded many meadows that were once natural openings that allowed wildlife to move uninhibited between their summer and winter homes. The goal for the weekend was to remove as many of the trees from the meadows as possible. Most of the workers were armed with handsaws and tree loppers, but in a first for Arizona’s wildlife conservation community, AES had a dozen volunteer sawyers. These dedicated folks had previously gone through a 5-day training course put on by the Forest Service, certifying them to use chainsaws, that are needed to remove larger trees impeding movement and reducing habitat values for many wildlife species.

Steve Clark, AES Executive Director said, “It was really exciting to see the aftermath of the work that the saw crew completed. Literally thousands of trees blocked movements between two important wintering areas for elk, pronghorn and mule deer. When the crew was done, the area had once again become wildlife-friendly. This is a project that had been planned, but the Forest Service needed a hand from AES to get it done. Many thanks to the Forest Service staff who opened the door for AES volunteers to step up our game in a huge way with being able to use chainsaws.”

Arizona Elk Society Volunteer Sawyer

The IDA Grasslands is a large habitat restoration project that has been being worked on over the last few years. The 60+ volunteers and agency personal took to the field on May 18 and 19 2013, to help reverse decades of tree invasion to these grasslands and make them more suitable for wildlife.

Steve Clark said, “It’s difficult to guess how many trees were removed but they were able to clear a 100-acre meadow near Slate Lake, about 150 acres near Prong Lake, both on the Coconino National Forest.”

The saw crew opened a heavily wooded travel lane that comprised about 50 acres and the hand crew took care of a couple hundred acres on the Kaibab National Forest. The dollar value in federal match to the State of Arizona of the hours the volunteers worked and the miles they drove to this project is $17,182, but the value to the wildlife was “priceless.”

Jim deVos, Director of Conservation Affairs said, “The grasslands are an imperiled habitat in most of the American Southwest. Prior to settlement of these areas, naturally-occurring fires kept the woody plants out of the meadows, but changes in how habitats have been used since settlement has changed the fire regime and it is not a viable tool for habitat management until the trees are gone and the grass and forbs are better established. Habitat restoration is one of the most important tasks that we in the conservation organizations can do, particularly when the resources for agencies are declining and they can’t get all that is needed done.”

The volunteer force was a diverse group including the young and the not so young. It was fascinating to watch a family with two young children work through the day without slowing down, as they marched through the grasslands with loppers and saws removing hundreds of trees. There was also a Boy Scout Troop in attendance that took to the woods with youthful exuberance, making the world a better place by the end of the day.

This time of year, being the beginning of the AES work season; lends many more opportunities for new and old volunteers to get involved. Visit www.arizonaelksociety.org to get information on the rest of this season’s projects. Conservation projects are hard work, but work that pays big dividends for wildlife today and for years to come. Give something back to the wildlife that you enjoy as you take part in these work projects with the Arizona Elk Society.

SHACKLEFORDS, VA (May 2013) -

Morgan Allen was crowned the Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP) Division Champion, while accumulating 4 match stage wins at the Great Lakes Regional held at the Linwood-Bay Sportsman’s Club in Linwood, MI May 17^th through 19^th, 2013. This is Allen’s sixth consecutive ESP Division title at the IDPA Great Lakes Regional.

Team ITI Members Laura Torre-Reyes and Morgan Allen

“I had a great time at the Great Lakes Regional! Thanks to Dave Alexander, Gary Cuttitta, Brenda Wightman-Langley and many others for once again reminding me what a shooter’s match is like,” remarked Allen. “Congrats to my teammates Laura Torres-Reyes, Gary Byerly and Cindi Thomas who each had stellar performances at their respective matches.”

Teammate Laura Torres-Reyes was also competing at the Great Lakes Regional and won the High Military award.

“I thought the match was a perfect start to the season,” Torres-Reyes stated.” I was fortunate to be placed on a squad with a super group of extremely talented and generous master shooters that included my mentor and teammate Morgan Allen. Gary and his staff did a fantastic job in executing a stellar match experience!”

Teammate Gary Byerly won the Custom Defensive Pistol (CDP) Division title and placed Second Overall at the IDPA Spartanburg Showdown, held in Moore, SC May 18^th, 2013. The match was comprised of eight stages and 100 rounds of ammunition.

“In its second year, the Spartanburg Showdown is building an enviable reputation as a match not to be missed. With a variety of moving targets and excellent stage design, it challenges shooters of every skill level,” commented Byerly. “This year had the added bonus of heavy rain for most of the day. A strong, fundamental base and top tier equipment made that a non-factor and allowed me to perform at my best. Thanks to Robert Holleman and his crew for an outstanding match!”

In her 2013 debut, Teammate Cindi Thomas took home the High Lady title in the Limited Division of the FNH Virginia Maryland Section Championship, held at the Fredericksburg Rod & Gun Club in Fredericksburg, VA May 17^th through 19^th, 2013.

“This was my first major match for 2013 and it was a perfect way to start the season,” Thomas said. “Scot Cook and his staff put on a great match; they made it challenging and fun to shoot!”

Team ITI would like to thank all of their 2013 sponsors for their support: 5.11 Tactical VA Beach, Virginia, Atlanta Arms and Ammo, Dan Burwell Gunsmithing, FrogLube, G2 Gemini, Laura Burgess Marketing, Rudy Project USA and RANGELOG, LLC.

Torres-Reyes’ next competition will be the 2013 OH Sectional “Buckye Freedom Blast,” held at the Miami Rifle & Pistol Club in Batavia, OH May 24^th through 26^th, 2013. Byerly can be seen competing next at the 2013 Carolina Cup, held at The Range in Oxford, NC June 13^th through 15^th, 2013. Thomas can be seen competing next at the 2013 EGW USPSA Area 8 Championship, held at the Pitcairn-Monroeville Sportsmen’s Club (PMSC) in North Versailles, PA August 12^th through 13^th, 2013. Allen’s next match will be the 2013 Comp-Tac Republic of Texas Championship, held in Hempstead, TX May 25^th, 2013.
“Like”Team ITI on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TeamITI

Follow Team ITI on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Team_ITI

Follow Team ITI on Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/teamiti

Watch videos of ITI on YouTube: www.youtube.com/wwwitiwsicom

About International Training, Inc.

International Training Incorporated (ITI) is a subsidiary of G4S Government Solutions. Founded in 1989; ITI is committed to providing benchmark security training programs emphasizing professionalism, quality, customer service and a fair price. ITI conducts both mobile and fixed site training in security assistance and security service programs for the U.S. Government, U.S. military, corporate America, and now private citizens. For more information on ITI or any of their courses, log on to www.g4siti.com.

About Morgan Allen

It’s hard to believe that Morgan Allen has only been shooting pistols since 2005, considering he has over 40 IDPA State and Regional Division Championship titles under his belt since 2007. Having moved up the ladder from an IDPA Novice to Master in only 14 months, Allen has also won eight top-five Division finishes at IDPA National Championship matches. In 2011, he was chosen to be a member of the 2011 US Team at the IDPA World Championship. Allen is an NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, as well as an IDPA Safety Officer and PPC Master.

About Gary Byerly

Gary Byerly has been competing in IDPA matches for the past ten years and USPSA and 3-Gun matches for seven years.  He is an IDPA ESP and SSP Master, as well as a six-time IDPA State Champion. Byerly is a Master in Production and CDP, a Master in Limited 10 and Single Stack and holds an “A” Classification in Open and Limited in USPSA. Byerly is also a four time Area class winner and a one-time Area Champion.

About Cindi Thomas

Cindi Thomas has been competing for the past five shooting seasons in USPSA and IDPA. In USPSA, she competes in Production “B,” as well as Limited / Limited 10, while in IDPA she is an ESP Sharpshooter and SSP Expert. Thomas’ recent accomplishes include: 2012 Western PA Sectional Ladies Champion, 6^th among the ladies in the 2012 USPSA Production Nationals and USPSA Limited 10 Nationals.  She is a Navy Veteran, having served seven years, and now works in a civilian capacity for the Navy as a Financial Analyst. Thomas has her Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Maryland University College and has graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School’s “Executive Masters in Business Administration” program in 2012.

About Laura Torres-Reyes

Laura Torres-Reyes first started shooting at the young age of 46 after her retired Marine Corps husband taught her how to safely handle a firearm.  Prior to being selected to join Team ITI she was a member of Team Smith & Wesson for two years. Colonel Torres-Reyes, a Bronze Star and Legion of Merit recipient, is an Active Duty Air Force physician currently stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Doctor Torres-Reyes competes in IDPA as an SSP EX and USPSA Production C class and has earned over forty High Lady and High Military State / Regional Championship titles.

]]> http://www.ammoland.com/2013/05/team-iti-wins-multiple-titles-at-several-idpa-and-uspsa-sanctioned-matches-over-the-past-weekend/feed/ 0 http://www.ammoland.com/2013/05/range-systems-to-participate-in-minnesota-based-shooting-event/ http://www.ammoland.com/2013/05/range-systems-to-participate-in-minnesota-based-shooting-event/#comments Wed, 22 May 2013 17:38:51 +0000 Ammoland http://www.ammoland.com/?p=119587

Range Systems

Minneapolis, MN –-(Ammoland.com)- Range Systems, a leading manufacturer of live fire shooting products for the military, law enforcement and consumer communities, has renewed their commitment to participate in the S.H.T.F-3 shooting event in Morristown, Minnesota June 22, 2013.

The one day event, now in its third year, is held at Ahlman’s Rifle Range in Morristown. The shooting event is based on an apocalyptic/zombie themed tactical 3-gun shoot. It features a variety of stations and participants of all ages are encouraged to gear up, bring their favorite firearms, and enjoy a fun day of shooting in a unique and nostalgic rural setting.

With the success of Range Systems’ station last year, they have decided to add even more excitement this year. The Range Systems station will include 4 stages: long-range steel shot with exploding target; mid-range rifle shot; ballistic breaching of a breach door; and a short-range pistol shot.

“Range Systems really appreciates the consumer feedback about our products, so events like this one give us an opportunity to not only interact with our customers but also listen to their suggestions for ways in which to improve our products,” says Mike Pingel, sales manager for Range Systems.

For more information on the complete line of Range Systems products, please visit www.range-systems.com or contact Tonie Kruse, marketing director, at 1-888-999-1217.

NRA Life Of Duty

FAIRFAX, Va. -- (Ammoland.com) NRA Life of Duty presented by Brownells is proud to release a new Patriot Profiles Full Feature sponsored by Smith & Wesson called FROG DOG.

FROG DOG shares the incredible journey of Navy SEAL Trevor Marshek and his four-footed war dog from initial selection through their deployments together downrange. Some SEALs carry ladders, comm gear, breaching tools, explosives and other various kit items specific to the specialty they bring to the fight.

Whether Trevor was rappelling off a cliff, parachuting off the back of a plane, or scaling a wall, his special piece of kit came in the form of a 110-lb. dog with 2″ canines. Many warriors go their separate ways after war, but Trevor was able to bring his buddy home with him.

View more Patriot Profiles here: http://nralifeofduty.tv/patriot-profiles/list/patriot-profiles-categories

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Nearly five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Visit:www.nra.org

Bushnell

Overland Park, KS. --(Ammoland.com)- Bushnell Outdoor Products, an industry-leader in high performance sports optics for 65 years, has introduced a new line of NatureView binoculars.

Designed for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, the NatureView product line includes six binoculars, with a combination of porro and roof prism configurations and mid- and full-size models.

The NatureView series features three models in the classic porro design – 6x 30mm, 8x 42mm and 10x 42mm – as well as three models in the modern roof prism configuration – 8x 32mm, 8x 42mm and 10x 42mm.

With BAK-4 prisms and fully multi-coated optics, the NatureView binoculars provide edge-to-edge image clarity and outstanding detail. The entire product family is constructed with environmentally friendly lead-free glass.

Fully waterproof and fog proof, the NatureView binoculars are protected with a durable rubber-armored housing that is designed to absorb shock and provide long-lasting protection in the field. With twist-up eyecups, adjustments can be made quickly, allowing nature observers to easily share binoculars.

Bushnell NatureView Binoculars

Bushnell Outdoor Products is a global manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer products. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, the company sells its products worldwide under the Bushnell®, Bee Stinger, Butler Creek®, Final Approach®, Gold Tip, Hoppe’s®, Millett®, Night Optics, Primos®, Simmons®, Stoney Point®, Tasco®, Uncle Mike’s®, Uncle Mike’s Law Enforcement®, and the following eyewear brands: Bollé®, Cébé® and Serengeti®. For information about any of these brands or products, please contact Bushnell Public Relations at (913) 752-6105.

Apex Tactical Presents King of New England IDPA Series

International Defensive Pistol Association

BERRYVILLE, Ark. --(Ammoland.com)-  Apex Tactical Specialties has been named the presenting sponsor of the International Defensive Pistol Association’s (IDPA) new King of New England series, a three event concurrent competition taking place this season.

The King of New England, presented by Apex Tactical Specialties, will feature four stages from each of New England’s three biggest IDPA competitions. Match directors from the 17th Annual Massachusetts State IDPA Championship, presented by Smith & Wesson (June 1-2), the 2013 Smith & Wesson New England Regional IDPA Championship (August 16-18) and the Smith & Wesson Live Free Or Die State IDPA Championship (October 18-19) are working together to provide IDPA members with this unique and fun specialty title challenge.

“Apex is very pleased to be the presenting sponsor of the King of New England contest. This new format encourages cooperation between match directors and offers local IDPA members a competition structure that promotes increased match participation. Apex is proud to be working with local leaders to help grow shooting sports participation in these three great New England matches,” said Scott Folk of Apex.

The first leg of the King of New England challenge will take place June 1-2 at the Rod & Gun Club of New Bedford when competitors gather for the 17th Annual Massachusetts State IDPA Championship, presented by Smith & Wesson.

“Thanks to the support of Apex Tactical Specialties, this year’s Massachusetts State IDPA Championship will have special meaning for many area shooters,” said John Catterall. “We’re looking forward to kicking off the King of New England and encourage all New England IDPA members to take a run at this new title.”

The second leg of the contest will take place August 16-18 during the Smith & Wesson New England Regional IDPA Championship at the Harvard Sportsmen’s Club in Harvard, Mass.

The King of New England series will wrap up at the Smith & Wesson Live Free Or Die State IDPA Championship being held at the Pioneer Sportsmen Club in Dunbarton, New Hampshire, October 18-19.

The King of New England title will be awarded in each of the five IDPA divisions and is based on the best combined score from the 12 selected King of New England stages. In order to win the title of King of New England a shooter much compete in the same IDPA division in all three participating matches.

For more information on IDPA, the King of New England presented by Apex Tactical Specialties or to get started in this fun and exciting defensive pistol shooting sport, visit www.IDPA.com. You can also stay connected with the growing IDPA community online through @OfficialIDPA on Twitter, ShootIDPA on Facebook, IDPA TV, or the Down Zero Blog.

Madison Rising

Madison Rising

New York, NY - -(Ammoland.com)- Best selling patriotic rock band, Madison Rising woke up this morning to hundreds of complaints from angry fans complaining that their postings of the band’s best selling rendition of the Star Spangled Banner had been deleted from Facebook over the past 24 hours.

What started as complaints from a handful of fans escalated onto a barrage of anger after the band posted a message asking if anyone else had experienced this same problem.

“I’m not sure why this would happen,” Said band manager, Richard Mgrdechian. “Of all things, to delete such a beautiful and reverent version of the Star Spangled Banner is beyond comprehension. I hope it’s just a technical glitch, but something larger seems to be at work.”

Facebook typically deletes postings flagged as spam by large numbers of users. It would be an unusual, though certainly not unprecedented move for the company to intentionally delete a post across the board.

The band asks anyone else who has experienced this problem to please email as much information as possible to anthony@purple-eagle.com .

Madison Rising released its widely acclaimed version of the Star Spangled Banner last summer, updated with a special addendum to reflect our nation’s struggles at the dawn of the 21st century. In conjunction with that release, the band launched the Star Spangled Banner Challenge (http://www.starspangledbannerchallenge.com) to offer Americans a fun and meaningful way to show their patriotism by watching the video and downloading the song directly to their iPods and other devices to play proudly in their cars, at the gym, at the beach or anywhere else they want.

With nearly 4 million views on YouTube, the band is well on its way to achieving its goal of five million views by July 4th.

“Awesome,” “deeply moving,” “amazing,” “chilling,” and “the best ever,” are just some of the superlatives used to describe the band’s rendition of the song that celebrates what being an American is all about. In addition to all of the accolades, the band has received thousands of messages from fans calling for them to perform at Super Bowl XLVIII next year as well as at NASCAR events and a plethora of other major venues around the country.

Madison Rising promotes the principles of liberty, independence, smaller government and personal responsibility. Their mission is not only to make great music, but to also send a message that American culture is alive and well. Madison Rising is currently recording its second album and actively touring around the country. To book the band for live performances such as music festivals, sporting events, corporate events or welcome home parties for those serving overseas, please contact Madison Rising at booking(at)madisonrising(dot)com.

American Gunsmithing Institute

NAPA, CA –-(Ammoland.com)-  The American Gunsmithing Institute, producers of the most authoritative instructional gunsmithing DVD courses, introduces a new Technical Manual & Armorer’s Course on the Beretta Px4 Storm Pistol hosted by Senior Instructor and Master Gunsmith Bob Dunlap and Master Gunsmith Ken Brooks.

Dunlap is a renowned expert on many firearms, including Beretta pistols, rifles and shotguns.

The Beretta Px4 Storm has many of the design elements of both the Cougar and the Model 92, but is quite different from both as one will see in this course. It is ideal for those who are looking for practical instruction on how to get the Px4 pistol completely apart, clean, troubleshoot, make common repairs and get the gun back together and operating properly without any “leftover” parts.

AGI Beretta Px4 Storm Pistol Course

A cut-away gun is used to show the viewer step-by-step instruction in the design, function and repair of the pistol. The viewer will see how the unusual rotating barrel lock and unlock works, as well as learn how the feeding / extraction / ejection / reload cycle works.

Among the items covered, viewers will learn:

• History
• Design & Function
• Double Action Only Gun
• Double Action / Single Action Pistol
• Disassembly
• Cleaning & Lubrication
• Reassembly
• Troubleshooting & Repair

The AGI Technical Manual & Armorer’s Course on the Beretta Px4 Storm Pistol is a must have for any Beretta Px4 Storm pistol enthusiast and is available at www.americangunsmith.com for only $39.95 (plus s/h) (Product ID#154DVD).

If you want the quick course on how to get the Beretta Px4 Storm Pistol apart, back together and operating as intended, then this is the course for you. If you want to start making money at the hobby you love, check out our basic AGI Professional Gunsmith course where, in 108 hours of your own time, you can become a certified gunsmith.

Armed Citizen Project Recipiants

Slow Facts

Southern California --(Ammoland.com)- In the past I wrote about social engineering by politicians and the media.

Private citizens perform experiments in social engineering as well.  In this case some private citizens will give peace a chance, one free shotgun at a time.  They think firearms will reduce crime.

The debate about violent crime is long running.  To find out if guns will make us safer, we have to go talk to likely victims, and crime is anything but uniform.  There are dangerous cities and violent areas within those cities.  The Armed Citizen Project  reaches out to the needy in our violent and crime ridden neighborhoods.  They teach single moms in high crime areas about self-defense.  Like all proper experiments, these potential victims, training and firearms are mixed under carefully controlled conditions.

The participants in the Armed Citizen Project are vetted.  They are screened for criminal convictions, drug use, and must also pass a firearms background check.  Then they are given instruction on home security, firearms storage and the legal and ethical use of deadly force.  All this happens before they receive firearms instruction, including hands-on time at the range.  They must pass each class before they are given a free gun and gun lock.  Applicants are selected and trained in a several block area at one time.  The first class from Houston, Texas graduated a few weeks ago.  Classes are being organized in Tucson, Chicago and Detroit.

Now those targeted trained blocks, near Jester Park on Houston’s north side, are posted and publicized as an armed self-defense zones.  What do you think will happen to the crime rate in those areas?  Few criminals want to die in a stranger’s hallway. I think criminals will think twice about a burglary when the apartment could be occupied and the occupant might be armed and trained.  Burglars will spend more time making sure the house is empty, and that takes time.  Maybe a burglar will decide to rob apartments in some other part of town.  We will see, because the Armed Citizen Project is collecting crime statistics in these areas and comparing the results against pre-selected control areas.  Good experiments have a control group.

The armed citizen project predicts that the crime rate will drop.  I think they’re right.  Time will tell, and soon we will have another enduring truth to add to our SlowFacts.  I met Kyle Coplen and the Armed Citizen’s Project in Houston.  They have instructors lined up, but their rate of growth is limited by donations.

They have my money.  You can donate here.

About Rob Morse:
By day, Rob Morse works in Southern California as a mild mannered engineer for a defense contractor. By night he writes about gun rights at Ammoland, at Gun Rights Magazine, http://gunrightsmagazine.com/contributors/rob-morse/ and writes the SlowFacts blog. https://slowfacts.wordpress.com/ .

He also loves the M1911 and shoots combat handgun on the weekends.

NJ2AS Pro-Gun Twitter Campaign – Receives Free 2A FlashMob Approval

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- Greetings Everyone!

Our friends at Ammoland Shooting Sports News have been terrific partners in our Twitter Campaign, and have made a very generous offer. Any active NJ2AS Twitter member will be eligible for a FREE 2A Flashmob Patch. If you have been tweeting and retweeting our messages you can get one of these great patches for FREE.

You can read more about the 2A Flashmob approval at www.ammoland.com/2a-flash-mob-approved .

Just send a SASE to:

Please write “Twitter Campaign” on the front of your envelope.

Thanks to Ammoland.com for their invaluable partnership and their generosity. And, thanks to all of you for your hard work.

About:
New Jersey Second Amendment Society – Our mission is to promote the free exercise of Second Amendment rights within the community and Legislature of New Jersey, to educate the community regarding the enjoyable, safe, and responsible use of firearms, and to engender a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among the members and their families. Visit: www.nj2as.com

NRA’s Wayne LaPierre

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- To understand the current state of the gun-ban crowd’s “conversation” about destroying the Second Amendment, it boils down to this: insanity versus sanity.

With the horrific series of mass murders culminating in the cold-blooded killing of children and teachers at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., last December, this latest iteration of “gun control” is entirely directed at making the sane pay the price for unthinkable acts committed by the insane.

It is the root of the civil disarmament movement in America today.

The Sandy Hook rampage was the evil work of an individual who was clearly insane. There is no question. Adam Lanza, according to reports, had been planning his attack on children —the most innocent among us— for years.

Reportedly, he considered himself in competition with other mass killers around the world and scored his own planned massacre against their records of slaughter. In his obsession with murder, he logged and researched those killing sprees in preparation for his own.

But Lanza was not in a class of one.

The July 20, 2012 murder of 12 and wounding of 70 midnight movie patrons in Aurora, Colo., was committed by a person who was under psychiatric care at the college he attended. His psychiatrist had reported to campus police that he had homicidal thoughts and was a danger to the public, according to court documents. Insane? There is no question.

The Tucson, Ariz., murder of six people and wounding of 13 others including U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords in January 2011 was the work of an insane, deeply disturbed individual, Jared Lee Loughner, whose own parents feared his behavior. Insane? There is no doubt.

But for the evil acts of these and other deranged killers, all of the sane people in America are supposed to pay the price with the loss of our freedom.

On its face, that very concept is, well, insane. And the gun-banners know it. They cynically exploit these tragedies and their elite media enablers amplify what they, too, know to be a big lie: that, somehow, homicidal maniacs are going to be stopped through legislation, as if you can legislate morality, or sanity, for that matter.

Vice President Joe Biden —President Barack Obama’s personal czar for “gun control”— is demanding all sorts of concessions of personal liberty from millions of peaceable Americans when it comes to the Second Amendment. Proposals run from bans on high-capacity magazines, to bans on all manner of semi-automatic firearms, to their massive de facto registration scheme under the guise of “universal background checks,” which Biden threatens “is just the beginning” of forcing their radical agenda.

All of this comes with the Sandy Hook school massacre cynically used as a rationale to chip away at Americans’ liberty.

In late January, NBC headlined its coverage of a Biden meeting with gun-ban Senate Democrats with this:

“Biden: New gun controls likely won’t end shootings” and quoted Obama’s official gun-ban czar as saying, “Nothing we’re going to do is going to fundamentally alter or eliminate the possibility of another mass shooting. …”

So what on earth is all this push for massive new gun controls on innocent citizens about? In a March 31 2013 diatribe against the NRA, The Boston Globe let the cat out of the bag:

“The National Rifle Association has been heartened by the chance to isolate Loughner and Lanza from the rest of the gun owning universe; reports of their bizarre behavior seem to put them in a class by themselves.”

Got that? The “rest of the gun owning universe”—you and me, our friends and families—are deemed as guilty as the insane killers, just because we own guns.

Although the Globe admits, “The unfortunate truth is that none of the gun control proposals on the table would necessarily have stopped Lanza or Loughner. For gun control supporters, there is no point in denying it,” it goes on to say:

“But this is hardly a reason to stop pushing for tighter gun laws… Gun control is a cause in itself. …”

And that is insane.

But I’ll tell you what is sane: providing on-the-scene school security to confront immediate threats to our nation’s kids.

That was NRA’s goal when we enlisted former U.S. Rep. Asa Hutchinson to lead a multi-faceted task force to comb the nation for the best measures to heighten school security—immediate steps to make children safer. We fully funded the study, but gave him total independence.

The result is the National School Shield Program.

In creating a wide-ranging series of recommendations, his team of experts in virtually every field of public safety has created a flexible blueprint for local communities to consider and adopt. The 225-page study is designed to help school decision makers create and maintain adequate security in their schools. One option among the many suggested is the training of armed and certified personnel on campus to provide rapid response to threats presented by the likes of the Sandy Hook murderer.

Describing the diverse nature of the program, Hutchison, formerly a U.S. prosecutor, head of the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration and assistant secretary of Homeland Security, said:

“Every school and community is different, but this model security plan will allow every school to choose among its various components to develop a school safety strategy that ­fits their own unique situation, whether it’s a large urban school … a small rural school, or anything in-between.”

During Rep. Hutchinson’s National School Shield presentation at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., Mark Mattioli, whose 6-year-old son, James, was among those murdered at Sandy Hook, made a courageous appearance and implored school officials across the nation to act:

“I’m putting it on you, I’m putting it on the experts out there to do something with these recommendations, to implement solutions, so people don’t have to go through what I’m going through.”

As NRA members, we have an obligation to Mr. Mattioli, and to his son and others who have lost their lives in school violence and to youngsters who need future protection, to make sure that our schools consider all that is offered in The National School Shield Program. Contact your local school officials and direct them to our website at www.nraschoolshield.com for expert guidance on how to actually make our nation’s school children and America safer.

About NRA:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Nearly five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services.Visit: www.nra.org

Virginia Citizens Defense League

Covington VA --(Ammoland.com)- The Petersburg Circuit Court Clerk, Shalva J. Braxton, is refusing to do her job.

She is not following Virginia law when issuing CHPs, so VCDL is petitioning the Virginia Supreme Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus against Ms. Braxton!

(A Writ of Mandamus is where the Supreme Court orders a government official to do their job in cases where the official has no discretion under Virginia law.)

This all started when VCDL was notified by member Michael McNeill that Ms. Braxton’s office was requiring CHP applicants to take a check for $35 and their application to the Petersburg Police Department. Then, when the background check was completed, the applicant was to go to Ms. Braxton’s office and give her a check for $15. On top of that violation of law, renewals through the mail were not allowed by Ms. Braxton.

The law is clear: only one check is to be provided and it is to be given to the Clerk or an agent of the Clerk. It is also clear that a CHP holder can renew their application through the mail.

I left a voicemail for Ms. Braxton to call me about this, but nothing. I then emailed her and told her that she needs to fix the above problems or we would get a Writ of Mandamus issued against her. She then responded with an email, saying she reads the code differently than we do. I believe she is misreading the law, but WILLFULLY.

I sent her another email, where I gave her just the part of 18.2-308 that she needed to read to understand her job. I asked her to respond and let me know if she was going to fix her procedures to follow the law.

• I never heard back from her!
• I resent the email.
• Nothing.

Board member Dale Welch went down to the Clerk’s office with Michael to see if he could help fix the problem. It ended up being a total waste of time, with nothing accomplished.

So I then contacted Michael McNeill and told him that VCDL would cover the expenses of the petition if he would be the plaintiff. Michael agreed and Ms. Braxton was served papers last week and the Supreme Court should have its copy of the paperwork by now.

We expect the Supreme Court to agree with VCDL and to order Ms. Braxton to follow the law. I will advise as this case progresses.

Here is part of the email that I sent to Ms. Braxton:

“Below are the key parts of the 18.2-308 D code section that indicate your procedures are incorrect. I have chopped out the irrelevant wording and put in an ellipse for such wording. That makes the intent of the law much clearer:

§ 18.2-308 D. Any person 21 years of age or older may apply in writing to the CLERK of the circuit court of the county or city in which he resides … for a five-year permit to carry a concealed handgun. … The COURT shall consult with either the sheriff or police department of the county or city and receive a report from the Central Criminal Records Exchange. … An application is deemed complete when all information REQUIRED to be furnished by the applicant is delivered to and received by the CLERK of court…

Section I also has importance for renewals:

§ 18.2-308 I. …Persons who previously have been issued a concealed handgun permit pursuant to subsection D shall NOT be required to appear in person to apply for a new five-year permit pursuant to this subsection, and the application for the new permit MAY be submitted via the United States mail. The CIRCUIT COURT THAT RECEIVES THE APPLICATION shall promptly notify an applicant if the application is incomplete or if the fee submitted for the permit pursuant to subsection K is incorrect.

Section K covers that only one fee is to be paid:

§ 18.2-308 K. … The total amount assessed for processing an application for a permit shall not exceed $50, with such fees to be paid in ONE sum to the person who receives the application…”

–

Our attorney has also requested all of our legal fees be reimbursed by the Court, as is allowed under Virginia’s firearms preemption statute 15.2-915.

About:
Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (VCDL). VCDL is an all-volunteer, non-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to defending the human rights of all Virginians. The Right to Keep and Bear Arms is a fundamental human right. Visit: www.vcdl.org

The Imperial Presidency Starts To Unravel – Political Commentary

AmmoLand Gun News

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Soon the Emperor will have no clothes, and the charade will come to an end.

I don’t think the process can be stopped at this point. Too many worms are out of the can, and they are not the kind that can spin new silk clothes.

Hillary will be taken down by her own past cowardice and dishonesty. When Obama tries to throw her under the bus, in order to save his own sorry hide, she will not let that happen — without at least making sure she takes him down with her. Bill Clinton will see to that.

As it becomes clearer and clearer that the ship is going down, more and more rats will leave, and more and more whistleblowers will come forward to help deliver the appalling truths behind the mask of this Imperial Presidency.

Barack will not welcome the governmental transparency about to be forced upon him. His short fuse and megalomaniacal narcissism may well end up eating him alive and handing his political enemies the very tools with which to finish him off.

In attempting to maintain the Benghazi coverup, the Administration saw to it that General Petraeus was taken out of commission early on, by leaking the news of his extramarital affair. And then twenty-some survivors of the Libyan terrorist attack were quarantined (with identities blacked out) for seven months, with no access allowed to ANYONE in the Media.

So much for freedom of the press! And the First Amendment right of free speech for the survivors who were put on ice.

Recent Congressional hearings blew the lid off the Administration’s credibility with a huge part of the Mainstream Media. The latest two scandals regarding the IRS targeting conservative political organizations, and the Justice Department’s placing of wiretaps on TWENTY of AP’s phone lines (serving over 100 of the company’s reporters), and now Fox News — these are so appalling, even to most liberals, that Obama’s Genie has been yanked right out of the bottle. It is most unlikely that it can ever be put back in. I am waiting for Alan Dershowitz to weigh in.

Suddenly, the Liberal Media are starting to realize how much they’ve been gamed and manipulated by those they’ve been willing to give a pass to: on virtually every sin, act of idiocy or deception, and display of incompetence or hypocrisy. It seems that even Tom Brokaw has opened his eyes in just the past 24 hours. As the Media slowly wake up, so will the American people, and — come the elections of 2014 and 2016, by the time ObamaCare has fully kicked in — voters will not forget how badly they were fooled and taken in by all of those trying to push Big Government down their throats.

By the time a few wounded titans in the Liberal Press have taken their revenge on the con artists that so abused their gullibility, Obama will be left bleeding and unconscious on the cutting room floor — scarcely better off than the victims of Dr. Gosnell’s infanticide practice.

Wait till Bob Woodward comes out with his next book! He has already been sufficiently wounded, mocked, and knocked about by the White House gang, that he no longer will pull any punches.

And, if the GOP can’t take political advantage of the many gifts coming its way, then that Party will die a quick death as well — and deservedly so.

About the Author
Dennis Dunn graduated cum laude from Harvard University with a major in Romance Languages and earned a Master’s Degree in French Literature from the University of Washington. Now retired, he has been a French teacher, a political party leader, and a securities broker. He is the author of “BAREBOW! An Archer’s Fair-Chase Taking of North America’s Big Game 29” and a life-member of many outdoor-oriented organizations and, in addition to hunting, has a passion for fishing, mineral collecting, skiing, opera, and his wife Karen. Visit: www.str8arrows.com

Sportsman Channel

New Berlin, Wis. --(Ammoland.com)- Sportsman Channel, a leader in outdoor TV for the American Sportsman, is pioneering  again in the industry launching outdoor TV’s first-ever live on-air social media feed that will populate viewers’ Memorial Day dedication messages from Twitter using #SPORTSMANHEROES.

The content will stream on-air live via ticker throughout the network’s eight-hour long NRA Guns & Gold Marathon, which celebrates “Firearms & Freedom,” beginning at 5pm ET/PT on Monday, May 27, exclusively on Sportsman Channel.

“Because social media has become an everyday platform for many consumers, and complements the TV viewing experience, we wanted to use Twitter to do something unique that allowed our viewers to voice their own tributes and dedications this Memorial Day,” said Gavin Harvey, president and CEO of Sportsman. “This allows our viewers to celebrate and honor memories and loved ones while allowing us to continue to innovate across multiple platforms to provide viewers a more compelling and engaging experience.”

Sportsman Channel will kick-off the ticker content with the first dedication: “Sportsman salutes America’s #SPORTSMANHEROES. We appreciate and honor you this Memorial Day and every day!”

Sportsman Channel is the social media leader in the outdoor TV space, developing not only more fans and followers but generating higher engagement rates in almost every category, as well as earning accolades along the way.  In only a year, the network went from 140k total social media users/connections to 400k to date. This includes Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, Instagram and Pinterest.  Sportsman was also honored this year as a finalist for the CableFAX Best of the Web Awards for “Best Use of Facebook,” selected alongside some of the best-known brands in television including ESPN, CNBC, and AMC.

NRA Guns & Gold Marathon:  Every gun has a story. And these stories mean freedom. This Memorial Day, remember our heroes and the guns they brought to battle during the NRA’s Guns & Gold Marathon on Monday, May 27 beginning at 5pm ET/PT, exclusively on Sportsman Channel. Kicking off this eight-hour marathon is the network’s live ground-breaking new series, NRANEWS Cam & Co, with host Cam Edwards live from the NRA Museum tackling the news of the day with special guests.  Following Cam & Co, NRA’s Guns & Gold with hosts Jim Supica and Phil Schreier episodes get rolling at 6pm with a brand new episode at 9:00 pm and 12 pm, where Jim and Phil return to the Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show. There they encounter more unique firearms with one commonality…a great story.

NRA’s Guns and Gold is brought to you by America’s foremost advocate of Second Amendment rights, the National Rifle Association (NRA). NRA has four million pro-second amendment members, plus millions more interested in shooting and hunting sports and legislation.

About Sportsman Channel:

Launched in 2003, Sportsman Channel, and Sportsman HD, is the only television and digital media company fully devoted to the sportsmen and women in the U.S., delivering entertaining and educational programming focused exclusively on hunting, shooting and fishing activities. Sportsman Channel reaches more than 32 million U.S. television households and is available in HD. Visit www.thesportsmanchannel.com, follow on Twitter, @SPORTSMANchnl (twitter.com/SPORTSMANchnl) and Like on Facebook, facebook.com/sportsmanchannel

Sportsman Channel

New Berlin, Wis. --(Ammoland.com)- The act of selflessness is truly a defining characteristic of 9/11 survivor Will Jimeno.

Sportsman Channel, the leader in outdoor TV for the American Sportsman, proudly brings an inspirational story of courage and valor in this week’s YETI’S Ultimate Hunt.

The tragic incidents of 9/11 found Jimeno buried and trapped alive beneath the rubble of the World Trade Center. The Port Authority Officer is one of only a few survivors and has decided to share his stories of courage and passion to help make a difference in the fight against cancer. Join hosts, Rob Evans, Haley Heath and Holly Eyster for a moving and unique episode of YETI’S Ultimate Hunt on Wednesday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT.

New Jersey resident, Will Jimeno is a hero, husband, father and passionate bowhunter who put his life on the line on September 11, 2001. His efforts have been recognized by many, including Hollywood. Jimeno’s brave story has been documented in a film (World Trade Center) which outlines the unimaginable events of 9/11. Unfortunately, like many, Jimeno’s family has been and continues to be affected by cancer. He uses his platform to not only discuss his story from 9/11, but to also encourage others to make a donation to the Pink Arrow Project (www.pinkarrowproject.com). Bowhunting in the woods and joining the effort to help stamp out cancer are two passions Jimeno will always place in the forefront.

“We all face adversity in our lives and Will Jimeno is a living example that overcoming our difficulties can be accomplished,” said Rob Evans, host, YETI’S Ultimate Hunt. “This show will illustrate the life of a true American Hero who is using his incredible platform to make a difference in the lives of so many affected by cancer. We are proud of this unique episode and believe our viewers will appreciate the message from Jimeno and his passion for the outdoors.”

Like YETI’S Ultimate Hunt on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheUltimateHunt.

About Sportsman Channel:

Launched in 2003, Sportsman Channel, and Sportsman HD, is the only television and digital media company fully devoted to the sportsmen and women in the U.S., delivering entertaining and educational programming focused exclusively on hunting, shooting and fishing activities. Sportsman Channel reaches more than 32 million U.S. television households and is available in HD. Visit www.thesportsmanchannel.com, follow on Twitter, @SPORTSMANchnl (twitter.com/SPORTSMANchnl) and Like on Facebook, facebook.com/sportsmanchannel

Gun Girl Radio – NRA Recap & Single Stack Nationals

Gun Girl Radio

DeKalb, IL --(Ammoland.com)- This week on Gun Girl Radio, Randi Rogers and Julie Golob get together to record once again for Julie’s first Gun Girl Radio podcast since having her baby girl. They catch us up on the NRA show, Randi shares her experience at her first Single Stack Nationals competition and Julie reminisces about her past involvement in the competition.

Randi tells us that the NRA show was the busiest she’s ever seen.  Randi is also excitedto share with us the success that Comp-tac had at their first NRA show.

Randi briefly tells us about the the Women’s Leadership Luncheon at the NRA Annual Meeting.

 The event highlights women contributing in the shooting world.  Right after the NRA show, Randi took part in the Single Stack Nationals.  She gives us her impressions from her first time participating.  Julie gives us her past experiences with the competitions as well.  Email your own questions to ladies@gungirlradio.com.  Listen to the entire episode at www.gungirlradio.com/018/ or subscribe to the show on iTunes.

About Gun Girl Radio:
Gun Girl Radio is a proud part of the Firearms Radio Network.  The show features information and insider perspective on shooting sports, training, hunting and all things outdoors by two of the firearms industry’s most talented female shooters, Randi Rogers and Julie Golob.  Gun Girl Radio releases every-other Wednesday at 12:00 pm CST.  Subscribe to the Gun Guy Radio email list and listen via apple iTunes, Stitcher Radio or gungirlradio.com.
Contact:

Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk welcomes WCAP AM in Lowell, Massachusetts

Gun Talk Radio

MANDEVILLE, LA --(Ammoland.com)-  Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk welcomes WCAP AM in Lowell, Massachusetts; KXPS AM in Palm Springs, California; and KBND AM in Bend, Oregon, as the latest affiliates to add the nationally-syndicated radio talk show to their schedule.

WCAP 980 AM in Lowell, MA is the first station in Massachusetts for Gun Talk. WCAP AM airs Gun Talk on Sundays from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Eastern. For more on “The Voice of the Valley”, visit www.980wcap.com.

KXPS 1010 AM in Palm Springs, CA, airs Gun Talk from 4:00 PM to 7:00 P.M. Pacific. Listen live at www.team1010.com/.

KBND 1110 AM in Bend, OR, currently airs Gun Talk on Sundays from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Pacific. More info on KBND can be found at www.kbnd.com.

In its 19th year of national syndication, Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk Radio airs live on Sundays from 2PM-5PM Eastern, and runs on more than 138 stations, plus on XM (Ch. 243) Satellite Radio. All Gun Talk shows can be downloaded as podcasts at www.guntalk.libsyn.com and Apple iTunes, or through one of the available Apps: Gun Talk App on Stitcher, the Gun Talk iPhone App, the Blackberry Podcast App, and the Gun Talk App for Android on Amazon. The Gun Talk Minute on XM also airs on XM 243, 244 and 246 and Fox Sports every day throughout the week. More information is available at www.guntalk.com.

Andy McCormick

Legacy Sports International

Reno, NV - -(Ammoland.com)-  Andy has been with Legacy for 9 years, most recently as Vice-President of Sales & Marketing.

Andy will manage the company’s day-to-day operations and will be responsible for planning and implementing its growth strategy.

He has spent his entire career in the shooting sports industry, as a guide in Alaska and at Turner’s Outdoorsman, a 15 store retail chain in Southern California.

Andy commented: “It’s a great honor to have the opportunity to lead an organization with so many quality brands and so much history in the industry”. He takes over the reins as president from Gene Lumsden who helped form the company in 2000. Gene added “Given Andy’s experience and energy, the entire Legacy team looks forward to continued growth and success in the years ahead”.

Brett Kennon

Gene Lumsden will continue on as the company’s CEO and will work primarily on strategic initiatives, potential acquisitions, vendor/customer and banking relationships.

Meanwhile, Brett Kennon is being promoted to National Sales Manager. Brett will be responsible for 50 sales reps and will provide training and support for dealers across the country. Most recently Brett has been the company’s regional manager for the east coast.

Legacy Sports International is an importer of firearms and shooting accessories. Bringing in high quality, reliable and affordable products for shooting and hunting enthusiasts is the mission of Legacy Sports’ business. With well-respected brands including Howa and Puma rifles, Escort shotguns, ISSC pistols and rifles and Citadel handguns and rifles, Legacy Sports is committed to offer today’s shooting sports enthusiast performance on the range and in the field.

Legacy’s track record proves – without a doubt – that they have consistently provided accurate rifles and shotguns as well as award-winning optics for sportsmen on a budget. This is why Legacy Sports is known as

“The Most Trusted Name in the Shooting Industry”.

For more information on Legacy Sports International, visit their website at www.legacysports.com.

CCRKBA.org

BELLEVUE, WA – -(Ammoland.com)- Citing concerns about First Amendment erosion based on revelations about covert Justice Department probes of journalists, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms today called the government snooping “deplorable, if not despicable.”

“It is disturbing that James Rosen, who covers the State Department for Fox News was targeted,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb, “but now published reports suggest that the DOJ, in a separate effort, apparently also targeted Fox News reporter William La Jeunesse, who broke several stories about Operation Fast and Furious.

“We find this deplorable and despicable,” he added, “and a clear sign that the Obama administration is not simply out of touch, it is out of control. It is time for Congress to put a check on the Executive branch and rein these people in, and it is also time for Attorney General Eric Holder to go.”

Gottlieb noted that, “It is the role of the press to be a watchdog on government, not the other way around.” He said Rosen and La Jeunesse “not only did nothing wrong, they did their jobs. In La Jeunesse’s case, he has been instrumental in exposing the outrage known as Fast and Furious to the American people.”

Fast and Furious is the scandalous Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives gun trafficking operation that authorized at least 2,000 AK-type rifles to be purchased by known criminal suspects. It was terminated immediately after a gun associated with the operation was recovered at the scene of a gunfight in 2010 that resulted in the death of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry.

“It should not surprise anyone that the First Amendment is every bit as important to us as the Second Amendment,” Gottlieb observed. “The Citizens Committee is not an organization that cherry picks from the Bill of Rights. Unlike the Obama administration, we revere all the individual rights protected by the Constitution, while they seem intent on ignoring its very existence.

“In light of these scandals,” he concluded, “it is clear why gun owners are being joined by growing legions of other citizens in their distrust of government.”

With more than 650,000 members and supporters nationwide, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms is one of the nation’s premier gun rights organizations. As a non-profit organization, the Citizens Committee is dedicated to preserving firearms freedoms through active lobbying of elected officials and facilitating grass-roots organization of gun rights activists in local communities throughout the United States. The Citizens Committee can be reached by phone at (425) 454-4911, on the Internet at www.ccrkba.org or by email to InformationRequest@ccrkba.org.

2AFriendly App

2AFriendly

USA --(Ammoland.com)- Firearm ownership and gun control are intense social and political topics in the United States today, and individuals on both sides are looking for a way to support their rights and views and reward those businesses that agree with them.

Fortunately mobile technology has changed how Americans interact with the social and political environment around them. In an age of activism, 2AFriendly’s mobile apps give every individual anytime, anywhere access to the most effective form of peaceful protest: a vote with their wallet.

According to Senator Diane Feinstein, “Banning guns addresses a fundamental right of all Americans to feel safe.”

On the other hand, gun advocate John Lott says, “It is pretty obvious why we don’t put these signs up. [Gun Free] As with many other gun laws, law-abiding citizens, not would-be criminals, would obey the sign. Instead of creating a safe zone for victims, it leaves victims defenseless and creates a safe zone for those intent on causing harm.”

Though these are opposing views, the people on the street want the same thing: cut-and-dried information at all times.

Despite how Americans decry the labeling of groups, each one relies on labels to traverse the social and political landscape. There are more cellphones than there are people in the US, and digital information augments reality for everyone by providing instant access to location-based, digital labels. In some states, gun-free zones may even carry the weight of the law, and 2AFriendly makes it simple and easy to mark any business as a gun-free or pro-gun zone and share that information with the world.

According to Graham, the 2AFriendly spokesman, 2AFriendly has the best offering for gun owners.

“We know that gun owners want to exercise their rights in a safe and legal manner.” Graham said. “They also want to support like-minded businesses. That’s at the core of why we’re here. Millions of gun owners with smartphones can make a real difference with 2AFriendly in their hand.”

Most gun owners are also strong proponents of property rights.

Graham states that “If business owners do not want legal gun carriers on their property, having that information in one’s hand gives gun owners the ability to respect their wishes.”

2AFriendly offers a free iOS app that gives its users the ability to search for and rate businesses anywhere in the world as Friendly, Neutral, or Unfriendly. A premium app adds the ability to comment on the ratings. Because 2AFriendly relies on user ratings, each business rating is rewarded with points that can be used to enter prize drawings. An Android app will follow in the next few weeks.

2AFriendly.com was founded in 2013 to give gun rights activists powerful, mobile tools in the cause of liberty. More information about the apps and community can be found at 2afriendly.com.

Click Here To Watch SOTG Episode 22

Student of the Gun

Biloxi, Mississippi – (Ammoland.com) - Summer is here and it’s time to have fun and hit the water.  However, no self-respecting Student of the Gun would ever venture out onto the water unprepared.  Paul highlights his tactical float vest and discusses his water survival checklist.

Rescue tools and automobile glass-breakers are very popular these days.  The SOTG Crew heads out to a local scrap yard to test out numerous emergency glass busting tools on genuine auto glass.

Lastly, we are honored to have a special guest on the show; the star of the movie Enemy at the Gate.  Some might be surprised by our guest but the dedicated students won’t be.  Tune in to find out.

StudentoftheGun.com is your 24/7 source for all manner of gun related topics.  SOTG offers education and entertainment through on-demand video material, online articles, books, DVD’s and live-training events.  Student of the Gun; a beginner once, a student for life.  www.studentofthegun.com

TacProGear

Delray Beach, FL –(Ammoland.com)- The TacProGear  Tactical Rolling Luggage Bag in the carry-on size is a traveler’s constant companion.

The bag features the distinctive dual external zippered pockets with a MOLLE spine in between for the addition of small pouches or carabineer held items such as a water bottle.

Tacprogear Tactical Rolling Luggage Carry-On model

The Tacprogear Tactical Rolling Luggage bag is built to withstand rugged handling with reinforced edges and slide rails.

The high-strength polycarbonate wheels can withstand miles of travel over hard surfaces or debris. The retractable handle is ambidextrous.

Interior mesh-lined pockets allow for quick access to supplies. The 22” x 14” x 10” carry-on size bag is durable enough to accommodate any size load.

Available in black for an MSRP of $187.00 (P/N: B-TRLB-1) For more information about Tacprogear, visit www.tacprogear.com.  “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Tacprogear.

Catch up on our latest news on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Tacprogear.

Jon Stewart Blasts Obama’s Failed Promise to Veterans

AmmoLand Gun News

Washington DC - -(Ammoland.com)- During the May 20 2013 edition of The Daily Show, host Jon Stewart brought up President Barack Obama’s unfulfilled 2009 promise to “create a seamless, computerized Veterans’ health records system.”

After covering the subject for half a segment, Stewart concluded that Obama took his two elections to office more seriously that he took fulfilling this promise to our vets.

Stewart backed up this conclusion by explaining what is required to create the computerized veterans’ health records system. And nearly everything needed to do so–things which have not been done in four years’ time–were done in 2012 for Obama’s re-election campaign.

For example, Stewart pointed that out the creation of this computerized system for Veterans requires pooling information from two separate, extant databases at the DOD and the Veterans Administration. He sarcastically pointed out that doing this would require the Obama administration to take “two disparate data bases and [turn] them into one gigantic database.” His rhetorical point was, ‘How could that be done?’

He then played a clip of a political commentator speaking after Obama’s reelection, explaining that Obama campaign won by uniting “the databases they had from the first campaign–the fundraising database, the polling database–all into one gigantic database.”

The camera then panned to Stewart who was staring blankly into it.

Stewart provided more examples of how Obama has done for himself what he didn’t do for Veterans. And pointed out that because the health records system hasn’t been completed, there is still a backlog of disability claims for 900,000 veterans. And that number is growing.

Concluded Stewart: “You could clear up this VA thing in a month,” if Obama took governing as seriously as he took getting elected.

About:
AWR Hawkins writes for all the BIG sites, for Pajamas Media, for RedCounty.com, for Townhall.com and now AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.

His southern drawl is frequently heard discussing his take on current events on radio shows like America’s Morning News, the G. Gordon Liddy Show, the Ken Pittman Show, and the NRA’s Cam & Company, among others. He was a Visiting Fellow at the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal (summer 2010), and he holds a PhD in military history from Texas Tech University.

If you have questions or comments, email him at awr@awrhawkins.com. You can find him on facebook at www.facebook.com/awr.hawkins.

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- The May monthly meeting of the New Jersey Second Amendment Society was held on May 15 in Newton, NJ, Sussex County.

President Frank Fiamingo spoke about the importance of persisting even when progress seems to be stalled. He reminded the audience that the Second Amendment is not about guns, hunting, or target shooting.

It is about liberty and preserving the balance of power. NJ2AS has been continuously dedicated to working to preserve the right to keep and bear arms, even though we are not getting all of the results we want. Please be patient and trust in the decisions being made by the organization.

Fiamingo noted that one of the biggest problems faced in New Jersey are delays related to obtaining a permit to purchase a handgun, firearms owners identification cards, and excessive delays with the NJ NICS “instant” background check system. We are extending an open invitation to all NJ FFL’s to work with NJ2AS about ending the NICS delays.

NJ Assemblywoman Allison McHose was the guest speaker at the meeting. She announced that the theme should be “take back NJ”, and shared with the crowd the fact that her husband, a full time National Guard employee, was denied his Permit to Carry a Handgun.

ASW McHose expressed shock at the audacity of the NJ State Senators who were recorded stating “confiscate, confiscate, confiscate” at the senate hearings. She asks that everyone works to support the campaign efforts of the Republican party throughout the state to give strength to the second amendment cause.

At the meeting’s close, ASW McHouse was applauded and thanked by those in attendance for her efforts to preserve liberty in the Garden State.

OTHER NJ2AS HAPPENINGS

NJ2AS is pleased to announce that we have a new “Twitter Queen”, Miss Amy Levine-Brittin. Amy is organizing and coordinating our efforts to use social media, in particular Twitter, to get the message across to our legislators. If you are already using Twitter, you can follow us: @NJ2AS. Be sure to use the hash tag #NJ2AS when posting your pro second amendment tweets so that others dedicated to the preservation of life and liberty can find you. If you need help setting up a Twitter account, please contact Amy, amy@spuz.com and she will offer you some guidance.

The June monthly meeting of the New Jersey Second Amendment Society will be held at the Avalon Golf Club, 1510 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House, on June 19, 2013 starting at 7:30PM. This is the first time NJ2AS will be holding it’s monthly meeting in Cape May County. Senator Jeff VanDrew is scheduled to be the guest speaker. You can register for the meeting by clicking on this link.

About:
New Jersey Second Amendment Society – Our mission is to promote the free exercise of Second Amendment rights within the community and Legislature of New Jersey, to educate the community regarding the enjoyable, safe, and responsible use of firearms, and to engender a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among the members and their families. Visit: www.nj2as.com

My Take on the Ammunition Shortage

Montana Shooting Sports Association

Missoula, MT --(Ammoland.com)- Several of you have asked me what the cause of the ammunition shortage is.

The ammo shortage is nation-wide, and pretty much for all calibers. The shortage also includes ammunition components (brass, powder, primers and bullets) and all reloading equipment and supplies.

A part of the problem is the heavy federal government purchases, stressing an already-stressed marketplace.

However, the larger problem is the difference in elasticity between supply and demand.

The supply side is relatively inelastic. Manufacturers cannot increase production more than 30-40% before they begin exhausting their component suppliers. The component suppliers can’t expand more than 30-40% before they max out their material suppliers, all the way to the ends of the many supply chains.

This is a usual rule for any type of manufacturing, and applies now in spades to ammunition.

Manufacturers are running hard trying to satisfy demand. Hey, they’re in business and want to sell.

However, the demand side is VERY elastic, and driven by the psychological response of Americans to economic and political uncertainties. One supplier says he doesn’t have a shortage of ammunition, but a serious surplus of customers. As long as people have discretionary funds available and are stressed by political and economic uncertainty, or even by perceived political and economic uncertainty, demand for ammo will outstrip supply.

The only thing that would turn this around in the near future is if conditions change to remove or moderate the perception of economic and political uncertainty in the U.S.

Frankly, my crystal ball doesn’t see that happening any time soon, unfortunately.

If authorities would imprison a slug of high mucky-mucks in D.C., things might cool down, but I’m not holding my breath waiting for that.

Gary Marbut, President
Montana Shooting Sports Association

http://www.mtssa.org

Author, Gun Laws of Montana

http://www.MTPublish.com

About Montana Shooting Sports Association:MSSA is the primary political advocate for Montana gun owners. Visit: www.mtssa.org

Daniel Defense and Military Warrior Support Foundation Give Away Home at NRA 2013

Daniel Defense

Houston, TX --(Ammoland.com)- With the 142^nd NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits underway, Daniel Defense recognizes the sacrifices made by the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

Their continued efforts protect the way of life enjoyed by Americans throughout the generations.

This year, Daniel Defense was honored to present a combat veteran and his family with the gift of a mortgage-free home.

“I am amazed by the bravery these soldiers demonstrate in the field,” says Marty Daniel, President and CEO of Daniel Defense.  “We can’t thank them enough for their sacrifice.”

Through the Military Warriors Support Foundation, Daniel Defense learned of a soldier, awarded three Purple Hearts during his time of service.  SFC Jonathan David Langford sustained multiple injuries during two deployments, including a blast concussion, broken ribs, shrapnel and traumatic brain injury.

“What we want to provide is hope for these warriors and their families,” explains Josh Kinser of Military Warrior Support Foundation.  “By partnering with great, patriotic companies like Daniel Defense, we are able to put these heroes in a mortgage-free home and help them transition to a successful civilian life.”

Saturday afternoon, Daniel Defense gave away a rifle. A crowd gathered around the Booth (#2111) where SFC Jonathan Langford and family were invited to draw the winning name.  Immediately following the announcement, attendees were asked to remain for a special announcement.  It was there, Mr. Langford and his wife were told they were the recipients of a home located in the Florida town where they would settle after leaving the service.

The surprises did not end there. Working in conjunction with Texas Trophy Hunters Association and Trophy Hunters TV, the Langford’s were also elated to learn of an opportunity to hunt during the filming of a TV show.

About Military Warriors Support Foundation
Military Warriors Support Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, founded by Lt. General, Leroy Sisco, USA (Ret), in 2007. Our Mission is to provide support for our nation’s combat wounded heroes and Gold Star Families as they transition out of the military and into their new civilian life. This is a very fragile time for these heroes, and their families, and it is our goal to provide programs that facilitate a smooth and successful transition. Our programs include home donation, academic and employment assistance, as well as recreational activities.

For more information, visit www.militarywarriors.org.

About Daniel Defense
President and CEO, Marty Daniel founded Daniel Defense at the turn of the 21st century.  From its humble beginnings as a start-up company, creating rails and accessories for the AR-15 platform in small batches, Daniel Defense has grown exponentially over the last decade, and is now known for its premium line of rifles and firearms accessories.  Now with two locations and a combined 128,000 square feet of available manufacturing space, Daniel Defense looks forward to continued growth, as well as the opportunity to better serve their customers.

For more information, visit www.danieldefense.com.