NJ Legislature Supports Police Use of “Extra Lethal “Ammunition

AmmoLand Gun News

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- For more than thirty years NJ Firearms Law has all but banned Citizen use, ownership or possession of hollow point type ammunition, but with the obligatory exemption for Military and Police.

It is true that Citizens can in fact buy, and use hollow points under extremely limited and exceptionally narrowly tailored circumstances, but even most cops aren’t aware of them.

Ask nearly any anti-gun politician or spokesperson for an anti-gun group and the inevitable answer justifying the law is predicated on utter ignorance and unsupportable rhetoric. Opponents will invariably exclaim that hollow point bullets are “extra lethal “ and “they are designed solely to cause devastating wounds, inflicting un-necessary pain and trauma“ and they “pose a grave threat “ or other variations of the meme.

Yet there’s that pesky exemption for the Military and Police?

The only conclusion one can reach is that the Legislature approves of and supports the issuance and potential use of these “extra lethal” rounds of ammunition by Police Officers in the performance of their duties, essentially suggesting and overtly approving that it’s perfectly acceptable for an alleged criminal to be shot by a Police Officer with them if the situation calls for it.

This means, it is the stated policy of the NJ Legislature that a person engaged in a criminal act, but not having yet had a trial or having been convicted of such an act in a Court of Law, can suffer “ un-necessary pain and trauma “ and suffer “ devastating wounds “ if an Officer decides to shoot the suspect for whatever reason.

Now, let’s shed the harsh light of scientific facts on the issue.
A hollow point bullet is not designed “solely to cause devastating wounds “ its design and construction is engineered to have the bullet expand on impact with a surface, any surface; including concrete, steel, wood, fabric and yes, flesh. By expanding on impact, the surface area of the bullet increases and causes the kinetic energy stored in the bullet to be dispersed over a greater surface area, that’s it!

Remember I mentioned fabric amongst the list of surfaces that will cause a hollow point to expand when it impacts? What are Police issue Kevlar Bullet Resistant Vests made from? That’s right, fabric. In fact, when Police issue Body Armor is tested by both the manufacturer and the government agency responsible for certifying its effectiveness, it’s tested against hollow point bullets!

Police Body Armor is actually much more likely to be more effective at stopping a hollow point bullet then a “full metal jacket“ type of bullet, which is the height of irony. Because of the Legislature’s incredible ignorance of the subject and their apparent willingness to swallow the baseless lies and fear mongering of Anti gunners..

..they’ve unintentionally created a more potentially deadly situation for those they claim to be trying to protect, Police and innocent Citizens.

I have in my custody an internal Ballistics Test Report from the NJ State Police that conclusively proves that the use of full metal jacket ammunition in a defensive shooting situation is exponentially riskier in terms of the likelihood of over penetration and or “target pass through“ with the significant potential to injure innocent people well outside the area of the shooting.

A study performed by the NYPD found the same thing and validated the findings of the NJ State Police, that the use of full metal jacket style ammunition was much more likely to result in the unintended injury of innocent bystanders due to the ability of the round to strike its intended target, generally retain its shape and energy, pass through the target and continue on its path to strike something else.

As opposed to a hollow point bullet whose design ensures that upon impact it expands and deposits its energy in its original target, thereby becoming significantly less likely to hurt or kill an innocent bystander.

The New Jersey Legislature cannot have it both ways.
They can either admit that if they truly believe that hollow point style ammunition actually is “extra lethal“ and all the other assorted, overheated adjectives they use to describe them, and their approved use against criminals then certainly seems like a clear cut case of “extra judicious“ force.

Or they can simply admit they made a mistake, take responsibility for it and fix it by treating hollow point ammunition just like any other bullet.

More articles, commentary and information by Dan Robert available at That Every Man Be Armed.com

NRA - ILA

Charlotte, NC --(Ammoland.com)- Thanks to the overwhelming number of phone calls and e-mails from dedicated NRA members, the New Jersey Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee decided to hold Assembly Bill 588 for further study.

While this fight is not over, this is a big win for gun owners in the Garden State. During Monday’s hearing, Assembly Bill 1013 passed in the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee with amendments that attempt to address gun owner concerns and has been referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee where further amendments may occur.

Law-abiding gun owners can breathe a sigh of relief due to A588 being held for further study by the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee. Sponsored by Assemblyman L. Grace Spencer (D-29), A588 has been confused for police safety legislation aimed at armor-piercing ammunition (which is already prohibited under federal and state law).

This measure actually would have opened the door to a sweeping ammunition ban by an unelected public official by executive fiat. Common hunting, target, and self-defense ammunition would have been subject to ban by the Attorney General, along with BB’s, airgun pellets, and non-metallic ammunition like plastic airsoft pellets, if he determined that they pose a threat to the safety and well being of law enforcement.

Although A588 only mentions handgun ammunition, it is in fact not limited to handgun ammunition, and would have applied to all rifle ammunition for which a handgun is ever made. As an increasing number of gun manufacturers make handgun models that shoot rifle caliber ammunition, the line between “handgun” vs. “rifle” ammunition has become blurred, and the New Jersey State Police have already begun treating rifle ammunition in this category as if it were handgun ammunition for regulatory purposes. As long as a handgun exists that shoots a particular caliber of rifle ammunition, New Jersey treats that ammunition as if it were handgun ammunition.

The Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee did pass A1013 with amendments that attempt to address gun owner concerns. This legislation will now head to the New Jersey Assembly Committee on Appropriations. A1013, sponsored by Assemblyman Charles Mainor (D-31), would criminalize the use of a defaced or stolen firearm that is used to injure a police officer and enhances penalties for defacing a firearm. One provision of this police safety legislation significantly increases the penalties relating to “defaced” firearms.

Because of New Jersey’s longstanding poorly-crafted definition of “defaced” firearms, it is possible that refinishing a firearm, or long-term damage from rust or scratches from ordinary wear and tear, could be deemed “defacement” subjecting honest gun owners to lengthy prison sentences, even though identifying information on the firearm is still legible.

We would like to thank all of the NRA members who voiced their opposition to A588 and A1013. Please continue to check AmmoLand Shooting Sports News and www.NRAILA.org for more updates on A588 and A1013.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

NJ2AS looking over the wall in New Jersey....WOLVERINES!

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

Manahawkin, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The New Jersey Second Amendment Society testified before the New Jersey Assembly Law & Public Safety Committee yesterday to weigh in on Assembly Bills A588 and A1013.

A588 was opposed because it proposed to give over-reaching authority to the New Jersey Attorney General to ban ammunition, including air soft pellets, at the whim of the Attorney General.

A1013 was opposed because it hinged on the poorly defined definition of ‘defaced’ in the New Jersey code, effectively making law-abiding citizens felons when in possession of older firearms that may have rust or normal wear making their markings unreadable.

The Committee tabled A588 and amended A1013 to address the concerns raised by NJ2AS and other Second Amendment groups that testified.

“We are very pleased with the way the Committee responded to their constituents’ today.” says Frank Jack Fiamingo, President of the New Jersey Second Amendment Society, “The Committee was inundated with phone calls, email and faxes opposing these bills as well as a strong showing at the hearing in Trenton by concerned citizens – and we feel they responded appropriately.”

Frank Jack Fiamingo can be reached for comment via email at President@nj2as.com or by phone at (732) 233-6506.

The New Jersey Second Amendment Society (http://www.NJ2AS.com) is a no compromise defender of the right to keep and bear arms formed to promote those rights protected under the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States within the legislature and the community.

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

Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- After a massive outcry from the Second Amendment community against A588 (backdoor ammo ban) and A1013 (defacing firearms – unintended consequences), the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee “held” A588 and amended A1013 in response to gun owner concerns.

The effect of holding A588 is to send it back to the drawing board for further review and amendment, and this legislation that would have opened the door to a sweeping ammunition ban will not advance in its present form.

The amendments to A1013 are still under review, but it is very apparent from the actions of the Committee and the on-the-record statements made by its members that the Committee has heard honest gun owners loud and clear.

We will continue to monitor these bills and dozens of others that we are watching and provide early warning of threats to our Second Amendment rights.

And thank you for your calls, faxes and emails to the Committee members!

About Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs:
The Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs, Inc. is the official NRA State Association in New Jersey. Our mission is to implement all of the programs and activities at the state level that the NRA does at the national level. This mission includes the following: To support and defend the constitutional rights of the people to keep and bear arms. To take immediate action against any legislation at the local, state and federal level that would infringe upon these rights. Visit: www.anjrpc.org

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- As noted in a previous URGENT alert, The Assembly Law & Public Safety will be conducting a hearing on bill A588. P

lease read the following if you want to see what is wrong with this bill. If you agree that this bill should NOT be considered, and you are able to attend the hearing, PLEASE join me in Trenton on Monday afternoon. Here is the relevant information – The hearing will be held on Monday 1/30/2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Committee Room 16, 4th Floor, State House Annex in Trenton. I realize this is short notice but I only recently found out about the hearing.

The text enclosed between the STARS(***) and in BOLD is the offensive addition. The rest is the statutes as it currently is written:

N.J.S.2C:39-3 is amended to read as follows:…

…Dum-dum or body armor penetrating bullets.

(1) Any person, other than a law enforcement officer or persons engaged in activities pursuant to subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-6, who knowingly has in his possession any hollow nose or dum- dum bullet, or (2) any person, other than a collector of firearms or ammunition as curios or relics as defined in Title 18, United States Code, section 921 (a) (13) and has in his possession a valid Collector of Curios and Relics License issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, who knowingly has in his possession any body armor breaching or penetrating ammunition, which means: (a) ammunition primarily designed for use in a handgun, and (b) which is comprised of a bullet whose core or jacket, if the jacket is thicker than .025 of an inch, is made of tungsten carbide, or hard bronze, or other material which is harder than a rating of 72 or greater on the Rockwell B. Hardness Scale, and (c) is therefore capable of breaching or penetrating body armor,
************************************************************
or (3) any person, other than a law enforcement officer, who knowingly has in his possession handgun ammunition which (a) has a full metal jacket and an ogive with a steel penetrator tip followed by an aluminum core and is 1 therefore capable of breaching or penetrating body armor, or (b) after testing, the Attorney General determines poses a threat to the safety and well being of law enforcement officers because of the materials, be they metallic or nonmetallic, used in its composition or because its ogive, core or jacket are of a design, construction or formulation which makes it capable of breaching or penetrating body armor,
************************************************************
is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. For purposes of this section, a collector may possess not more than three examples of each distinctive variation of the ammunition described above. A distinctive variation includes a different head stamp, composition, design, or color…

There are SEVERAL things wrong with the statute in general and this addition in particular.

• FIRST – since it is becoming clearer by the day that New Jersey residents may be required to defend themselves from such acts as gang violence and home invasions, there is NO reason that law-abiding individuals should be prohibited from possessing the EXACT SAME firearms and ammunition used by the police. If a gang member wants to invade your home and is wearing a bullet proof vest – you have EVERY LEGITIMATE REASON in the WORLD to have firearms and ammunition capable of piercing a vest!
• SECOND – The Attorney General should NOT be given the BROAD power to determine what is and what is not acceptable for a law-abiding individual to possess. The law-abiding are not the problem as *THEY* will not shoot at a police officer and criminals will not abide by this law and will have easy access to this ammunition in the majority of the states where it is considered completely legal for lawful firearms owner to possess it.

This is simply another example of FEEL-GOOD legislation that does ABSOLUTELY *NOTHING* to protect the police *OR* the public, but which *DOES* infringe on a law-abiding individual’s right to keep and bear arms for legitimate purposes.

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

SS109AP Green Tip Bullets

AmmoLand Gun News

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)-  On Friday afternoon January 27th, news broke on various social networks that four Northern New Jersey autocratic Assembly members snuck two new sweeping and completely unnecessary anti-gun bills onto the calendar of the Law and Public Safety Committee for Monday January 30th.

Assembly Bill A588 concerns a new ammunition ban, cleverly disguised and marketed for the protection of Law Enforcement, but granting unprecedented powers to an unelected official, in the form of the State Attorney General; to unilaterally ban any ammunition, of any type or construction, including incredibly enough, benign plastic “BB’s “of the type used by Airsoft Toys, if the Attorney General deems them a “threat to the safety or welfare of Law Enforcement “.

When reached for comments over the rationale and reasoning for such an onerous proposal, an aide to one of the sponsors claimed the bill was only concerned with banning a particular type of round, the FN 5.7 caliber SS109AP Armor Piercing one, fired from the FN Pistol, due to its concerns that the round in question can penetrate multiple layers of Kevlar Bullet Resistant Vests most commonly issued to Police Officers. Ignore for the moment the blatant and almost certainly Un Constitutional vesting of near omnipotent regulatory powers in an unelected and unaccountable Official in favor of focusing on the concerns over the ammunition specifically referenced in the Statement and the language of the proposed legislation in general.

The Statement portion of the proposal, which briefly explains the sponsors reasoning, appears on its face to target only the SS109AP 5.7 round.

A round which is already restricted by both NJ State and Federal Law to Law Enforcement and Military personnel.

This is readily apparent from the description of the type of round in question, with the AP initials standing for, quite obviously, its designation as an Armor Piercing round. Essentially this means that the sponsors of this legislation are arguing to make an already prohibited round “more illegal “ then it already is. How this is a logical conclusion on the parts of the various Assemblypersons is anyone’s guess. More troubling is the intentionally over broad language found in the proposal that would potentially make possession of virtually any round of ammunition by a law abiding citizen a criminal offense at the whim of the Attorney General.

There are any number of common and ubiquitous rifle rounds that are used in target competitions, hunting and numerous other completely legal activities that are fully capable of penetrating standard Police Issue body armor. And as more manufacturers continue to develop and market handguns that fire a rifle caliber bullet, the threat becomes obvious. The language of the proposed legislation would most certainly grant the ability to outlaw those rounds by fiat, merely by a finding by the Attorney General that they “pose a threat to the safety and welfare of Law Enforcement Officers”. As AirSoft toys are not considered firearms under NJ law, despite the best efforts of ideological hoplophobes in the Legislature, it’s a mystery why AirSoft “BB’s” are included in the language.

At a future date the AG could conceivably issue an opinion and finding that because an AirSoft pellet might cause a red mark or “shoot someone’s eye out” that they meet the criteria of posing a threat to the safety and welfare of Law Enforcement and must therefore be banned.

Assembly Bill A1013 concerns “defaced firearms “ and is once again written so poorly as to criminalize the ownership use or possession of any firearm whose factory finish has been degraded by use, age or rust, or replaced, changed or enhanced with the application of numerous firearms finishing products such as “bluing “ chemicals or DuraCoat products. Anonymous sources that spoke to the primary sponsor of A1013 on Friday, Assemblyman and Law and Public Safety Committee Chairman Charles Mainor; told this journalist that

Assemblyman Mainor ‘s intent with A1013 was solely to deal with the criminal use of defaced firearms, meaning ones that had their serial numbers obliterated by criminals in order to frustrate any potential law enforcement investigation.

Once again, this is an act that is already a Federal Level Felony, so it remains unclear why a new law making it “more illegal “ is felt necessary.

Word from my sources is that Assemblyman Mainor intends to have the overly broad language stricken from the proposal.

In an effort to be fair in my capacity as an independent journalist, I contacted the offices of each of the sponsors of both A588 and A1013, seeking on the record comments of their reasoning and explaining that I was under a 48 hour deadline. While the various aides or spokespersons were unfailingly polite and promised to get back to me either with a statement from the sponsors or to request the sponsors contact me directly to get their opinions from the horse’s mouth as it were, not one of them actually did.

I will also be following up with the NJ State Police Public Information Officer as soon as possible to get their position on these matters, specifically A588 and whether or not there is even a concern among Law Enforcement over the already banned SS109AP round, or if this is as a solution looking for a problem that doesn’t exist. My own belief, one shared by anyone familiar with the 30 year history of draconian firearms laws is that A588 is a thinly veiled effort to perform an end run around Second Amendment rights in NJ, effectively neutering them beyond all recognition. It has long been argued by various Pro Gun Control groups, their enablers in the Legislature and their sycophants in the media that; if they cant accomplish an outright gun ban, they would pursue the next best course, efforts to ban ammunition, which if successful would render law abiding citizens firearms as useful and effective as a paperweight.

So why are certain Legislator’s pursuing this course?

Simple, they are ideological purists, smug in their sense that they know better than everyone else, and will do whatever they can, and we the Citizens allow, to force their views on others via the force of law. It’s far easier for them to blame an inanimate object and its accessories, to slander and demonize a politically incorrect segment of society and to cater to voters who get their knowledge of firearms from Hollywood. It’s about power and control, about crass political expediency and nothing more. Legislators like the sponsors of A588 count on people’s ignorance and apathy, they use deceit and misrepresentation, aided and abetted by a complicit media to ram through policies they know won’t have any meaningful effect on criminals, in favor of punishing innocent people and running roughshod over the Second Amendment.

For twenty plus years we have witnessed, ever more onerous Feel Good Anti-Gun Legislation in NJ, so that politicians can claim to be “doing something “ about violent crime, forgetting or more likely not caring the least about the fact that criminals by their very definition are predisposed to not follow the law to begin with. These policies don’t work, haven’t worked and in fact can’t work. What will pay noticeable dividends in reducing violent crime is cracking down hard on criminals that commit violent acts while possessing a firearm, including stiff, minimum mandatory sentences that will not be plea bargained away so a Prosecutor can notch another guilty plea in his or her file.

In the interim, I urge anyone reading this to contact the sponsors of both A588 and A1013, plus the members of the Law and Public Safety Committee and politely but vociferously voice your steadfast opposition to these proposals and your commitment to do everything possible to ensure their defeat in addition to any future similar legislation and those in office that come up with it, while ignoring going after criminal misuse of firearms. Even better, if at all possible given the short notice; make every effort to journey to Trenton tomorrow, Monday January 30th and voice your opposition and resolve in person during the public comment portion of the Law and Public Safety Committee hearing to be held at 2 pm.

More information for anyone planning or able to attend tomorrow’s Committee Hearing can be found by joining the Facebook Page of the New Jersey Second Amendment Society which is spearheading, in conjunction with the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs, opposition to these proposals. http://tiny.cc/NJ2AS

These are the four sponsors of A588 (Ammunition Ban Bill)

• Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer 29th Legislative District
  Newark NJ Office Number (973) 624-1730
• Assemblyman Albert Coutinho 29th Legislative District
  Newark NJ Office Number (973) 589-0713
• Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan Jr 18th Legislative District
  South Plainfield NJ Office Number (908) 757-1677
• Assemblywoman Annette Quijano 20th Legislative District
  Union NJ Office Number (908) 624-0880

These are the members of the Law and Public Safety Committee

Law and Public Safety Committee

• Mainor, Charles – Chair 31st Legislative District Office Number (201) 536-7851
• Wilson, Gilbert L. – Vice-Chair 5th Legislative District Office Number (856) 547-4800 (Audubon)
• Albano, Nelson T. 1st Legislative District Office Number (856) 696-7109 (Vineland)
• Benson, Daniel R. 14th Legislative District Office Number (609) 631-0198
• Connors, Sean 33rd Legislative District no number listed
• Cryan, Joseph 20th Legislative District Office Number (908) 624-0880
• Kean, Sean T. 30th Legislative District Office Number (732) 974-0400
• McGuckin, Gregory P. 10th Legislative District Office Number (732) 974-0400
• Peterson, Erik 23rd Legislative District Office Number (908) 238-0251
• Rible, David P. 30th Legislative District Office Number (732) 974-1719
• Watson Coleman, Bonnie 15th Legislative District Office Number (609) 292-0500

More articles and information by Dan Roberts available at That Every Man Be Armed.com

NJ Assembly Committee To Consider Ammo Ban In The Name Of Police Safety

Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Common hunting, target, and self-defense ammunition would be subject to ban under A588, along with BB’s, airgun pellets, and plastic airsoft pellets!

Additional legislation being considered (A1013) could land gun owners in jail for refinished or damaged firearms that might be deemed “defaced”

On Monday, January 30 at 2:00 p.m. the New Jersey Assembly Law & Public Safety Committee is scheduled to consider A588, legislation that would enable the Attorney General to ban all handgun and most rifle ammunition if he unilaterally determines that it “poses a threat to the safety and well being of law enforcement officers.”

Cleverly disguised as police safety legislation aimed at armor piercing ammunition (which is already prohibited under federal and state law), the measure actually opens the door to a sweeping ammunition ban by an unelected public official by executive fiat. Common hunting, target, and self-defense ammunition would be subject to ban, along with BB’s, airgun pellets, and non-metallic ammunition like plastic airsoft pellets, if the Attorney General decides that they pose a threat to the safety and well being of law enforcement.

Although the bill only mentions handgun ammunition, it is in fact not limited to handgun ammunition, and would apply to all rifle ammunition for which a handgun if ever made. As an increasing number of gun manufacturers make handgun models that shoot rifle caliber ammunition, the line between “handgun” vs. “rifle” ammunition has become blurred, and the New Jersey State Police have already begun treating rifle ammunition in this category as if it were handgun ammunition for regulatory purposes.

So long as a handgun exists that shoots a particular caliber of rifle ammunition, New Jersey treats that ammunition as if it were handgun ammunition.

The Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee is also scheduled to consider A1013 on Monday. One provision of this police safety legislation significantly increases the penalties relating to “defaced” firearms. Because of New Jersey’s longstanding poorly crafted definition of “defaced” firearms, it is possible that refinishing a firearm, or long-term damage from rust or scratches from ordinary wear and tear, could be deemed “defacement” subjecting honest gun owners to lengthy prison sentences, even though identifying information on the firearm is still legible.

• PLEASE IMMEDIATELY CONTACT MEMBERS OF THE ASSEMBLY LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE!
• TELL THEM TO VOTE “NO” ON A588 – BACKDOOR AMMUNITION BAN!
• TELL THEM TO VOTE “NO” OR AMEND A1013 TO PROTECT HONEST GUN OWNERS FROM SEVERE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES!

MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY ASSEMBLY LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:

• Charles Mainor (Chair) (D31)
  AsmMainor@njleg.org
  Phone: 201-536-7851
  Fax: 201-536-7854
• Gilbert L. Wilson (Vice Chair) (D5)
  AsmWilson@njleg.org
  Phone: 856-547-4800
  Fax: 856-547-5496
• Nelson T. Albano (D1)
  AsmAlbano@njleg.org
  Phone: 609-465-0700
  Fax: 609-465-4578
• Daniel R. Benson (D14)
  AsmBenson@njleg.org
  Phone: 609-631-0198
  Fax: 609-631-0324
• Sean Connors (D33)
  AsmConnors@njleg.org
• Joseph Cryan (D20)
  AsmCryan@njleg.org
  Phone: 908-624-0880
  Fax: 908-624-0587
• Sean T. Kean (R30)
  AsmKean@njleg.org
  Phone: 732-974-0400
  Fax: 732-974-2564
• Gregory P. McGuckin (R10)
  AsmMcGuckin@njleg.org
  Phone: 732-974-0400
  Fax: 732-840-9757
• Erik Peterson (R23)
  AsmPeterson@njleg.org
  Phone: 908-238-0251
  Fax: 908-238-0256
• David P. Rible (R30)
  AsmRible@njleg.org
  Phone: 732-974-1719
  Fax: 732-974-3615
• Bonnie Watson Coleman (D15)
  AswWatsonColeman@njleg.org
  Phone: 609-292-0500
  Fax: 609-633-2179

Help Defeat the Iowa Ban on Traditional Ammunition for Dove Season

Iowa Firearms Coalition

Iowa --(Ammoland.com)- Iowa Firearms Coalition, and your friends at NRA, have been working hard at the Capitol this session already!

As you may have read in Iowa media outlets we are working diligently to overturn the ban on traditional ammunition that was slipped in as an amendment last session by the Natrual Resources Commission.

We are working hard on defending your rights and you can help us out by taking action here!

The Commission has taken a page straight out of the anti-hunting extremist groups’ playbook to deter hunting through traditional ammunition bans.

Anti-conservation fanatics failed at the federal level after the EPA rejected their lead-ban petition and have now placed their focus on Iowa knowing that doves are the most popular and abundant game bird hunted in America. This traditional ammunition ban is designed to price hunters out of the market and keep them from taking part in traversing Iowa’s fields and forests after the historic dove hunting legislation passed this year.

The Commission did not cite any relevant scientific studies showing negative effects of traditional ammunition when proposing this amendment last session, and has simply jumped in the political bed with anti-hunting extremists.

Just look at what Iowa’s DNR Director, Roger Lande, had to say about the ban in the Commission’s press release: “There will be a number of hunters who will be opposed to this decision, but at the end of the day, this action by the commission will help protect Iowa’s environment and wildlife from the adverse affects of lead.”

Dove populations are doing better than ever all while the vast majority of states allow traditional ammunition for dove hunting.

This amendment is the same position the Commission took earlier this year when it attempted to ban the use of lead shot on numerous state and federal wildlife areas across Iowa and said that they would “begin limiting the use of lead for all hunting and fishing on all public areas.” The Commission is blatantly subverting the will of the legislature, where the state House debated the lead issue and overwhelmingly rejected it.

Also, the Iowa DNR has a section on its website titled “Get the Lead Out” which has language eerily similar to the Center for Biological Diversity (“Get the Lead Out”) campaign – and yes, this is a propaganda piece written by the group that petitioned the EPA to ban all lead and traditional ammunition in America!

The Commission’s first attempt at a traditional ammunition ban last session was defeated with Governor Terry Branstad’s help, but this amendment has made their intentions clear. They intend to keep trying until they can get something to stick and once they do they will take this ban across the board.

Please help us take action on this by clicking here. By taking time to make your voice heard we can once again overcome yet another attack on your rights here in Iowa!

Also, please consider becoming a member today. Iowa Firearms Coalition is the only Iowa-based Second Amendment organization whose leadership is completely focused on your defending and advancing your Second Amendment rights. Help join the fight today and know that 100% of your investment goes directly to the cause by clicking here!

Defending your Second Amendment rights in Iowa,

About Iowa Firearms Coalition:
The mission of the Iowa Firearms Coalition is to be THE firearms rights organization in Iowa, representing Second Amendment concerns for all firearms owners in the state. We will staunchly defend the rights of hunters and sportsmen as well as the rights of all Iowans to defend themselves and their loved ones. We seek to partner with other like-minded organizations to increase our effectiveness in accomplishing these goals. Visit: www.iowafc.org

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- Anti-gun legislators from New York City have once again introduced firearms microstamping legislation (A. 1157b, Assembly Codes Committee) that would result in banning firearms in the Empire State.

If microstamping were to become law, firearms manufacturers would be forced to employ a patented, sole-sourced concept that independent studies, including those from the National Academy of Sciences and the University of California at Davis, found to be flawed and easily defeated by criminals.

Passage of this bill could result in layoffs of factory workers throughout New York as manufacturers, already being heavily lobbied by tax and gun friendly states, consider moving out of New York. Furthermore, firearms manufacturers could be forced to abandon the New York market altogether rather than spend the astronomical sums of money needed to completely reconfigure their manufacturing and assembly processes. This would directly impact law enforcement, firearms retailers and their law-abiding customers.

“This is an extraordinarily dangerous bill,” said NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane. “As legislation that would mandate microstamping not only threatens law-abiding gun owners but our industry’s ability to supply the nation’s law enforcement officers and military with high-quality firearms, we encourage all citizens of New York to contact members of the Codes Committee and their assemblymember today and urge them to oppose A. 1157b, firearms microstamping.

Learn more about microstamping by viewing the NSSF Microstamping Fact Sheet.

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 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

About: Tom McHale describes himself as a conservative gun-totin’ bible-clingin’ literary assault dude who enjoys finding humor in just about anything. His web blog My Gun Culture is an irreverent, twisted look at gun news bordering on the ridiculous. It covers shootin’ stuff, loud noises, defending your own, the occasional mall ninja, and about 200 years of the American way. These are the (partially) true stories of My Gun Culture says Tom. Visit: www.mygunculture.com

California Outdoor Heritage Alliance

SACRAMENTO, CA --(Ammoland.com)- Help COHA defeat the following bills that threaten your firearms freedoms:

1) AB 809 (Feuer), legislation which would require a permanent registry of long guns – including all shotguns and rifles. Under AB 809, those who purchase, or even transfer a shotgun or rifle to a family member, will be required to permanently register that firearm by submitting their name, address, place of birth, phone number, occupation and sex to the CA Department of Justice.

“AB 809 will not help law enforcement agencies solve crime, but rather unnecessarily invade the privacy of law-abiding hunting and other sport-shooting enthusiasts,” stated Jason Rhine, Director of Advocacy for COHA.

2) SB 427 (De Leon) would redefine “handgun ammunition” to include many commonly used rifle rounds and allow for full implementation of AB 962 – an ammunition registration law passed in 2009, portions of which were recently ruled unconstitutional by the courts.

Under the provisions of AB 962, mail order and internet sales of handgun and some rifle ammunition would essentially be banned given that all transactions would have to be completed “face-to-face”. Additionally, sportsmen and women would be forced to submit personal information when buying commonly-used sporting ammunition, even though they had already undergone an extensive background check with the purchase or transfer of a firearm.

COHA has been actively working with our founding member, California Waterfowl, as well as the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, National Rifle Association and California Rifle and Pistol Association, to defeat these anti-gun bills.

“Sportsmen and gun owners need to make their voices heard before its too late by contacting the Governor and asking him to protect their rights,” said Rob Sexton U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Vice President of Government Affairs.

Please contact Governor Brown’s office immediately and ask that he veto AB 809 and SB 427. For the Governor’s contact information, click here.

About:
The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) is a partnership of conservation organizations, outdoor industry, other related interests and individuals who support science-based wildlife management and the preservation of our hunting rights in California. COHA is a 501(c)4 Political Advocacy organization dedicated solely to influencing legislative, regulatory and administrative policy decisions which promote wildlife conservation and our outdoor heritage. For more information about COHA, visit www.outdoorheritage.org.

Congressional Sportsmen

Des Moines, Iowa –-(Ammoland.com)- Sportsmen won the first round yesterday in a fight to stop the Iowa Natural Resource Commission (NRC) from imposing a traditional ammunition ban during the state’s recently created dove hunting season.

The Iowa General Assembly Administrative Rules Review Committee met yesterday to review the NRC attempt to include a traditional ammunition ban in the final dove rule for Iowa’s dove hunting season.

The Iowa Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, led by Caucus Chairs, Sen. Dick Dearden and Rep. Rich Arnold, recently passed and Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus Governor Terry Brandstad signed into law, legislation allowing dove hunting in Iowa.

In a bipartisan vote of 9-1, legislators rejected the NRC attempt to impose a lead ammunition ban and allow the legislature to act during the next legislative session to remove the ban from the final dove rule, and now Iowa’s first dove season in nearly a century will proceed and will not include a traditional ammunition ban.

“The Administrative Rules Review Committee clearly demonstrated that an appointed commission cannot circumvent the intent of the legislature, especially when the commission fails to provide the biological justification to do so,” said Chris Horton, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation Midwestern States Director. “An undue burden on Iowa’s sportsmen and women was lifted and we applaud the committee’s decision.”

During a NRC meeting last month intended to set bag limits and the length of Iowa’s first dove season, commissioners passed a ban on the use of traditional ammunition while hunting doves. The same ban was overwhelmingly defeated in the Iowa legislature earlier in the year during deliberations on the new dove season and the commission attempted to usurp the Iowa legislature by imposing the rule.

A coalition of sportsmen’s groups, including the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), Dallas Safari Club, Iowa B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, Iowa Firearms Coalition, Iowa Sportsmen’s Federation, Mule Deer Foundation, Nation Rifle Association (NRA), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), Safari Club International (SCI), and U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, urged the Administrative Rules Review Committee to defeat the attempt by the NRC to institute a lead based ammunition ban that would created an unjustifiable hurdle for Iowans to participate in the dove hunt.

In a letter (HERE) dated August 3, 2011, the coalition stated that, “In the absence of scientific justification, the question of whether to allow traditional shot to be used during the dove season becomes purely a social and economic decision better suited for elected officials and not an appointed commission.”

According to a state natural resources staff study, the economic impact of this law allowing dove hunting will attract approximately 20,000 dove hunters and provide $6.9 million to state and local economies.

Senator Inhofe's Spent Brass Measure Benefits Gun Owners

AmmoLand Gun News

WASHINGTON, D.C. --(Ammoland.com)- U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), successfully added an amendment to the committee-passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2012, making fired small arms cartridges available for commercial sale with certain restrictions.

It also requires the U.S. Secretary of Defense to ensure compliance with managing commercial sale of spent ammunition.

“My amendment provides a unique opportunity for the commercial sale of spent small arms cartridges,” said Inhofe. “This is beneficial from a cost saving standpoint. Having worked on this issue for some time, I am pleased to have made this progress. Those that care about Second Amendment Rights have put much effort into this as well.”

NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox said, “It is common sense that serviceable and safe military spent brass cases are made available for commercial sale as military-sourced spent brass cases are of the calibers most widely used for marksmanship training and competition by civilians.”

“In addition to being a revenue source for military bases, reloaded ammunition costs considerably less, and every gun owner and hunter can appreciate the savings during these tough economic times. We are grateful for Senator Inhofe’s leadership to help ensure the continued availability of these spent casings by civilians.”

California Bill to Require Registration of Handgun & Rifle Ammunition Nears Floor Vote

California Outdoor Heritage Alliance

SACRAMENTO, CA --(Ammoland.com)- SB 124 would redefine “handgun ammunition” to include many commonly used rifle rounds and allow for full implementation of AB 962 – an ammunition registration law passed in 2009, portions of which were recently ruled unconstitutional by the capitolcourts.

Under the provisions of AB 962, mail order and internet sales of handgun and some rifle ammunition would essentially be banned given that all transactions must now be completed “face-to-face”.

Additionally, sportsmen and women would be forced to submit personal information when buying commonly-used sporting ammunition, even though they had already undergone an extensive background check with the purchase of the firearm.

Please contact your Legislator immediately and ask them to oppose SB 124. For more information regarding how to contact your Legislator, click here.

About:
The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) is a partnership of conservation organizations, outdoor industry, other related interests and individuals who support science-based wildlife management and the preservation of our hunting rights in California. COHA is a 501(c)4 Political Advocacy organization dedicated solely to influencing legislative, regulatory and administrative policy decisions which promote wildlife conservation and our outdoor heritage. For more information about COHA, visit www.outdoorheritage.org.

AmmoLand Gun News

Georgia --(Ammoland.com)- Listen to this heart wrenching 911 call of a woman who was attacked in her home while in the shower.

After an extend fight she managed to shoot her victim nine times but he still manages to run away.

911 Call

The Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting:

The man who police say was killed by a homeowner during an attempted sexual assault was identified Thursday as Israel Perez Puentes, 34, of Alpharetta.

Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Dept.Gwinnett authorities say Israel Perez Puentes, 34, was killed when he entered a Duluth home and tried to sexually assault a woman.

A Gwinnett County woman shot and killed Puentes Wednesday morning after the knife-wielding man attacked her in the shower, police said.

The incident happened about 6:30 a.m. at a home in the 2800 block of East Mount Tabor Circle.

Gwinnett police Cpl. Edwin Ritter told the AJC that the woman, who is in her early 50s, was getting out of the shower when the intruder, who she did not know, turned out the lights and attacked her.

She fell back into the shower, injuring her back, and attempted to fight Puentes off with the shower rod, Ritter said.

“She was telling him that she has money and please don’t hurt her,” Ritter said.

“He forced her into her bedroom,” Ritter said. “Once inside the bedroom, she retrieved a .22-caliber pistol and shot him several times.” Ritter characterized the attack as an attempted sexual assault.

The suspect ran outside the house and collapsed. He was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center, where he died.

This is a great example of why there should be no limit on gun magazine size. Guns are the great equalizer and this women just needed more ammunition to be sure her attacker was stopped.

Gun Owners of America

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Like vultures, anti-gun congressmen are always picking the bones of some national tragedy looking for political advantage.

‏And the horrific shooting in Tucson earlier this year is just another example, as a string of anti-gun bills have been introduced recently. You may have seen a television ad about one of them: H.R. 308, introduced by gun-hating Carolyn McCarthy less than two weeks after the shooting, would ban so-called “high-capacity” magazines.‏

“I think when you think about just common sense here, large capacity clips [sic] that can basically, in my opinion, be weapons of mass destruction, should not be available to the average citizen,” McCarthy said in an NPR interview.

• Remember when, in 1968, we were told that if felons and other undesirables were prohibited from having guns, gun crime would stop? Well, Loughner was not a felon. Likewise, he was not an illegal, military deserter, or a fugitive from justice.
• ‏Remember when, in 1993, we were assured that if gun purchasers were “checked out” against an FBI database, gun crime would stop? Loughner was checked out by the FBI; he passed.‏
• Remember when, in 1999 after Columbine, we were told that if we cracked down on gun shows, gun crime would stop? That crackdown didn’t pass, but Loughner didn’t buy his gun at a gun show.
• ‏Remember when, after Virginia Tech, we were told that if we sent more of Americans’ mental health records to the FBI’s secret list, gun crime would stop? Loughner’s name wasn’t on the FBI expanded list because he hadn’t been “adjudicated as a mental defective” or “committed to a mental institution.”‏

Now we are told by McCarthy and her ilk that the solution to tragedies like the one in Tucson consists of banning what are, in her opinion, “high-capacity” magazines.

‏Well, setting aside for a moment that her legislation ignores the issue of Congress’ constitutional authority, what about regular Americans who face multiple attackers, such as the Korean store owners during the LA riots of 1992, or the man in Long Island last year who was forced to defend his family from 20 gang members?‏

McCarthy seems to care less about how her political maneuverings would endanger ordinary Americans. She, after all, can huddle behind the massive billion dollar-plus Capitol Hill security apparatus.

‏And, of course, she is not only interested in banning magazines, but also the firearms that accept such magazines. She inadvertently admitted, in an NPR radio interview, that she is a political vulture with a larger agenda.‏ She was asked by a reporter, “And so you want legislation that specifically targets that kind of magazine, not actually the weapons themselves?”‏

Rep. McCarthy: “No. The weapons in themselves — number one, I have to look at, you know, what can actually pass in Congress and have it signed by the president. The House and the Senate are pro-gun houses. So with that being said, I have to find something that will be reasonable to the majority of the members so that we can cut down.”

‏Well, it’s time, once again, to remind the Congress that it cannot violate the Constitution just because Carolyn McCarthy thinks it’s a good idea. Secondly, Congress needs to be reminded that no gun control measure has ever reduced crime or prevented criminals from getting their hands on firearms—to the contrary, gun control laws only turn law-abiding citizens into mandatory victims.‏

GOA is briefing members of Congress on the dangers—both to constitutional rights as well as public safety—of the McCarthy bill. But Congress needs to hear from you, too.

About:
Gun Owners of America (GOA) is a non-profit lobbying organization formed in 1975 to preserve and defend the Second Amendment rights of gun owners. GOA sees firearms ownership as a freedom issue. `The only no comprise gun lobby in Washington’ – Ron Paul

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- Shooting sports enthusiasts, on the early show April 12, 2011, KNXV-15 television showed a report on the pending hearings in Congress on extended capacity magazines for handguns.

They used a backdrop of our Ben Avery Shooting Facility entrance sign for their video reporter’s standup. Attached is a letter from us to Channel 15 regarding that story.

From my standpoint and important for you to know:

• Ben Avery Shooting Facility is the place where legal recreational shooting and archery takes place with families, youngsters in Hunter Education, Olympic hopefuls practice and compete, and a host of shooting disciplines enjoy safe, responsible use of firearms.
• Law enforcement officers practice and qualify with pistols, rifles and shotguns…nearly every day of the week, with most all local, state and federal agencies participating.
• Ben Avery is a “Phoenix Point of Pride”. There are only 31 “Points” in the valley.
• The tragedy in Tucson should in no way be linked to our range nor to the legal, responsible use of firearms.
• Rather than chastise, our approach to Channel 15’s managing editor was to inform and offer another viewpoint for them to consider.
• We invited them to come and see what Ben Avery Shooting Facility is about as well as gave them the dates of next year’s Outdoor Expo on which they will hopefully do one or more stories.

As issues like these arise in the future, I have directed staff to respond in a professional, courteous manner to correct misinformation and offer “the rest of the story” as Paul Harvey was famous for doing. In that light, I wanted you to know.

Attachment

April 12, 2011

Andy Ramirez, Managing Editor
KNXV-15 TV
515 N. 44th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85008

Dear Andy:

I watched the news story that ran on Channel 15 this morning by Hatzel Vela on the hearings in our nation’s capital on extended capacity magazines for handguns. I was appalled that your producers chose the backdrop of our Ben Avery Shooting Facility entrance sign to discuss the issue of a mentally unstable person’s actions in Tucson in January. This was an act of violence and in the opinion of many…terrorism. The media has a responsibility to help the public understand the difference between responsible firearms owners and not confuse that with those in society that misuse firearms, or any other device turned into a weapon, to the detriment of society. The difference between the two is not even comparable, yet your piece invited viewers to make that connection. How is that balanced and objective?

Ben Avery is a Game and Fish Department-owned shooting range where shotgun, pistol, rifle and archery enthusiasts can pursue SAFE, responsible shooting activities. It is also the place that hundreds of youngsters each year get safety training and hunter education, learn the responsibilities of owning and using firearms, and the ethics of hunting. The City of Phoenix has awarded Ben Avery as one of Phoenix’s Points of Pride, a recognition of special parks, cultural facilities, historic residences and mountain peaks, that contribute to the quality of life in the Valley and foster a sense of community pride.

Law enforcement from most of the Valley police departments, DPS and other state agencies (including Arizona Game and Fish Rangers) and most of the federal law enforcement agencies use the facility to practice and qualify with their issued firearms. Their job is to be proficient and able to bring their weapons into use if needed, and Ben Avery serves a critical role in ensuring they are better prepared to protect you and me, or themselves from “the bad guys!”

Lastly, why not choose to do a more progressive, positive story on shooting, like our Outdoor Expo event in March where 42,000 people visited Ben Avery in three days to see and experience responsible shooting sports? More than 50,000 rounds were fired safely, many by first-time shooters. We would like to invite Channel 15 to come out and participate in next year’s Outdoor Expo and report on what responsible, ethical, and SAFE shooting is all about. That date is March 31 & April 1, 2012. An invitation is extended for anytime you would like to do a story on what is available at Ben Avery or any of the other six shooting ranges the Commission owns.

If you would like to discuss this issue, please call me directly at (623) 236-7226.

Sincerely,

Jim Paxon
Information Branch Chief

Congressional Sportsmen

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) Co-Chairs Senators Jon Tester and John Thune and Representatives Jeff Miller and Mike Ross; along with House Vice-Chairs Representatives Bob Latta and Heath Shuler and 38 CSC co-sponsors, introduced legislation last week to protect lead based ammunition and fishing tackle from a potential ban by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The “Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Protection Act” (S. 838) and (H.R. 1558) would protect the firearms, ammunition and sport fishing tackle industries and the vital conservation programs they fund by clarifying that the components used in manufacturing shells, cartridges, and fishing tackle are exempt from EPA regulation under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA).

“Hunting, shooting and fishing are more than just pastimes in Montana—they’re part of our outdoor heritage,” said Sen. Tester. “They’re Montana values that we pass on to our kids and grandkids. And I’ll fight for those values whenever Washington DC’s rules get in the way of common sense.”

“Most of our fish and wildlife habitat is thanks to the taxes paid by the firearms, ammunition and sport fishing tackle industries through sportsmen, and we must protect this revenue source for continued funding for habitat conservation in this country and I believe this legislation will help strengthen this funding base,” said Rep. Miller.

In November of last year, the EPA denied a petition by a collection of anti-hunting and fishing organizations to ban the production and sale of lead based ammunition and fishing tackle under TSCA. However, these organizations are currently in litigation to force EPA to expand its TSCA authority in order to regulate traditional ammunition and fishing tackle.

A ban of traditional ammunition and fishing tackle would result in considerable reductions to the 11% excise tax on sales of long guns, ammunition and 10% excise tax on sport fishing tackle that these industries pay on their products as a means of funding fish and wildlife habitat conservation throughout the country.

“Hunting and fishing are not only great traditions in South Dakota, but these outdoor activities greatly contribute to the economic success of the state,” said Sen. Thune. “This legislation will ensure that the EPA does not have authority to interfere with the regulation of gun ammunition or fishing tackle, which would come with great economic costs.”

“It’s always important to find a commonsense balance between protecting the rights of hunters, anglers and outdoorsmen and protecting our environment and wildlife habitats for future generations,” said Rep. Ross.

“There is no credible scientific evidence that demonstrates traditional ammunition and fishing tackle pose any threat to human health or wildlife population and this legislation is needed to permanently address this issue once and for all. I’m pleased to join this bipartisan effort and to work to stop the TSCA petition, which is the most recent in a long string of attacks on our cherished hunting and fishing heritage.”

Late last year, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), members of the CSC and the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC), along with members of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP), and the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), urged EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to reject the proposed ban on lead based ammunition and fishing tackle.

“This issue is about protecting America’s sportsmen as a federal ban on lead ammunition and fishing gear would negatively impact industry and wildlife conservation funding by driving up costs and serving as a disincentive for Americans to get outdoors,” said CSF President Jeff Crane.

“We applaud and thank Sen. Tester and Sen. Thune, and Rep. Miller and Rep. Ross for introducing this common-sense measure,” said Stephen L. Sanetti, member of the CSF Board of Directors and NSSF President and CEO. “This bill will continue to ensure that America’s hunters and shooters can choose for themselves the best ammunition to use, instead of unnecessarily mandating the universal use of expensive alternatives.”

State fish and wildlife agencies are authorized to manage most of a state’s fish and wildlife, and therefore, closely monitor and address any local concerns about lead based ammunition and fishing tackle and any potential impacts on local species.

No scientific basis has been established to warrant any such wholesale ban on traditional fishing equipment. A similar proposal to ban lead fishing tackle was dismissed by the EPA in the mid-1990s because there was insufficient data to support such a ban at that time.

Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Introduces Legislation to Protect Lead Based Ammo and Fishing Tackle

About:
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2009. Throughout this time, CSF has maintained a singleness of purpose that has guided the organization to become the most respected and trusted hunting and fishing organization in the political arena. Visit: www.sportsmenslink.org

Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- After having formally launched JPFO’s “High Capacity Freedom” campaign (aka “High Cap Freedom”), JPFO’s Rabbi Dovid Bendory listed five reasons why you would WANT (not “need”) a high capacity ammunition magazine.

We purposely held back at that time the crucial “Sixth Reason”. It has “stand alone” significance, and is probably the most important reason for an armed citizenry to “keep and bear” significant weaponry and ammunition capacity.

It has been called the “elephant in the room” of American gun rights. Few in the Second Amendment movement are comfortable contemplating this critical issue. The matter is simple: “We the People”, as a coast to coast and border to border conglomerate, must retain the armed might to, FAILING ALL OTHER RECOURSE, overthrow our own government. It is a gut wrenching and heartbreaking option, but an option that must be potently retained for the sake of our liberty and the liberty of our descendants.

The Declaration of Independence spells out this unalienable right to revolt, and lists some of the basic reasons for which it might be exercised. Despite what the liars of the ADL and Southern Poverty Law Center might blather, this concept is not something new that has sprouted from the minds of “seditionists” and “insurrectionists” (their new code words for determined American gun owners).

The Second Amendment was included in the Bill of Rights for predominantly this purpose, to warn off tyrants. The States are to remain free. State Militias were to deter the intrusive potential of a national standing army. Defense against foreign invasion was a secondary, not the primary, motivation for penning 2A.

The Founders had an instinctive distrust of government, and especially a centralized Federal government that might someday drift towards the tyranny of a monarchy. At the time of the writing of the Bill of Rights this distrust had become deep and profound. America had just cast off the authoritarian rule of England and was in absolutely no mind to allow such tyranny and despotism to rise again … from whatever quarter.

To realistically achieve this “détente” or “balance of power” with the Federal government and the heavy handed bureaucracies under its control, the American citizenry must now have, as much as ever, some semblance of parity in regards to weaponry.

The Founders’ distrust of government has proven true on an international scale. Governments gone bad have been far too frequent, most horrifically in the last hundred years of world history. The death toll of citizens disarmed and then murdered by their own governments, or factions supported by those governments, is simply appalling. See:”Innocents Betrayed”

The Second Amendment, unarguably meant to establish and maintain a widely armed citizenry, is the guardian against home grown tyranny. It is the only true guarantee that the power resides with the people, regardless of the moral fiber of the politicians in power. Elections are only effective if they remain honest. The somber truth is that freedom’s “bottom line” remains the “bullet box”, not the ballot box. Were it not so, but it is.

This is why the Second Amendment made no limitation on the type of personal firearms it covered. It was obvious and understood that the citizens’ standard would at least be equal to the standard of a common soldier.

Our soldiers can pack 30 round ammunition magazines with their AR15s. Why shouldn’t we? Parity of weaponry was the standard in 1791, when the Bill of Rights was penned, and it remained the standard for more than 140 of our nation’s first years.

The irony of this modern debate over so-called “assault weapons” and “high capacity ammunition magazines” is accentuated by the fact that, up until 1934, American citizens could lawfully own unregistered machine guns! Again, that’s more than 140 years of American history wherein the citizen could arm him or herself on equal to a foot soldier. How come, all of a sudden, this historical parity, this absolutely logical “balance of power”, is in question today?

The answer?

Because the elitists and authoritarians who lust to rule over us want the citizenry, “We the Little People”, completely disarmed. They want a neutered flock of disarmed and obedient subjects, a state of affairs similar to that of Britain, France, Germany or Japan.

But what are the elites in America stuck with now? As citizens, en masse, our combined might comprises at least EIGHTY MILLION GUN OWNERS.

This somber reality remains an armed deterrent, a deep and rumbling reminder to the police forces and military forces that, at present, still loyally serve us.

No, nuclear weapons and other “WMDs” would not be part of the parity equation. This is a flippant red herring bandied about by the shills of the victim disarmament crowd. A Second American Revolution would not take place on battle fields. It would take place door to door, block to block, rock to rock, and tree to tree.

No treasonous cop or treasonous soldier would feel safe anywhere. There are THREE HUNDRED MILLION privately owned firearms out here. And billions of rounds of ammunition. No other nation’s citizenry presents that quiet and steady warning to its government. No other nation’s citizenry (except perhaps Switzerland) has so many civilians capable of one-inch groups at one hundred yards.

To attempt to counteract this obvious state of affairs, there has arisen a faction of the liberal wing arrayed against gun ownership that embraces the psychological warfare tactic, the “roll over and die” mind set.

This is the “resistance is futile” crowd. These moral weaklings mock the idea that a free man or woman might step up to defend their freedom and the freedom of their loved ones. Many of these types are unreachable with either fact or logic.

However, here is the fundamental reality of the situation:

The combined armed forces of the United States amounts to about 1.4 million soldiers. All the police forces of this nation combined amounts to about 800,000 police officers. Call this combined figure 2.2 million armed individuals who could forcibly inflict a tyrannical government’s will upon the citizenry … if they “followed orders” without question.

In reality, many or most of these loyal men and women would not go along with a despotic turn of events. So let’s, in a worst case scenario, assume that there are 500,000 of the “just following orders” types in our police forces and military forces. This amount is purposely inflated. More accurate guesses of the potential for treason in the armed forces and police are at about the five percent level. To verify this estimate, ask any loyal cop or soldier their opinion on how it would pan out.

Therefore, if (at the very most) 500,000 traitors showed their true colors, they would go to work each day with EIGHTY MILLION American gun owners watching their every move.

They would be outnumbered by 160 to 1. Think about it. It’s not a good job description.

This is why the elitists and the authoritarians in our government and burgeoning bureaucracies want the (their?) cops and soldiers to have high capacity ammo mags … but not you. The Schumers and Bloombergs (and a disgusting line up of big city police chiefs) yelp all day long about “protecting our police”, but conveniently forget the fact that few American gun owners want the cops hindered by magazine limitations or rifle function limitations. We simply demand the same for ourselves.

So, the next time someone skirts the issue of the “elephant in the room”, quietly and somberly remind that person what the Second Amendment really intends.

Now, in conjunction with JPFO’s “High Cap Freedom” campaign, keep buying those “high capacity” magazines for your pistols and rifles.

Let’s get millions upon millions of them into citizens’ hands. A magazine ban is coming, either now, or when the inevitable “Loughner II” occurs.

Since 1968, modern “gun control” legislation has depended upon the acts of “crazed lone gunmen” to achieve its insidious goals. There will unfortunately be another “crazed lone gunman”. Whether propitious or programmed, an act of lunatic mayhem would seem as inevitable as the next earthquake.

Prepare now. Exercise your “High Cap Freedom” while you still can.

Frequent JPFO contributor and strategist, Kirby Ferris collaborated intensively with Aaron Zelman over the last two years. Ferris is now the Public Affairs Director of JPFO.

See all of Kirby Ferris’ articles.

About:
Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership Mission is to destroy “gun control” and to encourage Americans to understand and defend all of the Bill of Rights for everyone. Those are the twin goals of Wisconsin-based Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership (JPFO). Founded by Jews and initially aimed at educating the Jewish community about the historical evils that Jews have suffered when they have been disarmed, JPFO has always welcomed persons of all religious beliefs who share a common goal of opposing and reversing victim disarmament policies while advancing liberty for all.

JPFO is a non-profit tax-exempt educational civil rights organization, not a lobby. JPFO’s products and programs reach out to as many segments of the American people as possible, using bold tactics without compromise on fundamental principles. Visit www.JPFO.org – Copyright JPFO 2011

Staunch pro-gun writer Alan Korwin has come up with a very handy and effective “talking points” list.

If confronted by the hysteria driven rhetoric of magazine bans, especially based upon the Arizona lunacy of Jared Loughner, we highly recommend you have Alan’s rebuttals close at hand.

Please print out this article and pass it around to gun shops, shooting ranges, and at gun shows. We all need to wield pointed and effective responses to the gun grabbers’ hysterical blathering and phony hand wringing. If we remain silent they will win. ~ Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership

Gunlaws.com

PHOENIX, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Depriving the public of gear as a way to stop murderers is misguided, puts you at risk, and at its core, is a thinly disguised effort to get to zero-round magazines—in the false and dangerous belief that disarming innocent people will finally disarm criminals.

Legislators asked me to prepare this list.

The Crux

• By focusing on magazine size instead of ways to stop active shooters you jeopardize everyone’s safety.
• Hoping to limit murderers by limiting magazines is irrational and hoplophobic.
• Why have people picked a ten-round limit? Why not two?
• Are they saying it’s OK to only kill ten people? That makes no sense.
• Would you make police obey the same limit? Why not?

Parity with Police: The public faces the same criminals police do. Any restrictions for the public must match what police can use: The public is always first at the scene.

• If you can’t justify impeding the police with ammunition limits, you cannot legitimately justify impeding the public that way.
• What’s needed to stop rampages is not another law written on paper, but speedier law enforcement, or any armed people who can respond.
• A criminal can’t legally have a magazine of any size. A law restricting size adds nothing.

None of these arguments matter to the opposition. People who want to restrict magazines are on a roll, using the Tucson assassinations for momentum. They want any kind of gun bans they can get, regardless of crime fighting, public safety, logic or reason. They are emotionally compromised.

• Limiting the amount of ammunition a person has for self defense is dangerous.
• The only way to stop a lethal attack is with countervailing force.
• The correct response to a mass murderer is not to restrict the public, but to empower the public and give us every advantage possible.
• People are always the first responders. Police are second responders. We face the same criminals. We both need the best tools we can get.
• We know laws banning murder and armed criminals don’t stop criminals. Why would you want to do more of the same when you know it doesn’t work? (Because it’s a hoplophobic response, not a rational one.)
• Will magazine-size bans feel good, as if you’re really doing something? Yes. Will they actually do something? No.
• Infringing on the size of a magazine doesn’t stop crazy people. Imagining that it somehow will, now that’s crazy.
• An infringed-capacity magazine violates your civil rights.

Reasoning

• Will a magazine limit stop a murderer from carrying several guns? Of course not.
• Will it prevent swapping out magazines? How do you propose controlling that?
• Infringing on magazine size has no effect on the millions of magazines already out there.
• Limiting the public doesn’t limit criminals. It just limits the public.

Trying to stop crime or crazy people by limiting magazine size can’t work. We tried that, for ten years under Clinton’s size ban. It’s a proven failure. The NY Times admitted this in no uncertain terms. www.gunlaws.com/NewYorkTimesAndGuns.htm

• The public should have at least as much ammunition as police can have.
• Because people face the same criminals police do, we honestly need equal gear.
• Attacking the right to an uninfringed magazine because of one assassin is a political game, not a meaningful solution to homicidal rampages.
• Using a tragic homicidal assault for leverage against civil rights is reprehensible.
• Using tragedy to advance a political agenda aimed at incrementally disarming the public is the ugliest underbelly of politics. It’s shameful.

Killing Is Fun! Someone has to say it—With constant Technicolor promotion of “the thrill of killing” from Hollywood and TV, we can expect another homicidal rampage. We must be ready to stop it when it inevitably occurs.

They’re not deranged, they’re imitating –
With Hollywood and the networks glorifying immoral behavior, portraying killers as heroes to be emulated, and mourned when put down, it’s false to classify copycat crimes as mental disease.

The proper response to the recognition that people can go berserk and cause mayhem is to foster a culture of marksmanship.

• From army posts to grocery stores, homicidal attacks take place in make-believe gun free zones. Paper signs do not deter murderers.
• A phony gun-free zone made by posting a sign may feel good, but it has been repeatedly proven to be dangerous and negligent.
• A person who posts a no-guns-allowed sign should be liable if it causes harm. See the model legislation at gunlaws.com. http://www.gunlaws.com/GFZ/GFZ-BillReview.htm
• Murderous carnage has nothing to do with magazine size and everything to do with opportunity. Crowds of unarmed people offer murderers a field day.
• If legislation really could stop criminals there wouldn’t be any.
• Laws do not stop crime. Law enforcement stops crime.

It’s time to broadly promote National Training Week from July 4 through 11, when all Americans are encouraged to go to the range and practice. Details at gunlaws.com. http://www.gunlaws.com/NationalTrainingWeek.htm

It’s time to consider a tax break or tax credit to encourage people to go to the range and improve their readiness and skills.

Millions of 30-round and larger magazines are not used for killing, they’re used at ranges, which is where most legal gun use is conducted.

• Attacks on magazines are attacks on ranges, the home court for the Second Amendment, the bottom line on legal gun use.
• Attacks on magazines are attacks on the heart of the right to keep and bear arms.
• Disarm criminals first.

Politically Corrected Glossary

• Always frame the debate as pro rights vs. anti rights, never as pro gun vs. anti gun, which yields ground to the antis.
• This is a civil-rights issue, a question of fundamental human rights.
• Always talk about discreet carry, a cultural and civilized norm, never about concealed carry, which sounds like you have something to hide.
• Always refer to personal sidearms, a neutral and non-inflammatory term, never to handguns, a word that has been vilified beyond usefulness.
• Remember that assault is a kind of behavior, not a kind of hardware. The media loves that word because it spins the debate to their liking, and makes firearms automatically bad, instead of true focus on bad actors.
• Always ask a person who questions assault weapon possession what guns they’re talking about exactly. They do not know.
• Any weapon you can own is an ordinary household firearm, the type you might find in any American household.

Don’t waste time and audience attention correcting ignorant reporters who talk about clips or bullets. Let them remain self-evidently ignorant. See the entire Glossary at gunlaws.com

About GunLaws.com:
Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Bloomfield Press, founded in 1988, is the largest publisher and distributor of gun-law books in the country. Our website, gunlaws.com, features a free national directory to gun laws and relevant contacts in all states and federally, along with our unique line of related books and DVDs. “After Your Shoot” for media review is available on request, call 800-707-4020. Our authors are available for interview, call to schedule. Call for cogent positions on gun issues, informed analysis on proposed laws, talk radio that lights up the switchboard, fact sheets and position papers. As we always say, “It doesn’t make sense to own a gun and not know the rules.” Visit: www.gunlaws.com

Jake McGuigan, NSSF director of government relations/state affairs, addresses the Connecticut Judiciary Committee at Wednesday's public hearing.

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- BILL HEARD IN COMMITTEE . . . A bill (SB 1094) that would ban the possession of any magazine (rifle, pistol or shotgun) capable of holding more than 10 rounds was heard in the Connecticut Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.

There was overwhelming opposition, with more than 100 people speaking against the bill to less than 10 in support of it.

Opposition was voiced by firearms owners, manufacturers and retailers at the more than 12-hour hearing in Hartford. NSSF extends its thanks to all that attended the hearing or participated through submitting written testimony. Even with the huge turnout, the threat of this legislation remains.

The judiciary committee has until April 15 to decide on moving the legislation forward. NSSF urges everyone to continue to contact members of the committee, asking them to oppose the bill and also to thank them for listening to all concerns addressed during the hearing.

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 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

NRA News

Fairfax, VA --(Ammoland.com)- NRA-News is a valued partner that continues to cover breaking gun rights news with a new and improved short video format in the “NRA News Minute” videos.

Cam Edwards talks to Jake McGuigan, Director of Government Relations for the National Shooting Sports Foundation on the recent hearing on a proposed Connecticut bill to ban “High Capacity Clips”.

To view the current firearms or gun rights news video, please click above:

Read More on these topics:

• Changes Made To Connecticut Duck Stamp Program
• Marlin Firearms to Close Connecticut Factory and Relocate
• Connecticut to Ban Possession of All Magazines Over 10 Rounds

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

High Capacity Magazine Freedom Campaign

Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- JPFO today launches “The High Capacity Freedom Campaign”.

First, some background to highlight the hypocrisy and stupidity of a high-capacity magazine ban.

Imagine you bought a Glock 17 9mm pistol a year ago. Your purchase was legal and included two 17-round magazines. Now along come Obama and other “common sense” gun-grabbers with a ban on “high capacity” magazines.

The result?

Based on the so-called “Assault Weapons” Ban of 1994, a federal mandate declares that after a certain date, the manufacture, sale, or re-sale of ammunition magazines that hold more than ten rounds is now illegal. Such manufacture, sale or re-sale will be a felony. This is how AWB1 (and high-cap ban) were enacted.

Of course, there will be the usual exceptions for law enforcement and military purposes. But Joe or Jane Citizen will find themselves felons for selling their 17-round mag. Depending on how effective the gun haters are, Joe and Jane may even become felons for not turning in or registering their magazines.

Next imagine that you, with your year-old Glock, are somehow found in possession of a 17-round magazine. When it comes to guns in this country, the government says we’re all guilty until proven innocent.

How are you going to prove that you didn’t buy one of those high cap magazines AFTER the ban was instated? Do you have your receipt from the gun shop? Did you save your receipt from that mail order house that sold you a couple of spare magazines before the ban started? Even if you are innocent, this is going to cost you. You’ll be a front page star in the local paper, and your attorney will earn enough to send another kid to college for a year.

Remember, a “high cap” magazine ban was an integral part of the 1994 anti-gun law. Some States like California and New Jersey still enforce the high cap ban, albeit with oddly differing definitions of “high cap.”

In California, “high capacity” means more than 10 rounds, unless it’s a .22 “tube” magazine, which is exempt, or if you possessed it before the ban, in which case it’s grandfathered. In New Jersey, “high capacity” means 15 rounds, though such a magazine is illegal even if you possessed it prior to the ban and even if you have no gun to put it into. (in NJ If you own a high cap magazine, it is against the law to sell it, destroy it, posses it or turn it in, a complete catch 22 that makes you a felon)

Apparently in New Jersey, with 15 rounds you’ll be able to protect yourself and family from the cocaine addict gang that breaks into your home, but in California, 10 rounds will do the job.

Meanwhile, the police can continue to carry their 17-round magazines. That’s another part of “common sense” gun control, right?

Question: Who is more likely to be on the front lines at the next Columbine or Virginia Tech, the police with their large magazines, or you and me with our 10-round limit? How many rounds do you want when you are on the front line? Is the policeman’s life more valuable than yours and mine?

Friends, as a Jew, I have a deeply ingrained distrust of any government that promises it will “protect me.” The history of the Twentieth Century teaches us that “gun control” registration schemes lead to political decisions to allow some populations to protect themselves while others are disarmed. Gun control is inexorably tied to malevolent citizen disarmament. See: “INNOCENTS BETRAYED”

JPFO’s answer to all of this? The “High Capacity Freedom Campaign” – “High Cap Freedom” for short.

What is High Cap Freedom?

JPFO now asks EVERY responsible American gun owner to, as soon as possible, purchase at least one high capacity magazine. Even if you don’t own a firearm that requires magazines, buy at least one “high cap” mag for a commonly owned pistol or rifle. (It may even be one of the fastest-appreciating investments you ever make!)

Why? Because we want the production of all those millions and millions of magazines in the “pipeline” before any ban can take effect.

The surge of orders from “High Cap Freedom” will quickly flood the manufacturers. You may not be able to get an original factory mag, but soon reputable accessory manufacturers will begin making them 24/7, and we’ll see new manufacturers enter the market. The result? More magazine choices, at better prices, for all of us. More accessory choices – and millions more existing high cap magazines in circulation before a ban can take effect.

Help JPFO launch “High Cap Freedom”. Go down to your gun shop and buy a “high cap” mag immediately! Get on the phone or your computer and place your order with an accessory mail order house right now!

Welcome to “High Cap Freedom”, Phase One.

There’s more to come… JPFO will soon reveal our greater strategy.

Get busy! “ Freedom is not a spectator sport.”

About:
Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership Mission is to destroy “gun control” and to encourage Americans to understand and defend all of the Bill of Rights for everyone. Those are the twin goals of Wisconsin-based Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership (JPFO). Founded by Jews and initially aimed at educating the Jewish community about the historical evils that Jews have suffered when they have been disarmed, JPFO has always welcomed persons of all religious beliefs who share a common goal of opposing and reversing victim disarmament policies while advancing liberty for all.

JPFO is a non-profit tax-exempt educational civil rights organization, not a lobby. JPFO’s products and programs reach out to as many segments of the American people as possible, using bold tactics without compromise on fundamental principles. Visit www.JPFO.org – Copyright JPFO 2011

Louisiana Bill Would Make You Show Your Guns Before Buying Ammo - Nuns and Ammo

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Louisiana --(Ammoland.com)- A bill in Louisiana would require sportsmen to show the serial number on their firearms before purchasing ammunition.

House Bill 8, introduced by Representative Juan LaFonta (D- New Orleans), requires any person selling ammunition to verify that the serial number of the gun for which the ammunition will be used has not been altered or destroyed. Only antique and war relic firearms would be exempt from this new requirement if they are rendered inoperable or if ammunition for these firearms is not available in the U.S. and not otherwise readily available through other means.

Essentially, this bill would require sportsmen to take their guns with them to their local gun shop anytime they needed to purchase ammunition. While there, the sales clerk would be required to check the gun’s serial number to make sure it wasn’t altered in any way before selling any ammunition. Sportsmen would have to go through this process every time they want to purchase ammunition. Those wanting to buy ammunition for more than one gun at a time would have to carry every with them to the store to be examined by the sales clerk.

“This bill is another example of legislation aimed at eliminating gun ownership by creating unnecessary, burdensome restrictions on a person’s ability to use a firearm,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance associate director of state services. “HB 8 is nothing more than a solution in search of a problem.”

Take Action! Louisiana sportsmen should contact their state representatives and ask them to oppose House Bill 8. Tell them the bill is impracticable, unnecessary, and only serves to restrict law abiding gun owners. To find your state representative’s contact information, please visit the USSA Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/LAC.

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.

Possession of any 11 Round and larger Gun Magazines would make felons of law abiding gun owners.

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- A bill raised in the Connecticut General Assembly ( Bill Number 1094) would ban the possession of any magazine (rifle, pistol or shotgun) capable of holding more than 10 rounds.

Despite earlier rumors, there is no sponsor of the bill. It was raised by the Judiciary Committee.

If this bill passes, law-abiding gun owners will have to begin surrendering their magazines by July, or face confiscation by the state police and a felony charge.

Again, this proposal would not only ban the sale of these magazines, but would make simple possession a felony. Any gun owner found in possession of any magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds will be in violation of this proposed law, regardless of whether it was legally purchased.

This draconian measure will also affect non-gun owners as all Connecticut tax payers will be forced to foot the bill for the extraordinary process of having police confiscate — from law-abiding citizens — the millions of magazines already in the state.

Making matters worse, manufacturers including Colt, C Products, Mec-Gar, OKAY Industries and Metalform will be directly affected by this legislation. That means a loss of jobs and tax revenue to the state.

Arbitrarily limiting magazine capacity and threatening law-abiding gun owners with confiscation and felony charges is beyond the pale.

These magazines are utilized every day for home defense and the shooting sports. As part of the 1994 “Assault Weapons” ban, the production of higher capacity magazines was halted. This gun-control strategy soon proved to be a failure. A comprehensive study by the Centers for Disease Control — hardly a pro-gun entity — looked at the full panoply of gun-control measures, including this ban, and concluded that none could be proven to reduce crime. Another study, commissioned by Congress, found that bans were not effective since “the banned weapons and magazines were never used in more than a modest fraction of all gun murders.”

NSSF is encouraging all gun owners, sportsmen and hunters to contact their state representative, senator and all members of the Judiciary Committee immediately and urge them to oppose this magazine ban.

• To find your legislator, click here.
• To contact the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, click here.

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 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

CalGunLaws.com

Sacramento, CA --(Ammoland.com)- Most gun owners and ammunition vendors are aware of the defeat of AB 962, the “handgun ammunition” scheme, in the NRA / CRPA Foundation funded case, Parker v. California.

What many do not know about, however, is all the hard work performed by various individuals and companies in achieving that victory. Michel & Associates, P.C. has recently released a memorandum thanking all those involved. Click here to view the memorandum. Please read it and join us in thanking all who helped out.

Of all those who helped, however, one man stands above the rest: Stephen Helsley, a true American hero.

Steve Helsley is a human encyclopedia on issues concerning firearms and ammunition. He has authored writings on those subjects, his most recent work being Hemingway’s Guns, which he co-authored. Steve’s extensive knowledge on the subject of firearms and ammunition is an outgrowth of his dedication to the shooting sports and the art of reloading ammunition over several decades, as well as his passion for firearms-related literature. He maintains a firearms library of approximately three thousand volumes.

Steve also has extensive experience in the tactical use of firearms, which he gained during his many years of service at the California Department of Justice (DOJ). Steve worked for the DOJ (the Defendant in the Parker case!) for a quarter of a century. He reached the prestigious high rank of Assistant Director of the DOJ’s Investigation and Enforcement Branch. During his term at DOJ, among his many responsibilities Steve was recognized and relied upon as an expert on firearms and ammunition. He was also recognized and hailed as a hero, being awarded the Attorney General’s Purple Heart Medal in 1970 after sustaining four gunshot wounds during an undercover heroin investigation, and the Attorney General’s Valor Medal in 1974 for his actions during an undercover cocaine investigation that resulted in a hostage situation and gun-fight.

After working for the DOJ, Steve worked as the Chief Lobbyist for the NRA in Sacramento until he retired. He still provides his advice and services to NRA, its lawyers, and its members occasionally.

Steve’s expertise and valor were evident in the Parker case. His declarations and deposition testimony about the nature of ammunition and why the definition for “handgun ammunition” in AB 962 was unworkable were impossible for DOJ lawyers to overcome. His opinions were unassailable by DOJ’s attorneys, causing them to desperately resort to trying to paint him as biased and untrustworthy because of his NRA experience. In fact, Mr. Helsley’s deposition transcript is full of devastating criticisms of the DROS system, the “Assault Weapon’ Control Act,” and other schemes relating to firearm laws, and makes for entertaining reading for anyone who appreciates the lunacy in many of California’s ill-conceived firearm laws.

Steve provided his services on this case pro bono. He typically charges expert witness rates that begin in the hundreds of dollars an hour range. And he spent dozens of hours preparing masterpiece declarations on the history and nature of ammunition, answering the attorneys’ multiple questions about specific ammunition issues, and providing testimony.

The next time you purchase ammo via the Internet or at a store and do not have to provide your thumb-print like a common criminal, remember the patriots like Steve Helsley who made it possible. And please, do your part to fight for your rights by signing up for legislative alerts at www.calnra.com and www.nraila.org.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- Assembly Bill 3807, sponsored by Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald (D-6) and Assemblyman Annette Quijano (D-20), has been introduced in the New Jersey Assembly.

If passed, A3807 would reduce the maximum capacity of ammunition magazines to 10 rounds from 15.

This legislation is an example of yet another attempt to restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens, while doing nothing to actually combat crime.

As of now, the language for the bill has not been released and a hearing has not been scheduled, but the NRA will continue to update you on the status of the legislation as it progresses through the New Jersey General Assembly.

So, please continue to check AmmoLand Shooting Sports News and www.NRAILA.org for updates.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

CalGunLaws.com

Los Angles, CA --(Ammoland.com)- Recently the National Rifle Association (NRA) filed a motion to intervene to fight for hunter’s rights in a lawsuit brought by self-proclaimed environmentalists that seeks to force the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban the manufacture, processing, and distribution of lead shot, bullets, and fishing sinkers throughout the country.

NRA, joined with Safari Club International (SCI), seeks to enter into the case to defend the rights and interests of hunters, competitive shooters, and other firearm owners who would otherwise likely not be adequately represented in the case.

An adverse ruling could have far-reaching impacts regarding lead and its role in traditional forms of American outdoor recreation. NRA is joining the lawsuit, along with SCI, to fight against the effort to ban traditional lead ammunition. Documents filed in the lawsuit can be viewed here.

The lawsuit follows the EPA’s recent denial of a Petition that was filed to force EPA to pass regulations banning certain lead-based sporting products, including ammunition and fishing tackle. The Petition and the subsequent lawsuit were both filed by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and joined by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) and “Project Gutpile.”

Though the EPA correctly denied the Petition, CBD and the other plaintiffs refuse to accept that decision. They brought this lawsuit hoping to have the EPA’s decision overturned by a court.

The legal argument being used to try to force EPA to ban lead ammunition and fishing tackle is based on a nonsensical interpretation of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which includes a specific exclusion for ammunition. TSCA, section 3(2)(B)(v)) precludes the EPA from regulating ammunition. But, CBD wants a court to hold that the TSCA ammunition exclusion does not apply to bullets and shot, because neither bullets nor shot are actually “ammunition” (i.e., a shell, primer, and projectile, etc., in one cartridge or unit). CBD’s argument is founded on an inapplicable interpretation of a tax ruling issued by the IRS in 1954 that distinguished the sale of “separate parts of ammunition” and complete ammunition for taxation purposes only.

For many months the NRA has been spearheading an effort to gather information and science to oppose the expansion of lead ammunition bans. This has involved coordinated efforts between interested parties to plan, research, conduct clerical work, and make numerous formal requests for documents from government agencies via Public Records Act requests (“PRARs”) and Freedom of Information Act requests (“FOIAs”). The documents have been organized and analyzed, and ultimately a searchable database of tens of thousands of documents was created. The project also includes consultations with various experts to interpret the data and study or debunk reports that purport to justify lead ammo bans. The effort has already resulted in the rejection of several proposed lead ammo bans in California.

Under McCarthy's bill the Uberti’s 1860 Henry would be a high capacity assault rifle...?

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The predictable knee-jerk reaction to the Tucson atrocity from freedom takers like U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y., was to put forward a bill to ban so-called “high-capacity” magazines.

Any magazine that holds more than 10 rounds is covered, and the ban is not limited to semi-automatic firearms. Bolt actions, pump actions and lever actions are all included.

This would easily encompass tens of millions of magazines, many of which are simply an original part of the gun as made and sold.

The bill would ban new manufacture and make it unlawful for an honest citizen to ever transfer a magazine that holds more than 10 rounds to another. This creates a slew of consequences not readily apparent.

Because no provisions exist for lawful transfer or new possession by inheritance, widows and heirs are turned into instant felons. No provision is made for how to lawfully dispose of the prohibited magazine. It is unlawful for widows and heirs to either keep the magazine or to get rid of it (transfer).

A current possessor is forced to keep the magazine forever because no provisions exist for lawful transfer. One cannot transfer it to anyone. Transfer it and go to federal prison for up to 10 years.

Guns that have magazines of more than 10 rounds are destroyed in value. They become expensive single shots unless replacement magazines holding 10 rounds or less are available and purchased at the owner’s expense. For many rare and collectible guns, no such magazines even exist.

Guns that have historic or provenance value will have their value destroyed because the original magazine can no longer be transferred with the gun.

It is plainly a “taking” under the 5th Amendment with no compensation to the owner.

Guns that have fixed magazines of more than 10 rounds are rendered entirely worthless because the magazine is an integral part of the gun. For example, the 1860 Henry lever action rifle, the 1866 “yellow boy” lever action rifle, the 1873 Winchester sporting lever action rifle, the 1883 Burgess lever action rifle, the 1884 Colt Lightning pump action rifle and 1876 Centennial lever action rifle, which are all made today by the A. Uberti Firearms Company, would be banned because they all hold more than 10 rounds. These rifles are magnificent reproductions of historic firearms.

Anyone who has invested in these fine historic reproduction firearms must keep them forever and then put their heirs into a quandary.

Considering how long magazines holding over 10 rounds have been around, McCarthy’s bill is an absurdity. It will have no impact on stopping a deranged person bent on mayhem, but it will harm tens of millions of honest citizens and turn widows into felons.

(As appeared in the Union Leader Newspaper 2/7/11 under the title “High-capacity magazine ban an unconstitutional taking of property”)

CalGunLaws.com

Fresno, CA --(Ammoland.com)- Today the Fresno Superior Court issued an Order of Permanent Injunction in the NRA – CRPA Foundation funded legal challenge to AB962, Parker v. California.

The order permanently prevents the state and its agents from enforcing the provisions of AB962 (Penal Code sections 12060, 12061, and 12318). A copy of the Order is here.

The Order comes following a dramatic ruling giving gun owners a win in a National Rifle Association / California Rifle and Pistol (CRPA) Foundation lawsuit. On January 18th, Fresno Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Hamilton ruled that AB 962, the hotly contested statute that would have banned mail order ammunition sales and required all purchases of so called “handgun ammunition” to be registered, was unconstitutionally vague on its face. By enjoining enforcement of these statutes, mail order ammunition sales to California can continue unabated, and ammunition sales need not be registered under the law. A formal written ruling from the court will be issued soon.

The lawsuit was prompted in part by the many objections and questions raised by confused police, ammunition purchasers, and sellers about what ammunition is covered by the new laws created by AB 962. In a highly unusual move that reflects growing law enforcement opposition to ineffective gun control laws, Tehama County Sheriff Clay Parker is the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit. Other plaintiffs include the CRPA Foundation, Herb Bauer Sporting Goods, ammunition shipper Able’s Ammo, collectible ammunition shipper RTG Sporting Collectibles, and individual Steven Stonecipher.

In addition to these plaintiffs, Mendocino Sheriff Tom Allman, along with ammunition shippers Midway USA, Natchez Shooters Supplies, and Cheaper Than Dirt also submitted declarations in support of the lawsuit.

The ruling comes just days before the portion of the law that bans mail order sales of so called “handgun ammunition” was set to take effect on February 1, 2011. The lawsuit, Parker v. California is funded exclusively by the NRA and the CRPA Foundation. If it had gone into effect, AB 962 would have imposed burdensome and ill conceived restrictions on the sales of ammunition. AB 962 required that “handgun ammunition” be stored out of the reach of customers, that ammunition vendors collect ammunition sales registration information and thumb-prints from purchasers, and conduct transactions face-to-face for all deliveries and transfers of “handgun ammunition.” The lawsuit successfully sought the declaration from the Court that the statute was unconstitutional, and successfully sought the injunctive relief prohibiting law enforcement from enforcing the new laws.

The lawsuit alleged, and the Court agreed, that AB 962 is unconstitutionally vague on its face because it fails to provide sufficient legal notice of what ammunition cartridges are “principally for use in a handgun,” and thus is considered “handgun ammunition” that is regulated under AB 962. It is practically impossible, both for those subject to the law and for those who must enforce it, to determine whether any of the thousands of different types of ammunition cartridges that can be used in handguns are actually “principally for use in” or used more often in, a handgun. The proportional usage of any given cartridge is impossible to determine, and in any event changes with market demands. In fact, the legislature itself is well aware of the vagueness problem with AB 962′s definition of “handgun ammunition” and tried to redefine it via AB 2358 in 2010. AB 2358 failed in the face of opposition from the NRA and CRPA based on the proposal’s many other nonsensical infringements on ammunition sales to law abiding citizens.

Constitutional vagueness challenges to state laws are extremely difficult to win, particularly in California firearms litigation so this success is particularly noteworthy. Even so, an appeal by the State is likely, but the Court’s Order enjoining enforcement of the law is effective – February 1, 2011 – immediately regardless.

Despite this win for common sense over ill-conceived and counter productive gun laws, additional legislation on this and related subjects will no doubt be proposed in Sacramento this legislative session. It is absolutely critical that those who believe in the right to keep and bear arms stay informed and make their voices heard in Sacramento. When AB 962 passed there was loud outcry from law abiding gun owners impacted by the new law. Those voices must be heard during the legislative session and before a proposed law passes, not after a law is signed. To help, sign up for legislative alerts at www.nraila.com and www.calnra.com and respond when called upon.

Seventeen years ago the NRA and CRPA joined forces to fight local gun bans being written and pushed in California by the gun ban lobby. Their coordinated efforts became the NRA/CRPA “Local Ordinance Project” (LOP) – a statewide campaign to fight ill conceived local efforts at gun control and educate politicians about available programs that are effective in reducing accidents and violence without infringing on the rights of law-abiding gun owners. The NRA/CRPA LOP has had tremendous success in beating back most of these anti-self-defense proposals.

In addition to fighting local gun bans, for decades the NRA has been litigating dozens of cases in California courts to promote the right to self-defense and the 2nd Amendment. In the post Heller and McDonald legal environment, NRA and CRPA Foundation have formed the NRA/CRPA Foundation Legal Action Project (LAP), a joint venture to pro-actively strike down ill-conceived gun control laws and ordinances and advance the rights of firearms owners, specifically in California. Sometimes, success is more likely when LAP’s litigation efforts are kept low profile, so the details of every lawsuit are not always released. To see a partial list of the LAP’s recent accomplishments, or to contribute to the NRA or to the NRA / CRPAF LAP and support this and similar Second Amendment cases, visit www.nraila.com and www.crpafoundation.org.

California Court Strikes Down Unconstitutional Ammunition Law

National Rifle Association

Charlotte, NC --(Ammoland.com)- In an important victory for California gun owners, the Fresno Superior Court ruled this week that California’s new ammunition regulation law is unconstitutional, and blocked further enforcement.

The law — enacted last year as AB 962 – banned mail order ammunition sales and required all purchases of so called “handgun ammunition” to be registered. In an unwritten ruling from the bench, Judge Jeffrey Hamilton found the law unconstitutionally vague on its face and issued an injunction against its enforcement. For now, at least, mail order ammunition sales to California residents can continue, and ammunition sales need not be registered under the law.

The lawsuit -- funded by NRA and the California Rifle and Pistol (CRPA) Foundation as part of a joint Legal Action Project — was prompted in part by the many objections and questions raised by confused police, ammunition purchasers, and sellers about what ammunition is covered by the new law. Plaintiffs in the case include Tehama County Sheriff Clay Parker, the CRPA Foundation, Herb Bauer Sporting Goods, ammunition shipper Able’s Ammo, collectible ammunition shipper RTG Sporting Collectibles, and individual Steven Stonecipher. Mendocino Sheriff Tom Allman also supported the lawsuit.

The ruling comes just days before the ban on mail order sales of so called “handgun ammunition” was set to take effect. Many of the nation’s largest mail-order and on-line ammunition retailers had already announced that they would soon end sales to California residents. If the law had gone into effect, it would have required that “handgun ammunition” be stored out of the reach of customers, that ammunition vendors collect ammunition sales registration information and thumbprints from purchasers, and that vendors conduct transactions face-to-face for all deliveries and transfers of “handgun ammunition.”

Fortunately, the court agreed that AB 962 is unconstitutionally vague on its face because it fails to provide sufficient legal notice of what ammunition cartridges are “principally for use in a handgun,” and therefore regulated as “handgun ammunition” under AB 962. The law gives no explanation of how to determine what cartridges are “principally for use in” handguns.

The state is likely to appeal this important victory, and anti-gun lawmakers in Sacramento will undoubtedly try again to destroy lawful ammunition sales in California. Only the ongoing support and activism of California gun owners can block those efforts, so please watch your e-mail alerts and visit www.nraila.org for updates on this critically important issue.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

The bill chooses the arbitrary number of 20 rounds as the "safe" number...?

Virginia Citizens Defense League

Covington VA --(Ammoland.com)- Today, Friday Jan 21st 2011, is the last day for bills to be introduced in the 2011 General Assembly session.

One last anti-gun bill seems to have dropped in the hopper today. Anti-gun Delegate Carr and co-patron Delegates BaCote, Englin, Hope, James, McQuinn, Surovell, and Toscano jumping in on the Arizona tragedy:

§ 18.2-309.1. Sale of certain firearms magazines; penalty. Anyone who sells, barters, or transfers any firearms magazine that is designed to hold 20 or more rounds of ammunition is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

• HB 2524 – Delegate Carr - bans the sale, barter, or transfer of a magazine that will hold 20 or more rounds. Existing magazines that a person has are OK as long as you don’t try to sell, barter, or transfer them (it does not ban possession) – VCDL Strongly Opposes this bill

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

California Rifle and Pistol Association

Sacramento, CA --(Ammoland.com)- On January 7, 2011, The California Rifle and Pistol Association Foundation (CRPAF) filed a Reply brief and supporting material for Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment and trial brief in their case challenging AB 962.

A trial is set for January 18, 2011 – just days before the portion of the law that bans mail order sales of “handgun ammunition” is set to take effect on February 1, 2011.

The lawsuit, Parker v. California is funded exclusively by the NRA and the CRPA Foundation. It seeks a court order declaring the statutes enacted by AB 962, which impose burdensome and ill conceived restrictions on the sales of ammunition, to be unconstitutional, and seeks injunctive relief prohibiting police from enforcing the new laws.

The lawsuit alleges that AB 962 is unconstitutionally vague because it fails to provide sufficient legal notice of what ammunition cartridges are “principally for use in a handgun,” and thus is considered “handgun ammunition” that is regulated under AB 962. It is practically impossible, both for those subject to the law and for those who must enforce it, to determine whether any of the thousands of different types of ammunition cartridges that can be used in handguns are actually “principally for use in” or used more often in, a handgun. The proportional usage of any given cartridge is impossible to determine, and in any event changes with market demands. In fact, the legislature itself is well aware of the vagueness problem with AB 962′s definition of “handgun ammunition” and tried to redefine it t via AB 2358 in 2010.

AB 2358 failed in the face of opposition from the NRA and CRPA based on the proposal’s many other nonsensical infringements on ammunition sales to law abiding citizens.

Constitutional vagueness challenges to state laws are extremely difficult to win, particularly in California firearms litigation.

While we are cautiously optimistic, ammo suppliers and sellers must be ready to comply with the law if the court upholds it. A Compliance Guide is forthcoming, but unfortunately the law raises more questions than it answers, and the California Department of Justice Firearms Bureau is providing no assistance in interpreting the new laws. Nonetheless, the Compliance Guide will include information obtained from DOJ through this litigation and much more, along with template forms which can be used by ammunition vendors. The Compliance guide will be released and distributed no later than January 18, 2010 on www.calgunlaws.com and www.michellawyers.com. Sign up at www.calgunlaws.com to be notified.

The Parker lawsuit is the only remaining court challenge to AB 962. A federal judge last month dismissed two other cases (OOIDA v. Lindlley and State Ammunition v. Lindley) challenging AB 962 on other grounds. NRA was also a party to and sponsor of the OOIDA case.

Significantly, the Parker briefs argue that a heightened standard of legal scrutiny should be applied to the court’s vagueness analysis because of AB 962′s impact on the fundamental Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. Generally, under the vagueness doctrine statutes are subjected to heightened scrutiny, and must provide more certainty in what they require, when the laws being reviewed “impact,” “relate to,” or “implicate” constitutionally protected conduct. The Parker case presents a novel question of law that could set a precedent for future vagueness challenges because such heightened standards of legislative clarity have thus far only been applied in cases involving statutes impacting other constitutional rights such as freedom of speech, the right to choose to have an abortion, and the right to travel. The Parker briefs argue that blanket prohibitions on how “handgun ammunition” is purchased, and a thumb print requirement for every purchase of such ammunition, necessarily “implicates” or “relates to” the Second Amendment right to maintain an operable handgun to exercise the fundamental right to self defense. So in addition to the obvious benefit of the ill-conceived AB 962 potentially being declared unconstitutional, a ruling that statutes that impact Second Amendment rights deserve heightened Due Process legal scrutiny by courts would be helpful in the development of Second Amendment jurisprudence.

Win or lose, additional legislation on this and related subjects will no doubt be proposed in Sacramento this legislative session.

It is absolutely critical that those who believe in the right to keep and bear arms stay informed and make their voices heard in Sacramento. When AB 962 passed there was loud outcry from law abiding gun owners impacted by the new law. Those voices must be heard during the legislative session and before a proposed law passes, not after a law is signed. To help, sign up for legislative alerts at www.calnra.com and respond when called upon.

Seventeen years ago the NRA and CRPA joined forces to fight local gun bans being written and pushed in California by the gun ban lobby. Their coordinated efforts became the NRA/CRPA “Local Ordinance Project” (LOP) – a statewide campaign to fight ill conceived local efforts at gun control and educate politicians about available programs that are effective in reducing accidents and violence without infringing on the rights of law-abiding gun owners. The NRA/CRPA LOP has had tremendous success in beating back most of these anti-self-defense proposals.

In addition to fighting local gun bans, for decades the NRA has been litigating dozens of cases in California courts to promote the right to self-defense and the 2nd Amendment. In the post Heller and McDonald legal environment, NRA and CRPA Foundation have formed the NRA/CRPA Foundation Legal Action Project (LAP), a joint venture to pro-actively strike down ill-conceived gun control laws and ordinances and advance the rights of firearms owners, specifically in California. Sometimes, success is more likely when LAP’s litigation efforts are kept low profile, so the details of every lawsuit are not always released.

To see a partial list of the LAP’s recent accomplishments, or to contribute to the NRA/CRPAF LAP and support this and similar Second Amendment cases, visit www.crpafoundation.org. All donations made to the CRPA Foundation will directly support litigation efforts to advance the rights of California gun owners.

Also, please register at www.CalGunLaws.com and www.crpa.org to receive up to the minute updates on this and other California litigation efforts as it becomes available. Www.CalGunLaws.com is produced by the law firm of Michel & Associates, P.C. as a pro bono effort to keep attorneys and interested firearm owners informed on the existing laws and latest legal developments in California. It includes a link to the highly effective www.calnra.com California legislative status and grassroots action page.

About:
The California Rifle and Pistol Association “CRPA,” founded in 1875, is dedicated to defending the rights of law-abiding citizens to responsibly use firearms for self-defense and the defense of their loved ones, for sport, and for all other legal activities. CRPA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. A California non-profit association, CRPA is independently directed by its own Board of Directors. CRPA’s members include law enforcement officers, prosecutors, professionals, firearm experts, the general public, and loving parents. CRPA has always worked to reduce the criminal misuse of firearms and firearms accidents, while actively promoting and organizing the competitive shooting sports and Olympic training programs in California. We are proud to say that many CRPA competitors are among the best in the world. Visit: www.crpa.org

California Rifle and Pistol Association

Sacramento, CA --(Ammoland.com)- Although the case is still pending and a final ruling is yet to be issued, NRA’s intervention on behalf of its members in the case Center for Biological Diversity v. U.S. Bureau of Land Management, et al., has already resulted in several legal victories.

CBD’s lawsuit, filed on January 27, 2009, alleges that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) are illegally mismanaging federal lands in Arizona. CBD contends California condors in Arizona and elsewhere are becoming ill or dying as a result of scavenging game that was shot by hunters using lead shot or bullets.

NRA has collected thousands of documents via public records act requests over the last year. Many of these documents raise doubts about the veracity of that claim. In fact, documents obtained by NRA indicate that claim is based on faulty science, and plainly show that California condors were reintroduced to Arizona based in large part on express promises by FWS and other agencies that the “reintroduction” would not impact hunting.

A January 13, 2010 court ruling granting NRA’s motion intervene was recently published in the official Federal Rules Decision reporter. The Federal Rules Decisions Reporter is a compendium of selected United States District Court rulings that specifically interpret and apply the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure. Publication of this court ruling is important to hunters and NRA members because it sets legal precedent and confirms that there is “significantly protectable interest” in hunting that can justify intervention by hunter’s rights groups like NRA in the increasing number of lawsuits filed by so-called environmental groups against state and federal natural resource, game and land management agencies. Groups like the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) often file lawsuits alleging improper regulatory action or inaction in managing public lands and natural resources in attempting to advance their anti-hunting agenda.

The publication of the decision followed an earlier NRA partial victory in this case; NRA’s legal arguments caused the CBD to abandon and dismiss its California condor related Endangered Species Act (ESA) claims rather than litigate them against NRA. CBD’s ESA claims were based in part on an incorrect belief that “any take of [California] condors from the use of lead ammunition would be a per se violation of the ESA.” CBD’s revised its lawsuit and dropped the ESA claims that CBD was primarily using as part of an attempt to obtain a ban on the use of lead ammunition for hunting on these federal lands at issue.

On December 10, 2010, NRA filed its “summary judgment” brief in the case Several other briefs have also been filed, and all remaining briefs will be filed by the end of February 2011. A hearing date will be set after the court receives all of the briefs. Because NRA intervened in the case on a narrow issue regarding the use of lead ammunition in northern Arizona (and the case has many other elements), it is possible the lead ammunition related aspect of this case may be resolved as early as this spring.

To see key documents filed in this case, visit http://michellawyers.com/cbdvblm.

About:
The California Rifle and Pistol Association “CRPA,” founded in 1875, is dedicated to defending the rights of law-abiding citizens to responsibly use firearms for self-defense and the defense of their loved ones, for sport, and for all other legal activities. CRPA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. A California non-profit association, CRPA is independently directed by its own Board of Directors. CRPA’s members include law enforcement officers, prosecutors, professionals, firearm experts, the general public, and loving parents. CRPA has always worked to reduce the criminal misuse of firearms and firearms accidents, while actively promoting and organizing the competitive shooting sports and Olympic training programs in California. We are proud to say that many CRPA competitors are among the best in the world. Visit: www.crpa.org

NSSF to Intervene in Lawsuit Challenging EPA on Traditional Ammunition**

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- In response to a lawsuit filed today challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s denial of a petition to ban traditional ammunition containing lead core components, the National Shooting Sports Foundation will file a motion to intervene.

This action allows NSSF to protect industry’s interests in the case and ensure that the will of Congress is adhered to.

The suit was brought by the Center for Biological Diversity, which earlier this year had petitioned EPA to ban traditional ammunition as well as fishing tackle containing lead. CBD claims wild birds are being harmed through the ingestion of spent ammunition fragments, though NSSF contends that no scientific evidence shows that wildlife populations are being affected.

In August after considering the CBD’s petition, EPA denied the request, saying it did not have the legal authority to regulate the production and distribution of traditional ammunition under the Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976. Congress expressly exempted ammunition from being regulated by this law. Some weeks after the agency’s decision on traditional ammunition, EPA also denied the other half of CBD’s request to ban fishing tackle. This one-two punch no doubt prompted CBD to file its lawsuit.

“We knew that this fight was far from over even after we gained that early victory,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel. “The CBD petition and now this lawsuit are clearly attacks on the right of hunters to choose the ammunition that best suits their hunting and target shooting needs, and they are attacks on hunting as well.”

Launching a strong grassroots campaign in response to the CBD petition, NSSF mobilized the sporting and gun-owning community to make its support for traditional ammunition clear to the EPA and its administrator, Lisa P. Jackson, via e-mailed comments and by contacting their lawmakers.

NSSF continues to stress the following in the debate over traditional ammunition:

• There is no scientific evidence that the use of traditional ammunition is having an adverse impact on wildlife populations.
• Wildlife management is the proper jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the 50 state wildlife agencies.
• A 2008 study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on blood lead levels of North Dakota hunters confirmed that consuming game harvested with traditional ammunition does not pose a human health risk.
• A ban on traditional ammunition would have a negative impact on wildlife conservation. The federal excise tax that manufacturers pay on the sale of the ammunition (11 percent) is a primary source of wildlife conservation funding. The bald eagle’s recovery, considered to be a great conservation success story, was made possible and funded by hunters using traditional ammunition – the very ammunition organizations like the CBD are now demonizing.
• Recent statistics from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service show that from 1981 to 2006 the number of breeding pairs of bald eagles in the United States increased 724 percent. And much like the bald eagle, raptor populations throughout the United States are soaring.

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 6000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

**Image: by Olegvolk.net

Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation

Washington, DC –-(Ammoland.com)- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today denied a petition calling for a ban on the manufacture and use of lead based fishing gear.

The Center for Biological Diversity, the American Bird Conservancy, the Association of Avian Veteranarians, Project Gutpile and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility filed the petition on August 3 to ban the production and sale of lead based ammunition and fishing tackle under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) of 1976.

EPA sent a letter to the petitioners today (see below) stating that they failed to demonstrate that the rule is necessary to protect against an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment. The letter also states that the increasing number of limitations on the use of lead fishing gear on some federal and state lands, as well as various education and outreach activities, call into question whether a national ban on lead in fishing gear would be the least burdensome, adequately protective approach to address the concern, as called for under TSCA.

EPA’s letter also notes that there are non-lead alternatives currently in the marketplace.

On August 27, the EPA denied the portion of the petition relating to lead in ammunition because the agency does not have the legal authority to regulate this type of product under TSCA.

Seventy-eight members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) in September signed a letter (HERE) sent to Lisa Jackson, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), urging the agency to dismiss the petition. The CSC members state in the letter, “There are 60 million recreational anglers in America that contribute $125 billion to our economy annually, and penalizing these men, women and children that are the best stewards of our environment, as well as the financial backbone to fish and wildlife conservation in our country, would be a terrible and unnecessary injustice.”

The CSC letter came on the heels of a similar letter to Administrator Jackson requesting dismissal of the petition, sent on September 15, from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) and partner members of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP) and sportfishing communities (LETTER). The National Assebly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Executive Council also urged EPA to dismiss the petition in a letter (HERE) to Administrator Jackson.

CSC member and former Chairwoman, Sen. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, introduced S.3850 on September 28 to protect lead based traditional ammunition and fishing tackle from a potential ban by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This legislation would clarify that the components used in manufacturing shells, cartridges and fishing tackle are exempt from EPA regulation under TSCA.

“This issue is about protecting America’s 60 million recreational anglers, and this attempt to ban lead based fishing tackle could potentially have driven up cost and serve as a disincentive for Americans to fish,” said CSF President Jeff Crane. “A federal ban on lead ammunition and fishing gear would have also negatively impacted fish and wildlife conservation funding.”

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), representing the 50 state fish and wildlife agencies, also sent a letter the EPA in September, urging them to dismiss the petition.

State fish and wildlife agencies are authorized to manage most of a state’s fish and wildlife, and therefore, closely monitor and address any local concerns about lead based fishing tackle and any potential impacts on local species. A federal ban on lead fishing tackle is not only unnecessary, but intrudes upon these traditional state agencies jurisdiction.

No scientific basis has been established to warrant any such ban on traditional fishing equipment. A similar proposal to ban lead fishing tackle was dismissed by the EPA in the mid-1990s because there was insufficient data to support such a ban at that time.

EPA Letter Denying Ban on Lead Sinkers

About:
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2009. Throughout this time, CSF has maintained a singleness of purpose that has guided the organization to become the most respected and trusted hunting and fishing organization in the political arena. Visit: www.sportsmenslink.org

Senator Frank R. Lautenberg on Lead Ammunition

AmmoLand Gun News

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Anti gun Senator Lautenberg is well known for his hatred of freedom and firearms ownership by the sheeple and we are well aware of his many, many attempts to strip law abiding Americans of their right to keep and bear arms.

But as one of his unfortunate new jersey subjects found out, that same campaign of misinformation is being applied at all levels of his organization where they seemingly never miss opportunities to spread miss truths.

Quick Background:
Hunters and Shooters may recall the recent end run by Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) - a leading anti-hunting organization - when they filled a petition with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban all traditional ammunition under the Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976

Luckily the EPA denied the petition.(Read More EPA Denies Petition Calling for Lead Ammunition Ban)

“EPA today denied a petition submitted by several outside groups for the agency to implement a ban on the production and distribution of lead hunting ammunition. EPA reached this decision because the agency does not have the legal authority to regulate this type of product under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) “

Congress expressly exempted ammunition from EPA authority under the Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976.

But in the lead up to the denial, multiple sportsmen’s organizations wrote their members and asked that they email their congressmen and senators and defend lead ammunition.

One of our readers in NJ did just that and as you can see from the letter above, Senator Frank R. Lautenberg’s response is right out of the CBD play book.

Clearly the senator believes the same lead in your ammunition is “a dangerous neurotoxin” and seems to go on to state his disappointment that “congress explicitly excluded from regulation any article subject to excise taxes, including pistols, revolvers, firearms, shells, and cartridges. “

Like the EPA should be able to determine your firearms is a toxic substance.

Clearly we all know what Senator Frank R. Lautenberg’s feeling are on the second amendment and it should come as no surprise to us that he would be just as happy to regulate ammunition into oblivion.

We can only hope that someday the residents of NJ will remove this dinosaur from public office. God Bless NJ!

A similar proposal to ban lead fishing tackle is still under consideration by the EPA.

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Last Wednesday, VSSA put out the call to gun owners to contact the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and urge them to reject a petition submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), asking EPA to ban led fishing sinkers and lead ammunition.

By Friday, things had changed dramatically.

It was no longer just something being talked about in the firearms media – the story had been picked up by the mainstream media including US News and World Report, Investors Business Daily, and The Weekly Standard.

According to sources close to the firearms industry, the EPA had received tens of thousands of emails from gun owners and sportsmen and by Friday afternoon,EPA assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, Steve Owens, announced that EPA was rejecting the petition only two days after opening a comment period saying: “the agency does not have the legal authority to regulate this type of product under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).”

But, according to Jim Shepherd of “The Shooting Wire” an online newsletter, that was not what really had the gun rights community cheering. It was the clause following that explanation: “…nor is the agency seeking such authority.”

For shooters and sportsmen, this decision has at least for now laid to rest the fear that the administration would find a way to move against guns that didn’t employ what has been demonstrably proven to be the political suicide in most of the nation-gun bans.

Friday’s announcement however is only one part of what is a very complex interrelation between individual rights and the outdoors. The same statement being celebrated as a win for the firearms community should also serve as a call to action for anglers to continue to make their voices heard.

“As there are no similar jurisdictional issues relating to the agency’s authority over fishing sinkers,” the statement reads, “EPA-as required by law- will continue formally reviewing a second part of the petition related to lead fishing sinkers.”

If you’re strictly a shooter, Friday’s decision is certainly reason to celebrate. If, however, you also love to fish, you still need to speak out against acceptance of any portion of that petition.

The Environmental Protection Agency will continue to accept public comment on the petition- this time directed specifically to the fishing tackle issue – until September 15. You can find more information that can be included in your comments related to fishing sinkers by clicking here.

Environmental Protection Agency

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today denied a petition calling for a ban on the production and distribution of lead hunting ammunition. EPA sent a letter to the petitioners explaining the rejection – that letter can be found below and here: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/chemtest/pubs/sect21.html

Steve Owens, EPA assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, issued the following statement on the agency’s decision:

EPA today denied a petition submitted by several outside groups for the agency to implement a ban on the production and distribution of lead hunting ammunition. EPA reached this decision because the agency does not have the legal authority to regulate this type of product under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) – nor is the agency seeking such authority.

This petition, which was submitted to EPA at the beginning of this month, is one of hundreds of petitions submitted to EPA by outside groups each year. This petition was filed under TSCA, which requires the agency to review and respond within 90 days.

EPA is taking action on many fronts to address major sources of lead in our society, such as eliminating childhood exposures to lead; however, EPA was not and is not considering taking action on whether the lead content in hunting ammunition poses an undue threat to wildlife.

As there are no similar jurisdictional issues relating to the agency’s authority over fishing sinkers, EPA – as required by law – will continue formally reviewing a second part the petition related to lead fishing sinkers.

Those wishing to comment specifically on the fishing tackle issue can do so by visiting http://www.regulations.gov. EPA will consider comments that are submitted by September 15.

It appears as if the EPA ruled in this fashion not because they wanted to or believe that the facts did not support a denial but because they did not have the authority to ban ammunition. As the threat still remains for them to ban lead in fishing there is still work to be done…AmmoLand.com

EPA Denies Petition Calling for Lead Ammunition Ban

Frank Brownell - Brownells.com

Des Moines, Iowa – -(AmmoLand.com)- My Dad and Pete’s Grandpa, Bob Brownell, used to say, “Show me a town without a gunsmith, and I’ll show you a town without shooting.”

Back in the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, when he first made this comment, there were a lot more gunsmiths in towns around America and there were a lot more shooting events. And, most assuredly, the true spirit of the Second Amendment lived in the hearts of many and the individual rights as proclaimed in the Constitution of these United States was well understood by all.

Today – unfortunately, that is not the case.

This really means that much of the responsibility of keeping that true flame alive rests with the gunsmiths, and in turn the hunters and shooters across America. These folks are the grassroots voice of individual rights for all of us. And at the base of this inverted pyramid of support are the gunsmiths. The guys and gals whose food and family support come from the hunter and shooters who utilize their services. These folks, more than any other, rely on the ongoing tradition of individual freedom to own and shoot firearms. For that reason, all of us here at Brownells and Sinclair International strongly believe that at the heart of our country’s success lies in the individual’s contribution to society.

Not what the government can put into your hands – but what you individually do with your hands . . .

So, our part here, the part we can actually control, to make America freer and a better place for this generation and generations ahead of us is to make mighty darned sure the gunsmith has everything he needs to be a more professional, respected and a productive individual and business for their area.

So, as odd as it seems, it really is the gunsmith whose livelihood depends on repair services, sales of guns and ammo and all the other things in their shop that care the most about the survival of our shooting and hunting heritage.

So, what as the gunsmith in your local area can you do?
What is the challenge you meet every day as you work on guns to continue to make America a great place to live and ensure the freedoms of each individual from this generation to the next?

Our old friend, Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner, once suggested, “To make America free, go out and by a gun”. Darned good idea, we think.

But, what do you think about adding this thought to Roy’s comment for those of you who aren’t gunsmiths? Support your local gunsmith, support the industry which represents freedom like no other industry can, go out and buy that gun, go shoot ammo, go shoot at the range, take your neighbor out shooting, take your children and their children out to the field to explore what the outdoors is really about.

We ask you to step boldly right out and be proud you are a Second Amendment conservative.

We’re told sending emails and communications out to our industry is like “preaching to the choir”. We don’t think so – for not every person in the choir is singing. Also, no one person represents the whole choir. Each individual is but one voice. We must all pull together, not necessarily speaking with one voice but supporting one score of music. None of us can afford to sit around and watch while one gun is banned and think that as long as it does not affect me, “they’ll never go after my sport”.

Well, open your eyes. While we were all layin’ back, the EPA is gearing up to ban lead.

Check out this report from NSSF, our National Shooting Sports Foundation.  This influences all our shooting sports plus all our police. The challenge that America is throwing at our feet is for us to stand up and start to sing…start to sing about individual rights our Constitution grants us.

Among those rights is a really important one: to hold our elected representatives accountable to us, their constituents and the folks who voted for them, for their actions. To allow us to fulfill the American dream and be successful on our terms. This is the torch that Pete and I have chosen to pick up and we challenge you to pick it up as well. We must all be heading in the same direction – the right direction – and we must come together to make them listen to us.

We cannot get bothered by distracting petty internal disagreements. Frankly, the enemy is at the gate and knocking darned loudly!!

About:
At Brownells Everything is Guaranteed period! …Forever, 100%, with no restocking fees. Brownells is the world’s largest supplier of firearm parts, gunsmithing tools, reloading equipment and accessories. Stocking more than 30,000 items, the company supplies armorers, gunsmiths, and shooters worldwide. All of their products are backed by a 100% satisfaction, unconditional, lifetime guarantee. For more information, or to place an order, call 800-741-0015 or visit Brownells.com