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Cam Edwards talks to Jim Wallace, from the Gun Owners Action League (GOAL) about another ill-conceived Firearms Micro-stamping Bill introduced in Massachusetts.

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Read More on these topics:

• Microstamping A Grim Fairy Tale
• Police Chiefs Reverse Support for Firearms Microstamping
• Microstamping A Grim Fairy Tale

About:
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National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(AmmoLand.com)- This past weekend, law-abiding gun owners throughout Massachusetts scored a major victory as Gov. Deval Patrick’s one-gun-a-month bill failed to pass.

At midnight on Saturday, the Massachusetts Legislature ended formal sessions for the year under the watchful eye of the Gun Owners Action League (GOAL).

The Governor’s Lawful Citizens Imprisonment Act (H.4102) never came out of the House Ways and Means Committee for a vote due to the hard work of firearms retailers, law-abiding gun owners and GOAL.

The lawful gun owners of Massachusetts should be very proud of a job well done, especially considering H.4102 was a top priority of the governor.

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 5,500 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

Gun Owners' Action League - The Official Firearms Association of Massachusetts

Northboro, MA – -(AmmoLand.com)- As you may know, Governor Patrick has proposed regulations that would make firearms education and training virtually impossible at local sporting clubs.  We asked that you contact your state legislator and urge them to sign the attached bi-partisan petition opposing these proposed regulations.  Fifty-one legislators have signed this petition, and we ask you thank them for their support!

Language of the bipartisan legislative letter in opposition to the proposed regulations 501 CMR 15.00 Firearm Exhibitions

We the undersigned legislators wish to express our opposition to the proposed regulations regarding “Firearm Exhibitions.”The proposed regulations would place a burdensome process on the very organizations that provide for firearm safety education. These establishments and the training events that are run at these facilities have an exceptional safety record that most likely far exceeds any other activity within the Commonwealth.

For many decades, the local fish and game clubs and other membership based shooting facilities have successfully fulfilled the vital public safety need in providing safe firearms training and education. The Commonwealth should be doing what it can to encourage the general public to seek firearms safety and education. These regulations will only discourage clubs from providing, and people from seeking, these important educational opportunities.

We would urge the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to not impose further burdens on our constituents and clubs that are providing this important service to their communities. We would however encourage the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to work with these organizations to allow and encourage more citizens to be able to take advantage of the essential educational programs provided by the clubs in our communities.

GOAL would like to thank Representative George Peterson and Senator Richard Moore for leading the signatures on this bipartisan legislative letter.
The following legislators have signed this petition to OPPPOSE these regulations:

Rep. George Peterson
Senator Richard Moore
Rep. John J. Binienda
Rep. Charles A. Murphy
Rep. Brad Jones
Rep. Brad Hill
Rep. Elizabeth Poirier
Rep. Geraldo Alicea
Rep. James Arciero
Rep. F. Jay Barrows
Rep. Jennifer Benson
Rep. Jennifer Callahan
Rep. Christine Canavan
Rep. Vinny deMacedo
Rep. Christopher Donelan
Rep. Carolyn Dykema
Rep. Lewis Evangelidis
Rep. John Fernandes
Rep. John P. Fresolo
Rep. Paul Frost
Rep. Susan Williams Gifford
Rep. Anne Gobi
Rep. William G. Greene, Jr.
Rep. Robert Hargraves
Rep. Kate Hogan
Rep. Don Humason, Jr.
Rep. Robert Koczera
Rep. Paul Kujawski
Rep. Stephen Kulik
Rep. Jeffrey Perry
Rep. Smitty Pignatelli
Rep. Karyn Polito
Rep. Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr.
Rep. John Quinn
Rep. Michael Rodrigues
Rep. Dennis Rosa
Rep. Richard Ross
Rep. John Scibak
Rep. Todd Smola
Rep. Joyce Spiliotis
Rep. David Sullivan
Rep. Daniel Webster
Rep. Robert L. Rice, Jr.
Sen. Stephen Brewer
Sen. Marc Pacheco
Sen. Robert Hedlund
Sen. Michael Knapik
Sen. Benjamin Downing
Sen. Jennifer Flanagan
Sen. Michael O. Moore
Sen. James E. Timilty

About:
Gun Owners’ Action League is the official state firearms association in Massachusetts. We are an association of law-abiding citizens who believe in the basic right of firearms ownership for competition, recreation and self-protection. GOAL works hard to defend the Constitution and the Bill of Rights against those in Massachusetts who wish to infringe upon the freedoms guaranteed by our forefathers. The programs sponsored and developed by Gun Owners’ Action League are supported by competitors, sportsmen, recreational shooters and law enforcement throughout the state. We were formed in 1974 to protect the right to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We are recognized as the state’s premier gun rights association. www.goal.org

Gun Owners' Action League - The Official Firearms Association of Massachusetts

Northboro, MA - -(AmmoLand.com)- Gun Owners’ Action League is seeking to hire an experienced energetic person to become our Membership Communications Manager.

This is a full time salaried position with some night and weekend work.

• · Manage web based communications including design, updating and general website maintenance,
• · Manage email and other electronic communication with the membership,
• · Maintaining and updating web based social networking such as Facebook and Twitter accounts,
• · Create and publish communications and releases concerning events and alerts to members,
• · Promoting and reporting on events for internal and external communications,
• · Coordinating communications and articles with our print media,
• · Assist at trade shows and external events,
• · General office help as needed,
• · Must have good phone/communication skills,
• · Must have knowledge of website software (currently utilizing Dreamweaver),
• · Must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office products including WORD, PUBLISHER, ACCESS, EXCEL, POWERPOINT,
• · Must have a valid Massachusetts firearm license or be willing to obtain one,
• · Must have a valid Massachusetts Driver’s license.

Interested persons may send their resume’ and salary requests to:
jimwallace@goal.org
or

About:
Gun Owners’ Action League is the official state firearms association in Massachusetts. We are an association of law-abiding citizens who believe in the basic right of firearms ownership for competition, recreation and self-protection. GOAL works hard to defend the Constitution and the Bill of Rights against those in Massachusetts who wish to infringe upon the freedoms guaranteed by our forefathers. The programs sponsored and developed by Gun Owners’ Action League are supported by competitors, sportsmen, recreational shooters and law enforcement throughout the state. We were formed in 1974 to protect the right to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We are recognized as the state’s premier gun rights association. www.goal.org

Gun Owners' Action League - The Official Firearms Association of Massachusetts

Framingham, Massachusetts - -(AmmoLand.com)-The public hearing for the Governor’s regulatory proposals concerning club events “Firearm Exhibitions” and the redefining of “Bona Fide Collector” was held today at the State Police Headquarters in Framingham.

The hearing was to begin at 10:00 am but was slightly delayed as the State Police had to move the hearing to the gymnasium do to the large attendance. Approximately 150 citizens took the time to attend today’s hearing in opposition to the Governor’s proposed regulations. Not a single person in attendance spoke in favor of them.

There was a tremendous representation of the firearms community in attendance. Clubs from all over the state sent members to testify including Fin Fur and Feather of Millis, Holbrook Sportsmen’s Club, Maspenock Rod & Gun Club, Danvers Fish & Game, Reading Rifle & Revolver Club, Haverhill Hound Rod & Gun Club, Southborough Rod & Gun Club, MRA, Braintree Rifle & Pistol Club, Harvard Sportsmen’s Club, Taunton Rifle & Pistol Club, MIT Pistol & Rifle Club, Hopkinton Sportsmen’s Club, Bass River Rod & Gun Club and others.

GOAL was also very pleased to see the many junior shooters, parents and coaches that took the time to come to the hearing and testify against the proposed regulations. It was very inspiring to listen to the junior shooters talk about how the shooting sports had changed their lives for the better. Perhaps one of the most memorable quotes of the day came from junior’s coach Rick Johnson who concluded his testimony by stating: “Laws and regulations don’t save lives, education does.”

GOAL would like to thank State Representatives George Peterson and John Fernandes came to the hearing to testify in opposition of the proposal. Representative Carolyn Dykema also sent her legislative aide to attend the hearing.

Others that came to testify against the regulations included Jake McGuigan of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Lt. Scott Sencabaugh, of the Willmington PD, Michelle Young and Brian Pouliot Harvard law students, representatives from the Boy Scouts and Selectwoman Elizabeth Coughlin.

“I am always proud to have the honor of representing our members, today I was exceptionally proud. The well thought out personal testimony that our members provided today expressed the intelligence, passion and personal investment they have in standing up for their rights,” said Jim Wallace Executive Director of GOAL. “To watch these junior shooters get up in front of a large audience and stand up against a government that is trying to destroy their heritage was a lesson for all of us and a sight I will not soon forget.”

It was announced at the hearing that the period to submit written comments on the regulations has been extended to Friday, July 24, 2009. To submit written comments, please send them attn: Catherine Bailey, Assistant General Counsel, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, One Ashburton Place, Room 2133, Boston, MA 02108.

No action was taken on the regulations at today’s hearings. We should know within a few weeks what the administration intends to do with them.

GOAL would like to thank all of those who traveled and took time out of their day to attend and testify. Attached is the the written testimony that GOAL provided at today’s hearing.

Testimony on the Firearms Exhibitions Regulations

Testimony on the Bona Fide Collectors Regulations

About:
Gun Owners’ Action League is the official state firearms association in Massachusetts. We are an association of law-abiding citizens who believe in the basic right of firearms ownership for competition, recreation and self-protection. GOAL works hard to defend the Constitution and the Bill of Rights against those in Massachusetts who wish to infringe upon the freedoms guaranteed by our forefathers. The programs sponsored and developed by Gun Owners’ Action League are supported by competitors, sportsmen, recreational shooters and law enforcement throughout the state. We were formed in 1974 to protect the right to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We are recognized as the state’s premier gun rights association. www.goal.org

Gun Owners' Action League - The Official Firearms Association of Massachusetts

Massachusetts - -(AmmoLand.com)- As you may know, Governor Patrick has proposed regulations that would make firearms education and training virtually impossible at local sporting clubs. We ask that you contact your state legislator and urge them to sign the attached bi-partisan petition opposing these proposed regulations. Not sure who your legislator is? Click here to get the contact information for your district. You may also go to the official Massachusetts Election Info page to obtain your district, as well as your legislator’s information.
As always, we thank you for your support!

To sign on to the bipartisan letter, please contact Representative Peterson’s office prior to Monday, July 20, 2009 at 5:00pm.

Language of the bipartisan legislative letter in opposition to the proposed regulations 501 CMR 15.00 Firearm Exhibitions

We the undersigned legislators wish to express our opposition to the proposed regulations regarding “Firearm Exhibitions.”

The proposed regulations would place a burdensome process on the very organizations that provide for firearm safety education. These establishments and the training events that are run at these facilities have an exceptional safety record that most likely far exceeds any other activity within the Commonwealth.

For many decades, the local fish and game clubs and other membership based shooting facilities have successfully fulfilled the vital public safety need in providing safe firearms training and education. The Commonwealth should be doing what it can to encourage the general public to seek firearms safety and education. These regulations will only discourage clubs from providing, and people from seeking, these important educational opportunities.

We would urge the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to not impose further burdens on our constituents and clubs that are providing this important service to their communities. We would however encourage the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to work with these organizations to allow and encourage more citizens to be able to take advantage of the essential educational programs provided by the clubs in our communities.

About:
Gun Owners’ Action League is the official state firearms association in Massachusetts. We are an association of law-abiding citizens who believe in the basic right of firearms ownership for competition, recreation and self-protection. GOAL works hard to defend the Constitution and the Bill of Rights against those in Massachusetts who wish to infringe upon the freedoms guaranteed by our forefathers. The programs sponsored and developed by Gun Owners’ Action League are supported by competitors, sportsmen, recreational shooters and law enforcement throughout the state. We were formed in 1974 to protect the right to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We are recognized as the state’s premier gun rights association. www.goal.org

Gun Owners' Action League - The Official Firearms Association of Massachusetts

Massachusetts - The Patrick Administration through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security has proposed yet another change in regulations regarding firearm issues. This particular change would alter 501 CMR 6.00 MACHINE GUN LICENSE BONA FIDE COLLECTORS OF FIREARMS.

This regulation determines who is eligible to receive a machine gun license under Chapter 140, Section 131(o)(ii) and 131 (p).

(o) No person shall be issued a license to carry or possess a machine gun in the commonwealth, except that a licensing authority or the colonel of state police may issue a machine gun license to:
(ii) a bona fide collector of firearms upon application or upon application for renewal of such license.
(p) The executive director of the criminal history systems board shall promulgate regulations in accordance with chapter 30A to establish criteria for persons who shall be classified as bona fide collectors of firearms.

While the intentions of the newly proposed regulations are not spelled out, what is clear is that they will further restrict machine gun license holders.

Comparing the current regulations and the newly proposed, the administration is removing the words “demonstration” and “test firing” from the regulatory language. The new language also adds the ability of licensing authorities to establish restrictions on the license and set further conditions on the actual licensing. This is the same abused authority that is currently given to local licensing authorities over Licenses to Carry.

To understand what is being done here we must cross reference several things (all found below):
1. Sections 9, 11, 12 and 15 of the Governor’s legislative package H.4102 “An Act to Reduce Firearm Violence” that deal with changing the laws regarding machine guns, and
2. The last sentence of the proposed Firearms Exhibition regulations, and
3. The proposed regulations concerning “Bona Fide Collector”

After reviewing these items collectively, it appears that what the administration is attempting to establish is a license that might allow a citizen to possess a machine gun, but that the licensee would never be allowed to fire it. For certain, they would never be allowed to let anyone else fire it.

Once again, the citizens of Massachusetts are facing a systematic erosion of our Second Amendment rights and the continuation of a culture of government that continually abuses and persecutes lawful citizens. GOAL urges our members to oppose these regulations and the combined effort of the Patrick administration to erode our rights.

The regulations are scheduled to have a public hearing on Monday, July 20, 2009 at 10:00 am at the Massachusetts State Police Headquarters, 470 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA 01702. To submit written comments in advance of the hearing, please send them attn: Catherine Bailey, Assistant General Counsel, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, One Ashburton Place, Room 2133, Boston, MA 02108. An official copy of the proposed regulations may be obtained from the same address.

Current Regulatory Definition:

Bona Fide Collectors of Firearms: A “bona fide collector of firearms”, for the purpose of issuance of a machine gun license, shall be defined as an individual who acquires firearms for such lawful purposes as historical significance, display, research, lecturing, demonstration, test firing, investment or other like purposes. For the purpose of issuance of a machine gun license the acquisitions of firearms for sporting use or for use as an offensive or defensive weapon shall not qualify an applicant as a bona fide collector of firearms. An individual licensed pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 Sections 921-929 and 27 CFR part 178 shall be deemed a bona fide collector of firearms for the purpose of this regulation.

Newly Proposed Regulation Definition:

Bona Fide Collectors of Firearms: A “bona fide collector of firearms”, for the purpose of issuance of a machine gun license, shall be defined as an individual who:

(a) Is licensed to carry firearms pursuant to M.G.L. c. 140, S 131:
(b) Is licensed to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms, or importing or manufacturing ammunition, or is a person licensed to be a collector of curio and relics pursuant to 18 U. S.C. c. 144, SS 921 through 929 and 27 CFR Part 478;
(c) Meets at least one of the following criteria
1. Is an individual who can demonstrate that he collects firearms for investment purposes; or
2. Is an individual who can demonstrate that firearms are necessary for historical display or research or lecturing conducted by the individual; and
3. Is subject to such license conditions and restrictions as the licensing authority deems proper.

Newly Proposed Firearm Exhibition Language

Firearms Exhibition means any event held at a sporting or shooting club or facility open to the general public or to non-members where firearms, rifles, shotguns or ammunition, all as defined in M.G.L. c.140 § 121, are provided to attendees for the regulated shooting on the premises of the said sporting or shooting club or facility.

(2) Machine Guns. The use of machine guns, as defined in M.G.L. c.140 § 121, is prohibited at any firearms exhibition.

Sections of H.4102 pertaining to changes in the machine gun laws:

SECTION 9. Section 129C of chapter 140, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “purpose”, in line 84, the following words:- , provided, however, that nothing in this subsection shall allow for the holding, handling, or firing of a machine gun by any person other than a person licensed to possess a machine gun under section 131(o) or police personnel receiving instruction from a firearm instructor certified by the municipal police training committee or the colonel of the state police.

SECTION 11. Section 130 of chapter 140 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by 70 inserting after the word “shotgun”, in line 8, the following words:- or machine gun

SECTION 12. Section 130 is hereby further amended by inserting after the word “years”, in line 28, the following words:- ; and provided further, that nothing in this section shall allow for the holding, handling, or firing of a machine gun by any person other than a person licensed to possess a machine gun under section 131(o) or police personnel receiving instruction from a firearm instructor certified by the municipal police training committee or the colonel of the state police

SECTION 15. Section 131 is hereby further amended by striking out, in lines 341-347, subsection (o) and inserting in place thereof the following subsection:-

(o) No person shall be issued a license to carry or possess a machine gun in the commonwealth, except that a licensing authority or the colonel of the state police may issue a machine gun license to an individual who possesses a valid license to carry under this section and is:

(i) a firearm instructor certified by the municipal police training committee for the sole purpose of firearm instruction to police personnel;

(ii) a bona fide collector of firearms upon application or upon application for renewal of such license; or

(iii) a law enforcement officer employed by such licensing authority or a law enforcement officer employed by or appointed as a special state police officer by the colonel.

About:
Gun Owners’ Action League is the official state firearms association in Massachusetts. We are an association of law-abiding citizens who believe in the basic right of firearms ownership for competition, recreation and self-protection. GOAL works hard to defend the Constitution and the Bill of Rights against those in Massachusetts who wish to infringe upon the freedoms guaranteed by our forefathers. The programs sponsored and developed by Gun Owners’ Action League are supported by competitors, sportsmen, recreational shooters and law enforcement throughout the state. We were formed in 1974 to protect the right to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We are recognized as the state’s premier gun rights association. www.goal.org