NSSF Says 2012 Firearms Sales Outlook Promising after Record-setting Year

National Shooting Sports Foundation

LAS VEGAS. --(Ammoland.com)- Many indicators, including a record-setting 2011, show the firearms industry continues to thrive in a down economy and that the potential exists for another strong sales year in 2012, reports the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry.

NSSF® made the announcement today at the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade ShowSM (SHOT Show®), where exhibitors unveiled thousands of new products they hope will excite customers in 2012. The trade show, with an attendance of nearly 60,000, is the largest of its kind in the world.

The $4 billion firearms and ammunition industry stands apart from other industries that are struggling in the slow economy. Demand for guns has continued at a robust pace since late 2008. NSSF estimates the industry is responsible for approximately 180,000 jobs and has impact on the U.S. economy of $28 billion.

Indicators such as background-check statistics, firearms production and importation, firearm-retailer surveys and on-the-ground reports from retailers nationwide reveal that interest in firearm ownership is high. “More and more Americans are choosing to exercise their Second Amendment rights, and they are doing so in a safe and responsible manner,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti.
NICS Adjusted

Reports also suggest increased demand for concealed carry permits and for learn-to-shoot seminars such as NSSF’s First Shots program. “We have seen a lot of first-time buyers in our store,” said Joe Keffer, owner of the Sportsman’s Shop in New Holland, Pa. “People want information. They’re interested in instruction.”

One of the best indicators of firearms sales is the FBI’s National Instant Background Check System, which federally licensed firearm retailers use to conduct the mandatory background check on purchasers of new and used firearms. NSSF downwardly adjusts the NICS data by subtracting checks related to non-purchasing activity, such as checks for concealed carry permits, in order to gain a more accurate picture of market activity.

December marked an unprecedented 19th straight month of background check increases when compared to the same period in the previous year. NSSF-adjusted background checks for December totaled more than 1,410,937 (1,854,400 “unadjusted”)–the most ever for any single month. This comes on the heels of the historic “Black Friday” (Nov. 25, 2011) record for the most background checks in a single day–129,166–a 32 percent increase over the previous one-day high.
Firearms and Ammunition Excise Taxes

Another indicator pointing to robust gun sales is the federal excise taxes collected on the sale of new firearms and ammunition, which have risen 48.3 percent over the last five years.

Why are more Americans choosing to own firearms? Reasons range from citizens’ increased awareness of the Second Amendment protecting the individual right to own firearms that was reaffirmed in two recent Supreme Court decisions, to increased interest in personal and home protection that may be due to economic uncertainty, to increased interest in the shooting sports and hunting.

Politics has played a role, too, with a surge in firearms sale beginning in October 2008, in part because supporters of the Second Amendment feared the election of less gun-friendly candidates, including Barack Obama, and new, restrictive gun laws they might advocate. Though such legislation has not happened, industry professionals at the SHOT Show believe a similar reaction this election year is possible that could ignite another surge in firearm sales.

Related to the topic of gun sales is the public’s changing attitude toward ownership. A recent Gallop poll showed a record lack of support for gun control, with only 26 percent of Americans favoring a ban on the possession of handguns. When Gallup first asked Americans this question some 50 years ago, 60 percent favored banning handguns.

As sales climb, recent FBI data shows violent crime continuing to fall in the United States, with homicides dropping out of the top 15 causes of death in the country. The statistics undermine a favorite argument of anti-gun groups that “more guns equal more crime.”

“These statistics vividly demonstrate that the lawful possession and use of firearms by law-abiding Americans does not cause crime,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel. “There have never been more firearms in civilian possession in the history of the United States, and crime, including homicide, continues to decline throughout the country.”

Whether they own firearms for target shooting, hunting, collecting or personal and home protection, Americans are enthusiastic and protective about guns they own. Several polls indicate Americans’ high interest level for, and increased participation in, the shooting sports.

In 2010, an NSSF/Harris poll showed that 43 percent of respondents, which equates to nearly 98 million people, expressed some level of interest in participating in the shooting sports or hunting.

A 2010 NSSF/Responsive Management study showed that 15 percent of the U.S. population, representing 34.4 million people nationwide, went target shooting in 2009. This number surpassed all previous estimates of annual sport shooting participation. Among the most active participants are those who own a modern sporting rifle (MSR), a best-selling rifle type that is based on the popular AR platform and is the civilian, semiautomatic version of the military’s M16. According to a 2011 NSSF survey, MSR owners go target shooting more often than individuals who own other types of firearms. Twenty-five percent of those surveyed said they shot 1,000 rounds of ammunition in the last 12 months with their MSRs.

As for hunting, the decades-long national decline in hunting license sales has ceased, and more than 20 states have reported increases in hunting licenses sold.

Women, in particular, seem eager to explore firearms ownership. Participation by women increased in both target shooting (46.5 percent) and hunting (36.6 percent) in the last decade, according to the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers. Also, 61 percent of firearm retailers responding to an NSSF survey said they saw an increase in female customers in their stores.

More firearms in civilian possession neither equates to more crime nor to more accidents. NSSF points out that safe and responsible firearms ownership is the norm, not the exception. With an estimated 85 to 90 million firearms owners in the country, accidental firearms fatalities are at a historic low, a level that industry and other concerned groups are working to maintain through such programs as NSSF’s Project ChildSafe, which provides free firearms safety kits to law enforcement agencies nationwide.

NRA - ILA

Charlotte, NC --(Ammoland.com)-On Monday, Josh Horwitz of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence —previously known as the National Coalition to Ban Handguns— penned an item for the very left-leaning Huffington Post website, deriding media reporters for writing articles that say gun sales are booming.

According to Horwitz, the reporters are wrong because their claims are based upon the FBI’s monthly counts of National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) checks. As Horwitz points out, not all firearm-related NICS checks are for firearm acquisitions, and the number of checks does not reflect the number of firearms acquired in conjunction with the checks. Among other things, he also points out that some NICS checks are for acquisitions of second-hand firearms.

Yet NICS checks, over 99 percent of which are related to firearm acquisitions or carry permits, have risen from 11 million in 2007, to nearly 13 million in 2008, to over 14 million in 2009 and 2010, and to 16.4 million in 2011, almost guaranteeing that sales of new firearms have been increasing during that time frame.

However, Horwitz is wrong to conclude that new gun sales have not been rising, merely because NICS check tallies do not specifically address the question of whether new gun sales are increasing and, if so, by how much.

There’s a much better indicator of new gun sales that Horwitz ignored: U.S. firearm manufacturers’ production data and firearm importation statistics, both reported by the BATFE. Horwitz accuses NRA and the National Shooting Sports Foundation of not providing reporters hard data, but reporters can get the BATFE’s data the same way the NRA and the NSSF do—by visiting the BATFE’s website.

The BATFE’s data show that the number of firearms made in the U.S.A. and not exported, plus the number of firearms imported, increased from 5.1 million in 2005, to 5.7 million in 2006, 6.5 million in 2007, 6.9 million in 2008, and almost 9 million in 2009. Figures for 2010 and 2011 have not been released, but based on the trend in NICS checks, it’s likely that they will follow a similar pattern.

Also this week, the Violence Policy Center’s Josh Sugarmann —a former employee of the NCBH himself— had an item on the Huffington Post website, claiming to have conducted a “study” of homicides in California. To be precise, the “study” consisted of cutting and pasting data available from the California Department of Justice.

If that’s a “study,” then anyone with a computer and 15 or 20 minutes to spare can be a “scholar!”

In Sugarmann’s case, however, it may have been 15 or 20 minutes well spent. His “study” concludes that the California data surely warrant further study of “the identification of the make, model, and caliber of weapons most preferred by this age group as well as analyses identifying the sources of the weapons” and an “expansion of comprehensive violence intervention and prevention strategies that include a focus on the psychological well-being of witnesses and survivors of gun violence.” Those are just the sort of things Sugarmann might convince the Joyce Foundation to donate another $100,000 or so for his tiny operation to whip together, since the Congress recently banned the National Institutes of Health from using taxpayer dollars for such a frivolous and politically motivated end.

Meanwhile, Fox News ran an article concerning data that undercut the concerns of both anti-gun activists. Bearing in mind that tQ!, the article says that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported that “For the first time in 45 years, homicide has fallen off the list of the nation’s top 15 causes of death,” down to 16th place on the list.

So much for their assumption that more guns bring more crime.

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

Free Americans Buy 10,800,000+ Guns in 2011 ~ Message Don't 'F' with USA

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Recent statistics released by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) report that for nineteen straight months, and that includes all of 2011, American men & women bought over 10,800,000 plus firearms.

This number based on the FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System, better know as NICS, and is the adjusted NICS data derived by the NSSF research division subtracting out NICS purpose code permit checks used by several states such as Kentucky, Iowa and Utah for carrying concealed weapon (CCW) permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases.

The final number, of 10,800,000, is considered conservative by experts because the this number does not account for the multiple purchase of guns at the same time or the guns bought and sold legally, person to person by US residents, which rightly so, do not require a back ground check.

Ten Million new gun owners, in just 2011, should be a wake up call to our current President who continues to play dumb that his hate of bible clinging, gun toting American Values, like hunting & owning guns will not be tolerated. His and Eric Holder’s “under the radar” plan to sell guns to evil Mexican Gun Cartels in an effort to set up the Second Amendment as the fall guy now has ten million people angry at him.

If just one current Presidential candidate (Ron Paul aside..) could prove his sworn support for the Second Amendment, and the constitution for that matter, and rally our forces behind him he would be swept into the white house on a massive wave of support. Can you, lol.. say Ted Nugent?

So what does 10,800,000 look like?
The guns purchased by American men & women in 2011 is more than one gun for every active duty military member in the worlds fourteen largest armies combined.

• Russia     Russian Federation    1,027,000
• North Korea 1,106,000
• South Korea 687,000
• Vietnam 455,000
• India 1,325,000
• China 2,285,000
• Iran 523,000
• United States 1,468,364
• Republic of China 290,000
• Brazil 327,710
• Pakistan 617,000
• Egypt 468,500
• Cuba 49,000
• Ukraine    129,925
• Above Total = 10,758,499
• *Source Wikipedia: http://tiny.cc/tl4d8

If you assume an average length of each gun as two feet that would be 4090 miles of guns.  That is fourteen times the length of the Grand Canyon and all most twice as long as the Mississippi River and 17,280 times higher than the Empire State Building.

I could not find a picture of 10,800,000 guns but here is what 10,800,000 firecrackers look like:

Hello, I am an Ammo Horder?
So let assume each new gun owner buys 2000 rounds of Ammo (a single brick of 22lr is 500 rounds and my kids can burn that up in an afternoon) , times that by our conservative estimate of 10,800,000 firearms your get 21,600,000,000…that is Billion with a “B”.

That is a lot of lead and other raw materials and you wonder why we are paying so much for Ammo these days? And I see no let up in sight because if you are like me you think to yourself that when the liberal news media reports that some guy is stopped at the airport with “1000 Rounds on him”.. that dude was almost out of ammo?

Ammunition retailer Frank Brownell of Brownells.com, predicts “[2012] will most assuredly be another year for the growth of ammunition sales. An astronomical year of ammunition sales” .

This is the one sector of our national economy that I would agree to a Federal Stimulus package, maybe each US family can get a tax credit to purchase 10,000 rounds of ammo as a part of emergency preparedness program.

Speaking of America Industry
American gun manufacturing is one of the first and last great US industries.

It was Eli Whitney, yeah the guy who made the cotton gin, who was one of the first manufacturers in the world to carry out standardization of manufactured parts.

As early as 1798, Eli Whitney had turned his talents to the manufacture of firearms. He had established his machine shops at Whitneyville, near New Haven, CT and it was there that he worked out the principle of standardization or interchangeable parts.

Standardization is the foundation of all large-scale production. Manufacturers produce separately many copies of every part of a complicated machine like firearms on an assembly line. Standardization also allowed current owners of guns to order and replace any broken or lost part, taking it for granted that the new part would fit easily and precisely into the place of the old.

In effect the manufacture of firearms is the spark that brought to life American Manufacturing and it is that same industry today that still makes almost all its products in the USA, using raw materials, machinist and labor to turn out some of the best made products on earth, namely Guns. Guns made by American workers in American factories for American consumers.

Guns and Freedom
Guns and gun ownership represent the core of elements of freedom and of the constitution. Without the Second Amendment there would be no protection for all the other god given rights we are reminded of in our Bill of Rights. Just as we teach our children the value of voting or free speech we should also be teaching them.. get ready, aim and fire, repeat.

I am glad to see so many of my fellow Americans decided to exercise their right to keep and bear arms over the last year and I hope we continue to see record growth in gun ownership in the year to come. America, Hell Yeah!

NSSF-Adjusted NICS Year 2011 Chart

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- The December 2011 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 1,410,937 is an increase of 24.5 percent over the NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 1,133,371 in December 2010.

For comparison, the unadjusted December 2011 NICS figure of 1,854,400 reflects a 22.6 percent increase from the unadjusted NICS figure of 1,512,265 in December 2010.

This marks the nineteenth straight month that NSSF-adjusted NICS figures have increased when compared to the same period the previous year.

Additional historical comparisons for NSSF-adjusted NICS 2011 annual figure of 10,791,275 show a 14.4 percent increase over 2010, a 33.5 percent increase over 2007 (5-year) and a 54.1 percent increase over 2002 (10-year).

The adjusted NICS data were derived by NSSF research by subtracting out NICS purpose code permit checks used by several states such as Kentucky, Iowa and Utah for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases.

Though not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provide a more accurate picture of current market conditions. In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions of firearms sales and transfers on new and used handguns and long guns.

For additional information on NICS or to view a complete set of the current monthly reports, please visit the NICS website.

Questions concerning NSSF-adjusted NICS data should be directed to NSSF research at 203-426-1320 or research@nssf.org. NSSF members may access historical monthly NICS reports by logging in to the members section of nssf.org/members.

NSSF-Adjusted NICS 10 Year Chart Ending 2011

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.

Smith & Wesson BODYGUARD 380 Pistols

AmmoLand Gun News

Washington DC - -(Ammoland.com)- When Obama talked “hope and change” on the campaign trail in 2008, he was believable enough to get elected, even though a large part of the change he promised would knowingly lead to a burgeoning government.

How else could he spread the wealth around and “fundamentally transform America”?

Well do we remember his 2008 campaign rhetoric:

Generations from now we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs for the jobless. This was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal.

Here we are, three years later, and Obamacare threatens to uproot and destroy our entire healthcare system, unemployment is at 8.6%, and Obama’s job performance has been so poor that he’s admitted “I don’t control the weather.”

Therefore, in the end, Obama’s promise of hope and change was a nonstarter, yet he has succeeded in fundamentally changing America and as a result citizens are unsettled. Obama has given us big government on an unprecedented scale and Gallup has given us a poll showing that everyone —Democrats and Republicans alike— are tired of the big government philosophy, of the big government approach to life’s problems. Throw in Obama’s support of #OccupyWallStreet, his elevation of Union thugs like Richard Trumka and Jimmy Hoffa on the national stage, his non-stop class warfare rhetoric, and the more than 1,000 weapons still loose on the streets following Fast and Furious, and it is little wonder the American people feel as unsafe physically as they do unsure financially.

And throughout this process, hope turned to disarray and people have realized that their safety is in their own hands (literally). In other words, the 2nd Amendment has begun to mean something to people who heretofore never gave it a passing thought. Thus private gun sales are through the roof. For example, on black Friday of this year, the FBI reported a 32% increase in gun sales over the previous one-day record. This means that in a 24 hour period, the FBI was asked to do 129,166 background checks for gun purchases around the country. (Ironically, the previous record was 97,848 on black Friday in 2008: just weeks after Obama [Gun Salesman of the Year Winner] had been elected and people were already scared of the disorder his policies might portend.)

At gun stores the country, a large part of the increase in sales is the result of handgun purchases for females. Store owners say they are seeing women coming in with their husbands to buy concealed carry handguns to keep in their purses or on their persons. Guns like the Smith & Wesson BODYGUARD .38 Special and Sig Sauer’s P238 .380 are flying off the shelves.

One thing’s for sure: Obama never intended to do this. Nevertheless, the policies and tactics he’s put in place have pushed the American people right back where the Founding Fathers wanted us to be in the first place.

In government er..ah Smith & Wesson we trust.

AWR Hawkins

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

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

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

Many Factors Explain ‘Black Friday’ Gun Buying Spree

CCRKBA.org

BELLEVUE, WA – -(Ammoland.com)- While some people are struggling to explain a gun buying surge reported on “Black Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms suggests there are several plausible explanations, all reflecting the times in which we live.

“Despite claims to the contrary,” observed CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb, “for many American citizens, the economy remains unstable, and the outlook for tomorrow is very uncertain. We’ve seen public safety budgets hacked to shreds by state and local governments that have spent themselves into near bankruptcy. Our streets, parks and state capitol buildings have been occupied by anarchists. Europe appears on the verge of financial collapse. Congress is unable to resolve our budget crisis.”

“And on top of that,” he added, “we’ve got a spectator president who always seems to be waiting for someone else to take action, perhaps because he wants someone else to blame for another plan that doesn’t work. Why is it any surprise that American citizens, including many for the first time, are buying firearms and ammunition?”

USA Today reported that the FBI’s National Instant Check center logged more than 129,000 background check requests last Friday, a new record surpassing the 97,848 checks conducted on Black Friday in 2008. The National Shooting Sports Foundation credits much of the buying to the realization by increasing numbers of citizens that they have a constitutional right to own guns. Also, more women are getting involved in shooting sports, including hunting, and more are carrying firearms for personal protection.

“Americans hope for the best,” Gottlieb said, “but they prepare for the worst. Some call that ‘panic’ but in reality, it is prudence. While there are some small signs of improvement, there remains a vast landscape of uncertainty. Sensible people have evidently concluded that it is better to have a gun and not need it, than to need a gun and not have it.”

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

November Firearms Related NICS Background Checks Up 16.5 Percent

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- The November 2011 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 1,101,076 is an increase of 16.5 percent over the NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 945,463 in November 2010.

For comparison, the unadjusted November 2011 NICS figure of 1,527,454 reflects an 18.7 percent increase from the unadjusted NICS figure of 1,286,817 in November 2010.

This marks the eighteenth straight month that NSSF-adjusted NICS figures have increased when compared to the same period the previous year.

The adjusted NICS data were derived by NSSF research by subtracting out NICS purpose code permit checks used by several states such as Kentucky, Iowa and Utah for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases.

Though not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provide a more accurate picture of current market conditions. In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions of firearms sales and transfers on new and used handguns and long guns.

For additional information on NICS or to view a complete set of the current monthly reports, please visit the NICS website.

Questions concerning NSSF-adjusted NICS data should be directed to NSSF research at 203-426-1320 or research@nssf.org. NSSF members may access historical monthly NICS reports by logging in to the members section of nssf.org/members.

12 Month Firearms Related NICS Background Checks

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.

September 2011 NSSF-Adjusted NICS Background Checks Up 14 Percent

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- The September 2011 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 878,345 is an increase of 14 percent over the NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 770,310 in September 2010.

For comparison, the unadjusted September 2011 NICS figure of 1,244,604 is an increase of 9.2 percent over the unadjusted NICS figure of 1,139,980 in September 2010.

This marks the sixteenth straight month over month increase in NSSF-adjusted NICS figures.

The adjusted NICS data were derived by NSSF by subtracting out all NICS purpose code permit checks used by several states such as Kentucky, Iowa and Utah for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases. Though not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provide a more accurate picture of current market conditions.

Questions concerning NSSF-adjusted NICS data should be directed to NSSF research at 203-426-1320 or research@nssf.org.

• In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions of firearms sales and transfers on new and used handguns and long guns.
• For additional information on NICS or to view a complete set of the current monthly reports, please visit the NICS website.

NSSF members may access historical monthly NICS reports by logging in to the members section of nssf.org.

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.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Louisiana --(Ammoland.com)- Louisiana’s sales tax holiday provides a great opportunity to stock up and save on outdoor gear!

This weekend, the four percent state sales tax will be waved on the first $2,500 spent on individual items of tangible personal use.

The tax-free holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 5 and ends at 11:59 p.m. Saturday, August 6. Only state tax is exempt and all other sales taxes, such as parish taxes still apply.

The time is now for outdoor enthusiasts to gear up and save money on the items they want. A tax-free holiday provides a savings opportunity for the hunter to be properly outfitted, birdwatchers to get the correct optics and anglers to update their tackle box. Whether it’s hunting, fishing or outdoor photography equipment, it is all available for less this weekend.

Not only are items bought this weekend included but also items put on layaway during the holiday are eligible for the exemption. Items that are already in layaway can also be purchased this weekend and receive the tax credit.

Taking time to step outside with family and friends is beneficial for the body and mind. Getting outside provides physical benefits, such as aerobic, cardiovascular and muscular fitness. Mentally, it helps prevent or reduce stress, gives an increased sense of exhilaration and provides an adventure from everyday routines.

For more information on the tax-fee weekend go to the Louisiana Department of Revenue at http://revenue.louisiana.gov/sections/general/hottopics/salestaxholiday.aspx .

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.gov on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.

Smith & Wesson BODYGUARD 380 Pistols

Smith and Wesson

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.--(Ammoland.com)- Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:SWHC) reported that fourth-quarter sales in its firearms division were a record $101.7 million, up 12.7 percent compared to the same period last year.

The company said higher sales “were evident across nearly all product lines, with BODYGUARD products, price repositioned polymer framed pistols and modern sporting rifles as primary drivers.”

Pistol sales grew 29.9 percent. Firearm backlog grew to $186.7 million at year end, up $112.9 million from the end of the third quarter and $78.7 million higher than at the end of the previous fiscal year.

About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: SWHC) is a U.S.-based, global provider of products and services for safety, security, protection and sport. The company designs and constructs facility perimeter security solutions for military and commercial applications, and delivers a broad portfolio of firearms and related training to the military, law enforcement and sports markets. SWHC companies include Smith & Wesson Corp., the globally recognized manufacturer of quality firearms; Universal Safety Response, a full-service perimeter security integrator, barrier manufacturer and installer; and Thompson/Center Arms Company, Inc., a premier designer and manufacturer of premium hunting firearms. SWHC facilities are located in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Tennessee. For more information on Smith & Wesson and its companies, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com; www.usrgrab.com; or www.tcarms.com.

This Exceptionally Rare Cased Gold Plated Factory Engraved Carved Ivory Stocked Krieghoff Presentation Luger Pistol Sold for $69,000

Rock Island Auction Company

Rock Island, IL--(Ammoland.com)- Historic Premiere Firearms Auction realizes $8 Million!

The inaugural auction of Rock Island Auction Company’s new facility brought firearms enthusiasts of every level, from veteran firearms collectors to first time bidders, all of which were impressed by the massive 86,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility.

Every chair (300 now compared to the previous 175) was full as auctioneers Pat Hogan, and his son Kevin took the podium Friday.

Of the endless topics of the pre-auction chatter, the most common subject was the preview hall’s abundant lighting and incredible size and scale. Collectors were able to preview items at their own pace with plenty of room to look down a bore or through a scope without bumping into a buddy. With all the additional interest from the new facility and the impressive collection of firearms up for auction, bidders drove up prices on the over 2,700 lots to a total of over $8 Million, bringing the total for the first two auctions of 2011 to over $10 Million!

Of the over 120 Colt Single Action Army revolvers offered, none were more impressive than an exceptional documented U.S. Lewis Draper inspected Colt Model 1873 single action cavalry revolver which sold above the estimate at $69,000. With more than 400 Colts in the sale many genres stood out with impressive sales such as a fully automatic Colt 1921/28 “Navy” overstamp submachine gun with FBI type carrying case, two drum and three stick magazines and a magnificent Colt 50-95 lightning slide action express rifle in exceptional condition with factory letter each selling for $31,625 respectively.

The most exciting lot was a 1938 Colt Model 1911A1 US Army contract pistol with accessories. The lot saw a flurry of bidders battling over this rare grouping which finally sold at $28,750, almost four times the estimated $5,000-$8,000. Colt long arms were also in high demand with a Colt 50-95 Lightning slide action express rifle with factory letter sold for $31,625.

This auction also featured the finest collection of Sharps to come to auction since the Frank and Karen Sellers collection. This outstanding collection was highlighted by a rare and historic, St. Louis inscribed, factory cased, Sharps Model 1851 sporting rifle which brought $40,250. A very rare documented Sharps Model 1874 No. 1 Creedmoor rifle went well above the estimated price of $8,500-$14,000 and sold for $28,750. A magnificent Sharps panel scene Gustave Young engraved Model 1853 sporting rifle left the building with a final sale price of $25,875, and a custom Sharps Model 1874 sporting rifle by Henry Slotterbek of Los Angeles, California realized $10,350.

Rock Island Auction brought to auction an outstanding collection of Lugers in rare and desirable configurations, as well as other German Military arms, Nazi hats, uniforms and militaria. The highlight of the over 250 lugers was an exceptionally rare documented cased gold plated factory engraved carved ivory stocked Krieghoff presentation Luger pistol which reached a final sale price of $69,000. Other top luger lots were a scarce Borchardt semi-automatic pistol with shoulder stock, holster and spare magazine selling for $25,875 and an exceptional DWM Model 1900 U.S. Army test luger pistol with original Rock Island Arsenal holster with a selling price of $23,000.

Other German Military arms attained high prices including a cased WWII German Luftwaffe issue Model 30 survival drilling with case and accessories which sold for $25,875, and an exceptional Mauser Tankgewehr-18 bolt action single shot anti-tank rifle with bipod which sold for an impressive $31,625.

The over 300 U.S. Military arms were highlighted with an impressive sale at $48,875 of a rare Pedersen device with metal case and U.S. Model 1903 Springfield Mark I rifle, a rare late WWII original inland “T3″ carbine with M2 infrared sniper scope with accessories sold for $23,000, and a rare U.S. trials Colt Model 1907 Army contract semi-automatic pistol with factory letter sold at $14,950.

Sportsmen found something in this auction from the highest quality and condition to the field grade. Of the over 500 sporting arms in this auction a custom engraved gold inlaid Winchester Model 21 two barrel set 28 and 410 gauge Grand American double barrel shotgun with case took top sales at $31,625. Side by side shotguns were in high demand with bidders driving impressive sales of a rare Parker Brothers Model VHE grade 410 double barrel shotgun with Abercrombie & Fitch marked leather case and a cased Balneari signed master engraved gold inlaid two barrel set Piotti Pachmayr extra double barrel shotgun selling at $25,875 and $19,550 respectfully. Sporting rifles did well across the board with impressive numbers which include an engraved gold inlaid pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Super Grade bolt action rifle with box in rare 7mm Mauser caliber leading the group with a final sale price of $23,000.

Condition, quality, and diversity made this a must participate for a U.S. early Martial collection including Martial Arms pre and post Civil War. A spectacular Civil War New Haven Arms Co. Henry lever action rifle sold for an impressive $51,750. A rare engraved Spencer sporting rifle brought an impressive $19,550 and a rare Confederate second model Griswold and Gunnison revolver sold after a flurry of bidding for $21,850. Intense bidding drove up prices for early Martial Arms including an exceptional and rare U.S. Springfield Model 1882 Chaffee-Reese rifle selling for $8,050.

Other notable sales from the auction included heightened interest in Kentucky rifles with the sales of a J.J. Henry marked Kentucky flintlock rifle selling for $9,775, a J. Roop flintlock Kentucky rifle and a L. Coon marked flintlock Kentucky rifle each selling for $5,462. An engraved Germanic wheel lock with elaborate relief carved stock sold after a heated battle for $16,100, and an exceptional early 19th Century American Scrimshawed powder horn with patriotic motif brought a notable $6,325. Class III items were also in high demand with aggressive bidding on an original M60 “Fully Active” (New England Group/Maremont) medium machine gun complete with tripod T&E and pintle which finally sold for $40,250.

The May Premiere Auction by Rock Island Auction Company has set the bar for all other auctions with over $8 Million in sales, an impressive sell through rate, and now the worlds largest firearms auction facility. Since 2004 RIAC has been the world leader in both dollars of guns sold and number of guns sold and with 2011 sales over $10 Million already they are on track to repeat again in 2011.

Join RIAC for their upcoming auctions: July 16th and 17th Regional Firearms auction, and the next Premiere Auction will be held September 9th 10th, 11th. RIAC is currently seeking consignments for upcoming auctions. Consign one piece or an entire collection and know that you are consigning with the best. For more information on selling at auction contact Pat Hogan or Judy Voss at 800-238-8022 or visit the website www.rockislandauction.com

This Custom Engraved Gold Inlaid Winchester Model 21 Two Barrel Set 28 and 410 Gauge Grand American Double Barrel Shotgun with Case sold for $31,625.00

About:
Rock Island Auction Company has been solely owned and operated by Patrick Hogan. This company was conceived on the idea that both the sellers and buyers should be completely informed and provided a professional venue for a true auction. After working with two other auction companies, Mr. Hogan began Rock Island Auction in 1993. Rock Island Auction Company has grown to be one of the top firearms auction houses in the nation. Under Mr. Hogan’s guidance the company has experienced growth each and every year; and he is the first to say it is his staff’s hard work and determination that have yielded such results. Visit: www.rockislandauction.com

Ruger Firearms

Southport, CT --(Ammoland.com)- Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR), is proud to announce the “Million Gun Challenge” to benefit the NRA.

Ruger pledges to donate $1,000,000 to the NRA if one million new Ruger firearms are sold between the 2011 and 2012 NRA Shows.

“Our goal is to present the NRA with a check for one million dollars during the 141st NRA Annual Meeting in St. Louis next April,” said Ruger CEO Mike Fifer.

“This substantial donation would reflect a record-breaking feat in the firearms industry, as we believe no company has every sold one million firearms in a 12-month period. With the help of our loyal customers, we hope to make history and to share that accomplishment with the NRA.”

To learn more about Ruger’s extensive line of American-made pistols, rifles, revolvers and shotguns, and to follow the progress of the “Million Gun Challenge,” visit www.Ruger.com or Facebook.com/Ruger.

As always, thanks for your continued support!

NICS Firearms Background Checks March 2011

NASGW

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Background checks for firearms rose 11.5% in March according to data from the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

This continues the strong upward 18.5% increase in February. Background checks have been trending upward since June of last year. In March 2011, 1,449,724 background checks were performed compared to 1,300,100 in March 2010.

Year-to-date, through March 2011, background checks (4,246,573) are ahead of the first three months of 2010 (3,662,540).

For 2010, total background checks numbered 14.4 million, up 2.7% from 14.0 million in 2009.

FBI background checks are required under federal law for all individuals purchasing firearms from federally licensed retailers and are considered a strong indicator of actual sales by industry experts.

Source: NSGA, 4/11.

About NASGW:
For additional information on the NASGW and the services and benefits it provides for members, visit www.nasgw.org or contact: Tracy King Kolojeski, NASGW Director of Operations at PO Box 721564, Orlando, FL 32872 • Telephone 407-362-6391

Oregon Firearms Federation

Salem, Oregon --(Ammoland.com)- As we told you on May 12th, our bill to remove the Oregon State Police as the point of contact for firearms background checks will be heard in the Public Safety Subcommittee of the joint Ways and Means Committee tomorrow.

This bill would save Oregon gun owners and gun dealers millions of dollars and countless headaches due to unwarranted delays.

As we have told you in the past, for months, the Oregon State Police have been costing dealers sales while creating unjustified delays for buyers.

Unlike the Feds, who inform dealers that they may proceed with a sale even without an approval once three days have elapsed, the State Police continue to leave dealers with the mistaken impression that they MUST have an approval code before transferring a firearm. This is NOT the case.

Please send a note today to the Ways and Means Committee, through their staff, and ask for a speedy approval of HB 2791.

ACTION: Contact info and a sample message follow:

gina.rumbaugh@state.or.us

To the Ways and Means Committee,
RE: House Bill 2791Dear Committee Member,

HB 2791 would eliminate the costly and redundant use of the Oregon State Police to conduct background checks for firearms purchases.

The National Instant Check System, used by most states for background checks, is more efficient and is already being paid for by our tax dollars. It makes no sense to ask Oregonians to pay twice for the same check.

The State Police are causing unnecessary delays for both buyers and sellers. Dealers have faced inexcusable wait times simply to get the OSP to answer their phones.

The OSP already use the Federal system to conduct their checks. Let’s cut out the middleman and save millions for Oregon residents.

Yours,

About:
The Oregon Firearms Federation has proven itself to be Oregon’s only no compromise lobbying group, OFF takes the same tough stands and serves as a vehicle for educating gun owners, promoting their rights and when necessary, fighting the freedom haters in court. Visit: www.oregonfirearms.org

"I'll give you my gun when you take it from my cold, dead hands"..is becoming an unstoppable force in the face of Gun Grabbers!

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- The April 2011 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 843,484 is an increase of 15.2 percent over the NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 731,955 in April 2010.

For comparison, the unadjusted April 2011 NICS figure of 1,339,673 is an increase of 9.2 percent over the unadjusted NICS figure of 1,226,760 in April 2010.

This marks the eleventh straight month-over-month increase in NSSF-adjusted NICS figures.

The adjusted NICS data was derived by NSSF by subtracting out all NICS purpose code permit checks used by several states such as Kentucky, Iowa and Utah for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases.

April 2011 NSSF-Adjusted NICS Background Checks Up 15.2 Percent

Though not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provides a more accurate picture of current market conditions. Questions concerning NSSF-adjusted NICS data should be directed to NSSF research at 203-426-1320 or research@nssf.org.

In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions of firearms sales and transfers on new and used handguns and long guns. For additional information on NICS or to view a complete set of the current monthly reports, please visit the NICS website.

NSSF members may access historical monthly NICS reports by logging in to the members section of nssf.org.

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.

Guns Protect Human Life **Volk

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- The March 2011 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 990,840 is an increase of 15 percent over the NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 861,408 in March 2010.

For comparison, the unadjusted March 2011 NICS figure of 1,437,709 is an increase of 11.3 percent over the unadjusted NICS figure of 1,291,618 in March 2010.

The adjusted NICS data was derived by NSSF by subtracting out all NICS purpose-code permit checks used by several states such as Kentucky, Iowa and Utah for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases.

While not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provide a more accurate picture of current market conditions.

Questions concerning NSSF-adjusted NICS data should be directed to NSSF research at 203-426-1320 or research@nssf.org. In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions of firearms sales and transfers on new and used handguns and long guns. For additional information on NICS or to view a complete set of the current monthly NICS reports, visit the NICS website. NSSF members may access historical monthly NICS reports in the Members section of nssf.org.

March NSSF-Adjusted NICS Background Checks Up 15 Percent

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.

**Image: by Olegvolk.net

KSL.com Gun Classifieds

Utah Shooting Sports Council

Utah -–(Ammoland.com)- Sunday’s Deseret News has an article stating that KSL.com is considering banning classified ads for guns.

This change of policy appears to be based on the usual lies from the anti-gunners that private sales of firearms are a huge source of guns for criminals.

Whether or not you use or even plan to use KSL.com to buy or sell guns they need to hear from you as soon as possible. Let them know that you do not want them to ban classified ads for firearms.

This is a much bigger issue than losing an online option to buy and sell guns. The issue here is the demonization of guns and gun owners, and that is part of the anti-gun crowd’s long standing goal to eliminate all private sales and media advertising for guns, especially in any sort of classified ads.

If KSL.com bans firearm classified ads they will be making a statement that the lawful buying and selling of firearms is something dangerous and dirty. That placing an ad to sell a gun is the equivalent to placing an ad for prostitution or illegal drugs, things KSL currently prohibits. A ban on firearms advertising will work nicely to advance the anti-gun agenda to demonize the lawful ownership of firearms.

The Deseret News and KSL.com are seeking input on this matter. Please go to the following links and let them know what you think.

KSL.com poll/questionnaire- http://ksl.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_cIvAeOWbZyDByqU

Deseret News article on guns in Utah, permits, etc,- very long- read it and then post comments at the end: www.deseretnews.com/article/700121981/Welcome-to-Gun-Land-Utah-concealed-firearm-permits-attract-gun-lovers-critics.html

Related Deseret News article just on the topic of KSL.com banning gun listings:
www.deseretnews.com/article/700121967/KSLcom-reviewing-whether-to-allow-gun-listings.html

USSC is disappointed that the Deseret News chose to interview two anti-gun activists, balanced somewhat by interviews with two staunchly pro-gun legislators, but failed to seek input from any gun rights groups in Utah. While it was not as biased as some reporting has been in other media outlets, it is disappointing that even the Deseret News has veered to the left in their gun views.

About:
The Utah Shooting Sports Council represents the citizens of Utah who safely and legally own and use firearms, exercising rights guaranteed under both the United States and Utah constitutions. Visit: www.utahshootingsports.com

Americans Buy a Close to 1 Million Guns in February - Not Everyone Can Afford a Dog **Oleg Volk

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- The February 2011 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 963,746 is an increase of 13.6 percent over the NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 848,036 from February 2010.

For comparison, the unadjusted February 2011 NICS figure of 1,463,138 is an increase of 18.2 percent over the unadjusted NICS figure of 1,237,617 from February 2010.

The adjusted NICS data was derived by NSSF by subtracting out all NICS purpose code permit checks used by several states such as Kentucky, Iowa and Utah for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases.

While not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provides a more accurate picture of current market conditions. Questions concerning NSSF-adjusted NICS data should be directed to NSSF research at 203-426-1320 or research@nssf.org.

In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions of firearm sales and transfers on new and used handguns and long guns.

Additional information on NICS and a complete set of current monthly NICS reports are available online. NSSF members may access historical monthly NICS reports in the log-in members section of nssf.org.

Americans Buy a Close to 1 Million Guns in February 2011

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.

**Image: by Olegvolk.net

January 2011 NSSF-Adjusted NICS Background Checks Up 9.7%

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- The January 2011 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 784,856 is an increase of 9.7 percent over the NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 715,309 in January 2010.

For comparison, the unadjusted January 2011 NICS figure of 1,312,544 is an increase of 18 percent over the unadjusted NICS figure of 1,112,312 in January 2010.

The adjusted NICS data was derived by NSSF by subtracting out NICS purpose code permit checks used by several states such as Kentucky and Utah for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases.

While not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provides a more accurate picture of current market conditions. Questions concerning NSSF-adjusted NICS data should be directed to NSSF research at 203-426-1320.

In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions of firearms sales and transfers on new and used handguns and long guns. Click here for additional information on NICS or to view a complete set of the current monthly NICS reports. NSSF members may access historical monthly NICS reports in the members log-in section of nssf.org.

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.

2010 December NSSF Adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Figures

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- The FBI has released its National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figures for December 2010. NSSF-adjusted figures (1,133,371) show a 9.9 percent increase over NSSF-adjusted figures from December 2009 (1,031,344).

For calendar year 2010, the NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 9,436,182 is a decrease of 1 percent over the NSSF-adjusted figure of 9,534,131 in calendar year 2009.

In comparison, the unadjusted NICS figure of 14,320,489 for calendar year 2010 is an increase 2.4 percent over the unadjusted NICS figure of 13,984,953 in calendar year 2009.

The adjusted NICS data were derived by NSSF by subtracting out NICS purpose-code permit checks used by several states such as Kentucky and Utah for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases.

Though not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provide a more accurate picture of current market conditions. Questions concerning NSSF-adjusted NICS data should be directed to NSSF research at 203-426-1320 or research@nssf.org.

In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions of firearms sales and transfers on new and used handguns and long guns. Click here to find additional information on NICS and to view complete monthly NICS reports.

NSSF members may access historical monthly NICS reports by logging into the members-only section of www.nssf.org.

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.

Rock Island 2010 Firearms Auctions

Rock Island Auction Company

Moline, IL --(Ammoland.com)- Rock Island Auction’s December 3, 4, & 5 Premiere sale at their facility in Moline, IL proved to be the event of the year realizing sales of $9.7 million.

Their total yearly sales broke a world record topping out at $32 million, which is $10 million MORE than any other firearms auction house.

Once again the auction offered up something for nearly every level of collector. This sale featured more than 2,700 quality lots of outstanding firearms covering many firearm genre’s. The top seller in the auction, a presentation Colt buntline special single action army revolver from the J.A. Hegeman and Stagecoach Museum collection brought applause from the crowd as it realized $368,000. A cased extremely rare Jeffery double barrel rifle in 600 nitro express caliber brought more excitement as it realized $126,500, more than double the high estimate. Other highlights included a rare original Iron Frame Henry Rifle which brought $120,750, and an outstanding 1939 gold plated Mauser Luger presented to the foreign ambassador or the Reich brought $74,750.

This sale also contained one of the most complete U.S. Military collections ever offered by RIAC from the first U.S. Martial pistol through WWII. Exceeding its expectations a final bid of $57,500 won a Historic Civil War 7th Illinois Infantry inscribed Henry lever action rifle. An extraordinary, complete all original WWII Winchester “T3″ Carbine with original First Patten M-2 Infrared Sniper Scope and all the accessories brought a staggering $46,000. The rarest of all semi-automatics, Singer Mfg. Model 1911A1 Serial Number 1 took a high bid of $80,500.

An important section of the U.S. firearms genre was the Martial arms. The Martial arms collection in this auction was the finest RIAC has ever offered, and the prices reflected this. A very rare North & Cheney Model 1799 pistol brought $48,875, and a U.S. Navy Elgin Cutlass pistol brought $31,625. Another interesting part of this collection was a massive, documented U.S. Garrison flag flown at the Lincoln-Douglas debate at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois that commanded $17,250.

A complete history of the Colt firearm was represented with over 500 rare and outstanding conditioned firearms. An exceptional Colt Paterson Belt Model Revolver No. 2 (Fifth Model Ehlers) and Extraordinary Serial Number 1 Colt Open Top 44 both brought $80,500 each. A Documented Colt Model 1900 Sight Safety Navy Contract Automatic realized $23,000. A Colt 1855 20 gauge shotgun Serial Number 2 brought $28,750.

The early antique arms in this sale had several notable sales including a fine pair of Lazarino Cominazzo flintlock pistols that sold for $31,625. Other early arms that commanded attention from the bidders were the Kentucky rifles. An exceptional transitional relief carved Kentucky rifle which brought $28,750 and a rare John Armstrong Golden Age Kentucky rifle realized $25,875.

A nice selection of Foreign Military arms including a Japanese “Grandpa Nambu Pistol Rig” with matching magazine and matching combination wooden shoulder stock/holster exceeded its estimate and brought $28,750.00. An excellent Japanese “Baby Nambu” semi-automatic pistol topped its estimate of $4,750 realizing $7,475.00. German memorabilia; SS Concentration Camp Officer’s Style Peaked Service Cap more than doubled its high estimate when it brought $13,800.00 and a Nazi SS Officer’s Brocade Dress Belt and Belt Buckle surpassed its estimate bringing $12,650.

The evolution of the Winchester was well represented in the auction spanning 100 years of production from the volcanic pistol through to the model 70 bolt action rifle. A fine factory engraved Winchester model 1866 lever action rifle brought $43,125 and a rare new haven arms Henry rifle with Japanese markings realized $46,000. A top bid of $43,125 won an extraordinary factory documented Winchester model 1886 deluxe 50 Express Take Down Lever Action Rifle and an exceptional Model 21 Grand American 28 gauge shotgun garnered $31,625.

The shotgun and sporting rifle prices in this auction were absolutely stunning. A massive G Bates 4 bore double barrel shotgun bringing $31,625 and a Manton 8 gauge slug double rifle realizing $28,750 were but a few highlights. Other notable sales in this genre were a Kreighoff Essencia sidelock shotgun bringing $23,000, and an A.H. Fox HE Grade “Super Fox” side by side shotgun bringing $17,250.

RIAC not only broke their own sales record by exceeding $32 million in sales for 2010, but they did it while maintaining a 97% sell-through rate for the year. Now for the past three years RIAC has averaged over 30 million in sales; a feat no other firearms auction house in the world even comes close to.

Rock Island Auction Company is currently seeking consignments. Consign one piece or an entire collection and know that you are consigning with the best. For more information on selling at auction contact Pat Hogan or Judy Voss at 800-238-8022.

Visit www.rockislandauction.com for 2011 upcoming auction schedule.

About:
Rock Island Auction Company has been solely owned and operated by Patrick Hogan. This company was conceived on the idea that both the sellers and buyers should be completely informed and provided a professional venue for a true auction. After working with two other auction companies, Mr. Hogan began Rock Island Auction in 1993. Rock Island Auction Company has grown to be one of the top firearms auction houses in the nation. Under Mr. Hogan’

12 Days Of Armalite Firearms Sale

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- ArmaLite, Inc has begun its biggest sale of the year: The 12 Days of ArmaLite.

From December 9th through December 24th, selected items will be available at big savings. Each day, new items will be added to the sale.

Just like in the popular holiday song, every item put on sale will remain in place until the entire sale is over.

Please click here for more details: http://tiny.cc/wahub.

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols. Visit: www.armalite.com

FFLGunTrader.com Creates Licensed Gun Dealer Marketplace

FFLGunTrader.com

Grand Rapids, MI –-(Ammoland.com)- FFLGunTrader.com has created a brand new marketplace to help federal firearm licensed (FFL) gun Distributors and dealers to buy and sell firearms and accessories online.

Because the deals are completed among licensed and verified dealers, the transactions are easier to complete and require only the swapping of licenses.

“We wanted to create an online marketplace for licensed distributors and dealers that allows them to buy and sell firearms and accessories from all over the country,” said Scott Chatman with FFLGunTrader.com.

“Many times a collector will want a special rifle that is available in another state. Instead of turning away the customer, our marketplace will help the dealer make the sale.”

FFLGunTrader.com verifies each buyer and seller is a federal firearm licensed dealer through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms eZCheck process. Buyers and sellers are required to submit the first three and the last five of their license number in order to be approved for the transaction.

“We check each buyer and seller to verify that they are licensed and registered to participate in our marketplace,” Chatman said. “If they fail the license check, the transaction is not completed.”

Buyers don’t have to pay for purchasing an item on FFLGunTrader.com. Sellers pay a very small three percent transaction fee from the sales price to list the item on the marketplace to a national audience.

“It is a great deal for dealers looking to move excess inventory,” Chatman said. “Plus dealers have the peace of mind knowing that each buyer had to submit to a license check to complete the transaction.”

For more information about FFLGunTrader, please check out their online marketplace at www.fflguntrader.com.

MidwayUSA’s Black Friday & Cyber Monday Gun Sales

Midway USA

Columbia, MO --(Ammoland.com)-Columbia, MO --(Ammoland.com)- MidwayUSA, a catalog and internet retailer offering JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING for Shooting, Reloading, Gunsmithing and Hunting, is excited to announce Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.

Every day, Wednesday, November 24 through Monday, November 29, MidwayUSA will be offering special deals for Customers to celebrate the traditional Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping days.

These are great deals for Customers – like the DPMS AR-15 A3 Flattop Upper for $349.99 on Wednesday or the MidwayUSA range bag for $32.99 on Cyber Monday. MidwayUSA will be running a special “$15 off a $100” purchase code through Cyber Monday.

You can see all the daily deals, find the coupon code and read the restrictions at

www.midwayusa.com/General.mvc/Index/blackfridayweek

“Our merchandising team has worked with vendors to get special deals for our Customers,” says Jeff Larkin, vice president of Merchandising. “Customers are looking for value and for this year’s sale and we have delivered with some of our lowest prices on these products ever.”

For more information about MidwayUSA, please visit www.midwayusa.com or call 1-800-243- 3220.

Shop Black Rifle Friday at Brownells.com

Brownells.com

Des Moines, Iowa – -(Ammoland.com)- Save on your gun related Christmas shopping starting at 12:00 AM, Friday, November 26! Go to Brownells Black Rifle Friday page at 12:00 AM to get the special coupon code, or be a friend on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BrownellsInc, and get early access to the coupon code, and a head start on savings.

Entering the coupon code will save you 10% off any order over $150!

The exclusive savings run through midnight, on “Cyber-Monday”, November 29, so make out your wish list for Santa and get ready to save!

And, selected items have special, reduced prices, available all weekend; AND, the 10% offer is good there, too!

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

Buckeye Firearms Foundation

Ohio --(Ammoland.com)- The FBI has released its National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figures for October 2010.

NSSF-adjusted figures (854,563) show a 1.5 percent increase over October of last year (841,631).

The adjusted NICS data were derived by NSSF by subtracting out NICS purpose-code permit checks used by several states such as Kentucky and Utah for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases.

Though not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provide a more accurate picture of current market conditions.

…In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions of firearms sales and transfers on new and used handguns and long guns.

About:
Buckeye Firearms Association is a grassroots political action committee dedicated to defending and advancing the right of Ohio citizens to own and use firearms for all legal activities. Visit: www.buckeyefirearms.org

Rock Island December Premiere Auction

Rock Island Auction Company

Moline, IL --(Ammoland.com)- Moline, IL Rock Island Auction Company announces a Premiere Collector’s Firearms Auction to be held December 3, 4 &5 at their facilities in Moline, IL. Rock Island’s September auction was advertised as the premiere auction of the year, and this auction has the potential to surpass that spectacular sale.

This auction is a study in the history of firearms production. This auction encompasses the spectrum of collecting from ancient and early antique European arms to substantial collection of modern sporting arms. The collecting favorites of Winchesters and Colts will be well represented with several of the finest known and low serial numbered examples. Rock Island auction is once again proud to present an incredible selection of military items from the U.S. martial era to U.S. and foreign arms from WWI & WWII. Firearms collectors and history enthusiasts alike are sure to find the right piece to fill their collections.

Several museum quality Colts will be sold in December. Center stage will be the finest known condition original presentation Colt Single Action Army Buntline and stock with Hegeman and Stagecoach Museum provenance. This revolver is accompanied by a notorized letter from Osborne Klavestad from the Stagecoach Museum in Shakopee, Minnesota identifying this revolver by serial number as being one of only two Buntline 16″ revolvers that were set aside to be presented to Colt employees and never appeared on the common market. (The other Buntline is on display at the Hartford Library).

The letter goes on to state that the gun was found hidden behind some books in an estate in Hartford. Mr. Klavestad says in the letter “The Colt Buntline is probably the finest specimen in existence today, being mint, original, unfired and complete with stock.” The revolver was presented to Colt’s head librarian (bookkeeper) in 1895, was part of the J.R. Hegeman collection and then went on to the Stagecoach Museum in Minnesota in 1928. It was then purchased by Mr. Stanwick in 1978 when he passed away in 2001, the family maintained his most prized collectible possession until 2010. Now they have decided to offer this national treasure at no reserve to another caretaker-RIA. This spectacular piece with its incredible provenance, condition and rarity carries a pre-sale estimate of $250,000-500,000.

A comprehensive grouping of over 550 Colts will be offered from the early Patersons through WWII semi-autos and slide action rifles. Seven Patersons will be offered starting with 4 longarms, an exceptional Belt Model revolver No. 2 – Fifth Model Ehlers ($75,000-130,000) and a rare Belt Model No. 3 revolver ($40,000-60,000). Another museum worth piece, holding an estimate of $100,000-200,000 is Colt’s first cartridge revolver, an extraordinary first cartridge production Colt Open Top 44 revolver, serial number 1. The quality continues with a rare Massachusetts marked Colt 2nd Model dragoon revolver that is estimated to bring $60,000-90,000. Continuing through Colt production brings fine single actions featuring a historic Ainsworth-Inspected Colt Single Action Army revolver in 7th Cavalry serial number range with holster and a unique antique Colt Bisley with factory documented inscription, pearl grips and ultra-rare box each carrying a $35,000-55,000 estimate. A spectacular pair of consecutively numbered Denise Therion factory master engraved Colt single action army revolvers with relief carved ivory grips leads a nice selection of engraved 2nd/3rd generation SAA’s.

U.S. military is represented from the Revolutionary War to WWII. The best martial arms collection RIAC has ever offered is well represented by an extremely rare North & Cheney U.S. Model 1799 Flintlock pistol – one of only about 20 surviving examples ($50,000-70,000) and an exceptionally rare S. North dueling pistol from the estate of Simeon North ($35,000-55,000). The December auction also holds two rare Martially marked Elgin Cutlass pistols with pre-sale estimates of $16,000-25,000 (only 150 were ever issued). Nearly 50 martial era rifles and muskets will feature an exceptional extremely rare Harpers Ferry Model 1841 Rifle with Merrill breech-loading alteration and a rare early production marked Wickham Model 1816 musket with Gloucester Brigade (New Jersey) markings and history. Other manufacturers include Springfield Armory U.S., Remington Arms, R. Johnson and many more!

A rare piece of history is found in a massive documented historic U.S. Garrison flag that was flown at the Lincoln-Douglass debate at Knox College in Galesburg, IL. The October 7th, 1858 was a part of a series of debates that focused on slavery in the expanding U.S. They set the stage for Lincoln to take up residence in the White House in 1860 and reflected the fierce ideological debates that led to a civil war. The flag measures a massive 12’6” x 20’6” and now has a total of 36 stars, 3 were added after the historic debate.

The outstanding Civil War Arms will provide a nice selection of Confederate Arms including a very rare Confederate J.P. Murray percussion rifle. Over 100 Civil War arms will also include a fine carbines featuring an extremely rare Jenks-Merrill breech loading percussion carbine, one of only 300 produced. A magnificent cased Civil War presentation model 1850 Staff & Field Officer sword with silver figural hilt, inscription which reads “Presented to Capt. Jacob W. Clark/by members of the 59th Regt. N.Y.V.” is expected to fetch $25,000–35,000.

Moving through history brings a nice selection of trapdoors, Krag rifles and Colt early autos from the Indian Wars, Spanish-American War and WWI. Notable examples include an outstanding Springfield Armory Model 1875 U.S. trapdoor officer’s rifle ($25,000–37,500) and rare and desirable U.S. Springfield rod bayonet Model 1903 rifle ($9,000-20,000). An exceptional Colt Model 1902 (Military) Automatic pistol estimated at $11,000–18,000 is just one of the 100 Colt early autos in this auction.

The U.S. WWII items in this sale are amazing including a historic A-2 flight jacket of General Douglas A. MacArthur, a true American hero ($100,000-200,000) and a historical “one-of-a-kind” serial number “1” Singer Mfg. M1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol ($55,000-95,000), one of two Singers in this auction. A magnificent one-of-a-kind “turn-key” display of an all original WWII Winchester “T3” Carbine with original first pattern M-2 infrared sniper scope and accessories carries a $15,000-30,000 estimate. This section will also bring two rare Savage Military model 1907 semi-automatic trial pistols to the auction block.

Part II of the William Ashby collection leads yet another astounding selection of WWI & WWII European and Japanese Military including over 50 sniper rifles, 15 Krieghoff Lugers, over 50 pp/ppk pistols and 13 rare Bergman pistols. Some German highlights include a factory engraved, gold inlaid Walther model PP pistol with presentation NSFK dagger and capture papers ($10,000-20,000), an exceptional WWII Nazi K98 Mauser Turret style sniper rifle with Schneider scope ($12,000-16,000) and an extremely rare engraved WWII “50th Birthday” presentation Vierling from “Die Fuhrer to the Group Commanders of the Supply Troops” 1943 ($10,000-30,000). Other European Military includes a beautiful “One-of-a-kind” serial number 0034 “1936 dated” Polish RADOM Model V15 35 presentation pistol with gold inlaid slide inscription. Japanese Military includes 3 Baby Nambu’s, rifles, and an outstanding, complete all matching WWII “Grandpa Nambu Pistol Rig” with matching magazine and super rare matching combination wooden shoulder stock/holster and leather shoulder strap with an estimate of $16,000-25,000.

German memorabilia is also a noteworthy section in this auction including a scarce Nazi general officers uniform set with jacket, hat, pants, belt and boots and a Nazi Knights Cross to the Iron Cross with presentation case and papers. A highly attractive Prussian Gardes Du Corps helmet holds a pre-auction estimate of $10,000-15,000.

There are over 250 Winchesters, spanning over 100 years of Winchester production from the Volcanic Pistol through the Model 70 bolt-action rifle. This auction has 8 Henry Rifles and 4 Volcanic pistols; a $95,000-140,000 estimate is on an exceptionally fine iron frame Henry lever action rifle and a scarce New Haven Arms Co., Volcanic lever action No. 2 Navy pistol is valued at $12,000-17,000. A magnificent, factory documented Winchester Model 1886 deluxe 50 express take down lever action rifle ($30,000-50,000) and an exceptional late production Winchester Model 1873 saddle ring carbine ($27,500-40,000) are just two of the many lever actions in this sale. Winchester sporting is strong with a scarce Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 super grade bolt action rifle in 220 Swift, with scope ($2,000-3,000) and an exceptional Winchester Model 21 Grand American 28 gauge double barrel shotgun ($20,000-30,000), one of 14 Model 21’s in this auction.

Sporting arms continue with a nice selection of shotguns, rifles and pistols. A $30,000-60,000 estimate is on an engraved Stephen Grant sidelock double barrel shotgun, and a Special Order Spectacular Engraved Gold Inlaid Exhibition Grade Two Barrel Set 16 and 20 Gauge A. H. Fox Double Barrel Shotgun is estimated at $30,000-50,000. A scarce Parker CHE Grade 16 Gauge Double Barrel Shotgun is expected to bring $5,000-8,000, 1 of 20 Parker shotguns in this sale. Sporting rifles are led by a cased extremely rare Jeffery double barrel rifle in 600 nitro express caliber ($25,000-45,000). Other manufactures are well represented including Browning, Krieghoff, A.H. Fox, Westley Richards and Holland & Holland.

The 1100 plus antique arms include Japanese Matchlocks, Wheellocks and Miquelets. Rarity and quality are exemplified in an extremely rare 16th century Dutch child’s Wheellock pistol with ivory stock and a magnificent ornate silver and gold inlaid Japanese matchlock estimated at $40,000-60,000 and $7,500-15,000 respectively. The December Sale will offer over 30 Kentucky rifles featuring a rare and exceptional “Transitional” Kentucky rifle with Kindig authenticity letter estimated at $20,000-40,000 and an extremely rare John Armstrong Golden Age Kentucky rifle carrying an estimate of $15,000-30,000.

Nearly 200 outstanding French, Belgian and English flintlock pistols featuring fancy engraved examples, cased dueling pistols and more! Estimated to bring $60,000-80,000, is a magnificent historical cased pair of Howdah pistols belonging to Daniel O’Connell “The Liberator” of Ireland. Also crossing the auction block is a pair of rare, 17th century, Dutch ivory-stocked Wender flintlock pistols with carved Turk’s head pommels ($22,500-40,000).

The December auction contains many fine derringers, pepperboxes and curio-type pistols including a pair of factory engraved Colt third model derringers with presentation case ($14,000-22,500) and engraved Remington type II over and under derringer pistol with case ($9,500-13,000).

In its entirety, over 2700 quality lots will be offered December 3rd, 4th & 5th by Rock Island Auction Company. There is something for nearly every level of collector and certainly many genres of firearms to choose from. The December auction is catalogued in a full-color two-volume catalogue, which can be ordered through the mail ($60) or viewed online at www.rockislandauction.com. Rock Island Auction Company is currently seeking consignments for their upcoming auctions.

About:
Rock Island Auction Company has been solely owned and operated by Patrick Hogan. This company was conceived on the idea that both the sellers and buyers should be completely informed and provided a professional venue for a true auction. After working with two other auction companies, Mr. Hogan began Rock Island Auction in 1993. Rock Island Auction Company has grown to be one of the top firearms auction houses in the nation. Under Mr. Hogan’s guidance the company has experienced growth each and every year; and he is the first to say it is his staff’s hard work and determination that have yielded such results. Visit: www.rockislandauction.com

Armalite M15A4 LEC Complete Carbine Upper

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- You asked for it, you got it. Due to the unprecedented customer response to the “ Buy An AR10 On 10-10-10 Sale,” ArmaLite is pleased to announce a special encore of that deal. And, ArmaLite is sweetening the deal this time.

Buy any in- stock AR-10 complete upper OR ANY IN-STOCK M-15 COMPLETE UPPER on www.armalite.com and get 10% off your purchase. This offer is in effect ONLY on October 23 and 24, 2010. Some of these uppers are already in ArmaLite’ s Fall Hunter’ s Sale at reduced prices.

You can take the 10-10-10 AGAIN Sale’ s 10% off of the Hunter’ s Sale prices for an EXTRA savings!

There are 14 different kinds of AR-10 uppers for you to choose from. Savings are as high as $109 on the AR-10(T) in .338 Federal. There are 25 different kinds of M-15 uppers available. You can buy an M-15A4 carbine complete upper for just over $350!

The 10-10-10 AGAIN Sale also includes ArmaLite’ s limited run of AR-10 complete uppers chambered in .243 Winchester. This rare and super accurate configuration is the perfect varmint hunter. It fits the AR-10 platform with no alterations yet has much less recoil than the standard 7.62mm. Go to http://tiny.cc/8bcrl for details on the .243 upper.

Don’ t miss out. The 10-10-10 AGAIN Sale is in effect ONLY on Saturday and Sunday, October 23 and 24, 2010.

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, 300 Winchester, 338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols. Visit: www.armalite.com

Firearms Sales Jump 6% In September Over Same Month Last Year

Buckeye Firearms Foundation

Ohio --(Ammoland.com)- The FBI has released its National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figures for September 2010. NSSF-adjusted figures (770,310) show a 6 percent increase over September of last year (726,572).

The adjusted NICS data were derived by NSSF by subtracting out NICS purpose-code permit checks used by several states such as Kentucky and Utah for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases.

Though not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provide a more accurate picture of current market conditions.

…In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions of firearms sales and transfers on new and used handguns and long guns.

About:
Buckeye Firearms Association is a grassroots political action committee dedicated to defending and advancing the right of Ohio citizens to own and use firearms for all legal activities. Visit: www.buckeyefirearms.org

Buckeye Firearms Foundation

Ohio --(Ammoland.com)-

The FBI has released its National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figures for August 2010. NSSF-adjusted figures (718,971) show a 4.6 percent increase over August of last year (687,252).

The adjusted NICS data were derived by NSSF by subtracting out NICS purpose-code permit checks used by several states such as Kentucky and Utah for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases.

Though not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the adjusted NICS data provide a more accurate picture of current market conditions. Questions concerning NSSF-adjusted NICS data should be directed to NSSF’s research department at 203-426-1320 or research@nssf.org.

In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions of firearms sales and transfers on new and used handguns and long guns.

About:
Buckeye Firearms Association is a grassroots political action committee dedicated to defending and advancing the right of Ohio citizens to own and use firearms for all legal activities. Visit: www.buckeyefirearms.org

AR-10(T) UPPER HALF, ALUMINUM HANDGUARD, 20" BARREL, GREEN

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- ArmaLite, Inc. is pleased to announce the most unusual sale in company history.

This year’s Labor Day Sale is made COMPLETELY OF UPPERS, many of them uncommon, including FOUR that have never been made before!

Those first-time uppers are designated by the letter X and feature low-profile Picatinny gas blocks.

This sale is underway for a limited time, and when supplies are gone… they’re gone!

Please go to www.armalite.com for more details AND to take advantage of the best prices of the year!

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, 300 Winchester, 338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm

Last year, South Korean military officials announced plans to sell off 86,000 surplus M1 Garand rifles and another 22,000 M1carbines. But will bureaucratic red tape from the U.S. side hamper these sales?

U.S. Blocking Return Of Surplus M1Garands Rifles From Korea

Gundigest.com

South Korea --(AmmoLand.com)- Will the US Block Korea from shipping surplus Garands?

Those rifles had sat in South Korean warehouses for the last five decades, and could prove a treasure trove for military surplus retailers, collectors, and shooters. (see South Korea to sell 108,000 Garand Rifles to US Gun Collectors)

Recently, though, came news from South Korea that the sale of these M1 Garand’s, and another 22,000 M1 Carbines, was in a sort of bureaucratic limbo.

According to the Korea Times, “The U.S. government opposed South Korea’s bid to sell hundreds of thousands of aging U.S. combat rifles to American gun collectors…The [Ministry of National Defense] announced the plan last September as part of efforts to boost its defense budget, saying the export of the M1 Garand and carbine rifles would start by the end of 2009.”

However, “The U.S. administration put the brakes on the plan, citing ‘problems’ that could be caused by the importation of the rifles. The problems the U.S. government cited were somewhat ambiguous, said an official at the Ministry of National Defense on condition of anonymity.”

“The U.S. insisted that imports of the aging rifles could cause problems such as firearm accidents,” the official told Korea Times.

“It was also worried the weapons could be smuggled to terrorists, gangs or other people with bad intentions. We’re still looking into the reason why the U.S. administration is objecting to the sale of the rifles and seeking ways to resolve the problems raised.”

Time for some grass roots action: Contact your congressmen and senators an tell them to expedite this repatriation of American Made Rifles.

DPMS Firearms

St. Cloud, MN –-(Ammoland.com)- DPMS Firearms, LLC, announces the appointment of Dillon Jennings to the position of Internal Sales Manager, effective July 26, 2010.

Jennings joined DPMS in October of 2004 and managed multiple large accounts in his role as a retail and dealer sales representative. Jennings is also currently active with the US Army National Guard as a SSG/E6 squad leader and served in Iraq from October 2005 – July 2007.

During his six year tenure at DPMS, Jennings coordinated all military group sales activities and has been directly involved with new product research and development. Additionally, he has represented DPMS at various trade shows and shooting competitions, and most recently, Jennings served as coordinator for the annual DPMS Outbreak Omega event; one of the largest “fun shoots” in the country.

“I am pleased that Dillon has accepted the Internal Sales Manager role and welcome him to the management team,” commented Scott Blackwell, Chief Sales Officer for the Freedom Group Family of Companies.

“Dillon’s focus and dedication to our key accounts along with his contributions to other areas of the DPMS business make him an ideal candidate for this position.”

About DPMS Firearms
DPMS Firearms, LLC, is an industry leader in providing quality AR-style rifles, components and accessories. No other company offers more styles or configurations of AR rifles. DPMS provides choices for high-power and small-bore shooters by offering rifles and assemblies chambered in 204 Urge, 223 Remington, 5.56×45 NATO, 243Winchester, 260 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.8×43 SPC, 30 Remington AR, 308 Winchester and 338 Federal. More information about the company can be found at www.dpmsinc.com.

Rock Island Auction's Premiere Collectors Firearms Auction of the Year

Rock Island Auction Company

Moline, IL --(AmmoLand.com)- Rock Island Auction Company announces the premiere collector’s firearms auction of the year to be held September 10, 11 & 12 at their facility in Moline, IL.

This auction will offer some of the finest firearms to be offered at auction all year. Beginning with two One of One Thousand Winchester rifles from the A. I. McCroskie collection. Those familiar with the McCroskie name know that it is synonymous with mint condition!

The first, one of the most desirable of all Winchester firearms, is estimated at $300,000 – 500,000! It is an extraordinary “One of One Thousand” Winchester first model 1876 lever action rifle. The second offers historical value as it was a Winchester display piece for the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. This magnificent Winchester, deluxe, J. Ulrich signed factory engraved, first model 1873 “One of One Thousand” Centennial rifle (the only one ever made) is estimated at $200,000 – 400,000. Also from the McCroskie collection is a spectacular factory engraved gold plated Winchester Model 1866 saddle ring carbine ($75,000 – 150,000) and an exceptional deluxe Winchester Model 1873 lever action rifle ($40,000 – 70,000) the case hardening on this 73 is absolutely stunning.

This is only the start of the over 250 impressive Winchesters in this auction. An exceptional John Ulrich factory engraved and inscribed Winchester model 1876 express rifle is expected to bring $60,000 – 90,000. There is an excellent selection of 1886’s led by a deluxe documented Winchester model 1886 sporting rifle. Five Henry rifles will include a consecutively serial numbered pair, an engraved and a John Comstock marked New Haven Arms Company. Also included is an excellent Volcanic Repeating Arms Company lever-action navy pistol ($25,000 – 50,000).

The Winchester sporting arms are incredible, extraordinary Model 70’s including two factory engraved and gold inlaid new in box samples, magnificent Model 21’s (twenty one in all) two Grand Americans as well as a three barrel set in .410, 20, 28 gauges ($55,000 – 85,000), superb slide action rifles and other Winchester shotgun models such as a rare stainless steel barrel Model 12 ($3,750 – 5,500).

The September auction will feature the finest European military ever offered at auction. Rock Island is proud to offer the stunning military collection of William Ashby. The William Ashby collection is collection that offers not only high condition but rarity including many prototype arms and a vast selection of sniper rifles that is hardly ever seen at auction. The sheer number and quality of military items in this auction is astounding: over 85 sniper rifles in every configuration, 98k military rifles, G-Series plus quality European military handguns. Examples include an experimental Mauser sheet metal semi-automatic rifle ($20,000 – 40,000), an extremely rare Mauser K98 rifle with experimental “Fiberglass” stock ($7,000 – 15,000) and a magnificent rare WWII Nazi G33/40 experimental “Folding Stock” Mountain/Paratrooper carbine with bayonet ($10,000 – 20,000).

Two drillings include a “personal souvenir of World War II” by 1st Lt. Robert J. Hinchcliffe. The M30 Drilling, in its transit case and packed in cosmoline was discovered buried in the garden of Dr. Theodor Morell, Hitler’s personal physician. A rare and historic Nazi Diplomatic sword of war criminal Dr. Artur Syess-Inquar will also be offered. NSKK memorabilia will also be sold including a rare WWII Africa Corps BMW R75 motorcycle and sidecar from the Ashby collection and a rare WWII German “Four Barrel” firing belt buckle pistol with gold washed Nazi Eagle ($15,000 – 25,000).

The European pistols in this sale are sensational. Examples include a cased factory relief engraved Walther Model 9 semi-automatic pistol attributed to Adolf Hitler ($25,000 – 50,000), a rare gold-plated factory engraved Walther Model PP wartime commercial pistol with ivory grips (14,000 – 22,500) and several Nazi marked broomhandles. Rare lugers include Carbines, a Krieghoff, and an American Eagle cartridge counter. Rock Island auction is also fortunate to offer an exceptional Borchardt model 1893 semi-automatic pistol with case and accessories. The elegantly designed Model 1893 Borchardt Pistol was the forerunner of the Luger and one of the first commercially marketed semi-automatic pistols. All Borchardt Model 1893 Pistols are scarce; cased examples with accessories are more rare, this particular one is estimated to bring $30,000 – 45,000.

The military selection continues with outstanding U.S. military arms led by a mint Singer Manufacturing Co., model 1911A1 semi-automatic pistol owned by 1st Lt. Charles H. Clark ($37,500 – 55,000). Accompanying the guns is a notarized letter from the consignor explaining that 1st Lt. Clark was a pilot in the U.S. Air Corps during WWII. Stationed at Burtonwood Air Depot in England and on May 11, 1943 he piloted a B17F out of Bovington Field, England to Iceland to recover bodies and papers from the crash of a B24 which crashed on May 3, 1943. In the crash the pilot, co-pilot, 4 crewmen and 8 passengers were killed; the only survivor was the tail gunner, who escaped with only minor injuries. Among the recovered items by Lt. Clark was this Singer pistol which had been in his possession until October 7, 1958 when it was passed on to the consignor who has owned it ever since.

Other examples include a rare Robert McCormick U.S. Navy contract flintlock pistol ($15,000 – 25,000), an outstanding Springfield 1842 musket ($5,000 – 7,500), officer’s model trapdoor, Krag rifles, rare serial number 7 Sedgley fist gun ($10,000 – 20,000), an all original Inland T3 M1 carbine, experimental Johnson carbines, hugely rare Remington Marine Corps M40 and M40A1 sniper rifles, a rare “gas-trap” M1 garand rifle ($11,000 – 16,000), many other M1 rifles and carbines with sniper variations and more. Japanese military contains sniper rifles, Baby and Papa Nambu pistols and much more. The selection also features three original and exceptional 1921 Thompson fully automatic machine guns.

There are over 500 sporting arms in this auction spanning the spectrum of extremely high quality to the high conditioned everyday field guns. Some highlights include a magnificent Holland & Holland royal hammerless sidelock double rifle estimated at $25,000 – 37,500, an exhibition quality gold inlaid J. Lieue Timpe combination gun ($20,000 – 40,000) and nine Browning Olympians. This auction also offers a complete rare Ruger 65 gun collection with all the same serial number to be sold as one lot ($40,000 – 50,000).

Fine shotguns contain a matched consecutively serialized pair of J. Purdey & Sons double barrel estimated at $50,000 – 70,000 and a cased engraved gold inlaid Hatfield Uplander woodcock grade V two barrel set double barrel shotgun intended for President George H. W. Bush carrying a pre auction estimate of $10,000 – 20,000. Other manufacturers include Ithaca, Parker Brothers, Lebeau Courally, AYA, Merkel, Mannlicher, Perazzi and more.

Colorful history is found in the 400 plus Colts in this auction. An example includes a Colt single action army revolver carried by Gratton Dalton in the disastrous double bank robbery in Coffeyville, Kansas, on October 5, 1892. The Dalton Gang attempted two bank robberies in their hometown simultaneously but unfortunately for them they were recognized. In the gun battle that followed the robbery Bob, Gratton, their two partners and four townsmen were killed. Emmett Dalton was badly wounded. This revolver was awarded to the doctor “for his service in keeping his brother Emmett alive for hanging which never came to pass”. This Colt with its fascinating history is estimated to bring $10,000 – 30,000.

Other Colts will include early percussion revolving rifles and shotguns, percussion pistols featuring an extremely rare special order Colt Model 1851 navy revolver with 12-inch barrel ($30,000 – 60,000). Other impressive lots include a silver plated checkered ivory gripped 1851 ($15,000 – 25,000), a historic 7th Cavalry serial range, Ainsworth inspected, Colt cavalry single action revolver with Kopec letter ($10,000 – 20,000) and a Cole Agee signed gold and silver plated SAA ($10,000 – 15,000).

Without a doubt antiques in this auction overall exude quality. The earliest known firearms are represented well with Japanese Matchlocks, Wheellocks, and Miquelets. Some examples are 18th Century silver mounted gold inlaid pistols with the Sultan of Turkey Crest (moon in a night sky) estimated at $20,000 – 35,000, an ornate pair of matched 18th century miquelets slated at $15,000 – 30,000, a 16th century German wheellock with a pre auction estimate of $16,000 – 25,000, English dog-lock trade musket and more.

The American antiques are equally impressive with examples such as a rare full stock Hawken Plains rifle, Cochran revolving turret rifle, Hall 15 round revolving rifle, prototype J. Rider marked pistol, very rare unique Brettell & Frisbie revolver and many more high quality antique arms.

Rock Island Auction Company is proud to offer an outstanding collection of custom art knives and daggers from numerous award winning knife makers from the Knifemakers’ Guild and other renowned knife making associations. These custom edged weapons feature some of the finest handcrafted stainless steel and Damascus blades in the world, which are meticulously fitted with ivory or fancy figured hardwood handles or scales. There are eye- catching artful dagger designs with nicely figured fluted ivory or hardwood handles adorned with twisted silver or gold wire and perfectly balanced knives that only the world’s elite knife makers can produce. In all there are 150 plus custom knives from renowned makers including Jim Schmidt, Willie Rigney, Buster Warenski, Ron Lake, Fred Carter, Curt Erickson, Jim Ence and many more.

Other knives will include a magnificent cased Joseph Rodgers & Sons exhibition quality Bowie knife ($3,750 – 6,500) and an extremely rare and unusual special order Randall Roman short sword with sheath – one of this type made per Gary Randall is estimated to bring $20,000 – 40,000.

In addition to the wide assortment of contemporary knives, this collection also includes a choice selection of antique weapons focusing on the Middle East and Asia, with examples of Jambiya and Kinjal daggers, armor piercing Katar and Pesh-Kabz blades and other attractive items. The craftsmanship is top notch, elaborately decorated, including a masterful demonstration of the art of cloisonné enamel inlay and a fine array of gold and silver inlaid items. Also included are a number of fine Damascus blades, showcasing the attractive folded steel patterns, with some further accented with gold inlay. Some of the finest demonstrative examples of these weapons that have entered our auction house are in this grouping, with several worthy of being a centerpiece of an edged weapon collection.

Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to own the rarest of the rare! In its entirety, over 2600 quality lots will be offered September 10, 11 & 12 by Rock Island Auction Company. Call now 800-238-8022 to order your two-volume full-color two-volume catalog or view it online at www.rockislandauction.com.

Auction times:

• Auction begins 10 am April 30th, May 1st & 2nd
• Full day preview Thursday, April 29th from 10 am – 6 pm
• Preview: April 30th, May 1st & 2nd from 7:30am – 10am, and during the auction for items not being sold that day.

Location
Rock Island Auction Company’s 23,000 square foot state-of-the-art auction facility is located at,
4507 49th Avenue, Moline IL 61265
Phone 800-238-8022, Fax 309-797-1655

Email info@rockislandauction.com
www.rockislandauction.com for more location, directions, and hotel information.

Glass Target Balls Set New Record Price

American Bottle Auctions

SACRAMENTO, Calif. --(Ammoland.com)-  An Agnew & Brown 3-inch target ball from the 1870s, showing an embossed pigeon on the reverse side and quite possibly the only picture target ball ever made in glass, soared to $29,120 – a new world record for a target ball at auction – in an online auction held July 15-22 by American Bottle Auctions (www.AmericanBottle.com).

The ball was the top lot at Part 2 of The Peter Frobouck Collection. Part 1 was held March 29 of this year. Around 30 rare, vintage target balls were featured at each auction. Mr. Frobouck hails from Pittsburgh, as did Agnew & Brown when the firm was active in the late 19th century. That was when all target balls were made, before giving way to clay pigeons (or skeet).

Whats A Target Ball?
Don’t feel badly if you’re unfamiliar with target balls. Not many people are. They are a small but slowly growing genre of collectible, especially popular today among well-to-do hunters and gun enthusiasts, but a novelty attraction among bottle collectors. Target balls had a brief but colorful life, bursting on the scene around 1876 before fading out altogether by 1895.

During that small window of time glass balls — not all that dissimilar in size and shape to glass Christmas tree ornaments — were stuffed with feathers and sawdust and catapulted from spring-loaded traps to be hit by shooters. They’d explode in the air in a feathery, dusty cloud, as a bird would. In fact, target balls were introduced because the bird population was declining.

During their heyday, target balls were produced by the millions, and not just here in the United States. Manufacturers sprang up in England, France, Germany and Australia, too. These glass orbs sold for a penny apiece back then, but today a rare example like the Agnew & Brown ball can command a hefty price tag. But it’s entirely possible to buy a nice ball for around $200.

“That’s the beauty of target balls,” said Jeff Wichmann of American Bottle Auctions. “It’s a collectible that’s still cozy and small enough that it hasn’t been overrun by big dollar investors looking to drive up prices in the name of a quick profit. Yes, some of the balls cost a lot of money, but that’s because they’re rare and beautiful. But it isn’t that way across the board.”

Factors such as the diversity of patterns, colors and country of origin can all combine to determine a target ball’s worth. Then there’s the cache of a colorful past. Target ball shooting was a sport observed by U.S. presidents, England’s Queen Victoria and the German Kaiser. An early user was Annie Oakley, who blasted target balls at Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Shows.

The Agnew & Brown ball was in near-perfect condition and boasted a nice medium amber coloration (most balls were amber or blue). Along with the embossed pigeon, it also had the firm’s embossed name and address. Prior to being acquired by Mr. Frobouck, it was part of the Alex Kerr Collection, which American Bottle Auctions also sold, in chunks, from 2007-08.

In all, 31 target balls found new owners at the Peter Frobouck sale, which grossed around $70,000. Two balls failed to meet the seller’s reserve. Following are additional highlights from the auction. All prices quoted include a 12 percent buyer’s premium.

The second top lot of the sale also originated from the Alex Kerr Collection. It was a J.H. Johnston (also of Pittsburgh; there were five major manufacturers in Pittsburgh) target ball, in an extremely rare purple coloration. It soared to $14,560. The three-piece mold ball, in near-mint condition, featured a goodly amount of glass on the base and a staggering amount of embossing.

A three-piece mold, burst lip, 2.4-ounce target ball made by Jas. Brown & Son (also of Pittsburgh), graded 9.5 out of 10 for condition and boasting a light yellowish amber coloration, loads of embossing and great character, breezed to $10,080. Also, a near-mint E.E. Sage & Co. (Chicago) 2.1-ounce ball, light to medium amber, with large-letter embossing, brought $4,928.

A 2.6-ounce glass ball from Capt. A.H. Bogardus of Chicago (who had target balls made for him by several glasshouses), mint 9.8, medium to deep amber and with a rare embossed bottom, realized $4,704. Also, a target ball with stars (or crosses), 3-piece mold, 2.2 ounces, with a finely ground lip, razor-thin seams and a handsome warm amber coloration, garnered $2,464.

The top earner of the foreign-made balls was an E. Barton & Sons (U.K.) sand ball in varying shades of light blue, with baby mottled blue patches and green spots. Graded mint 9.8, the bottle had thousands of tiny bubbles throughout and went for $1,232. Another E. Barton & Sons ball, this one an elaborately designed brilliant blue orb graded a stout 9.9, rose to $952.

A German-made Sophienhutte In Ilmenau (Thur) amber colored target ball, 2.2 ounces, with an unusual lattice pattern and in 9.6 condition despite a dent in the bottom side, peaked at $896; while a rare Australian-made target ball with beautiful blue coloring and a two-piece design that turned from a square pattern to an odd geometric design on each side brought $896.

An amethyst Gablonz target ball (made in Germany and very rare and well made, despite being somewhat oddly shaped), 1.8 ounces and a little bit smaller than the standard 3-inch ball, pear-shaped and graded a solid 9.7, went for $896; and a Bogardus target ball made in 1877, with purple and clear coloring and some green near the top, graded 9.7, changed hands for $840.

There are no target ball auctions planned for anytime in the near future by American Bottle Auctions. “There just aren’t that many collections out there, so it’s anybody’s guess when we’ll have another one,” shrugged Mr. Wichmann. “My advice is just to watch eBay and keep an eye on our website. You just never know. One thing’s for sure, they’re gaining in popularity.”

American Bottle Auctions’ next big online bottle auction is tentatively scheduled for sometime in September, with a time and date to be determined (see website for info). The firm is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single piece or an entire collection, you may call them at 1-800-806-7722, or e-mail them at info@americanbottle.com.

Agnew & Brown: This target ball made in the 1870s by Agnew & Brown sold for a record price of $29,120.

For more information about American Bottle Auctions and its calendar of upcoming events, please log on to www.americanbottle.com. For more information about target balls, please visit the websites www.targetballs.com and www.glasstargetballs.com. Inquiries about target balls may be directed to Ralph Finch, an expert on the subject, at rfinch@twmi.rr.com.

Colt Revolver: First generation Colt single-action Army .45 caliber revolver with a 5 ½ inch barrel ($3,723).

SoldUSA.com

MATTHEWS, NC --(Ammoland.com)- A beautifully restored first generation Colt single-action .45 caliber Army revolver with a 5 ½ inch barrel, made in 1899 (serial #188013), hit the mark for $3,723 in an online sale of rare and vintage firearms, militaria, ammunition and advertising collectibles that ended July 17 by SoldUSA.com, the premier Internet collectibles auction site.

The Colt revolver was the top achiever of around 1,200 items that crossed the block in an auction that went online in mid-June and concluded a month later.

“This auction was very strong, with active bidder response and high prices realized for quality collectibles,” said David Reichle of SoldUSA.com. “We registered over 500 new bidders and added many new consignors, too.”

The Colt had been magnificently engraved and fully restored to mint condition. All the numbers matched, the action was crisp and tight, and the bore was clean and shiny. It was totally original, except for the replacement grips. Even there, the gun had the original grips; they were used to make copies for the replacements. In all, it was an example of a remarkable restoration.

Following are additional highlights from the auction. All prices quoted include a 13 percent buyer’s premium.

• A Winchester model 42 pump-action shotgun in excellent condition and with a rare extra barrel rang out at $2,385. The blue luster finish gun, made in 1952, was one of only a small number of model 42s that left the factory with a second barrel. Both barrels were numbered to the receiver. One, marked “SKEET,” was 26 inches; the other, marked “MOD,” was 28 inches.
• An extremely rare Bristol 1914 calendar showing the December page, measuring 16 ½ inches by 30 inches and with correct top and bottom bands, found a new owner for $2,872. The lithographers were the Norton Mfg. Co. The piece had seen some moderate restoration work and it had been cleaned in its entirety, with rice paper backing. Overall, it was in like-new condition.
• Another exceedingly rare calendar showing the December page, this one an 1899 piece from Winchester, measuring 14 ¼ inches by 26 ½ inches and with correct top and bottom bands, rose to $1,752. The lithographers were the Forbes Co. (Boston). It had some light restoration work done to the edges, but it had not been backed and appeared as it did when it was first made.
• A Belgian-made Browning Lightning single-trigger over/under shotgun, sporting 26 ½-inch vent rib barrels chambered for 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch balls, topped out at $1,879. The gun (serial #45546V7) was in near excellent condition. The metal finish was almost wholly intact and the wood showed very few dents or scratches. The bore was shiny and the action locked up tight.
• A vintage E.C. Schultze hunting envelope, front side only, showing wonderful colorful graphics of two men and in great condition for an envelope, brought $153. The envelope had writing that said, “See That All Your Shells Are Loaded With The Old Reliable Smokeless Powders, E.C. Schultze, Because They Are the Best.” The piece was 5 ¾ inches by 3 1/ 2 inches.
• A Civil War-era Savage Revolving Fire-Arms Company Navy model .36 caliber six-shot revolver with the original holster commanded $1,425. The weapon was one of around 2,000 such pistols made by Savage during the Civil War, about half of which went to the Navy. It appeared to be all original, and has not been refinished or altered. It had a nice uniform gray brown patina.
• A Colt government model .45 caliber automatic pistol (serial #304065-C, made in 1966), in near mint condition, coasted to $1,244. The gun had essentially all of the finish intact and just a trace of wear at the front edges of the slide and some thinning of the finish on the grip strap and grip safety. But it had been used hardly at all and was well cared for, with a mirror bright bore.
• A rare California Powder Works empty 10-gage shell box, produced just after the Diana box and with all of the original labeling, lightly restored, garnered $1,244. Also, a Remington-UMC Game Loads Dove Load empty 12-gage shell box went for $633. The box was of solid construction, showing three small shell protrusions to the box bottom and to the top of the box.
• A post-World War I crown N commercial proof German Luger, 7.655mm caliber, probably imported to the U.S. in the 1920s, scored a bull’s-eye for $832. The only production marks on the gun, besides the commercial proofs on the barrel and receiver, were the DWM logo on the toggle and the serial number (#6671). It was stamped ‘Germany’ on the front of the frame.

Rounding out the top lots: A full-sealed Western Xpert two-piece 12-gage shell box with a green label and a Pointer dog pictured on the top breezed to $549. The back label had an additional L.H. Hartman & Son paper label sealing the box across the opposite seams. Also, a World War II German Army dagger with scabbard, made by F.W. Holler, hammered for $469.

SoldUSA.com’s next big sale will go online in mid-August and conclude Sept. 18-19. Featured will be high-end ammo collectibles, advertising items, rare tin signs, die-cuts, posters, calendars and many other hunting and fishing collectibles, plus militaria. The auction after that will go online in mid-October and end Nov. 13-14. Watch the website for details on both sales.

Rare California Powder Works “Perfection” empty 10-gage shell box ($1,244).

About:
To learn more about SoldUSA.com and the auctions slated to end Sept. 18-19 and Nov. 13-14, log on to www.SoldUSA.com. The firm is always looking for quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item or a collection, you may call them at (704) 815-1550, or you can e-mail them at support@SoldUSA.com. For more information, log on to www.SoldUSA.com.

OutdoorsTrader.com - Online Marketplace For Guns

OutdoorsTrader.com

Vancouver, WA --(AmmoLand.com)- OutdoorsTraders is an online resource which allows people everywhere to connect locally with the purpose of buying, selling or trading guns, ammunition and parts.

The site is free to join, and it is also entirely free to use. Once an account has been created, the user is free to post ads of his own and also to leave replies on ads that have been posted by others.

Browsing the site is a very easy task since there is a list of States which also includes the number of ads that are related to it. That way, if there are few ads as far as your State goes you can theoretically see if you could find what you need in any neighboring State at a glance. And a “Recent 20 Ads” category is found on the site as well.

Besides, a ZIP Code search function is provided and you can use it in order to streamline results. Using it entails keying it the Code and then setting down a radius by way of the provided drop down menu.

As it was mentioned at the beginning, this site is wholly free to use and join. If you are interested in firearms, the range of ads on offer is certain to ensure that you will find something to suit your tastes minutely. You can visit it by clicking on the link provided below, and start searching right away. Visit: OutdoorsTrader.com

Charter Arms

Charter Arms, Dayton, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Fifteen more Charter Arms Revolver models have just been approved for sale by the state of California.

California and a few other states require extensive testing before allowing new models of firearms to be sold inside their state.

The California State conducted tests cover performance, construction and safety; and these tests take place over a period of months.

Also, the much awaited revolutionary Rhino Revolvers arrival into the U.S. has been delayed for the last couple of months due to U.S. government procedures, etc.

We now anticipate arrival in the next 30 days or so. www.chiappafirearms.com

About:
Charter Arms – Setting the American Standard for Reliable, Safe and Affordable Personal Protection. Visit: www.charterarms.com

Beretta Px4 Storm Full Size .45ACP

AcuSport

BELLEFONTAINE, OHIO --(Ammoland.com)- AcuSport Corporation, a leading distributor of shooting and hunting products has partnered with Beretta USA to announce “AcuSport’s Never Out” program. AcuSport will “Guarantee” that independent firearms retailers are “Never Out” of ten (10) Beretta handgun models.

The program includes the legendary military 92 series, the economical U22 Neos, the conceal carry Bobcat and Tomcat models, and three (3) of the popular PX4 Storm (Type F) models.

“The last few years inventory availability has been a hot topic”, says Chris Cole, Director of Merchandising for AcuSport. “That’s why the guarantee to never be out of inventory is so important to the Retailer”.

Retailer’s know they can’t sell what they don’t have in-stock and that it’s a real disappointment when consumers visit their store and they don’t have a product they want. That’s what makes the commitment and partnership of the AcuSport Never Out Program so important.

Chris goes on to say, “We are so confident that retailers will remain in- stock on these products that we have “Guaranteed” it by offering a free range bag with a retail value of $69.99 if AcuSport can’t fill their order.”

Retailers will never disappoint the consumer by missing the sale on these exciting Beretta handgun models. Retailers should contact their AcuSport Sales Professional to place their order or for full program details.

Based in Bellefontaine, Ohio, AcuSport Corporation is a nationwide distributor of shooting and hunting products with regional sales offices in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Minnesota, Texas, Montana and California. Independent retailers, who would like to place an order, please call 1-800-543-3150 or visit www.acusport.com for additional information.

Rock Island June Regional Firearms Auction

Rock Island Auction Company

Moline, IL - -(AmmoLand.com)- Rock Island Auction Company’s regional auctions have grown in popularity leading to packed auction halls and high sell through rates-an astounding 99.9% in February! The June auction promises to be just as exciting.

Firearm collectors, sportsman and hunters will gather to bid on over 2,200 lots comprised of 5,000 plus firearms. Rock Island’s central location makes it less than a 4 hour drive from these major cities: Minneapolis, Omaha, Des Moines, Kansas City, Topeka, Indianapolis, Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, Grand Rapids and many more!

We are closer than you think! Google us for directions from your city. This auction is worth the drive!

Want to be a Top Shot like the new show on the History Channel? The June Regional Auction offers several of the rifles featured in the show.

Quick Highlights of the June Auction

• Over 2200 Lots
• Over 5,000 Firearms
• 3300+ items classified as Antique or Curio and Relic
• Over 2000 Sporting Arms
• Over 550 Colts
• Over 450 Winchesters
• Hundreds of Military Arms
• Nearly 300 Smith & Wessons
• PLUS:
• Edged Weapons
• Ammunition
• Books
• Firearms Parts
• Nearly 40 Scale Models of Ships
• And more!

BRING YOUR CONSIGNMENT TO THE JUNE AUCTION!
We will be accepting consignments during the June auction. If you plan on attending and have an item you would like to consign, it will save you the trip!
Call 800-238-8022 for more details and to make an appointment.

For more details about this auction and future auctions please call 800-238-8022 or visit www.rockislandauction.com. Rock Island Auction Company is currently seeking consignments. Consign one piece or an entire collection and know that you are consigning with the best. For more information on selling at auction contact Pat Hogan or Judy Voss at 800-238-8022.