President Of NRA To Attend Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

HARRISBURG —-(Ammoland.com)- National Rifle Association (NRA) president, David A. Keene will be among the dignitaries and thousands of hunting and fishing enthusiasts celebrating the opening of the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show on Saturday, February 4 in the State Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg.

Keene is scheduled to participate in opening of the Show and then appear in the Show’s VIP Lounge from 12:30 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. to meet and talk with guests who have purchased VIP Packages. At 3:30, he is scheduled to help man the NRA Booth to meet and talk with Show guests.

“We are very pleased and excited to have David Keene, the president of the NRA, coming to the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show. It really puts an exclamation point on what this Show is all about,” says Chris O’Hara, Event Director, Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show.

In addition to being NRA president, Keene is an attorney, columnist, political activist and lobbyist who has written, spoken and lobbied on behalf of hunters, shooters and firearms owners for decades. He has worked in the White House and Congress and has been involved in nearly every congressional battle over gun rights since the early 1970s.

A lifelong hunter, Keene has helped save hunter-friendly conservation programs in Africa, and assisted the international hunting community when major airlines threatened to stop carrying hunting arms to Africa.

Keene attended the University of Wisconsin Law School, where he was the national chairman of Young Americans for Freedom. Since then, he has been a John F. Kennedy Fellow at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics, a First Amendment Fellow at Vanderbilt University’s Freedom Forum, and a member of the Board of Visitors at Duke University’s Public Policy School.

For more information on the Show, List of Exhibitors, or a complete schedule of seminar speakers, contests and family entertainment offered at the 2012 Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show, visit www.easternsportshow.com.

Online ticket sales for the Show are open and discount tickets can be purchased at: EasternSportShow.com/tix

The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show presented by Outdoor Channel and Comcast. Now in its 57th year, the Show has grown to be the largest outdoor hunting and fishing event of its kind in North America. With more than 1,200 exhibitors, The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show brings the passion for the outdoors–indoors–by bringing outdoor sports enthusiasts of all ages from across the country to view the latest and best in hunting and fishing gear, shop for ATV’s and RV’s and plan & book hunting and fishing trips with outfitters & charters from around the world. The Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show also offers a wide range of seminars presented by experts along with hunting- and fishing-related contests and family-oriented entertainment. The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show is sponsored in part by Cabela’s, Thompson/Center Arms, and Progressive Insurance. Chevy is the official truck of the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show.

Please Re-Elect Scott Bach & Bob Viden To The NRA Board Of Directors

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- Bob Viden and Scott Bach are up for re-election to the NRA Board of Directors.

It is critical to keep Bob and Scott on the NRA Board to ensure that New Jersey has the strongest possible representation at NRA Headquarters.

Your support is vitally needed in the upcoming election. Ballots for voting members will be in the February, 2012 issue of your NRA magazine. See below for more info on Bob & Scott.

If you have not already received your ballot to vote for your choice for NRA Board Members, you will shortly. I would like you to strongly consider both Scott Back and Bob Viden for these positions. It is extremely important that New Jersey maintain its position of having two members from NJ on the NRA Board.

I have known Scott Back since I founded the NJ2AS and he has been continually supportive of our efforts. I wholeheartedly endorse Scott and Bob for re-election to the Board. I hope that you will join with me in voting for our New Jersey representation on the NRA.

For further information please visit www.bobslittlesportshop.com/nrainfo.html and www.bachbio.com

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

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- Sporting goods wholesalers across the country are teaming with the National Rifle Association (NRA) to provide benefits to U.S. military personnel, law enforcement, and first responders.

The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) has now signed on to support the NRA Life of Duty program, which serves all those who wear a uniform and carry a firearm to protect the American people.

Participating NASGW members aim to raise $2 for each firearm sold in December while other members are providing a donation to the program.

“Every penny of the proceeds will be used to purchase special NRA Life of Duty memberships for American heroes. We owe these brave men and women who risk life and limb daily for our safety and freedom an immeasurable debt of gratitude. NRA is humbled to help them in this modest but meaningful way,” said NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre.

Through NRA Life of Duty (LOD), qualified active duty personnel receive valuable benefits including $25,000 in life insurance, hefty discounts on gear, and access to top-quality stories­­ ––about heroes just like them–– through the LOD network and a unique digital magazine, NRA American Warrior.

Even better, thanks to generous donors, these memberships are provided at no cost to the service person, law enforcement officer, or first responder.

“This is an opportunity for our members to participate in a fantastic program that will benefit our active military,” said Jack Baumler, chairman of the board of NASGW. “When the board first heard about the program at the NRA convention, we decided then and there that we should participate.”

Seven NASGW members have signed on thus far for the fundraising effort: Gunarama Wholesale Inc. (Spokane, WA), L.M. Burney Distributors (Waco, TX), Lipsey’s (Baton Rouge, LA), W L Baumler Co. (Lorain, OH), Jerry’s Sports Center Inc. (Jenkins Townships, PA), Camfour Inc. (Westfield, MA) and Ellett Brothers (Chapin, S.C.).

“We are excited about this project,” said Ellett Brothers Chairman Hewitt Grant. “We can think of no better group to honor.”

Laurie Aronson, president and CEO of Lipsey’s, agrees. “We hope this will make more than 10,000 memberships into NRA Life of Duty available,” she said.

These NASGW members join a number of companies that have already stepped up to support NRA Life of Duty. Brownells is the presenting sponsor, and Brownells Law Enforcement Division: PoliceStore.com, Colt, FNH USA and Roll of Honor are also participating.

“We strongly encourage everyone to find a way to support NRA’s Life of Duty,” said NASGW President Maurice A. Desmarais. “With donations or discounts, this is a way to really say ‘Thank you’ to the men and women who protect our freedom, and our lives, every day.”

SPONSOR NRA LIFE OF DUTY
You, too, can sponsor NRA Life of Duty memberships for those serving in the military and law enforcement or as first responders. A $50 membership includes gear discounts and the NRA American Warrior digital magazine, as well as as $25,000 in accidental death insurance for qualified LOD members, plus $2,500 for members seriously injured in the line of duty. Those who wish to sponsor NRA Life of Duty memberships for men and women at home and abroad can do so by visiting http://NRALifeOfDuty.tv/sponsor or calling 1-877-NRA-GIVE. To become a corporate sponsor of NRA Life of Duty content or to provide gear discounts to NRA Life of Duty members, please e-mail Nicole Capossela at ncapossela@nrahq.org.

ABOUT THE NRA
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 advocates 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 armed services. For more information, visit NRA.org.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ASSOCIAITON OF SPORTING GOODS WHOLESALERS
The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers is comprised of wholesalers, manufacturers, and independent sales reps––both national and international––all of whom are primarily involved with hunting and shooting sports equipment and accessories.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The National Rifle Association is accepting applications from high school sophomores and juniors across the country for the National Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) from June 25 – July 1, 2012 in Washington, DC.

Forty-five outstanding students are chosen each year to travel to the nation’s capital for a seven day, all expense paid educational experience. The summit encourages young adults to become well-rounded citizens by learning about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, how the federal government works and the importance of being active in civic affairs.

Activities on this year’s schedule include:

• Meeting national leaders from Capitol Hill and around Washington, DC
• Guest speakers at NRA Headquarters and the National Firearms Museum
• Informative tours at historic sites and monuments in and around Washington, DC
• Competitive debates with other high school students from across the nation

“I would recommend this trip for anyone interested in learning what it means to be an American,” said past participant Amanda Krpan. “You don’t have to be experienced with firearms to enjoy the week – there’s more going on then you can image. It will exceed your expectations just like it did mine!”

In addition to the week in Washington DC, Y.E.S. participants compete for $30,000 in college scholarships. The first round of awards totals $10,000 and is given at the conclusion of the Y.E.S. program. A second round of scholarships is comprised of $20,000 and involves a second application, available to the participants after they go through the Y.E.S. program. Since the program’s inception in 1996, more than $340,000 in scholarships has been awarded.

Entry into the program requires submission of a completed application form, high school transcript, three-page essay on the Second Amendment, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. Interested students should have their application post-marked no later than February 1, 2012.

For additional information on the 2012 Youth Education Summit and how to apply, please visit www.friendsofnra.org/yes, or call 1-800-672-3888, ext. 1342.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- On Tuesday, November 15, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on H.R. 822, the “National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act.” Please contact Representative Smith and urge him to vote for this pro-gun legislation.

This important bill would allow any law-abiding concealed carry permit holder to legally carry a concealed firearm while visiting any state that does not prohibit concealed carry.

Please contact Rep. Smith as soon as possible and urge him to vote for H.R. 822, the “National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act”.

Phone:
Washington, DC (202) 225-3765

Hamilton (609) 585-7878
Email: http://www.capwiz.com/nra/issues/alert/?alertid=55111516

The Facts About H.R. 822, the “National Right to Carry Reciprocity Act”
Unfortunately, but predictably, H.R. 822 continues to be attacked by anti-gun organizations and the media. Regrettably, even some so-called “pro-gun” organizations have joined with the anti-gun Brady Campaign and Michael Bloomberg’s Mayors Against Illegal Guns to try to defeat this pro-gun bill.

This critically important legislation, introduced earlier this year by Congressmen Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) and cosponsored by more than 240 of their colleagues, would enable millions of permit holders to exercise their right to self-defense while traveling outside their home states.

There is currently only one remaining state (Illinois) that has no legal way for individuals to carry concealed firearms for self-defense. Forty states [with the exception of New Jersey] have permit systems that make it possible for any law-abiding person to obtain a permit, while most of the others have discretionary permit systems. (Vermont has never required a permit.) 

H.R. 822 would mark a major step forward for gun owners’ rights by significantly expanding where permits are recognized. Dozens of states have passed Right-to-Carry laws over the past 25 years, because the right to self-defense does not end when one leaves home. However, interstate recognition of permits is not uniform and creates great confusion and potential problems for travelers. While many states have broad reciprocity, others have very restrictive reciprocity laws, and a few deny recognition completely.

H.R. 822 would solve this problem by requiring that lawfully issued carry permits be recognized in all states with some form of a permit system, while protecting the ability of the various states to determine the areas where carrying is prohibited within their boundaries.

Opponents of the legislation claim that it tramples on “states rights.” States, however, don’t have rights, they have powers. And while many anti-gun lawmakers who’ve long pushed national gun bans, national bans on private gun sales, national waiting periods and other federal restrictions have suddenly become born-again advocates of “states’ rights” in opposing this bill, several provisions in the U.S. Constitution give Congress the authority to enact interstate carry. Congress also has the power to protect the rights of citizens, nationwide, under the 14th Amendment (please see related article from last week’s Grassroots Alert).

Next, despite what a few so-called “pro-gun” activists have argued, this bill would not create a federal licensing or registration system, nor would it establish a minimum federal standard for carry permits. Rather, it would require the states to recognize each others’ carry permits, just as they recognize driver’s licenses and carry permits held by armored car guards. Unfortunately, these self-proclaimed “gun rights” supporters, who have no active lobbying presence in any legislature, have an agenda that has very little to do with promoting the interests of gun owners. Here are the FACTS about a few of their claims:

Myth: H.R. 822 would involve the federal bureaucracy in setting standards for carry permits, resulting in “need” requirements, higher fees, waiting periods, national gun owner registration, or worse.

FACT: H.R. 822 doesn’t require-or even authorize-any such action by any federal agency. In fact, since it would amend the Gun Control Act, it would fall under a limitation within that law that authorizes “only such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out” the GCA’s provisions. No federal rules or regulations would be needed to implement H.R. 822, which simply overrides certain state laws.

Myth: H.R. 822 would destroy permitless carry systems such as those in Arizona, Alaska, Vermont and Wyoming.

FACT: H.R. 822 would have absolutely no effect on how the permitless carry states’ laws work within those states. For residents of Arizona, Alaska and Wyoming, where permits are not required but remain available under state law, H.R. 822 would make those permits valid in all states that issue permits to their own residents. Residents of Vermont, where no permits are issued or required, could obtain nonresident permits from other states to enjoy the benefits of H.R. 822.

Myth: If H.R. 822 moved through the legislative process, it would be subject to anti-gun amendments.

TRUTH: By this logic, neither NRA, nor any other pro-gun group, should ever promote any pro-gun reform legislation. But inaction isn’t an option for those of us who want to make positive changes for gun owners. Instead, we know that by careful vote counting and strategic use of legislative procedure, anti-gun amendments can be avoided or defeated.

H.R. 822 is a good bill for gun owners. Don’t listen to false or misleading accusations; instead, read the bill and our fact sheet explaining its provisions. Then, please contact your member of Congress and urge him or her to support the earliest possible consideration of H.R. 822 this year.

Please contact your Representative or by email by clicking here and urge him to stand up for gun owners’ rights by voting for this important legislation.

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

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- Joseph Collins has experience in the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Army and as a police officer.

He’s served tours of duty in Bosnia and Iraq, and is now an instructor at the International School of Tactical Medicine.

He is highly respected in all of these fields and has faced death on numerous occasions – but there is more to this rough and tumble cop than meets the eye.

Watch the feature video above.

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

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- There’s been a lot of misguided, unfounded, and just plain incorrect information circulating on the Internet lately regarding H.R. 822 — the “National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011.”

Most of the false characterizations typically come from the anti-gun groups and media. But more and more, a small cadre of self-described “pro-gun” groups continually sound false alarms and “stir the pot” in an effort to be noticed. (And to raise money, of course.)

These repeat offenders peddle mischaracterizations as the gospel, and dilute the good work being done to protect the Second Amendment by legitimate groups.

Some of the misinformation borders on ridiculous. One group circulated an email this week (Thursday, October 20) warning readers that, “H.R. 822 could be taken up for a vote as early as tomorrow morning.” What the author failed to realize is that “tomorrow morning,” (Friday, October 21) was a day the U.S. House was not even in session! Not very confidence-inspiring.

The same group claimed H.R. 822 would include anti-gun amendments that would, in turn, create “disastrous federally mandated infringements on our rights.”

But, as we reported last week, the House Judiciary has already considered amendments to H.R. 822, and all anti-gun amendments offered that would weaken or gut the legislation were defeated.

The group even decries a “review” process that they claim will provide “a perfect opportunity for more changes.” In reality, this review has nothing to do with adding anti-gun amendments. The amendment only requires a study of the law’s effects, which would take place after the law takes effect.

For the record:

• H.R. 822 is a GOOD bill and is GOOD for gun owners.
• H.R. 822 ENHANCES Americans’ right to self-defense by enabling millions of permit holders to exercise their right to self-defense while traveling outside their home states.

There is currently only one remaining state (Illinois) that has no clear legal way for individuals to carry concealed firearms for self-defense outside the home. H.R. 822 would require states to recognize each others’ lawfully issued carry permits, just as they recognize driver’s licenses and carry permits held by armored car guards.

H.R. 822 DOES NOT:

• Create a federal licensing or registration system;
• Establish a minimum federal standard for the carry permit;
• Involve the federal bureaucracy in setting standards for carry permit;
• Destroy permitless carry systems such as those in Arizona, Alaska, Vermont and Wyoming.

Again, H.R. 822 is a good bill for gun owners. Don’t listen to false claims. Read the bill yourself and READ OUR FACT SHEET to get the facts.

Next, please IMMEDIATELY contact your member of Congress and urge him or her to support the earliest possible consideration of H.R. 822.

*PLEASE CLICK HERE TO EMAIL YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS.

You can find additional contact information for your U.S. Representative by using the “Write Your Representatives” tool at www.NRAILA.org. You may also contact your Representative by phone at (202) 225-3121.

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

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- I wanted to share a preview to our newest Patriot Profile story on a law enforcement officer and trainer, Joseph Collins.

Joseph has served in the Marine Corps, the Army, has many year as a police officer under his belt and has faced death multiple times.

One of his most memorable experiences as an officer was getting called onto the scene of the Virginia Tech Massacre.

He is an incredible guy with a heart of gold and at the end of the day calls himself a “family man”.

I think this is a great story about a upstanding patriot who truly goes to work everyday to protect the safety of the American people here at home.

The full feature will debut November 1.  www.nralifeofduty.tv

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

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- In what promises to be a continuing debate on the rights of law-abiding citizens, the Oregon Court of Appeals ruled this week that banning firearms on the grounds of Oregon’s public universities exceeded the scope of the university system’s authority, thereby opening up the state’s campuses to individuals who hold valid concealed handgun licenses.

Long viewed by gun rights activists as a violation of the state firearms preemption law, the restriction of license holders from exercising their right to self-defense while on campus served as a slap to law-abiding gun owners.

The issue was forced into the spotlight when, in 2009, former Marine Jeffrey Maxwell was suspended from Western Oregon University for carrying on campus. Maxwell was 30 years old at the time and had his concealed handgun license. He was arrested for possessing a firearm in a public building; however, after further review, the Polk County district attorney dropped the charges.

As a result of Jeffrey Maxwell’s treatment by the university and the administration, a lawsuit was filed against the Board of Higher Education and the Oregon University System. The case was argued before the Court of Appeals on March 29, 2011.

The Court concluded that the campus gun ban was an exercise of an ‘authority to regulate’ firearms that is not expressly authorized by the Legislative Assembly…Accordingly, the rule exceeds the agency’s authority…and is invalid.”

This ruling is an important step toward protection of the rights of law-abiding gun owners in Oregon, and we welcome this opinion.

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

National Rifle Association

FairFax VA , -(Ammoland.com)- On November 14, 2001 a U.S. Special Forces team of Green Berets known as ODA 574 infiltrated the mountains of southern Afghanistan to carry out a tribal revolt against the Taliban.

This incredible mission ultimately lead to Hamid Karzi’s presidency and changed the course of history forever. The NRA Life of Duty team was able to reunite the members of this team for the first time in ten years to tell their story.

Learn more about ODA 574 in The Only Thing Worth Dying For by Eric Blehm and look for the fourth and final reunion series on September 11, 2011.

National Rifle Association

FairFax VA , -(Ammoland.com)- On November 14, 2001 a U.S. Special Forces team of Green Berets known as ODA 574 infiltrated the mountains of southern Afghanistan to carry out a tribal revolt against the Taliban.

This incredible mission ultimately lead to Hamid Karzi’s presidency and changed the course of history forever. The NRA Life of Duty team was able to reunite the members of this team for the first time in ten years to tell their story.

Learn more about ODA 574 in The Only Thing Worth Dying For by Eric Blehm and look for the fourth and final reunion series on September 11, 2011.

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

National Rifle Association

FairFax VA , -(Ammoland.com)- On November 14, 2001 a U.S. Special Forces team of Green Berets known as ODA 574 infiltrated the mountains of southern Afghanistan to carry out a tribal revolt against the Taliban.

This incredible mission ultimately lead to Hamid Karzi’s presidency and changed the course of history forever. The NRA Life of Duty team was able to reunite the members of this team for the first time in ten years to tell their story.

Learn more about ODA 574 in The Only Thing Worth Dying For by Eric Blehm and look for the fourth and final reunion series on September 11, 2011.

NRAstore Unveils New Website

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The National Rifle Association is proud to announce the launch of its new and completely redesigned NRAstore.com website.

The NRAstore is the official source for authentic NRA clothing, home/office décor, shooting gear, tactical accessories, firearm books, and more.

The redesigned site will better serve customers with a more efficient shopping experience and an updated look and feel.

New features include product videos, enhanced product images, fast and easy navigation, guest shopping, quick order, and gift cards. The result is a streamlined, smooth-running, information-rich showcase for thousands of official NRA products. Designed with NRA members in mind, NRAstore.com is a fun and hassle-free way to shop.

“We wanted to enhance our members’ shopping experience by creating an easier, faster, and more efficient way to access the NRA logoed products they want,” said Jeffrey Poole, Director of NRA Membership Programs.

“Since 100% of the profits from the NRAstore™ go directly to support vital NRA programs, shopping at the new NRAstore.com is a great way to support NRA’s mission of defending the Second Amendment.”

Since its inception, the NRAstore™ has been the central source for branded NRA gear and fraternal items. Over the decades it has grown to include the e-commerce site NRAstore.com and now produces five catalogs per year. Originally developed as a source for members to get pins, patches, and decals, the NRAstore now offers an extensive line of shooting accessories, apparel, unique gifts, and tactical gear. Each purchase from NRAstore.com ultimately helps America’s foremost defender of Second Amendment rights.

Founded in 1871, the NRA is the world’s leader in firearms education and training. NRA’s successes are made possible by the determination and tireless efforts of four million members and industry leaders that support Second Amendment rights and NRA programs.

For more information about the NRAstore™, please visit www.NRAstore.com or call 1-888-607-6007.

My Gun Culture

USA --(Ammoland.com)- Today we continue our quest to interview some of the most interesting and good-humored people in the shooting community.

We’re pleased to have met Wendy Cunningham of the NRA National Firearms Museum at this years NRA Annual Meeting. Little did she know what she was getting into when she agreed to do an interview with us…

So Wendy, who did you have to bribe to get a job at the NRA National Firearms Museum? Or was it blackmail? You can tell us, we’ll keep it to ourselves.

Wendy Cunningham, NRA National Firearms Museum

Well, there is a certain individual who works in publications that would be really upset if I revealed his man-crush on David Hasselhoff (you know how the Germans just love David Hasselhoff) but I think we’ll leave that for another day.  Honestly, I’ve been interested in getting my foot in the door at the NRA for a long time so a little perseverance and a whole lot of patience paid off.

Wendy, the first step to recovery is to admit the problem. This is a great place to confess to our readers that you spend most of your daylight hours playing with the Museum’s guns right?

I’m sure I am supposed to start this off by reminding your readers that guns are not a toy…but we do have a Red Rider BB Gun after all.  I wish I could say that I get to go down on the range and run countless rounds through a fully automatic HK MP5, or sound off the all familiar “thump-thump-thump” of a Grease Gun.  Oh, wait, I do!  But in all honestly, even though I get to help set up displays like our current Hollywood Guns display, or beautiful new Galleries like our Petersen Gallery, the majority of my work is from behind a desk.  I run the office, produce our graphics and do our advertising, as well as multitude of other things.

Yeah, right. We believe you. Sure. What’s your personal favorite item in the collection and why?

That’s a tough one.  Depends on which Wendy you’re talking to.  What?  You didn’t know that I have multiple personalities?  If you are talking to Wendy the movie buff I might reach for John Wayne’s Winchester 1892, the large looped carbine he used in True Grit, or the nonconventional Star Wars Light Saber (too bad the batteries are dead.)  If you are talking to Wendy the historian, she loves Teddy Roosevelt’s…oh let’s be realistic, you are talking to my daddy’s little girl, the one you couldn’t keep off the railroad tracks and out of the trees, and she is going to tell you, hands down, the HK MP5 is what she wants her left index finger tickling.  It is like knowing you have a 502 horsepower V10 when you push the pedal to the floor.  Go big, or go home.

We’ve been to the NRA Museum, and its quite impressive! If you had to guess, what percentage of the entire collection to the current items on display represent? In other words, how much goody-goody-bang-bang do you all have stashed away in the back rooms and secret vaults?

If you saw Larry the Cable Guy visit the Museum on his new show, In America, you would have caught a glimpse of our firearms vault.  There are probably just as many guns down there as we have on display, however, we keep the best of the best on display for the public to see.  All but one…the Ghostbusters’ Proton gun.  Here at the NFM, “We ain’t afraid of no ghosts.”

OK, if you’re going to throw down the gauntlet like that, we demand to shoot and evaluate the Ghostbusters Proton Gun. We’re NRA members you know, so I think we’re entitled. Oh, and send some cool 3-D ghost targets with it. We’ll get it back to you in a couple of months. Fair enough?

I’d love to help you on that one but the last member that requested to test fire the Proton Gun ended up as a puddle of green plasma.  I’m sure you can understand the explanation I had to offer up was sticky at best.  (No pun intended, of course)  If you remember correctly, the original Proton Gun was called a Positron Collider.  I can’t say exactly where I’ve obtained this information but some have referred to this device as an unlicensed nuclear accelerator.  Dr. Venkman can neither confirm nor deny this claim, however, a certain extoplasmic entity, who wishes to remain nameless (and owes me money for dry-cleaning) stands by his statement that the Proton Gun’s maximum power setting is 500,000 MHz.  Doesn’t sound like something I’d want to mess around with.

So tell us how the Museum goes about getting new firearms for the collection. From what I understand, you all hop on the corporate jet a couple times a week to solicit donations. True?

I think on our last lunch trip for Sushi we must have forgotten where we parked that corporate jet of ours.  You can typically find the curators rolling across country in one of several SUVs, possibly with a Rubbermaid cart strapped to the top for wheeling around the heavy loads. Oh no, wait, that we left in pieces in the parking garage.  Ladies and Gentleman, the Department of Transportation puts up height warnings for a reason!  Luckily for us, many generous folks near and far offer donations and it is because of their generosity that we are one of the leading Firearms Museums in the world.

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects of exhibits that the Museum is working on?

If I told you, then I’d have to…well, you know how the rest of that sentence goes.  I can tell you to stay tuned.  We have a lot of exciting projects in the works that will keep people coming back.  You just never know what you might find, or who you might see, when you walk through the doors here at the National Firearms Museum.

Our thanks to Wendy and others at the NRA National Firearms Museum who helped us learn a little more about what really goes on at the NFM!

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

Letters to the AmmoLand Editor: Got something on your mind? Let us know and you can see it here.

Colorado --(Ammoland.com)-If you are a qualified voter for NRA Board Members I urge you to vote.

Now if you would accept a recommendation, I would sincerely like you to consider voting for Steve Schreiner, of Englewood Colorado, to be on the NRA Board of Directors. Steve is currently on the NRA Board.

One of the Board members passed away last year and Steve, being the next highest (but not elected) vote getter, took over that position and we have benefited greatly from his expertise in political affairs and matters of firearm freedom.

Steve devotes several hours each working day to firearm freedom efforts and to the NRA. On weekends he is at major gun shows in the Colorado region manning a firearms freedom Second Amendment NRA supporting booth.

Steve donates huge amounts of his personal time and money as an advocate of protecting our firearm rights at every opportunity! Schreiner tirelessly recruits people to protect our gun rights and he is without doubt the most dedicated member ever to be on the NRA Board. I know this all to be true–first hand!

Colorado's Steve Schreiner for NRA Board of Directors

I am serious, no other Board member will be more dedicated to protecting our Second Amendment, NONE! He really deserves reelection.

Many times we look at the ballot and have only what the candidates themselves write up in the Rifleman to judge how we might vote or we may accept NRA recommendations (for unknown agenda reasons). And many times rather than take a chance on someone we don’t know much about we just send in partially filled out ballots…I have done that.

I have personally known Steve Schreiner for 30 years. Schreiner has a solid background in the ways of political operation having been an aide to a U.S. Congressman years ago. He earned a Bronze Star for Valor and also earned the Silver Star in Nam for heroism.

If you were to meet Steve you will find a dedicated, highly-intelligent very active energetic guy with a wily sense of humor who WILL NOT compromise our founding father’s well written Bill of Rights and the Second Amendment. Steve is dedicated! We really do need people like him on the NRA board-seriously, we really do.

If you have room on your NRA Ballot to vote for Steve Schreiner, I urge you to do so he will prove to be incredibly effective on the NRA Board protecting our Second Amendment Rights. .

Thank You For Your Consideration,

Buckeye Firearms Foundation

Ohio --(Ammoland.com)- I’m writing to you to ask for your support.

My name is LINDA WALKER and I need your vote for the NRA Board of Directors. When you receive the ballot, either in the mail or in your NRA publication, please cast your vote for me.

As an ardent Second Amendment supporter, I am saddened by the erosion of our US Constitutional Rights over the years. The recent events in Tucson, as well as the Virginia Tech shootings, Colorado church murders, Columbine massacre, and other horrific events, have taught Americans nothing.

For too long, anti-gun advocates have played on the fears and ignorance of a gullible public to erase liberty and self-reliance from our national dialog. But I absolutely refuse to let them win this debate.

Linda Walker For NRA Board Of Directors

For many years now, I have called the Ohio Statehouse my second home as I have personally worked with legislators to protect and advance gun rights. While I have sought no personal gain for my efforts, the NRA honored me in 2009 with the “Sybil Ludington Women’s Freedom Award,” the highest honor given to one woman each year for Second Amendment legislation, advocacy, and education.

I serve as the Central Ohio Chair of Buckeye Firearms Association, Ohio’s foremost Second Amendment Rights organization. I have been present and testified in our Statehouse for nearly every hearing and vote over the past several years. I have directly assisted in the passage of legislation establishing Castle Doctrine in Ohio, statewide preemption of local gun bans, and historic reformations of concealed carry laws.

As a proud NRA certified instructor, I have taught well over a thousand students in safe, responsible gun handling and concealed carry. I also serve as Chairman of our county Friends of the NRA, work as an NRA Election Volunteer Coordinator for the Ohio 12th Congressional District, participate in local politics, and support the Ohio Gun Collectors Association.

If you help me get elected to the NRA Board of Directors, I vow that I will fight the encroachment of the BATF on the lawful use of firearms, stop foolish registration schemes, encourage youth and women to participate in hunting and shooting sports, and do everything in my power to prevent the erosion our God-given rights.

I am neither a celebrity nor a wealthy politician. I am a simple American who has dedicated her life to restoring the hopes and dreams of the Founding Fathers. I have fought in the trenches of legislation, educated citizens in basic self-defense, and tried my best to uphold the values of our Constitution.

I have done all this for my family, for my state, for my country, and for you.

If you are a voting member of the NRA, I humbly ask for your faith in me. And I ask for your vote when you receive the Board of Directors ballot in the mail or in your NRA publication scheduled for late February or early March.

P.S. Click here to see my pro-gun resume. Scroll down. It’s at the bottom of the article.

NRA - ILA

Charlotte, NC --(Ammoland.com)- NRA-ILA grass roots news continues to cover break gun rights news with a new and improved format for the “Grassroots News Minute” video!

Cam Edwards talks to NRA First Vice President David Keene at The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) 2011 in Washington, DC.

To view the current video in its new format, please click above:

Read More on these topics:

• NRA’s Cam Edwards Discuses Governor Rendell’s Veto of PA’s Castle
• NRA Exclusive Event at Henry Repeating Arms
• Cam Edwards Talks to Matt Carmel of Constitution Arms

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

NRA - ILA

Charlotte, NC --(Ammoland.com)- NRA-ILA grass roots news continues to cover break gun rights news with a new and improved format for the “Grassroots News Minute” video!

Cam Edwards talks to Howard Nemerov, writer for Pajamas Media about his article entitled “Did the National Rifle Association Buy Congress?” – NRA News

To view the current video in its new format, please click above:

Read More on these topics:

• Statement From The NRA On H.R. 5175, The Disclose Act
• NRA Elbows Its Way Into The Mcdonald Case
• NRA Cuts Questionable Deal with Democrats

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

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The 2011 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will be an exciting weekend, as thousands of NRA members will come together April 27–May 1, 2011, in Pittsburgh, PA.

You can contribute to the success of our meeting by participating as an Annual Meetings Volunteer.

If you can spare a half-day or more while attending the Pittsburgh Annual Meetings, you can assist the NRA staff in making this year’s Annual Meetings our best yet! Participating in the Annual Meetings as a volunteer is one of the most satisfying and enjoyable activities you will experience as an NRA member.

Volunteers are needed in a wide variety of activities including the NRA Store, Membership Services, Airgun Range, Firearm Inspectors, and Exhibitor Registration.

The store, in particular, requires lots of manpower; especially needed are volunteers who have cashier experience. Membership Services is a busy place as many members renew or upgrade their memberships. And we will need many NRA-certified instructors to assist young people at the air gun range. There are other opportunities as well.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Dennis Eggers, Volunteer Coordinator, at (270) 522-0909, or via e-mail at DEggers@nrahq.org. Additional information and a registration form are available at the Annual Meeting site: www.nraam.org.

If you would like to volunteer your time, please complete the Volunteer Registration Form and forward it to Dennis Eggers, 203 Choctaw Drive, Cadiz, KY 42211, or to deggers@nrahq.org. Thank you. We hope to see you in Pittsburgh!

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

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- To the dismay of the Brady Campaign and other gun ban groups, President Barack Obama didn’t address gun control during his State of the Union address on January 25th.

However, Newsweek reports that “in the next two weeks, the White House will unveil a new gun-control effort,” and that the White House confirms, “Obama will address the gun issue in a separate speech, likely early next month.” According to Newsweek, Obama believes that gun laws have been “too loose for much longer than just the past few weeks” following the murders in Tucson, Arizona.

Precisely what President Obama might have in mind is uncertain. His post-election transition website advocated reimposing the expired federal “assault weapon” ban, but that ban would clearly be irrelevant in the wake of a shooting that involved a firearm not covered by the old ban.

The President, a long-time gun control supporter, has been conspicuously silent on gun control restrictions since taking office. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the anti-gun groups prodding him to support their agendas. Mayors Against Illegal Guns, which sent the President a long list of gun control recommendations in August of 2009, is proposing that all private sales of firearms be subject to checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)—which would have been irrelevant in Tucson, since the accused killer acquired his guns from a dealer.

MAIG is also calling for “fixing” NICS. Among the many “fixes” the group has in mind is that “people who have been suspended or expelled from a federally funded college or university because of mental illness” and “people who are compelled by a court to take medication for mental illness or to get other mental health care” would be prohibited from possessing firearms. MAIG also proposes to extend the prohibition to anyone who has had a drug-related arrest, a failed drug test, an admission of drug use, or a drug-related conviction within the previous five years.

Concurrently, the Brady Campaign is throwing its support behind H.R. 308—the “more than 10 round” magazine ban introduced by Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.)—and asks the group’s supporters to sign a petition urging “a few basic steps,” with neither the “steps” nor the intended recipient of the petition disclosed (to read a detailed fact sheet on H.R. 308, please click here).

The Violence Policy Center, which guided McCarthy in crafting her magazine ban bill, is supporting it with yet another of its countless “analyses”– Accessories to Murder: High-Capacity Magazines—and a similar effort directed against the type of pistol used in Tucson. The VPC uses the opportunity to suggest, as it often does, that gun ownership is fading, by referring to standard magazines for self-defense handguns as a marketing tool the firearm industry uses to appeal to “its shrinking customer base.” That’s an interesting argument to hear from a group that has no members, while the number of guns possessed by Americans increases year after year.

The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence—VPC leader Josh Sugarmann’s employer back when the group was known as the National Coalition to Ban Handguns—advocates not merely running NICS checks on gun buyers, but “investigating” them as well. The group also insists that the Tucson shooting was the result of “insurrectionist rhetoric” the group blames on conservatives, various politicians, and the five justices who joined the Supreme Court’s Heller decision—rather than being the act of one deranged individual, as all available evidence suggests.

And, in a return to his modus operandi of vilifying gun shows and the purchase of firearms by show attendees, this week anti-gun Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), introduced legislation to “establish background check procedures for gun shows.” As usual, this bill is not about gun shows. Rather, S. 35 is the latest rendition in a long line of Lautenberg-introduced bills that are nothing more than “solutions” in search of a problem. Numerous government studies have determined that gun shows are an insignificant source of firearms misused in crime.

Which, if any, of these proposals and theories will get the president’s endorsement remains to be seen.

But gun owners should be prepared: The second two years of President Obama’s term may be tougher than the first.

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

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. -(Ammoland.com)-  The National Rifle Association hosted 45 outstanding high school students July 12-18 at its annual Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.). The summit encourages young adults to become active and knowledgeable U.S. citizens by learning about the Constitution and the federal government.

During the week’s activities, students visited DC’s memorials and monuments and toured the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, the National Archives, the NRA National Firearms Museum, and the Marine Corps Museum.

“We’ve learned a lot about the Second Amendment and the programs of the NRA,” said 2010 Y.E.S. participant Julia Parker from New Hampshire. “It’s been a wonderful experience getting to know other students who share my passion for freedom.”

In addition to the week in Washington D.C., Y.E.S. participants compete for $30,000 in college scholarships. The first round of awards totals $10,000 and is given at the conclusion of the Y.E.S. program. A second round of scholarships, called Grand Scholarships, is comprised of $20,000 and involves a second application, available to the participants after they go through the Y.E.S. program. Since the program’s inception in 1996, more than $200,000 in scholarships has been awarded.

The NRA Foundation provides all funding for the Youth Education Summit through monies raised by Friends of NRA events. Friends of NRA is a grassroots, fund-raising program organized by local volunteers. Since the program’s inception in 1992, Friends of NRA has funded thousands of local projects that include youth education efforts, firearm training, and conservation projects.

For additional information on the Youth Education Summit, visit www.friendsofnra.org/yes.

Ted Nugent Christmas for AmmoLand Readers

Jackson MI - -(AmmoLand.com)- Ted Nugent wants to wish you a Merry Christmas!

About:
With attacks against the sportsmen coming from every direction, it is nice to have a voice come from our corner. Thanks to Ted Nugent for being that voice. Thanks for bucking political correctness to instead speak out for those of us who are willing to take responsibility for some of the meat we put on our plates. With so many antis in Hollyweird grabbing headlines these days, We wish more performing artists would follow Ted’s lead and speak out against those who wish to outlaw hunting.  Visit www.Tednugent.com for more info.

The NRA Blog

NRAblog.com

Fairfax, Virginia -(AmmoLand.com)- AmmoLand.com’s featured Gun Blog of the Month, for December 2009, is the The NRA Blog at www.nrablog.com .

The NRABlog is the official blog for the National Rifle Association and is a joint effort by all the different branches of the NRA organization and is a great source for for an intimate look inside the events and programs of the NRA.

As diverse as the NRA membership the NRAblog covers many topics from Firearms Collecting to Women OnTarget Hunts to the National Police Shooting Championships. The Nra Blog is well worth taking time to explore.

NRABlog Blog Interview:

Q: What is your Blog’s Official Name?
A: NRAblog

Q: How many people work on the NRA Blog or what is the organizational structure?
A: NRAblog is a combined effort of the NRA’s Media Relations division and each of the divisions of NRA General Operations: National Firearms Museum, Competitive Shooting, Education + Training, Field Operations, and Law Enforcement Activities.

Q: What are the names of the writers or contributors to the NRA Blog?
A: Blog contributors from Media Relations include Lars Dalseide, Kyle Jillson, Danielle Sturgis, Kerrin Brinkman.

You’ll also hear from the staff of the NRA National Firearms Museum — Jim Supica, Phil Schreier, Doug Wicklund and Matt Sharpe – and assorted folk from across the NRA.

Q: Does each person have a specialty that they focus on?
A: Typically, Danielle blogs about our women’s programs, along with events happening at the NRA HQ Range and the National Firearms Museum; Kerrin covers most of the Education & Training division, including our busy youth program division and all NRA Certified Instructors; Lars takes care of Law Enforcement and disabled shooting; Kyle blogs about a variety of competitions and Friends of NRA events.

With 184 programs and a busy calendar of events, though, we share opportunities and areas in order to cover as much as possible.

Q: Where are is the NRA Blog located?
A: Wherever the programs of the NRA take us! Granted, most of our writing is done from NRA HQ here in Fairfax, Virginia, but in 2009 we have blogged “on location” from the following events:

• National Rifle and Pistol Matches at Camp Perry, OH
• NRA Annual Meetings in Phoenix, AZ
• National Police Shooting Championships in Albuquerque, NM
• SHOT Show in Orlando, FL
• Women’s Wilderness Escape at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, NM
• Friends of NRA banquet in Fountain City, WI
• Wanenmacher Gun Show in Tulsa, OK
• Club University workshops in Albany, NY; Sacramentio, CA; and Nashville, TN
• Collegiate championships in TX

Q: What is the point of view or purpose of your blog?
A: We aim to spread awareness of the programs of the NRA – whether through pictures, video, first-person accounts, or interviews. NRA members and nonmembers alike are welcome to use NRAblog as a resource.

Q: How long has your Blog been active?
A: After a re-design, NRAblog went live in December of 2008. We’re turning one this month!

Q: What are the main sections or categories of the NRA blog and what do they cover?
A: The following tabs at the top of the site offer easy navigation of our main areas:

• Hunting: Covers the hunters’ services department of the NRA; our sister site www.NRAhuntersrights.org ; and more.
  
• The National Firearms Museum: Includes info on gun collecting, gun shows, the curators and their media appearances.
  
• Competitions: Contains live coverage of the NRA National Rifle and Pistol Matches and information about all disciplines of competition.
  
• Law Enforcement: Covers all areas of Law Enforcement competition, including the National Police Shooting Championships and Tactical Police Competition; also Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and law enforcement training.
  
• Training: Encompasses all NRA Certified Instructor disciplines.
  
• Youth Programs:  Includes information about Youth Hunter Education Challenge, the Winchester Marksmanship program, and more.
  
• Women’s Programs:  Covers our popular Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinics; Refuse To Be A Victim seminars; the Women’s Wilderness Escape; and women-only hunts.
  
• Community Outreach:  Contains information about upcoming Friends of NRA events; biographies of NRA Field Representatives; NRA Business Alliance; NRA Clubs & Associations; NRA volunteers; events and opportunities for veterans; and grants in action pieces.

Q: Do you have any other digital sites?
A: Of course! We invite blog readers to make use of the following resources:

• www.NRA.org
• www.NRAnews.com
• www.NationalFirearmsMuseum.org
• www.NRAILA.org

Also, for those interested in social media, check out NRAblog on the following network sites:

• Twitter: http://twitter.com/NRAblog
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=40573473288&ref=ts
• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/GOnraMedia
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=89220&trk=hb_side_g

Q: What is one thing that you want AmmoLand Shooting Sports News readers to know about the NRA Blog?
A: We’re your one-stop resource for the programs of the NRA! If you’re looking to learn more about the Youth Hunter Education Challenge, the NRA Bianchi Cup, or the NRA Business Alliance, check us out. We offer a variety of website links to other parts of the NRA, including the NRA-Institute on Legislative Action.

Q: What things would you like to do or expand on in the NRA blog to in the future?
A: We’re always working to find new ways to connect with our readers. Now that we are on Twitter and YouTube and Facebook and LinkedIn, we’d like to start a monthly or weekly newsletter feature. NRAblog readers could opt to receive the newsletter via email to stay up-to-date with the programs of the NRA and to learn about exclusive offers and more.

Q: What parting remarks or comments you would like to make or promote?
A: We’re thrilled to be included on your site! Thanks for all you do to get the word out about firearms groups, events, and merchandise. See you at the NRA Annual Meetings, May 13-18 in Charlotte, NC.

AmmoLand is thrilled to be the first to wish the NRA Blog a Happy 1st Birthday! So be sure and stop by the NRA Blog on Facebook and wish them Happy Birthday on their wall.

Visit: www.NRAblog.com

National Rifle Association of America

National Rifle Association

Washington, DC --(AmmoLand.com)- Back in June, we reported on a proposed U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rule change that would have expanded the Switchblade Knife Act of 1958 to include spring-assisted or one-handed-opening knives, and would have directly targeted the importation of “assisted opening” folding knives.

Assisted opening knives are frequently used by hunters, anglers, farmers, ranchers, firefighters, law enforcement and emergency personnel and anyone else who may need to open a knife with only one hand.

The proposed regulations would have designated all such knives as “switchblades” — despite the fact they do not fall under the federal definition of “switchblades” — and would have made them illegal for import into the United States.

Fortunately, in July, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed an amendment to the Federal Switchblade Act as part of the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2010. This NRA-supported amendment then headed to a House-Senate conference committee.

Last week, the U.S. House passed the amendment. We are happy to report that this week, the U. S. Senate passed the measure as well.

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.

National Rifle Association of America

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, VA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The National Rifle Association recently recognized the STX-01 Committee from Corpus Christi, Texas, as winner of the 2008 Most Outstanding Friends of NRA Committee award at its September Board of Directors meeting.

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money and gives 100% of the net proceeds to qualified local, state, and national programs. Since the inception of the program in 1993, Friends of NRA has awarded over 140 million dollars to promote shooting sports throughout the United States.

The Most Outstanding Friends of NRA Committee Award is presented each year to the Committee that raises the most funds at a single Friends of NRA event. STX-1 Friends of NRA Committee from Corpus Christi, Texas, led the nation in 2008 by raising over $188,000 in net income. Through 2008, they have raised an astounding $ 1,415,671 for The NRA Foundation and had almost 12,000 attendees.

“It’s because of the leadership and dedication of people like Laura Berry, Chairwoman of the STX-01 Committee, that we can effectively promote the shooting sports and all NRA programs to gun owners everywhere,” said NRA Executive Director Kayne Robinson.

The NRA’s National Awards Program was established in the 1980s to recognize the exemplary service of those persons who support the NRA in areas such as legislative affairs, club operations, women’s and youth programs, and fund-raising activities.

For more information on Friends of NRA and the Most Outstanding Friends of NRA Committee award, go to www.friendsofnra.org or call the NRA at 703/267-1595.

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.

National Rifle Association

Fairfax, VA --(AmmoLand.com)- Award nominations for the 2010 awards are being accepted until November 1, 2009.

Many women have made significant contributions in the areas listed below and you probably know a few of them.

Please take a moment to nominate them for an award appropriate to their contributions.

This is the perfect way to recognize their hard work and dedication.

In recognition of the significant contributions made by women in the areas of Second Amendment advocacy, education, volunteerism, hunting and shooting sports activities the National Rifle Association bestows the:

• Sybil Ludington Women’s Freedom Award upon women whose contributions have been made at the national level.
• Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award upon women whose contributions have been made at the local, state and/or regional levels.

For more information about NRA’s Women’s Awards Program, please call Patty Zollman at 800-861-1166 or visit www.nrahq.org/women/index.asp to download nomination forms.

Please note: Women may not be nominated for both the Sybil Ludington Women’s Freedom Award and the Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award in the same year.

Deadline For Nominations:
November 1, 2009

About:
The National Rifle Association is the premier firearms education association in the world. With nearly four million members nationwide and over 120,000 members in Virginia, the association is widely recognized as a major political force and America’s foremost defender of Second Amendment rights.

National Rifle Association

COLUMBIA, MO - -(AmmoLand.com)- The 2009 NRA Bianchi Cup will mark the 30th anniversary of the shooting event. New additions including a Production Division and Pro-Am shooting event are being introduced in celebration of the competition’s 30th anniversary.

Also known as the National Action Pistol Championship, the NRA Bianchi Cup will be held at the Green Valley Rifle and Pistol Club in Columbia, Missouri May 18-23. The world’s top action pistol shooters will compete in the event, which has drawn record support from 45 sponsors with over $200,000 in cash and prizes. Industry executives from sponsors such as Midway USA, Sig Sauer, Safariland and Bianchi International will be in attendance.

To commemorate the event’s 30th anniversary, the NRA Bianchi Cup will go back to its roots by introducing the Production Division. The first Bianchi Cup held in 1979 was conducted using production firearms. To pay tribute to the Bianchi Cup founders, the new Production Division was unveiled this year, with the first Production Champion being crowned at this year’s event. An enhanced set of prizes and awards for the Production Division will draw more participants and a renewed use of production firearms in action pistol competitions.

A Pro-Am event held on Saturday, May 23, marks another new addition for the 30th anniversary of the NRA Bianchi Cup. Celebrity shooters including country music stars Mark Wills and Michael Peterson will compete in the new Pro-Am event along with notable Missouri celebrity competitors.

“With the addition of the Production Division and the Pro-Am, the NRA Bianchi Cup just keeps getting better,” said Mike Krei, Director of NRA’s Competitive Shooting Division.

For more information on the NRA Bianchi Cup or NRA’s Action Pistol Program, call NRA Action Pistol Coordinator Tom Hughes at (703) 267-1478 or send an email to bianchicup@nrahq.org.

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.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, VA - -(AmmoLand.com)- The National Rifle Association has selected one woman to receive the 2009 Sybil Ludington Women’s Freedom Award and three women to receive the 2009 Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award for their outstanding contributions to the Second Amendment and the shooting sports in support of the goals of the NRA.

The Sybil Ludington Women’s Freedom Award recognizes exceptional accomplishments of modern heroines through their legislative activism as well as advocacy, volunteerism, and education of others to the goals of the Second Amendment and the NRA on a national level. Its name comes from a heroine of the American Revolution. The Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award is named for the first female president of the NRA and recognizes the achievements of women who have worked at the local, state, or regional levels to promote the shooting sports and defend the Second Amendment.

Linda Walker of Alexandria, Ohio received the Sybil Ludington Women’s Freedom Award for her outstanding history of achievements.

Additionally, the prestigious Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award was presented to: Susan Bierly of Stewartville, Minnesota; Marlene Duncan of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; and Donna Vandermolen of Conroe, Texas.

A positive presence in the Ohio Statehouse, Linda Walker contributes greatly to legislative work and was instrumental in the passage of SB 184, Ohio’s Castle Doctrine, referred to as “one of the most sweeping firearm reform bills in the United States.” Linda, a NRA Certified Instructor, regularly holds classes hosted at her own private firing range; one of which meets the Ohio requirement for education to apply for a concealed handgun license. A strong advocate in gun legislation and a teacher of the next generation of safe gun owners, Linda also serves as NRA’s Election Volunteer Coordinator for the 12th Congressional District for the State of Ohio.

Susan Bierly has worked on and helped promote many NRA programs including Friends of NRA, Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program, Women In The Outdoors, Refuse To Be A Victim®, and Women On Target® Instructional Shooting Clinics. A Refuse To Be A Victim® Regional Counselor and an NRA Certified Training Counselor in multiple disciplines, Bierly’s supportive mentoring attitude and extensive networking have established her as an instructor of preference. Since 2006, Bierly has trained more than 1,000 students at NRA programs and other events.

Marlene Duncan has volunteered countless hours to the promotion of the shooting sports and is an accomplished shooter herself. Marlene has volunteered for fifteen years with Friends of NRA and has helped direct many Women On Target® Instructional Shooting Clinics in addition to instructing JROTC and NROTC units in her area. Together with her husband, who is also an NRA Training Counselor, Marlene has trained over 3,000 NRA Certified Firearms Instructors since the 1980s.

Donna Vandermolen became the first woman Five-Gun Expert with the International Defensive Pistol Association, who she is also a Safety Officer for. Being a NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, Personal Protection In the Home Instructor, and a Range Safety Officer, Donna teaches many practical skills to all who are willing to learn. She has a strong interest in introducing women to the use of firearms and helping them learn proper safety habits and firearm-handling skills while overcoming preconceived notions that the shooting realm is for just men.

To honor women’s contributions in support of the Second Amendment at the national level, the Sybil Ludington Women’s Freedom Award has been awarded since 1995. The Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award has been presented since 2004. Nominations for both awards are due on November 1 each year.

For more information on both awards, or to find out how to nominate a deserving woman, visit www.nrahq.org/women/awards.asp or call (800) 861-1166.

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.