Since its inception in March 2001, a total 311,859 shell casings have been cataloged.

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

Albany, NY --(Ammoland.com)- The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association said they applaud Governor Cuomo’s proposal to scrap the Combined Ballistic Identification System (CoBIS).

After collecting over 356,000 spent shell casings since March 2001 at an estimated cost of nearly $44 million, not a single crime has been solved because of the program, NYSRPA says.

“By any rational measure, CoBIS has been a total failure,” said NYSRPA President Tom King.

“What is astounding is that there are actually elected officials defending it. Only in Albany would you find people who think that a program which has run for more than 10 years without producing a single result is good public policy.”

The legislature can end the failed system by passing A-1131/S-459.

Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowksi said, “Over the past few years I have had many meetings where people have called into question the effectiveness and cost of the CoBIS program. I plan on consulting with law enforcement during budget negotiations, however, my initial reaction is that it may be the time to end this program and seek alternative, more cost effective law enforcement tools.”

Assemblywoman Annie Rabbit said, “I fully support eliminating the failed COBIS program immediately. It has been a waste of precious taxpayer money.”

NYSRPA Henry Ristau Man of the Year Award Goes to Joseph P. DeBergalis, Jr.

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

New York --(Ammoland.com)- The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is proud to announce the creation of a new and important award for meritorious service in furthering Second Amendment Freedoms and fostering growth of the shooting sports statewide and nationally.

To that end in the spirit of enthusiastic service to these ideals we are dedicating and naming the award after long time member Henry Ristau.

Henry, a World War II veteran, recently died shortly after his 101st birthday. Henry’s dedication to the Association and the Second Amendment manifested itself in his daily work ethic; he worked diligently at the NYSRPA’s office until six months prior to his passing. It is that same level of dedication and commitment we are looking for in recipients for this award.

Every once in awhile a deserving and hardworking individual is rewarded for the anonymous hard work and effort he daily puts in to foster and expand the shooting sports in New York State as well as the nation. The individual chosen for the NYSRPA Henry Ristau Man of the Year Award serves as vice president for the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association and in this position oversees the shooting sports in New York State.

He is also a member of the National Rifle Association Board of Directors where he serves on the Law Enforcement Assistance Committee, the Sport Shooting Committee, he is vice Chairman of the Action Shooting Committee and Chairman of the Education and Training Committee; he accomplishes these tasks while fulfilling the everyday duties of full time professional employment. He travels far and wide on weekends promoting the shooting sports particularly his favorite “The Three Gun Competition”; the fastest growing of all the expanding shooting sports.

It is with great pride and pleasure that I present this year’s NYSRPA “Henry Ristau Man of the Year Award” to my friend and associate Joseph P. DeBergalis, Jr.

About:
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the state’s largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, our organization has been dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Our membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the state. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York.  Visit: www.nysrpa.org

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

ALBANY, NY --(Ammoland.com)- In a move that will eliminate the confusing patchwork of state laws regarding the concealed carry of firearms, the House of Representatives today passed H.R. 822 – the “National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011.”

In brief, H.R. 822 allows anyone with a valid state-issued concealed firearm license to carry a concealed firearm in any state that issues such licenses, or that does not prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms for lawful purposes.

Thus, in the same way that each state recognizes driver’s licenses issued in other states, each state will recognize other states’ concealed carry licenses. Each state’s laws governing where concealed firearms may be carried will continue to apply within its borders.

The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association congratulates the House on the passage of this bill, and urges the Senate to take it up as soon as possible.

Special thanks go to these members of the New York Congressional delegation: Bill Owens, Brian Higgins, Maurice Hinchey, Nan Hayworth, Richard Hanna, Tom Reed, Ann Marie Buerkle, Kathy Hochul and most of all Chris Gibson.

“Chris Gibson got it right when he said on the House floor that H.R. 822 is about freedom,” said Tom King NYSRPA President.

“The strong bipartisan support the bill received from our Congressional delegation shows that gun rights is a mainstream issue for New Yorkers.”

About:
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the state’s largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, our organization has been dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Our membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the state. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York.  Visit: www.nysrpa.org

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

New York --(Ammoland.com)- Urge Regional Economic Development Councils to work with companies such as Remington Arms, Just Right Carbines, Kahr Arms, Kimber Manufacturing, Turnbull Restoration & Dan Wesson Firearms and support the firearms industry that employs thousands of New Yorkers

At a time when nearly 760,000 New Yorkers are unemployed, Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) and New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA) President Tom King, today said Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Councils should make the retention of firearm companies such as Remington Arms; Just Right Carbines; Kahr Arms; Kimber Manufacturing; Turnbull Restoration and Dan Wesson Firearms – along with the thousands of private sector jobs they provide – a top economic development priority for the Empire State.

Leader Kolb and President King also urged the rejection of government mandates such as micro-stamping, which drive up the cost of firearms, hurt the economic competitiveness of New York’s gun industry and could lead to firearm manufacturers leaving the state altogether.

Pointing to a recent New York Times story “States Pitch a Lifestyle to Lure Gun Makers From Their Longtime Homes,” Leader Kolb said the Councils should recognize aggressive steps taken by other states to steal away firearm companies and work to retain the thousands of private sector jobs in New York that are involved with the manufacture and sale of firearms.

Leader Kolb and President King asked the Councils to work closely with firearm companies such as Remington Arms (Ilion); Just Right Carbines (Canandaigua); Kahr Arms and Kimber Manufacturing (Yonkers); Turnbull Restoration (Bloomfield); and Dan Wesson Firearms (Norwich) to make the sector more competitive by bringing the Empire State’s labor, energy and transportation costs in line with those of other states.

“Thousands of New Yorkers are presently employed in some form or fashion by the firearms industry. More than ever, we have to fight to keep these jobs as states such as Idaho, Alabama, and Montana are aggressively trying to lure away New York’s firearm industries. Losing these private sector jobs would be a devastating hit to our already fragile economy,” said Leader Kolb, the only Legislative Leader in state government who has started and run successful private sector manufacturing businesses.

“We need to make sure that job creating companies such as Remington Arms, Just Right Carbines, Kahr Arms, Kimber Manufacturing, Turnbull Restoration and Dan Wesson Firearms stay right here in the Empire State. With New York facing fierce competition from 49 other states trying to lure our businesses and jobs away, listening to, and working with, private sector job creators such as these should be a top priority for the Councils,” Leader Kolb said.

Besides tax breaks and other financial incentives states are using to entice firearm companies to relocate, the New York Times also cited the impact of government mandates such as micro-stamping as a leading factor why some businesses may possibly leave New York State (and Connecticut), relocating to areas without micro-stamping requirements.

The New York Times article stated the following: “Gun manufacturers say proposed micro-stamping laws could drive Colt out of Connecticut and Remington out of New York, which are among more than half a dozen states where the legislation has been introduced. California, which employs more firearms industry workers than any other state, has already approved a micro-stamping law that is pending. Carlton S. Chen, a vice president at Colt, said the company would have few qualms about leaving Connecticut if micro-stamping became law.”

“Having the Regional Economic Development Councils listen to the needs of the firearms industry in New York would mark a good start to a much-needed partnership. Next, the state Legislature needs to do its part and stop considering costly government mandates, such as micro-stamping, that do little to keep New Yorkers safe, yet drive up the cost of owning a firearm and create a climate where companies that produce them no longer feel welcome. In this tough economy, we have to do whatever it takes to keep quality employers like Remington Arms, Just Right Carbines, Kahr Arms, Kimber Manufacturing, Turnbull Restoration and Dan Wesson Firearms part of the Empire State,” Leader Kolb stated.

“NYSRPA has long recognized the economic impact of ill-conceived legislation that seeks to diminish our constitutional freedoms. The NYSRPA is proud to partner with a Legislative Leader like Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb, a former private sector businessman who understands that our heritage industries need legislative protection, not harassment, which is one of the reasons Leader Kolb was our legislator of the year for 2010,” said Tom King, President of the NYSRPA.

“There are more than 10,000 New Yorkers employed in the firearms manufacturing, and related industries. We need to retain these jobs here in New York not drive them elsewhere through poorly conceived legislation,” President King stated.

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

New York - -(Ammoland.com)- New York is the Least Free State in the Nation And we live in it!

That’s right according to the Mercatus Center of George Mason University New York is the least free of the fifty states (http://mercatus.org/freedom-50-states-2011/NY).

According to the study “New York is by far the least free state in the Union. It has also experienced the most interstate emigration of any state over the last decade. New York has by far the highest taxes in the country. Property, selective sales, individual income, and corporate-income taxes are particularly high. Spending on public welfare, hospitals, electric power, transit, employee retirement, and “other and unallocable” expenses are well above national norms.

Only Alaska has more government debt as a percentage of the economy. On personal freedoms, gun laws are extremely restrictive, but marijuana laws are better than average, while tobacco laws are extremely strict, and cigarette taxes are the highest in the country.

Motorists are highly regulated, and home school regulations are excessive, but nondrug victimless-crimes arrests are low. New York has the strictest health-insurance community-rating regulations in the country, which have wiped out the individual market.

Mandated coverage is worse than average but were actually cut back substantially in 2007-2008. Eminent domain abuse is rampant and unchecked. Perversely (in our view), the state has stricter contribution limits for grassroots PACs than for corporate and union PACs”

How can this be? How can the Empire State a past bastion of free thought have let itself become the most regulated and least Free State in the nation?

Where have our free and conservative thinkers go? Maybe they are just leaving or as someone once said “voting with their feet”.

The New York post awhile ago published an interesting article that stated ” Here are the ugly details: Since 2000, New York’s population grew at a paltry 2.1 percent, versus 9.7 percent nationally. As a result, New York not only loses those two House seats, it’ll also miss out on billions in federal cash. The slip is in line with a decades-long, nationwide trend: Since 1940, America’s population has been steadily shifting from high­ tax states, like New York, to low-tax states, like Texas and Florida. New York alone lost a stunning 18 seats over the past 50 years”. (http://tiny.cc/69pm1)

If you haven’t noticed I have yet to say anything about the 2nd Amendment.

New York State is abysmal! Most of the Cities are run by tax and spend mayors who are more interested in keeping their party and themselves in power than correcting the problems in their cities. I’m tired of hearing the worn out mantra “take the guns away and our streets will be safer”. The question should be asked, how much money does Mayor Bloomberg donate to these mayors to have them continually repeat that worn out phrase when all statistics prove it wrong?

Let me tell you what we have to do; we must cut taxes, welfare, and mandates. We must entice the private sector to create jobs in the cities, we must allow the police to arrest criminals and we must insist that the District Attorneys prosecute those that are arrested especially repeat offenders who commit crimes with guns. We must make it too difficult for the gangs to do business in our inner cities.

Why? Because recently I was talking to a very successful developer who made the comment “I wouldn’t build in the city if you gave me the property. You fear for your life when you work into the late night”.

Wake up New Yorkers before it is too late!

About:
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the state’s largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, our organization has been dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Our membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the state. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York. Visit:  www.nysrpa.org

Looking For NYC Pistol License Holders

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

New York – -(Ammoland.com)- The NYPD has sent out form letters to pistol license holders who list handguns which can accept magazines holding 10+ rounds (deceptively) implying that all such magazines are illegal and that the guns must either be modified or turned in prior to renewal of the pistol license.

See http://www.nysrpa.org/images/NYPDmagazineletter.jpg

NYSRPA is looking to speak with anyone who has received a similar letter. Please call Tom King @ 518-424-1349 to further discuss the issue.

With regard to NYPD trying to con people out of their lawfully possessed magazines, we are specifically looking for:

• Anyone who informed the NYPD that their magazine was made prior to September 1994 and thus lawful and nevertheless had their handgun license revoked or not renewed because of it.
• Anyone who turned in their magazine based upon on the misleading statements in the NYPD’s letter.
• Anyone who turned in their magazine and is now trying to get it back.
• Anyone who corresponded with the NYPD about this letter and/or a magazine capacity issue.

About:
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the state’s largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, our organization has been dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Our membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the state. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York. Visit:  www.nysrpa.org

Second Amendment Foundation

BELLEVUE, WA --(Ammoland.com)- The Second Amendment Foundation announced this morning that it has filed an amended complaint in federal district court against New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the City of New York over exorbitant gun licensing fees, adding two additional plaintiffs who came forward asking to be part of the legal action.

SAF Executive Vice President Alan Gottlieb said with these additional plaintiffs, there are now seven private citizens who have joined SAF and the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association in the lawsuit.

“We are being overwhelmed with calls following yesterday’s announcement about the lawsuit,” Gottlieb acknowledged.

“We want to assure everyone that they do not need to be part of the lawsuit in order to benefit from a victory.

“SAF truly appreciates the wave of enthusiasm and support from New York gun owners,” he continued. “We need to move forward right now, and if people would like to support our lawsuit with a tax-exempt contribution to SAF, we would welcome that.”

The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York. Plaintiffs are represented by attorney David Jensen.

“Almost immediately after the lawsuit was filed,” Gottlieb said, “our phones started ringing as people wanted to join the lawsuit. We simply cannot take on more plaintiffs at this point and further delay the process.

“We do not want New York’s outrageous $340 license fee to continue one more day than it has to,” he explained. “Imagine if this was a poll tax. How many New Yorkers would be storming city hall right now, demanding their voting rights? The city’s excessive gun licensing fee amounts to the same egregious assault on every citizen’s right to self-protection in their own home.”

About:
The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 650,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control. SAF has previously funded successful firearms-related suits against the cities of Los Angeles; New Haven, CT; and San Francisco on behalf of American gun owners, a lawsuit against the cities suing gun makers and an amicus brief and fund for the Emerson case holding the Second Amendment as an individual right.

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

TROY, NY --(Ammoland.com)- The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association (NYSRPA) in conjunction with the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) have filed suit against the City of New York over the fees charged by the New York City Police Department for the costs associated with the processing of pistol license applications.

NYSRPA believes that both the City and State of New York violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment by requiring the payment of fees as a prerequisite for the lawful exercise of the specifically enumerated individual civil right to keep and bear arms as guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment.

“The U.S. Supreme Court has recently made it clear that individuals have a right to own guns. Government cannot place arbitrary financial constraints upon those wishing to exercise this right any more than it can for those wishing to exercise their right to vote, ” said Tom King, President of NYSRPA.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg himself publicly acknowledged the indefensible nature of the fee structure last October when he urged the City Council to lower the costs specifically to avoid a lawsuit:

“We want to be in compliance with the law … so that we don’t want to lose the ability to have reasonable controls. If we have controls that the courts have ruled too onerous or too unfair, we could lose the whole thing.”

The City Council ignored the Mayor and flatly refused to take up this issue. NYSRPA has no choice but to take the issue to court.

Second Amendment Foundation

BELLEVUE, WA --(Ammoland.com)- The Second Amendment Foundation filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg that alleges New York City’s $340 fee for a permit to keep a handgun in the home is “excessive and impermissibly burdens the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.”

SAF is joined in the lawsuit by the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association and five individual New York City residents. Also named as a defendant in the lawsuit is New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

“Under state law,” said SAF Executive Vice President Alan Gottlieb, “the maximum fee for issuing a New York State handgun license is $10, but the law exempts citizens living in New York City. That exemption allows the city to charge an exorbitant fee for the license, which discourages city residents from exercising their civil rights while violating the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

“For decades the City has charged its residents exorbitant license fees that far exceed the fees charged by other states and cities that impose them,” said attorney David Jensen, who is representing the plaintiffs. “The effect of this is to force a punitive tax on New York City citizens who choose to own firearms in compliance with the law. But people have a constitutional right to keep and bear arms, and the City cannot simply impose fees for the sake of burdening law-abiding gun owners.”

“The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association was founded 141 years ago in New York City and we are proud to participate in an action to help restore the Second Amendment rights of all New York City residents,” said NYSRPA President Tom King.

In its lawsuit, SAF notes that the $340 fee is not used to defray administrative costs, so there appears to be no purpose for it other than to discourage people from applying for a permit. The excessive fee, according to Gottlieb, puts the exercise of a constitutional right solely within the financial reach of the wealthy class, essentially turning a civil right into a privilege for the rich and well-connected.

“New York is one of only two states that require a permit just to keep a handgun in one’s own home,” Gottlieb said. “Citizens in the other 48 states would consider that an outrage. The city’s residence premises’ handgun license amounts to a charge of more than $100 annually to keep a handgun in one’s home, which is ridiculous. Mayor Bloomberg is essentially taxing the fundamental right to defend one’s self in his or her own home. We cannot think of anything more egregious than perpetuating a fee structure that puts a financial obstacle in the way of citizens who want to protect their homes and families.

“We believe the only recourse is to take this issue to the federal court,” he concluded. “Billionaires like Mayor Bloomberg can be cavalier about a citizen’s rights, but we can’t, and we won’t.”

The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 650,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control. SAF has previously funded successful firearms-related suits against the cities of Los Angeles; New Haven, CT; and San Francisco on behalf of American gun owners, a lawsuit against the cities suing gun makers and an amicus brief and fund for the Emerson case holding the Second Amendment as an individual right.

Since its inception in March 2001, a total 311,859 shell casings have been cataloged.

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

TROY, NY --(Ammoland.com)- This month marks the 10th anniversary of New York’s Combined Ballistic Identification System (CoBIS) program.

Under this program, all new handguns sold in the state must be test fired and the shell casing imaged and entered into an electronic databank for possible crime scene identification.

Since its inception in March 2001, a total 311,859 shell casings have been cataloged. At an estimated cost of $4 million dollars per year, $40 million dollars has been spent on CoBIS over the past decade.

What have taxpayers received for this? Absolutely nothing!

Not a single crime has been solved because of it. By any measure, CoBIS has been a total failure and a public policy disaster.

Now, the same people who swore CoBIS would work are back pushing more of the same failed philosophy in the form of mandatory firearms microstamping, which is essentially another ballistic imaging scheme based upon unproven science fiction technology. The New York State Sheriffs’ Association recognizes this nonsense and opposes the microstamping legislation.

NYSRPA calls upon Governor Andrew Cuomo, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and state legislative leaders to publicly recognize these boondoggles for what they are, defund the CoBIS program and stand up to the fringe special interests advocating microstamping.

About:
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the state’s largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, our organization has been dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Our membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the state. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York. Visit:  www.nysrpa.org

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

New York, --(Ammoland.com)- John L. Cushman of Patchogue (Long Island), New York, has announced his candidacy for another term on the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association.

A former US Marine, he served on the NYS Conservation Council Board of Directors from 1973 to 2000. John was awarded the Grassroots Activist of the Year in September 1996, a nationwide recognition given by the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.

In April 1998 he was inducted into the NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame. John received the first-ever NRA Institute for Legis­lative Action Certificate of Appreciation in l983, was nominated as NYSCC’s Conserva­tionist of the Year in 1985, and received its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000.

A founding member and current president of the Sportsmen’s Association for Firearms Education (SAFE) Inc., John is a past chairman of the Coali­tion of NY State Sportsmen, an organization that encompassed several groups particularly interested in firearms legislation, law and shooting sports.

John L. Cushman of Patchogue, New York, has announced his candidacy for another term on the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association...

He was instrumental in for­mulating the policies of the NYS Conservation Council, SAFE, and the Coalition of NY State Sportsmen concerning firearms issues. Author of a policy statement concerning semi­automatic firearms, he saw it adopted by the NYS Conservation Council in 1989 and sent to then-Governor Mario Cuomo and all NYS outdoor writers on behalf of the organi­zation.

John currently serves on the Board of Directors of the NY State Rifle & Pistol Associa­tion and is an NRA-Certified Instructor in Personal Protection, Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun as well as Range Safety Officer.

He is an avid shooter, hand gunner and gun rights advocate to the legislature and the media. As president of the Sportsmen’s Association for Firearms Education, he has led the group in presenting standing-room-only annual Firearms Civil Rights Conferences and Women on Target clinics for a number of years.

The NYS Conservation Council, NYS Rifle & Pistol Association and SAFE have endorsed his candidacy for the ­NRA Board. Numerous local and county groups have also added their endorsements. John brings with him years of broad-based experience in legislative matters concerning conser­vation, self-defense, fish and wildlife, and par­ticularly firearms law.

He is seeking support of all voting members of the National Rifle Association in his bid for reelection to the NRA Board of Directors.

John L. Cushman
Semper Fidelis (always faithful)
Semper Vigilante (always vigilant)

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

New York --(Ammoland.com)- Do you want to preserve your firearms freedoms, promote youth hunting, increase access to public lands and ensure Conservation Fund monies are wisely spent?

On November 2 make your voice heard and vote for those candidates who will support you in Albany and across the state.

2010 General Election Candidate Ratings and Endorsements

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association 2010 Candidate Ratings

The grading system is as follows:

• A Outspoken supporter of RKBA/sponsors pro-gun legislation and initiatives
• B Supports RKBA/votes for pro-gun legislation and initiatives
• C Cannot be counted on to vote pro-gun/possibly clueless and/or does not understand the issues well
• D Opposes RKBA/votes for anti-gun legislation and initiatives
• F Outspoken opponent of RKBA/sponsors anti-gun legislation and initiatives
• ? Did not survey/unable to survey/did not return survey

Notes: It is much easier to get an F than it is an A. A person must have publicly demonstrated his support for the RKBA to receive an A. Incumbents are in bold. NYSRPA/NRA members are in italics. NYSRPA-PVF endorsed candidates have a * next to their grades.

Check our webpage for last minute additions or corrections.

About:
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the state’s largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, our organization has been dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Our membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the state. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York. Visit www.nysrpa.org

AmmoLand Gun News

New York --(Ammoland.com)- 2nd Amendment supporter, For the first time that I can remember we have our 2nd Amendment destiny in our hands, we have one of us running for Governor; the most important office in New York State.

Think about that for a moment Governor of New York State and we can make it happen. No let me rephrase that we must make it happen. We must put complacency, defeatism and partisanship behind us.

We must redouble our efforts to insure that our candidate is successful and becomes the first pro 2nd Amendment Governor in the modern history of New York State.

This is the year we must put the Political Party of our parents, our unions, our teachers and our differences behind us and elect a pro 2nd Amendment Governor.

• Vote PALADINO
• PALADINO for the People
• PALADINO for Our Governor

www.paladinoforthepeople.com

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

New York - -(AmmoLand.com)- There are a myriad of rumors regarding the NRA cluttering the internet but one in particular is causing me personal anguish.

That rumor reports that the NRA staff has issued a gag order to the NRA Board of Directors regarding comments on the nomination of Elena Kagen to the Supreme Court.

Let me explain something about the structure of the NRA; authority to do anything within the NRA comes from you the members of the NRA. That authority is delegated to your elected Board of Directors who in turn elects officers and formulate policy that is then issued to the Executive Vice President/CEO who then turns that policy into action through the professional staff.

Gag orders for the Board of Directors do not exist.

Friends; those of you close to me should know by now that telling me I can’t speak up on an issue of vital importance to the 2nd Amendment is going to get you into a war.

I spoke vociferously regarding the nomination of Sonya Sotomayor to the Supreme Court; in fact I joined a number of national 2nd Amendment leaders protesting the appointment and urging through a nationally published letter she not be confirmed.

I did that because of her ties to New York State and the position she took, on then recent, anti 2nd Amendment decisions. I have not taken a position on Elena Kagen’s nomination to the Supreme Court because I find it absurd that anyone with no judicial experience would be nominated to the Supreme Court and fervently hope the Republican Senators will block this nomination.

The 2nd Amendment protects all the rest. Why would the NRA, the protector of the 2nd Amendment, attempt to limit the 1st Amendment rights of its’ own Board of Directors?

It does not but if you think the Board members you voted for could be gagged then you voted for the wrong guys.

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

Albany, NY --(Ammoland.com)- Gun Owners of New York,

Yesterday was a landmark day for gun rights in New York State but the fight is not over. Since S-6005 was pulled from the floor rather than defeated it can be brought back for another attempt at passage this year.

Last evening at Senator Dale Volker’s retirement party there as much talk about when or if A-6005 would re surface and this morning the word is it may be back on Monday June 21, 2010.

The Senate Republicans are standing solidly behind us; please contact your senator and thank him for his support.

About:
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the state’s largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, our organization has been dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Our membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the state. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York. Visit: www.nysrpa.org

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

Albany, NY --(Ammoland.com)- As everyone knows microstamping will most likely come to a vote in the NYS Senate prior to adjournment this month.

I know you have been calling your NYS Senator and urging that this legislation be defeated since it will do nothing to make the people of New York State more secure only further restrict the legal and lawful gun owners of this state. I appreciate that but the fight is not over and there is more to do.

Please call all of the following NYS Senate Republican Senate leaders and urge them to hold their conference together and make sure their members all vote NO ON MICROSTAMPING.

Those Senators and their positions are:

• Senator Dean G. Skelos, Minority Leader, PH: 518-455-3171, Skelos@senate.state.ny.us
• Thomas W. Libous, Asst Minority Leader, PH: 518-455-2677, senator@senatorlibous.com
• Vincent L. Leibell, Asst Minority Leader, PH: 518-455-2677, leibell@senate.state.ny.us
• Owen H. Johnson, Asst Minority Leader, PH: 518-455-3411, ojohnson@senate.state.ny.us
• Thomas P. Morahan, Chair, Minority Policy, PH: 518-455-3261, morahan@senate.ny.us
• William J. Larkin, Minority Whip, PH: 518-455-2770, larkin@senate.state.ny.us
• Michael F. Nozzolio, Asst Minority Whip, PH: 518-455-2366, nozzolio@senate.state.ny.us
• Kenneth P. LaValle, Chair, Minority Conference, PH: 518-455-3121, lavalle@senate.state.ny.us

Remember, emails are good but calls are better, let’s show the leadership how we feel and explain in a polite manner that their jobs are dependent on us. Light up the Switchboard

About:
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the state’s largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, our organization has been dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Our membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the state. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York. Visit: www.nysrpa.org

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

Utica, NY --(Ammoland.com)- The Utica City Council is considering two resolutions in support of Mayor Bloomberg’s/MAIG’s anti-gun / anti-freedom efforts.

Resolution 13 is in support of HR-2159, prohibiting anyone on the terrorism watch list from buying a gun. Problem is nobody knows how people are put on this list or how to get off it. Ted Kennedy was denied boarding at an airport because he was on the list.

Resolution 14 is in support of HR-2324, closing the so-called gun show loophole. Basically prohibits private gun sales.

A copy of both resolutions are available on our website at http://www.nysrpa.org/files/Utica-RES13-14.pdf

Contact information for the City Council can be found at http://www.cityofutica.com/CommonCouncil/

Jacob J. Rieper, Vice President of Legislative & Political Affairs New York State Rifle & Pistol Association http://www.nysrpa.org http://www.nysrpa-pvf.org

About:
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the state’s largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, our organization has been dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Our membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the state. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York. Visit:  www.nysrpa.org

County of Niagara

LOCKPORT, NY --(AmmoLand.com)- Niagara County lawmakers will introduce several resolutions tonight opposing a slew of anti-sportsmen and anti-Second Amendment measures being advanced by the New York State Assembly’s majority and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

“In typical Albany fashion, the Assembly will hold, probably sometime in April, an ‘Anti-Gun Day,’ putting on a big show for their Downstate constituents,” Legislator John Syracuse, R-Newfane, said, as he introduced three resolutions opposing various Assembly bills.

“They’ll ram through one piece of anti-gun legislation after another. The problem is, though, you can’t be anti-gun without being anti-sportsman and anti-Second Amendment. And here in Niagara County, we value our sportsmen and we believe in the Constitution as it’s written.”

Syracuse made the announcement late Monday at the Niagara County Public Information Office’s press briefing area, where he was joined by Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs President John Butcher, who said he supported the three resolutions. The Federation represents 27 sportsmen’s clubs and more than 5,000 sportsmen.

Several county legislators were particularly vexed by proposed legislation that would require pistol permit-holders to renew their permits every five years, enduring an invasive investigation every renewal—and being expected to pay for it. Syracuse said the measure was little more than a costly unfunded mandate from the state the created new bureaucratic hurdles for gun owners while doing absolutely nothing to improve public safety.

“Currently, pistol permits are issued for the lifetime of the permit-holder, provided they don’t have any tangles with the law,” Syracuse said. “If they do run afoul of the law, those permits are promptly yanked. The system works, and has worked just fine for Niagara County’s 26,000 pistol permit holders.”

Syracuse was joined sponsoring that resolution by fellow lawmaker Paul Wojtaszek, R-North Tonawanda, and Kyle Andrews, D-Wilson, who resigned from the Legislature yesterday to take on new duties as county treasurer. County Clerk Wayne F. Jagow has also indicated his opposition to the Assembly bill. A second resolution being introduced tonight by Legislator John D. Ceretto, R-Lewiston, will tackle an Assembly bill that would treat any private transfers of long guns in New York state as a gun show, and subject to state red tape. Syracuse also indicated he would introduce a resolution to oppose an extreme tightening of rules on magazine-fed rifles and shotguns.

“A third proposed law from Albany that this County Legislature will oppose would seek to make New York’s laws regarding magazine-fed rifles and shotguns, already the most-restrictive in the nation, even more restrictive,” Syracuse said. “This basically makes it illegal for private citizens to own much more than a bolt-action rifle.”

Syracuse said more resolutions opposing other anti-Second Amendment bills in the Assembly would be introduced at subsequent meetings of the County Legislature, noting more than a dozen such measures had been added to the Assembly calendar over the past two months.

“These bills in our State Legislature are wrongheaded,” Syracuse said. “Frankly, they show us that the Assembly leadership have their priorities far out of line, when they should be focusing on New York’s massive budget gap. We, of course, don’t share their zeal to repeal our citizens’ rights.” Syracuse was confident the resolutions would attract strong bi-partisan support, noting that the County Legislature had passed a resolution opposing most Assembly anti-Second Amendment bills last year by a 17-2 margin.

Butcher expressed his support and thanks for the efforts by Syracuse and his colleagues as well. “The citizens of Niagara County are fortunate to have legislators who share the same values as our forefathers and who are willing to draft legislation that will help preserve and protect their rights,” Butcher said. “These rights were given to the people as guaranteed in the Constitution of the United States and in the Bill of Rights with the Second Amendment.”

New York State SportRifle

New York – -(AmmoLand.com)- To all Sporterifle Shooters, I am sure some of you have heard of some problems between Sporterifle and the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association. I feel it is time to explain the situation to all.

Sporterifle and NYSRPA have enjoyed a somewhat rocky but workable relationship for 50 years.

Two years ago, just before our summer meeting, I was approached by Joe DeBergalis, Vice President of NYSRPA, with a proposal to offer a discount on NYSRPA dues. But in order to enjoy this we had to have 100% of our shooters be NYSRPA members.

This was unacceptable to the Sporterifle board for the following reasons:

1. We believe that membership in any organization should be of free choice. We encourage membership in NRA, NYSRPA etc., but believe it should be free choice of the individual, not forced to participate in an activity.
2. It would be unfair to our out of state shooters.
3. It would put an additional burden of record keeping, either on Sporterifle or the team Captains to keep track of and collect NYSRPA dues.
4. It would open the door for NYSRPA to demand a fee every time a shooter shoots that would go to NYSRPA.
5. It would open the door for NYSRPA to have a voice in our policies and finances. Mr. DeBergalis was very unhappy that I would not support this idea and that I informed him that my allegiance was Sporterifle first and NYSRPA’s interests a distant second. He then threatened to take my views to the NYSRPA Executive Board and Tom King, NYSRPA President.

I did not attend any further meetings of NYSRPA board after that, to avoid any further conflict. I announced at last year’s banquets that I would not run for re-election. My feelings were that I could not do anything further to advance Sporterifle with the NYSRPA. Historically the Director is a person recommended by Sporterifle and then accepted by the NYSRPA and has a seat on both boards. I could not in good conscience feel I could represent the interests of both groups when the views were so opposite.

The Sporterifle board discussed this situation at our summer meeting 2009, and I again stated why I would not seek the office again at the end of this term (summer 2011). Sporterifle Board decided not to offer another candidate for the NYSRPA board. About December of this year I received a letter from Mr. DeBergalis accepting my resignation from the NYSRPA board that I had never tendered. I answered by registered letter that I had not resigned and that I had every intention o f finishing my term but not seeking re-election. A couple of weeks later I received a letter from Tom King saying that I was off the board, period. I then called Mr. King and restated my position.

He told me that Sporterifle was under NYSRPA control, they could take it over and run it as they saw fit. He also stated we could lose our NRA matches. He implied that he and Mr. DeBergalis would use their influence as NRA board members to force the NRA to drop our match sanctions even though we had done nothing wrong.

We, being the Sporterifle Board, decided that we needed legal advice as to what, if any, hold NYSRPA had over us. We had a meeting with a legal firm in Rochester who reviewed the situation. As we are incorporated in the State of New York as NYS Sporterifle and we received no money or goods from NYSRPA and there was no contract, in the lawyers’ opinion, NYS Sporterifle was under no obligation or control of NYSRPA. The lawyers also suggested several things we should do in order to “Bullet Proof” our situation. We authorized them to proceed.

At the present time there is no connection between NYS Sporterifle and New York State Rifle and Pistol Association. We have been removed from NYSRPA’s web site and we have removed their name from our web site and from all of our documentation. I expect you will see some changes in our match offerings due to this change and the situation with the NRA matches. I also expect to see a small increase in Sporterifle fees to cover the cost of the lawyers.

Tom King is running for re-election to the NRA board this March. Many long-time NRA and higher level NRA members get to vote on this position. In view of Mr. King’s actions toward Sporterifle, I cannot support his re-election bid. I also hope that you who can vote in this election and your friends and relatives who can vote in this election will NOT vote for Mr. King for NRA board. His actions toward Sporterifle and his willingness to deprive the NRA of $2000 a year that we send the NRA in match fees in order to pursue his personal vendetta does not make him a fit person to hold that office.

We believe that what we are doing is in the best interest of Sporterifle and the Sporterifle shooters. As always, we solicit and request your comments and feelings on the above. I am well aware that Sporterifle shooters are happy to leave the administration and conduct of Sporterifle to us as leaders, but feel that this is important enough to hopefully elicit your thoughts and comments. This is not a situation we created, but a situation being forced upon us by the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association.

We were willing to go on doing the same as we had in the past; NYSRPA was not.

About:
NYS Sporterifle is a postal target competition using 22 cal. rimfire rifles. The shooting position is off-hand standing with the target at 50 feet. The sport is designed so that expensive special equipment is not required. It is possible to be competitive with equipment you may already own. Visit: www.sporterifle.org

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

TROY, NY --(AmmoLand.com)- All freedom-loving New Yorkers are invited for a day to celebrate and advocate for 2nd Amendment civil rights in the State legislature. The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association and Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb announce a day of celebration and advocacy of the 2nd Amendment in Albany with NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre.

This event will take place on January 12, 2010 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the Well of the Legislative Office Building at South Swan and State Streets.

Call your State Assemblyman and State Senator to make an appointment to meet with them in their offices on January 12th. Assembly switchboard: (518)455-4100; Senate switchboard: (518)455-2800. Then call Assemblyman Kolb’s office and let him know you’re coming: (518)455-4751.

Each year New Yorkers Against Gun Violence and members of the legislature hold Gun Control Day to promote anti-gun, anti-freedom legislation and blame YOU for crime and violence. It is time to fire back and celebrate our freedoms! See you in Albany!

About:
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the state’s largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, our organization has been dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Our membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the state. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York. Visit:  www.nysrpa.org

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

TROY, NY --(AmmoLand.com)- From time to time the notion of a renewable pistol license (in contrast to the current lifetime license) surfaces in the State Legislature.

Rumors are currently spreading around the state via the internet and word of mouth that certain individuals/groups involved in Second Amendment advocacy are soliciting support for a Renewable Pistol Licensing Law.

The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association worked diligently last year to defeat a similar proposal brought forward by Governor David Patterson and we wish to make it perfectly clear at this time: The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association opposes this proposed legislation and will invest all our assets in defeating it.

We are told that a benefit of the proposed legislation would be periodic checks on license holders’ legal status and fitness to own firearms. No one wants firearms in the wrong hands, and at present every firearm purchase in New York State requires a NICS background check. This serves the same purpose as periodic investigations, and at very low cost and inconvenience.

The fee for periodic renewals is uncertain, but whatever it turns out to be, it is sure to escalate. New York City provides a useful comparison here. It currently costs hundreds of dollars to periodically renew a NYC pistol license, and that cost is sure to rise as City government seeks additional sources of revenue. Would a State system function any differently?

The proposed legislation would also add licensing requirements such as expensive, mandatory training classes run by well, we don’t know. Would these classes facilitate the licensing process or serve as just one more way to deny an application? We don’t know. In addition, you will be trekking to your county clerk’s office, since renewal applications must be personally delivered. We are promised a 30-minute turnaround time at the clerk’s office. We doubt it.

All in all, the proposed legislation offers little, and promises to be a burden. It is time for New York’s shooters, hunters and Second Amendment advocates to join together and speak with one voice. Renewable Pistol Licenses are not an option for New York State firearms owners.

About:
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the state’s largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, our organization has been dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Our membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the state. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York.

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

TROY, NY --(AmmoLand.com)- In these difficult economic times, Gov. Paterson has called for $3 billion in budget cuts. The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association has a suggestion for saving several million taxpayer dollars each year: abolish the Combined Ballistic Identification System (COBIS).

The COBIS program was introduced by Gov. Pataki in 2000. Its stated purpose is to collect identifying data from the shell casings of all new handguns sold in the state.

This information is then entered into a database for use by law enforcement to aid in identifying and prosecuting criminals.

Since its inception, over a quarter of a million shell cases have been collected and entered into the database at an estimated cost of $32 million and not a single arrest or conviction has resulted.

In fact, COBIS has proven to be such a boondoggle that no other state is even considering implementing their own version of it.

If Gov. Paterson is serious about saving money, then COBIS ought to be at the top of the list of programs to be cut.

About:
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the state’s largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, our organization has been dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Our membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the state. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York.

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

New York --(AmmoLand.com)- David Yassky is a former staffer to Charles Schumer. He’s the guy who actually wrote the Brady Bill. He moved up to the City Council where he continued to push for more gun control like strict gun dealer liability.

Pat, Amy and Barry testified on behalf of NYSRPA in council hearings against these ideas. Yassky himself defended them on NRA News. Faced with term limits Yassky decided to run for City Comptroller. He has no background related to finance so he based his campaign largely on his gun control record. Both the Daily News and New York Times endorsed his campaign because of it. New Yorkers Against Gun Violence founder Barbara Hohlt personally contributed to his campaign.

His advertisements loudly and proudly touted his work with Schumer. Yassky thought it was funny we were telling people to vote against him. Quote: “This is a badge of honor for David, who has fought for tough gun control for years in order to protect New Yorkers.”

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/brawlforthehall/2009/09/gunnies-target-candidates-rich.html

What did this badge of honor get him in the primary?

He lost with 30% of the vote.

Unfortunately, it was a 4 way race and the winner came up just short of the 40% needed to prevent a runoff. So Yassky advanced to round two anyway and we let fly a second GOTV mailing. Now going mano-a-mano with John Liu, Democrats would have a clear choice between the gun control candidate and someone else in a citywide runoff. Yassky had something Richard Aborn didn’t: an endorsement by Charles Schumer as seen here

And what’s Schumer’s endorsement worth?

A double digit loss. Yassky gets 44.3% to Liu’s 55.7%. Since he had to give up his Council seat to run for Comptroller he’s got nowhere else to go so he’s outta here. For the second time in as many weeks NYC Democrats have rejected the gun control candidate and their agenda and that will further marginalize the people and organizations who promoted them.

About:
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the state’s largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, our organization has been dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Our membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the state. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York.

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

Albany, NY --(AmmoLand.com)- Get ready! January 12, 2010 is the day we have all been waiting for.

The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association in association with Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb are proud to announce the first annual New York Sportsmen’s Outreach Day.

The Keynote speaker will be NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre.

That’s right Wayne LaPierre is coming to Albany to speak on the issues important to all of us.

Please plan to make sure you’re here to take part in what should be a historic event in Albany. Let’s send a message about gun and sportsmen’s rights.

Details are scant at this time but will be forth coming in the near future.

Thank you for your support,

About:
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the state’s largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, our organization has been dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Our membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the state. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York.

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

New York - -(AmmoLand.com)- Richard Aborn is the former head of Handgun Control (Brady Campaign.) He’s directly responsible for the Brady Law and the ’94 Clinton gun ban.

He based his campaign for Manhattan DA entirely upon his gun control record. He hadn’t tried a case in like 20 years so it’s not as if he could base it on his extensive legal experience.

He spent the last year on the campaign trail talking about gun control. He raised over a million dollars for his campaign.

He had more endorsements than either of his opponents including ones from Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, State Senators Eric Schneiderman and Eric Adams, Assemblypersons Jonathan Bing, Deborah Glick, Richard Gottfried, Brian Kavanagh, Daniel O’Donnell, Linda Rosenthal and Michelle Schimel, the Brady Campaign, Gun Free Kids, Million Mom March and New Yorkers Against Gun Violence.

The Brady Campaign donated $1000. NYAGV founder Barbara Hohlt and current mouthpiece Jackie Hilly each made personal campaign contributions.

Aborn repeatedly attacked the NRA and accused them of being out to get him. He attacked opponent Cy Vance for a small campaign donation he made years ago to a politician in Seattle who just so happened to be pro-gun. He sent out a mailer of him shaking hands with Bill Clinton, implying Clinton endorsed Aborn, which pissed Clinton off because he didn’t. Aborn attacked the R&P and thought it was funny we would tell members to vote against him. He finished up by making a last minute personal loan of $50,000 to his campaign.

The end result?
Aborn had his butt kicked up and down the boro. He didn’t just lose; he came in dead last with only a quarter of the votes. He did so badly it should damage the creditability of those who endorsed him because a solid majority of Manhattan Democrats wanted nothing to do with him or his agenda.

And it gets better.
Middletown Mayor Marlinda Duncanson lost her primary. Duncanson joined Bloomberg’s antigun mayor’s coalition earlier this year and started parroting their agenda. She lost her race 2 to 1. She is the 2nd Bloomberg buddy we’ve been able to remove.

In Albany, Common Councilman James Scalzo lost his race. He was one of the sponsors of ORD 48.41.07, the Bloomberg inspired omnibus gun control package introduced two years ago.

Finally, in the Town of Kent, our member John Greene defeated an incumbent to win the GOP endorsement. Good for him.

Celebrate by making a generous offering to the PVF.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8253102

About:
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the state’s largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, our organization has been dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Our membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the state. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York.

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

New York --(AmmoLand.com)- Next Tuesday is primary day and voter mail will be arriving in mailboxes over the next few days. Here is the list of endorsements & voting recommendations.

John Greene is running for Kent Town Board in Putnam Co. He is a R&P member and pres. of the local Pheasants Forever chapter. Go help him. http://www.johngreene4kent.com

Vote AGAINST all of these guys:

• Manhattan District Attorney candidate Richard Aborn. He’s the former head Handgun Control (now the Brady Campaign).
• New York City Comptroller candidate David Yassky. He wrote the Brady Bill when he was an aide to then Congressman Chuck Schumer.
• Middletown Mayor Marlinda Duncanson and Binghamton Mayor Matthew Ryan. Both joined Bloomberg’s MAIG coalition and Duncanson made a big deal about it.
• City of Albany Mayor Gerald Jennings and Councilmen Dominick Calsolaro and James Scalzo. Jennings joined MAIG while Calsolaro & Scalazo sponsored the bills in the Common Council.
• Suffolk County Legislator Kate Browning and Brookhaven Town Boardmember Jane Bonner. They are responsible for attempts to close the trap & skeet range.

Turnout is always low for primaries which is why incumbents hate them. It is important to get as many gunnies to show up and vote as possible, especially in NYC where we have a realistic shot at knocking out Aborn & Yassky. We have members and clubs in NYC and they can vote too. Duncanson lost party backing and we have a decent shot at getting rid of her as well.

Jacob J. Rieper, Vice President of Legislative & Political Affairs New York State Rifle & Pistol Association http://www.nysrpa.org

About:
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the state’s largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, our organization has been dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Our membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the state. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York.

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

TROY, NY – -(AmmoLand.com)- Twenty nine competitors traveled to the Iroquois Rod & Gun Club in Rotterdam, NY on July 18th and 19th for the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association’s 2009 International Rifle Festival competition. Some of the state’s finest competitors took part in this event – including 2008 Olympian Sandy Fong. Both smallbore rifle (.22 caliber) and air rifle matches were conducted under international rules, with medals awarded in both the Scholastic class (under age 21) and Open class (age 21 or over).

Notable performances included the battle between Justin Tracy (Farmington, NY) and Terry Glenn (Auburn, NY) for the Open class gold medal in the smallbore rifle prone event. Justin edged out Terry by a single point — 1173 vs. 1172 – to take gold medal honors. Chelsea-O Halliday (Corinth, NY) took Scholastic gold medal honors with an 1141 total.

Heather Tillson (Galway, NY) garnered gold medal honors in the Open 3-position (prone, kneeling, standing) smallbore rifle competition with a 1096 total. Steve Hahn (Middle Grove, NY) fired the same score to take gold medal honors in the Scholastic class.

In the air rifle competition, Sandy Fong (New York, NY) fired a 577 total to take the gold medal in the Scholastic class. In the Open class, competitor Heather Tillson easily took the gold medal with a 576 total.

The Festival was fortunate to have a dedicated and experienced statistical staff. Marie Hahn, Ted and Tom Helveston, and Kate Meyer evaluated approximately 3,000 record shots to determine the medalists for the Festival.

The NYSRPA thanks the competitors and staff for making the 2009 International Rifle Festival a success!

About:
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the state’s largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, our organization has been dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Our membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the state. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York.

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

TROY, NY – -(AmmoLand.com)- The State legislature has passed companion bills A-8302A and S-5500A allowing for permanent big game rifle hunting in Madison County.

Last year the legislature approved a one-year trial period for rifle hunting in the county.

The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association thanks Assemblyman William Magee and Senator David Valesky for sponsoring these bills, and we encourage Gov.

Paterson to sign them promptly so the law will be in effect during this fall’s hunting season.

About:
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the state’s largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, our organization has been dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Our membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the state. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York.