ANJRPC Officers To Appear On WCBS-TV Report On Rising Gun Ownership

Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs

NY, NJ, CT --(Ammoland.com)- Tune in tonight to the 11pm news on WCBS-TV (Channel 2) to see their report covering the rising trend of gun ownership, entitled “Who’s Packing Heat?”

ANJRPC President Scott Bach and Treasurer Anthony Colandro (also of the Gun For Hire training facility) were interviewed for this story, along with an ANJRPC range member. Some of the footage was taken at Cherry Ridge Range.

“Ok so here is the deal. CBS is doing a gun special Monday night at 11:00 pm after the weather called “Packing Heat” GFH Radio and Bach as well as a few others we know are in it.

Best part is they are running promos every hour or so and they will be running them during the Superbowl, maybe we will run next to King Mike’s anti gun commercial! Nice!” says Anthony Colandro.

CBS promoted this story all weekend long. It’s scheduled to air sometime during the 11 pm news.

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

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

Tripping over NYC’s Stupid Gun Laws

FirearmsCoalition.org

Manassas, VA --(Ammoland.com)- The closing days of 2011 brought a rash of collisions between otherwise upstanding citizens and New York City’s infamous gun laws.

On December 16 Mark Meckler, a prominent California Tea Party leader, was arrested at LaGuardia Airport as he attempted to check luggage containing his unloaded, cased, handgun in accordance with TSA, FAA, and Delta Airline rules.

Then on December 22, fourth-year medical student Meredith Graves was arrested at the 9/11 memorial when she asked a security guard where she could check her pistol in an attempt to comply with a “No Guns” sign. That case echoed a September case in which Indiana jeweler, Ryan Jerome, also tried to comply with a “No Guns” sign at the Empire State Building by asking a guard to hold his gun.

These are just the latest examples in a long stream of incidents that serve to demonstrate how gun laws snare the law abiding. Each case is unique, but virtually every case of an otherwise law-abiding citizens running afoul of draconian gun laws – in New York or elsewhere – falls into one of the following broad categories:

Ignorance:

Both Meredith Graves and Ryan Jerome thought they were complying with the law when they attempted to surrender their sidearms for safekeeping. They saw the signs and tried to obey. Unfortunately they didn’t see any “No Guns” signs when they crossed into New York. They should have known better.

Ignorance is a dangerous thing. There are several web sites which feature interactive gun law maps. For more detailed information, I recommend GunLaws.com, where my friend Alan Korwin offers the most comprehensive collection of books about owning, carrying, and using guns at home or away, anywhere in the country.

Forgetfulness:

For many of us, a gun is a normal part of our kit, but we can’t aford to forget it’s there. When you cross a state line that “just in case” gun can be a serious problem if it comes to the attention of the local police. The cases of Stephen Grant and Jonathan Ryan fall into this category. Mr. Grant remembered his gun too late and locked it in his NYC hotel safe – then forgot to take it with him when he went home. In the end he took the more prudent way out by pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge and paying a fine. It cost him much more than the fine, but it didn’t cost him years in prison and permanent loss of his gun rights as it could have. Mr. Ryan, a Florida landscaper, had his gun discovered in his glovebox after a routine traffic stop. He gambled and stared down the potential felony conviction with its mandatory minimum sentence of 3.5 years. The jury which decided his fate apparently knew its rights and responsibilities, and voted to acquit. The Fully Informed Jury Association (FIJA.org) has publicized the Ryan case because it is a textbook example of what juries should do with bad laws.

Odds-Playing:

There are times when it might seem prudent to adhere to the old adage that it’s better to be tried by 12 than carried by 6. When my father was directly threatened by a member of the Manson family, Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, in the 1970s, he weighed the odds and started carrying illegally. Arizona had no provision for concealed carry then, but Dad figured that the threat posed by a proven killer and her cohorts outweighed that of a misdemeanor charge in a comparatively gun-friendly state. The full story appears in Neal Knox – The Gun Rights War, which is available at NealKnox.com.

In other places, such as NYC, carrying illegally is a felony with a mandatory 3.5 year sentence. That shifts the odds significantly. A NYC jury concluded that Bernhard Goetz’ use of deadly force was justified, but convicted him for having the gun. Goetz was later sued by one of his “victims” (as the NYC press called them) and ordered to pay $43 million dollars.

Passing Through:

Under the McClure-Volkmer Firearms Owners Protection Act (FOPA) a gun owner can legally travel through a jurisdiction where the gun might be illegal, if the gun is unloaded in a locked case and lawfully possessed in the origin and in the destination. For Mark Meckler the crux was where he was coming from and where he stopped on his way. An overnight stop, or even a breif detour on the way to the airport, can negate the FOPA protections. Meckler cut a deal, pleading guilty to disorderly conduct, paid a fine and lost his Glock, rather than place his future in the hands of a NYC jury.

A decision to carry a gun includes a load of responsibilities. It must be understood that even a clearly justified defensive use of a firearm – which saves your life – can easily cost your home and life savings through legal fees and civil penalties. Deadly force is serious business. No one should take the decision lightly, and threat recognition needs to include recognizing the threat posed by state power – particularly in states like New York.

Copyright © 2012 Neal Knox Associates – The most trusted name in the rights movement.

About:
The Firearms Coalition is a loose-knit coalition of individual Second Amendment activists, clubs and civil rights organizations. Founded by Neal Knox in 1984, the organization provides support to grassroots activists in the form of education, analysis of current issues, and with a historical perspective of the gun rights movement. The Firearms Coalition is a project of Neal Knox Associates, Manassas, VA. Visit: www.FirearmsCoalition.org

Second Amendment Foundation

BELLEVUE, WA --(Ammoland.com)- When Meredith Graves of Tennessee traveled to New York for a job interview last month and was ensnared by New York’s restrictive gun laws, it wasn’t enough that she may face criminal charges for being honest, Mayor Michael Bloomberg had to sully her reputation by alleging she possessed cocaine.

The Second Amendment Foundation, upon reviewing a video of the mayor’s remarks, called Bloomberg’s comment “despicable.”

“What is the difference between a New York street thug stealing a lady’s purse,” asked SAF Executive Vice President Alan Gottlieb, “and Bloomberg, who publicly stole Ms. Graves’ reputation?”

Licensed to carry in her home state, Graves was with her husband when they visited the Ground Zero memorial. She had a small pistol in her purse, when she asked where to check the firearm, she was arrested. At a subsequent press conference, Bloomberg sarcastically told a reporter, “Let’s assume that she didn’t get arrested for carrying a gun. She probably would have gotten arrested for the cocaine that was in her pocket.”

But the substance was not cocaine, Gottlieb noted. It was powdered aspirin, a common remedy for headaches. During a subsequent press conference, Bloomberg even admitted authorities were not sure what the powder was, stating “We just couldn’t identify it.”

“I am sick and tired of Bloomberg demonizing gun owners,” Gottlieb stated. “Any politician that would get up in front of a microphone and outright lie to the media about an innocent victim of his Draconian firearms policies is unworthy of holding public office.”

“Every mayor who belongs to Bloomberg’s anti-gun-rights Mayors Against Illegal Guns coalition should be embarrassed by his remarks and seriously reconsider their membership in his organization,” he continued. “The only thing worse than Bloomberg’s New York gun laws is Bloomberg himself. If Bloomberg ever had any credibility at all it no longer exists. His deliberate slander of Meredith Graves is reprehensible, and he should be ashamed.”

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. In addition to the landmark McDonald v. Chicago Supreme Court Case, SAF has previously funded successful firearms-related suits against the cities of Los Angeles; New Haven, CT; New Orleans; Chicago and San Francisco on behalf of American gun owners, a lawsuit against the cities suing gun makers and numerous amicus briefs holding the Second Amendment as an individual right.

National Shooting Sports Foundation

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

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

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

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

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

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

Anti-Gun-New-York District Attorney Kathleen Rice

AmmoLand Gun News

Nassau, NY --(Ammoland.com)- On February 17, 2011, Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice busted five Nassau County Gun Shops.

Nine people where arrested and charge. The claim made by DA Rice at the time was, and I quote from official NC DA website,

“Rice said that shop owners were breaking the law by temporarily modifying the weapons to appear as though they lacked the required characteristics of an assault weapon.  However, the temporary modification was easily reversible, thereby making them full-fledged assault weapons. For example, a pin was placed in the stock of a weapon in an attempt to prevent its collapse. However, the pins were designed to be easily removable making the stock collapsible.”

Please remember that DA Rice received her due fanfare in the media. And all hailed her as our anti-gun savory. (Sweet for when she moves-on to higher office.)

But, there is a major flaw with the DA’s above statement. According to NYS, there is nothing in law about what the stores had done. As long as the weapons left the store in the lawful NY Compliant state, whether or nor the modifications where “easily reversible,” NO LAW WAS BROKEN by them. What the buyer did after they left the store, is not the stores fault or issue. That would be like blaming Chevy because you ran into another car because you where texting.

Even with Mr. Tretola’s videoed statements about ‘how to’ reverse the modifications, which is nothing more then his First Amendment right to state, NO LAW WAS BROKEN by the stores. DA Rice’s rhetoric, and that all it was, was just to create political sound-bites. (Oh, the DEMs must be dancing naked in the street over her actions.)

Now, we are almost 11-months out, and strangely, there are NO INDICTMENTS. In fact, the county’s case seems to be falling apart. Inside sources, who definitely wish to remain anonymous, have said that the county’s own experts have shredded the DA’s evidence and feel there is little or no case. In fact, again, the DA’s office has quietly let several owners, and their employees, OFF THE HOOK, on Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACOD). (Gee, why hasn’t the press caught this?)

These ACODs where given to Mark Wroobel (Owner of Hunter Sports), Andrew Chernoff (Owner of Coliseum Gun Traders), Carmine Rotondo (An employee of Coliseum Gun Traders), and Michael Marinello (Owner of South Shore Sportsman). All felonies and misdemeanors where DROPPED, and the story tells us further that their only stipulation was not to build NY Compliant rifles, just to buy them from the manufacturers, in NY Compliant configuration. Their gun licenses where given back to them and they must be good citizens for six months to have their court records sealed. They are back selling the very guns that DA Rice BUSTED them for. (SURE SMELLS LIKE FALSE ARREST ISSUES TO ME, but what do I know, I ain’t a lawyer…)

So, why hasn’t the T&T group been offered any ACODs? Their actual charges, at arraignment,  are really no greater then those of Wroobel, Chernoff, Rotondo and Marinello! Here is where the outrage grows. And, keep in mind, as shown above, it already stinks in the DA’s office…

Mr. Tretola maybe a thorn in the county’s side. Mr. Tretola was possibly falsely arrested before because of a conceivably abusive NCPD officer. And, Mr. Tretola does have a Civil Rights case pending in Federal District Court, which has a fair degree of winning.

This editor sees an abusive Nassau County DA, whose has gone way past her position specification to get even with Mr. Tretola, by breaking his bank, and thereby forcing him out of business. If you can’t get him legally…Just use tax dollars and government regulations to force them to go bankrupt, or worse.

Of course, Nassau County should investigate this matter and possibly IMPEACH Ms. Rice. But that will never happen. (NCNF Note: Hopefully the stench from the failed Police Lab will woff its way up her way, as it should…But that issue is sleeping somewhere too!)

And, the NYS Supreme Court, Appellate Division, whose job it is to control lawyers, should investigate this matter and possibly DISBAR Ms. Rice for her abusive legal practices. But that will never happen either.

So, saps like Mr. Tretola, you and I, just have to accept that administrations ARE brutally abusive and when the ‘Keeper of the key’ is the ‘Gatekeeper’ as well, nothing gets fixed.

Remember…Almost eleven months…Accusations…Charges…NO INDICTMENTS…And some HAVE been released from the DA’s bondage.

Where is the outrage by our protectors?

Alan Chwick. Editor
Nassau County News Flash
Press Release from the District Attorney’s website

February 17, 2011
DA Rice Busts Five Nassau Gun Shops For Selling Illegal Assault Weapons
Undercover investigation leads to charges against shop owners and employees

MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced today the results of a sweeping undercover investigation into the sale of assault weapons at gun shops throughout Nassau County. During the 10-month probe, five Nassau County gun shops illegally sold assault weapons to undercover DA investigators and members of the New York State Police. As a result of the investigation, Rice’s office has arrested and charged four store owners and five of their employees.

Under New York State law, only police officers, peace officers, and duly authorized members of the military are legally permitted to possess assault weapons. One category of an assault weapon is defined as a semi-automatic rifle with the ability to accept a magazine carrying more than five rounds of ammunition and that must also have at least two additional characteristics. These additional characteristics can include a folding or telescoping stock, a protruding pistol grip, a bayonette mount, a flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash suppressor, or a grenade launcher. (NCNF Note: This paragraph is pure rhetoric designed to inflame the readers.)

Rice said that shop owners were breaking the law by temporarily modifying the weapons to appear as though they lacked the required characteristics of an assault weapon. However, the temporary modification was easily reversible, thereby making them full-fledged assault weapons. For example, a pin was placed in the stock of a weapon in an attempt to prevent its collapse. However, the pins were designed to be easily removable making the stock collapsible. (NCNF Note: This paragraph is pure rhetoric, as the items left the stores in lawful NY Compliant configuration.)

Rice said that one defendant, Martin Tretola, 55, of Bellmore, and the owner of T&T Tactical in New Hyde Park and T&T Gunnery in Seaford, went so far as to demonstrate to undercover officers how to remove the temporary pin from the fixed stock making it collapsible. Both T&T Gunnery and Hunter Sports were on notice that civilians who purchased these weapons from their stores had been arrested and charged with illegal possession of an assault weapon in both Nassau and Suffolk counties, but they continued to sell these weapons. (NCNF Note: This paragraph is pure rhetoric, as talking about it is protected under the First Amendment. Additionally, Mr. Tretola, at the end of the video tells the person that converting the item back will get them in trouble. And if the buyers re-converted the items to an illegal state, the pieces still left the stores in their lawful configuration.)

“The nine men arrested today were openly breaking the law, making a practice of putting profits before the safety of our citizens, and flooding our streets with dangerous assault weapons,” Rice said. “Make no mistake, these are combat-specific weapons and not intended for hunting. They have no place on our streets or in the hands of civilians.” (NCNF Note: This paragraph is pure rhetoric, as it is every business’ duty to make a profit, and the guns sold where NOT “dangerous assault weapons” when they left the store.)

Tretola, the owner of two gun shops in Nassau County, is charged with Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Second Degree, Unlawfully Disposing of an Assault Weapon, and a misdemeanor violation of the Firearms Licensing Provisions. T&T Tactical was charged with Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First and Second Degrees. Tretola faces up to15 years in prison. His Seaford business, T&T Gunnery, has been charged with Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First and Second Degrees. His New Hyde Park business, T&T Tactical, along with the following defendants and businesses are charged with Unlawfully Disposing of an Assault Weapon and a misdemeanor violation of the Firearms Licensing Provision. Each individual defendant faces up to seven years in prison and each business faces up to a $10,000 fine per felony or double the company’s gain from the criminal conduct.

Mark Wroobel, 40, of Smithtown. Wroobel and his business, Hunter Sports in Massapequa, are both charged with two counts of Manufacture, Transport, Disposition, Defacement of Weapons and Dangerous Instruments and Appliances and two misdemeanor violations of Firearms Licensing provisions. Wroobel is due back in court February 25 and is represented by Michael Villeck, Esq.
Andrew Chernoff, 50, of Malverne. Chernoff and his business, Coliseum Gun Traders, LTD in Uniondale, are both charged with Manufacture, Transport, Disposition, Defacement of Weapons and Dangerous Instruments and Appliances and a misdemeanor violation of Firearms Licensing provisions. Chernoff is due back in court March 2 and is represented by Stephen Wade LaMagna, Esq.
Carmine Rotondo, 68, of Garden City. Rotondo, an employee of Coliseum Gun Traders, LTD, is charged with Manufacture, Transport, Disposition, Defacement of Weapons and Dangerous Instruments and Appliances and a misdemeanor violation of Firearms Licensing provisions.
Michael Marinello, 41, of East Meadow. Marinello and his business, South Shore Sportsman in Merrick, are both charged with two counts of Manufacture, Transport, Disposition, Defacement of Weapons and Dangerous Instruments and Appliances and two misdemeanor violations of Firearms Licensing provisions. Marinello is due back in court February 22 and is represented by the Legal Aid Society of Nassau County.

Four of Martin Tretola’s employees were also charged as follows:

• Thomas Tretola, 24, of Bellmore. Thomas Tretola, an employee of T&T Gunnery in Seaford and Martin Tretola’s son, is charged with two counts of Manufacture, Transport, Disposition, Defacement of Weapons and Dangerous Instruments and Appliances and a misdemeanor violation of Firearms Licensing provisions. T&T Gunnery is also charged and is owned by Martin Tretola. Tretola is due back in court February 22 and is represented by Charles Horn, Esq.
• Stuart Sansevino, 59, of North Babylon. Sansevino, an employee of T&T Gunnery, is charged with three counts of Manufacture, Transport, Disposition, Defacement of Weapons and Dangerous Instruments and Appliances and 12 misdemeanor violations of Firearms Licensing provisions. Sansevino is due back in court February 22 and is represented by Dave Gallison, Esq.
• Hank Greenberg, 32, of Oceanside. Greenberg, an employee of T&T Gunnery, is charged with three counts of Manufacture, Transport, Disposition, Defacement of Weapons and Dangerous Instruments and Appliances and three misdemeanor violations of Firearms Licensing provisions.
• Morgan Owens, 22, of West Islip. Owens, an employee of T&T Tactical, is charged with one count of Manufacture, Transport, Disposition, Defacement of Weapons and Dangerous Instruments and Appliances and a misdemeanor violation of Firearms Licensing provisions. Owens is due back in court February 22 and is represented by Dave Gallison, Esq.

Assistant District Attorneys Karen Bennett (Deputy Bureau Chief) and Teresa Corrigan (Bureau Chief) of the Street Narcotics and Gang Bureau are prosecuting the cases for the District Attorney’s Office. New York State Police Captain James Dewar, Senior Investigator Joseph DeMaria and Investigator Edward Franke, conducted the investigation, together with the District Attorney’s Office.

The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Alan Chwick, Editor
Nassau County News Flash
5 Brunella Street
Long Island, NY 11520
516-903-1959
Editor@iNCNF.org
URL: http://www.iNCNF.org

LongIslandFirearms.com

Ronkonkoma, NY --(Ammoland.com)- On December 14, 2011, the City of New York announced a first-of-its-kind undercover investigation of illegal online gun sales. The investigation covered 125 sellers from 14 states advertising on 10 websites.

None of these videos/websites listed LongIslandFirearms.com, which adds to the fact that we are a community of law abiding citizens.

Additionally, our registration agreement states the following:

[i]You agree that you are legally allowed to possess a firearm in NY State and can pass a federal NICS check. Long Island Firearms LLC makes no representations about the condition, legality, or safety, of any merchandise for sale by it’s members. All merchandise should be checked out by a competent gunsmith before firing. Further, we require that all transactions be handled according to the letter of the law. No items that are restricted or banned should ever be listed for sale on this forum. Any member listing, selling or knowingly purchasing any item that is illegal will be banned permanently from this forum. We do not sell firearms. You also agree to not pose or portray yourself as someone else.[/i]

This is a true testament regarding the community we have here at Long Island Firearms. Throughout the months prior, members of our community have alerted moderators and administrators of potential sales between buyers with a questionable history. Members immediately alerted us at which we banned the questionable member as well as alerted local authorities. Please continue this trend by alerting staff and local authorities if you suspect wrong doing.

Sales like the one Mayor Bloomberg’s office are investigating are not only illegal within NY, but face jail time (for both the buyers and sellers). We at Long Island Firearms do not entertain any of these type of transactions.

Let’s continue on our path to ensure today’s and tomorrow’s generations are provided a safe, family friendly online community to enjoy.

Remember to stop by www.KeepLongIslandClean.org for a complete listing of community events Long Island Firearms have become a part of.

About:
Long Island Firearms is a web based community founded in 2009 to promote a sense of community within firearms enthusiasts on Long Island. You can find us online at www.LongIslandFirearms.com Long Island Freedom Fund is a not-for-profit filed under the laws governing US 501(c)(3). Please visit http://www.liffreedomfund.org/ for more information.

Community activities performed by Long Island Firearms members can be found by visiting: http://www.KeepLongIslandClean.org Club LIF is duly chartered by the National Rifle Association, and is an affiliate club of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association.

New York State

ALBANY, New York --(Ammoland.com)- “Operation Background Bust” Shows Blatant Disregard for Gun Show Laws Requiring Background Checks

Vendors Sold Guns to Customers Who Disclosed They Had Orders of Protections Against Them – Fully Knowing They Couldn’t Pass a Background Check

AG Calls On Lawmakers to Address ‘Accountability-Gap’ in Gun Show Law

Schneiderman: Illegal Sales at Gun Shows Endanger the Public by Giving Felons, Terrorists and the Dangerously Mentally Ill an Open and Anonymous Marketplace to Buy Guns Without a Background Check

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced that his office has filed criminal charges against 10 gun sellers from across New York State who violated the state’s background check requirement for the sale of firearms at gun shows. This investigation exposed both a flagrant and dangerous disregard of the law that jeopardizes the public’s safety and the need to immediately strengthen the state’s existing gun show laws to better protect all New Yorkers.

As a result of the investigation Schneiderman’s office is also sending out cease and desist letters to gun show operators based upon the violations found to date. The letters direct them to comply with the law and to cease practices that permit gun sales without background checks. Additionally, later today the Attorney General will issue subpoenas to several gun show operators seeking documentation and testimony related to the respective gun show events. The Attorney General’s investigation is ongoing.

“The illegal sale of guns at gun shows endangers the public by giving felons, terrorists and the dangerously mentally ill an open and anonymous marketplace to buy guns without a background check. Our investigators found a blatant disregard for the law where sellers made the conscious decision to sell deadly weapons to individuals who admitted they would not pass a background check,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Operation Background Bust not only exposed major flaws in the gun show laws but also proved how ‘off the books’ operations jeopardize public safety by making it easy for guns to fall into the wrong hands. In addition to filing criminal charges against the sellers, and demanding that the gun show operators cease and desist from engaging in illegal practices, my office plans to work with the Legislature to hold gun show operators liable when guns are sold at their gun shows without the required background check. “

The Attorney General’s eight-month investigation into the practices of vendors at gun shows throughout the State revealed that on many occasions, weapons sellers at gun shows failed to ensure that a National Instant Criminal Background (NICS) check was conducted on the prospective gun buyer, as required by state law. These illegal sales, classified as misdemeanors, took place even after undercover investigators told the gun sellers that they had orders of protection against them and could not pass a background check.

The investigation further exposed a gap in current law which holds only the individual gun seller, not the gun show operator, legally accountable for failing to ensure that a background check on the prospective gun purchaser has been conducted. As the investigation clearly revealed, this “honor system” for conducting background checks at gun shows is not working and must be supplemented with a system that also holds the gun show operator liable when a gun sale takes place without the required NICS background check.

Beginning in March of this year, undercover officers from the Attorney General’s office purchased weapons from sellers at gun shows in Erie, Genesee, Saratoga, Schoharie, Suffolk and Washington counties. The 10 defendants charged today chose to sell a firearm to the undercover officer with brazen disregard for the required NICS background check. Typically, the undercover investigator told the seller that he had an order of protection against him and would not be able to pass a background check.

NICS background checks are required for all gun purchases at gun shows throughout the State, as provided by General Business Law §897. A person who fails a NICS background check is ineligible to purchase or possess a gun under federal law.

Persons prohibited under federal law from purchasing or possessing a gun include those who:

* Have been convicted of a felony * Have been adjudicated a “mental defective” or committed to a mental institution * Are unlawful users of or addicted to a controlled substance * Being an alien, are illegally or unlawfully in the U.S. * Are subject to a court order that restrains the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner * Have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; or * Have been dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces

The NICS background check requirement was put in place in New York to prevent these types of individuals from obtaining a gun at a gun show, where typically hundreds of guns are bought and sold. Failure to perform such a background check is a Class A misdemeanor.

To facilitate the conducting of NICS background checks, gun show operators in New York are required to post signs giving notice of the background check requirement, as well as have a terminal inside the show where, by either phone or computer, a prospective purchaser’s name and information can be cross-checked against the national NICS database which contains individuals who would be disqualified from purchasing a firearm for the reasons above.

The Attorney General’s investigation found lax compliance with the notice requirements by gun show operators. On some occasions, sellers agreed to sell the weapon to the undercover officer and then left the premises of the gun show in an attempt to evade the background check requirement by selling the firearm in a location other than the gun show itself. However, this conduct is also illegal under General Business Law §897.

New York’s background check requirement for all gun show sales was enacted in 2000 in an effort to prevent potentially dangerous individuals, including felons and the seriously mentally ill, from having easy access to firearms in the State. By ignoring the background check requirement, the sellers charged today are accused of putting a firearm in the hands of a buyer who, in violation of law, has not been determined to be legally eligible to possess that weapon.

The 10 charged defendants are: David Cox – Stillwater, Saratoga County Michael Ferrara – Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County Daniel Heinsler – Waterport, Orleans County Dan Kowalczewski – Cheektowaga, Erie County Alexander Lasurdo – Wading River, Suffolk County John Malinowski – Waterford, Saratoga County Sam Savino- North Bellmore, Nassau County William Smith – Corfu, Genesee County Christopher Sterling – Alden, Erie County Peter Tric – Kingston, Ulster County

The Gun Shows examined as a part of this investigation include: May 14 – Hamburg (Erie County) May 20 – Greenwich (Washington County) June 19 – Alexander (Genesee County) July 16 – Cobleskill (Schoharie County) August 27 – Saratoga Springs (Saratoga County) September 24 – Hauppauge (Suffolk County)

The gun types included: 3 AR-15 (Assault Rifles) 1 semi-automatic rifle called a “Mauser” (from Czech Republic) 1 Savage 7mm Rifle 1 Remington Model 710 1 Colt 7.72 x39 1 Enfield Military rifle 1 Browning .22 cal, model 235 1 Ithaca .22 gauge 1 Remington 25.06

Each defendant is charged with a Class A Misdemeanor, Failure to Conduct a Background Check at a Gun Show.

The Attorney General’s office also intends to work with lawmakers to impose gun sale monitoring obligations on operators to help ensure that the current NICS-check requirement at gun shows is not being flouted, and impose enhanced liability on operators who fail to comply with those stricter monitoring requirements.

“New York leads the nation with a tough law that requires background checks for all sales at gun shows,” said New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. “But the Attorney General’s important investigation shows that tough laws need tough enforcement. I applaud Attorney General Schneiderman for sending the message that sellers at gun shows need to obey the law and do their part to keep communities safe.”

“When gun show vendors purposely subvert the law and illegally sell a firearm, they endanger all of us,” Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiore, President of the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York. “I fully support Attorney General Schneiderman’s crackdown on this illegal conduct.”

“While enforcement actions like this are essential, Attorney General Schneiderman is right that more needs to be done to ensure that gun show sellers comply with the background check law and that our laws are improved to make our state even safer,” State Senator Jose Peralta said. “I look forward to working with the Attorney General to address this critical public safety issue.”

“Gun shows are a notorious source of illegal guns, and anything we can do to reduce trafficking is integral to public safety,” Richard Aborn, President of Citizens Crime Commission of NYC. “Attorney General Schneiderman is a longtime champion of sensible gun laws, and played a critical role in passing the background check law that these sellers were violating. So it’s no surprise that he is vigorously enforcing the law, and supporting efforts to strengthen it. This is exactly the kind of leadership we need to protect the people of New York from senseless gun violence.”

“We commend Attorney General Schneiderman, not only for cracking down on violators of the gun show background check law, but for his forceful advocacy to strengthen the law,” Jackie Hilly, Executive Director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, said. “The legislature should listen to our state’s top law enforcement officer by closing the terror gap and holding gun show operators accountable for widespread violations of the law that put our communities in danger.”

“Thank you, Attorney General Schneiderman, for reining in irresponsible gun sellers who are putting our communities at risk just to make a profit,” Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, The Abyssinian Baptist Church, said. “Too many young lives are lost every year because deadly weapons get in to the wrong hands.

“Background checks are intended to prevent seriously dangerous individuals from purchasing guns: felons, individuals under orders of protection for domestic violence, people who have been adjudicated to be too mentally unstable to own a gun,” New York Urban League President Arva Rice said. “That these sellers would deliberately bypass the background check is as appalling as it is dangerous. Attorney General Schneiderman is making our communities safer by holding irresponsible gun sellers accountable.”

The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in the court of law.

This case is being handled and prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Thomas Schellhammer and Assistant Attorney General In-Charge of the Rochester Regional Office Debra Martin under the Supervision of Executive Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Prosecution, Nancy Hoppock and Executive Deputy Attorney General for Regional Affairs, Martin J. Mack.

Gun Owners of America

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Birds of a feather sure do flock together.

So it’s no surprise that the country’s most anti-gun Republican mayor, Michael Bloomberg, invited the U.S. Senate’s most anti-gun Republican member up to his New York City residence for cocktails and a fund raiser next Monday.

Senator Dick Lugar of Indiana never met a gun control bill he didn’t like, and his F-rating from GOA is well-deserved.

Bloomberg, of course, founded the group Mayors Against Illegal Guns. Bloomberg, conveniently, thinks virtually all guns should be illegal. So MAIG is simply yet another gun prohibition organization.

While Bloomberg and Lugar may get along fine, his Republican primary opponent, Richard Moudock, is reaching out to gun owners throughout the state.

The Indiana Republican primary for senate is one of the most important races in the country for gun owners, and we don’t have to wait around for November to hand the anti-gunners a massive defeat.

The May 8th primary features two candidates who are diametrically opposed on the Second Amendment:

• Dick Lugar does not agree that the Second Amendment protects an individual right.
• Richard Mourdock believes the message of the Second Amendment is clear: “shall not be infringed” is a restriction on federal power to regulate gun ownership.
• Dick Lugar doesn’t trust the people with firearms, so he supports banning semi-automatic rifles that he erroneously calls “assault weapons.”
• Richard Mourdock understands that gun bans don’t stop criminals, but only hamper the ability of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves.
• Dick Lugar believes you should submit to a waiting period before you purchase a handgun, hence “enjoying” a little time to “cool off.”
• Richard Mourdock believes that it’s the Congress that should “cool off” and stop passing bill after bill that ignores the Constitution.
• Perhaps worst of all, Dick Luger supports UN efforts to pass the small arms treaty, a treaty that could impact every gun owner in America. Dick Lugar was the ONLY Republican Senator NOT to come out in opposition to the treaty.
• Richard Mourdock will never vote to hand over any authority to the UN.

This Senate election is particularly important in the event that Barack Obama manages to win another term. If Obama is reelected, Dick Lugar means one more vote for anti-gun Supreme Court justices, the small arms treaty and other anti-gun legislation.

The choice for Senator could not be more clear.

Make no mistake, however, Dick Lugar will be hard to beat. He’ll have almost unlimited money pouring in from the party establishment in Washington, and he’ll be calling in favors everywhere.

But Lugar can be defeated with the help of tens of thousands of gun owners and sportsmen from across the country.

Richard Mourdock, currently the State Treasurer of Indiana, is virtually tied with Lugar in the polls. This is our chance to defeat a politician who has been a thorn in the side of gun owners for more than three decades.

So please visit Richard Mourdock on the web at www.richardmourdock.com and chip in a few bucks to help his campaign. Lugar is spending millions of dollars, so please do all you can to help the Mourdock campaign go toe-to-toe with Lugar.

We don’t have to wait until next November to start beating the anti-gunners. Please help to get things rolling in Indiana today!

Sincerely,

Tim Macy
Vice Chairman

P.S. Dick Lugar has been voting against gun rights for more than 30 years. His opponent, Richard Mourdock earned the support of GOA-PVF for his strong stance for your gun rights. Please visit Richard online today to make a financial contribution.

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

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

New York --(Ammoland.com)- Dear: Governor Cuomo, State-Senator Leibel(now in prison), State Senator Ball, Assemblyman ????? (does it really matter, your a democrat)

Every year some new idea about how to make our streets safer via “Gun Control” arrives in New York. We’ve registered our guns. Violent crime continues. We’ve banned assault weapons. Violent crime continues. We ballistically identify our legally possessed pistols. Violent crime continues. There are 200 to 300 million firearms in this country – they are woven into the fabric of our society. For all the “wiz bang” technology that modern society has invented – rifles and pistols are still the foundation of our national and state defense. Thousands of times an hour they are used to dissuade another from pursuing an ill advised path; whether in the hand of a police officer or a private citizen.

Yes – accidents and tragedies happen, and a mature society must look itself in the mirror and draw the proper conclusions from these horrible events, but to think that by passing law upon law the public at large will somehow be magically made safer via “gun control” is psychotic and dangerous.

I and many of you witnessed the attacks on September 11, 2001. Had those pilots – many of whom were ex military officers – been required to carry a side arm; that day would have ended much differently. Imagine all the lives and treasure that could have been saved but for an irrational fear of the law abiding gun owner. Can any of you honestly say that over the past few decades your collective efforts have made New Yorkers safer? If any of you answered yes then you must take a close look at the FBI statistics on violent crime – you’ll find disappointment waiting for you. No law can urge the lawless to ask permission from anyone for anything.

Remember ladies and gentleman criminals, terrorists, and sub human miscreants are dumb, but they are not stupid.

The latest iteration of this policy is the idea that putting a serial number on a bullet casing as it ejects from a semi-automatic pistol will allow law enforcement to detect and thus incarcerate more criminals – this is also referred to as micro-stamping. So let us pretend that all of you are now criminals – how would you alter your behavior to avoid detection? Police your brass. Use a sawed off shotgun. Use a revolver. Gasoline and a match are very effective. Explosives work exceedingly well in motor vehicles. Poison – women seem to prefer this method – Spitzer should hire a food tester. There are very effective ways of killing people that never include a semi-automatic pistol. Not to mention the most obvious trick – remove the firing pin and file off the serializing mechanism.

What about something even more devious – picking up used serialized brass at a firing range and place it at the scene of the future crime to throw off the police. Serializing casings of pistol cartridges not only will not work, but it will create more permutations of that section of the population of New York State that are hell bent on killing for profit or psychosis.

New York State currently operates a system that ostensibly should be doing what micro-stamping or serializing a cartridge would do. That system is called “The New York State Combined Ballistic Identification System,” or COBIS. To date COBIS has cost the taxpayers of New York $30,000,000 and has produced only two matches in its database. It costs $4,000,000 per year to operate. We are not the only State to have attempted such foolishness – Maryland has attempted it also. The only difference is Maryland abandoned it because firearms possessed by law abiding citizens are use to commit crimes in infinitesimally rare circumstances. I could fill five pages with all I know of ballistic identification and it’s pros and cons – I sincerely suggest all of you educate yourselves and rethink New York’s current approach – last I checked New York was running a $5,000,000,000 deficit saving a few million here or there might start adding up to real money.

Many proven methods work to prevent crime, a solid basic education in how to behave in civil society, economic growth, engaged and active parents, etc. But the most effective methods that exist for reducing crime is self defense and long term humane incarceration for those who cannot coexist peacefully with their fellow citizens. New York State concealed carry law is a mess – some counties provide permits to law abiding citizens with out much hassle while others, “you have to know somebody.” Fix this and you’ll have a safer society. Don’t get me wrong – have stringent rules and requirements that are not capricious for the officials as well as the applicants, but stop deluding yourselves in thinking that permit holders and firearms are in and of themselves the enemy – the opposite is true – concealed carry holders are the most productive and law abiding segment of society.

Florida maintains excellent statistics on this point – less then one hundredth of one percent of all permit holders has ever committed any crime in its entire thirty year history of concealed carry! Before Elliot Sptitzers behavior was detected he let 200 murderers out of prison. These people did not steal a loaf of bread to feed their children – THEY KILLED AND RAPED PEOPLE. Fix this and you’ll have a safer society. Bring back the death penalty for criminals that take an officers life.

Please stop attacking me and my fellow firearms owners we neither deserve your ire or your ad hominem attacks.

Focus your efforts on what works and not what will get any of you reelected, stop using firearms as a means to win votes in an effort to demonstrate to your misguided constituents that you can save them from violent crime if only they surrender more of their forgotten liberty, when the opposite is true – even they at some point will recognize your hypocrisy for what it is.

Respectfully,

Joe Doakes

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

AmmoLand Gun News

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- I voted Yes on H.R. 822, the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act, of which I am a co-sponsor.

This bill allows an individual with a valid state-issued concealed firearm permit to carry in any other state that issues concealed firearm permits, or that does not prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms for lawful purposes.

Instead, the bill requires states to recognize each others’ permits, in a similar manner to how they recognize drivers’ licenses.

Importantly, H.R. 822 does not change state laws regulating how concealed firearms are carried within any state. All state, federal, and local laws regarding carrying a concealed handgun that would apply to a resident of a state will also apply in equal force to a non-resident.

It is important to make certain law enforcement is appropriately prepared and equipped to enforce this new law. That is why I supported an amendment offered by Rep. Dave Reichert – a former sheriff - requiring a study to examine the extent to which law enforcement is currently able to verify the validity of out-of-state concealed firearms permits.

I voted Yes because the Second Amendment is an important individual right guaranteed to us at the federal level by the U.S. Constitution. I will continue to defend and support this right on behalf of law-abiding Upstate New Yorkers.

The bill was passed by a bipartisan vote of 272 – 154.

AmmoLand Gun News

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Congressman Bill Owens tonight voted in favor of H.R. 822, the National Right to Carry Reciprocity Act, which would allow law-abiding New York gun owners to legally carry a concealed weapon across state lines.

The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives today by a vote of 272-154.

“Responsible gun owners deserve the clarity of law that allows them to take their legally-obtained property across state lines without the fear that they’ll be fined or put in jail,” said Owens.

“A national standard for the concealed carry law will encourage hunters to travel to New York and spend their money in our unrivaled hunting and tourism industry. This legislation will also allow those who are obeying the law by applying for a gun permit to continue to obey the law in every state.”

H.R. 822 is supported by the National Rifle Association. In a recent news release, the NRA reported that “the bill 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.”

Currently, only 16 other states honor a New York concealed firearm permit within their borders.

Long Island Refuge Complex Staff Credit: Jamie Weliver/USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Shirley, N.Y. –-(Ammoland.com)- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today dedicated the new Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex Visitor Center and Headquarters at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge in Shirley.

The 13,000-square-foot center is located within an hour’s drive of New York City, and it will serve as a hub for visitors to the ten national wildlife refuges on Long Island. Service staff will move into the building by early December, and a grand opening event is planned for May 2012.

Design and construction of the “green” building was funded with nearly $9.8 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It will serve the greater NYC metropolitan area and visitors to the area. The center features interactive exhibits, an environmental classroom with a wet lab, and a nature store run by the non-profit Friends of Wertheim.

Three miles of new trails originating at the building and two new viewing platforms along the Carmans River will be created before next spring, expanding the refuge’s trail system.

The 18-month project supported 120 jobs, most of which were construction subcontractors from Long Island.

“As part of its vision for the 21st century, the National Wildlife Refuge System is undertaking a new urban refuge initiative to better serve people who live in metropolitan areas, ” said Service Deputy Director Rowan Gould. “Facilities like this new center will be central to this effort.”

Gould also referenced the economic benefits that result from recreational uses on national wildlife refuges, citing that refuges generate more than $1.7 billion for local economies and create nearly 27,000 U.S. jobs annually.

“This outstanding new complex is the perfect gateway for residents and tourists seeking to enjoy Long Island’s world-class natural treasures,” said U.S. Congressman Tim Bishop (N.Y.). “With federal funding through the Recovery Act, this project employed local workers to build a facility that will enhance the experience of new and returning visitors to our community for many years to come.”

The center was built to meet the Gold-level certification criteria of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED.

It has a number of “green” features, including:

• - Water efficient features that will save about 26,000 gallons of water a year;
• - A geothermal system that reduces the use of fossil fuels for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. This energy savings would be enough to heat three medium-sized houses and cool one house for a year; – Flooring made from recycled rubber from old tires and carpeting made of recycled materials;
• - Wood trim from plantation-grown trees, helping to preserve wild forests;
• - A solar photovoltaic system on the roof that will reduce the building’s power consumption.

A portion of the building will provide office space for Service staff and the Friends of Wertheim.

C&S Companies of Syracuse, N.Y., completed the architectural and engineering design for the building and grounds. T.G. Nickel & Associates, a Long Island company based in Ronkonkoma, N.Y., on Long Island was the general contractor. The building’s exhibits were designed and produced by Lyons and Zaremba, Inc. of Boston, Mass., and installed by Split Rock Studios, of Arden Hills, Minn.

The national wildlife refuges on Long Island provide nearly 6,500 acres of habitat for migratory birds, threatened and endangered species and other wildlife. From rare grasslands to maritime tidal areas, the habitats are rich and diverse. In addition to Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, other units include Amagansett, Conscience Point, Gardiners Point Island, Lido Beach, Elizabeth A. Morton, Oyster Bay, Sayville, Seatuck, and Target Rock national wildlife refuges.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfwsnortheast, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwsnortheast, watch our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at www.flickr.com/usfwsnortheast.

About:
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

KnifeRights.org

Gilbert, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Knife Rights filed its response to NYC District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr’s Motion to Dismiss in our Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit against New York City and DA Vance.

The DA’s motion was expected and is pro forma in a case such as this. The Knife Rights legal team, led by attorney David Jensen, have done an exemplary job blowing the DA’s arrogant, ill-conceived and baseless motion to pieces.

To quote from the introduction: “Defendant District Attorney Vance (the “DA” or “DA Vance”) seeks to dismiss the Complaint for lack of standing and failure to state a claim. However, Plaintiffs clearly have standing because the DA’s actions result in substantial impairments to Knife Rights’ resources, and also because they impact the individual Plaintiffs’ ability to purchase lawful knives.

Moreover, the Complaint plainly states a claim, and consideration of the merits (as the DA implores) shows that the “standard” that Defendants use to apply the State laws at issue to common folding knives is wholly subjective and indeterminate. It is literally possible for one knife to be simultaneous legal and illegal, and a person has no means of conforming his or her conduct to the law’s expectations. While the DA’s motion necessarily fails because it relies on selectively construing the facts in the DA’s favor, rather than in the Plaintiffs’ favor (as Rule 12(b)(6) mandates), a consideration of the merits shows how far off the mark the DA’s self-serving characterizations are.”

The two documents make for interesting reading, if you are so inclined.

• Knife Rights Response in Opposition to Motion to Dismiss
  
• DA Vance’s Motion to Dismiss

Bear in mind that each side is limited to 25 double-spaced pages in the body of the document, and the manner of doing so is strictly prescribed in many respects, so crafting a response is a challenge when there is so much that could be said, but only limited space to say it. A special thanks to those companies who have been major donors to the Sharper Future Legal Fund and who also submitted declarations in support of Knife Rights’ standing as a plaintiff: Benchmade, Columbia River Knife & Tool, KA-BAR, KnifeWorks and Taylor Brands.

This is but the first step in the first round. There is a whole river of water to pass under this bridge and many hearings to be held as this lawsuit slowly works its way through the process. You can help support this effort to protect our rights with a tax-deductible contribution to the Sharper Future Legal Fund.

If you are arrested for possession of an “illegal knife” in New York, please contact Knife Rights at: nycity@KnifeRights.org

About:
Knife Rights (www.KnifeRights.org) is America’s Grassroots Knife Owners Organization, working towards a Sharper Future for all knife owners. Knife Rights is dedicated to providing knife owners an effective voice in public policy. Become a Knife Rights member and make a contribution to support the fight for your knife rights. Visit www.kniferights.org

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- As part of an ongoing national effort to help prevent illegal “straw” purchases of firearms, the National Shooting Sports Foundation brings a stern warning about the stiff penalties for such purchases to Times Square in the heart of New York City.

An advertisement for the Don’t Lie for the Other Guy program has been placed by NSSF on the giant 18 by 34-foot screen that is an icon of Times Square, dominating the corners of 7th and 8th Avenues at 42nd Street.

The message reads: “Buy a gun for someone who can’t and buy yourself 10 years in jail. Whatever you do . . . Don’t Lie for the Other Guy . . . dontlie.org”

Shooting Industry Goes to 'The Big Apple' to Warn of Illegal Gun Purchases

More than 365,000 pedestrians walk through the “Great White Way” on any given day, making this a coveted spot for any public-education message campaign.

“Don’t Lie” is a cooperative program between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and NSSF, the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry. The effort was developed over a decade ago to raise public awareness about the seriousness of the crime of purchasing a firearm for someone who cannot legally do so. The program also helps ATF educate firearms dealers so they can be better prepared to detect and help deter potential straw purchases.

The campaign drives home the message that anyone attempting an illegal firearm purchase faces a stiff federal felony penalty of up to 10 years in jail or up to $250,000 in fines.

To legally purchase a firearm, a person must be able to pass an FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check and fully comply with state and local laws. When a criminal knows he cannot pass this check, he may try to induce a friend to make the purchase on his behalf, which is known as a straw purchase and is a felony.

“Our goal is to raise awareness among New Yorkers and tourists coming into the city that there are serious consequences for illegally straw purchasing a firearm,” said Stephen L. Sanetti, NSSF’s president and CEO. “This warning can help deter an illegal purchase long before a person steps into a licensed retail store, and we have run similar notices all across the nation.”

The huge pedestrian crowds that are drawn to the Times Square area’s theaters, shops and attractions will see the Don’t Lie message. Many travelers using the Port Authority bus terminal just half a block from the giant video screen also will see the warning.

This public awareness campaign in New York City constitutes only part of the Don’t Lie for the Other Guy outreach effort. The full Don’t Lie for the Other Guy program, which also involves educating firearms retailers to better detect and prevent straw purchases, has been rolled out in major cities throughout the country and along the U.S.-Mexican border. This is a campaign that ATF has called “vital” and “an important tool for ATF as it pursues its mission of preventing terrorism, reducing violent crime, and protecting the nation.” In the retailer segment, federal firearms licensees are provided a Don’t Lie for the Other Guy retailer kit. Each kit contains a training video and informational brochure for storeowners and staff, as well as point-of-purchase displays aimed to deter illegal straw purchases.

The promotion of the Don’t Lie for the Other Guy message in Times Sqaure is being funded by the firearms industry.

“The firearms industry is proud of its longstanding cooperative relationship with the ATF and the entire law enforcement community by assisting them in their efforts to combat the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms,” said NSSF Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF’s senior vice president and general counsel. “We are happy to make the complete Don’t Lie for the Other Guy program available to New York City and the surrounding area.”

Learn more about Don’t Lie for the Other Guy at www.dontlie.org.

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

NSSF is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2011. Learn about the Foundation’s history at www.nssf.org/50.

LongIslandFirearms.com

Ronkonkoma, NY --(Ammoland.com)- Long Island Firearms, New York’s foremost online firearms enthusiast community, is delighted to announce that it has reached 4000 active members!

“For a local forum, focused around a central issue, I am simply amazed that we have grown so quickly” beamed Steven Blair, LIF’s founder and administrator.

“We have members who have been with us from day one, and we add new friends everyday”, he added. He listed the numerous Public Service activities performed by Long Island Firearms’ community, the foundation of the Long Island Second Amendment Preservation Association, and the formation of Club LIF, Long Island Forearms’ NRA-affiliated club as astounding achievements undertaken by an organization with very recently planted, but strong and fast growing roots.

“What this community has accomplished in such a short time, what we have become, makes me so grateful to our members, and to the staff at LIF.” “Without their support, generosity and enthusiasm, we never could have been such a success!”

Long Island Firearms is a web based community founded in 2009 to promote a sense of community within firearms enthusiasts on Long Island. You can find us online at www.LongIslandFirearms.com Long Island Freedom Fund is a not-for-profit organization filed in NY. Please visit www.liffreedomfund.org/ for more information.

Community activities performed by Long Island Firearms members can be found by visiting: www.KeepLongIslandClean.org

The Long Island Second Amendment Preservation Association was founded in 2011 to promote a vibrant and focused effort to maintain the civil liberties or the people of Long Island New York. Their website is www.lisapa.org/

Club LIF is duly chartered by the National Rifle Association, and is an affiliate club of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

Virginia Citizens Defense League

New York, NY --(Ammoland.com)- So Mayor Michael “Only police should have guns”…?

Bloomberg has some explaining to do.

EIGHT current and former police officers from New York City have just been arrested for smuggling M-16 MACHINE GUNS, OVER A DOZEN HANDGUNS, SHOTGUNS, all with serial numbers removed!

Funny, could Mayor Bloomberg be in on it. You know: Operation Fast and Furious envy?

But, now that I think about it, such gun running would allow Bloomberg to continue to point his finger at Virginia, while piously screaming that we need more gun control at federal levels.

But talk about bad timing – a “study” on gun trafficking was released today, of all days, and the author, Brian Knight, concludes that we need more federal laws to keep guns from being smuggled to New York!

I’ll bet Brian is slapping his head saying, “Doh!’

Here is a story on the gun-smuggling police officers: From the N.Y. Times: http://tinyurl.com/3lnetsp

8 Officers Charged With Gun Trafficking in U.S. Corruption Case

By WILLIAM K. RASHBAUM
Eight current and former New York Police Department officers were arrested early Tuesday on federal charges including gun trafficking and conspiracy to smuggle cigarettes, according to people briefed on the case.

The charges allege that the officers — five are still on the force and three are retired — were involved in illegally transporting more than a dozen handguns as well as M-16 assault rifles and shotguns and a variety of stolen property, the people briefed on the case said. The officers, along with a former New Jersey correction officer and three civilians, were arrested at their homes before sunrise by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and investigators from the Police Department’s Internal Affairs Bureau, the people said.

The gun-trafficking allegations strike at the heart of one of the New York Police Department’s most hard-fought and robust initiatives, and one that has been a central theme of the administration of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg: getting guns off the street of New York City….[ follow the link above to read more.]

Here is an article on the “study” on gun smuggling. Perhaps the conclusion should be that we need to keep guns out of the hands of the NYC PD  http://tiny.cc/qos73

About:
Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (VCDL). VCDL is an all-volunteer, non-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to defending the human rights of all Virginians. The Right to Keep and Bear Arms is a fundamental human right. Visit: www.vcdl.org

KnifeRights.org

Gilbert, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- It still isn’t safe for honest law-abiding citizens with a perfectly legal knife in their pocket to walk the streets of New York City, or take the subway.

Knife Rights’ legal team continues to help new clients who have been arrested and continues to get their cases dismissed, the latest just last week.

But, that still leaves these victims of NYC District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr’s persecution out of pocket a good deal of money, their valuable time (to say nothing of sleepless nights) and the persecution continues.

That’s why we filed a Federal Civil Rights lawsuit back in June.

Knife Rights’ lawsuit against DA Vance and the City of New York continues to move forward. The State of New York has been dropped as a defendant after it determined that the events occurring in New York City are strictly a New York City issue, rather than an issue of state law. That is good for us.

Recently, the City filed its response to our Complaint, and as expected, DA Vance filed a motion to dismiss the suit. We are presently working to respond to the DA’s motion.

The City does not appear to dispute the lawsuit’s basic claim that NYPD officers are using New York’s “gravity knife” law to prosecute possession of common and ordinary folding knives. As anticipated, it appears that both the City and the DA intend to argue that the “gravity knife” law encompasses one-hand-opening and assisted-opening folding knives, and hence, that the law is not “impermissibly vague” as we claim. That circular argument is no surprise; after all, that’s the root of the lawsuit and those are the issues we are prepared to go to trial on.

A magistrate judge has been assigned, which will help move things along quicker (that being a relative term considering this is federal litigation) and Judge Ellis has scheduled a court conference for early November. We are hopeful that we will be able to begin discovery from the City and DA Vance after this conference. No doubt there will be potholes aplenty along this road, but that’s how it works when you go toe to toe with one of the most powerful cities and DA in the country. We’re up to the fight.

In the meantime, never carry your knife clipped to your pocket in New York City. Even when covered by a jacket, simply moving the jacket aside to get to a wallet has been enough to get folks arrested. Always ensure your knife is completely concealed at all times.

If you are arrested for possession of an “illegal knife” in New York, please contact Knife Rights at: nycity@KnifeRights.org

About:
Knife Rights (www.KnifeRights.org) is America’s Grassroots Knife Owners Organization, working towards a Sharper Future for all knife owners. Knife Rights is dedicated to providing knife owners an effective voice in public policy. Become a Knife Rights member and make a contribution to support the fight for your knife rights. Visit www.kniferights.org

CCRKBA.org

BELLEVUE, WA – -(Ammoland.com)- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s call for more gun control laws while advocating the closure of prisons in a Sunday speech proves he is “drinking too much of Michael Bloomberg’s Kool-Aid,” the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms said today.

Gov. Cuomo made his comments during a Harlem breakfast prior to the African-American Day parade, according to the New York Daily News. He reportedly said closing some prisons would release more funding for local programs.

“If Andrew Cuomo thinks keeping thugs out of prison, so he can pump the money into some community program while pushing for further disarmament of potential crime victims makes sense,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb, “he’s been breathing too much of the same air as the mayor of New York City. The other day, Bloomberg was babbling about riots in the streets if the government doesn’t ‘do something’ about creating jobs. It now appears Andrew Cuomo wants to keep hoodlums working, in the neighborhoods, in the convenience stores, on the streets; anywhere they can rob and steal from honest citizens.”

Gov. Cuomo also complained that we could send a person to Harvard University for the same amount it costs to incarcerate them.

“Well,” Gottlieb said, “that certainly makes sense. Let’s just move thugs to college campuses. Maybe the governor thinks criminals will climb the ladder of success by robbing a more affluent class of victims.

“Andrew Cuomo and Michael Bloomberg apparently live in the same fantasy world,” Gottlieb said. “They want to throw government money around, either to invent make-work jobs that accomplish nothing, or to pad some social program at the expense of much-needed jail space, while working overtime to disarm law-abiding citizens. They’re not in the State of New York; they’re in a state of confusion.”

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

CCRKBA.org

BELLEVUE, WA – -(Ammoland.com)- At least 46 [ABC now Reporting 67 including Two Policemen] people were shot in New York City over the Labor Day weekend, prompting the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms to ask Mayor Michael Bloomberg how this could happen in a city with some of the toughest gun laws in the nation; laws that he would spread across the county.

“Mayor Bloomberg has advocated New York-style gun control for everyone, everywhere,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb. “This included a 24-hour period from Saturday morning to Sunday morning during which 24 people were shot. That’s a pitiful demonstration of the abject failure of Bloomberg’s anti-gun policies.

“We will probably see Mayor Bloomberg adopt the ‘Obama protocol,’ blaming someone else, or the gun laws in other states, when the sad truth is that New York gun control laws have failed consistently,” he continued. “After this weekend, Bloomberg is going to have a hard time pandering his gun control agenda.”

According to the New York Post, the Labor Day weekend saw an “epidemic of shootings” including one that occurred not far from where he was marching in the West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn.

“Michael Bloomberg’s blood-spattered anti-gun agenda is not simply wrong for New York,” Gottlieb observed, “it is wrong for the country. No better evidence of that can be found in the Big Apple’s Labor Day weekend shooting statistics. Maybe it’s time for members of Bloomberg’s ‘Mayors Against Illegal Guns’ to wonder just where his philosophy might take their cities, if they continue listening to his siren’s song of restrictive gun control.

“New York’s mayor is the Pied Piper of Prohibition,” Gottlieb stated. “Nearly four dozen shootings over a three-day weekend is proof positive that Bloomberg’s tune is seriously off-key. It is time for Mayor Bloomberg and other gun control extremists to admit that their strategies have failed. He has been running around the country blaming gun laws in other states for his city’s crime problems, but it is the laws of his own jurisdiction that have failed miserably, and he knows it.”

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

Outdoorchannel TV

Temecula, Calif. --(Ammoland.com)- WHO: Michael Waddell, host of “Bone Collector” and “Realtree Road Trips with Michael Waddell” on Outdoor Channel – AMERICA’S LEADER IN OUTDOOR TV.

WHAT: Outdoor Channel and Time Warner Cable invite the outdoorsmen and women of Central New York to stop by The Time Warner Cable Exhibit at the great New York State Fair.

Michael will sign autographs and answer questions from fans about his shows and hunting experiences.

Michael Waddell at the New York State Fair

The New York State Fair is the largest and most historic exposition of its kind in the Northeastern United States.

It was created in 1841 with the goal of promoting agriculture and has an attendance of roughly one million visitors annually. The fair, which has evolved over the years to also include consumer and trade shows, musical performances, sporting events, youth activity and more, also highlights the popularity of outdoor recreation.

WHY: Considered by many to be the face of the modern hunting industry, Michael combines his lifelong passion for the great outdoors with his easy-going personality to attract viewers of all ages to his hit programming on Outdoor Channel. As one of the Network’s top outdoor celebrities, Waddell has won multiple “Fan Favorite” Golden Moose Awards.

Outdoor Channel is available to area residents of Syracuse, New York through Time Warner Cable on Channel 243 and Outdoor Channel HD is available on Channel 887. Catch all new episodes of “Realtree Road Trips with Michael Waddell” Fridays at 5:00 p.m. ET and Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET., in addition to “Bone Collector” which can be seen Mondays at 8:00 p.m. ET.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 31st | 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Time Warner Cable Exhibit, next to Chevy Court, | The New York State Fair | 581 State Fair Blvd. Syracuse, NY 13209

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.

NRAHuntersRights.org

Fairfax, VA--(Ammoland.com)- The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is facing the loss of up to $20 million from its share of federal Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson funding as the result of a budget proposal that would allow New York’s Department of Budget (DOB) to tap into the state’s conservation fund.

The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Acts levy an excise tax on the sale of firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, fishing equipment, motorboat and small engine fuels, and this money is returned to the states each year via grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

State fish and wildlife agencies in turn use these funds to manage fish and wildlife populations, acquire and improve habitat, fund hunter education, provide public hunting, fishing and boating access, and build and maintain public shooting ranges, among others. Hunters and anglers have contributed an astounding $13.7 billion in these excise taxes since 1937.

But in order to receive this valuable federal funding, which is allotted based on a formula that accounts for a state’s land area and total number of paid hunting and fishing license holders, states must agree not to spend license money and other dedicated wildlife funding on purposes outside of wildlife conservation. If they do, they risk losing their federal apportionments.

Such is the case in New York. Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 2011-2012 budget allows the DOB to use money from the conservation fund to balance the state’s budget, a proposal that has put the USFWS on notice.

“Even if the DOB has no intent on using conservation fund money for other reasons than its intent, the fact that the budget allows for them to do so is enough for the USFWS to withhold P-R (Pittman-Robertson) and other funding,” DEC Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources Assistant Director Doug Stang said July 5 in the Register-Star. “The conservation fund would be in deep trouble without it.”

New York originally had until July 15 to address concerns raised by the USFWS about the diversion of wildlife funds, but the state was given a 30-day extension to amend its budget or risk losing the federal money.

“The Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson programs provide crucial funding to manage the nation’s wildlife and fisheries,” said Hannibal Bolton, Assistant Director of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. “The Fish and Wildlife Service closely monitors situations such as this one in New York and stands ready to take the necessary action.”

For fiscal year 2011, New York was apportioned $9,133,327 in Dingell-Johnson and $11,215,150 in Pittman-Robertson grant funding—for a grand total of $20,348,477.

New York could now be in jeopardy of losing some or all of that money.

“This issue needs to get fixed and fixed faster than the federal government wants to pull our funding,” said New York Sportfishing Federation Director Bob Danielson. “In this fiscal climate we need every dollar we can get.”

This isn’t the first time a state has proposed to divert wildlife funds. Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, New Jersey and South Dakota have all been guilty in the past of trying to use hunters’ dollars to boost their bottom lines.

It’s also not the first time a New York governor has raided —or proposed to raid— the conservation fund. Former Gov. Mario Cuomo, Andrew’s father, raided the fund to the tune of $20 million in 1990, although $15 million was later returned.

Now, 21 years later, history stands to repeat itself, unless New York rescinds the language in its budget that allows for conservation fund dollars to be used for something other than their intended purpose.

About:
For the most up-to-date information about your hunting rights there’s just one source: www.NRAhuntersrights.org.

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

Firearms Microstamping Defeated In New York Again

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- Microstamping legislation A. 1157, which earlier this year passed the General Assembly, failed to be voted on in the New York State Senate.

This marks the fourth straight year that microstamping has been defeated in the Empire State.

Fortunately, legislators have listened to the independent studies of this flawed, easily-defeated concept and instead want to save the close to 9,000 jobs attributed to the firearms industry in the state.

NSSF thanks everyone who urged their legislators to oppose microstamping.

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Senate Bill 4213, sponsored by Sen. Mark J. Grisanti (R- North Buffalo), would permit the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to allow live cable restraints, commonly called snares, to be used by trappers. Currently, New York prohibits the use of all snares.

This bill has been approved by the Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation and is now pending on the floor of the Senate. Identical legislation, AB 6203 sponsored by Assemblyman Dennis H. Gabryszak (D- Cheektowaga), is currently pending in the Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation.

“If passed, these bills will give the DEC and New York trappers an additional method to manage wildlife,” said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance director of state services. “Cable snares are used across the country and are a proven and effective way for trappers to harvest wildlife.”

Biologists from coast to coast rely on trapping as an essential aspect of wildlife management. It is particularly important for predator control and to minimize diseases such as rabies.

“Cable restraints are a vital tool needed for New York trappers to help control coyote and beaver populations,” said Dave Miller, Executive Director of the New York State Trappers Association. “These traps are very effective, especially in the late winter months when foothold traps may start to freeze.”

Take Action! Sportsmen should contact their state senators and assemblymen and urge them to support Senate Bill 4213 and Assembly Bill 6203. Inform them there is no reason for a ban on live cable restraints.

To find your state legislators’ phone number and other contact information, use the USSA Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lac.

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

AmmoLand Gun News

Niagara County, NY --(Ammoland.com)- Niagara County lawmakers unanimously opposed an extreme bill passed by the New York State Assembly that would require gun-buyers in New York state to purchase guns the included costly technology that had been repeatedly proven unreliable at best.

County lawmakers expressed disgust with grandstanding by the State Assembly’s leadership, which every year passes a raft of anti-Second Amendment bills, most of which are stopped cold in the Senate. The Assembly’s passage of a bizarre “micro-stamping” bill­ long the darling of extreme gun-control organizations­ caused a pair of lawmakers representing four of Niagara County’s rural towns to lead an effort to condemn the Assembly’s actions and call on the Senate to block its passage.

Micro-stamping would, in theory, imprint a unique identification number on cartridges ejected by semiautomatic pistols. Unfortunately for proponents of the concept, it’s been repeatedly found to work poorly at best­ even being proven ineffective during an involved 2006 study at the University of California-Davis. With even a University of California school opposing mandating the technology, Niagara County lawmakers were left scratching their heads about why the Assembly is in such a hurry to require the unproven and costly technology in New York.

For that reason, Tuesday night county legislators were unanimous in admonishing the Assembly’s leadership for passing the legislation and asking the Senate to once again act as a road block against extreme laws, often authored by downstate Assemblymen.

“Again, it seems the assault has started with the anti-Second Amendment rights legislation originating in the Assembly,” Legislator John Syracuse, R-Newfane, told his colleagues. “What we have here is this micro-stamping­ I hesitate to use the word ‘technology’­ that has repeatedly failed in laboratory tests. And now the Assembly wants to require it.”

Syracuse noted that chief among the problems with micro-stamping ­aside from the fact that a similar experiment at a Suffolk County, N.Y., crime lab had found that virtually all of the stamped characters were unreadable­ and that a criminal with a metal file could render the technology impotent.

“They’re easily scoured or tampered with,” Syracuse said. “All this does is erode the rights of law-abiding citizens to purchase guns. And we won’t tolerate this back-door effort at gun control.”

Syracuse was joined in sponsoring the measure blasting the Assembly by Legislator Michael A. Hill, R-Middleport, a parole officer who was concerned about efforts by criminals to misuse micro-stamped ammunition casings fired by law-abiding firearms owners­ particularly his fellow law-enforcement officers.

“The problem with the technology is that there may be an opportunity that, if this actually worked, people could become victims of false accusations,” Hill said. “As a law-enforcement officer myself, I go to the range twice a year to qualify, and we use quite a few cartridges, and they’re all over the range. We do our best to pick them up. But we don’t get them all. And these ranges would be a popular place for criminals to go to pick up casings to scatter around a crime scene to add to confusion.”

Hill’s specific objection has been repeatedly cited by the National Rifle Association as well.

Hill, who as a law-enforcement officer is quite knowledgeable about firearms, noted a second failing of micro-stamping: it only is applicable to semiautomatic pistols. Micro-stamping would be ineffective on revolvers, as the expended cartridges remain in the gun.

“Old West-type guns­ revolvers ­don’t even eject their rounds. If they used a gun in that category to commit a crime, they’re going to take the cartridges with them,” Hill said. “That nullifies the effectiveness of this technology.”

Further complicating things, Hill and Syracuse noted, is that the Assembly bill requires creation of a statewide database of unique bullet IDs, but fails to explain how construction, updating, and maintenance of such a costly database would be paid for.

“I know that databases cost money to create. Databases cost money to maintain,” Hill said. “The Assembly doesn’t say where that money is going to come from.”

Hill summed up the County Legislature’s opposition to the Assembly micro-stamping bill on behalf of his colleagues.

“There are just a lot of holes in it,” Hill said. “The Assembly leadership is talking about adding an expense to law-enforcement for a technology that’s not proven, and that can be scrubbed right out of a handgun. And I just think it’s another attack on our Second Amendment rights.”

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Last week the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance alerted New York sporting dog owners to two bills that would create unnecessary new regulations for sporting dog owners.

This week it is more of the same in the New York legislature.

Assembly Bill 8146, sponsored by Assemblyman Steve Katz (R- Mohegan Lake), would require newly defined “backyard breeders” to obtain an annual breeder permit and adhere to the same standards of care and inspection requirements that apply to the state’s regulated pet dealers.

A “backyard breeder” is defined as anyone who breeds one female dog for compensation.

Under the bill, these breeders are required to obtain an annual $150 permit before they are allowed to breed any dog. They must also comply with the care, housing, and inspection requirements meant for commercial pet dealers that are already contained in current law.

“This bill forces regulations that are designed for commercial pet dealers onto sporting dog kennels, hobby breeders, and individual dog owners,” said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance director of state services. “There is simply no justification for applying this type of regulation to these dog owners.”

Take Action! New York sportsmen should contact their state legislators and ask that they oppose Assembly Bill 8146. Tell them sporting dog owners should not be required to obtain a new costly annual permit and comply with new regulations simply because they may breed and sell one dog in a year. To find your state assembly person’s phone number and other contact information, use the USSA Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lac.

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

KnifeRights.org

Gilbert, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- Knife Rights today filed a federal civil rights lawsuit to stop New York City from arresting law-abiding citizens carrying common pocket knives.

The lawsuit challenges New York State law on “gravity knives” and “switchblades,” and New York County District Attorney Cyrus Vance’s attempt to mischaracterize the most widely-owned pocket knives in America as contraband.

The case seeks a judicial determination that the law is unconstitutionally vague as applied to these ordinary pocket knives.

“District Attorney Vance is trying to advance his political career by exploiting a vague state law to demonize common pocket knives,” said Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter. “In the process, hundreds of law abiding knife owners are being arrested and Vance has extracted nearly $2 million from retailers to avoid prosecution on bogus charges. This lawsuit intends to put a stop to Vance’s abusive and unconscionable civil rights violations.”

“One-hand opening pocket knives are legal tools, used and carried every day by millions of law-abiding citizens for work, recreation and self-defense,” said Ritter. “Shame on D.A. Vance for demonizing common tools and turning honest citizens into criminals for purely political ends.”

If you are a retailer or individual who has been targeted for the sale or possession of so-called illegal knives (one-hand opening and assisted opening knives inappropriately claimed to be gravity knives or switchblades), we urge you to immediately contact Knife Rights at: email nycity@KnifeRights.org or call toll-free: 1-866-889-6268.

Joining Knife Rights as plaintiffs are two private citizens, John Copeland, an internationally acclaimed artist, and Pedro Perez, an artist and fine art dealer, both New York City residents. The defendants are New York County District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr., the New York State Attorney General, and the City of New York. Knife Rights is represented by attorney David Jensen. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Click here to download the Federal Complaint as filed.

Knife Rights is supported in this lawsuit by the Knife Rights Foundation Sharper Future Legal Fund whose major donors include at Platinum level: Benchmade Knife Co., Blue Ridge Knives, Buck Knives, Columbia River Knife & Tool, Taylor Brands and United Cutlery; Silver level: KnifeWorks.com and Wenger NA; Titanium level: Smokey Mountain Knife Works; Bronze level: Ethan Becker and KA-BAR Knives. Please support those who support your knife rights.

About:
Knife Rights has quickly grown to become America’s largest grassroots knife owners organization. Invest in a Sharper Future. Become a Knife Rights member and make a contribution to support the fight for your knife rights. Visit www.kniferights.org

We need your help to fight DA Vance. Donate today to support Knife Rights Sharper Future™ Legal Fund

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Assembly Bill 7964, introduced by Assemblyman Joseph S. Saladino (R- Massapequa) would require anyone that houses dogs or other animals in a permanent structure to have a working “fire suppression” system and have an alarm system that connects directly to the police or fire department. Only “farms” are exempted from the requirements.

“The bill would require anyone who keeps a single dog in their home to outfit their home with a sprinkler system and a monitored alarm system,” said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance director of state services.

“These requirements are not only wholly unnecessary, but would prove costly for both kennels and pet owners.”

Senate Bill 5467, introduced by Senator Tom O’Mara (R- Horseheads), would allow any person to enter the property of a dog owner that houses more than 12 adult animals, or 9 animals and produces three or more litters per year, to provide the animals with food or water if the person claims that the animals have been without necessary food or water for more than 12 hours.

Essentially, this language allows any person, whether they are an animal rights activist or a law enforcement officer, to enter into these dog owners’ property if they simply claim a dog has not been provided with necessary food or water for 12 hours.

“Allowing any person to enter a dog owner’s land by claiming dogs are not properly fed or watered is a major violation of privacy rights,” said Heusinkveld.

Senate Bill 5467 would also require the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to establish new standards of care, housing, and record keeping requirements for all dog owners, regardless of the number of dogs they own. It is essentially a “blank check” for the commissioner to force new regulations upon anyone owning a single dog.

Take Action! New York sportsmen should contact their state legislators and ask that they oppose Assembly Bill 7964 and Senate Bill 5467. Tell them these bills will establish new costly and unnecessary requirements for dog owners. To find your state legislator’s phone number and other contact information, use the USSA Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lac.

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

Armed American Radio

Atlanta GA --(Ammoland.com)- Mark Walters and Armed American Radio are proud to announce another new affiliate and the addition of another state to the rapidly expanding nationally syndicated radio broadcast!

Mark Walters and Armed American Radio are thrilled to add their newest affiliate AM 1480 WLEA, Hornell, NY to the list of cities across America carrying the Armed American Radio Network. Beginning this Sunday, 6-5-2011, WLEA will carry Armed American Radio live every Sunday from 8p-10p.

“The addition of WLEA to the lineup brings us into New York State for the first time. This is significant as we reach across the nation to tell the truth about our right to carry a firearm and now the good law-abiding people of Hornell can fill their prescription for freedom and hear hard hitting, pro-gun talk in a state widely recognized as being hostile to firearms owners. The spread of freedom can’t be stopped!” host Mark Walters said.

AAR airs live nationwide every Sunday from 8-11pm ET, 5-8pm PT from the West Palm Beaches of South Florida to the North Slope of Alaska. Each week Mark Walters discusses the right to carry a concealed firearm, training, tips and carry techniques, the politics of the right to bear arms and the responsibility that law-abiding citizens have to carry a firearm for their own defense. The show blends an entertaining mix of nationally recognized guests with hard-hitting discussion about the right to carry a firearm.

For more information and to schedule interviews with host Mark Walters:

Please contact:

Mark Walters
Host

Armed American Radio is syndicated on the Salem Radio Network. For media kit information, please visit www.srnonline.com/talk/talk-walters.shtml

About:
Armed American Radio is the most free-thinking, politically incorrect radio station in the U.S.A. We discuss liberty, self-defense, weapons, family, friends, and life. Visit: www.Armedamericanradio.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

AmmoLand Gun News

LOCKPORT, NY --(Ammoland.com)- A severe backlog in the processing of pistol permit applications by a state executive branch agency has left Niagara County officials gravely concerned about the public’s ability to exercise a fundamental right—and the safety of citizens who need to exercise that right.

County Clerk Wayne F. Jagow disclosed today that more than 100 Niagara County pistol permit applications are backlogged due to the failure of the New York State Office of Mental Health to process routine background checks—and called on Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to take immediate steps to rectify the problem, which stems from cuts contained in Cuomo’s 2011-2012 executive budget.

“The New York State Mental Health Office section responsible for pistol permits was slashed from four people to one,” Jagow explained. “This has produced a huge bottleneck in pistol permit applications.”

By targeting the Office of Mental Health’s pistol permit section for cuts, the state’s executive branch has turned a normally routine check to verify that pistol permit applicants have not been institutionalized for mental illness into a logjam on what, until recently, was a fairly smooth and quick process. Statewide, thousands of pistol permit applications are languishing as a massive backlog has formed.

“Hundreds of residents of Niagara County are experiencing unconscionable delays waiting for a permit that will allow them to take steps they believe are necessary for their self-defense and the protection of their homes and families,” Jagow said. “And that’s unconscionable.”

Jagow said his gravest concern from the delay is that law-abiding citizens who sought a sidearm for home protection would be unable to quickly obtain a pistol or revolver—and could be in jeopardy if their lives were under threat.

“No failure of this nature should leave any citizen, or their families, exposed and in danger. The Second Amendment exists for a reason,” Jagow said. “We have always recognized that fact in Niagara County , and taken reasonable steps to eliminate government barriers to our citizens exercising their Second Amendment rights. Now, though, this issue is leaving our citizens vulnerable. And we think that’s terribly, terribly wrong.”

Within hours of Jagow revealing the state executive branch’s failure to process the permit applications, the leader of the Niagara County Legislature’s multi-party Majority Caucus threw his support behind Jagow’s effort.

“The Majority Caucus of the Legislature has been consistent in its support of the Second Amendment rights of Niagara County ’s citizens,” Majority Leader Rick Updegrove, R-Lockport said. “The delay in processing pistol permit applications is absolutely unacceptable and an affront to the rights of sportsmen.”

Updegrove has been a leading voice in the County Legislature on behalf of sportsmen and the Second Amendment, working closely with Newfane lawmaker John Syracuse and several other members of the Majority Caucus to oppose most recently an effort by Sen. Eric Adams, D-Brooklyn, to require costly registration fees on all legally-owned firearms in Upstate New York.

The failure of the executive branch of government to uphold its responsibilities to law-abiding citizens under the state’s already-stifling gun regulations, however, drew Updegrove’s direct ire.

“This situation needs to be rectified immediately,” Updegrove stated, directing his remarks at Cuomo and executive branch leadership. “We support the sportsmen in Niagara County , and we support our county clerk’s demand that state bureaucracy not impede our pistol permit application process.”

Also joining Jagow is calling on Cuomo to immediately rectify the situation was the president of the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs, Inc., Chris Schotz.

“There should be no reason that this is delayed due to staffing issues in Albany ,” Schotz said. “To have this delay is unfair to the law-abiding people who are just trying to exercise their rights.”

Schotz noted that, in addition to home- and self-defense considerations, hunters and sport shooters were being punished by the executive branch delays, as well as individuals working in security-related fields that are required to carry personal sidearms.

Jagow warned that inaction by Cuomo would only exacerbate the situation.

“Every day this problem is allowed to persist, the backlog gets longer and longer and longer,” Jagow said. “As one single box on the pistol permit application remains unchecked, an otherwise orderly process has ground to a complete halt.”

Christian W. Peck
Public Information Officer

Niagara County Public Information Office
175 Hawley Street
Lockport , New York 14094

TEL: (716) 439-7241
MOB: (716) 534-4419
FAX: (716) 439-7058

Wall Street Journal Article Features Knives NYC Citizens Can't Buy

KnifeRights.org

Gilbert, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- How incredibly ironic that the May 14 edition of the Wall Street Journal, a New York City based publication, ran a piece in their “Off Duty” section titled “Stay Sharp.”

It commends to its readers five one-hand opening pocket knives, every one of which would be falsely deemed an illegal gravity knife by NYC District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr.

Click to go to the article online

In a letter to the editor, Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter, wrote:

Editor, Wall Street Journal:

The irony of your May 14 article “Stay Sharp” is that a New York City based publication has commended to its readers pocket knives that are virtually impossible to purchase in the city because they have been wrongly demonized by New York County D.A. Cyrus Vance, Jr.

Vance has targeted these common, practical and perfectly legal one-hand opening pocket knives as part of a campaign to persecute and prosecute law-abiding knife owners and retailers, falsely claiming them to be illegal “gravity knives.” Vance has charged many people carrying knives indistinguishable from those shown in your article with 4th Degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, punishable by up to a year in jail. Vance has also targeted retailers selling these knives, seizing their inventory and intimidating them into paying involuntary “contributions” to a Vance-administered slush fund to avoid prosecution,–to the tune of almost two million dollars.

Unjustly persecuting honest citizens and businesses over a common, everyday tool is an extraordinary waste of taxpayer dollars that clogs up the courts and costs the city badly needed income and business. Virtually all the criminal charges brought in this scam end up being dismissed. You would think that Vance could find enough real crime in the city worthy of his attention, rather than trying to turn innocent citizens into criminals by picking on one of man’s oldest and most useful tools.

Respectfully submitted,

Doug Ritter
Chairman and Executive Director
Knife Rights

We need your help to fight DA Vance. Donate today to support Knife Rights Sharper Future Legal Fund

Join or Renew your Knife Rights membership today! http://bit.ly/2QEVMP

About:
Knife Rights has quickly grown to become America’s largest grassroots knife owners organization. Invest in a Sharper Future. Become a Knife Rights member and make a contribution to support the fight for your knife rights. Visit www.kniferights.org

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- On May 3, Assembly Bill 1157 passed in the Assembly Codes Committee by a vote of 15 to 7 and will now head to the Assembly floor for consideration.

Introduced by state Assemblyman Michelle Schimel (D-16), A1157 would mandate micro-stamping on all new semi-automatic pistols sold in New York after January 1, 2013.

A1157 would require all semi-automatic pistols delivered to any licensed firearms dealer in New York for sale after January 1, 2013, to mechanically stamp an alpha-numeric or geometric code that would identify the make, model and serial number onto the cartridge case when the gun is discharged.

This bill would require models currently available to be redesigned by their manufacturers to have a micro-stamping component, which would vastly increase the cost of these firearms.

Micro-stamping is an unproven technology that is easily defeated with common household tools and the replacement of a few small parts. If passed, the availability of semi-automatic handguns in New York will be in serious doubt, as manufacturers simply may choose not to build or sell firearms for purchase in the state. Of course, that is the ultimate goal of this legislation. Make no mistake, this is a gun ban and it must be stopped.

Please contact your Assemblyman and respectfully ask him or her to OPPOSE A1157. Contact information can be found here.

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

New York State

New York --(Ammoland.com)- Recently, Assembly members Tony Jordan (R,C,I-Jackson), Teresa Sayward (R,I-Willsboro), and Janet L. Duprey (R,I-Peru) sent a joint letter to Governor Cuomo requesting a meeting with him to discuss the mishandling of dedicated state conservation funds generated by hunting, fishing and trapping licensing fees.

With across-the-board cuts to all state agencies, including the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the lawmakers want to ensure that conservation funds are used to support outdoor recreation programs and opportunities.

The Assembly members, who represent many sportsmen and whose districts are covered largely by the Adirondack Park, are especially concerned and would like Governor Cuomo to clear up any rumors of a possible Conservation Fund sweep.

“Hunting and fishing are especially important to New York residents and our Upstate economy, and that is why we want to talk to the governor to make sure that the state is using the Conservation Fund as intended, to support New York’s outdoors recreation and opportunities,” said Jordan.

“When we’re being told by the chairman of the Conservation Fund Advisory Board that the money, raised by outdoor licensing fees, is not being used as required by law, it raises a red flag with me. We need to use this dedicated fund to support this important industry and boost our local economies.”

There are 1.4 million sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts in New York who have a $6 billion annual impact of the state’s economy. Recent hikes in licensing fees have made it more expensive for hunters and anglers to do what they love. The use of conservation funds to maintain programs, trails and other related services has been repeatedly denied by the Division of Budget.

“Our sportsmen and women are concerned that the Conservation Fund may be swept for other uses,” said Sayward. “The Conservation Fund should remain as intended, providing support for outdoor recreation and sporting opportunities. I urge Governor Cuomo to act on this issue to ensure that the Conservation Fund is used for its proper purpose.”

“It’s extremely important for the economic vitality, culture, as well as the values of North Country sportsmen and women to protect our region’s heritage and traditions,” said Duprey. “The failure to properly utilize the Conservation Fund, combined with recent reductions at the DEC will directly affect the programs and services that hunters, fishermen, and trappers are paying for through their licensing fees. This is unacceptable. With the large number of sportsmen and women in our state contributing billions to the economy annually, they should not be the target of mismanagement and unfair reductions. I strongly urge the Governor to use the Conservation Fund for its sole purpose – to support hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in the North Country across our great state.”

The Assembly colleagues urge Governor Cuomo to meet with them to preserve this important part of Upstate culture. As always, constituents can contact their legislative representatives by calling Assemblyman Jordan at 518-747-7098, Assemblywoman Sayward at 518-792-4546, or Assemblywoman Duprey at 518-562-1986.

Dumb Gun Laws In New York

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

New York --(Ammoland.com)-From the perspective of a long time Second Amendment activist, I have been forced to conclude that New York has some of the most Draconian and dumb gun control laws.

Admittedly, there is competition from California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.

They also have some real dandies when it comes to ineffective and stupid laws involving firearms.

We have lived with the Sullivan Law which calls for the licensing of handgun owners and the registration of all handguns. I have spoken to several cops, district attorneys, lawyers and politicians and asked them how many gun crimes have been solved because the gun was registered. I have yet to hear a positive number from any of them.

Of course registration works. It worked wonderfully well for Adolph Hitler and several other dictators. It certainly destroyed any meaningful attempts to rescue the citizens from oppression. In fact, it is difficult to find any republic or democracy that was taken over by a dictator without first imposing gun control and registration. It sure made it convenient for those in power to disarm the citizens.

The term “gun control” can be misleading because it isn’t about controlling guns. It is about controlling people.

The laws affect only honest citizens because criminals don’t obey laws—that’s why they are called criminals. The ironic part of the registration law is that criminals can’t be charged with not registering a firearm. The Supreme Court said it would be a violation of their Fifth Amendment rights.

But, back to the dumb gun laws in New York. It takes a few months to a year in the Empire State to get a pistol permit. In Pennsylvania it takes less than an hour and this includes permits for non-residents. The difference in crime statistics involving guns between the states is insignificant.

The real objective of the anti-gun politicians is to make guns illegal for all but their favored few. That was the objective of Tim Sullivan who got the law passed. That’s why an upstate cop can’t legally carry a handgun in the Big Apple unless he is on duty and has the OK from the Police Commissioner.

That is a real crime stopper!

The big push for this legislative session is called microstamping which is an unproven technology that is supposed to create an imprint on fired cartridge cases. It has yet to be shown to work. It is a method (politicians say) to put a mark on the case that will link it to the gun that fired it.

There are a couple of big problems with this bill. First, it is obvious that the sponsors want to keep manufacturers from selling semi-automatic handguns in New York. We have not, so far, found any major manufacturer that is willing to invest on this technology for the whims of politicians in one state.

The second problem is that most guns used in crimes are stolen or bought off the street. An offshoot (pardon the pun) is that a criminal could pick up fired brass at a gun club range, commit a crime and use a brass catcher to avoid leaving his cases at a crime scene and drop the other cases. Wouldn’t that be confusing?

Most significant is the fact that a gun with the imprinting ability can be easily altered to defeat the microstamping. A file, power drill with a hone and some valve grinding compound could remove the identifying marking images. That would make the system totally ineffective.

Several years ago Governor Pataki instituted the CoBIS system which requires any semi-auto handgun sold at a gun store to provide a fired case and give to the State Police for their records. It is difficult to get an exact figure of the cost, but a good guess is around $20 million. In the decade it has been in existence, NOT ONE CRIME case has been solved with this program.

We had a report that one third of the cases sent to Albany for the data base had not yet been entered. What a waste of taxpayer’s money!

This would be a good time to contact legislators and the governor to tell them to forget about this microstamping bill and use their time doing something useful.

Anti-Gun Micro-Stamping Bills to be Heard in NY Assembly & Senate Committees Next Week

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- On Monday, April 11, the New York Assembly Committee on Codes will consider anti-gun legislation regarding micro-stamping. Assembly Bill 1157, sponsored by Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel (D-16), would require semi-automatic pistols manufactured or delivered to any licensed dealer in the state to be capable of micro-stamping ammunition.

Micro-stamping is an unproven technology that is easily defeated with common household tools and the replacement of a few small parts. If passed, the availability of semi-automatic handguns in New York will be in serious doubt, as manufacturers simply may choose not to build or sell firearms for purchase in the state. Of course, that is the ultimate goal of this legislation. Make no mistake, this is a gun ban and it must be stopped.

Please contact members of the Assembly Committee on Codes and urge them to oppose A1157. Contact information for this committee can be found here.

On Tuesday, April 12, Senate Bill 1003A is scheduled to be heard by the state Senate Committee on Codes. S1003A, sponsored by state Senator José Peralta (D-13), would require the judge in a criminal proceeding or in a family court proceeding, upon issuance of an order of protection, to inquire as to the ownership of a firearm by the defendant or respondent.

Please contact members of the Senate Committee on Codes and urge them to oppose S1003A. Contact information for this committee can be found here.

MICROSTAMPING Background:
Microstamping is a proposed means for imprinting unique serial numbers onto cartridges fired from a gun. Similar to “ballistic fingerprinting,” it allegedly helps police identify what firearm might have been used in a crime. Microstamping uses precision equipment to remove microscopic amounts of metal from the tip of the firing pin

Myth: Independent testing by forensic technologists shows the technology is reliable

Fact: Firing pins are readily removable and swappable in most models of handguns, and inexpensive replacement parts. Criminals who file down serial numbers on the sides of guns won’t hesitate to file or exchange firing pins.

Fact: 46% of impressions ranked as “unsatisfactory” (i.e., illegible) after only ten rounds.127

Fact: Reloaded ammo (which is extremely common due to the economics of recycling casings and home reloading tools) will make prosecuting cases nearly impossible once the “reloaded ammo” defense is raised. A case may have two or more markings, making the final shooter impossible to identify.

Myth: Filing the firing pin will make the gun inoperable

Fact: Firing pins are designed to be pushed deeply into the primer (igniter) of the round. The depth of the engraving (approximately 0.005 inch)128 is vastly smaller than the tolerance of the firing pins drive depth.

Fact: In a test, the engravings were removed using a 50-year-old knife sharpening stone in less than a minute. The firearm still operated correctly after the filing.129 Fact: Even if a criminal does not file down the firing pin, they might retrieve spent cartridges. If they use a revolver, the cartridges stay with the firearm and are rarely recovered by police.

Myth: The cost per firearm will be cheap

Fact: The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the representative for firearm manufactures, estimates the cost will be upwards of $150 per firearm, more than tripling the price of self-protection and making it unaffordable for low-income people.

Brady Campaign dispute those with firearm manufacturing experience claiming microstamping would cost only 50¢?

Myth: The numbers will let police find the gun’s owner

Fact: Most crime guns are stolen property, 131 which makes finding the original owner worthless.

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