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Final Vote on Recalling VA Gun Rationing Scheduled for Thursday

Ammoland — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:17:45 +0000

Key Senators Need to Hear From Gun Owners Now.

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia --(Ammoland.com)- The State Senate is scheduled for a final vote on SB 323, a bill to repeal Virginia’s handgun rationing bill (one gun-a-month) on Thursday, February 2nd.

VSSA has already heard from some of our members that you answered our call to contact your state senator and urge their support for SB 323. Now, the gun ban lobby is making one final push to try and defeat the bill on the Senate floor.

There are five state senators upon which gun owners need to concentrate their efforts over the next critical hours.

They are:

Sen. Harry Blevins (R-14th) – (804) 698-7514 district14@senate.virginia.gov
Sen. John Watkins (R-10th) – (804) 698-7510 district10@senate.virginia.gov
Sen. Walter Stosch (R-12th) – (804) 698-7512 district12@senate.virginia.gov
Sen. Phillip Puckett (D- 38th) – (804) 698-7538 district38@senate.virginia.gov
Sen. Creigh Deeds (D-25th) – (804) 698-7525 district25@senate.virginia.gov
Sen. John Edwards (D-21st) – (804) 698-7521 district21@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Edwards voted for SB 323 in committee and Senator Deeds has expressed support for repealing the law in the past. Senator Watkins expressed his support for repealing the law recently but the anti-gun lobby is focusing on him and the other senators listed above.

Please take a moment and contact the senators listed above and let them know that the one gun-a-month law only affects and penalize law-abiding citizens and to please vote for SB 323.

About:
The Virginia Shooting Sports Association (VSSA) was originally founded as the Virginia State Rifle and Revolver Association in 1938. VSSA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. VSSA is also closely affiliated with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), Virginia Outdoor Sports Information Network (VOSIN), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), Virginia Gun Collectors Association, and the Virginia Wildlife Federation (VWF). Visit: www.myvssa.org

Tags: One Gun A Month, Virginia, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

Virginia Castle Doctrine & Repeal of Handgun Rationing Headed for Full Senate Vote

Ammoland — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:36:18 +0000

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- Contact Your Senators Now: In a long meeting of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee today, two important pro-rights bills were reported out of the committee and are now headed to the Senate floor. Both bills are top priorities of VSSA’s legislative agenda.

First is SB 323, Senator Bill Carrico’s bill to repeal Virginia’s Handgun Rationing law. The vote was 8-7 on the GOP-controlled committee, with Sen. John S. Edwards, D-Roanoke, voting for passage with seven Republicans.

Please contact the following Senators and thank them for their vote in favor or your rights:

Edwards, Obenshain, McDougle, Stuart, Vogel, Stanley, Reeves, Garrett

Also reported out of committee was SB 4, Senator Stuart’s Castle Doctrine bill. It was reported on a party line vote of 8-7, with Senator Norment being absent and the GOP members casting a yea vote for him. It remains to be seen if Senator Norment actually supports the bill or whether he will re-refer it back to committee when it gets to the floor.

Please contact the following Senators and thank them for their vote in favor of your right to self-defense:

Norment (Chairman), Obenshain, McDougle, Stuart, Vogel, Stanley, Reeves, Garrett

Also passed by the committee was SB 67, Senator Stanley’s bill to remove the option for localities to require fingerprints for concealed handgun permit applications. A substitute bill passed the committee.

Voting with gun owners were:

Edwards, Obenshain, McDougle, Stuart, Vogel, Stanley, Reeves, Garrett

Please contact your senator now and urge them to support SB 323 and SB 4, and SB 67. All three bills will be on the floor for a final vote on Friday or Monday. VSSA will keep you posted before the final vote is scheduled.

Additionally, a number of bills are scheduled to be heard Thursday evening in House Militia, Police and Public Safety Subcommittee #1. Please contact members of this Subcommittee and respectfully request that they oppose HB 364 and HB 458 and support HB 20, HB 22, HB 26, HB 375 and HB 940.

Bills to be considered in the subcommittee Thursday:

Anti-Gun Legislation:

House Bill 364 would prohibit the private sales of firearms at gun shows by requiring that all sales conducted at a gun show go through a federally licensed dealer. Make no mistake, if passed, supporters of this legislation will soon be calling for a ban on all private sales in Virginia.
House Bill 458 seeks to weaken Virginia’s preemption law by allowing localities to adopt an ordinance that prohibits firearms, ammunition, or components, or a combination thereof, in libraries owned or operated by the locality.

Pro-Gun Legislation:

House Bill 20 would update Virginia’s Emergency Powers doctrine by adding lawful carrying and transportation to the list of actions that cannot be prohibited during a declaration of emergency.
House Bill 22 would establish that no locality or entity may participate in compensated consfiscation schemes (gun “buyback”) where individuals are given anything of value or money in exchange for surrendering a firearm to the locality unless the governing body first passes an ordinance authorizing the gun “buyback.” This legislation also requires that any locality holding gun “buybacks” sell the firearms to a federally licensed dealer “or be disposed of in any appropriate manner” if they could not be sold.
House Bill 26 would allow a court to waive a $25 dollar fine upon presentation of the permit to the court, if a person fails to display his concealed handgun permit when requested by a law enforcement officer.
House Bill 375 would prohibit localities from adopting any workplace rule that prevents an employee from storing a lawfully possessed firearm and ammunition in his locked motor vehicle. The firearm must be in a secured container or compartment in the vehicle.
House Bill 940 repeals Virginia’s handgun rationing which prohibits the purchase of more than one handgun in a thirty-day period.

Tags: Castle Doctrine, Gun Politics, Gun Rationing, One Gun A Month, Virginia, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

Virginia Senate Courts to Hear Important Gun Bills

Ammoland — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:13:32 +0000

Repeal of Handgun Rationing, Castle Doctrine, Ban on Private Sales.

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- On Wednesday, January 25th, the Senate Courts of Justice Committee is scheduled to hear a number of firearm related bills.

The meeting will begin 1/2 hour after the adjournent of the Senate Session.

Among the pro-rights bills on the agenda is SB 323, Senator Carrico’s bill to repeal handgun rationing (“one gun-a-month”), two bills to repeal the option for localities to require fingerprinting for concealed handgun permit applications (SB 67 and SB 670), and two bills to enact Castle Doctrine (SB 4, SB 64).

Also on the agenda is anti-rights Senator Don McEachin’s bill to prohibit the private sale of firearms (SB 379).

If McEachin’s bill passes, it would make the private sale of firearms a Class 2 misdemeanor. Senator McEachin also has SB 648, a bill that would make it a misdemeanor for a person who is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs to carry a loaded firearm in public. Both bills are a solution in search of a problem and should be defeated.

Please contact members of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee and urge them to support the pro-Second Amendment bills and oppose the anti-rights bills.

Tags: Castle Doctrine, Gun Bills, One Gun A Month, Virginia, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

Virginia Republicans to Push Pro-Gun Laws

Ammoland — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 21:41:14 +0000

NRA News

Fairfax, VA --(Ammoland.com)- NRA-News is a valued partner that continues to cover breaking gun rights news with a new and improved short video format in the “NRA News Minute” videos.

To view the current firearms or gun rights news video, please click above:

Cam Edwards talks to Dave Adams from the Virginia Shooting Sports Association on the positive pro gun make up of the coming Virginia legislature and the chances of killing Virginia’s One Gun a Month Law.

Read More on these topics:

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

Tags: Cam Edwards, NRA News, One Gun A Month, Virginia, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

Virginia Shooters Set 13 Records at 2011 Cardinal Cup

Ammoland — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:50:22 +0000

Virginia Shooters Set 13 Records at 2011 Cardinal Cup

Vera Koo, 7-time National Action Pistol Women's Champion and 2 Juniors on the firing line

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- On September 18, 2011, the Bedford Rifle and Revolver Club, a VSSA affiliated club, hosted the 2011 Cardinal Cup.

The match was the 2nd largest Action Pistol match in the country.

The only larger participation was at the Bianchi Cup National Action Pistol Championship back in May.

There were 51 shooters firing 64 guns, including 2 Junior shooters who both set National Records, 14 Senior shooters who set 10 National records, and shooters coming from as far away as Canada & California. Between the State & Regional matches there were 27 records set that weekend, 13 of those by VA shooters.

Full results can be seen at the club’s web site.

Thanks to BRRC’s Alan Strawn for providing the update and photo.

Tags: Competition Shooters, Competitive Shooting News, Virginia, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

Successful Women on Target Clinic at Rappahannock Pistol and Rifle Club

Ammoland — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:44:38 +0000

Another Successful Women on Target Clinic at Rappahannock Pistol and Rifle Club

Dave Petersen instructor on the pistol range with Anitra Mackey, Ann Parks, and Kim Haynie

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- Rappahannock Pistol and Rifle Club (RPRC), a VSSA affiliated club, held their fall Women On Target (WOT) Instructional Shooting Clinic on Oct 1st.

The club had 49 women and about 40 club volunteers. Once again the clinic was a great success.

Using feedback provided by attendees of the spring clinic and the club’s observations from the spring WOT clinic, the club incorporated informational sessions this time which provided the ladies additional learning opportunities while waiting their turn on the actual firing line.

The club also had a Virginia State Trooper provide two sessions on personal protection in the morning and then in the afternoon one of the club’s veteran NRA certified instructors spoke on what the ladies needed to consider when selecting a pistol.

Thanks to the RPRC volunteers, transitioning the ladies between the informational session and the firing ranges occurred without a problem.

VSSA supported the club event with ammunition and eye protection.

Thanks to RPRC member Susan Hudson for providing the photos and report.

Tags: Shooting Sports Clinics, Virginia, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA, Women On Target, Women Shooters

Virginia Shooting Sports Association November Election Endorsements

Ammoland — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:59:18 +0000

Virginia Shooting Sports Association November 2011 Election Endorsements

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- Tuesday, November 8 is Election day in the Commonwealth and this election could not be more important to gun owners and sportsmen.

We have an opportunity to change the anti-rights leadership of the State Senate and elected pro-rights leaders who will make sure good legislation does not die in committee.

By picking up just three seats currently held by anti-rights Democrats, we may finally be able to repeal handgun rationing (one handgun-a-month), pass Castle Doctrine legislation, and pass parking lot legislation.

But to do this, we must take time Tuesday and vote for pro-freedom candidates. Below you will see VSSA endorsements in contested races that will decide which party has a majority in the State Senate. While VSSA is non-partisan, and in fact we have endorsed two Democrats in the State Senate, it is clear that the only way to move forward legislation is to change the majority party so that the anti-rights leaders of the Democrats can no longer control the committees and which bills are heard.

We are also providing endorsements for contested races in the House of Delegates. By protecting our overwhelming pro-rights majority in the House, we will continue to protect our rights, and restore rights which were lost in previous years.

Please be sure to vote on Tuesday, November 8. The polls open at 6:00 AM and close at 7:00 PM.

State Senate Endorsement
There are several races of importance in the State Senate. A couple of the endorsements are particularly difficult because the races pit candidates who have both proven to be friends of Virginia’s gun owners and sportsmen. First, in District 17, challenger Bryce Reeves is a VSSA member. We have no reason to believe that Bryce would not be a great friend to gun owners. But incumbent Edd Houck has been a longtime friend, bucking his party loyalty to then Governor Tim Kaine and voting to overturn Kaine’s veto of the restaurant ban repeal. District 20 pits incumbent Roscoe Reynolds against Delegate Bill Stanley. Both have been good friends to gun owners but as the incumbent, Senator Reynolds gets the endorsement. As with Bryce Reeves, VSSA has no reason to believe that Bill Stanley would change his excellent voteing record should he win. Finally, in District 21, incumbent John Edwards is being challenged by Delegate Dave Nutter. Nutter too has a stellar voting record in the House of Delegates. However, gun owners have been able to count on Senator Edwards to vote to override vetoes of pro-rights legislation when Tim Kaine was Governor. These endorsements were tough as we had to disappoint three good friends of VSSA. But in the end, the three incumbents have proven to be friends of Virginia’s gun owners, even when it meant going against the Governor of their party.

State Senate Endorsement

District 1 MICKEY CHOHANY (R)
District 6 BEN LOYOLA (R)
District 13 RICHARD H. BLACK (R)
District 17 R. EDWARD HOUCK (D)
District 19 RALPH K. SMITH (R)
District 20 WM. ROSCOE REYNOLDS (D)
District 21 JOHN S. EDWARDS (D)
District 22 THOMAS GARRETT (R)
District 23 STEPHEN D. NEWMAN (R)
District 27 JILL HOLTZMAN VOGEL (R)
District 29 THOMAS T. GORDY (R)
District 31 CAREN D. MERRICK (R)
District 36 JEFFREY FREDERICK (R)
District 37 JASON FLANARY (R)
District 38 ADAM LIGHT (R)
District 39 MILLER BAKER (R)
District 40 BILL CARRICO (R)

House of Delegates Endorsements
Below are endorsements for the House of Delegates. To conserve space, we are only listing the endorsements for contested House races. There are several candidates that could use your help in turning out voters on Election Day. One in particular is Delegate Ron Villanueva. Delegate Villanueva only won by 16 votes in 2009. He has been a stalwart supporter of our rights as a member of the House of Delegates. Delegate Scott Lingamfelter is a longtime friend of Virginia’s gun owners. He could use your help in encouraging gun owners and sportsmen to vote on Tuesday. Finally, David Ramadan is trying to win an important district in Northern Virginia. In recent years, the region has elected anti-rights candidates to the General Assembly. This year we have a real opportunity to win some races in the region and restore pro-rights leadership to represent the area. It only takes a few minutes to phone fellow gun owners and sportsmen and encourage them to go to vote on Election Day.

House of Delegates Endorsements

District 2 – L. MARK DUDENHEFER (R)
District 3 -J. WILLIAM MOREFIELD (R)
District 9 – CHARLES D. POINDEXTER (R)
District 10 – J. RANDY MINCHEW (R)
District 12 – JOSEPH RYAN YOST (R)
District 13 – ROBERT G. MARSHALL (R)
District 17 – CHRISTOPHER HEAD (R)
District 18 – MICHAEL WEBERT (R)
District 19 – LACEY E. PUTNEY (I)
District 20 – RICHARD P. BELL (R)
District 21 – RONALD A. VILLANUEVA (R)
District 31 – L. SCOTT LINGAMFELTER (R)
District 34 – BARBARA J. COMSTOCK (R)
District 52 – CLEVELAND ANDERSON (R)
District 59 – C. MATTHEW FARISS (R)
District 64 – RICHARD MORRIS (R)
District 87 – DAVID RAMADAN (R)
District 93 – MICHAEL B. WATSON (R)
District 94 – DAVID YANCEY (R)
District 98 – M. KEITH HODGES (R)
District 99 – MARGARET RANSONE (R)

Tags: Endorsements, Gun Politics, Gun Voters, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

Virginia, Sussex County Board To Decide Range Issue Tonight

Ammoland — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:18:01 +0000

Virginia, Sussex County Board To Decide Range Issue Tonight

Please Call Board Members and Urge Them to Vote No

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- The Sussex County Board of Supervisors will meet tonight and on the agenda is a vote on the Planning Commission’s proposed shooting range ordinance that would put a number of onerous restrictions on new shooting ranges.

There will not be public comment on the proposal before the vote. While it will be helpful to show your opposition by attending the meeting, the most important thing you can do is to call and/or email the supervisors and voice your opposition to the planning commission’s recommendation.

Under consideration is a proposal that would require the following for all new ranges:

A CPR specialist must be present when the range is in use.
An industrial grade first aid kit must be maintained on site.
A minimum liability insurance policy of $100,000 per individual and $500,000 for each occurrence.
A zoning permit will be required before operating a range and a mountain of bureaucratic red tape to apply.
A “licensed civil engineer” must design and construct the range in addition to numerous plans and documentation to be filed with the Planning Department.
Signs must be placed at 100 feet intervals along the range’s boundary with the words “Firing Range” and “Do Not Enter” on each sign.
The range must be at least 500 feet from the highway and any property line.
Any buildings on the range must be at least 300 feet from any highway right-of-way and any property line.

Please tell the supervisors that these requirements are unnecessary and will have the effect of discouraging new shooting ranges. In additions, eventhough existing ranges are grandfathered, they will most likely have to comply with the new requirements if they make improvements to existing ranges.

If you live in Sussex, or shoot at a range in Sussex county, please contact the Board of Supervisors and urge the to oppose the ordinance. Board contact information can be found below.

Blackwater District
Wayne M. Harrell
406 Jasper Lane
Post Office Box 1
Waverly, Virginia 23890
Home: (804) 834-2603

Courthouse District
T. Wayne Birdsong
116 Nicholson Drive
Wakefield, Virginia 23888
Home: (757) 899-3806

Henry District
Rufus E. Tyler Sr.
25359 Blue Star Highway
Jarratt, Virginia 23867
Home: (434) 246-4246
Office: (434) 634-2490 or (804) 834-3522

Stony Creek District
Charlie E. Caple, Jr.
12038 Palestine Road
Stony Creek, Virginia 23882
Home: (434) 246-2602

Wakefield District
C. Eric Fly Sr.,
Vice Chairman
38411 Rocky Hock Road
Wakefield, Virginia 23888
Cell: (757) 647-8190
cefly@seamcorp.net

Waverly District
Harris L. Parker,Chairman
300 Barkley Place
P.O. Box 616
Waverly, Virginia 23890
Home: (804) 834-3136

The Board of Supervisors meeting will be held at 7:30 PM at the General District Courtroom of the Sussex Judicial Center, 15088 Courthouse Road, Sussex, VA 23884.

Tags: Gun rights News, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

Page Valley Sportsman Club Hosts Youth Shooting Clinic

Ammoland — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 13:28:20 +0000

Page Valley Sportsman Club Hosts Youth Shooting Clinic

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- The Page Valley Sportsman Club and the Skyline Strutters Chapter of the NWTF is hosting a JAKES Youth shooting event in Luray Saturday, August 27, 2011.

This is a great opportunity for youth 7 -17 years of age and will offer a variety of live fire range activities including shotgun, .22 rifle and archery.

This event is free and lunch is provided. Participants are invited to bring their firearms. Ammunition for 20 gauge shotguns, .22 long rifles, .177 air gun pellets and .50 caliber round ball muzzleloaders will be provided.

Centerfire rifles are prohibited. There are non-range activities for youth under 7 years of age. Please contact Art Kasson at 540-622-6103 or email artkasson@yahoo.com to register.

Tags: Shooting Sports Clinics, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA, Youth Shooting Sports

Campus Concealed Carry Debated

Ammoland — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 13:20:15 +0000

Campus Concealed Carry Debated
A Visit by Students for Concealed Carry on Campus

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- On Monday, days after reports that three youths attending a camp at Virginia Tech reported seeing a man with a gun covered by a cloth shut down the campus, Students for Concealed Carry on Campus held their second National Conference at the National Press Club in Washington DC.

Part of the day included a debate between Dr. John Lott, author of More Guns Less Crime, and Virginia Tech shooting survivor Colin Goddard, who currently works for the Brady Campaign.

While recounting the events of that day in 2007, Mr. Goddard told the audience that hypothetical statements by people who were not there, implying that guns might have lowered the death toll were “offensive,” to him.

He told the audience that not all of the students in the building were “sitting ducks,” as he described how one individual in another classroom got on the floor and pushed against the door with his feet to keep Cho from entering the room.

Goddard said “we need to broaden our perspective, we need to look past that last second … when we could have intervened.”

He suggested that preventive measures, such as stricter licensing requirements, mental-health checks, and improved campus security and emergency planning, would be a more effective approach. You can watch video of the full conference on CSPAN’s web site.

Three of the students also stopped by to speak with NRA News. (See Video Above)

Tags: Concealed Carry on Campus, Self Defense, Students For Concealed Carry On Campus, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

Sussex County, VA Planning Commission Meeting to Address Shooting Ranges Again

Ammoland — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:06:05 +0000

Sussex County, VA Planning Commission Meeting to Address Shooting Ranges Again
Gun haters just won’t give up. Your Action Needed Now!!!

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- This past March, the Sussex County Board of Supervisors and Sussex Planning Commission held a joint public hearing on an unwarranted and overly restrictive proposed ordinance that would have limited shooting in Sussex County with the intent to drive organized shooting out of the county.

Over the years, the Board of Supervisors has consistently rejected similar proposals from the Planning Commission due to the impact on sportsmen, shooters and business in the county. This past March, the ordinance failed on a 3 to 3 vote.

Yet despite all the rejections, and without proper notice to the public, the Planning Commission has scheduled a hearing the rehash this proposal for Monday, July 11 at 6:00 pm in the General District Courtroom, Sussex Judicial Center, 15098 Courthouse Road.

While many of the onerous proposed regulations have been stricken from the new proposal, some, like requiring a minimum of one person on site with basic first aid and CPR certifications at all times, remain. The proposal also still includes an onerous approval process for new ranges. While existing ranges are grandfathered, if an existing range decides to expand or make changes, they will likely forfiet the grandfather status and fall under the new regulations.

This proposal affects not only resident gun owners, but anyone who may shoot at one of the shooting ranges that operate in Sussex County. Please plan to attend the meeting Monday and voice your opposition to this proposal and the Planning Commission’s attempt to ram through an ordinance without the public’s knowledge or input. If you are unable to attend, please contact the Planning Department at (434) 246-1043.

Support the VSSA War Chest
VSSA had another successful lobbying effort at the 2011 General Assembly, but our lobbying for you comes at a cost. VSSA employs a well respected lobbyist, who is a gun owner and sportsman, to represent our members and the interest of Virginia gun owners. Only a small portion of member dues go to support our legislative efforts so we depend on the generous contributions of our members. Please consider donating to the VSSA War Chest so we can pay our legislative lobbying bill for 2011. As always, your support is greatly appreciated.

Tags: Gun Bans, Virginia, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

Virginia Shooting Sports Association’s 13th Annual Crush’n Clays

Ammoland — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:35:02 +0000

Virginia Shooting Sports Association’s 13th Annual Crush’n Clays

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- Thirteen years ago, VSSA began sponsoring what has become the longest running charity shooting event of its type.

Founder Steve Canale refers to it as the best job that you don’t get paid to do.

This year’s event will be held on June 11, 2011 at the Arlington-Fairfax IWLA. It is a fun event and well worth attending. The event has sold out the last three years. Below is more information on the event and the important charity it supports.

Heroes Like You Can Help Heroes Like These
by Steve Canale
Everyday heroes don’t always make headlines. Most aren’t strong, brave or well-known, but these men and women step up to help those less fortunate. You meet them at work, in the grocery store, on the busy street . . . everywhere.

I meet them the 2nd Saturday each June, at Crush’n Clays. These heroes give their time and treasure to benefit the kids of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Crush’n Clays is the longest running shooting charity event that benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It is also the longest continuously running shooting charity event in the country. It’s success was has been chronicled in the IWLA national magazine, Outdoor America, NRA Club Connection, as well as numerous websites.

To date, we’ve raised over $230,000. The event wouldn’t be possible without the support of Arlington-Fairfax IWLA, the Virginia Shooting Sports Association and our sponsors such as the National Rifle Association, and Dominick Casciano of Atlantic Healthcare.

Let me introduce you to one of the patients this event benefits.

Nathan is just a year old and is an energetic boy who loves running after his brothers and playing outside.

Nathan’s mom couldn’t seem to get a picture of her baby without capturing a glint of white in his left eye, she thought her camera was malfunctioning. Her pictures kept coming out the same, and she started to wonder if something was wrong with little Nathan’s eye. At Nathan’s 6-month checkup, she decided to show one of the photographs to his pediatrician. The doctor took one look at the photograph, and his face turned serious. He recommended she take Nathan to specialists right away.

At the family’s local hospital, the diagnosis was made: Nathan had bilateral retinoblastoma, a form of eye cancer. Tumors were present in both of Nathan’s eyes, and he would need further care. Crushed, Nathan’s parents asked the doctor where they should turn for their son’s treatment. The doctor was quick to recommend St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “We can treat it here, but at St. Jude, they’re doing research. They have new treatments,” she said. “If it was my child, I would go to St. Jude.”

The doctor provided a referral, and within a few days, Nathan and his parents were on their way to St. Jude.

At St. Jude, Nathan received a total of 11 rounds of chemotherapy over the course of eight months. He also had laser treatments when, during treatment, his tumors started to grow back. In spring 2009, Nathan completed treatment and was able to have his no-more chemo party. He returns to St. Jude for regular checkups.

Regardless of whether you can attend this year’s Crush’n Clays” event, please consider making a contribution.

You make a living from what you get, but you make a life from what you give. Heroes like you can help heroes like these.

Contributions can be made to “Crush’n Clays” and sent to: Virginia Shooting Sports Association, P.O. Box 1258, Orange, VA 22960

Download an Entry Form here.
Download a Sponsor From here.

Above is video of NRANews’ coverage of the 2009 event.

Tags: Charity Events, Sporting Clays, Virginia, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

Shooting Ranges Under Attack in Sussex County Virgina

Ammoland — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:21:31 +0000

Shooting Ranges Under Attack in Sussex County Virgina
Your immediate action needed to defeat this proposal. Public Hearing and Vote Scheduled for March 17th.

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- The Sussex County Planning Commission and the Sussex County Board of Supervisors (BOS) will hold a joint public hearing to consider passage of a new ordinance regulating gun ranges in Sussex County.

It should be noted that the planning commission is the originator of this proposal, not the BOS.

While couched in language to make it appear that the planning commission is only concerned with the safe operation of shooting ranges, the real intent becomes clear when you read the requirements to open a new range – that purpose is to make the task so onerous and expensive that no one would seek to open a range in Sussex County.

It would also make expansion of existing ranges all but impossible. Eventhough the proposal grandfather’s existing ranges, any existing range seeking to expand would likely lose their grandfather status. They would then have to abide by the onerous and costly process set forth in the proposal.

In addition, while the propsoal states that the county may submit any range proposal to the NRA for comment, the county would reserve the right to dismiss comments in favor of new ranges.

In short, this proposal is an all out attack on new and existing shooting ranges in Sussex County. You can view the full proposal below.

Your attendance at the March 17th Board of Supervisor’s meeting is needed to defeat this proposal.

This is becoming an all too familiar story in Virginia. Recreational shooters, firearm enthusiasts and land-owners are being driven away from their shooting sports heritage by bureaucratic hurdles and red-tape.

If you are a gun owner living in Sussex County or you shoot competitively or for fun at a club or range currently located in the county, it is important that you attend this public hearing and voice your opposition to this proposed ordinance.

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

What: Joint Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors Public Hearing on Shooting Ranges in Sussex County, Virginia.
Where: Sussex Central High School Auditorium, 21394 Sussex Drive, Sussex, VA 23884.
When: March 17, 2011 at 6:00 PM.

If you are unable to attend, please contact the Board of Supervisors and respectfully urge them to oppose this ordinance.

Blackwater District
Wayne M. Harrell
406 Jasper Lane

Post Office Box 1
Waverly, Virginia 23890
Home: (804) 834-2603

Courthouse District
T. Wayne Birdsong
116 Nicholson Drive
Wakefield, Virginia 23888
Home: (757) 899-3806

Henry District
Rufus E. Tyler Sr.
25359 Blue Star Highway
Jarratt, Virginia 23867
Home: (434) 246-4246
Office: (434) 634-2490 or (804) 834-3522

Stony Creek District
Charlie E. Caple, Jr.
12038 Palestine Road
Stony Creek, Virginia 23882
Home: (434) 246-2602

Wakefield District
C. Eric Fly Sr.,

Vice Chairman
38411 Rocky Hock Road
Wakefield, Virginia 23888
Cell: (757) 647-8190

cefly@seamcorp.net

Waverly District
Harris L. Parker,

Chairman

300 Barkley Place
P.O. Box 616
Waverly, Virginia 23890
Home: (804) 834-3136

Proposed Sussex Shooting Range Ordinance

Tags: Gun Bans, Gun Ranges, Shooting Ranges, Virginia, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

Virginia Shooting Sports Association Legislative Successes

Ammoland — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 19:30:19 +0000

Virginia Shooting Sports Association Legislative Successes

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- VSSA has enjoyed a great deal of success this session thanks to our professional lobbying team.

VSSA’s lobbyist has a close working relationship with the NRA State and Local Liaison and both are well respected not only by our friends, but also by those who are not considered supporters of Second Amendment rights.

When the NRA liaison has to cover legislative action in another state, VSSA is leading the efforts to protect your rights in the Virginia legislature. Those effort have already paid off with VSSA supported legislation already on the way to the Governor’s desk. Those bills include:

Senate Bill 1213, sponsored by state Senators Ralph Smith (R-22) and Tommy Norment (R-3), provides that the State Board of Elections, in cooperation with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, would make mail voter registration application forms available where hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

House Bill 1422, sponsored by Delegate Dave Albo (R-42), would add one family firearm, not to exceed $3,000 in value, to the list of items that every householder shall be entitled to hold exempt from Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Currently, ten states allow firearm owners to exempt their firearm from the liquidation process.

In addition, VSSA has helped defeat anti-gun legislation requiring background checks on private sales at gun shows, a bill banning firearms in the state capitol, a bill requiring gun shows to post state gun laws at the entrance of the show, a bill banning standard firearm accessories that hold 20 or more rounds of ammunition, and legislation that attempted to chip away at Virginia’s preemption statute. VSSA has also helped defeat legislation that would have raised fees on big game hunting licenses by almost 95% as well as joined a coalition of conservation organizations to defeat SB868 this week, a bill that would have allowed the indiscriminate killing of deer, elk, and bear year-round, simply by claiming the wildlife is damaging crops and without requiring DGIF to conduct an investigation.

There have also been some disappointment as Castle Doctrine was once again defeated in the State Senate. As with repeal of the restaurant ban, VSSA knew this would be a multi-year effort as our pro-rights numbers in the senate need to be increased before we see this bill enacted. With the State Senate up for re-election this year, it is important that we work to increase the number of senators that believe in the right to self-defense in our home.

The session will draw to a close soon. VSSA will keep you informed as bills continue to move through the House and Senate.

Tags: Gun Bills, Gun Politics, Pro Gun Groups, Virginia, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

Rumor of Large Capacity Magazine Amendment

Ammoland — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 20:16:14 +0000

Rumor of Large Capacity Magazine Amendment
A little research however shows that no such amendment currently exists on the list of amendments filed.

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- Yesterday, many gun owners received emails notifying them that a large capacity magazine ban amendment was going to be attached to the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act (S.223), which is currently being debated in the U.S. Senate.

A little research however shows that no such amendment currently exists on the list of amendments filed.

The rumor may have started because NJ senator Frank Lautenberg has filed two amendments, but according to the reliable pro-rights blog Snowflakes in Hell, neither of the amendments have anything to do with firearms or their accessories.

Add to this the fact that NRA-ILA, which has a major and respected presence on Capitol Hill, has not issued an alert on the matter and one is left with the feeling that this is a lot of noise about nothing.

Having said all of this, it never hurts to let your elected officials know where you stand on this important issue. We know from a recent Newsweek article that President Obama is set to push some form of restrictions on our freedom within the next two weeks.

This is apparently an effort to appease the gun ban lobby who are mortified that Obama has not used the Tucson shootings to further their agenda.

With this in mind, please call or email Senators Webb and Warner and let them know that you oppose S.32, Senator Lautenberg’s magazine ban legislation.

Tags: Frank Lautenberg, Gun Banners, Gun Control Rumors, NAGR, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

Virgina Planning Commission to Consider Range Restrictions

Ammoland — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 23:49:39 +0000

Virgina’s Sussex County Planning Commission to Consider Range Restrictions
Planning Commisstion to Meet February 7th at 6:00PM

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- The Sussex County Planning Commission will hold a hearing at its meeting February 7th meeting to discuss regulation of shooting ranges in Sussex County.

This may result in the commission proposing zoning regulations and/or conditional use permits.

It is crucial that gun owners attend attend this meeting and voice your concerns. If the Planning Commission votes to create new gun range regulations, their recommendations will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors.

It would be best to stop new regulations before they ever make it to the Board of Supervisors. Please plan to attend the meeting whether you live in Sussex or not.

New gun regulations, no matter where they occur, set a precedence for us all.

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
What: Planning Commission Public Hearing on 1) Shooting Ranges, generally, and 2) Pistol & Shotgun Ranges in Sussex County, Virginia.

Where: Sussex County General District Courtroom, 15098 Courthouse Road, Sussex, VA 23884.

When: February 7, 2011 at 6:00 PM.

Tags: Shooting Ranges, Virginia, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

Gun Owners Win Solid Victory in 2010 Election

Ammoland — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:41:24 +0000

Gun Owners Win Solid Victory in 2010 Election
Election Post Mortem – Three Incumbents Defeated – One Race Undecided

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- Virginia gun owners elected three pro-gun challengers to replace three pro-gun incumbents. There is one last race to be decided – the 11th Congressional District.

Here is the breakdown:

2nd Congressional District
Scott Rigell defeated one term incumbent Glenn Nye. This race was a wash for gun owners as both candidates received “A” ratings from the NRA-PVF.
5th Congressional District
State Senator Robert Hurt defeated one term incumbent Tom Perriello. This is another flip of an “A” rated candidate for an “A” rated candidate.
9th Congressional District
House of Delegates Majority Leader Morgan Griffith defeated 14 term incumbent Rick Boucher in what may have been the biggest change last night – one that foreshadowed how big the night would be for the GOP. Delegate Griffith has been a go-to guy for VSSA and other gun rights groups while he has been in the General Assembly. His leadership on the issue will be greatly missed at the Assembly but he will make an excellent congressman.
11th Congressional District
The race between challenger and “A” rated Keith Fimian and incumbent “F” rated Gerry Connolly has yet to be decided. With 166 of 168 precincts counted, Connolly holds a 487 vote lead. This one is likely headed for a re-count. More proof that every vote counts. National Returns Impact on Gun Rights

Dave Kopel was doing analysis as the returns came in last night and the results are big for gun owners. Of the Senate races decided (there are some like the Colorado and Washington Senate races that are too close to call) gun rights supporters are a +6.

In the House of Representatives, gun owners picked up an additional 18.75 supporters of the right to keep and bear arms (the partial number is based on Kopel’s rating scale that takes into account the increase from say a “C” rated incumbent to an “A” rated replacement) .

While gun owners may have a differing view on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid when it comes to other issues, he is undoubtedly a better choice for that position than Senator Chuck Schumer or Senator Richard Durbin. One of these two would have likely won the Majority Leader position had Reid lost last night. With the increase in numbers in the Senate, we may well have the magic number of 60 votes to move initiatives like national reciprocity or other pro-rights legislation.

Tags: Anti Gun Politicians, Elections, Gun Politics, Gun Voters, NRA-PVF, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

Virginia Shooting Sports Association Election Edition

Ammoland — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 22:18:44 +0000

Virginia Shooting Sports Association Election Edition

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- Tomorrow Americans will once again go to the voting booth to choose our elected representatives.

There are many issues to consider this year but VSSA urges all gun owners and sportsmen to put our firearms freedom and sporting heritage at the top of the list of your issue considerations. Below you will find a Gun Owners’ Voter Guide.

The information provided is a combination of the NRA Political Preference Chart and in those cases where VSSA has worked with candidates, a recap of what those candidates have done for gun owners at the state level.

VSSA is a state association and generally does not issue endorsements in federal elections. However, we do want to keep you informed to help you make decisions that affect your right to keep and bear arms.

The information below is compiled for that purpose. VSSA did not consider third party candidates. Remember, polls open at 6:00 am and close at 7:00 PM. You can find you polling place here.

Gun Owners Guide to 2010 Congressional Election

1st Congressional District

Candidates

Rob Wittman (R) – Incumbent, NRA-PVF Rating – A
Krystal Ball (D) NRA-PVF Rating – C

Rob Wittman has been a good friend of gun owners beginning with his time in the Virginia General Assembly. He has been a reliable friend in congress as well. Congressman Wittman is also a member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus. Rob Wittman is the clear choice in this race and deserves the vote of gun owners and sportsmen.

2nd Congressional District

Candidates

Scott Rigell (R) NRA-PVF Rating – AQ
Glenn Nye (D) -Incumbent – NRA-PVF Rating – A

Scott Rigell is a businessman and first time candidate. He responded to the NRA-PVF Candidate Questionnaire and earned an AQ rating based on his responses. Congressman Glenn Nye is seeking a second term. In his first term he has had only a few opportunities to vote on firearm related bills or amendments and voted for the rights of gun owners. Nye also signed a letter with 60 some fellow Democrats telling Attorney General Eric Holder not to try to reinstate the so-called “Assault Weapons” ban. Nye also signed the congressional amicus brief supporting Otis McDonald in McDonald vs. Chicago

. He is also a member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus

3rd Congressional District

Candidates

Chuck Smith (R) – NRA-PVF Rating – AQ
Robert “Bobby” Scott – (D) Incumbent – NRA-PVF Rating – D+

This district is one of the most gerrymandered in the Commonwealth and Scott rarely gets less than 65% of the vote Scott has never been a friend to gun owners, even back in his days as a member of the Virginia General Assembly. Chuck Smith has been a political activist in the district for a number of years and faces an uphill battle but he has run a spirited campaign and in year where pundits are looking as a near tidal wave that may change the party in majority control of the House of Representatives Smith’s supporters believe this could be Scott’s first real challenge. Smith has expressed support for the individual right to keep and bear arms and received an “AQ” rating based on the responses on his candidate questionnaire. Based on his stated positions and the NRA-PVF rating, Chuck Smith is the clear choice in the 3rd District and gun owners and sportsmen in the third should vote for Chuck Smith on November 2nd.

4th Congressional District

Candidates

Randy Forbes (R) Incumbent – NRA-PVF Rating “A”
Wynne LeGrow (D) NRA-PVF Rating “?”

The 4th is another district where gun owners and sportsmen have a true champion of the rights of gun owners and sportsmen. Congressman Randy Forbes has been a friend of gun owners all the way back to his days in the House of Delegates and the State Senate. Forbes voted to reform Virginia’s concealed carry law from “may issue” to “shall issue.” He has cast numerous other votes supporting our rights. Forbes also signed the congressional amicus briefs supporting Richard “Dick” Heller in Heller vs. D.C. and Otis McDonald in McDonald vs. Chicago. Forbes’s opponent however is a big question mark. He even failed to return the NRA-PVF Candidate Questionnaire which typically demonstrates indifference or outright hostility to the right to keep and bear arms. Randy Forbes is the clear choice for gun owners and sportsmen in the 4th District.

5th Congressional District

Candidates

Robert Hurt (R) – NRA-PVF Rating “A”
Tom Perriello (D) Incumbent – NRA-PVF Rating “A”

This is one of the most watched races in the country. In 2008, Perriello defeated incumbent Virgil Goode by 727 votes while John McCain was winning the district handily. This year, two NRA-PVF “A” rated candidates are vying to represent the district. Like 2nd District Congressman Glenn Nye, Perriello has had few chances to vote with gun owners but when he had the opportunity, he supported our rights. He also signed the “assault weapons” ban letter to Holder and signed the congressional amicus brief supporting Otis McDonald in McDonald vs. Chicago.

State Senator Robert Hurt as an impressive record in the General Assembly. As a member of the House of Delegates Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee, he voted 100% with gun owners. He voted to expand reciprocal concealed handgun permit (CHP) agreements with other states, voted for full preemption of firearms laws which invalidated all remaining local gun control ordinances, voted for the first partial roll back of handgun rationing which allows CHP holders to purchase more than one handgun a month, and he voted for VSSA’s signature bill, HB2282 in 2005 which made it harder for localities to close gun ranges due to noise complaints. There is no question that Senator Hurt has been a good friend to gun owners.

After the NRA-PVF endorsed Perriello, VSSA heard from a number of gun owners who were not happy with the endorsement. NRA-PVF has what is commonly referred to as an “incumbent friendly” endorsement policy when the incumbent has been good on our issue. NRA has gone to great lengths this year to explain their endorsement policy. Besides the explanation on the NRA-ILA web site, Chris Cox, Executive Director of the NRA-ILA, sat down for an interview with National Review’s Jim Geraghty. Cox said at that time that NRA is a single issue organization. He continued: “there are a lot of other issues that voters have to address, particularly in a year like this; they’re looking at fiscal issues, they’re looking at the health-care issue. We encourage our members to put it in the forefront of their decision-making, and that’s proven to be a very effective, a very fair, and credible way for NRA to be positioned to help the rights of our members.”

6th Congressional District

Candidates

Robert “Bob” Goodlatte (R) Incumbent – NRA-PVF Rating “A”

Congressman Goodlatte has been a friend to gun owners his entire time in office. He is a member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus. Congressman Goodlatte has no major party opposition this year. Goodlate deserves the support of gun owners and sportsmen in the 6th District. Goodlatte is endorsed by the NRA-PVF.

7th Congressional District

Candidates

Eric Cantor (R) Incumbent – NRA-PVF Rating “A”
Rick Waugh (D) – NRA-PVF Rating “?”

Eric Cantor has been a true champion of gun owners all the way back to his days in the Virginia House of Delegates. He voted for concealed handgun permit reform in 1995 as well as many other numerous pro-rights bills. In Congress, he has continued his support of gun owners. He is a member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and he signed the congressional amicus briefs supporting repeal of the D.C. and Chicago gun bans before the U.S. Supreme Court. During the Heller case, Cantor sponsored a web site called Support the Second, urging gun owners to sign an online petition supporting the individual right to keep and bear arms.

Rick Waugh is another question mark. He failed to return the NRA-PVF Candidate Questionnaire. After the U.S. Supreme Court decision in McDonald vs. Chicago, Waugh posted a statement on his web site supporting the decision that sounded more like talking points from the Brady Campaign than support for ruling. Eric Cantor has been a longtime supporter of the rights of gun owners and sportsmen and deserves our vote on November 2nd. Cantor is endorsed by the NRA-PVF.

8th Congressional Distirct.

Candidates

Patrick Murray (R) – NRA-PVF Rating “B-”
Jim Moran (D) Incumbent – NRA-PVF Rating “F”

Jim Moran is no friend to gun owners as his “F” rating attests. Patrick Murray has not held office and received a “B-” rating on his NRA-PVF Candidate Questionnaire. Even though Murray does not have a perfect score on his questionnaire, a “B-” rating trumps an “F” rating so gun owners in the 8th District should support Patrick Murray.

9th Congressional District

Candidates

Morgan Griffith (R) NRA-PVF Rating “A”
Rick Boucher (D) Incumbent – NRA-PVF Rating “A+”

This is another race where gun owners cannot go wrong with either candidate. Rick Boucher has been a good friend of gun owners in his long congressional career. He opposed the Clinton gun ban as one of his signature votes supporting gun owners. Most recently, he signed the letter Attorney General Eric Holder not to try to reinstate the so-called “Assault Weapons” ban. Boucher also signed the congressional amicus brief supporting Otis McDonald in McDonald vs. Chicago. Boucher is endorsed by the NRA-PVF.

Delegate Morgan Griffith has also created an impressive record protecting the rights of gun owners as a member of the Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee in the Virginia General Assembly. Delegate Griffith has been a go-to legislator when VSSA is working to pass good legislation and kill bad legislation. Griffith has voted for bills that expand the rights of CHP holders, including the most recent repeal of the “Restaurant Ban” which allows people to carry concealed in restaurants like Applebees and Olive Garden that serve alcohol in addition to food. Griffith voted for full preemption as well as for VSSA’s range protection legislation. Voters in the 9th District have two candidates that understand the rights of gun owners.

10th Congressional District

Candidates

Frank Wolf (R) Incumbent – NRA-PVF Rating “B+”
Jeffery Barnett (D) NRA-PVF Rating “?”

Frank Wolf has been endorsed by the NRA-PVF. While he does not have a perfect rating on our issue, his opponent did not even feel it was important to return his candidate questionnaire. Wolf has stood with us more than he has voted against us. He is a member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus. Gun owners in the 10th District should vote for Frank Wolf on November 2nd.

11th Congressional District

Candidates

Keith Fimian (R) NRA-PVF Rating – “AQ”
Gerald “Gerry” Connolly – NRA-PVF Rating “F”

Voters in the 11th Congressional District know well that Gerry Connolly is no friend to gun owners. Keith Fimian has committed to support the rights of law abiding gun owners. Last week, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg inserted himself into the race when a Bloomberg front group began running ads against Fimian wanting to know why “he does not take a stand to close the ‘gun show loophole.’” Gun owners have a clear choice in this race and that choice is Keith Fimian. Fimian is endorsed by the NRA-PVF.

Tags: Anti Gun Politicians, Elections, Endorsements, Gun Politics, Gun Voters, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

EPA Declares It Cannot Regulate Traditional Ammo

Ammoland — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:04:41 +0000

EPA Declares It Cannot Regulate Traditional Ammo

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Last Wednesday, VSSA put out the call to gun owners to contact the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and urge them to reject a petition submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), asking EPA to ban led fishing sinkers and lead ammunition.

By Friday, things had changed dramatically.

It was no longer just something being talked about in the firearms media – the story had been picked up by the mainstream media including US News and World Report, Investors Business Daily, and The Weekly Standard.

According to sources close to the firearms industry, the EPA had received tens of thousands of emails from gun owners and sportsmen and by Friday afternoon,EPA assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, Steve Owens, announced that EPA was rejecting the petition only two days after opening a comment period saying: “the agency does not have the legal authority to regulate this type of product under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).”

But, according to Jim Shepherd of “The Shooting Wire” an online newsletter, that was not what really had the gun rights community cheering. It was the clause following that explanation: “…nor is the agency seeking such authority.”

For shooters and sportsmen, this decision has at least for now laid to rest the fear that the administration would find a way to move against guns that didn’t employ what has been demonstrably proven to be the political suicide in most of the nation-gun bans.

Friday’s announcement however is only one part of what is a very complex interrelation between individual rights and the outdoors. The same statement being celebrated as a win for the firearms community should also serve as a call to action for anglers to continue to make their voices heard.

“As there are no similar jurisdictional issues relating to the agency’s authority over fishing sinkers,” the statement reads, “EPA-as required by law- will continue formally reviewing a second part of the petition related to lead fishing sinkers.”

If you’re strictly a shooter, Friday’s decision is certainly reason to celebrate. If, however, you also love to fish, you still need to speak out against acceptance of any portion of that petition.

The Environmental Protection Agency will continue to accept public comment on the petition- this time directed specifically to the fishing tackle issue – until September 15. You can find more information that can be included in your comments related to fishing sinkers by clicking here.

Tags: Ammunition Bans, Ammunition News, EPA, Lead Free Ammo, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

2010 Virginia State Conventional Pistol (Bullseye) Champion Crowned

Ammoland — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:43:08 +0000

2010 Virginia State Conventional Pistol (Bullseye) Champion Crowned

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia --(AmmoLand.com)- The Virginia State Conventional Pistol Championship was conducted June 26 and 27 at Fairfax Rod and Gun Club.

Forty four shooters participated including several families Matt Buckman and his wife Anne and their son Walker, brothers Wes and Lee Fleming (both USCG), Sam Nelson (USMC) and his son Jarrod, Kathi Cline (USN) and her son Christian, and Brent Obenour (USN) and his son Kyle (LTJG/USN, F/A-18 pilot).

The top three shooters are listed below:

1st Place – Keith Hanzel, Fredericksburg, VA (Score 2639-119X)
2nd Place – Rich Kang, MD 21875 (Score 2617-133X)
3rd Place – Joe Chang, Springfield, VA (Score 2617-110X)

Congratulations to all of the shooters and to the 2010 Champion. The top three shooters will receive a plaque from VSSA recognizing their achievement.

Tags: Competitive Shooting News, Virginia, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

Supreme Court Says 2nd Amendment Applies to States

Ammoland — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:29:13 +0000

Supreme Court Says 2nd Amendment Applies to States

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Reverses and Remands McDonald Case back to 7th Circuit. Justice Alito announced the decision in McDonald v. Chicago.

On a 5-4 decision, the Court reversed the 7th Circuit decision in the case and remanded the case back to the 7th Circuit. The opinion concludes that the 14th Amendment does incorporate the Second Amendment right recognized in Heller to keep and bear arms in self defense.

Scotusblog reports that the majority seems divided.

…presumably on the precise standard. The majority Justices do not support all parts of the Alito opinion, but all five agree that the 2nd Amendment applies to state and local government. Alito, in the part of the opinion joined by three Justices, concludes that the 2nd Amendment is incorporated through the Due Process Clause. Thomas thinks the Amendment is incorporated, but not under Due Process. He appears to base incorporation on Privileges or Immunities.

The text of the Opinion is here.

In short, with the Court’s decision today, the Second Amendment applies to state and local regulation of the right to keep and bear arms. More on this later on the VSSA Blog.

Tags: Gun Rights, Incorporation, McDonald v. City of Chicago, SCOTUS, Second Amendment, Supreme Court, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

Virginia Senate Special “Anti Gun” Subcommittee Meets Thursday

Ammoland — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:31:59 +0000

Virginia Senate Courts Special “Anti Gun” Subcommittee Meets Thursday
There is still time to contact the committee and make your voice heard!

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia --(AmmoLand.com)-The Senate Courts of Justice Subcommittee that has been formed in the closing days of the General Assembly meets tomorrow at 2:00 PM and will take up a number of pro-gun bills passed by the House during the first half of the session.

The stated goal of this “Special” subcommittee to to dispose of the bills so that some Senate Democrats will not be forced to take some tough votes. You still have time to contact members of the committee by phone and by email and tell them to make sure all of these bills get a hearing in the full committee.

While House rules allow for subcommittees to defeat legislation without it being heard by the full committee, the Senate rules require for all subcommittees to give a report on each bill. Now is the time to act to insure that the Senate abides by its rules.

The following bills will be in the “Special” subcommittee of Senate Courts of Justice tomorrow at 2:00 PM:

H.B. 49
Patron: Lingamfelter
Purchase of handguns; repeal one-gun-a-month limitation. Repeals the prohibition against purchasing more than one handgun in a 30-day period.

H.B. 52
Patron: Cole
Failure to carry concealed handgun permit. Provides that failure to produce, upon demand of a law-enforcement officer, a concealed handgun permit and a government-issued photo identification while carrying a concealed handgun is punishable by a $25 civil penalty. A court may waive this penalty if the person presents a valid concealed handgun permit and government-issued photo identification to the court. The bill also introduces an affirmative defense, of having a valid concealed handgun permit, to a charge of violating the concealed weapons statute.

H.B. 69
Patron: Carrico
Firearms, firearms accessories, and ammunition manufactured and retained in Virginia. Declares that firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition that are manufactured commercially or privately in Virginia, and that remain within the borders of Virginia, shall not be subject to federal law or federal regulation, including registration, under the authority of the United States Congress to regulate interstate commerce. This bill incorporates HB 886.

H.B. 79
Patron: Ware, R.L.
Concealed handgun permits; access to applications and permittee information. Prohibits a clerk of court from providing public access to concealed handgun permit applications and information regarding identifiable permittees without the written consent of the applicant or permittee. The applications and information would be available to law-enforcement agencies, and the clerk of court would be authorized to release aggregate information that does not identify individual applicants or permittees.

H.B. 108
Patron: Cole
Disposition of firearms. Provides that no locality may participate in any program in which individuals are given a thing of value in exchange for surrendering a firearm to the locality unless the governing body of the locality has enacted an ordinance authorizing the participation of the locality. The ordinance shall require that such firearms shall be sold by public auction or sealed bids to a person licensed as a dealer.

H.B. 109
Patron: Cole
Certain firearms taxes; destruction of records. Repeals local authority to impose a license tax of not more than $25 on persons engaged in the business of selling pistols and revolvers. Also, a recordkeeping requirement for such persons is deleted and the clerk of the circuit court shall destroy any such existing records.

H.B. 171
Patron: Pogge
Firearms in locked vehicles; immunity from liability. Provides that no person, property owner, tenant, employer, or business owner may prohibit a person who lawfully possesses a firearm from storing that firearm in a locked motor vehicle. The bill provides civil immunity for such persons, property owners, tenants, employers, or business owners. The provisions of the bill would not apply to possession of firearms on property on which a person is prohibited from possessing a firearm; (ii) vehicles on property (a) to which access is restricted or limited through the use of a gate; or (b) upon which a building occupied by a single employer and its affiliated entities is located and in which access to the building is restricted or limited by card access; (iii) vehicles owned or leased by an employer or business entity and used by an employee in the course of his employment; (iv) personal vehicles while such vehicles are being used for the transport of consumers of programs licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; or (v) vehicles on property controlled by an employer required to develop and implement a security plan under federal law or regulation.

H.B. 236
Patron: Janis
Shooting firearms in certain areas. Makes a locality no longer able to prohibit hunting generally within a half-mile radius of a subdivision, but a locality would still be able to prohibit hunting within a subdivision.

H.B. 490
Patron: Lingamfelter
Development of plan for the issuance of a lifetime concealed handgun permit. Directs the Department of State Police, in cooperation with the Secretary of Public Safety, to develop a plan to allow for the State Police to issue lifetime concealed handgun permits to Virginia residents. The Department and the Secretary shall submit the plan, and any recommended legislative changes to implement the plan, to the Chairmen of the House Committee on Militia, Police, and Public Safety and the Senate Committee for Courts of Justice by October 15, 2010.

H.B. 505
Patron: Gilbert
Concealed handguns; restaurants. Prohibits a person, other than a federal, state, or local law-enforcement officer or a qualified retired law-enforcement officer, who carries a concealed handgun onto the premises of a restaurant or club from consuming an alcoholic beverage while on the premises.

H.B. 885
Patron: Athey
Possession of concealed weapons. Creates a new exemption to the general prohibition against carrying concealed weapons by allowing a person who may lawfully possess a firearm to carry a handgun in a private motor vehicle or boat if the handgun is secured in a container or compartment.

H.B. 1070
Patron: Athey
Carrying of concealed handguns in emergency shelters. Provides that a person who has a valid concealed handgun permit may not be barred from carrying a concealed handgun in any place or facility designated or used by the Governor, any political subdivision of the Commonwealth, or any other governmental entity as an emergency shelter or for the purpose of sheltering persons.

H.B. 1092
Patron: Crockett-Stark
Carrying concealed handguns; retired law-enforcement officers. States that a retired law-enforcement officer who receives proof of consultation and favorable review to carry a concealed handgun without a concealed handgun permit is authorized to carry a concealed handgun in the same manner as a law-enforcement officer authorized to carry a concealed handgun.

H.B. 1191
Patron: Griffith
Issuance of concealed handgun permits; clerk of court. Allows a circuit court judge to authorize the clerk of court to issue concealed handgun permits in instances where the application is complete, the background check does not indicate that the applicant is disqualified, and, after consulting with the local sheriff or police department, there are no other questions or issues surrounding the application. The bill further provides that the court clerk is immune from suit arising from any acts or omissions relating to the issuance of concealed handgun permits without judicial review unless the clerk was grossly negligent or engaged in willful misconduct. This bill is not to be construed to limit, withdraw, or overturn any defense or immunity already existing in statutory or common law, or to affect any cause of action accruing prior to July 1, 2010.

You can find the contact information for members of the subcommittee by clicking on their names below.

Puller (Chairman), Howell, Lucas, Quayle, Marsh

Tags: Anti Gun Politicians, Gun Politics, Virginia, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

Concealed Handgun Reforms Headed to Governor’s Desk

Ammoland — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:25:04 +0000

Concealed Handgun Reforms Headed to Governor’s Desk
Governor’s spokesman says all three bill will be signed.

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia --(AmmoLand.com)- On a positive note, the House of Delegates passed three concealed handgun reform bills yesterday.

Regardless of what the Senate does with the House versions of these bills, the reforms will become law with the Govenor’s signature as only one bill need pass and be signed to become law.

They are:

SB 3 – Provides that Concealed Handgun Permits (CHPs) renewal applications may be submitted by mail;
SB334 – Repeal of the Restaurant Ban; and,
SB 408 – Allows an individual who may legally possess a firearm but does not possess a CHP to store their firearm in a locked compartment of an automobile or boat.

Tucker Martin, Governor Bob McDonnell’s spokesman told the media yesterday that the Governor will sign all three of the bills. The legislation will become effective on July 1, 2010.

Tags: Concealed Carry Laws, Concealed Pistol Permits, Gun Politics, Gun rights News, Virginia, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

VA Anti Gun Politician, Henry Marsh, Sets Up Subcommittee To Kill House Pro-Gun Bills

Ammoland — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:56:02 +0000

Virginia’s Anti Gun Politician, Henry Marsh, Sets Up Subcommittee To Kill House Pro-Gun Bills
Call and Email Committee Members Today and voice your disgust.

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia --(AmmoLand.com)- The General Assembly is winding down and there are a number of pro-rights House bills still to be heard in Senate Courts of Justice.

Among them are repeal of handgun rationing (one gun-a-month), and the Castle Doctrine. But this morning, anti-rights Richmond Senator and Chairman of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee, Senator Henry Marsh (D-16) announced the creation of a new “Sub-Committee” which will hear all the firearm related bills passed by the House of Delegates.

This “Sub-committee” is stacked with anti-rights Democrats and a sometime pro-rights Republican, and would become a “killing field” for a number of pro-rights bills that have already garnered strong bi-partisan support in the House.

Northern Virginia anti-rights Senator “Toddy” Puller (D-36) will Chair this new special Sub-Committee and will be joined by her fellow rabid anti-gun colleagues; Senator Marsh (D-16), Senator Lucas (D-18) and Senator Howell (D-32). The sole Republican member of the Sub-Committee will be Senator Quayle (R-13).

As of this morning, no date or time has been set to for the special Sub-Committee to meet but VSSA will notify you as soon as to the time and date.

Listed below are the bills which the special Senate Sub-Committee will likely hear:

HB26, authored by Delegate Thomas Wright (R-61), would prohibit the Clerk of the Court from requiring an applicant for a concealed handgun permit to provide any documentation or information not authorized by the law or prescribed by Virginia State Police.
HB49 sponsored by Delegate Scott Lingamfelter, repeals one-gun-a-month.
HB52, sponsored by Delegate Mark Cole (R-88), would allow a court to waive a $25 dollar fine upon presentation of the permit to the court, if a person fails to display his concealed carry permit when requested by a law-enforcement officer.
HB79, sponsored by Delegate R. Lee Ware (R-65), prohibits the Clerk of Court from publicly disclosing concealed handgun permit application information unless the permittee has provided written consent for the release of the application or information. The information would still be available to law-enforcement acting in the performance of their duties.
HB108, also introduced by Delegate Cole (R-88), would prohibit agents of localities or localities themselves from participating in compensated confiscation (“gun buy-backs”) schemes unless the governing body of such a locality authorizes such a program. The locality would then have the option of selling the firearms by auction to a federally licensed dealer (FFL) or disposing of the firearm in any other appropriate manner.
HB109, also sponsored by Delegate Mark Cole (R-88), would repeal the statute which allows the governing body of any county to require the sellers of pistols and revolvers to furnish the Clerk of the Circuit Court with the name and address of the purchaser, date of purchase and the number, make, and caliber of the gun.
HB171, authored by Delegate Brenda Pogge (R-96), would prohibit property owners, employers, or a business entity from establishing or enforcing any policy prohibiting a person who may lawfully possess a firearm from storing a firearm in a locked motor vehicle in a publicly accessible parking lot.
HB236, sponsored by Delegate Bill Janis (R-56), would remove the prohibition imposed by localities on hunting within a half-mile of subdivisions.
HB854, sponsored by Delegate Will Morefield (R-3), would provide immunity from civil prosecution if someone uses force, including deadly force, to defend themselves and their loved ones if attacked in their home by someone who has entered unlawfully (Castle Doctrine).
HB870, sponsored by Delegate Benjamin Cline (R-24), would repeal the language that allows localities to fingerprint applicants for a concealed handgun permit (the Senate has already killed its version of this legislation).
HB885, sponsored by Delegate Cliff Athey (R-18), would allow any person who may lawfully posses a firearm and is carrying a handgun while in a personal, private vehicle or vessel to keep the firearm secured in a container or compartment in the vehicle or vessel (the Senate has already passed Senator Vogel’s version of this bill and it is about to be approved in the House and headed to the Governor’s desk).
HB1092, sponsored by Delegate Anne B. Crockett-Stark (R-6), would give retired law-enforcement the ability to carry a concealed handgun without a permit.
HB1191, introduced by Delegate H. Morgan Griffith (R-8), would allow a circuit court judge to authorize the Clerk of Court to issue concealed handgun permits in instances where the application is complete, the background check does not indicate that the applicant is disqualified, and, after consulting with the local sheriff or police department, there are no other questions or issues surrounding the application.
HB490, sponsored by Delegate Scott Lingamfelter (R-31), would direct the Department of State Police, in cooperation with the Secretary of Public Safety, to develop a plan to allow the State Police to issue lifetime concealed handgun permits to Virginia residents. The Department and the Secretary shall submit the plan, and any recommended legislative changes to implement the plan, to the Chairmen of the House Committee on Militia, Police, and Public Safety and the Senate Committee for Courts of Justice by October 15, 2010.
HB1217, sponsored by Delegate Lynwood Lewis (D-100), would allow local school boards to offer firearm safety education programs in the elementary grades. To assist local school boards opting to provide such instruction, the Board of Education must establish a standardized program of firearm safety education for students in the elementary school grades to promote the protection and safety of children. The bill requires that the program objectives incorporate, among other principles of firearm safety, accident prevention and the rules of the National Rifle Association’s Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Program. Local school boards offering the program must comply with Board curriculum guidelines and integrate the instruction in appropriate subject areas, if feasible, to ensure that every elementary school student receives instruction in firearm safety education.
HB1070, sponsored by Delegate Clay Athey (R-18), would provide that a person who has a valid concealed handgun permit may not be barred from carrying a concealed handgun in any place or facility designated or used by the Governor, any political subdivision of the Commonwealth, or any other governmental entity as an emergency shelter or for the purpose of sheltering persons.

Contact Information for Senate Courts of Justice

Click on the links to the committee members below to find the contact information for each member. Contact those on the sub-committee and politely urge them to allow each bill to have a fair hearing before the full committee. Contact the members that are not members of the subcommittee and politely urge them to demand that Chairman Marsh give each bill a fair hearing before the full committee.

Marsh (Chairman), Saslaw, Quayle, Norment, Howell, Lucas, Edwards, Reynolds, Puller, Obenshain, McDougle, Deeds, Hurt, McEachin, Petersen

Tags: Anti Gun Politicians, Gun Banners, Gun Haters, Gun Politics, Virginia, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

First Virginia Anti-gun Bill Defeated

Ammoland — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:16:51 +0000

First Virginia Anti-gun Bill Defeated
Senate Committee on Local Government Defeats Attack on Preemption

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia --(AmmoLand.com)- Yesterday, the Senate Local Government Committee defeated SB268 by a vote of 9 to 6.

This bill would have created a patchwork of local gun restrictions by allowing local governments to pass ordinances banning firearms on property owned or leased by the locality. It would have also applied to access roads and parking areas for those facilities.

Please contact the following members of the Senate Local Government Committee and thank them for defeating SB268.
State Senator Emmett W. Hanger, Jr. (R-24)
(804) 698-7524
district24@senate.virginia.gov

State Senator Mark R. Herring (D-33)
(804) 698-7533
district33@senate.virginia.gov

State Senator Stephen H. Martin (R-11)
(804) 698-7511

district11@senate.virginia.gov

State Senator Mark D. Obenshain (R-26)
(804) 698-7526
district26@senate.virginia.gov

State Senator Frederick M. Quayle (R-13)
(804) 698-7513
district13@senate.virginia.gov

State Senator Wm. Roscoe Reynolds (D-20)
(804) 698-7520
district20@senate.virginia.gov

State Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. (R-15)
(804) 698-7515
district15@senate.virginia.gov

State Senator Ralph K. Smith (R-22)
(804) 698-7522
district22@senate.virginia.gov

State Senator Richard H. Stuart (R-28)
(804) 698-7528
district28@senate.virginia.gov

Castle Doctrine Bills On House Courts Criminal Subcommittee Docket Today

A priority for VSSA for a number of years has been the passage of Castle Doctrine legislation. The Castle Doctrine provides that a person who uses justifiable force against an intruder shall be immune from civil liability for injuries or death of the criminal. Two bills aimed at establishing the Castle Doctrine in Virginia are scheduled to be heard today in the House Courts of Justice Criminal Subcommittee. The subcommittee will meet after the full House Courts Committee adjourns.

For a full list of firearm related bills be sure to check the VSSA Legislative Tracking Form.

Tags: Anti Gun Bills, Anti Gun Politicians, Gun Bills, Gun Politics, Virginia, Virginia Gun Collectors Association, VSSA

Gun Owners Win Big Election Victory

Ammoland — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:46:38 +0000

Gun Owners Win Big Election Victory
Virginia Elects Pro-gun Governor, Knock off Anti-gun Delegates

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia --(AmmoLand.com)- Election 2009 was a huge victory for Virginia gun owners. In addition to electing VSSA endorsed Bob McDonnell to be our next Governor, Virginia voters also re-elected VSSA endorsed Lt. Governor Bill Bolling and VSSA endorsed Ken Cuccinelli as Attorney General.

While the pundits will debate the significance of this year’s election and its impact on national politics, there is one thing that is clear – the big loser yesterday was the gun control crowd. All you have to do is look at the results of those who made gun control an issue in their campaign or who were solid anti-gun votes in the General Assembly.

For instance, Delegate Steve Shannon decided in the last two weeks of the campaign to run an outlandish ad against Senator Cuccinelli that tried to paint Cuccinelli’s pro-rights stance as favoring the arming of criminals and terrorists. This was clearly a reference to the non-existent “gun show loophole.” Senator Cuccinelli’s internal polling however showed that the ads backfired and actually drove up Shannon’s own negatives among voters.

Of equal importance, a handful of vehemently anti-gun members of the House of Delegates were defeated yesterday – in Northern Virginia no less.

In House District 32, NRA “F” rated David Poisson was defeated by NRA “AQ” rated Thomas “Tag” Greason.

In House District 34, NRA “F” rated Margaret Vanderhye was defeated by NRA “AQ” rated Barbara Comstock.

Additional races of interest included the defeat of Delegate Danny “Dan” Bowling in House District 3. Delegate Bowling had been a reliable pro-rights vote in the House of Delegates until he pulled a “Creigh Deeds” in 2008 and voted against a motion aimed at killing a bill that would have required background checks on private sales at gun shows. It was that vote that cost Delegate Bowling the endorsement of VSSA in 2009. Bowling was defeated by James W. “Will” Morefield who received an “AQ” rating on his NRA questionnaire.

Also an improvement is the defeat of 23rd District Shannon Valentine who will be replaced by the NRA “AQ” rated T. Scott Garrett.

Filling the open seat of retiring Delegate Frank Hargrove in the 55th District is John Cox. Cox was rated “AQ” by the NRA (VSSA only rates incumbents based on their voting record). This is a slight improvement as Hargrove always voted against repeal of the ban on carrying concealed in restaurants that serve alcohol.

In a race that will likely go to a recount, VSSA endorsed Ron Villanueva defeated decidedly anti-gun incumbent Bobby Mathieson. Villanueva’s margin of victory is a mere 16 votes – showing that every vote is indeed important.

VSSA member Bill Janis cruised to victory over anti-gun James Towey. Janis was endorsed by both VSSA and NRA and is a stalwart supporter of our firearms freedom.

Another reliable vote is Delegate John O’Bannon who also fought off a spirited challenge from Tom Shields. O’Bannon was endorsed by both VSSA and NRA and is one of our true friends in the House of Delegates.

Overall, the House of Delegates should be a few votes stronger in support of our rights when it convenes next January. VSSA would like to thank all of Virginia’s gun owners and sportsmen who voted yesterday and who voted Freedom First. It was truly the best election for gun owners since 1993 when George Allen was elected Governor and led to Virginia’s “shall issue” concealed carry reform.

Should repeal of the “Restaurant Ban” pass the General Assembly again next year, we will finally see the bill signed into law. VSSA will be working hard to make this a reality. Gun owners have a lot to celebrate after last night’s election results. VSSA will now turn its attention to the legislative session and as we did last year, will keep keep gun owners informed using the VSSA blog, and using this email alert list.

Tags: Anti Gun Politicians, Gun Politics, Gun Voters, Pro Gun Republicans, Virginia, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA

Information Ammunition On Allowing Continued Rifle Shooting In Suffolk VA

Ammoland — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:47:12 +0000

Information Ammunition On Allowing Continued Rifle Shooting In Suffolk VA
As reported earlier the city of Suffolk VA is debating Limiting the use of Hunting Rifles.

Virginia Citizens Defense League

Suffolk, VA --(AmmoLand.com)-For those who might be attending tomorrow night’s Suffolk City Council meeting on the City considering changes to rifle discharge, may find this article interesting (actually any of you who like rifle hunting will want to keep a copy of this).

Thanks for Tom Pike for the link, which deals with a study dealing with the relative dangers of hunting with rifles vs shotguns. The US Army did a study and found that the ricochet from a shotgun slug is more dangerous than the ricochet from a 150 grain .30-06 bullet!

The “safe” slug myth: shotgun slugs are required in some areas, but why?
The “safe” slug myth: shotgun slugs are required in some areas, but why? Guns Magazine, Nov, 2007 by Holt Bodinson
The shotgun slug is less safe and more dangerous in the field than a 150 grain .30-06 bullet or a 50-caliber muzzleloading projectile. Does that statement sound improbable? Conventional wisdom would say so. I’ve just finished digesting a 67-page technical report commissioned by the Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee that blows a hole in conventional wisdom and the increasing establishment of shotgun-slug-only zones by state’s game agencies.
What prompted the study? A lawsuit involving a hunting accident in which a woman sitting in a car was struck by a stray rifle bullet coupled with increasing sportsmen’s opposition to the expansion of shotgun slug and muzzleloading-only zones on the decision of the Pennsylvania Game Commission….
Read Complete Article Here

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.

Tags: Gun Banners, Gun Bans, High Power Rifles, Hunting Rifles, Pro Gun News, VCDL, Virginia, Virginia Citizens Defense League, VSSA

City of Suffolk Virginia to Consider Rifle Regulations

Ammoland — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:21:00 +0000

City of Suffolk Virginia to Consider Rifle Regulations

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Suffolk, VA --(AmmoLand.com)- On September 2, 2009, the Suffolk City Council will meet. On the agenda is discussion of new regulations related to discharge of a rifle.

Prior to this year, the use of rifles was prohibited in the western portion of the city, but allowed under certain circumstances in the eastern portion of the city.

According to the Suffolk News-Hearld, the two halves are separated by the “Dismal Swamp line,” which starts at the intersection of Desert Road and the state line and goes northbound on Desert Road, through downtown and along Route 10 to the Isle of Wight County line.

Hunting with rifles east of the swamp line is allowed during hunting season as long as the hunter is on a stand at least 15 feet above the ground. It is not, however, allowed anywhere in the city within 100 yards of any structure used as a residence, business or storage facility without the permission of the owner; within 100 yards of any public street, except at a permitted firing range; or in a densely populated area.

Early this year, Suffolk petitioned the game department to allow the city to make its own regulations regarding rifles. The department agreed, but did not take up the issue of the exception east of the swamp line.

The city could have more in-depth talks with the department on that issue next year, but it has been recommended that the council enact an ordinance similar to last year’s before hunting season starts. A youth deer-hunting day is scheduled for Sept. 26, and hunting season starts soon after, so council should put new regulations in place before then.

The Council is seeking the input of residents, farmers, hunt clubs and other interested people before creating the more comprehensive ordinance.

If you live and/or hunt in Suffolk, it is recommended that you attend this important meeting and make your voice heard.

When: Wednesday, September 2, 7:00PM
Where: City Council Chambers
Municipal Building, 2nd Floor
441 Market Street
Suffolk, VA

Tags: CMP, Gun Banners, Gun Bans, Hunting News, Hunting Rifles, Virginia, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA, VWF

Thune National Reciprocity Amendment Fails

Ammoland — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:43:07 +0000

Thune National Reciprocity Amendment Fails
Under Agreed Upon Rule 60 Votes Was Required for Passage.

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Washington, DC - -(AmmoLand.com)- The Thune Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1390) failed this afternoon on a vote of 58-39, lacking the required 60 votes to invoke cloture.

There were more than enough votes to pass the amendment but those opposing the amendment decided to filibuster the vote – thus requiring 60 votes for passage.

Virginia’s Senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb both voted with gun owners and our right to self defense and voted for the amendment. Please be sure to contact Senators Warner and Webb and thank them for standing with law abiding gun owners.

Tags: CCW, CCW Reciprocity Laws, CMP, Concealed Carry, Gun Politics, NSSF, Ohio, Open Carry, Reciprocity, Right to Carry, Thune Amendment, VOISN, VSSA, Washington DC