NSSF Bullet Points | Online News Service

March 12, 2013

Vol. 14 No. 9

This Week:

Government Relations

Industry News

Retailers & Ranges

Research

News of Note

Gun Owners, Industry Pack Legislative Office Building in Hartford

Watch a video wrap-up

Photo Gallery

3,000 FILL THE HALLS, MEET WITH LEGISLATORS . . . The prospect of the Connecticut General Assembly passing extensive new restrictions on citizens' Second Amendment rights and that also would limit or even prohibit the ability of manufacturers to sell the very modern sporting rifles they make within the state to its residents brought an estimated 3,000 people to the State Capitol on Monday for what was called "Lobby Day." This issue of Bullet Points was delayed for a day in order to bring you a full report of this activity. Organized and sponsored by NSSF, NRA, the Connecticut Citizens Defense League and the Coalition of Connecticut Sportsmen, the event at the Legislative Office Building brought in gun owners and industry members to meet with their elected representatives and staff. Stag Arms of New Britain shut down operations to bring employees to Hartford. Clad in their company's logo shirts, the employees made an impressive showing at one committee meeting. Executives of O.F. Mossberg, Colt's Manufacturing Co., Stag Arms and magazine maker Ammunition Storage Components (ASC) also took the opportunity to talk with newspaper, broadcast and online reporters about the effects of proposed legislation on their companies. This Thursday, March 14, the General Assembly's Public Safety and Security Committee will hold an important public hearing at 10 a.m. in Room 2C of the Legislative Office Building. The committee will hear eleven different gun control bills. Among the measures before the committee is Senate Bill 1076 that would ban modern sporting rifles and mandate gun registration.

More from Lobby Day at the State Capitol: Photos | Video Report

Government Relations

NSSF CONGRESSIONAL FLY-IN APRIL 16-17 . . . Officials from NSSF and executives from its Voting Member companies will travel to Washington, D.C., April 16-17 to meet with key lawmakers and help advance the industry's federal legislative priorities. Participation in the Fly-In is a Voting Member benefit. All Voting Members are strongly encouraged to attend this key government relations effort. This year's Fly-In will be held at the Hyatt Regency Washington, D.C. on Capitol Hill. If you are interested in attending, please register today. A special group rate for hotel reservations will be available until March 26, 2013. Click here for more details.
U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE CONTINUES WORK ON LEGISLATION . . . The Senate Judiciary Committee today continued its work on gun-control legislation, approving two bills and sending them to the full Senate for consideration -- likely to occur in early April. Despite months of negotiations, a bipartisan compromise remains elusive on a bill addressing background checks. As a result, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) chose to run his preferred language on background checks, which does not have the backing of any of the other senators who were working on a compromise. The "Fix Gun Checks Act" proposed by Schumer calls for so-called "Universal Background Checks" with very few exceptions, and, as Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) pointed out, was not ready for consideration, as it was full of problems. Despite Grassley's objection and numerous examples of flaws, the bill was approved on a straight party-line vote, 10-8.
MODERN SPORTING RIFLE BAN TO BE CONSIDERED BY COMMITTEE THURSDAY . . . The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to continue consideration of Sen. Dianne Feinstein's "Assault Weapons Ban of 2013" (S.150) on Thursday. Last week, the committee started a mark-up of the bill, but due to time constraints had to adjourn before completion. A number of amendments are expected, but Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) has indicated he intends to complete work on the bill this week. The bill would ban all modern sporting rifles that have a detachable magazine and one cosmetic characteristic -- such as a pistol grip, forward grip, folding stock, detachable stock, telescoping stock or threaded barrel. It also bans magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds. Finally, the ban does not have a sunset, so these firearms and accessories would be banned permanently. The bill is expected to be approved by the committee along a straight, party-line vote.
NSSF PAC 2013 . . . In this new era of gun control sweeping through Washington, D.C., and state houses across the nation, the NSSF PAC wants you to remain engaged and informed at this most threatening time. Sign-up today to receive important PAC communications, including updates on far-reaching anti-gun legislation seeking to put the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry out of business. Don't be left in the dark.
COLORADO SENATE PASSES MAGAZINE BAN, OTHER BILLS . . . The Colorado State Senate on Monday passed five gun-control bills, including a bill that limits magazine capacity to 15 rounds. The magazine bill -- which passed with an 18-17 vote -- must now go back to the House for another vote because a change was made to it in the Senate. Colorado-based magazine manufacturer Magpul has threatened to move out of state if the magazine bill becomes law. Coloradans are encouraged to contact their representatives urging them to vote against the bill. Read more about all of the bills from the Denver Post.
MARK KELLY BUYS THE GUN AND MAGAZINES HE DOESN'T WANT YOU TO OWN . . . As writer and political commentator Mark Steyn once observed, when you are a member of the power elite, with all that implies, its may seem as though laws are meant only for the little people. So, when Breitbart.com reported that former astronaut and husband of former Congresswomen Gabby Giffords had testified for increased gun control one day in Colorado and then returned to Arizona the next day to purchase an AR-15 and extra "high capacity" magazines, we could not help but be reminded of Steyn's wry observation and the double standard one anti-gun advocate clearly demonstrated in its support. Read the story here.
N.Y. GOVERNOR'S APPROVAL RATING DIVES ON GUN-CONTROL LAW . . . As the fallout from Gov. Andrew Cuomo's hastily drafted N.Y. SAFE Act continues to make news, it's apparently had a negative impact on the governor's approval rating. Among Republicans, Cuomo's rating dropped from 59 percent in October to 46 percent in a recent poll. The shift comes after Cuomo ushered through a set of new, stricter gun laws in January. Pro-gun advocates and conservatives have been incensed by the changes, showing their displeasure in a several-thousand-strong rally last week outside the State Capitol. Most of the attendees came from upstate. In the new polling, nearly half of upstate New York voters say the new law "goes too far."
THE WASHINGTON POST PRINTS WHAT IT WANTED TO BELIEVE . . . Ever since the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, reporters have been looking hard for evidence that organizations that speak up for the Second Amendment are breaking ranks. Encouragement for this comes from anti-gun organizations and politicians. So an article last week in the liberal-leaning newspaper implying a difference in positions between the NRA and NSSF on expanding background checks prompted a fast reply from NSSF. Even better, more than one outlet in the conservative watchdog media saw the opportunity to throw flags on the play. Read articles from Breitbart.com and NewsBusters.org.
NSSF ON THE ISSUES AT POMA . . . At its sponsored luncheon last Saturday at the Professional Outdoor Media Association's Shooting Day, NSSF provided an overview of its views on the many gun proposals being considered by Congress and state legislatures from Connecticut to Colorado. At the Live Oaks Sportsman's Club in Swansea, S.C., more than 120 members of the media and corporate partners watched a video in which NSSF President Steve Sanetti discussed the issues. They also were reminded by NSSF Director of Communications Bill Brassard to use NSSF as a resource for accurate information. A good way to stay abreast of legislative developments is to subscribe to NSSF's Bullet Points newsletter, press releases and legislative alerts, and to visit NSSF's Legislative Action Center.

Industry News

IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR U.S. FIREARM MANUFACTURERS . . . The deadline of April 1 is fast approaching for Type 07 manufacturers of firearms to file with ATF the Annual Firearms Manufacturers and Export Report (AFMER)--ATF Form 5300.11. At NSSF's request, ATF has agreed to provide the Foundation with an aggregate of AFMER data in advance of the publication of individual company data, which should occur approximately 18 months after the reporting deadline. The aggregate AFMER report helps NSSF gauge the overall market, which can help your planning. The aggregate report, however, is only as accurate as the data provided to ATF. Questions about the AFMER program and data can be directed to ATF Program Analyst Tom DiDomenico at 304-616-4590 or check Q&As online.
SMITH & WESSON REPORTS THIRD-QUARTER RESULTS . . . Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:SWHC) reported that third-quarter sales were up 39 percent compared to the same period last year. Said President and CEO James Debney, "Performance gains were driven by continued robust consumer demand for firearms as well as increased sales of our M&P polymer pistols and modern sporting rifles. Based on incremental improvements in expanding our production capacity, which will be further deployed in the fourth quarter, we are increasing our financial guidance for the full fiscal year 2013."

Retailers & Ranges

NICS NOT ACCEPTING STATUS-CHECK CALLS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE . . . The FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) announced Thursday that until further notice it will not accept calls from firearm retailers for status checks. Read the notice from NICS here.
MERCHANDISE GUIDE FOR THE FIREARMS RETAILERS . . . NSSF has worked with noted author Tom Shay to create a series of operational books geared toward managing a firearms retail store. The third book in this series, Merchandising Guide for the Firearms Retailer, provides a comprehensive overview of the merchandising process and covers several topics, including: terms and terminology of purchasing; shipping issues and costs; inventory control; selection of vendors; and the critical importance of working with your sales reps. These books are available as a free download on the member-only section of the NSSF website. Bound copies may be ordered from Ann Siladi (free to members, $15 to nonmembers). Email her at asiladi@nssf.org.
VIEW LATEST SHOT BUSINESS . . . The most recent edition of SHOT Business magazine is available for viewing at its www.shotbusiness.com website. The February-March Edition of the NSSF-owned publication contains features on "Optics 2013" and an important topic, "Passing the Torch," which delves into exit strategies for the business owner who is considering retirement or sale of the store. You'll also find the popular regularly appearing departments, including the Undercover Shooter. The website is regularly updated with News Briefs of interest to the firearms industry. On an iPad or other mobile device? Tap here for the digital publication.
WINTER RANGE REPORT AVAILABLE ONLINE . . . The latest edition of The Range Report, NSSF's magazine for shooting facilities, has been posted at its website, www.rangereport.org. The Winter '13 edition is also available as a mobile friendly digital flip-page publication or as in printable pdf format. You'll find features and departments that can help you make your range even better.

NSSF Research

UPDATED NSSF INDUSTRY REFERENCE GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE . . . More than 170 pages of valuable firearms, ammunition industry, hunting and shooting sports data comprise the 2012-13 Industry Reference Guide, compiled by NSSF. This new edition provides historical trend data for leading industry indicators: NICS, excise tax, firearm-production data as well as firearm imports and exports, and hunting-license sales. Also included is participation data and demographics; safety statistics; Federal Firearms License figures; concealed carry holder estimates; and economic contributions. The guide offers a complete redesign from the 2011 edition, providing a new look and making it easier to read. Of course, the data has been updated, and additional sources have been incorporated into the new edition. The publication is available in both PDF and print formats, at a deep discount to NSSF members. All orders can be placed by visiting www.nssf.org/research/IRG. Voting Members of NSSF have free, immediate access to the PDF version in the Member Only section of nssf.org. Not yet an NSSF Member? Join today!
AS AMMUNITION COSTS RISE, SHOOTERS TURN TO RELOADING . . . With soaring ammunition costs and shortages of cartridges on store shelves making headlines in recent months, many shooters are wondering how they are going to find or afford enough rounds to keep enjoying their sport as much as they always have. For some, the answer--at least a partial one--has been found in reloading their own ammunition. A recent ShooterSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com poll found that approximately one-in-four respondents--just over 26 percent--said they reload. Read more.

News of Note

FOUR CONNECTICUT CITIES PARTNER WITH NSSF'S PROJECT CHILDSAFE . . . The mayors and police chiefs of four Connecticut municipalities--Bridgeport, Waterbury, Stratford and Fairfield--today launched NSSF's firearms safety education program, Project ChildSafe, to remind gun owners to safely store their firearms when not in use to prevent firearms misuse and accidents. Project ChildSafe provides precautions that gun owners can follow to help prevent access to firearms by unauthorized persons, including children, at-risk individuals and persons legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. NSSF has delivered 2,500 firearm safety kits that include a gun lock and safety brochure to the cities, which will distribute them free of charge to gun owners. Read the press release.

Jobs

FIREARMS INDUSTRY JOBS . . . Visit www.nssf.org/jobs for current employment opportunities in the shooting, hunting and outdoor industry. Employers: Log in to post a job opening.

NSSF's Mission

"To promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports."

Click here to visit the NSSF website and see how we accomplish this mission.

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