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NSSF Rimfire Challenge
 FAMILY-FRIENDLY, AFFORDABLE . . . Shooting facilities and target shooters, take note: the NSSF Rimfire Challenge program provides a great way for shooters of all ages and ability levels to enjoy a low-key, affordable introduction to competition using .22-caliber handguns and rifles and steel targets. Formerly known as the Ruger Rimfire Challenge, NSSF assumed administrative responsibilities for the fast-growing program earlier this year, launched a new website and informed range managers and previous competitors about the change. The program’s family-friendly format emphasizes fun, safety and support of newcomers. A recent Rimfire Challenge match at the Old Fort Gun Club demonstrated the program’s broad appeal and sponsorship opportunities for industry companies, with prizes awarded in Open and Limited Divisions, plus Special Recognition categories. All the information a host range, sponsor or participant needs to get involved with the NSSF Rimfire Challenge program is available at www.nssf.org/rimfire. For more information, contact Zach Snow, NSSF’s Manager of Shooting Promotions, at zsnow@nssf.org or call 203-426-1320 ext. 224.
NSSF Industry Summit
 HOTEL DEADLINE APPROACHING . . . If you haven't registered for the 2014 NSSF Industry Summit, the time is now. Registration does not include housing accomodations, so please be sure that you have made your hotel reservations. The deadline for taking advantage of special group hotel pricing is May 19. Industry leaders from more than 100 companies and organizations have already committed to attend and contribute to this critical discussion.
 CONNECTING NEW GENERATIONS TO THE OUTDOORS . . . Award-winning and best-selling author, ornithologist and wildlife biologist John C. Robinson has introduced thousands of people all over the world to the joys of bird watching for over thirty years, breaking down diversity and generational barriers and exposing more people to the pleasures of birding. At NSSF's 2014 Industry Summit, Robinson will present "Connecting New Generations to the Outdoors," illustrating how mentors and involved adults can help open new worlds to young people, especially those for whom nature and other outdoor activities may not be instinctively considered.
Government Relations
 OKLAHOMA GOVERNOR SIGNS FIXNICS BILL, HAWAII'S BILL AWAITS INK . . . As state legislative sessions are drawing to an end, NSSF is pleased to note two more significant successes with the passage of FixNICS legislation in Oklahoma and Hawaii. In Oklahoma, the governor on Friday signed into law legislation to help ensure reporting of all appropriate criminal and adjudicated mental health records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), while also making certain that a process in in place for restoration of rights. In Hawaii, a similar bill awaits the governor’s signature. Oklahoma and Hawaii have been priority states in NSSF's nationwide FixNICS initiative from its inception in 2013. These latest successes follow passage of similar FixNICS legislation in the last month in Alaska, South Dakota and Nebraska.
- HOUSE PANEL APPROVES JUSTICE DEPT. APPROPRIATIONS BILL . . . The U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee last week favorably reported the FY15 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill to the floor. Language addressing the backlogs at ATF and the "e-Forms" website, an industry top priority, was included in the committee report that accompanied the bill. Also part of the bill is $58 million for states to use to ensure appropriate criminal and other records are submitted to the NICS system. During the markup, the committee defeated two amendments opposed by NSSF; one of which would have rescinded a permanent policy rider prohibiting the ATF from requiring all FFLs to conduct an annual physical inventory, and the other would have required all employees of FFLs that may have handled firearms or ammunition to pass a background check certified by the Attorney General. The committee approved an amendment prohibiting the ATF from spending any money to require FFLs in four southwest border states to report the sale of multiple semi-automatic rifles to the same individual within a five-day period. Read the letters from NSSF to the committee.
 MASSACHESETTS LEGISLATORS TAKE TO THE RANGE . . . On Friday, the Gun Owners' Action League and NSSF held the Seventh Annual Firearms Safety and Education Day for Massachusetts Legislators at the North Leominster Rod and Gun Club. Legislators, their families and staff were invited to a day at the range. More than 40 legislators and staff, both experienced and many first-time participants, enjoyed the opportunity to try their hand at various shooting disciplines ranging from trap and skeet to rifle and handgun. Without the generous support of industry members, this event would not have been a resounding success. NSSF extends a special thanks to Federal/ATK for providing ammunition and to Smith & Wesson, Savage Arms and Kahr Arms/Auto Ordnance (all three are Massachusetts-based manufacturers) for bringing numerous firearms and a team of representatives.
- NSSF FILES FRIEND-OF-COURT BRIEF BACKING SUIT AGAINST N.Y. SAFE ACT . . . NSSF has filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the federal Second Circuit Court of Appeals supporting the lawsuit challenging New York State's ban on modern sporting rifles and standard capacity ammunition magazines. A federal trial court in April upheld these extreme gun-control provisions and other portions of the New York SAFE Act. NSSF's manufacturer, distributor and retailer members provide the lawful commerce in commonly owned semiautomatic firearms and magazines that the U.S. Supreme Court found to be protected by the Second Amendment. NSSF contends the SAFE Act clearly infringes on the rights of New York gun owners to possess these banned items and New York retailers right to sell them. Concerned about the precedent-setting effects of the trial court's decision, 22 states have joined together in their own amicus brief challenging the constitutionality of the NY SAFE Act. See all the briefs filed to date in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association et al. v. Cuomo et al.
 VOTE YES ON TUESDAY FOR SUNDAY HUNTING IN W. VIRGINIA COUNTIES . . . On Tuesday, voters in seven of the state's counties have the opportunity to overturn the prohibition on Sunday hunting on private land. The ballot initiative is before voters in the following counties: Braxton, Calhoun, Gilmer, Lewis, Nicholas, Webster and Wirt. NSSF urges all sportsmen who live in these counties to get involved and vote to allow Sunday hunting on private land. The "Sunday Hunting in WV" Facebook page is the first stop to get updates and offer volunteer assistance for the election. Read a column about the Tuesday vote.
 MICROSTAMPING ORAL ARGUMENTS POSTPONED . . . A Fresno, California, Superior Court judge last week postponed until May 14 oral arguments in the lawsuit brought by NSSF and the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) against the State of California to prevent enforcement of the state's microstamping statute. The state statute being challenged was enacted in 2007, but not made effective until May 2013, requires that all semiautomatic handguns sold in the state not already on the California approved handgun roster incorporate unproven and unreliable microstamping technology. Read the ATF Press release.
- PLEASANT HILL, CALIF. PLANNING BOARD WON’T CHANGE ZONING ORDINANCE . . . The Pleasant Hill, California, Planning Commission last week in a unanimous decision refused to change local zoning rules to support the City Council's approval of an ordinance placing restrictions on the location of firearms retailers within city limits. The City Council had approved the ordinance bypassing the normal process that would have first involved the Planning Commission. About 60 citizens attended the Planning Commission meeting, nearly all of whom opposed the new ordinance. NSSF has filed suit to overturn the ordinance.
For more Government Relations news, read NSSF's latest Government Relations Update.
Research
 FINANCIAL BENCHMARKING SURVEY UNDERWAY . . . For the third year in a row, NSSF has contracted Industry Insights, Inc. to conduct a financial and operating survey. NSSF retailer members that complete this survey will receive both an industry-wide report, as well as an individual company performance report. The results will allow participating retailers to better understand their financial performance compared to their peers. All the key income statement and balance sheet figures will be covered. Online survey invitations were recently sent, so watch your inbox for your invitation to participate. To receive a link to the survey please contact NSSF Director, Industry Research and Analysis Jim Curcuruto at jcurcuruto@nssf.org. View a sample report table of contents.
Retailers
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RETAILER PRAISES BENEFITS OF PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP . . . Carter’s Country, a nationally-known, multi-store firearms retailer in Texas recently enrolled in NSSF’s Premium Retailer program and was quick to provide positive feedback. Of particular value was the compliance consultation included with their paid premium membership. After receiving their initial training consultation, Carter’s Country sent NSSF a letter praising the program. A portion of their comments read, “The team provided excellent insight which we benefited from and we’re happy to say the ATF just finished an inspection of one of our stores with no surprises.” Get more information about NSSF Premium Retailer Membership.
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NEW ATF Q&A FEATURE FOR RETAILERS . . . In this week’s ATF Q&A we address two critical issues — one regarding your rights as an FFL when you are inspected and the other on the license renewal process. Both topics are of utmost importance to successfully running your business and safeguarding your rights. A new feature in the Retailers section of the NSSF website, ATF Q&A can serve as a great resource when a compliance question arises.
News of Note
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 NSSF SUPPORTS NHF DAY . . . National Hunting and Fishing Day is observed annually on the fourth Saturday of September. This year that’s Sept. 27 and once again NSSF will be a major sponsor for this national celebration of the contributions sportsmen and women make to the conservation. Country music star, award-winning TV host and former soldier Craig Morgan is NHS Day’s honorary chairman. “NSSF is proud to partner with NHF Day to celebrate efforts to conserve our traditions and a way of life that has great meaning to us all,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. Read press release and visit website at NHFDay.org.
- NEW OWAA BOARD MEMBERS . . . The Outdoor Writers Association of America’s membership elected three members to the board of directors: Phil Bloom (Indiana), Sam Caldwell (Texas) and Kris Millgate (Idaho). The three will take their board seats on May 25 in conjunction with the 2014 OWAA annual conference in McAllen, Texas. Read press release.
- ATK SECURES ARMY $20 MILLION CONTRACT . . . ATK has announced a five-year fixed-price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract with the U.S. Army for the production of Mk248 Mod 0, 190-grain and Mk248 Mod 1, 220-grain 300 Win. Magnum (Win Mag) rifle ammunition. The Army has selected this ammunition for primary use in its M2010 Sniper rifle. According to ATK’s press release, the award has an estimated maximum value of $20 million over the life of the contract. The ammunition will be manufactured at ATK's Anoka, Minnesota, Federal Premium Ammunition factory. Said ATK's Sporting Group President Jay Tibbets, “We are proud the U.S. Army has selected our 300 Win Mag ammunition.”
- USA SHOOTING MEDALS AT WORLD CUP . . . At the ISSF 2014 Shotgun World Cup in Tucson, Arizona, the USA Shooting team earned four medals: one gold, one silver and two bronze, along with a fourth-place finish. The four medals topped all other represented nations. Jeff Holguin earned a gold in double trap, and his Army teammate Josh Richmond took a silver. Kim Rhode proved she hasn’t lost anything despite an absence to give birth to a son, as she finished with a bronze medal. Finishing just behind Rhode after a shoot-off in the bronze-medal match was Brandy Drozd. Current National Skeet Champion Dustin Perry took a bronze.
Jobs
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NSSF's Mission
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