NSSF Report: California Traditional Ammunition Ban to Cause Shortages, Price Spikes

The National Shooting Sports Foundation this week released a new report demonstrating the negative effects that the State of California's Assembly Bill 711 ban on the use of traditional lead ammunition in hunting will have on hunters, the state's economy and wildlife conservation. That report, commissioned by NSSF on behalf of the firearms and ammunition industry, was presented Wednesday at a public hearing of the Wildlife Resource Committee of the California Fish and Game Commission. The survey-based report by Southwick Associates quantifies the problems the ban will cause, including:

• Non-lead ammunition is not available for about half of hunting calibers, and the California ban will cause severe shortages nationwide.
• Due to technical and market-based constraints on manufacturers, implementation of AB711 will at least triple the price of ammunition, driving more than one-third of the state's hunters to hunt less or stop hunting.
• The dramatic decline in hunters will mean fewer dollars for wildlife conservation.

Read a news account.

 

Strong Gun, Ammo Sales Benefit Wildlife Conservation

Record firearms and ammunition sales in 2013 provided a healthy infusion of funds for conservation projects across the country through the apportionment of a record $760.9 million from the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program, which distributes funds to state wildlife agencies collected from federal excise taxes. Combined with excise taxes on boats and fishing equipment, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) distributed nearly $1.1 billion this year.

The Outdoor Hub website this week reminded its readers of this valuable contribution from America's sportsmen and sportswomen and took on the issue of what 2014 may mean for the industry and excise tax collections, quoting   NSSF President Steve Sanetti from a recent news release: "To me, firearm sales data through the first seven months is saying our industry is experiencing a 'new normal.' Like a rocket ship, we've returned to Earth, but we haven't gone back in time. With 2014 on track to be one of the highest sales years in a decade, I call that a sign of a healthy industry serving a passionate, growing customer base." Read the Outdoor Hub story.

 

Resolution introduced in U.S. House on Unproven Firearms Microstamping Mandate

U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) this week introduced House Resolution 732 intended to express the sense of the House of Representatives that mandates imposed on manufacturers requiring inclusion of unproven and unreliable technology in firearms is costly and punitive, and the prohibition of firearms without such features is an infringement on the rights of citizens under the Second Amendment. NSSF worked closely with Congressman LaMalfa to draft and introduce this piece of legislation in defense of industry members, specifically those harmed by California's state mandate on new semiautomatic pistols. NSSF will keep you informed as progress is made.

 

D.C. Council to Vote on Concealed Carry Permit Rules

The Washington, D.C. City Council is scheduled to vote next week on regulations that will allow firearms owners to apply for concealed carry permits. The action is in response to a July federal court ruling that the city's ban on concealed carry was unconstitutional. The same court this week refused the District's request for an additional 90-day stay of its ruling. Under the proposal awaiting approval, Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier would issue permits to applicants who demonstrate a need to carry a firearm due to a specific threat, making the District a "may issue' jurisdiction.  Nonresidents with state-issued carry licenses will also have to apply for a District permit. Read a news account.

 

Congressman Introduces Bill to Eliminate ATF, Transfer Duties

U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) this week introduced legislation to eliminate the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and reassign its responsibilities to the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and Treasury Department. NSSF opposes this proposal, which has one co-sponsor and is not likely to gain any traction in the current session. Read a news story.

 

NSSF Member Companies Help Get out The #GUNVOTE Message

Several NSSF member companies are helping to spread the word about #GUNVOTE, NSSF's voter education and information initiative, by displaying the #GUNVOTE button on their websites and other materials. We could use your help, as well. 2014 is a crucial Congressional mid-term and gubernatorial election year. We are encouraging all industry members to download the #GUNVOTE button and use it in print publications, on your website, blog and social media platforms to get your customers engaged.

We are pleased to extend a special thanks to those NSSF companies already displaying the #GUNVOTE button: Colt's Manufacturing Co., Hornady Manufacturing Co., O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Smith & Wesson Firearms, Sturm Ruger and Co., Taurus Holdings, Trulock Tool and Volquartsen Custom.

 

Thank You To Our Latest NSSF PAC Contributors

President's Club ($5,000): No new contributors to report

Cabinet Club ($2,500 or more): No new contributors to report

Capitol Club ($1,000 or more): Owen Brown

Congressional Club ($250 or more): Russell Arnold, Michael Halleron and John Renzulli

Industry Club (up to $249): Michael Jolly and Leon Pytlik

 

PAC Note: Corporate Members Should Return Prior Approval Forms

The upcoming mid-term elections will determine which party will control the U.S. Senate. Now is the time to make sure you are informed about those candidates who will protect our rights and support our industry. If you are an NSSF corporate member, the only way the NSSF PAC can keep you abreast on political developments is if you complete and return your prior approval form. Without it, we can't send you the latest political news and information you need to know. So please return your prior approval form.

 

ATF Announces New Form 1 and Form 5

ATF has announced the availability of revised ATF Form 1, Application to Make and Register a Firearm, and ATF Form 5, Application for Tax Exempt Transfer and Registration of a Firearm. The ATF Form 1 has been revised to allow the payment of the making tax by use of a credit or debit card. This is a new option that was requested by the industry. Payment by check or money order will still be allowed when the application is submitted on paper. Read the ATF notice.

 

Specialization and the Compliance Mentality

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Risk management is an important concept for every business. It's not just the firearms industry that has to confront and master difficult questions that could otherwise result in regulatory violations, civil liabilities, or criminal penalties. There is a very clear demarcation line between those businesses that grasp hold of this concept and consciously integrate it into the operating environment and those that don't. This construct can also bear a direct relationship between the company and industry oversight or failure consequences. Read the latest Orchid Advisory. Orchid Advisors is an endorsed compliance information provider for NSSF members.

 

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