We Need You to #GUNVOTE

It is not too early to ask yourself how you can help the #GUNVOTE initiative in this crucial Presidential election year. Here's why: the votes of target shooters, hunters, gun owners and all who are engaged in the lawful commerce in firearms need to make a difference in the 2016 elections. There is far too much at stake in 2016 not to be 100 percent committed. Some races could determine whether more anti-gun laws are in our future and whether your rights will be infringed. First, make sure that you, your family members and friends who value their Second Amendment rights and the hunting traditions we hold dear are registered to vote.

Second, inform yourself of the issues and get to know how the candidates running for office nationally and on the state level stand on gun rights. You will find a wealth of information on #GUNVOTE. This voter education site is updated many times a week with news of interest. #GUNVOTE also provides election news and breaking updates on Facebook and on Twitter (@GUNVOTE).

Third, talk to others. Let them know where you stand and urge them to #GUNVOTE in November. Show your support and order #GUNVOTE stickers. Display them on your vehicles, in your office, at events and anywhere else you see fit to get the word out. If you are an NSSF Member, please order from the NSSF Member shopping cart to receive a member discount. Stickers are priced $1 each and a minimum order of 15 stickers is required.

Don't risk your rights. #GUNVOTE

 

NASGW donates $25,000 for #GUNVOTE

The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) has donated $25,000 to support #GUNVOTE, NSSF's voter education initiative now in full swing for this election cycle. "This generous gift will be put to good use in this crucial election year for our industry, and we hope that others might follow the lead of the NASGW and help the NSSF to execute its mission 'to promote, protect, and preserve hunting and the shooting sports' for generations to come," said NSSF President Steve Sanetti.

 

Bloomberg Group Endorses Clinton

It will come as no surprise that Everytown for Gun Safety announced today that it is endorsing Hillary Clinton for president. Everytown President John Feinblatt said in a statement: "Gun Sense Voters have a champion in Hillary Clinton." The organization is funded by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

 

NSSF-Opposed Illinois Bill Affecting FFLs Dies with End of Session

The Illinois state House ended its regular legislative session this week without again taking up HB106, the Gun Dealer Licensing Act strongly opposed by NSSF, which had previously been defeated on the House floor by a 55-43 margin. The sponsor had withdrawn the bill after that vote and it could have been brought up again. As we have previously reported, the measure would have had detrimental impacts on federally licensed retailers and law-abiding gun-owners alike. The bill's management was characterized by legislative games on the part of supporters of this legislation.

HB1016 among many other things would mandate elaborate security standards and other costly operating procedures that would have seriously impacted the federally licensed firearms retailers, potentially forcing many out of business. The heart of HB1016 was the requirement that all firearm dealers must have a state-issued license in order to operate. NSSF thanks all the Illinois gun owners, retailers and sportsmen who contacted their state representatives to express their opposition to this unnecessary and burdensome legislation. Read the Guns.com account.

 

Illinois Suppressor Bill Comes up Short in Regular Session

The Illinois Senate failed to take up Senate Bill 206, legislation that would have legalized the possession and use of suppressors in the state. The Illinois House of Representatives passed the bill earlier this week by a vote of 69-46, unfortunately the Senate chose not to bring the bill up for a concurrence vote prior to the regular session adjourning. NSSF's Illinois lobbyist actively worked this issue, testifying alongside the American Suppressor Association and the National Rifle Association.

 

California Assembly Continues Assault on Gun Owners

The California Assembly waived its own rules and took up a number of anti-gun bills without notifying the public. Unfortunately, Assembly Bills 1664, 1673, and 1674 were all approved and now advance to the California Senate. NSSF will continue to fight these misguided bills. Here is a rundown:

• AB 1664 would redefine "detachable magazine" to include any ammunition feeding device that can be removed without disassembling the firearm action, thereby expanding California's current assault weapons ban.
• AB 1673 would redefine firearm in the California state code to include any "unfinished" receiver or frame that can be "readily converted" to a functional frame or receiver. This proposed language is extremely vague in its definition of what could be considered a frame or receiver.
• AB 1674 would prohibit someone from purchasing more than one firearm in a 30-day period. This would include both handguns and long guns.

 

New Jersey Smart Gun Bill Arises Again

Smart gun legislation was again before a committee of the New Jersey state legislature this week less than six months after Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a previous attempt on the part of gun control proponents to replace the state's smart gun mandate with another form of mandate. It is NSSF's understanding that the bill has been held in committee in order to accommodate amendments that are likely to make it even more detrimental to retailers and gun-owners. NSSF will keep you updated as this bill progresses.

 

N.C. Right to Hunt and Fish Bill Introduced

Legislation that would serve to protect hunting and fishing for generations to come was recently introduced in the North Carolina Senate. Senate Bill 889 would amend the North Carolina Constitution to include language that would specifically protect the use of traditional methods and promote wildlife management and conservation, thus creating a safeguard for sportsmen and conservation.

 

When Elitist Media Mislead

While the Katie Couric "Under the Gun" documentary has received considerable attention in recent days for its creative editing of an interview with members of a Virginia firearms owners' organization, it is not the only case of elitist journalists' malpractice. HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" aired a segment with reporter David Scott in an attempt to prove the AR-15 rifle owned and safely used for target practice, hunting and self-defense by millions of law-abiding Americans is inherently too dangerous a "military firearm" to be marketed and sold any longer. The NSSF's Larry Keane was interviewed for this segment and shares his observations.

 

Export Control Reform Push by NSSF Continues

As we reported last week, NSSF is continuing its effort to move licensing of industry products to the Department of Commerce from the Department of State as part of the Export Control Reform (ECR). Last week, during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on the State Department budget, U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, (R-Pa.) announced he would co-sponsor a resolution introduced by Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) to express the sense of the House that the administration should move forward and complete Export Control Reform. Last week's news item incorrectly reported that Marino had introduced the resolution. NSSF is greatly appreciative of the work of both Congressmen to advance ECR.

 

Registration Now Open for 2016 Import/Export Conference

Registration is now open for this year's NSSF-FAIR Trade Import/Export Conference, taking place Aug. 2-3 in Washington, D.C. In addition to presentations by key regulators, we will be once again offering roundtable sessions with ATF, including Imports Branch, National Firearms Act Branch, Firearms Technology Branch, Firearms Industry Programs Branch, eForms and Compliance, as well as with invited officials from Commerce Department BIS Munitions Control Licensing Division, State Department DDTC, Customs and Border Protection, Treasury's Tax and Trade Bureau, and Census Bureau's Automated Export System. This year we will also be offering two optional add-on sessions to run on Aug. 1, "Firearms & Ammunition Excise Tax: The Basics" and "International Sales & Marketing and the Export Process." Register now for early-bird pricing.

 

ATF Ends CLEO Certification under NFA

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has issued an open letter to Chief Law Enforcement Officers (CLEOs) informing them that under a new rule effective July 13, 2016, their certification is no longer required before the transfer or making of an NFA firearm may be approved. Background checks will continue to be required, however. Applications to make or transfer NFA firearms that are postmarked prior to the effective date will be processed under current rules and will therefore require an applicant or transferee to obtain a CLEO certification. However, only CLEO notification will be required for applications postmarked on or after July 13. ATF is asking that any CLEO who may have information that may disqualify any maker or transferee, including any responsible person of a trust or legal entity, from making or possessing a firearm to provide that information to its National Firearms Act Branch by phone or email.

 

Massachusetts Legislators Take to the Range

Today, Massachusetts state legislators, their families and staff are guests of the Gun Owners' Action League and NSSF at the Ninth Annual Firearms Safety and Education Day at the Old Colony Sportsman's Association in Pembroke. More than 40 legislators and staff, both experienced and first-time participants, enjoyed the opportunity to try their hand at various shooting disciplines ranging from trap and skeet to rifle and handgun. Legislators also had the opportunity to experience and learn about suppressed firearms.

This event would not be possible without the generous support of industry members. NSSF extends a special thanks to Winchester for providing all the ammunition and to Smith & Wesson for bringing numerous firearms and their team of representatives. Special thanks, as well, to the American Suppressor Association.

 

Signing Up for NSSF PAC Made Easier for Member Companies

The NSSF Political Action Committee (NSSF PAC) works to support pro-firearms industry, pro-Second Amendment and pro-sportsmen candidates for federal office. Federal law requires a trade association PAC to obtain prior approval from its corporate members before it may send important PAC news, including current political news, election information and exclusive invitations to PAC events and updates, to corporate member executives.

Now, signing up for NSSF PAC has never been easier. Just click the link below, fill out the form, add contacts (or email us a list of names) and hit submit! What are you waiting for? Help ensure our industry is heard as we approach the crucial 2016 election year. Sign up today! Online PAC Prior Consent Form.

 

Thank You to Our Latest NSSF PAC Contributors

Congressional Club ($250 or more): Ralph Castner

 

Learn more about our industry's Political Action Committee: