Democratic Convention: One Big Anti-Gun Rally

In accepting the Democratic Party's presidential nomination on Thursday night, Hillary Clinton decided, at least temporarily, to put aside her usual hard-charging approach for more gun control saying, "I'm not here to take away your guns. I just don't want you to be shot by someone who shouldn't have a gun in the first place." Really? We heard a lot more on the primary campaign trail when Mrs. Clinton called for a ban on "assault weapons" (read modern sporting rifles) and repeal of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), as NSSF has previously reported.

The proudly anti-gun tenor of the entire Democratic national Convention was clear and unmistakable. As The Hill headline noted, "Democrats: We can win on guns". Indeed, Guns.com opinion writer Greg Camp detailed Wednesday night in Philadelphia as "a relentless attack on American gun owners."

In case anyone has any doubt, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Larry Keane compares the Democratic and Republican parties' platforms.

 

Hornady Commits $250,000 to #GUNVOTE Campaign

Announced the day of Hillary Clinton's acceptance speech, in the largest donation the #GUNVOTE campaign has received to date, Hornady Manufacturing Company committed $250,000 in support of NSSF's voter registration and education campaign, joining the #GUNVOTE Chairman's Club. "For the first time in our nation's history, we have a Presidential candidate who is openly running against the lawful commerce in firearms, which is a prerequisite to our ability to exercise our Second Amendment rights," said Stephen Hornady, President, Hornady Manufacturing Company. "It is vital that America's hunters, target shooters and all gun owners become educated on what the candidates are saying and that's why the #GUNVOTE initiative of our industry is so important."

 

Mossberg Contributes $150,000 to #GUNVOTE Campaign

O.F. Mossberg & Sons was the first company to join #GUNVOTE's President's Club, committing $150,000 in support of the association's voter registration and education campaign. "November could bring great change to our industry, no matter the outcome for President," said A. Iver Mossberg, Jr., CEO and great-grandson of company founder Oscar F. Mossberg. "We at Mossberg are pleased to be able to help educate voters about issues facing our industry, the shooting sports and the very survival of the Second Amendment, as well as provide them the information they need to register to vote."

 

Gander Mountain Partners with #GUNVOTE

Specialty outdoor retailer Gander Mountain this week announced its alliance with NSSF's #GUNVOTE 2016 campaign voter education initiative, saying it will be providing #GUNVOTE information to customers who visit their stores this summer and fall. "As a company that is committed to providing responsible citizens with legal access to firearms and firearm educational programs that promote proper use, care, safety and security, we are proud to be partnering with the NSSF to support voter education in this critical election year," said Derek Siddons, Gander Mountain's President."

 

#GUNVOTE is for Your Industry's Effort

NSSF's #GUNVOTE is a voter registration and education campaign platform for use by firearms industry manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers and media members, as well as the pro-Second Amendment consumer. #GUNVOTE -- www.gunvote.org

• How You Can Help:
  • Contribute to #GUNVOTE.
  • Download and post the #GUNVOTE icon to your website and link it to gunvote.org.
  • Visit the #GUNVOTE website and encourage others to do the same.
  • Follow #GUNVOTE on Facebook and on Twitter (@GUNVOTE).
  • Order #GUNVOTE stickers. NSSF Members, please order from the NSSF Member shopping cart to receive a member discount.

 

Support State House Lobby Day in Mass.

NSSF requests that all Massachusetts retailers assist with the GOAL Lobby Day this Saturday at the State House. The Attorney General has attacked your business and now is the time to make your voice known. This coming weekend, the legislature will be holding weekend sessions that will mark the end of the formal legislative session on July 31. We are asking all retailers to stand with GOAL and NSSF to work to stop the abusive actions launched by Attorney General Maura Healey, who was busy delivering speeches at the Democratic National Convention this week bragging about how her anti Second Amendment actions have dramatically affected gun sales. She is more than happy to see our small, independent family businesses suffer for her political gain. See the NSSF action alert.

So please join GOAL and NSSF at the state house again this Saturday, July 30, from Noon to 2 p.m. There will not be an outside rally. We are asking people to spend their time in direct communications with legislators inside the State House.

 

Indiana Right to Hunt on November Ballot

On the November ballot in Indiana, Hoosiers will be given the opportunity to approve Question 1, which would guarantee individuals the right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife. Constitutionally protecting the American heritage of hunting, fishing and trapping for future generations is critically important as radical anti-hunting organizations increasingly demonstrate that they will stop at nothing to destroy our heritage and wildlife conservation in America.

 

California Petitions to Overturn Gun Laws Greenlighted

Several petitions have been certified in California allowing pro-gun supporters to begin gathering signatures. A number of anti-gun bills were purposely rushed through the California Legislature this session and Second Amendment supporters are taking a stand. As of now, petitions for the six referendums will begin circulating to gather the required 365,000 signatures needed to qualify for the November 2018 ballot. For more information on how you can help in the referendum process, visit Veto Gunmageddon.

 

'Don't Lie for the Other Guy' Under Way in Texas Cities

More than 2.6 million weekly media impressions will be delivered via billboards while 2,000 30-second radio spots air on nine stations in the Midland-Odessa region of West Texas as the Don't Lie for the Other Guy public awareness campaign runs through mid-August. "Don't Lie" is the cooperative program run by NSSF in cooperation with ATF. The effort was developed more than a decade ago to raise public awareness about the seriousness of the crime of straw purchasing a firearm for someone who cannot legally do so. The program also helps ATF educate firearms dealers so they can be better prepared to deter potential straw purchases. The program is funded in full by the firearms industry. Read the NSSF press release.

 

DDTC Issues Guidance for Manufacturing, Gunsmithing Activities

The Department of State's Directorate for Defense Trade Controls under its ITAR regulations has provided guidance to FFLs on the types of activities that do, and do not, require registration. The document points out that just because someone holds a manufacturing license they are not necessarily required to register and pay the registration fee. Please read the guidance document carefully and if have any questions please contact the DDTC Response Team at (202) 663-1282 or DDTCResponseTeam@state.gov. NSSF is continuing our efforts to remove or reduce this overly burdensome registration fee especially for non-exporting manufacturers.

 

Signing Up for NSSF PAC Easy 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

President's Club ($5,000): Sandy Chisholm

Capitol Club ($1,000 or more): Patrick Rothwell

Caucus Club ($500 or more): Stuart Wicklund

Congressional Club ($250 or more): David Olson

Industry Club (Up to $249): Victor Gabriela

 

Learn more about our industry's Political Action Committee: