NSSF Bullet Points Articles

Families Afield Law Applauded

Pennsylvania's Tribune-Democrat last week praised the state’s governor and Legislature for passing the Families Afield law that will create a mentored youth-hunting program. “We have long believed in the value of firearms safety training and familiarity for older children and youths. Those who learn to respect a weapon and what it can do are much less likely to have firearms accidents,” the newspaper said in an editorial. Pennsylvania is the first state to pass Families Afield legislation.

End Of An Era In New Haven

In an effort to strengthen Winchester Firearms, U.S. Repeating Arms Co. announced last week that it will close its plant in New Haven, Conn. Many efforts were made to improve profitability at the plant, USRAC said, and the decision was made after exhausting all options. With the plant’s closure, production of the Winchester Model 94 and Model 70 rifles and the Model 1300 shotgun will cease.

New Legislation Could Scuttle NYC Lawsuit

A provision included in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) 2006 appropriations act could scuttle New York City’s lawsuit against firearms industry companies, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday. The provision prevents ATF’s gun-trace database from being used in lawsuits. U.S. Rep. Todd Tiarht said by keeping the database out of the public’s hands it would prevent gun traffickers from doing their own searches and tipping off illegal straw purchasers.

Ohio Hunting Bill Heads To Senate Floor

An Ohio bill that will create an apprentice hunting license was passed by the Senate Agriculture Committee 9-0 last week and is now headed for a vote on the Senate floor. HB 296 will allow parents and other qualified, adult hunters to introduce others to hunting before they complete a hunter education course. The bill is part of the Families Afield initiative of NSSF, the National Wild Turkey Federation and U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, which aims to provide parents with more opportunities to hunt with their sons and daughters.

Ohio House Passes Serial No. Bill

An Ohio bill creating new state penalties for removing the serial number from a firearm was passed by the state House Wednesday, reports the Columbus Dispatch. Repeat offenses could increase to a fourth-degree felony. The bill includes an exception for antique gun collectors whose firearms did not originally have serial numbers.

Provocative Articles For Shooters, Hunters

"Why Gun Bans Don't Work…and What to Do" is an excellent article by Dr. James Swann, posted on ESPN Outdoors Web site, that provides facts and suggestions for becoming pro-active in the gun debate. "The End of Hunting," by Christina Larsen, appearing in the Washington Monthly, clearly spells out how important creating access is for the hunting heritage to survive. "Hunting for Reasons More Elusive Every Year," in the Oregonian, mourns declining hunter numbers and asks, if not hunters, then who will pay the costs of preserving habitat and managing fish and wildlife.

Texas Concealed Carry Law Is 10 Years Old

The anarchy that was predicted by anti-gun interests in 1996 when the Texas Concealed Gun Law took effect has been disproved in practice, and the facts presented in an "Opinion" article by State Sen. Jerry Patterson demonstrate quite clearly why Texans are safer now than they were before the law was enacted.

5 Stars For Valhalla

Valhalla Shooting Club of Montrose, Colo., has earned the National Association of Shooting Ranges' prestigious Five Star Rating. The rating is the association's highest honor and places Valhalla among the top shooting and recreational facilities in the country.

Illinois Gun Owners Get Relief

The burdensome Illinois Firearm Owner Identification Card requirement for state gun owners had gotten bogged down in a 50-day backlog, causing some gun owners to involuntarily be in violation of state law. The Illinois State Rifle Association called for an investigation into the delays, and Gov. Rod Blagojevich, following widespread complaints, announced last week the state would immediately hire part-time workers in an attempt to eliminate the backlog.

NSSF Names New Retail Partnerships Director

NSSF has named Randy Clark as its new director of retail partnerships. In his new position, Clark will oversee NSSF's retail division, the National Association of Firearms Retailers (NAFR), and work with NAFR- and NSSF-member firearms retailers nationwide. He will also work closely with a growing list of NAFR-affiliated state organizations, which provide retailers with leadership and guidance at state levels.