Do you own or shoot an AR-platform “black rifle”? Then you know these rifles run dirty, and have some unusual maintenance requirements. On the other hand, the AR “Modern Sporting Rifle” is fun and versatile with a vast range of options among buttstocks, barrels, handguards, and grips. You can assemble a simple 16″ barrel .223 Rem rig for home defense, or build a long-barreled 6mm ARC rifle with bag-rider buttstock and high-magnification optic for long range target work. The choice is up to you.
To help with your black rifle journey, here are eight helpful videos from Brownells. These will help ensure your AR rifle cycles reliably and runs longer, with reduced wear. Brownells also explains how to choose the optimal barrel twist rate. CLICK HERE to order AR parts, accessories, and ammo from Brownells.
AR Bolt/Bolt Carrier Lubrication — Smarter Methods
This video shows the proper way to lubricate an AR-15 bolt-carrier assembly. The video identifies the key metal-on-metal friction points where you actually need lubrication: the rails on the underside of the carrier, shiny wear points on top, and just a dab on the cam pin. How much oil/lubricant should you use? The AR-15 is pretty forgiving on that point. Some spots work best with grease, others work best with a lighter oil. Just keep it out of the combustion areas. Those little holes in the carrier are gas vent holes, NOT oil holes!
AR Maintenance — General Cleaning Procedures
Let’s face it, ARs with the original gas system tend to run dirty. You’ll need to regularly clean the bolt carrier and bolt. In addition you should regularly clean the chamber area and the inside of the upper. Also make sure to clean the lower (see video 3:15) and ensure the trigger assembly is properly maintained. This video covers general cleaning and maintenance of AR-platform rifles. We highly recommend that all new AR owners watch this video. NOTE: When cleaning the bolt, don’t forget the extractor recess and ejector recess. The majority of ARs we’ve seen that did not function properly had gunk (lube, carbon, brass shavings) clogging these areas.
AR Barrel Twist Rates — What You Need to Know
AR barrels can be ordered with a variety of twist rates from 1:12″ to 1:7″. Basically, the longer/heavier the bullet you plan to shoot, the faster the twist rate you need. For example, Sierra recommends a 1:7″ twist rate for the 90gr SMK. A 1:12″ could work with the small lightweight bullets up to 55 grains. The 1:9″ barrel will stabilize the light and mid-weight bullets up to about 77 grains. We recommend a 1:8″ or 1:7″ twist rate for the best versatility. You’ll find a detailed discussion of AR twist rates on PewPewTactical.com.
How to Install an AR15 Trigger Assembly
One of the most common AR upgrades done by black rifle owners is swapping out the trigger for a better unit (perhaps a two-stage). Trigger replacements on ARs can be done fairly easily with basic tools. But there are some recommended procedures to ensure the trigger group swap goes easily. You’ll want to have a proper mount to secure the lower, and tools that fit the pin diameters on your lower.
Must-Have Spare Parts for AR-Platform Rifle
With 350,000 views, this is one of the most-watched AR videos on the Brownells YouTube Channel. Brownells Gun Techs Steve and Caleb list key spare parts AR owners should have. Top of the list are bolt gas rings, which wear out through normal use. Also you’ll want a spare extractor spring and pin, because these both can fail. The cotter pin and cam pin can break, but more often they get lost when the Bolt Carrier Group is disassembled for cleaning. Additionally, the large buffer springs wear out with time, so have a spare. Downstairs on the lower receiver, keep spare springs and detents for the pivot and takedown pins. Finally, if you’ve upgraded your trigger, keep the original one as a backup spare.
Checking Headspace on ARs
In this Tech Tip, Brownells gun tech Steve Ostrem walks users step-by-step through the process of checking headspace on their AR-15 rifles, both new and used. It is very important to have proper headspace to ensure proper feeding and extraction, and to ensure good brass longevity (with less risk of dangerous case separation). Starting at 2:10, this video explains how to check headspace with go/no-go gauges and maximum headspace gauge. Ostrem notes: “If you have an AR that closes on a no-go gauge, we recommend taking it to a gunsmith before heading to the range.”
Excessive headspace in AR platform rifles can lead to dangerous case separation.
Setting Up Gas Tube Systems
This Tech Tip examines AR-platform gas systems, and shows how to select the proper length gas tube, and how to configure multiple tube systems if you change your barrel to different lengths. This is worth watching for anyone re-barreling an AR.
Barrel Gas Block Alignment — Key to Reliable Cycling
In this video, Brownells gun tech Steve Ostrem explains surefire methods to align your gas block. The most common problem with AR builds is poor cycling, commonly caused by misalignment between the gas block and the barrel’s gas port.
American ammo companies helping Ukraine, and getting the family involved in hunting, are the lead topics this week on Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk Radio, the original nationally-syndicated radio talk show about guns and the shooting sports. Now in its 27th year of syndication, Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk radio show airs on Sundays from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM ET on more than 270 stations, and is live-streamed on the web.
This week, Tom Gresham talks with AMMO Inc’s Chairman and CEO, Fred Wagenhals, about the company’s decision to donate one million rounds of ammunition to Ukrainian armed forces. Read more about the donation on AmmoInc.com. It’s worth noting that Vista Outdoor recently announced that it was also donating one million rounds to the Ukraine military forces defending the country (STORY HERE).
Fred Wagenhals, Ammo Inc’s CEO, said “Ammo Inc., and we as Americans, stand firmly in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, as we stand for freedom and democracy everywhere. While we fervently hope for a quick and peaceful resolution to the crisis and that diplomacy will win the day, we condemn the Russian aggression and its threat to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and freedom.”
Also on this Sunday Julie Golob, a top competitive shooter and the first-ever Woman of the Gun Award winner*, explains how to get the whole family involved in hunting as a pastime.
Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk radio show airs live on Sundays from 2 PM to 5 PM Eastern time on 270+ stations. You can also live-stream the show via the GTRstream.
Everyday Carry Giveaway
And be sure to enter Gun Talk’s Everyday Carry Giveaway through March 31st for a chance to win one of three Grand Prize Packages that include a SCCY DVG-1 Red Dot Ready 9mm pistol, a CrossBreed Holsters gift card, a SuperTuck Deluxe Holster with Found Series Leather, and the SureFire Stiletto Pro flashlight. One First Prize winner will receive the SureFire X300U-B handgun weapon light, and a $100 CrossBreed gift card. And there are three (3) Grand Prize winners. Enter the Giveaway contest now at Guntalk.com/win.
Gun Talk Radio — Podcast Archive
If you miss the live show broadcast or Live Streaming, past broadcasts can be heard online via the GUNTALK PODCAST Site and Apple iTunes. The Gun Talk Podcast Archive has hundreds of past shows you can access online. Here is a recent podcast about suppressors:
Gun Talk Podcast from 3/3/2022 — Silencer/Suppressor Questions Answered
In a wide-ranging conversation covering everything you want to know about suppressors, Gun Talk Nation’s Ryan Gresham talks with Silencer Central’s CEO Brandon Maddox about all things “can”. Topics include suppressor engineering, new ATF e-Forms, and legal qualifications.
* The NSSF named ace shooter and safety advocate Julie Golob the winner of its first-ever “Woman of the Gun Award” during the 2022 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. The award recognizes Golob’s achievements and contributions to shooting sports, as well as her work to promote the mission and message of NSSF’s Project ChildSafe program. NSSF President Joe Bartozzi stated: “Julie is a mom, veteran, hunter, and one of the most decorated handgun shooting champions in the world For more than a decade, she’s also been an invaluable partner to our Project ChildSafe program, giving of her time, her talents and her energy to promote firearm safety education.”
If you plan to travel across state lines with your guns, this book can really help. With over 100 changes from last year, the 2022 edition of Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States is a must-read for anyone planning to travel around the country with firearms. In addition, the book also covers the firearms travel laws for Canada and Mexico.
For $15.95 you can purchase a state-by-state Traveler’s Guide to firearms laws. This book can help ensure you comply with all state laws during your trip. Highways Magazine states: “If you carry a weapon in your rig, you need this book.” This 68-page guide covers all firearms types and all 50 states. It even has info for Canada and Mexico. The Traveler’s Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States has sold more than 1,000,000 copies since it was first released in 1996.
This 26th edition of the Traveler’s Guide covers important topics such as carry of firearms in a motor vehicle, concealed carry reciprocity, which states preempt local gun regulation, tips on handling a traffic stop, concealed carry in state and National Parks, vehicle carry and possession on college campuses and much more. Best of all, the text is in plain, easy-to-read English.
Written and researched by J. Scott Kappas, an attorney and Class III Firearms Dealer, the 2022 Traveler’s Guide has a preface that defines many key terms important for anyone traveling with a firearm across state lines. The latest edition also has new formatting for easier reading.
Purchase from GunLawGuide.com $15.95 with FREE shipping (3-4 weeks), or $19.95 with 1st Class Shipping (5-7 days). You can also purchase the book from Amazon direct for $17.50, and there are some cheaper offers from 3rd Party Amazon sellers.
The Traveler’s Guide is especially useful for shooters traveling in RVs and motorhomes. The American Rifleman Magazine declared: “This book is a must-have for truck drivers, motor home enthusiasts, campers and other travelers…easy to read and understand, well-organized and concise….” One reader from Texas adds: “I used to think that my RV was the same as my home when it came to gun carry….the Traveler’s Guide set me straight. Now I know my motorhome is subject to the same laws as any vehicle when it comes to guns.”
Spring is here and that means that a number of companies are offering noteworthy REBATES on products. Here are some good promotions that can save you up to $300 on a rifle, $50 on a pistol, and $75 on optics. You can find other current rebates on the Gun.deals Rebate Page.
1. Christensen Arms — Modern Precision Rifle/Pistol Promotion
CHRISTENSEN ARMS REBATE good through April 30, 2022
DEADLINE for online submission: Activates with MPR/MPP warranty registration CLICK HERE for REBATE Form
Buy a Christensen Arms Modern Precision Rifle (MPR) or Modern Precision Pistol (MPP) between March 11th and April 30th and you will receive a $300 Gift Card to spend at the Christensen Arms webstore. This $300 card can be used to purchase another rifle, barrels, stocks, optics, or accessories. We would consider using the $300 credit for a second factory barrel. That would let you should two calibers with one rifle.
2. Bushnell Red Dot Optic Rebate up to $75
BUSHNELL REBATE good through March 31, 2022
DEADLINE for mail-in or online submission: 4/30/20222 CLICK HERE for REBATE Form
Bushnell is now offering attractive rebates on a variety of Red Dot optics. Savings range from $30 to a maximum of $75 based on the Optic Model. The max $75 rebate is for the AR71XRD Model, while you can get $50 off the AR731306 model.
3. Smith & Wesson $50 Rebate on S&W M&P Shield Plus Pistols
SMITH & WESSON REBATE good through May 16, 2022
DEADLINE for mail-in or online submission: 6/16/2022 CLICK HERE for REBATE Form
Now through May 16, 2022 you can get a $50 S&W factory rebate with the purchase of a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus handgun. Purchasers get a $50.00 USD prepaid card for each eligible pistol. The M&P Shields have good ergonomics (better than Glock for most folks), and are very reliable. S&W’s Shield Plus pistols are offered in a variety of sizes with or without external manual safeties. There are even models fitted with Crimson Trace Red Dot optics. For more info, visit Smith-Wesson.com/rebates.
4. Leupold Promo — Free Duffle with DeltaPoint Pro Red Dot
LEUPOLD DeltaPoint Red Dot DEAL good through April 10, 2022
DEADLINE for mail-in or online submission: 4/10/2022 CLICK HERE for REBATE Entry Page
Purchase any Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Red Dot optic and receive a free Leupold Go Gear Duffle, a claimed $150 value. This offer applies to new DeltaPoint Pro purchases made February 28, 2022 – April 10, 2022 in the USA. NOTE: The promo closes on April 10, 2022 and all claims must be submitted no later than that date. Allow 8-10 weeks for shipping.
Today, March 17th, is St. Patrick’s Day. With the current out-of-control inflation and the war in Ukraine it may be hard to feel lucky in 2022, but at least you can collect some lucky targets. Here are two free Irish-themed targets to provide some fun and a bit of challenge. Shoot these Shamrocks or the Pot of Gold and see if you have the “luck of the Irish”.
To help celebrate this traditional day of Irish pride, the NRA has created two (2) fun targets you can download, print, and shoot. Try out these free targets. Click each Irish target photo below to open a high-rez PDF file you can download and print.
The first target features a large four-leaf clover in the middle, with 17 other smaller three-leaf shamrocks around the outside. With five black bulls-eyes in the center graphic, that gives you a total of 22 aiming points for shooting fun. For added challenge we suggest you set this Shamrock Target at 100 yards for rimfire rifle and 200 yards for a centerfire gun.
CLICK Below for Big PDF Shamrock Target
The second target offers the legendary Pot of Gold at the end of the rainbow. Along with a big bullseye on the pot, there are 15 shamrocks in gold circles, plus five small gold bars with tiny bullseyes. Those smallest bulls will be a challenge even at 100 yards. You’ll need a half-MOA (or better) rifle to “clean” this Pot of Gold Target, hitting the smallest red dots.
CLICK Below for Big PDF Pot of Gold Target
Whether you’re Irish or not, these targets will hopefully bring you a bit of luck. Click each image above to open a high-rez PDF file that you can print out. Then, this St. Patty’s day, wear your green, grab your gear, and head to range for some fun shooting.
So you’re thinking of buying a suppressor (aka “moderator”, “silencer”). You can’t just get one off the shelf at Walmart. Acquiring a suppressor requires filling out paperwork and paying a Federal $200 Tax Stamp. Plus there is typically a pretty long wait. However, the good news is that suppressor ownership is now legal in 42 of the 50 American states — that’s 84%! For most American adults, getting a suppressor is legal, provided the buyer passes the required background checks (explained below). The 42 “suppressor-friendly” states are shown as RED in the illustration below.
States Where Suppressor Ownership is Allowed
These 42 states allow private ownership of suppressors: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY. Note: Even if you live in one of the states listed, you should still verify that owning a suppressor is legal in your area. Some states may have municipal- or county-based restrictions.
“Suppressor ownership [has] boomed in the 21st century. Thanks in part to companies like Silencer Central that streamline the purchasing process, the number of registered suppressors has grown from 285,000 in 2010 to over 2.6 million in 2020.” — GunsAmerica Digest
States Which Prohibit Suppressor Ownership
The eight states which prohibit suppressor ownership are: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. These states are shown in GRAY in the map.
Qualifications to Obtain a Suppressor
To legally obtain a suppressor, you must fill out Federal Forms and pay a $200 fee to the ATF. You must also pass BATFE background checks and otherwise comply with Federal and state laws. States can regulate suppressor ownership or use, so be sure to check the laws in your area. On the federal level, the process to acquire a suppressor is regulated under the National Firearms Act of 1934. According to the American Suppressor Association, to own a suppressor in the United States you must:
1. Be at least 21 years of age to purchase a suppressor from a dealer.
2. Be at least 18 years of age to purchase a suppressor from an individual on a Form 4 to Form 4 transfer (contingent on state laws).
3. Be at least 18 years of age to possess a suppressor as a beneficiary of a trust or as a member of a corporation (contingent on state laws).
4. Be a resident of the United States.
5. Be legally eligible to purchase a firearm.
6. Pass a BATFE background check with a typical process time of 8 to 10 months.
7. Pay a one time $200 Transfer Tax.
That fifth requirement, “be legally eligible to purchase a firearm”, involves a list of factors. The prohibitions are set forth in the “prohibited person” list found on ATF Form 4473.*
Some 39 of the 42 states that allow suppressors also permit the use of suppressors when hunting. However, three states which allow suppressor ownership DO prohibit the use of suppressors while hunting or shooting game. These states, all in the Northeast, are: Connecticut, Maryland, and Vermont.
There is an informative article on the NRA’s American Hunter website regarding suppressor use for hunting. The article, What Hunters Need to Know About Suppressors, answers common questions about licensing, tax stamps, and suppressor types. The article explains the history of the $200 tax stamp which must be paid when acquiring a suppressor:
“Why the Tax? In 1934 … the federal government, while battling gangsters such as Al Capone, heavily restricted silencers with passage of the first National Firearms Act. Hoping to gain an advantage on criminals that often had better weapons than cops, the Feds placed a mandatory ‘sin’ tax on silencers that was so high it would effectively ban their purchase by all but the wealthiest individuals. In 1934, $200 was the equivalent of $3,500 today. The $200 tax still stands despite no evidence that a simple metal tube is capable of causing crime.” — American Hunter
The American Hunter article also discusses how well suppressors actually reduce noise. User should be aware that the sound level of a large, centerfire hunting cartridge will still exceed 130 decibels (dB) on average, even with a typical suppressor (silencer) in place. For that reason, we recommend that hunters continue to wear ear protection even when they shoot suppressed.
Persons prohibited from acquiring a firearm, under Federal law, are those who fall into on or more of categories listed below. Prohibited individuals include any PERSON:
— Who was convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year;
— Who is a fugitive from justice;
— Who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act, codified at 21 U.S.C. § 802);
— Who has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to any mental institution;
— Who is an illegal alien;
— Who has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions;
— Who has renounced his or her United States citizenship;
— Who is subject to a court order restraining the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of the intimate partner; or
— Who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
To provide support for Ukraine during the current crisis, Vista Outdoor, through its brands Remington, CCI, Speer and Federal Ammunition, will donate one million rounds of ammunition to the Ukraine Armed Forces.
“The war in Ukraine has displaced millions of citizens and exposed average people to the horrors of war”, said Jason Vanderbrink, President of Remington, CCI, Speer and Federal Ammunition. “Supporting the relief effort is a crucial element of the global response and we are proud to do our part. It underscores how critical the Second Amendment is in America and highlights the importance of the ability of American Manufacturers to supply our allies with ammunition. We have long supported Ukrainian armed forces and we will continue to do so in this global cause to unite for democracy.”
Ukraine’s military has been a customer of Federal, CCI and Speer for years and this donation is meant to meet the call from President Zelenskyy for more ammunition.
Special Edition T-Shirts Field & Stream notes: “On top of the ammo donation, Remington and Federal will sell special edition t-shirts… emblazoned with the Ukrainian colors and President Zelensky’s now-famous quote: ‘I need ammo, not a ride’. The company has pledged all profits from the shirt sales to refugees involved in the crisis through the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund.” The revenue from the shirts will supplement Vista Outdoor’s ammunition donation.
Even with this large ammunition donation, Vista Outdoor says it will continue to run maximum production to provide other types of loaded ammunition to U.S. shooters and hunters.
Proceeds from the sale of the t-shirts sold on www.remington.com and www.federalpremium.com will go to Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund through the Global Giving program.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed Senate Bill 215, permitting firearms carry by Ohio citizens. This “Constitutional Carry” legislation will allow Ohio’s law-abiding gun owners to carry a concealed firearm without a permit from the state. The NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) praised Ohio for taking this step, joining 22 other states with similar Constitutional Carry laws:
“Any right requiring a fee or government permission slip isn’t much of a right at all. That’s why the NRA worked tirelessly with state leaders and legislators to pass this landmark legislation in Ohio,” said Jason Ouimet, NRA-ILA executive director. “The NRA commends Gov. DeWine for signing this important piece of legislation that protects the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Buckeyes.” — NRA-ILA
Constitutional carry allows anyone who is legally allowed to posses a firearm to carry that firearm without a state permit. It does not expand access to firearms or allow any new categories of people to carry. Previously it was legal for law-abiding Ohio citizens to carry a firearm if the firearm was visible. Now, with the passage of SB 215, those same citizens can carry that firearm under a jacket or in a purse.
Ohio is now the 23rd state to allow law-abiding individuals to carry a concealed handgun without a government-issued permit. Along with Ohio, the 22 other states are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
The NRA thanks the Ohio Governor DeWine and the bill’s prime sponsor, Sen. Terry Johnson, for leadership in advancing the right of self-defense of all Ohio citizens.
More Information for Gun Owners with Carry Permits
Fans of PRS/NRL competition should watch Shooting USA today March 16, 2022. This action-packed episode features the 2021 Armageddon Gear (AG) Cup Invitational, a major PRS event with $75,000 in cash prize awards. The show airs today, Wednesday 6/9/21 at 9:00 PM Eastern/Pacific (8:00 PM Central) on the Outdoor Channel. You can also stream the show anytime on Vimeo for $0.99.
$75,000 in cash prizes makes the AG Cup the biggest cash money match in Precision Rifle Competition. It’s an elimination format shot over three days of challenging stages of fire at K & M Precision’s ranges in West Tennessee. In this episode, match organizer Tom Fuller joins John Scoutten to narrate the action and the award of the cash in extended coverage of the match. The 2020 AG Cup showcased an all-star line-up of tactical talent with the nation’s top PRS/NRL marksmen invited to the three-day match in TN.
Highlights of 2020 Armageddon Gear Cup Tactical Match:
Armageddon Gear Founder Tom Fuller competes in PRS and supervised the latest AG Cup.
SHOOTING USA TV Air Times
View Shooting USA on the Outdoor Channel Wednesdays 9:00 PM (Eastern and Pacific) + 8:00 PM Central.
NOTE: If you miss the 10/20/2021 broadcast, you can still view the show on Vimeo for a small 99-cent fee, or just $1.99 per month unlimited. LINK HERE: Shooting USA on Vimeo.
New Products from SHOT Show 2022 on Shooting USA This Week
This 3/16/2022 Shooting USA episode will also feature a number of new products from SHOT Show 2022. Notable items showcased include: 3″ Colt Python, 30 Super Carry Cartridge (new from Federal), EoTech E-Flex Red Dot sights, Hornady CX Copper (no-lead) bullets, CSX S&W Micro-Compact Pistol, and S&W Volunteer ARs. New from Smith & Wesson, the Volunteer line of rifles. These newly-configured AR=style rifles draw their name from the new home of the S&W production facility, Tennessee, the “Volunteer State”.
Shooting USA is available On Demand via Vimeo.com. Watch a single episode for $0.99, or get a full-month subscription for $3.99 and watch as many shows as you like with limited commercial interruptions.
Report Based on Article by NSSF
Two anti-hunting groups, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Natural Resources Defense Council, want to severely restrict hunting in the USA. These two organizations have petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Department of the Interior (DOI) to ban transport of harvested wild animals and most birds across state lines. That would have a devastating effect on hunting throughout the USA.
The petition of the anti-hunting groups calls for a complete ban on interstate transport of not just live animals, but also the meat, hide, horns, antlers and skulls of harvested animals. The petition targets hunters who take animals in other states and transport them home, even if the game has been professionally prepared by a butcher or taxidermist.
These two groups are attempting to impose legislation through regulation. By petitioning the USFWS and DOI to promulgate rules to end the ability for hunters to fill their coolers in another state and bring home the meat, hides, antlers and horns, they’re attempting to bypass the legislative process. They’re abusing a rule-making process to impose a radical anti-hunting agenda without lawmaker input.
The NSSF considers this the most serious threat to hunting in the United States since Dan Ashe, former USFWS director, attempted to ban the use of traditional ammunition on federal lands. That attempt was rolled back by former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.
The groups’ petition would amend the Lacey Act regulations to prohibit the importation, transportation, or acquisition of wild animals. Since the USFWS regulates interstate transportation and importation of wild animals, that’s a death knell to hunting in the United States. That means the trophy Texas buck wouldn’t be able to be brought home to Virginia, or a Rocky Mountain elk would never fill a Florida freezer.
Extremist Anti-Hunting Groups Have Filed Hundreds of Lawsuits
Both the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) — are known extremist anti-hunting groups. The Center for Biological Diversity boasted of suing the Trump administration 266 times. And the Center attacked hunting by suing the Environmental Protection Agency for denying a petition to ban traditional ammunition. A federal judge dismissed that suit. But the group alleges that hunters shooting traditional ammunition is the same as industrial dumping of lead waste. The case was dismissed three times but is being appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit for the third time.
The Natural Resources Defense Council has been party to many of the same lawsuits as the Center for Biological Diversity. The NRDC will typically petition for a rule change and then sue the agencies when it believes the federal agency is taking too long.
The actions by these two groups to limit the transport of legally-harvested wildlife across state lines is a direct threat to the 15+ million people who buy hunting licenses in America each year. These actions need to be challenged, since 23 states have statutes or State Constitutional provisions which guarantee citizens’ rights to hunt and fish.
The NSSF says hunters need to fight back: “The petition to halt hunting in its tracks is beyond irresponsible. It is dangerous and potentially harmful to America’s wild scenes. This is a moment not just for USFWS and DOI to reject political special interests, but for every hunter, outdoorsman and woman to recognize how extremist organizations are weaponizing government bureaucracies against them.”
Fighting Legal Challenges to Hunting on Federal Lands
In a related development, Safari Club International, Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and NRA-ILA have filed motions to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to expand hunting and fishing opportunities on more than 2.3 million acres of land at 106 National Wildlife Refuges. The suit is Center for Biological Diversity v. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“The National Wildlife Refuge System was created to increase opportunities for families to engage in traditional outdoor actives including hunting, fishing, hiking and more,” said Erica Tergeson, NRA-ILA’s director of hunting policy. “Denying access to more than 2.3 million acres runs counter to the entire concept of public lands.”
Where is hunting allowed in your state? Click the map below for more info:
On the WheretoHunt.org website, click any state on the interactive MAP, and resource links will load.
Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk radio show airs live on Sundays from 2 PM to 5 PM Eastern time on 
Written and researched by J. Scott Kappas, an attorney and Class III Firearms Dealer, the 2022 Traveler’s Guide has a preface that defines many key terms important for anyone traveling with a firearm across state lines. The latest edition also has new formatting for easier reading.
Field & Stream notes: “On top of the ammo donation, 
