The state of New York, through NY Atty. General Letitia James, has filed suit against the NRA attacking actions by its leadership, claiming that funds were spent improperly. The purpose of the suit, said James, is “to dissolve the organization in its entirety”. This lawsuit originates from New York because the NRA is a New York-chartered organization. In a coordinated legal action, likewise motivated by partisan politics, District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine brought suit against the NRA Foundation, claiming the Foundation gave money to the NRA without proper oversight.
About the New York Lawsuit: The NY suit claims NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre, Wilson “Woody” Phillips (former NRA treasurer/CFO), Joshua Powell (former chief of staff) and John Frazer (corporate secretary/general counsel) diverted tens of millions of dollars for their personal benefit and enrichment. NY alleges that the “The NRA was serving as a personal piggy bank” for these four men.
About the DC Lawsuit: “Key to the D.C. complaint are a pair of $5 million loans in 2017 and 2018 from the Foundation to the Association. In addition to those loans, the suit alleges the Foundation paid millions in fees to the NRA with no oversight, essentially placing the NRA’s interests above its own. That is a violation of the Foundation’s articles of incorporation.” Source: The Shooting Wire, 8/7/2020.
The NRA Responds — And Files Suit for First Amendment Violations
LaPierre stated that the action by New York is “an unconstitutional, premeditated attack aiming to dismantle and destroy the NRA”. Immediately the NRA began to fight back, filing a countersuit on 8/6/2020 stated that the NY AG’s lawsuit has violated the NRA’s First Amendment rights. NRA President Carolyn Meadows called the NY lawsuit a “baseless, premeditated attack on our organization and the Second Amendment freedoms it fights to defend”.
Lawsuits filed against the NRA will be the major issue at the NRA Annual Meeting next month.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation issued a statement condemning the NY Atty. General’s politically-motivated scheme to dissolve the NRA:
“NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, is troubled by the politically-driven decision of New York Attorney General Letitia James to seek to dissolve the National Rifle Association, America’s oldest civil rights organization.
The lawsuit filed today by Attorney General James seeks to punish the over five million members of the National Rifle Association based on mere allegations of possible wrongdoing by a few individuals.
NSSF is deeply concerned about the apparent political agenda to silence the strongest voice in support of the Second Amendment ahead of the election in November.
This lawsuit, and one filed today by the District of Columbia Attorney General, should concern all Americans who cherish both the First and Second Amendments to our Constitution regardless of their views on what laws and regulations are appropriate to address the criminal misuse of firearms.”
If you’ve been thinking about a big purchase at Brownells, here are some money-saving codes. Now through the end of August, Brownells is offering $50 Off a $500+ purchase or $25 Off a $250+ purchase. That’s a great deal, effectively a 10% savings. Use Code VTH to save $50 on $500+, or use Code VTG to save $25 on the purchase of $250 or more.
Coupon Code: VTH — $50 Off $500 or more
Expiration date: August 31, 2020 at 11:59 PM CDT
Coupon Code: MFX — $25 Off $250 or more
Expiration date: August 31, 2020 at 11:59 PM CDT
More Brownells Discount Codes
If you miss these deals listed above, Brownells is still running some discounts for $99-$200 purchases. With a purchase of $200 and up, save $20 with Code M8Y. Or, with a purchase of $99 or more, you can save $10 with Code MDX. You can also get free Shipping/Handling for all purchases over $49 with Code VB5. That free shipping/handling could save you another $10-$20 easy. NOTE: These codes have no listed expiration date, but Brownells could terminate them at any time, so you should still act soon.
In July and August we should be talking about the CMP Games at Camp Perry (Ohio) and the National Matches at Camp Atterbury (Indiana). Instead, all these events have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Thankfully, the CMP is organizing a local match series that can provide some competitive fun in summer 2020.
To fill the void of the unfortunate withdrawal of the 2020 National Matches from the annual schedule, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) have prepared a solution that will allow competitors to compete with one another during the summer months at their local ranges.
The CMP has created special series of matches for Summer 2020 — the “Home Range Appreciation Series”, a collection of High Power rifle, pistol, smallbore rifle, air rifle and pistol competitions, shot at local facilities, and open to both adult and junior athletes. Scores from all the CMP-sanction home range matches will be complied together, and all participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and coin. In addition, sponsors will provide awards such as gift certificates, memorabilia, and ammunition.
Home Range Shooting Matches are Underway
Since early June, scores have been pouring in weekly for the CMP’s (CMP) Home Range Appreciation Series of events. Introduced to supplement the cancelled 2020 National Matches in Ohio and Indiana, clubs from Texas, Mississippi, Wyoming, New York and several other states have conducted an assortment of rifle, pistol, smallbore and air rifle competitions at their local ranges.
One Home Range event was held at Hornell Sportsman’s Club in New York. “Thanks, CMP, for opening the Home Series,” said the Club’s CMP match coordinator, Joe Menichino. “We are all disappointed that the Perry matches were cancelled, and this series gives us a chance to shoot and compete.”
GENERAL INFORMATION
Each local match will be sanctioned by a CMP Affiliated club. All matches MUST be fired by September 8 and results received by September 14, 2020. All results will be final on October 1, 2020. A list of matches will be posted on the CMP website. Participants may fire in more than one event of the same discipline, but only the scores of the first event will be recorded, with the exception of the White Oak 1600 Aggregate which is two 800 Aggregate matches. This event maybe fired at different locations for competitors to complete their two 800 Aggregate matches.
SAFETY and HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
The CMP reminds clubs to follow all state and local health guidelines and health advisories. Recommended range health practices include: limiting/spacing the number of participants who congregate for safety briefings, spacing out firing points, leaving empty firing points between shooters, ensuring participants wear masks, washing hands frequently, providing disinfectant wipes, and continuously cleaning common surfaces such as shooting benches and equipment.
For questions on Rifle, Pistol or Games Matches, contact Christina Roguski at croguski [at] thecmp.org or (419) 635-2141, ext. 714. For questions about Smallbore Matches, contact Brad Donoho at bdonoho [at] thecmp.org or (419) 635-2141, ext. 730. For Air Rifle match questions, contact Katie Harrington at kharrington [at] thecmp.org or (419) 635-2141, ext. 731.
August is National Shooting Sports Month. The goal this month is to celebrate the fun and challenge of shooting, AND, most importantly, to introduce new shooters to the sport. The NSSF encourages all experienced firearm owners to invite a new shooter to the range this month. At the range, act as a mentor for the new person, teaching him or her about safety and the various shooting disciplines he/she can try.
To encourage new shooters, the NSSF has created a special target. With this fun target, you shot five bulleyes, with three different scoring challenges. Download printable PDF targets with the links below.
Win Valuable Prizes with +ONE Gear Giveaway Contest
To promote National Shooting Sports Month, the NSSF is running a +ONE Gear Giveaway contest. You can enter to win one of an impressive collection of +ONE GEARBOX prize packages. These prize collections include rifles, pistols, shotguns, RCBS presses, carry cases, tools, hearing protection, support bags, steel targets, ultrasonic machines, clothing, and more. Guns come from SIG Sauer, Mossberg, Glock, and Primary Arms. Check out the Gear Giveaways below. IMPORTANT: You have to enter separately for each prize package. CLICK HERE to ENTER Gear Drawings.
NSSF 2020 Gear Giveaway — Six +ONE GEARBOX Prize Packages
The sound of bullets ringing steel were heard all over the country over a three week period in July, during the 2020 Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) National Virtual Championship. Over 248,000 rounds were sent down range as SASP athletes competed from their home ranges around the country. Photo and match results were posted on social media. Scores were then tallied and compared among hundreds of entrants. The ability to compete at Nationals from their home range gave teams all over the country the opportunity to finish the season as a team, competing for the national title.
Just last year, the SASP National Championship surpassed the Glock Shooting Sports Foundation (GSSF), to become the largest Action Shooting Match in history. Despite a heavily altered 2020 season, the SASP community continued to break records for participation with 1,656 event entries for the 2020 SASP National Championship.
“Virtual” Championship Held at Multiple Locations throughout the USA
Traditionally held at the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio, the 2020 SASP Nationals were instead conducted in a multi-location “virtual” format. This arrangement was made “in order to protect the safety of our athletes, coaches, and familie” according to SASP National Director, Rick Leach. “The nature of our sport puts athletes and range officers in close proximity, which we could not in good conscious do with thousands of athletes in Ohio this year. We received hundreds of photos and videos from teams competing in Nationals from their home range.”
You can see SASP 2020 National Championships Results online. Just select the firearm category and class of shooters. For example, here are Centerfire Pistol Men’s results for all categories. Click image to zoom.
“This year we saw participation grow to states that are not always able to make the journey to Ohio each year for Nationals,” said SASP Director of Development, Kelvin Walton. “Although the spectacle of teams converging on the Cardinal Center to compete is part of the Nationals experience, the SASP community made the most out of an unusual season.”
Presumed Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden, called the firearm industry “the enemy” from the debate stage one year ago. Now the Democratic Party’s Official Platform lays out an agenda to dismantle the firearm and ammunition industry and destroy Second Amendment rights in America.
How do the Democrats plan to attack your gun rights? CLICK HERE to find out. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) posted the party’s draft platform online. This platform will be formally adopted during the Democratic convention in Milwaukee in mid-August. Just two paragraphs of the 80-page document are dedicated to firearms, but the message is clear. The DNC Draft Platform includes:
Halting and criminalizing online firearm and ammunition sales
Forcing states to require licenses for owning any firearms
Instituting delay processes for background checks
Criminalizing private firearm transfers
Banning the manufacture and sale of modern sporting rifles
Banning the manufacture and sale of 10+ Rd capacity magazines
Enacting ex parte “red flag” laws to seize guns without legal recourse
Mandating home storage requirements under penalty of law
Repealing the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act
Require Licenses for Firearm Ownership
The right to “keep and bear arms” is a fundamental right recognized by the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. However, the Democrats want to restrict Second Amendment freedoms by requiring that all Americans first obtain a license before being allowed to purchase any firearms. This licensing scheme would be carried out by incentivizing “states to enact licensing requirements to own firearms[.]
Ban and Confiscate ARs and other Modern Sporting Rifles
The DNC platform contemplates the confiscation of modern sporting rifles. Biden has told voters he would appoint former U.S. Rep. Robert Francis “Beto” O’Rourke as his gun control sheriff, after O’Rourke said “Hell, yes…” to forcibly confiscating modern sporting rifles. Biden answered CNN’s Anderson Cooper when he asked if his federal buyback plan would mean the government would confiscate firearms. “Bingo,” Biden said. “You’re right, if you have an assault weapon. The fact of the matter is they should be illegal, period.”
Authorize Delays in FBI NICS Background Check System
Changes called for in the DNC platform will cause delays in the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System for gun sales. Right now, 91% of all NICs background checks are completed within a few minutes. Just 9% are delayed. Of those, 88% are finalized within three working days. The Democrats want to see background checks held up and delayed for many reasons.
Repeal of Protections for Gun Makers against Litigation
The DNC also seeks to revoke the Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which blocks lawsuits against gun-makers arising from criminal activity by individuals. Such lawsuits threaten a vital American industry. Allowing a lawsuit against a firearms company for the actions of a deranged criminal would be like allowing a lawsuit against an automaker if a drunk driver runs a red light or deliberately runs over a pedestrian. The maker of the car, or firearm, should NOT be financially responsible for the illegal actions of product users.
Time flies, even during a pandemic. August is just two days away, and that means it’s time to get ready for National Shooting Sports Month (NSSM). To help grow the ranks of shooters, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) asks you to bring a new shooter to the range in August. That’s a good mission — adding to the ranks of shooters is the best way to preserve our Second Amendment rights.
This coast-to-coast celebration spotlights the fun and enjoyment of target shooting. Newcomers can take their first shots, and experienced shooters can invite someone new to the range or help an erstwhile shooter rediscover the fun of target shooting. This month-long event involves all the shooting sports — rifle, pistol, and shotgun.
Find Shooting Sports Events Near You
The NSSF’s ShootingSportsMonth.org website offers a comprehensive, searchable database. This lets you search by state, to find ranges, events, and sales promotions near you. Visit the NSSF online database of NSSM shooting events to find matches, clinics, training sessions, special sales — and much more.
Great FREE Targets for Fun at the Range
To promote National Shooting Sports Month, the NSSF has created a dozen FREE Downloadable Targets. There are regular bullseyes, as well as Darts, Golf, and more. We really like the Billiards target and kids love the Water Balloons target. You can download all 12 targets for free, and then print them out, ideally with a color printer. Have at it!
What Shooters Can Do to Promote National Shooting Sports Month:
The NSSF says: “As shooters, you serve a critical role in the continued growth of gun ownership and shooting sports participation. We urge you to join us this August for National Shooting Sports Month.” There are a variety of ways you can help this August:
— Introduce a family member, friend, or group of friends to the shooting sports by taking them to a local range that’s hosting an event.
— Spread the word to family/friends and encourage them to get out to the range in August.
— Encourage the ranges and retailers near you to host an event this August and add them to the official events calendar at www.ShootingSportsMonth.org.
The Czech Republic could add the right to armed self-defense to its document of fundamental rights. (Photo: Self-defense class in Czech Republic, Wikimedia commons)
The U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of the right to keep and bear arms is unique on the world stage. And while courts and legislators routinely ignore or warp the words of the Second Amendment, it has stood as a bulwark against the worst kinds of anti-gun policies in places like Canada, Australia, and Europe.
This year, one of those European counties may be taking a step towards what Americans have enjoyed since 1789 [When the Bill of Rights was created].
For several years, conservatives in the Czech Republic’s parliament have been pushing to add the right to armed self-defense as one of the “fundamental human rights and freedoms”, according to David Harsanyi writing in National Review.
The proposed Amendment reads: “The right to defend one’s own life or the life of another person with a weapon is guaranteed under the conditions laid down by law.”
Conservatives passed the amendment through the lower house of parliament, but it failed in the upper house. But now they’ve earned a majority in the senate, and the Czech government unexpectedly announced it would endorse the plan to add the language.
The Czech Republic was the only European country to challenge the draconian European Firearms Directive passed by the European Union in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo terror attack in 2015. As GunsAmerica reported at the time, the Directive banned most types of semi-automatic firearms even in countries with high rates of firearm ownership and low rates of crime.
The Czech Republic lost its challenge to the directive in the European Court of Justice, but the Czech Senate first proposed a right to firearms several years ago after it had received a petition with more than 100,000 signatures. It’s unclear whether the pro-gun amendment will pass or if it will be able to override the EU’s Firearm Directive if it does. The amendment requires a 60% majority of both chambers of Parliament to join the country’s Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, but the center-right Civic Democratic Party may not be able to reach that threshold.
Czech Republic Firearms History
The Czech Republic ranks in the middle of the pack on the rankings of firearm ownership among European countries, but the country has a long history of firearm use and manufacturing. Rates of ownership have been increasing, and of course, the Czech Republic is also the home of the legendary firearms maker CZ.
The Czech Republic remains one of the safest countries in Europe and Prague remains one of the safest cities in the world. No doubt it would become even safer if every law-abiding citizen had protected right to keep and bear arms for self-defense.
Jeff Quinn holds his first-ever firearm, a Stevens Model 95 20ga shotgun he received at age 11.
We are sad to announce that Jeff Quinn, founder of GunBlast.com and pioneer internet gun reviewer, passed away on July 27, 2020. He will be missed. We met Jeff a few times at SHOT Show. We can tell you he was a very genuine, forthright man who truly loved the world of firearms. He was committed, to his dying days, to providing honest, reliable evaluations of guns. Over the years, GunBlast’s videos have received over 64 million views.
Jeff Quinn created GunBlast.com in the year 2000, two full decades ago. At the time, very few folks were making gun videos, and even fewer had the commitment to make it a real business. Guns.com explains how Jeff Quinn, with the help of his brother Boge Quinn, helped revolutionize gun reviewing:
“Jeff Quinn was a ‘salt of the earth’ kind of guy [who] loved God, family, and life. When he decided to pursue gun writing in 1999 as a hobby, few expected him to revolutionize the firearms industry — but that’s exactly what he did.
Tired of reading contrived gun reviews in his favorite gun mags, Quinn asked his more tech-savvy brother Boge, ‘If I could write about the gun, can you put it on the internet thing?’ Boge agreed and Quinn got to work. Jeff started photographing and writing about guns … ‘At first, we just reviewed guns that we already had’, said Boge[.] They put it online on a website they called GunBlast. At the time… the internet was still very young.
[At] their first SHOT Show as GunBlast … they visited manufacturers and asked if they could review their guns. ‘A couple of the gun companies would look at me like there was something wrong with me,’ recalled Quinn. Fortunately, a few companies saw the potential and started sending guns for review. Quinn’s personality and look resonated with the gun crowd. You knew right away that he absolutely loved guns and wanted to pass on this passion to the reader. As a result, GunBlast took off.”
In this video, Jeff Quinn’s brother Boge Quinn talks about Jeff’s life, his character, his genuine love of firearms, and the health issues with which he struggled.
Even with surging firearms sales in 2020, Remington Arms Company (Remington) found itself in financial trouble — with overwhelming obligations to creditors and investors. Accordingly, on July 27, 2020, Remington filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy — the second time in recent years.
Remington, based in Madison, North Carolina, filed for Chapter 11 in March 2018. With major loan reorganizations, Remington “emerged nearly two months later, having converted more than $775 million in debt into equity for its lenders.” (Source: Syracuse.com.) However, despite this debt-restructuring, the company has struggled with high interest costs and litigation related to the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The perpetrator had a Bushmaster XM15-E2S rifle sold by Remington.
This time, there are more challenges — and it’s unclear how the company’s operations will fare in the months and years ahead. According to the Wall Street Journal, the debt-burdened firearms maker will seek buyers for its assets:
Remington Arms Declares Bankruptcy Despite Surging Gun Demand
Firearms maker Remington Arms Co. filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time since 2018, weighed down by more debt than it can repay even as fearful Americans buy more guns than ever.
Remington … sought chapter 11 protection and will try to sell its business at a time when civil unrest and worries about personal safety have driven firearm sales to record highs.
The chapter 11 petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Decatur, Alabama, marks Remington’s second restructuring since 2018, when it filed for chapter 11 and transferred ownership to investors including Franklin Resources Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Remington has been searching for potential buyers and was in talks to sell itself out of bankruptcy to the Navajo Nation before negotiations collapsed in recent weeks, leaving the company without a lead bidder, or stalking horse, in place.
The manufacturer’s firearms and ammunition businesses could be sold off separately, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Remington Has a Storied History
Founded in 1816 by Eliphalet Remington in New York, Remington is the oldest continuously-operating gun manufacturer in the United States. Even with its present difficulties, Remington still sells more sporting rifles and shotguns than any other American company. Remington has developed more cartridges than any other U.S. company. And it is the only American company that sells firearms AND ammunition under its own name.
“NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, is troubled by the politically-driven decision of New York Attorney General Letitia James to seek to dissolve the National Rifle Association, America’s oldest civil rights organization.
