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October 2nd, 2010
Canada’s mandatory long-gun Registry has been a billion-dollar failure that has not reduced crime. In recent months, concerted efforts have been made to scrap the Registry. Success was almost achieved last week, when a Private Members Bill to eliminate the Registry was narrowly defeated by just two votes. On September 22, Members of Parliament voted 153 to 151 to maintain the Registry. The vote followed weeks of intense political maneuvering by the federal Conservative, Liberal and NDP parties.
Canadian Outdoors Network Vows to Continue Registry Fight
The Canadian Outdoors Network (CON), a consortium of 28 outdoors groups (including the Canadian Shooting Sports Assn.), says Parliament’s decision to keep the long gun Registry will not end the national debate on firearm ownership.
 “This is just one battle in a long war,” says Dr. Robert Bailey, CON National Coordinator. “This is about competing visions driven by differing ideologies. For us, the fight is about preserving our hunting, fishing, trapping and shooting lifestyle. The Registry paints legitimate gun owners as people who are inherently a threat or a risk to society and that’s simply not the case.”
The Canadian Outdoors Network, representing 500,000 Canadian hunters, shooters, and sportsmen, will continue its campaign to scrap a program plagued by cost overruns and controversy. Since 1995, the registry has cost taxpayers more than $1 billion with no demonstrated reduction in gun crime.
“If public safety was the primary objective, the current national debate would be about crime control, not gun control,” says Bailey. “It’s time we refocused these funds, and our efforts, on more appropriate programs that actually target crime, such as the smuggling of illegal firearms.”
The Outdoors Network will continue to push for change as the country prepares for an anticipated federal election. “It’s important that these MPs know exactly what they’ve done,” says Bailey. “They were elected on promises to get rid of the Registry, then flip-flopped for political reasons… they have to be held accountable.”
The Canadian Firearms Registry is a government-run registry of all legally-owned guns in Canada. Compulsory gun registration was written into the Firearms Act (Bill 68) in 1995, which also provided for the establishment of a centralized database. It requires every firearm in Canada to be registered or rendered in an unusable state. This was an effort to reduce crime by making every gun traceable. Any person wishing to obtain a firearm must first acquire a Possession and Acquisition Licence or PAL.
The Registry was supposed to cost Canadian taxpayers approximately $119 million dollars. Instead, documents obtained by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation show the program has cost upward of $2 BILLION dollars. At the same time there is little evidence that the Registry has had any notable effect on crime.
CANADIAN OUTDOORS NETWORK
Alberta Fish and Game Association
Alberta Outdoors Coalition
BC Wildlife Federation
BCWF Political Action Alliance
Canadian Institute for Legislative Action
Canadian Section of the Wildlife Society
Canadian Shooting Sports Association
Canadian Sporting Arms & Ammunition Assn.
Delta Waterfowl Foundation
Fédération Québecoise des Chasseurs et Pecheurs
Fur Institute of Canada
Friends of Fur
Hunting for Tomorrow Foundation
Long Point Waterfowl |
Manitoba Wildlife Federation
National Wild Turkey Federation
New Brunswick Wildlife Federation
Newfoundland & Labrador Wildlife Fed.
Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen’s Alliance
Nova Scotia Fed. of Anglers and Hunters
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Pr. Edward Island Chapter Delta Waterfowl
Pr. Edward Island Trappers Association
Pr. Edward Island Wildlife Federation
Ruffed Grouse Society
Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation
Yukon Fish and Game Association
Wildlife Habitat Canada |
October 2nd, 2010
This year’s final NRA Range Development & Operations Conference will be held next week in San Antonio, Texas. Graduates of the course tell us they learned more in this 5-day course than in years of independent research. Attendees will receive a multidisciplinary perspective on major topics including:
- Developing business and master plans
- Public hearings and zoning boards
- Environmental sound
- Insurance
- Lead on outdoor ranges and OSHA lead standards
- Range maintenance
- Range safety
Next week’s event is sold out, but the NRA will offer other range development conferences in the months ahead. NRA event coordinator Kara Schlifke reports the 2011 dates will be posted as soon as possible. Potential participants should register early to guarantee their spots. Registration is $450.00 per person, and includes a continental breakfast, afternoon snack, and conference materials.
Would you like to learn more about this program? Contact Kara Schlifke at KSchlifke@nrahq.org or 877-NRA-RANGE, or visit the NRA’s Range Development webpage.
September 30th, 2010
Earlier this month Wilson Combat launched its new gun blog, which is worth a visit. Though focused primarily on handguns, the Wilson Combat Blog also features tactical rifles and shotguns. While there are match reports and gun maintenance articles, the Wilson Blog is mainly a showcase for products, which are illustrated with really superb photography (some of the best “gun glamour” images on the web). Here are some examples of the “eye candy” Wilson combat offers on its site…
Case Colored 1911 for Trey of Jackson Armory in Texas
Trey calls this unique, Case-Colored custom the “Patriot Elite”. The slide is hand polished and then sent to Doug Turnbull for his exceptional bluing and color case hardened finish on the frame. The frontstrap was left bare to show off case colors.
Custom Professional with Flush-Crowned Barrel
Another interesting gun is this 4″ Commander-style 1911 K-5 with beautiful, fan-pattern Cocobolo grips. Notice that the muzzle is flush crowned. A new option for Wilson, the flush crown is made possible by the use of a flat wire, Glock-style recoil spring. This new feature is only available for compact/professional length slides at this time.
Wilson Arms AR Trigger — Long-Term Test
The Wilson Arms Blog also links to a Military Times long-term test of the Wilson Tactical Trigger Unit (TTU) for AR-type lowers. The Times tested the TTU over six months with 10,000 drops of the hammer. Click Here to read the full review, published on Sept. 29, 2010.
September 26th, 2010
Would you like a “dream job” helping to develop new firearms for a major manufacturer with a strong heritage? Are you interested in Tactical and Law Enforcement rifles? Well here are two great opportunities. Both Smith & Wesson and FNH USA are currently seeking to hire product managers.
 S&W Tactical Rifle Product Manager
The S&W Tactical Rifle Product Manager, based in Massachusetts, will be responsible for developing short-term tactics and long-term strategies to achieve margin and revenue objectives. This position involves strategic planning, product development and category growth. According to S&W, the successful candidate “will drive the strategic positioning of S&W within the broad tactical rifle market, identify and execute emerging user trends and growth opportunities with a very strong focus on new product development.” A bachelors degree is required, with MBA desirable. Candidates should have 7-10 years job experience with 5 years in product management leadership roles. To apply, contact Danielle Sanville, HR Dept., dsanville [at] smith-wesson.com, (413) 747-3477.
 FNH Commercial/LE Asst. Product Manager
FNH is seeking an Assistant Product Manager for its Law Enforcement and Commercial Sales group, based in McClean, VA. FNH says: “Candidate duties will include new product launch and enhancement development for firearms in the law enforcement and commercial markets. Experience in product or project management to include business case development and product launch planning/scheduling is required.” Knowledge of firearm design, testing, and manufacturing processes is beneficial. A bachelor’s degree in business administration or marketing is preferred. Knowledge of the general firearm market or competitive shooting sports is desired. If you’re interested, email Paula Staudt, FNH Human Resource Director, fnhusahr [at] gmail.com, or call (703) 288-3500.
September 25th, 2010
 If you’re located anywhere near Camp Perry, Ohio, you may want to plan a road trip on Saturday, 2 October, a week from today. On October 2nd, the CMP North Store is running a special Customer Appreciation Day and Open House. The store opens at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. in the afternoon.
Over 400 surplus military rifles will be on display. If you don’t have an M1 Garand yet, here’s you chance to hand-pick a classic rifle for your collection. CMP Armorers will help customers inspect the rifles they have picked out and assist customers with the purchasing process.
Open House visitors get free complimentary coffee and donuts in the morning and complimentary hot dogs and chips in the afternoon. In addition to food and refreshments CMP will give out free summer event T-shirts to the first 50 visitors to the store. Guests may also take home free CMP giveaways while they last, Conrad said.
The CMP North store recently reopened following an inventory organization period following the 2010 National Matches. The store sells surplus M1 Garand rifles to qualified buyers along with ammunition, books, clothing, memorabilia and a limited supply of .22 caliber rifles, air rifles and accessories. For more information, call the CMP North Store at 419-635-2141 Ext. 1505. CLICK HERE for a map and directions to the CMP North store.
September 24th, 2010
 It’s comforting to know that our U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) personnel are not only competent with firearms — some of them are among the finest shooters in the entire law enforcement community. At the recent National Police Shooting Championship held in Albuquerque, NM, USBP agents dominated the individual and team competition, outshooting LEO competitors from around the country.
Vadasz Wins Second NPSC Title
Senior U.S. Border Patrol Agent Robert Vadasz topped the field of over 400 competitors to secure his second National Police Shooting Individual Championship in three years. Vadasz dropped a mere 19 shots throughout the tournament, finishing with a 2981-221x score. Finishing second was Customs & Border Protection agent Doug Goff, with 2976-199x. U.S. Border Patrolman Kevin Worrell finished thrid with 2973-193x.
 “It’s an honor to be here, again,” said Vadasz. “Your gun jams, it slips off the post, your foot cramps, or your ammunition betrays you; there are a lot of things that can go wrong. This year, everything came together, and it feels great.”
In team competition, U.S. Border Patrol squads turned in great performances. USBP Teams finished first and second in the Open Class Revolver 4-Officer Event, with USBP Blue Team scoring 2372-163X, and USBP Gold Team finishing second with 2356-131X. In the Open Class Semi-Auto 4-Officer Team event, the USBP Blue Team scored 2357-147X to finish a close second to the winning CBP Blue Team, which took the title with a 2360-134X tally.
Photos courtesy the NRA Blog.
September 24th, 2010
We recently reported that Trudie Fay of Raton, NM, shooting on her home range, was the Fullbore winner at the Spirit of America Match. Trudie and many other shooters set new National records during the course of the match. Trudie fired an aggregate score of 1781-104x, which was an Open, Civilian, and Woman’s National Record. Second place, with a Senior National Record, was Tom Whitaker. High Grand Senior was Johnie Franklin, high Junior was Kyle Doney, high Service was Emily Windmassinger.
 There were also new records set in F-Class competition, in both F-Open and F-TR classes. High F-Open shooter was Danny Biggs with a score of 1777-88x. Danny’s score was an Open, Civilian and Grand Senior National Record. High Senior was Jim Murphy firing 1766-90x.
Michelle Gallagher was the high F-TR shooter firing a score of 1717-62x. Michellle’s score was an Open, Civilian and Woman’s National Record. Daniel Borwiecki of the Marine Corps Rifle Team was the high Service shooter. Robert Depp was the high Senior and Alan Canavan was high Grand Senior.
Trudie Rides in Style
The winners were “chaired,” holding their rifle and hoisted in the air by the competitors. Trudie Fay, wearing white gloves, was carried in Raton’s timber sedan chair by the Fullbore competitors. Danny Biggs, the F-Class winner, was carried in a rocking chair by the F-Class competitors. Michelle Gallagher, the F-TR winner, was carried in a captain’s chair. All were carried off the 1000-yard line to the Bald Eagles Clubhouse while bagpipe music was played.
Report courtesy Jan Raab and the NRA Blog.
September 24th, 2010
 This Sunday, September 26, Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk Radio will broadcast live from the Gun Rights Policy Conference in San Francisco, CA. Host Tom Gresham will interview speakers and attendees at the 25th Annual Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC), a free, 3-day conference that focuses on all facets of gun rights — past, present and future. Speakers at this year’s GRPC include Alan Gottlieb, Alan Gura, former congressman Bob Barr, Joseph Tartaro, Prof. John Lott, Massad Ayoob, Larry Pratt, Jeff Knox, and more.
M1 Garand and M1 Carbine Import Controversy
Also on the show this Sunday, Tom talks with Montana Senator Jon Tester about the Senator’s recent letter to Secretary Clinton and the State Department, regarding the rejection of South Korea’s proposal to sell its surplus of American-made M1 Carbines and M1 Garand rifles to the U.S. “I count myself among many gun rights advocates who fundamentally disagree with the State Department’s reasoning. Rejecting the responsible sale of legal firearms over hypothetical concerns that they could be used for “illicit purposes” sets a dangerous precedent and it is contrary to the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans,” writes Senator Tester.
In its 15th year of national syndication, Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk Radio airs live on Sundays from 2pm – 5pm Eastern, and runs on over 100 stations, plus SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio. All Gun Talk shows can be downloaded as podcasts through Apple iTunes, the Gun Talk iPhone App, or at Gun Talk’s Podcast Library. More information is available at www.guntalk.com.
September 23rd, 2010
Stiller’s Precision Firearms has been chosen to supply the action (receiver) for the new, updated MK 13, .300 Win Magnum sniper rifle for Crane Naval Weapons Center. The contract, valued at $2,000,000, calls for Stiller’s Precision to produce long actions for the latest version of the MK 13. The Navy could not simply upgrade its M40 sniper rifles from 7.62×51 to the larger, harder-hitting .300 Win Mag cartridge, because the M40 has a short action. The new MK 13 will employ a Rem-style long action in a modified Accuracy International Chassis. Current MK 13s feature an AICS stock, and a Knights forward rail mount or a MARS rail, with a Nightforce scope. Suppressors from various manufacturers are being tested for the latest MK 13.
MK 13 Action Will Eventually Be Offered to Civilian Market
Jerry Stiller tells us: “[For the MK 13 contract], we submitted samples and won out over the competition in a field type of test using all the submitted actions for consideration. The Navy is putting our action on new AI Chassis systems with new high-quality barrels. Hopefully, when we complete the first phase of the contract for them this year, we will make the same action available to the general public. We will keep everyone informed of what is available as it happens.”
September 23rd, 2010
 The AccurateShooter.com Forum reached another milestone yesterday. We just passed the 12,000 mark in registered members. Not counting the Moderator, who is Member 1, our 12,000th member is “Kitch” from Florida, and we added four more members just this morning.
If you haven’t visited our Forum recently, you should do so. You’ll find tons of useful information, and many of our Forum members are national-level benchrest and High Power shooters. Plus many talented gunsmiths and parts designers participate in the discussions.
FREE Classifieds In Forum
If you are buying or selling guns or shooting accessories, the Marketplace Area in our Forum offers FREE Classified Ads. As an example of the kind of precision rifles you’ll find in our Classifieds, below is a very nice 6mm Dasher posted for sale by Forum Member Fletcher. It has all top-flight components: Kelbly Action, Krieger gain-twist barrel, Shehane “Indian Blanket” Tracker 1000 laminated stock. CLICK HERE to see current price and more photos.
The latest ads appear on the right side of the Forum. Buyers will find some great bargains every day. Registered Forum members can place ads (with free photo hosting), in one of three categories:
- Guns, Actions, Stocks, & Barrels
- Tools, Dies, Rests, Reloading Components & Misc
- Scopes, Optics, Sights, Rings, Bases Etc.
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