The NSSF (National Shooting Sports Foundation) has announced that firearm and ammunition manufacturers topped $16.1 billion in excise tax contributions to the Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund since its inception in 1937. When adjusted for inflation, the total is more than $25 billion. The latest Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax (FAET) Collection report released by the Department of the Treasury, covering the 4th Quarter Calendar Year 2022, indicates that firearm and ammunition manufacturers contributed more than $235 million, the third-highest fourth calendar-quarter in history.
The notable $16.1 billion in overall Firearm and Ammunition Excise Tax contributions represents more than $1 billion contributed to conservation since crossing the $15 billion threshold just 12 months ago.
These 10-11% excise tax dollars collected since 1937 under the Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act are specifically designated to be used by state wildlife agencies for conservation and related purposes. Collectively, purchasers of firearms and ammunition, hunters, and the firearms industry represent the greatest source of wildlife conservation funding.
NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi stated: “The firearm and ammunition industry understands [that] wildlife and the habitats in which they thrive are invaluable. They are critical to future generations taking part in hunting and the recreational shooting sports traditions and learning about their vital importance. The Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund, funded significantly by taxes paid by firearm and ammunition manufacturers, is responsible for the restoration and recovery of America’s iconic game species across the country, including the Rocky Mountain elk, whitetail deer, pronghorn antelope, wild turkey and a variety of waterfowl. These contributions have also facilitated the remarkable recovery of the majestic American bald eagle, of which there are now more than 316,000 in the lower 48 states. The firearm and ammunition industry is [proud of] the role our industry plays to ensure America’s wildlife is perpetuated for future generations.”
The Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund, commonly known as the Pittman-Robertson fund, is funded by excise taxes paid by firearm and ammunition manufacturers on their products, as well as archery equipment manufacturers. The excise tax is set at 11 percent of the wholesale price for long guns and ammunition and 10 percent of the wholesale price for handguns. The excise tax, paid by manufacturers and importers, applies to all firearms produced or imported for commercial federal law enforcement sales, whether the purpose is for recreational shooting, hunting or personal defense. The tax is administered by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) of the Department of the Treasury, which turns the funds over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
USFWS deposits the Pittman-Robertson revenues into a special account called the Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund administered by the USFWS. These funds are made available to states and territories the year following their collection based on a statutory formula.
CMP Western Games Set for October 2023
Those who missed the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Western CMP Games at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in March 2023 will now have another chance to attend the event this year! The latest CMP Western Games, CMP Highpower (HP), and CMP Pistol Matches will be held October 10-15, 2023.
The annual Western CMP Games, Highpower, and Pistol Matches includes popular events such as the Garand, Springfield, Vintage Military, Modern Military, Rimfire Sporter, and Carbine rifle competitions as well as multiple pistol matches. The CMP Highpower Matches include 80-Shot competitions, a team match, Service Rifle EIC matches, and a Mid-Range 3×600 Rifle event for Match Rifle, Service, F-Open, F-TR, or AR Tactical rifles. There will also be marksmanship training in the classroom and on the range.
The CMP decided to move the annual Western CMP Games back to its original October timeslot of the past. Although the CMP’s Western Games were recently held in March, the new Western Games is slated for October 10-15, 2023. Registration for the October event opens in June.
The decision to move Western Games was reached after the CMP conducted a survey of competitors. Though the results (155 submissions) indicated spring was favorable (65%) versus fall (34%), the final decision was based on cost to host the event. Spring training for baseball causes inflated expenses for hotels, rental cars, and flights in the earlier months of the year. An October event should mean more affordable travel/accommodations for Western Games participants. That should allow more competitors to enjoy the events at Ben Avery.
The 2023 October Western Games will have a condensed schedule of events, including:
Garand, Springfield, Vintage & Modern Military Matches
Carbine Match
Rimfire Sporter Match
Mid-Range 3X600
80 Shot Rifle
2-Man Rifle Team
EIC Service Rifle
CMP Match Pistol 2700
EIC Service Pistol
.22 Rimfire Pistol
EIC Service Revolver
Military & Police Service Pistol and 1911 As-Issued Pistol Match
FN America, LLC, the U.S. subsidiary of FN Herstal, S.A., plans to open a new production facility in Liberty, Pickens County, South Carolina. FN America will invest $33 million into the construction of the new 100,000+ square-foot facility. The expansion will add 176 new jobs to the company’s workforce and add new manufacturing capacity to meet the increasing demand for FN products. FN American will break ground on its new facility in 2024 with anticipated completion in 2025.
“FN has experienced significant growth over the last several years and demand for our products continues to increase in all market segments that we serve,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America.
$18 Million Expansion of FN’s Current Columbia, South Carolina Production Center
Following the announcement of the company’s plans to construct a new, second production facility in Liberty, South Carolina, FN America announced a $18 million expansion of its current Columbia, South Carolina facility. This plan will add more than 40,000-square-feet of manufacturing capacity and office space. In addition, FN American will create a Design Center for new proeduct research and development. The expansion will add 102 new positions to the company’s existing workforce. This $18 million project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
For more than 40 years, FN has operated a production facility in Richland County, South Carolina and has produced more than 1 million small arms under contract to the U.S. Department of Defense. Currently, FN America employs more than 600 individuals to produce firearms, accessories and other products for the U.S. military, law enforcement agencies, and the retail gun market. The company has produced the M4A1, M16A4, M249 light machine gun, M240 medium machine gun and FN SCAR under contract for the U.S. military as well as the FN 509 striker-fired pistol line used by U.S. law enforcement agencies.
May Instant Rebate on select SV and SIII premium riflescopes — Save up to $300!
Sightron is now offering big discounts on great high-magnification scopes with its MAY INSTANT SAVINGS Promotion. You can save up to $300.00 on select SV and SIII premium riflescopes. This Instant Savings promotion kicked off Monday, May 1st and runs through Wednesday, May 31st. The savings are built into the current listed price — so there are no special rebate forms to fill out. You can get these Sightron deals through an an authorized Sightron retailer, such as Creedmoor Sports, or you can order direct from Sightron, via the Sightron May Instant Savings Page.
Save $300 on SV ED Series
The SV 10-50x60mm ED is a great choice for F-Class, ELR, and long range target shooting. The 34mm body tube with ED glass provides 70 MOA elevation and 60 MOA windage. Large oversized tactical turrets with 1/8 MOA clicks provide 10 MOA per revolution. The patented F.A.S.T focus system provides two focus dials; the first operates like a standard quick acquisition focus knob, and the second provides a 4 to 1 gear reduction for smooth fine focus. Models include the 10-50×60 ED Target Dot .1 and 10-50×60 ED Zero Stop Target Dot .1.
Save $130 on SIII Competition Models
Sightron SIII riflescopes are high-quality, non-zoom, single high-magnification optics for competitive shooting disciplines. Choose 36 power or 45 power. These are great choice for benchrest for score and group shooting. Models with Instant Savings are the 36×45 ED with Fine Cross Hair reticle, 36×45 ED Target Dot .125 reticle, 45×45 ED with Fine Cross Hair reticle, and 45×45 ED Target Dot .1 reticle.
Last week, oppressive legislation was re-introduced in Congress that would ban and confiscate all suppressors (aka “silencers”) in all 50 states. This sweeping suppressor ban is the work of two Democratic party lawmakers, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ). This unconstitutional legislation is called “HEAR Act”. HEAR stands for “Help Empower Americans to Respond”. The deceptive name falsely suggests this statute was in some way designed to protect hearing or reduce noise pollution.
Just the opposite is true. This misguided legislation would prohibit the importation, sale, manufacturing, transfer, and possession of suppressors. The object is both to ban suppressors AND to confiscate currently-owned suppressors. As GunsAmerica Digest explains: “Emphasis was added on ‘possession’ for the obvious reason. It means even current can owners would be affected!”
Senator Menendez, in a press release, argued that suppressors are very commonly used by criminals, something which is completely and totally false. The mendacious Menendez stated: “Gun silencers are devices designed for a very specific purpose — to suppress the sound of gunfire from unsuspecting victims and reduce the chances they can run, hide, take cover, and call the police during an active shooter situation. [This] legislation that would prevent armed assailants from using deadly devices that only make incidents of gun violence all the more dangerous.”
Sen. Menendez has an interesting reputation in Washington. He was indicted in 2015 on bribery charges, and stood trial in 2017, resulting in a hung jury. And, according to the N.Y. Times and Politico, he is currently under investigation for more questionable practices. SEE N.Y. Times Report.
The sponsors of the legislation do not acknowledge that there is a complex, and expensive process to acquire a suppressor, involving background checks, ATF paperwork, and a costly $200 Tax Stamp. As usual, these Democrats ignore the facts and push legislation based on fraudulent assertions.
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman attacked the use of silencers, completely ignoring how they are safely used by hunters and sportsmen throughout the world. Coleman states: “Silencers are not tools of self-defense, they are tools of murder. They have no legal application, which is why law enforcement officials around the country have called for their elimination.”
The HEAR act would ban all future sales of suppressors. In addition, the law would allow confiscation of existing suppressors via a buy-back program using Byrne JAG grants. Current suppressor owners would have a 90-day grace period after the date of enactment to surrender their silencers/suppressors.
GunsAmerica Digest notes: “Not surprisingly, the legislation is backed by a collection of the usual suspects.”
U.S. Senators who are listed as HEAR Act co-sponsors include: Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). Every one is a Democrat.
In the House of Representatives, HEAR Act cosponsors include Reps. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.), Wiley Nickel (D-N.C.), Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), and Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.). Again all the co-sponsors are Democrats, including some of the most radical legislators in Congress (such as Rashida Talib).
The America Suppressor Association (ASA) has condemned the reintroduction of the HEAR Act.
“ASA is unequivocally opposed to any attempt to ban suppressors. We are unwavering in our support of the Second Amendment and the individual right to possess suppressors. We will fight this tooth and nail. With the facts on our side, we will succeed.”
Read HEAR Act Text Banning Suppressors and Authorizing Confiscation:
With the oppressive Washington House Bill 1240 (HB 1240) being signed into law on 4/25/23 by Washington state Governor Jay Inslee, a legal action has been filed in Federal District Court (Eastern Washington) by several plaintiffs to combat this overreaching legislation. The case, Banta et al v. Ferguson seeks a temporary and permanent injunction based on the unconstitutionality of HB 1240. There is an additional action filed by the Second Amendment Foundation. That other lawsuit, named Hartford v. Ferguson, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
Banta et al vs. Ferguson
The action contesting HB 1240 was filed in the Eastern District of Washington, U.S. District Court. Plaintiffs include Amanda Banta (2012 Olympian Sport Shooter), Sharp Shooting Indoor Range & Gun Shop, The Range LLC, Aero Precision LLC, and the NSSF. The complaint is filed against defendants Robert W. Ferguson, Attorney General of Washington State, and John R. Batiste, Chief of the Washington State Patrol.
“We do not agree with this law and we do not think it is constitutional,” said Scott Dover, CEO of Aero Precision. Dover explained: “HB 1240 bans some of the most common firearms and parts available. It impacts the lawful ownership of products we manufacture and sell to thousands of our customers in the State of Washington. It also restricts the rights of the individuals, Aero Precision employees, who make these parts. We will fight this law in the courts and are confident in the outcome given the clear rulings in multiple Supreme Court cases, including Heller and Bruen.”
Description: Aero Precision has filed a lawsuit in conjunction with several other plaintiffs to combat the overreaching semi-auto rifle ban legislation by the state of Washington.
About Aero Precision
Aero Precision is a firearms manufacturer based in Tacoma, Washington. Aero Precision has been in business in Washington since 1994, originally starting in the Aerospace industry. Today, Aero Precision is the largest firearms manufacturer in Washington, employing roughly 650 employees in Washington and over 200 in other states. Aero Precision manufacturers AR Parts and components, bolt-action rifles, suppressors and more.
The Governor of Washington state, Jay Inslee, recently signed radical new legislation, House Bill 1240, that outlaws AR-platform rifles and other semi-auto, mag-fed “modern sporting rifles” (MSRs). This new WA state law, which goes into effect immediately as an “emergency” measure, will be fought in Federal Court. Two lawsuits have been filed, both seeking to strike down HB 1240 as unconstitutional.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) has filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Washington, challenging the constitutionality of the recently enacted HB 1240, which bans the manufacture, sale, import, and distribution of many semi-automatic firearms. The lawsuit, named Hartford v. Ferguson, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
In addition, NSSF (National Shooting Sports Foundation) filed a lawsuit, Banta et al v. Ferguson, against Washington’s Attorney General Robert Ferguson and John Batiste, Chief of Washington State Patrol, seeking declaratory and injunctive relief from state authorities enforcing HB 1240, which bans modern sporting rifles. The lead plaintiff is Amanda Banta, a 2012 Team USA Olympian and 10-year member of the U.S. Rifle Team and resident of Spokane, Washington.
GunsAmerica Digest reports: “HB 1240 is part of a broader gun reform package signed into law that includes a 10-day waiting period, mandatory firearms training for prospective gun buyers, and a new legal pathway for the Attorney General and family members of shooting victims to sue gun makers who market their products to prohibited persons. These additional provisions take effect this summer. HB 1240 has exemptions for law enforcement and members of the military. Existing owners of black rifles are also grandfathered in — at least for now.”
NSSF challenges Washington’s MSR ban, arguing that it violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court held in Heller that the Second Amendment protects the rights to keep and bear arms “typically possessed by law-abiding citizens for lawful purposes.” There are over 24.4 million MSRs in circulation today, more than there are Ford F-150s on America’s roads.
HB 1240 is very harsh. According to GunsAmerica Digest: “HB 1240 only allows 90 days for firearm dealers and manufacturers to sell or transfer their existing stock out of the state. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that violations will be considered a misdemeanor offense, which could result in a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a fine of $5,000.”
“NSSF will not stand idly by as politicians cleave away fundamental Constitutional rights from Americans,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior V.P. and General Counsel. “The right to keep and bear arms that are commonly owned belongs to law-abiding citizens. Politicians in Washington exceed their authority when they usurp those rights to mollify radical special-interest groups. These politicians violate their oaths to protect and defend the Constitution and the rights of the citizens they represent.”
SAF claims the new law — which took effect immediately — infringes on Second and Fourteenth Amendment rights and is seeking preliminary and permanent injunctions from the court.
SAF founder and Executive V.P. Alan M. Gottlieb criticized the state for putting politics above constitutional rights: “[Washington] has criminalized a common and important means of self-defense, the modern semiautomatic rifle. The state has put politics ahead of constitutional rights, and is penalizing law-abiding citizens while this legislation does nothing to arrest and prosecute criminals[.]”
SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut called out the authors and supporters of the legislation: “As we note in our complaint, the firearms that Washington bans as ‘assault weapons’ are, in all respects, ordinary semiautomatic rifles. To the extent they are different from other semiautomatic rifles, their distinguishing features make them safer and easier to use.”
The CMP 2023 National Matches will take place at Camp Perry from July 7 through August 5, 2023. Camp Perry is a National Guard facility located on the shore of Lake Erie in northern Ohio near Port Clinton.
The annual Camp Perry National Matches have evolved — the 2023 event calendar has been modified from previous years – allowing overlapping disciplines and new matches, along with updates to the ranges themselves to improve the competition experience. SEE Full Camp Perry NM Calendar.
Unlike past years, the National Matches will now begin with Smallbore and Rimfire Sporter Rifle events, rather than Pistol matches. The National Smallbore rifle series will utilize electronic targets for the first time in its history, and the CMP Highpower Rifle Championships will now also be fired on electronic targets, with three 80-shot matches, followed by a 4-Man team event. The CMP National Trophy Rifles matches will follow and continue to be fired on paper targets.
Other changes for 2023 include the assembly of Pistol target lines at 25 and 50 yards to eliminate moving between strings. Also, an extra category has been added to the GSSF GLOCK National Pistol Challenge. Along with Stock, Unlimited and Rimfire classes, the match will now facilitate a Modular Optic System (MOS) Configuration category.
CMP offers Air Rifle and Air Pistol competitors an opportunity to compete at Camp Perry in the Air Gun National Matches. The National Match Air Gun Events will include a new 3-gun match and team matches for air pistol and air rifle.
Additionally, there will be multiple Garand/Springfield/Vintage/Modern Military (GSMM) Matches at the CMP Camp Perry National Matches this year. And, during the Long Range rifle phase, a Mid-Range Match 3×600 match has been added to the schedule.
The John C. Garand match is a Camp Perry classic. Note the signature Garand clip in the air.
Registration for the 2023 National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches is OPEN. CLICK HERE to Sign up and review all the 2023 National Matches event info on the CMP website.
After being held at the Kelbly’s Range in Ohio for decades, the Super Shoot benchrest competition will be held May 22-25, 2023 at the Bench Rest Rifle Club in Missouri. This is a great location, much favored by elite benchrest shooters. This excellent range was the host of the 2022 NBRSA Nationals (photo above).
This will be Super Shoot 49. Historically, the Super Shoot has been the largest 100/200-yard Benchrest score match in the world, drawing over 200 competitors. For the last 40+ years, the Super Shoot has been held at the Kelbly’s Range in Ohio. This year the Super Shoot will be held at one of the premier benchrest shooting facilities in the USA, the Bench Rest Rifle Club of St. Louis situated in Wright City, just northwest of St. Louis. This event will feature the best short-range benchrest shooters in the world. Competition will be fierce, with top places often decided by the tiniest margins in Agg measurements.
To shoot in the big match, it’s best to first register as a member of the SuperShootSports.com website. Membership is free. By becoming a member you will have access to online registration for the 49th Super Shoot and other features. There is no charge to join as a site member but there ARE fees to compete in the actual 2023 Super Shoot. In-person check-in and registration begins on Friday, May 19th. The range will be open for practice Friday through Sunday, May 19-21, closing at 4:00 pm on Sunday. Competition starts on Monday, May 22, 2023. Here is the full schedule:
For more information or to register as a competitor, visit SuperShootSports.com. You can also email info@supershootsports.com or call 972-875-5318.
The Bench Rest Rifle Club of St. Louis hosted the 2015 World Benchrest Championships:
The St. Louis shooting range facility is excellent. Forum member Alex M. posted: “The St. Louis Bench Rest Rifle Club is the finest shooting facility I have seen. The various rifle, pistol, shotgun, and archery ranges are great. They have a nice official trap field, together with manually operated traps. I shoot pistol and rifle with my wife at 25 to 600 yards. They have a very nice dedicated rimfire range, and training bays. I shoot their monthly F-Class matches (600 yards) where they award medals (1st, 2nd, 3rd) for F-Open, F-T/R and F-Bench. They also host the very popular Sierra Cup Challenge.”
Map to Bench Rest Rifle Club Range in Wright City, Missouri.
Major Sponsors for Super Shoot 49
Super Shoot 49 has many sponsors including Bruno Shooters Supply, Creedmoor Sports, Lilja Barrels, PMA Tool and a dozen other companies. Creedmoor Sports has explained the importance of the Super Shoot:
“We’re excited to sponsor the Super Shoot and give back to the Bench Rest community. The firearms and reloading innovation that has come out of this discipline has benefited every single shooting sport. Bench Rest Rifle Club of St. Louis is a great facility that is capable of hosting very large matches. I know that Wade Hull and the members at BRRC will do an exceptional job hosting the match.” — John Teachey, VP Operations/Marketing for Creedmoor Sports.
The total economic impact of the firearm and ammunition industry in the United States increased to $80.73 billion in 2022 from $19.1 billion in 2008, a 322% increase, while the total number of full-time equivalent jobs rose to over 393,696 from approximately 166,000, a 136% increase in that same period, according to a report released by the NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association. READ Full REPORT.
The Firearms and Shooting Sports Industry Now Generates 393,696 Jobs in America
On a year-over-year basis, the industry’s economic impact rose to $80.73 billion in 2022 from $70.52 billion in 2021. Total jobs increased by over 17,877 in the same period, to 396,696 from 375,819. The firearm industry has broader impacts throughout the American economy. The gun industry also generates business for firms not directly related to firearms — creating jobs in industries such as banking, retail, accounting, metalworking, and printing.
Gun Manufacturers and Ammo Makers Now Pay over $7.48 Billion in Taxes
The firearm and ammunition industry paid over $7.48 billion in business taxes, including property, income, and sales-based levies. An additional $1.15 billion was paid in federal excise taxes, which directly contributes to wildlife conservation.
“Our industry’s economic input is undeniably contributing to every state and every community. This milestone achievement of over $80 billion in economic impact proves that the American firearm and ammunition industry is strong,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. “Over 4.2 million Americans from all walks of life, for the first time, discovered and exercised their right to lawful firearm owners and safely participate in the recreational shooting sports last year. This growth equals more jobs that add to our local economies, averaging $65,000 in wages and benefits, up from $56,900 reported last year. Since 2008, federal tax payments increased by 266%, Pittman-Robertson excise taxes that support wildlife conservation by 226% and state business taxes by 46%.”
The annual Firearm and Ammunition Industry Economic Impact Report provides a state-by-state breakdown of job numbers, wages and output, as well as federal excise taxes paid. CLICK HERE for Full Report (Printable PDF).
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman attacked the use of silencers, completely ignoring how they are safely used by hunters and sportsmen throughout the world. Coleman states: “Silencers are not tools of self-defense, they are tools of murder. They have no legal application, which is why law enforcement officials around the country have called for their elimination.”
