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Today, Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023 is a great time to visit a shooting range. Today is the second Annual Second Amendment Day (“2A Day”), a time to celebrate America’s Second Amendment freedoms and have fun hitting targets at the range. In observance of 2A Day, Brownells and Smith & Wesson will sponsor free firearm rentals and limited free ammo at 48 Range USA locations and other participating ranges. To learn more about 2A Day range events, giveaways, and more visit www.brownells.com/2ADAY.
Additional opportunities to celebrate and show support include joining organizations that promote Second Amendment rights on national and state levels or by sharing a photo or video post on social media using the hashtag “#2ADay” to help spread awareness.
Second Amendment Day Official Target (Download for FREE)
“February 22nd is a day we, as a nation, can recognize, celebrate and do our part to secure one of the most important rights guaranteed by our Constitution – the right to keep and bear arms,” said Pete Brownell, Chairman of the Board at Brownells. “I hope Americans from all walks of life visit the range on this one day – 2/22 … and safely exercise their Second Amendment right, which is the underpinning of safety and security in America.”
The 2023 Safari Club International (SCI) Convention opens today in Nashville, Tennessee. The popular event runs Wednesday through Saturday this week — February 22-25, 2023. In years past, the SCI show was held in Las Vegas, but this year the event takes place at the Nashville Music City Center.
The SCI states: “Join us in the birthplace of country music to see world class musicians, guest speakers, exhibitions, and hundreds of domestic and international hunting guides. Be sure to get YOUR ticket today to the Ultimate Sportsmen’s Market!” CLICK HERE to register or get more INFO.
Established in 1971, SCI works to protect the freedom to hunt and promote wildlife conservation worldwide. The annual SCI Convention attracts thousands of dedicated hunters and outdoorsmen. This year Silencer Central, America’s largest silencer dealer, will be a major event sponsor.
Key Attractions at SCI 2023 Convention:
Exhibits by Outfitters and Manufacturers
Hundreds of professional hunters and outfitters from throughout the world will exhibit at the Convention. In addition, top manufacturers from the outdoor industry will be there, showing off the latest firearms, optics, ammunition, archery gear, and accessories.
Auctions — Live, Silent, and Online
Over 20 live, silent, day, evening and online auctions will be held during the SCI convention in Nashville. Bid on hunt experiences, exceptional firearms, fine art and jewelry, all 100% donated by world renowned outfitters and manufacturers. Proceeds from SCI’s auctions support hunter advocacy as well as SCI Foundation’s conservation and education programs.
Seminars and Speakers
Over 70 seminars, “Meet and Greets”, and keynote speakers pack the schedule at the 2023 SGI Convention. Educational, informative seminar presentations cover the spectrum of hunting, fishing, shooting, and outdoor adventures.
Will you be traveling out of state this spring? Or do you have questions about your own state’s firearms laws? Then you’ll want to have quick access to summaries of gun laws in America’s 50 states. Here’s a very valuable online resource you may want to bookmark.
The NRA-ILA (Institute for Legislative Action) has a great feature on the NRA-ILA’s homepage. There is a pull-down menu that includes all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, New York City, and Guam. This quickly provides a host of legal information for each region you select. From the NRA home page, NRA-ILA.org, you can instantly access a host of information for all 50 states. NOTE: Some of this information is not completely current, so you may want to check with more detailed, up-to-date reference, such as the Legal Heat $20 50 State Guide to Firearms Laws and Regulations (2023 Edition). Most of the information in the book is also available in the FREE Legal Heat Firearms Law APP for Android (Google) and iOS (Apple) mobile devices. Here are screenshots from the Legal Heat iPhone App.
Shown below is part of the NRA-ILA’s coverage for Texas. There is a summary of the most important Texas gun laws. Below that is a map showing the states that recognize Texas carry permits.
U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) has re-introduced the Hearing Protection Act which will make it easier to obtain suppressors in the USA. The legislation, S. 401, is co-sponsored by 24 additional senators. This U.S. Senate bill would provide greater access to firearm suppressors/silencers by removing them from the 1934 National Firearms Act. With this change in the law, suppressors could be acquired relatively easily, as is the case in the vast majority of other first-world nations. There would be no massive fees, burdensome applications, and long wait times to obtain an official $200 Tax Stamp. With a quick NICS check, a suppressor buyer could be approved, and not have to wait for months.
Wait times for processing Form 4 ATF applications for suppressors now average 11 months (315 days).
“This no-nonsense legislation by Senator Crapo would remove unnecessary and onerous regulations for an accessory that is nothing more than a muffler for a gun”, said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Sr. VP and General Counsel. “Suppressors are safety tools that reduce the sound of gunfire to a level that won’t cause instant and permanent hearing loss, enables more accurate marksmanship, and allows shooting ranges to be better neighbors. The Hearing Protection Act would reduce unnecessary barriers for this accessory that is currently regulated the same way as automatic firearms. Suppressors were originally listed under the National Firearms Act over poaching concerns during the Great Depression, but those fears proved to be unfounded. Suppressors don’t completely silence a firearm, only reduce the report from a level equal to a jet taking off to one similar to that of a jackhammer.”
The Hearing Protection Act would reclassify suppressors by removing them from the 1934 National Firearms Act. That would replace the current burdensome federal transfer process with a rapid National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) verification, making the purchase process for suppressors similar to acquiring a standard rifle or shotgun (not short-barreled). The legislation would also tax suppressors under the Pittman-Robertson Act instead of the National Firearms Act, putting more funding into state wildlife conservation agencies.
Proposed Federal Statute Would Not Change State Laws
The proposed Hearing Protection Act would not change any laws in states that already prevent suppressor use or ownership, nor does it eliminate background check requirements. Suppressors are legal to own in 42 states and 41 states allow them for hunting. Similar legislation, H.R. 152, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year by Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.).
February 22, 2023 is National 2nd Amendment Day. Next week, on Wednesday the 22nd, head to the range to celebrate 2A Day! RSVP at a participating ranges for free range time. And ask a participating range about free firearm rental or limited free ammo. Or head to the range of your choice to celebrate this important American freedom — the right to keep and bear arms.
“February 22nd is a day we, as a nation, can recognize, celebrate and do our part to secure one of the most important rights guaranteed by our Constitution – the right to keep and bear arms,” said Pete Brownell, Chairman of the Board at Brownells. “I hope Americans from all walks of life visit the range on this one day – 2/22 … and safely exercise their Second Amendment right, which is the underpinning of safety and security in America.”
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) encourages American gun owners to celebrate the second annual “National 2nd Amendment Day” established by Brownells. Participating gun ranges include all Range USA locations, plus individual gun ranges located in Iowa, Florida, Missouri, Nebraska, and Virginia,
Too far away from a participating range? Use this NSSF Where-to-Shoot link to find a range near you and go celebrate your rights and freedoms!
Second Amendment Day Official Target (Download for FREE)
Go to the Range to Celebrate Our Second Amendment Rights
SAF founder and Executive V.P. Alan M. Gottlieb observed: “For tens of millions of Americans, visiting a gun range is an important part of their lifestyle. It is an opportunity to gather with friends, improve their skills and reinforce all of the gun safety lessons they’ve learned and practiced over the years. Shooting ranges provide a friendly environment, opportunities to meet new people and the chance to spend quality recreational time doing something they enjoy.”
Does your range or shooting club need money to improve facilities? Would you like to train club members as shooting coaches? Well the MidwayUSA Foundation is offering money to help via its Range Development and Coach Training grant programs. In 2022 the MidwayUSA Foundation offered over $1 million in range development grants. For both Range Development and Coach Training, applicants must apply through MidwayUSA Foundation’s online grant application process which opened for applications this month.
Range Development grants allow existing shooting ranges to make improvements/expansions to to allow for more youth-oriented shooting activities. This grant cycle runs from February 1, 2023 to April 1, 2023 and cash grants will be awarded in June. Requesting facilities must be a range utilized by a MidwayUSA Foundation endowment holder. Range Development grants will not exceed $75,000 or 50% of the proposed project budget. Requesting facilities must be a range utilized by a MidwayUSA Foundation endowment holder. Team and agency endowment holders are encouraged to work with their respective shooting range(s) to identify needs and complete grant application requirements. Applicants must apply through MidwayUSA Foundation’s online application process. Additional requirements can be found on the MidwayUSA Foundation website.
MidwayUSA Foundation’s Coach Training Grant cycle opened on February 1, 2023 and will run through March 1, 2023 and grants will be awarded in May. The maximum grant payout is $5,000. The funds can be used to provide coaches with basic or advanced-level certifications, including skills training, clinics, or other coach training. Teams or individuals interested in the Coach Training grant program should reach out to their state organization, which must hold an Agency or Donor Designated endowment with MidwayUSA Foundation. CLICK HERE for other requirements.
How these Grant Programs Help the Shooting Sports
Without proper ranges, there could be no shooting sports at all. And qualified coaches are essential for youth marksmanship training. Executive Director, G. Scott Reynolds explains: “These programs help put the infrastructure in place to provide qualified coaches and regulation ranges. We want all kids that desire to participate in youth shooting sports to have that opportunity.”
The MidwayUSA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity working to sustain and grow the shooting sports industry by providing long-term funding to youth shooting teams. Every donation made is tax-deductible. The Foundation supports all shooting disciplines. For more INFO, visit Midwayusafoundation.org.
Valentine’s Day 2023 — Best Wishes
That’s right, today is February 14th — Valentine’s Day. While testing a rifle at the range a few seasons back, Forum member Ron B. (aka Snakepit) managed a 3-shot group that would definitely make Mr. Cupid proud. Yep, Ron shot a lovely cluster that formed a sweet little heart in the splatter-type target.
That’s nice enough, mind you — but it gets even better. Ron’s heart-shaped, three-shot group was shot at SIX HUNDRED yards, making this a Valentine’s Day Masterpiece of precision shooting (and, we have to say it, quite a little bit of luck). Good Shootin’ Snakepit!
600-Yard Heart Shot with a Savage and Factory Ammo!
In our Shooter’s Forum, Ron explained that this group was actually shot with factory ammo… from a Savage no less:
“This will be one that may be hard to believe for some but it is my Savage 12 FTR .308 and I was shooting 168gr Federal Gold Medal Match. The stock has been modified for benchrest shooting with a 3″-wide shoe on the forward stock. I do not shoot this rifle very often as most of my time is spent with my 30″ Brux barreled 6BR working up loads and shooting. That day I had put the scope back on it and was sighting it in at 600 yards and those were my last three shots after my last scope correction and then I was out of ammo. This rifle has always been very accurate. The weather was good, no wind or mirage.”
CMP Acquires Surplus Ammunition with Sales Planned for Coming Months
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has announced the recent acquisition of vast quantities of surplus ammunition: M2 Ball (.30-06 Springfield), .30 Carbine, .22 Pistol, and .22 Long Rifle. This surplus ammunition supply will soon become available to CMP customers, and will be sold at matches to CMP shooters. At this time, the recently-acquired surplus ammunition supplies are being assessed and cataloged by CMP personnel.
The CMP intends on maintaining a surplus ammo inventory large enough to support CMP Matches for the next several years and to provide discounted surplus ammo to competitors attending CMP events. All sales will include set limits to remain in compliance with guidelines specified in the Memorandum of Agreement between the Department of the Army and the CMP.
“The CMP plans to make the ammunition available to our loyal constituents sometime this spring, after the surplus ammo goes through all CMP in-processing procedures”. said Mark Johnson, CMP’s Chief Operating Officer and Director of Civilian Marksmanship. “Purchase limits and restrictions will be set to ensure that the mission of CMP is well served.”
NOTE: This video shows an M1 Garand shooting modern CMP M2 Ball ammo NOT older surplus. The surplus M2 Ball ammo obtained by the CMP is older, but should have similar velocities with 150gr bullets.
Further surplus sales details will be forthcoming in the near future. Commercial ammunition sales are currently available on the CMP E-Store to qualified individuals. Register for an account or browse the CMP E-Store at https://shop.thecmp.org/browse/Ammo.
Football fans get their chance to score big with Brownells Super Barrel V Giveaway, with a jumbo red Winchester barrel chock-full of 14,000 rounds of 5.56×45 (.223 Rem) ammo up for grabs. Brownells is once again offering fans the chance to win a barrel full of freedom with its Super Barrel V contest. In connection with the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 12, 2023, Brownells will give away one huge red barrel full of 14,000 rounds of Winchester 55-grain FMJ 5.56x45mm M193 NATO ammunition. Now through 11:59 pm CST on 2/15/2023, you can sign up online for a chance to win the big barrel of ammo.
One lucky Brownells fan will bring home the big barrel full of 14,000 rounds of ammo. Now through February 15th at midnight, contestants can enter their email addresses at the Brownells Super Barrel page for a shot at the 14,000-round barrel, valued at over $7,000.00.
If you want a chance to win, sign up at the Brownells Super Barrel V webpage. One lucky winner, name drawn at random, will win the big red barrel full of Winchester ammo. The barrel contains enough ammo for the winner to take 100 people to the range to fire 100 rounds each — and still have 4,000 rounds of ammo left over. By itself, the ammo weighs as much as 484 12-ounce cans of America’s favorite macro brew, or the equivalent of more than 500 bags of tortilla chips.
Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm CST on February 15, 2023. Then one lucky winner will be chosen to receive the enormous barrel full of American freedom seeds. For more information, and a chance to win, visit the Brownells Super Barrel page.
Those 14,000 Rounds Could Stretch 870 Yards
Containing enough ammo to fill 70 standard-length belts for an M249, the Winchester barrel weighs more than even an NFL football lineman. If all 14,000 cartridges contained inside were laid to end-to-end, they would stretch over 870 yards — almost twice as far as the most passing yards ever in a modern pro football championship game.
The Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the United States, excluding the following states and territories: Alaska, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, the District of Columbia, all U.S. territories and possessions, and all overseas military installations.
The Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition (FRAC), SB Tactical, B&T USA, Rick Cicero, and 25 States have filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) challenging the legality of a new ATF rule that reverses a decade of ATF agency precedent. That radical ATF rule would retroactively mandate the burdensome and costly registration of millions of pistols equipped with stabilizing braces, contrary to federal statutes enacted by Congress.
“The ATF has placed millions of law-abiding firearm owners in legal jeopardy”, notes Jeff Creamer, president and CEO of SB Tactical. “It’s a gross overreach of the Bureau’s authority and, if allowed to stand, will result in the largest gun registration scheme in U.S. history.”
The new ATF rule lacks a clear definition of what is actually being regulated. The language gives ATF the power to decide on a case-by-case basis which firearms are and are not regulated. READ NRA-ILA Analysis.
“The ATF’s new definition for stabilizing braces is arbitrary. The Bureau is declaring that they will effectively decide on a case-by-case basis whether a firearm is subject to the NFA. Every American gun owner is in danger of potentially facing felony charges at the whim of these bureaucrats and without any new statute in place. The NRA believes this rule will fail for the same reasons the bump stock rule failed — ATF can only apply federal statutes; it can’t rewrite them”, said Jason Ouimet, executive director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action.
“This rule demonstrates a clear abuse of power by the ATF”, Ouimet said. “They’re clearly carrying out the Biden Administration’s anti-gun agenda and it’s got to stop. The NRA is putting its full weight behind fighting this unlawful rule”.
About Stabilizing Braces
Stabilizing braces were designed to enable gun owners to operate certain firearms with one hand with more stability. The ATF’s new rule says, essentially, that using a stabilizing brace with a pistol turns the firearm into a short-barreled rifle and must now be regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA) — which means they’d be subject to registration, additional taxation, and long wait times for approval due to ATF’s lengthy NFA processing times. Because of this rule, the millions of Americans who own a pistol and a stabilizing brace, regardless of style or caliber or type of brace, must either dispose of, alter, or register their firearms. If they don’t comply, they will become felons and face 10 years in prison and large fines.
According to the Congressional Research Service, there are currently between 10 and 40 million stabilizing braces in the United States.
FRAC is Lead Plaintiff with Coalition of 25 States
The lawsuit challenging the ATF policy is Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition, Inc (FRAC)., v. Merrick Garland and was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota.
Along with FRAC, other plaintiffs are: SB Tactical, B&T USA, Wounded Warrior Richard Cicero, and a coalition of 25 states led by West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley, also including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming.
Valentine’s Day 2023 — Best Wishes
