If you’re anywhere near Phoenix, head down to the Ben Avery Shooting Facility on May 6-8, 2022. You’ll have a chance to shoot a variety of SIG Sauer pistols and rifles. That’s right, you can test drive nearly 50 new SIG guns at one of America’s best ranges, and SIG Sauer even provides the ammo. There is a fee of $79.95 per day. When you consider the cost of ammo, that’s a good deal.
SIG FREEDOM DAYS
Ben Avery, May 6-8, 2022
The first-ever SIG Sauer Freedom Days fun shooting event will take place May 6- 8, 2022, at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, Arizona. Guests will be able to shoot nearly 50 different SIG SAUER firearms. A $79.95 daily pass let you shoot 10 stages featuring SIG pistols and rifles. Ammunition is provided along with access to professional demonstrations.
— Shoot nearly 50 new and existing SIG Sauer firearms
— Learn from world-class SIG SAUER Academy Instructors
— Shoot Mossberg Shotguns and Xpedition Archery Crossbows
— Shoot the SIG SAUER “Next Generation” Machine Gun (additional fee)
— See stage presentations by pro shooters, industry leaders, and personalities
— Watch live demos by Team SIG pros Max Michel, Dan Horner, Lena Miculek, and Jerry Miculek.
Included in $79.95 per day pass: Access to all activities, expert stage presentations, and the opportunity to shoot up to 10 different stages, featuring SIG pistols and rifles, Mossberg shotguns, and Xpedition Archery Crossbows. Shoot an additional five stages for $29.95 extra. CLICK HERE for more INFO about SIG Freedom Days.
Watch Max Michel Demo Drill (This Guy is Blazing Fast!)
In this video, Max drills 18 rounds in just over five seconds with two mag changes. We timed that unofficially at 5.21 seconds.
Some the world’s best action shooters will be on hand to showcase their skills. Meet Jerry Miculek, the world’s revolver shoter. Get tips about carry optics from Team SIG Captain Max Michel. Top 3-Gun ace and former USAMU team member Daniel Horner will also share his expertise about precision shooting.
Rifle Skills for Multi-Gun Competition — Grip, Stance, and Body Position
Location: Ben Avery Shooting Facility, Phoenix, Arizona
Dates: Friday, May 6 – Sunday, May 8, 2022
Times: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: $79.95 per person per day (food can also be purchased on-site).
On April 11, the Biden Administration nominated Steven Dettelbach as the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), subject to Senate confirmation. With Dettelbach’s nomination, President Biden revealed his intent to put an aggressive gun control advocate in charge of the agency responsible for regulating America’s firearms industry.
David Chipman, Biden’s first ATF Director nominee, failed to achieve enough support in the Senate to be confirmed. After Chipman’s shortcomings were exposed in Senate hearings, the Biden Administration withdrew Chipman’s nomination. Chipman had worked for anti-gun lobbying groups and advocated widespread banning of popular current firearms types and even supported confiscation of modern sporting rifles. When it was clear Chipman would not win Senate confirmation, Biden withdrew the nomination.
Now Biden has nominated a second ATF Director candidate who is equally objectionable.
NRA-ILA Says Dettlebach Supports Radical Restrictions on Gun Rights
The NRA-ILA states: “Like Chipman, Dettelbach is a dedicated gun controller with a background that proves he would be neither fair nor objective as head of ATF. When running for Ohio Attorney General in 2018, Dettelbach endorsed gun bans, restrictions on lawful firearm transfers, and further expansion of prohibitions on who can lawfully possess a firearm. In short, it’s unclear what gun control measures Dettelbach doesn’t support.
This led NRA-PVF to award Dettelbach an ‘F’ for his positions on the right to keep and bear arms. Notably, Michael Bloomberg’s … gun control group Everytown for Gun Safety (David Chipman’s former employer) endorsed Dettelbach in his bid to become Ohio’s Attorney General.
Ohio voters wisely rejected Dettelbach and his gun control promises in 2018. But, Dettelbach’s unpopular views on the Second Amendment put him in line with the most anti-gun presidential administration in American history.
It will once again be up to gun owners to make clear that a failed anti-gun politician has no more place at the head of the ATF than a failed anti-gun lobbyist. Please contact your U.S. Senators… and respectfully encourage them to oppose Dettelbach’s nomination.”
Dettlebach Supports Ban on Modern Sporting Rifles
The National Shooting Sports Foundation added: “NSSF is committed to a thorough examination of Dettelbach’s record and qualifications. Dettelbach has previously stated support for bans on Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs), or AR-15 semiautomatic rifles, universal background checks, which are unworkable without a national firearm registry that is already forbidden by federal law, and extreme-risk protection orders, or so-called ‘red flag’ laws, without protections for Due Process considerations.
Dettelbach … a recent partisan candidate for public office, supported gun control during his campaign [and was] endorsed by the gun control group Everytown for Gun Safety, for his support for policies restricting Second Amendment rights.”
COMMENTARY: Dettlebach is a Staunch Enemy of the Second Amendment
We concur that Dettlebach is not a candidate who respects the Second Amendment. If appointed to head the ATF, Dettlebach can be expected to push for policies that will negatively affect the rights of all American gun owners. Dettlebach will likely seek to impose a de facto national gun registry (a digital database of gun owners), make background checks more difficult, and put more restrictions on semi-auto pistols and rifles.
Big news for Georgia — Norma Precision Ammunition, a subsidiary of Swiss ammunition manufacturer RUAG Ammotec, will establish its new U.S. headquarters, manufacturing site, and warehousing and distribution operations in Chatham County, Georgia, close to Savannah, which boasts an excellent seaport.
You’ve certainly seen Norma rimfire and centerfire ammunition — quality ammo favored by hunters and competitors. Norma ammo has been produced in Europe and the USA by Swiss-based parent company RUAG Ammotec, and its American subsidiary, RUAG Ammotec, USA.
While much of Norma’s product line still comes from Europe, RUAG Ammotec has actually been manufacturing in the United States for 10+ years as RUAG Ammotec, USA, based in Tampa, Florida. Now the USA manufacturing operations will shift to Georgia. This will be a significant operation. Last year, in 2021, RUAG Ammotec produced over 30 million cartridges in the USA, and it plans to ramp up USA production significantly at its new Georgia ammo plant.
Christoph Eisenhardt, President/CEO of RUAG Ammotec declared: “Norma Precision Ammunition has been manufacturing in the United States for over 10 years as RUAG Ammotec, USA. With this relocation, expansion, and focus on the Norma Ammunition brand, we will continue to grow while better serving our customers and industry partners[.]” Paul Lemke, President of Norma Precision Ammunition added: “The Savannah area offers a significant opportunity to expand our small arms ammunition manufacturing and distribution … while providing unmatched access to the world-class Port of Savannah.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp Hails New Norma Precision Ammunition Operations
Governor Kemp stated: “With their facilities in close proximity to the Port of Savannah … and our highly-skilled pool of talent, I’m confident that RUAG Ammotec will be very pleased with their decision to invest in the Peach State. I’m grateful to Norma Precision Ammunition for [its] job-stimulating investments, and I look forward to seeing the opportunities this creates for hardworking Georgians[.]”
Norma TAC-22 rimfire ammunition is very good. Here’s an example of accuracy with a lot from 2017. Photo from Champion Shooters Supply. Groups shot with Anschutz 1913 match rifle at 50 yards.
Norma Precision Ammunition is Hiring — Employment Opportunities
Norma Precision Ammunition will be located at 141 Prosperity Drive in Garden City, GA, on the eastern side of Savannah. The company has positions available in manufacturing, distribution, management, and sales. Individuals interested in career opportunities can visit www.NormaShooting.com for additional information.
Georgia Is Now Among Top 10 States in Firearms and Ammunition Manufacturing
Georgia continues to attract global businesses like RUAG Ammotec. In 2019 Taurus opened a large gun factory in Bainbridge, Georgia. And other gun/ammo makers have found a friendly home in Georgia. According to NSSF data, Georgia has become one of the country’s top 10 states for firearms and shooting sports products manufacturing.
About RUAG Ammotec — Swiss Company That Operates in 12 Nations
With operations in 12 different countries, Swiss-based RUAG Ammotec develops and produces ammunition for sports shooters, special operations forces, and peace officers worldwide, serving key markets in the military, law enforcement, hunting, and sporting goods sectors. In 2021, Norma Precision Ammunition imported over 400 containers of ammunition from RUAG Ammotec factories in Europe, while also producing over 30 million ammunition cartridges in the USA.
Online registration for the 2022 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury is open now at the NRA Competitive Shooting Web Portal. Consisting of the NRA National Championships for Precision Pistol, Smallbore Rifle and High Power Rifle, the NRA National Matches will kick off its second year in the Hoosier State on July 10 and conclude August 7. Also coming back after a hiatus is the NRA Extreme Long-Range (ELR) Championship, which has shooters engaging targets at one mile and beyond.
2022 NRA National Matches Schedule at Camp Atterbury:
High Power OTC (Across the Course): July 10–15, 2022
High Power Mid-Range: July 16–21, 2022
Precision Pistol: July 17–23, 2022
High Power Long-Range: July 24–29, 2022
Smallbore 3-Position: July 25–29, 2022
Smallbore Prone: July 30 – August 7, 2022
Extreme Long-Range (ELR): August 5–7, 2022
Electronic High Power Targets for 2022 — So No High Power Pit Duty
This year, for the first time, electronic targets will be used at Camp Atterbury during the NRA High Power National Championships. NRA Competitive Shooting Deputy Director Aaron Farmer posted: “We will have up to 40 targets using Silver Mountain electronic target systems. Competitors will be squadded on a target and then continue to shoot on the same target all week. The only thing that will change is the starting relay for the day. We will be running three relays. No pit duty!”
Pershing International Match Returns for Smallbore Rifle Championship
Another highlight this year will be during the Smallbore Rifle National Championships. The historic Pershing Match, which was scrubbed in 2021 due to pandemic-related international travel restrictions, is back on for 2022. British competitors are planning to travel to the USA this summer for this historic match, which occurs every eight years.
At the NRA National Championships, shooters from across the country can compete shoulder-to-shoulder, continuing traditions going back to the 19th century. To showcase the National Championships, NRA Publications has created a great 36-page 2021 NRA National Matches commemorative magazine. This provides complete coverage of the inaugural year at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. There are plenty of photos along with interviews with top shooters. CLICK HERE for related story.
This story is based on a recent NRA-ILA article.
Half the USA’s 50 states now recognize a Constitutional right to carry firearms. Constitutional Carry eliminates the need for government permission before a law-abiding individual can exercise their right to bear arms. A citizen can carry without attaining a CCW permit and/or paying special fees. This is a significant milestone, achieved with the recent passage of Constitutional Carry legislation in Georgia. Georgia Governor Kemp is expected to sign Georgia’s new Constitutional Carry act today, making Georgia the 25th U.S. state to recognize such rights. SEE: Fox News Report on Georgia law.
When Gov. Kemp signs the legislation, Georgia will join Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming, in allowing law-abiding individuals to carry a concealed handgun without a government-issued permit.
Before Georgia adopted Constitutional Carry, Ohio passed similar legislation last month, with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signing S.B. 215, permitting firearms carry by Ohio citizens. READ Ohio Report.
According to the NRA: “The NRA paved the way for Constitutional Carry by first leading the charge for right-to-carry nearly 40 years ago. Today, every state, and the District of Columbia, provides for the carrying of a firearm for self-defense outside the home in some form, and half the nation recognizes the Second Amendment protects law-abiding citizens’ right to self-defense as an inherent and inalienable right.”
The modern carry movement in America began in earnest in 1987 when NRA helped pass a law legalizing concealed carry outside the home for all law-abiding gun owners in Florida. This law established a “shall issue” permitting regime in Florida, meaning the state was required to issue a carry permit to anyone who applied and could legally possess a firearm. Over the next 15 years, NRA successfully worked to establish right-to-carry laws in 42 states.
Constitutional Carry legislation, which eliminates the need for government permission before law-abiding gun owners can carry concealed firearms, was the natural next step after the success of “shall issue” legislation. In 2003, NRA helped to pass constitutional carry legislation in Alaska. Seven years later Arizona joined the fold, followed by Wyoming, Kansas, and Maine. Ten additional states passed similar legislation by 2019. And in the last two years, nine states have become constitutional carry states.
“This is a monumental moment for the Second Amendment, NRA members and gun owners nationwide,” said Jason Ouimet, executive director of NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action. “Half the country now rightfully recognizes the fundamental right to carry a firearm for self-defense as enshrined in our Constitution – as opposed to a government privilege that citizens must ask permission to exercise. Passing this essential legislation has been a priority for the NRA for many years, and we’re thrilled to celebrate this huge success.”
Do you currently carry a firearm for self-defense, or are you considering getting a CCW permit? Then you should listen to Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk Radio this Sunday, April 10, 2022. Important issues related to firearms carry laws will be discussed. U.S. LawShield President Kirk Evans will be the lead guest on this Sunday’s radio show. Evans will discuss permitless carry, also known as “constitutional carry”, in American states. Evans, who directs the USA’s America’s largest legal service for gun carriers, will also discuss important distinctions between constitutional carry and carry with issued CCW permits.
This Gun Talk Radio show airs live on Sunday, April 10, at 2:30 PM ET. If you miss the Sunday broadcast, past broadcasts can be heard online via the GUNTALK PODCAST Site.
“Permitless or constitutional carry is on the minds of many Americans with the recent passage of legislation in Indiana, Ohio, and Alabama,” stated Evans. “With Georgia on deck to become the 25th state to make it law, people need to know what it means for them.”
“Lawful gun owners face potential risks as they reside in and travel through states with changing carry laws if they don’t understand how they apply to them,” said Evans. “We’ll discuss a broad overview of carry issues, plus which states are currently fighting for permitless carry and the educational Legislative Tour happening across the state of Georgia.”
Kirk Evans has more than 25 years of experience practicing law in Texas, focused on self-defense cases and constitutional issues. He has represented gun owners, instructors, ranges, and law enforcement and has reviewed and analyzed hundreds of self-defense cases. Evans is the author of several firearms legal publications, including Texas Gun Law: Armed And Educated.
About Gun Talk Radio
In its 27th year of national syndication, Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk radio airs live on Sundays from 2 PM to 5 PM Eastern and runs on more than 270 radio stations nationwide every week. Listen on a radio station near you or via live streaming.
The 2022 Federal Tax Deadline is coming very soon. This year, Federal and (most) State tax returns must be filed on or before Monday, April 18, 2022. That’s a few days later than usual, because this year April 15, the normal deadline, is recognized as Emancipation Day, a holiday in the nation’s capital.
If you haven’t finished your taxes yet, and could use some help maximizing your deductions and following all the rules, you may want to consider using the Tax Act Program. This is certainly NOT the only good online tax program available, and you may want to go to a tax specialist. However, Tax Act is currently offering 25% Off Savings for NRA Members.
So as an NRA member, and a patriotic supporter of the Second Amendment, you can enjoy significant savings on expert tax guidance and filing support. For example, the most popular DELUXE Plan is $35.21 for NRA Members, instead of the regular $46.95 price. And there is even a FREE program for basic filers with simple returns. NOTE: State tax prep fees are separate.
* Check to determine the exact deadline for state tax filing. Some states have filing deadlines AFTER 4/18/2022. Click here for a list of deadlines for ALL 50 States: 2022 STATE Income Tax Filing Deadlines.
This past Friday was April Fool’s Day, and there were some clever spoofs. One notable April First item came from Vihtavuori, maker of premium propellants. On April 1st, Vihtavuori (VV) announced a new men’s cologne — a “New scent for the avid reloader: Vihtavuori Eau de Gunpowder.”
Here is the product description:
“Our composition opens with an aromatic smokiness and lingers on the dark, addictive scent of graphite and nitrocellulose. A powerful and refined composition for the serious reloader who wants to feel connected to his powder every day. Try the essence of accuracy with Vihtavuori Eau de Gunpowder — you won’t be disappointed.”
Comments from Readers:
One Facebook poster observed: “I love the smell of gunpowder in the morning…” *
While another FB fan joked cleverly, “Will it be available in different burning rates?”
Finally, one astute poster said this Vihtavuori product actually has serious commercial potential: “I know today is April 1st … but I want this! It would market well I think!”
For April 2023 — Will Vihtavuori Offer a Fragrance for Females?
Recognizing that there are many very talented lady shooters in the world, we think Vihtavuori should also introduce a special scent for ladies, i.e. a Female Fragrance. Perhaps it could be called Parfume de Pistol, Fragrance de Firearms, or VV N°5.56? What do you think ladies, would such products sell?
Kirsten Weiss would be a great representative for a Ladies firearms fragrance.
* In the 1979 Hollywood movie Apocalypse Now, actor Robert Duvall famously stated “I love the smell of Napalm in the morning.”
It was bound to happen sooner or later. With the price of primers rising dramatically, and supplies being extremely restricted, we are now seeing pistol and rifle primers being marketed as “precious metals”, distributed through elite jewelry stores. With highly desirable match primers selling for $350 or more (per thousand) on GunBroker and other websites, primer makers have realized that primers are an exceptionally valuable product. Modern primers, which appear like tiny gold-colored pearls, can actually be marketed successfully through jewelry outlets and precious metals vendors.
The “precious primer” marketing trend is coming from Europe, home of the world’s leading jewelry empires. Primer maker Sellier & Bellot has started this trend, announcing that its primers will be sold through elite jewelry vendors Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Bulgari. Not to be outdone, primer maker Fiocchi intends to market its high-grade primers through Damiani, Leviev, and Harry Winston outlets.
Starting in May, Sellier & Bellot primers will be put on display next to diamonds, rubies, and gold necklaces at Cartier, Tiffany, and Bulgari stores. Primer buyers will be able to purchase standardized primers, or special edition gold-plated primers with ruby-red internal cores. Initially the primers will be offered in sets of five, priced at $250.00.
Not to be outdone, Italian primer-maker Fiocchi plans to bring out its own jewelry line of primers, which will be offered in sets of four with Gold-tone, Silver, or Nickel finishes. These will be more affordable, with the silver-plated Fiocchis available for just $20 per set of four. There will also be a special 1000-pack of silver-coated primers for customers. This 1000-count Silver Collectors Edition will retail for $2500.00.
A new statute passed in California will bar state employees (as well as teachers, police personnel, and health care workers) from using a variety of firearms terms in official communications. California Assembly Bill 22408, authored by Assemblyman Tony Fulenzo (D. Los Angeles), defines over 30 gun-related words as “hate speech”. Under existing California law, any words/phrases defined as “hate speech” are proscribed (forbidden) in official publications, school textbooks, and all public-sector communications (including email). By effect of AB 22408 then, dozens of gun-related nouns, verbs, and adjectives will be banned, and “shall no longer be uttered or used in the State of California by any public agent or employee”.
Assemblyman Fulenzo said his intent in sponsoring AB 22408 was to alter public attitudes toward firearms, and in particular, to convince school children that firearms are bad. “We want to prevent young kids from perceiving firearms as ‘cool’ or ‘exciting’. The best way to do that is to bury the subject altogether. We need to dismantle the ‘gun culture’. That begins with banning the words themselves.”
Fulenzo said AB 22408 was inspired by existing bans on racist “hate speech”: “We don’t want children to read about guns or talk about guns. The first step, therefore, is to remove firearms-related words from textbooks, classroom presentations, and state documents. This is not something new. California has done the same thing with hateful words directed at minority groups. In California, by law, we have banned the use of the ‘N’ word (and other racist terms) in official state publications and school textbooks. Now we are just following that practice and banning the ‘G’ word (i.e. ‘gun’) and similar firearms-related hate speech”.
Ban on Gun Words in Oregon Next?
Meanwhile, in neighboring Oregon, anti-gun groups have called for the passage of similar legislation banning the use of firearms-related terminology. And there have been protests in Arizona also.
Permitted Word Equivalencies for Banned Firearm Terms
When enacted into law, AB 22408 will ban more than 30 firearm-related words, including “gun”, “pistol”, “rifle”, “bullet” and other commonly-used words. Where it is necessary to reference a firearm, as in a police report, AB 22308 provides for substitute words or phrases. AB 22408 recognizes that, in some instances, it will be necessary to mention firearms-related facts in official documents. By using these officially-designated substitute words, firearms-related facts can be logged without resort to banned “hate speech”.
Gun = “Gunk”
Pistol = “Piddle”
Rifle = “Ripple”
Shoot = “Suit”
Bullet = “Mullet”
Ammo = “Venmo”
Cartridge = “Partridge”
How to Use CA-Approved Substitute Words:
Under AB 22408, if an official report requires description of a hate speech item, then the approved replacement words shall be used instead of the prohibited terms. For example, if a state-funded hospital treats a pistol wound, this shall be listed as a “piddle wound” in the medical report. Likewise the recovery of cartridges at a crime scene by police shall be recorded as a “partridge recovery” in the incident report.
New Law Does Not Restrict Speech by Non-Governmental Entities
This new law only applies to “public sector” entities (schools, police/sheriff agencies, hospitals/health clinics, state and municipal agencies). Private businesses, including newspapers and web sites, will still be allowed to use firearms-related words without the threat of prosecution. Likewise, private citizens will still be allowed to say “gun”, “pistol”, or “rifle” etc. in their own private communications. However internet posting of hate speech involving forbidden firearm words will be monitored by a new California State Agency. This new Agency, the California Office of Firearms Hate Speech (COFHS) will be funded by a new 5% sales tax on firearms ammunition and components.