From now on, California will require all new-model semi-automatic handguns to be manufactured with microstamping technology (aka “ballistic imprinting”). This requirement went into effect on May 17th, when the California Attorney General’s office declared that technical and patent barriers to the implementation of microstamping had been removed.
To make a firearm compliant, firearms manufacturers must now engrave a gun’s make, model, and serial number on two distinct parts of each gun, including the firing pin, so that, in theory, this data is imprinted on the cartridge casing when the pistol is fired. If the microstamp on the end of the firing pin wears out, then the gun is considered “unsafe” under California law, and the owner may not sell or transfer the gun.
California’s microstamping law was enacted way back in 2007. However, by its terms, the law did not go into effect until the technology was mature and patent rights were resolved. With the State government claiming that microstamping is now practical, new gun models must have microstamping capability in order to be approved for civilian sale in California. This will, eventually serve as a de facto ban on new-model semi auto handguns in California. Brandon Combs, Executive Director of the Calguns Foundation, explains: “Manufacturers are not going to create a special run of firearms with all of these very burdensome manufacturing technologies just so they can comply and produce firearms for one market.” At present, as far as we can determine, no major gun-maker currently offers a microstamping-capable, semi-auto handgun for sale in the United States — not a single one.
Current “California-Approved” Semi-Auto Pistols Can Still Be Sold — For a Time
The “activation” of California’s microstamping requirement does NOT mean that semi-auto handguns currently on the California “approved” list can no longer be sold. The current inventory of “approved” handguns are “grandfathered”, so they may be sold so long as the manufacturers continue to pay annual handgun roster registration fees to the State of California. However, any new-model semi-auto pistol — even one with a minor design change from a previous version — will be blocked from sale in California unless it has the microstamping feature. If a manufacturer stops producing a particular handgun, replacing it with a newer, upgraded version, that newer model cannot be sold in California unless it is microstamp-capable. (We should add that the microstamp requirement does not apply to handguns sold to law enforcement agencies.)
What we can expect is that, in time, as handgun manufacturers replace old models with new models (or make modifications to existing models), fewer and fewer new semi-auto pistols will be offered for sale in California. If, for example, Glock updates its Glock 17, the new model could not be sold in California unless Glock outfits it with microstamping capability.
NRA Plans Legal Challenge
NRA Attorney C.D. Michel says that microstamping is a flawed and impractical technology: “This is not going to help solve crimes. [Microstamping] is easily defeated… and can be used to lead police down false alleys.” Michel notes that criminals can easily defeat the microstamp by filing the tips of firing pins. Overall, Michel believes, microstamping will not reduce crime, but it will cut off the supply of handguns available to Californians. He stated the the NRA plans a legal challenge to the implementation of microstamping in California.
While there is virtually no “real world” evidence that microstamping has ever solved actual crimes, there are many important criticisms of the “ballistic imprinting” technology:
Stamped casing can only be traced to the last registered owner, not to the person who used the gun when the casings were stamped. In the case of a stolen gun, as is the case for most firearms used in crime, the stamped case would not lead to the criminal.
Criminals could collect discarded brass from a firing range and salt crime scenes with microstamped cases, thereby providing false evidence against innocent people and increasing the workload for investigators.
Microstamping is easily defeated. Inexpensive files will remove microstamping. Firing pins are normally replaceable and can be changed with simple tools or without tools. Firing a large number of rounds will wear down the microstamp.
Microstamping is an immature technology, and has not been subjected to sufficient independent testing. Transfer of microstamped marks to the cases is less reliable than proponents claim.
Using digital publishing software, the NRA is now offering iPad-optimized versions of American Rifleman and American Hunter magazines. These two magazines are now available for iPad-using NRA members who download the NRA Magazines App in the Apple App Store.
Bonus Content for iPad Users
The new digital magazines will feature all the stories, photos, and graphics found in the print magazines, PLUS bonus content. NRA Members with iPads can access videos, extra photos, sidebars, computer graphics and other interactive features. NRA Publications’ Joe Graham states: “The new iPad editions are designed to be convenient, easy to use and, most importantly, fun to read. The digital magazines have the same look and feel as the print magazines [but with] additional interactive content you can only get on an iPad.”
How to Get the iPad Editions of American Rifleman and American Hunter
As Official Journals of the NRA, American Rifleman and American Hunter are available exclusively to NRA members. You must be a current NRA member to access these digital eZines. To join the NRA visit Membership.nrahq.org or call 1-877-NRA-2000. For a limited time, all NRA members who currently receive their magazines in print will be able to download the iPad editions.
To get the new iPad editions of American Rifleman and American Hunter, NRA members can download the free NRA Magazines App from the Apple App Store. Once downloaded, launch the app and enter your NRA membership number and last name. Upon verification, the magazine you currently receive as part of your NRA membership will be displayed. Tap “download” to have the digital magazine delivered directly to your iPad and start enjoying all of the exciting new interactive features.
The NRA has launched a new website designed for female shooters. The new NRA Woman’s Outlook site covers firearms training, hunting, self-defense, shooting gear and much more. It includes photo and video galleries, and it even has a section for wild game recipes. According to the NRA, the site offers an “online presence for … today’s NRA woman as she exercises her Second Amendment rights in pursuit and enjoyment of the American firearms lifestyle.”
The primary sponsor of the new website is Barnes Bullets. “I must extend thanks to Coni Brooks of Barnes Bullets, our site’s first sponsor ” said Ann Smith, Editor-in-Chief of NRA E-Media. “The women in the Brooks family are examples of true pioneers in our industry, who can tell their family’s story about how they used to make bullets in the basement of their small home. Now they are known as one of the most successful and respected bullet companies in the country.”
Just about every competitive or recreational shooter has someone who helped introduce them to the shooting sports or helped them develop their skills. For many competition shooters, a coach is the person they credit for helping them train successfully and win.
The NRA’s Coach Education Program helps train shooters to become capable mentors. Each year, hundreds of people become NRA Certified Coaches by attending a Coach School. Available for a variety of shooting disciplines including Shotgun, Air Gun, Smallbore, and Pistol, Coach Schools teach the necessary methods for encouraging shooters and developing their skills.
Throughout the year, Coach Schools are offered for a variety of disciplines. Two Coach Schools will be held very soon, one in South Carolina next week, and another in Ohio in April. Information on these two coach schools is in the table below. More coach school sessions are added regularly, so check the Coach Education Program website for updates. To learn more about the Coach Education Program or to hold a Coach School in your area, contact Samantha Olsen at (703) 267-1504 or solsen [at] nrahq.org.
Who Teaches the Coach School?
The NRA Coach Schools are taught by National Coach Development Staff who are Certified Coaches that have been carefully selected, based on their talents and expertise in the areas of sports, education, coaching, and shooting. In addition, these coach school instructors have attended special training on how to conduct informative and enjoyable schools.
How Can I Sponsor a School in my Area?
The NRA is accepting requests to sponsor smallbore and air rifle, pistol, shotgun and high power rifle coach schools. For information on how you or your organization can sponsor one of these events, click here for a Sponsor’s Guide. For questions about the Coach Education Program, email coaching@nrahq.org.
In California, you can get a “Save the Whales” custom license plate. Meanwhile in the great state of Pennsylvania, you can now get a handsome, custom plate that helps raise money for the shooting sports. Thanks to Friends of NRA committees throughout Pennsylvania, PennDOT now offers NRA-specialized license plates. The Keystone State joins a growing list of states with NRA-themed plates. Revenues from the plates (after PennDOT takes its share) will help fund NRA Foundation programs.
Proceeds go to the NRA Foundation, the country’s leading charitable organization in support of the shooting sports. Since its inception in 1990, the NRA Foundation has awarded more than $140 million in grants. Grants awarded by the foundation provide essential program funding for youth education, law enforcement training, hunter education, conservation, firearms and marksmanship training and safety, and much more.
A digital version of the NRA Tournament Operations Guide is now available FREE online. While supplies last, there are still some copies of the previous version available through the NRA Program Materials Center. However, the newer, free online version will replace it.
The 56-page NRA Tournament Operations Guide is loaded with information that will help your club or organization run efficient events. Featured topics include tournament planning, range operations, statistics, awards, and much more. A great resource for all match directors, the new guide covers eight different shooting disciplines.
Read the Complete Tournament Guide Right Here
A full version of the Tournament Guide is embedded below. Use the white arrows to move from page to page within the document. The down arrow advances one page at a time. Or, you can simply use the scroll bar on the right. NOTE: The “+” control zooms the page to 100% (or larger) for easier reading:
This story by Kerrin Brinkman courtesy the NRA Blog.
Article based on story by Kyle Jillson for NRABlog
Kirsten Weiss was the 2012 NRA Women’s Smallbore Three Position (3-P) Champion. In this video, Kirsten condenses ten years of competitive shooting experience into an easy-to-understand segment about the fundamentals of aiming, head position, and proper cheek placement. Kirsten explains, “proper aiming is a relationship between the eye, the sights, and the target. Head position on the stock is the basic prerequisite to good aiming. And the cheek placement must be consistent every single time.” Kirsten also has a tip for scope fitting: “Once your cheek placement is comfortably achieved… make sure the scope comes to you — don’t move your head to the scope, [which requires] changing head/neck position. Adjust your scope to your eye in a comfortable way.”
So why are the fundamentals so important? Kirsten explains: “Even elite snipers and top-level competition shooters go back to basics to review and refresh their knowledge every once in a while. This reinforces knowledge, ingrains proper technique, and polishes out developmental flaws.”
Kirsten Weiss of Cornwall, PA was the 2012 NRA Women’s National Champion at the NRA Smallbore 3-P Championships held at Camp Perry, OH. She won the 2012 3-P smallbore championship in only her second trip to Camp Perry. Her first came nine years ago.
Back then she was still learning what it takes to be a top competitive shooter. Her skills still raw, she placed second in the Sharpshooter Category. Not good enough. She resolved to get better — and she did.
Weiss would go on to earn a spot on the Nebraska Cornhuskers rifle team. Her tenacity and techniques would garner recognition from USA Shooting and a sponsorship from Lapua Ammunition after a top eight finish at the Olympic Trials. She also has a been involved in hunting since age twelve. In fact, it was in the field that the foundation of her shooting skills began.
This is “NRA Weekend” at Cabela’s retail outlet stores across the country. On Saturday and Sunday, February 9th and 10th, the NRA will be offering seminars AND a special promotion. If you sign up for an NRA membership at a Cabela’s “brick and mortar” store, you’ll get a $25.00 Cabela’s gift card.
Here’s how it works. An NRA membership booth will be at every Cabela’s store. You’ll receive a $25.00 gift card if you join the NRA, renew your membership, sign up a friend/family member or add a year to your membership. That’s right, if you purchase a year-long NRA membership you’ll get most of your money back to spend at Cabela’s. The gift card is not available online, not available by phone, not available by mail-in request. You have to go to an actual Cabela’s store. Got it?
If you chose to visit a Cabela’s outlet, your time will be well-spent. At Cabela’s stores, the NRA will host a variety of special events, including ladies-only seminars, and informational sessions on home defense, concealed carry laws, and firearm maintenance.
Would you like to write about guns for a living, and “call the shots” at a major gun magazine with a huge readership of shooters around the country? Well, here’s your opportunity.
NRA Publications is accepting applications for Managing Editor of Shooting Illustrated, NRA’s monthly newsstand magazine dedicated to personal protection guns, tactical firearms, concealed carry, and self-defense techniques. The Managing Editor will assist with the management of and provide editorial support essential to the daily operation of Shooting Illustrated magazine and ShootingIllustrated.com. He or she will ensure all work satisfies established quality standards and policies, and meets production deadlines. Candidates should have at least “five years experience in managerial level journalism”. The position is based at NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia. For a full job description and a list of required qualifications, or to submit your resume, go to www.careers.nra.org. Direct inquiries to NRA Human Resources, careers [at] nrahq.org.
Story by Lars Dalseide forNRABlog
There were many European exhibitors at the 2013 SHOT Show, including Kruger Premium Targets from Germany. After a successful first run at the 2012 NRA National Rifle & Pistol Championships in Camp Perry, Ohio, the call for Kruger targets has been picking up steam.
“We are always surprised by how many people come to the show,” said Kruger Sales Manager Joachim Seibold. “For us it is a big advantage because so many people stop by our booth. So many orders.” Now with a state side warehouse located in Oregon, their ability to fill those orders promises to be even quicker than before.
Photo by NRABlog
After agreeing to provide the National Rifle Association with targets for the National Championships back in 2010, Kruger has experienced a rise in demand for their product. Especially from the pistol competitions. “I asked many pistol shooters at Camp Perry what they thought about the targets,” explained Seibold. “There were no complaints. Everyone said how pleased they were with the quality. They had no problems seeing the holes, easily scored the targets, and everyone was happy. That’s why the NRA asked us to be their manufacturer.”
That success has created a new demand in the American marketplace. Venturing into the archery industry has been keeping Kruger busy. And a competition target contract with USA Shooting has things humming too. Busy as it is, Kruger has even managed adjust to the strict standards surrounding NRA’s move to the Orion Scoring System. “Yes, we also print targets for the company Orion. Those are in our new Oregon warehouse too,” he concluded with a laugh.
Kruger targets can be ordered online through Kruger-US-Targets.com or you can call Kruger’s USA distributor, MK Tactical, at (503) 746-6816. MK Tactical is located in Hillsborough, OR.
From now on, California will require all new-model semi-automatic handguns to be manufactured with microstamping technology (aka “ballistic imprinting”). This requirement went into effect on May 17th, when the California Attorney General’s office declared that technical and patent barriers to the implementation of microstamping had been removed.
Using digital publishing software, the NRA is now offering iPad-optimized versions of American Rifleman and American Hunter magazines. These two magazines are now available for iPad-using NRA members who download the 
Just about every competitive or recreational shooter has someone who helped introduce them to the shooting sports or helped them develop their skills. For many competition shooters, a coach is the person they credit for helping them train successfully and win. 
A digital version of the 
Kirsten Weiss of Cornwall, PA was the 2012 NRA Women’s National Champion at the NRA Smallbore 3-P Championships held at Camp Perry, OH. She won the 2012 3-P smallbore championship in only her second trip to Camp Perry. Her first came nine years ago.
Would you like to write about guns for a living, and “call the shots” at a major gun magazine with a huge readership of shooters around the country? Well, here’s your opportunity.
