The 2024 SHOT Show is now just nine-and-a-half weeks away. The NSSF SHOT Show is the leading gun/hunting/shooting industry trade show. The huge event takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum. At SHOT Show, visitors can see thousands of new guns, optics, accessories, and ammo offerings. This is the premier opportunity to have a “hands-on” view of new products, network with industry leaders, and attend informative seminars. This year’s event runs Tuesday through Friday, January 23-26, 2024, preceded by Media Day at the Range on January 22nd.
Book Hotels Now to Save Money
Unfortunately, we are seeing that, for SHOT Show week, Las Vegas hotel rates are up to 50% higher than before the pandemic. And numerous hotels are deceptively adding extra “resort fees” and processing charges, which worsen the high costs. Before you confirm a reservation, make sure you know ALL the COSTS, including room rates, taxes, resort fees, parking charges, and non-refundable deposits.
The longer you wait, the higher the cost of Las Vegas rooms will be. NSSF notes that: “It is important for attendees to book hotel rooms sooner than later to get better room rates and to get a room in a preferred location. Hotels like The Flamingo, Harrah’s and The LINQ are great options to consider.” Learn more about hotels here: https://shotshow.org/official-hotels/.
SHOT Show Information
We expect over 50,000 people will attend SHOT Show 2024. As in 2023, this year’s SHOT Show encompasses two facilities — the Venetian Expo AND the new Caesars Forum. Combined, these facilities provide over 800,000 square feet of exhibit space. The two trade show halls are connected by an elevated walking bridge.
Curious about suppressors (aka “silencers”, “moderators”, or “cans”)? Below you’ll find an informative NSSF Infographic that covers the history, legal status, design, and operation of modern-day suppressors.
Here’s a cool video showing how suppressors work. This video features see-through rifle suppressors filmed with ultra-high-speed (110,000 frame per second) cameras. When played back in super-slow-motion, you can see the flame propagate through the suppressor and the bullet move through each baffle before it exists the muzzle. Check it out!
See Through Suppressor in Super Slow Motion (110,000 fps) — Click Arrow to Watch:
Suppressor Facts — What You Need to Know
In this infographic, the NSSF provides the history, specifications, benefits and uses of firearm suppressors. Don’t suppress your knowledge!
Suppressors reduce gunfire sound levels by using baffles that contain expanding gasses exiting a firearm’s muzzle when ammo is discharged. Suppressors are similar to car mufflers that were, in fact, developed in parallel by the same inventor in the early 1900s. Well-designed suppressors typically reduce the gun sound levels by 30-35 decibels (dB).
Suppressors are now legal in 42 states nationwide. Suppressors are becoming more popular even though it still takes many months to get approved. In fact, the total number of suppressors registered in the NFRTR is 2,664,775 as of May 2021. This represents a 30% increase (622,056) since April 2020. That’s a remarkable growth rate. And we believe the numbers have increased substantially in 2022 and 2023.
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September 23, 2023, was National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD). We’re proud to recognize how important hunting is for millions of Americans — as a source of food for families and as an important connection with nature and the outdoors. The NFHD website has helpful resources for hunters, and in this article we provide links for Where to Hunt, How to get Hunting Licenses, and Hunter Education.
NHFD was first established by President Nixon in 1972. According to NationalToday.com, NHFD’s “roots go back more than 100 years to President Theodore Roosevelt, who introduced the first laws regulating the hunting of wildlife in the United States.”
This month we hope some of our readers can take new shooters afield and introduce them to hunting. Many hunters receive their first introduction to hunting from family or friends as a tradition passed down from generation to generation. There are over 9.2 million hunters in the United States.
To have a successful hunt you must first get to areas where game thrives. Finding the right places to hunt is essential. The NSSF offers a nationwide Where-to-Hunt database of hunting areas. You can click on a particular state, then specify the specicies you wish to hunt. This is a very useful resource.
In most states, when hunting game animals, you’ll need a hunting license and/or zone permit. The Federal Fish & Wildlife Service has state-by-state listing for hunting licenses on FWS.gov. Click the box below to learn how to get hunting licenses in your region.
For all hunters, whether they have mentors to guide them or not, the most important first step into the woods begins with a state-certified hunter education course. Click the box below to see hunting education opportunities around the nation.
Game Resources — To learn more about different game species, click these NSSF links:
To help you prepare for a fall hunt, here is a free, printable Deer Practice target. Hone your skills on a trio of bucks with a red bullseye centered on the animals. You can print the targets in black and white, but they look best in color. Right-click the image below to download a FREE printable PDF file.
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When shooting at long range, two heads (and two sets of eyes) can be better than one. Teaming up with a buddy who acts as a spotter can speed up your long-range learning process. You can focus 100% on the shot, while your buddy calls the wind and spots your hits and misses.
The NSSF has created a short video that shows how shooter and spotter can work as a team. In the video, the NSSF’s Dave Miles works with Rod Ryan, owner of Storm Mountain Training Center in Elk Garden, WV. As the video shows, team-work can pay off — both during target training sessions and when you’re attempting a long shot on a hunt. Working as a two-person team divides the responsibilities, allowing the shooter to concentrate fully on breaking the perfect shot.
The spotter’s job is to watch the conditions and inform the shooter of needed wind corrections. The shooter can dial windage into his scope, or hold off if he has a suitable reticle. As Rod Ryan explains: “The most important part is for the shooter to be relaxed and… pay attention to nothing more than the shot itself.” The spotter calls the wind, gives the information to the shooter, thus allowing the shooter to concentrate on proper aim, gun handling, and trigger squeeze. Rod says: “The concept is that the spotter does all the looking, seeing and the calculations for [the shooter].”
Spotter Can Call Corrections After Missed Shots
The spotter’s ability to see misses can be as important as his role as a wind-caller. Rod explains: “If you shoot and hit, that’s great. But if you shoot and miss, since the recoil pulse of the firearm is hitting your shoulder pretty good, you’re not going to be able to see where you missed the target. The spotter [can] see exactly where you missed, so I’ll have exactly an idea of how many [inches/mils it takes] to give you a quick secondary call so you can get [back on target].”
Recommended Premium Spotting Scopes
Looking for a truly superior spotting scope? Then check out the Kowa Prominar TSN-880 Series. These big spotters feature ultra-sharp Flourite glass, with huge 88mm front objectives. In comparison tests with other premium spotting scopes the TSN-883 (angled) and TSN-884 (straight) units always finish at or near the top. Right now you can get the TSN-883 (Angled) body at Amazon for $2450.00 or EuroOptic.com for the same price.
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August is National Shooting Sports Month. Many indoor ranges are offering promotional specials this month. Range sessions may be reduced in price (or free) and you’ll find discounts on guns, ammo, and accessories. Shooting indoors is fun, and at many indoor ranges you can shoot in the evening after work. But when shooting indoors you should always be extra careful. Follow all key gun safety practices and adhere to proper range “Etiquette”. We also recommend double hearing protection — plugs under muffs.
The NSSF (NSSF) offers a useful Range Safety and Etiquette video. This 8.5-minute video explains safe practices, especially at indoor ranges. In the video, the moderator list the basic rules of gun safety, before covering key range etiquette topics such as range officer commands, how to uncase your firearm on the range when you first arrive, and what to do if a firearm is accidentally dropped. There are also safety tips specific to handling both semi-automatic handguns and revolvers.
BAD RANGE BEHAVIOR — Five Things NOT to Do at the Range
Here are the five worst behaviors we’ve seen at indoor ranges. These behaviors are both dangerous and inconsiderate. Any one of these behaviors can get you permanently banned from an indoor range.
1. Sweeping other individuals after loading a weapon behind the firing line is very bad. All your weapons should be empty until you reach your shooting station.
2. Turning the handgun sideways while trying to clear a malfunction or insert/remove a magazine. This will point the muzzle at a fellow shooter. Or, after shooting a gun, the shooter fails to clear the weapon and then places the gun somewhere near the shooting station with the muzzle in an unsafe position.
3. Reacting unpredictably when firing a high recoil handgun. We’ve seen people take a second shot by accident with the muzzle way off target.
4. Not obeying range commands — in particular continuing to shoot during called cease-fires.
5. Poorly aimed shooting that hits target frames or carriers, causing ricochets.
Seven Types of People at the Gun Range — HUMOR
This video is satire, but with lots of truth in the characterizations. Laughter guaranteed.
Double-Up on Hearing Protection When Shooting Indoors
When shooting rifles and pistols indoors we recommend quality muffs with earplugs underneath, offering double protection. When inside an enclosed range, with other shooters blasting away right next to you, you really need effective hearing protection. But you also need to hear range commands and be able to communicate with your fellow shooters. That’s why we recommend electronic muffs with plugs underneath.
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August is National Shooting Sports Month. The NSSF, through its “+ONE” campaigns, encourages all dedicated gun owners to invite a new shooter to the range this month. Here’s the challenge to our readers — make a commitment to introduce at least one new person to the shooting sports this summer.
The +ONE Movement — The Mission
The goal of the +ONE campaign is to build the ranks of shooters. The idea is basic — make a commitment to act as a MENTOR and encourage at least ONE new person to get involved. As the NSSF says: “If just one in three of America’s recreational shooters adds one new person to the shooting sports, we’ll secure a strong future for generations to come.”
NSSF encourages gun owners across America to take part in the 2023 #RangeChallenge held during August, National Shooting Sports Month. For the seventh year, National Shooting Sports Month celebrates the sport of target shooting by encouraging firearm owners to enjoy a summer day at the range — preferably with friends or family members.
National Shooting Sports Month Target and Gift Cards
For National Shooting Sports Month there is a special target you can download and shoot (or get from local shooting ranges). Then you can enter your target or a photo of your shooting session for a chance to win one of ten $500.00 gift cards.
How To Get Involved — Get Target, Shoot Target, Enter to Win
1. Download a Target
Download and print the target — CLICK HERE or Right-Click Target Below.
2. Find a Range and Shoot Your Target
Use the Shooting Sports Month host/events map to find a participating range near you.
3. Review the Game Instructions:
Choose one of three options, then shoot pistol at 15 feet, or rifle at 30 feet.
4. Enter to Win Prizes!
After shooting, upload a photo of you and/or your target OR post a photo or video to your Instagram feed using the hashtag #RangeChallenge for your chance to win one of ten $500 gift cards.
The #RangeChallenge provides shooters of all levels with a fun and competitive game plus a chance to win great prizes. Get a free #RangeChallenge target at a National Shooting Sports Month-participating range or download a target below. Get a chance to win gift cards by posting a photo on the #RangeChallenge website or a photo on Instagram using hashtag #RangeChallenge. You’ll be entered to win one of ten $500.00 gift cards. See the #RangeChallenge website for full details and rules.
Click the target above to get a printable PDF. Or you can get a free #RangeChallenge target at any participating local range. CLICK HERE for more information about the NSSF’s 2023 Range Challenge.
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Tomorrow is the first day of August, the beginning of National Shooting Sports Month (NSSM). Each August, throughout the month, America’s shooters come together to celebrate our sport and get newcomers involved. To help grow the ranks of shooters, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) asks you to bring a new shooter to the range in August. That’s a good mission — adding to the ranks of shooters is the best way to preserve our Second Amendment rights.
This coast-to-coast celebration spotlights the fun and enjoyment of target shooting. Newcomers can take their first shots, and experienced shooters can invite someone new to the range or help an erstwhile shooter rediscover the fun of target shooting. This month-long event involves all the shooting sports — rifle, pistol, and shotgun.
Find Shooting Sports Events Near You
The NSSF’s ShootingSportsMonth.org website offers a comprehensive, searchable database. This lets you search by state, to find ranges, events, and sales promotions near you. Visit the NSSF online database of NSSM shooting events to find matches, clinics, training sessions, special sales — and much more.
Great FREE Targets for Fun at the Range
To promote National Shooting Sports Month, the NSSF offers 17 FREE Downloadable Targets. There are regular bullseyes, as well as Darts, Golf, and more. We really like the Billiards target and kids love the Water Balloons target. You can download all 17 targets for free, and then print them out, ideally with a color printer. Below are six of our favorite targets. Click HERE to download these six targets (3.5 mb ZIP).
What Shooters Can Do to Promote National Shooting Sports Month:
The NSSF says: “As shooters, you serve a critical role in the continued growth of gun ownership and shooting sports participation. We urge you to join us this August for National Shooting Sports Month.” There are a variety of ways you can help this August:
— Introduce a family member, friend, or group of friends to the shooting sports by taking them to a local range that’s hosting an event.
— Spread the word to family/friends and encourage them to get out to the range in August.
— Encourage the ranges and retailers near you to host an event this August and add them to the official events calendar at www.ShootingSportsMonth.org.
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Do you have a friend or family member who is a first-time gun owner? Then show them this article. It provides important guidelines for new gun owners. There’s an Infographic printed below. And, there’s a helpful Firearm Storage and Safety Assessment Quiz. This walks gun owners through questions related to safe handling and storage of firearms. Here is Part One of the Quiz. If you click on this part, you can complete the entire Quiz and see how you score.
Here’s an positive report about a major gun industry company giving back to the shooting sports community. Winchester has shown its support for the First Shots training program by donating 40,000 rounds of rimfire ammunition. That .22 LR ammo will help thousands of new shooters hone their skills. “We fully support the mission of the program, and this ammunition donation will allow for new participants to engage and learn”, said Jason Gilbertson, Director of Marketing for Winchester Ammunition.
NSSF’s First Shots is an introductory and refresher program made available through host ranges across the country. By providing educational experiences that are safe and fun, host ranges are attracting first-time shooters and bringing back folks who have not shot in some time. Surveys show that more than 43% of First Shots participants become regular shooting sports participants. CLICK HERE to find a First Shots program near you (state by state searchable directory).
NSSF provides host ranges with program materials and promotional resources to help offset overall event expenses. Shooting range operators and firearm instructors can learn how to get involved with First Shots by visiting the NSSF First Shots webpage, or clicking the graphic below:
“NSSF’s First Shots program is grateful to Winchester for its generous donation of ammunition,” said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Member Development. “As a result of Winchester’s support of First Shots, many first-time and novice target shooters will gain experience in handling and using firearms safely. Americans in growing numbers are eager to learn about firearm ownership, and First Shots has been designed to assist them by providing education in the classroom and experience on the firing line.”
Birchwood Casey Donates 10,000 Targets to First Shots Program
Along with Winchester providing ammunition, Birchwood Casey has provided 10,000 targets to the First Shots Program. Along with the donated targets, NSSF provides First Shots host ranges with program materials and promotional resources. Participants are provided handbooks, safety literature, plus hearing and eye protection for their time spent on the range.
This video features the Shoot-N-C Handgun Training Target. This target’s labeled impact zones help diagnose hold/sighting/trigger issues. Pistol shooters can improve their skills quickly using such targets. Birchwood Casey also makes excellent rifle targets.
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The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) is challenging California’s firearm industry liability law, AB 1594, passed in 2022 and signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The law, which goes into effect on July 23, 2023, encourages civil suits against the firearm industry for the illegal actions of criminals with guns. This law is an affront to the U.S. Constitution and is an attempt to circumvent the will of the U.S. Congress when it passed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA).
The litigation, NSSF v. Bonta, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. The NSSF now seeks a preliminary injunction to halt enforcement of AB 1594 as challenges to the unconstitutional law progress through the courts.
NSSF Files Motion to Enjoin Unconstitutional California Firearm Industry Liability Law
The NSSF filed a motion for a preliminary injunction in its legal challenge, NSSF v. Bonta, seeking to enjoin California’s firearm industry liability law, AB 1594. The unconstitutional law permits and encourages civil suits against members of the firearm industry for the damages/injuries caused by the actions of criminals. The law goes into effect next month on 7/23/23.
NSSF’s motion argues that California’s firearm industry liability law is preempted by the Federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) which was passed with bipartisan support in Congress and subsequently signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2005. The PLCAA was specifically enacted to stamp out frivolous lawsuits sought by activist politicians, gun control lawyers and greedy trial lawyers seeking to bankrupt the lawful firearm industry by blaming them and their lawfully-sold and non-defective products for the violence and harm caused by criminals who misuse firearms to commit their crimes.
“It’s no surprise California’s rabidly antigun General Assembly would pass and Governor Gavin Newsom would sign into law a blatantly unconstitutional attack on the lawful firearm industry instead of looking in the mirror to see how their own policies are leading to historic levels of criminal violence and endangering law-abiding and innocent Californians every day,” said NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane. “NSSF will not stand by and allow the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans … to be trampled upon while criminals committing acts of violence are handled with kid gloves by soft-on-crime prosecutors. California’s industry liability law is in blatant defiance of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Bruen and is preempted by the PLCAA.”
In addition to the firearm industry liability provision, California’s AB 1594 bans the manufacture, sale, and marketing of firearms the state deems “abnormally dangerous” regardless of if they are commonly-owned. It allows civil lawsuits against a firearm industry member to be filed by a person who has suffered harm in California, the Attorney General, or even city or county attorneys for the harm caused by the criminal misuse of a firearm by a remote third party. The law unconstitutionally invades the sovereignty of sister states by directly regulating lawful commerce occurring entirely and wholly outside the state of California in violation of the Commerce Clause and the United States system of federalism.
NSSF’s challenge explains that AB 1594 is a law that was drafted prior to the Bruen decision and signed just weeks AFTER the Supreme Court published the landmark ruling. Rather than re-examining the legislation to ensure AB 1594 complied with Supreme Court precedent, California legislators ignored the Supreme Court’s decision and pushed AB 1594 through defiantly.
The NSSF argues that AB 1594 not only infringes on Second Amendment rights but chills First Amendment rights by restricting advertising of Constitutionally-protected products that are lawfully made and sold — even when that advertising takes place outside of California’s borders.
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In recognition of June as National Safety Month, the NSSF reminds guns owners that their most important responsibility is to store their firearms securely when not in use. New and long-time gun owners sometimes underestimate the danger of leaving firearms unsecured, which can potentially lead to such risks as: A child getting into a bedside table or closet and finding a loaded gun; A criminal stealing an unsecured firearm from one’s home or vehicle; or a teen at risk for suicide obtaining an adult’s firearm.
With schools closing soon for the summer and kids spending more time at home, firearms safety is more important than ever. Given that fact, the NSSF reminds gun owners to keep their guns locked up so they cannot be accessed by children. The NSSF urges gun owners to keep firearms safety a top priority. All gun owners must remember that it is vital to use gun locks and secure storage at all times.
We also know that stolen firearms contribute to violent crime in the U.S. Gun thefts from cars, in particular, are a persistent source of stolen guns. This means that gun owners—if they fail to secure their firearms in their vehicles—could have their gun stolen and potentially used in a crime—and no one wants their gun used by a criminal.
That’s why it’s so important, as a responsible gun owner, to make sure you’re practicing secure firearm storage and to encourage fellow gun owners to do the same. You have many choices of safety devices to fit your needs and lifestyle — from free Project ChildSafe® cable gun locks available at local law enforcement agencies to lockable gun cases, lock boxes, and full-size safes.
Firearms Security and Safety in Vehicles
“More parents are assuming the role of educators in their homes, so it’s a good to time have a talk with your kids about gun safety, even if you don’t own a gun”, states Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. “If you do own a firearm, be sure your family understands the safety rules regarding firearms in your home, and always store guns responsibly when not in use.”
Much of the Northeast USA recently suffered from smoke drifting south from massive forest fires in Canada. This underscores the importance of helping to prevent wildfires. There were 68,988 wildfires in 2022 that burned more than 7.5 million acres of land throughout the country, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. These conflagrations — an increase from 2021 of over 10,000 more wildfires — caused billions of dollars in damage plus hardship for both people and wildlife.
NSSF reminds target shooters and hunters to take precautions so they don’t accidently ignite a wildfire. Some 90 percent of wildland fires in the United States are caused by human actions.
KEY PRECAUTIONS:
1. Be aware of any/all restrictions on shooting and other activities in fire-prone areas.
2. Do NOT use tracer rounds, exploding targets or ammunition that is steel-jacketed or contains steel-core components.
3. Be aware that a car, truck, or ATV’s hot exhaust system can ignite dry vegetation — so stay on roads whenever possible. Park only in designated areas and don’t leave the motor running in wilderness areas.
4. Make sure all campfires and smoking materials are properly extinguished.
NSSF’s Help Prevent Wildfires public service campaign helps remind recreational shooters and outdoor enthusiasts to be mindful of their surroundings and to follow the key precautions outlined above. Wildfires are tragic in many ways. Remember that most wildfires can be prevented if people pay attention to their surroundings and follow safe practices.
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The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) is challenging California’s firearm industry liability law, AB 1594, passed in 2022 and signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The law, which goes into effect on July 23, 2023, encourages civil suits against the firearm industry for the illegal actions of criminals with guns. This law is an affront to the U.S. Constitution and is an attempt to circumvent the will of the U.S. Congress when it passed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA).
The litigation, NSSF v. Bonta, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. The NSSF now seeks a preliminary injunction to halt enforcement of the unconstitutional law as challenges to AB 1594 progress through the courts.
“California’s General Assembly and Governor Newsom made a spectacle of defying the U.S. Supreme Court’s Bruen decision when this bill was passed and enacted,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “This law is openly hostile to the firearm industry and also defiant to Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court and the Constitution. Governor Newsom [seeks] to exert California’s radical gun control agenda across the United States. NSSF will defend our Constitutionally-protected industry against the broadsides of this extremist agenda.”
NSSF’s challenge explains that AB 1594, misleadingly titled the “Firearm Industry Responsibility Act,” is a law that was drafted prior to the Bruen decision and signed just weeks after the Supreme Court published the landmark ruling. Rather than re-examining the legislation to ensure it complied with Supreme Court precedent, Gov. Newsom forged ahead, challenging the ruling when he signed it.
The law bans the manufacture, sale and marketing of firearms the state deems “abnormally dangerous” regardless if they are commonly-owned. It also encourages civil lawsuits by a person who has suffered harm in California, the Attorney General, or city or county attorneys against a firearm industry member for the harm caused by the criminal misuse of a firearm by a remote third party. This is expressly prohibited by PLCAA. The law unconstitutionally invades the sovereignty of sister states by directly regulating lawful commerce occurring entirely and wholly outside the state of California in violation of the Commerce Clause and our system of federalism.
The NSSF argues that AB 1594 not only infringes on Second Amendment rights but chills First Amendment rights by restricting advertising of Constitutionally-protected products that are lawfully made and sold — even when that advertising takes place outside of California’s borders.
California’s AB 1594 is clearly unconstitutional on several fronts.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed Florida SB 214, a law that bars credit card companies from implementing a special Merchant Category Code (MCC) for credit card purchases at firearm retailers. This new Florida law will esure that the privacy of customers at firearm retailers remains protected and is not collected to be used in an illegal backdoor firearm registry.
“Governor DeSantis is standing up against a ‘woke’ initiative … to use lawful private transactions as a means to usher in gun control,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “No law-abiding American should be subjected to having their name and financial data being added to a government-accessible watchlist simply for exercising their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. Governor DeSantis is ensuring that Floridians won’t be held captive by the radical ‘woke’ antigun agenda that seeks to weaponize credit cards in gun owners’ wallets against them.”
Florida’s SB 214 will ensure that the names of law-abiding firearm owners are not illegally recorded on a list or registry. The law also prohibits a payment settlement entity, merchant acquiring entity or third party settlement organization from assigning a MCC classifying a merchant as a seller of firearms or ammunition. And SB 214 authorizes the Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services to investigate alleged violations of the law.
BACKGROUND: In late 2022, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) announced it would create a unique MCC, at the behest of Amalgamated Bank, which has been described as the Left’s Private Banker, that would allow credit card companies to monitor transactions at firearm retailers. Credit card companies suspended plans to implement the use of unique firearm retailer MCCs after significant opposition by NSSF and several state governments.
Idaho, Mississippi, and West Virginia Have Passed Similar Legislation
Florida joins West Virginia, Mississippi and Idaho in enacting laws to protect firearm purchasers’ privacy when using credit cards at firearm retailers. Legislation similar to Florida’s law is pending in Congress.
Fighting Back — 24 State Attorney Generals Oppose New Code
The Attorney Generals (AGs) of 24 states have sent letters to Credit Card company CEOs requesting elimination of the new Merchant Category Code (MCC) for gun stores being implemented by Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. These AGs of 24 states stated their intent to “marshal the full scope of our lawful authority” to block the use of the new Code to be applied to gun and gun-related sales.
The AGs sent a letter last week to the CEOs of American Express, Mastercard, and Visa. The AGs explained that the Code could be misused and lead to a de facto gun registry: “Creating and tracking this data only matters if your institutions are considering using that information to take further, harmful action—like infringing upon consumer privacy, inhibiting constitutionally protected purchases by selectively restricting the use of your payment systems, or otherwise withholding your financial services from targeted ‘disfavored’ merchants.” READ MORE.
The AGs added that the Code would not be able to distinguish between actual firearms sales vs. hunting/outdoor accessories, leading to problems for consumers: “This categorization would not recognize the difference, for example, between the purchase of a gun safe and a firearm. Nor would it capture firearm purchases made at department stores, resulting in arbitrarily disparate treatment of ‘gun store’ merchants and consumers.”
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In recognition of June as National Safety Month, the NSSF reminds guns owners that their most important responsibility is to store their firearms securely when not in use. New and long-time gun owners sometimes underestimate the danger of leaving firearms unsecured, which can potentially lead to such risks as: A child getting into a bedside table or closet and finding a loaded gun; A criminal stealing an unsecured firearm from one’s home or vehicle; or a teen at risk for suicide obtaining an adult’s firearm.
