The Governor of Washington state, Jay Inslee, recently signed radical new legislation, House Bill 1240, that outlaws AR-platform rifles and other semi-auto, mag-fed “modern sporting rifles” (MSRs). This new WA state law, which goes into effect immediately as an “emergency” measure, will be fought in Federal Court. Two lawsuits have been filed, both seeking to strike down HB 1240 as unconstitutional.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) has filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Washington, challenging the constitutionality of the recently enacted HB 1240, which bans the manufacture, sale, import, and distribution of many semi-automatic firearms. The lawsuit, named Hartford v. Ferguson, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
In addition, NSSF (National Shooting Sports Foundation) filed a lawsuit, Banta et al v. Ferguson, against Washington’s Attorney General Robert Ferguson and John Batiste, Chief of Washington State Patrol, seeking declaratory and injunctive relief from state authorities enforcing HB 1240, which bans modern sporting rifles. The lead plaintiff is Amanda Banta, a 2012 Team USA Olympian and 10-year member of the U.S. Rifle Team and resident of Spokane, Washington.
GunsAmerica Digest reports: “HB 1240 is part of a broader gun reform package signed into law that includes a 10-day waiting period, mandatory firearms training for prospective gun buyers, and a new legal pathway for the Attorney General and family members of shooting victims to sue gun makers who market their products to prohibited persons. These additional provisions take effect this summer. HB 1240 has exemptions for law enforcement and members of the military. Existing owners of black rifles are also grandfathered in — at least for now.”
NSSF challenges Washington’s MSR ban, arguing that it violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court held in Heller that the Second Amendment protects the rights to keep and bear arms “typically possessed by law-abiding citizens for lawful purposes.” There are over 24.4 million MSRs in circulation today, more than there are Ford F-150s on America’s roads.
HB 1240 is very harsh. According to GunsAmerica Digest: “HB 1240 only allows 90 days for firearm dealers and manufacturers to sell or transfer their existing stock out of the state. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that violations will be considered a misdemeanor offense, which could result in a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a fine of $5,000.”
“NSSF will not stand idly by as politicians cleave away fundamental Constitutional rights from Americans,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior V.P. and General Counsel. “The right to keep and bear arms that are commonly owned belongs to law-abiding citizens. Politicians in Washington exceed their authority when they usurp those rights to mollify radical special-interest groups. These politicians violate their oaths to protect and defend the Constitution and the rights of the citizens they represent.”
SAF claims the new law — which took effect immediately — infringes on Second and Fourteenth Amendment rights and is seeking preliminary and permanent injunctions from the court.
SAF founder and Executive V.P. Alan M. Gottlieb criticized the state for putting politics above constitutional rights: “[Washington] has criminalized a common and important means of self-defense, the modern semiautomatic rifle. The state has put politics ahead of constitutional rights, and is penalizing law-abiding citizens while this legislation does nothing to arrest and prosecute criminals[.]”
SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut called out the authors and supporters of the legislation: “As we note in our complaint, the firearms that Washington bans as ‘assault weapons’ are, in all respects, ordinary semiautomatic rifles. To the extent they are different from other semiautomatic rifles, their distinguishing features make them safer and easier to use.”
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The total economic impact of the firearm and ammunition industry in the United States increased to $80.73 billion in 2022 from $19.1 billion in 2008, a 322% increase, while the total number of full-time equivalent jobs rose to over 393,696 from approximately 166,000, a 136% increase in that same period, according to a report released by the NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association. READ Full REPORT.
The Firearms and Shooting Sports Industry Now Generates 393,696 Jobs in America
On a year-over-year basis, the industry’s economic impact rose to $80.73 billion in 2022 from $70.52 billion in 2021. Total jobs increased by over 17,877 in the same period, to 396,696 from 375,819. The firearm industry has broader impacts throughout the American economy. The gun industry also generates business for firms not directly related to firearms — creating jobs in industries such as banking, retail, accounting, metalworking, and printing.
Gun Manufacturers and Ammo Makers Now Pay over $7.48 Billion in Taxes
The firearm and ammunition industry paid over $7.48 billion in business taxes, including property, income, and sales-based levies. An additional $1.15 billion was paid in federal excise taxes, which directly contributes to wildlife conservation.
“Our industry’s economic input is undeniably contributing to every state and every community. This milestone achievement of over $80 billion in economic impact proves that the American firearm and ammunition industry is strong,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. “Over 4.2 million Americans from all walks of life, for the first time, discovered and exercised their right to lawful firearm owners and safely participate in the recreational shooting sports last year. This growth equals more jobs that add to our local economies, averaging $65,000 in wages and benefits, up from $56,900 reported last year. Since 2008, federal tax payments increased by 266%, Pittman-Robertson excise taxes that support wildlife conservation by 226% and state business taxes by 46%.”
The annual Firearm and Ammunition Industry Economic Impact Report provides a state-by-state breakdown of job numbers, wages and output, as well as federal excise taxes paid. CLICK HERE for Full Report (Printable PDF).
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Report from National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)
The U.S. District Court (Central District of California) has issued a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of California’s Unsafe Handgun Act with its microstamping requirement. The case, Boland v. Bonta, was filed shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Bruen decision. The District court issued the preliminary injunction on March 20, 2024, via an order signed by U.S. District Judge Cormack J. Carney.
“This order is a victory for lawful gun ownership in California. For too long, the Second Amendment has been significantly infringed upon by elected officials who have taken every opportunity to put roadblocks in front of law-abiding citizens seeking to exercise their Second Amendment rights”, said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior VP and General Counsel.
This microstamping requirement is technologically unsound. And it has resulted in massive reductions in handguns available to California citizens. According to the NSSF: “Since [the microstamping rule went into effect], California’s list of handguns certified for sale has dwindled. No new models have been added to California’s approved list since 2013, and models available for sale have dwindled 75%, from 976 handgun models to under 250 in 2022[.]”
“The order … is a significant win. NSSF has long contended that California’s Unsafe Handgun Act is an unconstitutional infringement denying Californians their ability to legally purchase the handguns that would best suit their needs”, Keane continued. “The court is correctly applying the holdings of the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision that the Second Amendment is the only test when it comes to lawful firearm ownership and the holdings of Heller that firearms in common use are protected by the Second Amendment.”
Boland v. Bonta, filed by the California Rifle & Pistol Association, challenged California’s Unsafe Handgun Act that requires all new pistols sold in the state to be equipped with a chamber-loaded indicator, a magazine disconnect mechanism, and be capable of using the firing pin to embed a microstamp on the primer of a fired cartridge case. That final requirement is technologically problematic, to say the least.
NSSF has testified in California’s legislature that it was impossible to meet the microstamping requirement. And event the microstamping patent-holder, Todd Lizotte, admitted that microstamping is unreliable, stating, “…legitimate questions exist related to both the technical aspects, production costs, and database management associated with microstamping that should be addressed before wide scale implementation is legislatively mandated.”
“The microstamping provision requires handguns to have a particular feature that is simply not commercially available or even feasible to implement on a mass scale,” the court’s order reads. This is a fact that NSSF has long maintained, and all peer-reviewed studies have reached the same conclusion.
Microstamping can be easily defeated by dragging a nail file over the tip of a firing pin or replacing the firing pin. However, the requirement was certified by then-Attorney General Kamala Harris. Since the adoption of the microstamping rule, California’s list of handguns certified for sale has dwindled. No new models have been added to California’s approved list since 2013, and models available for sale have dwindled 75 percent, from 976 handgun models to under 250 in 2022.
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Here is some useful information for FFLs and gun dealers. The NSSF now offers a special online training course: “Completion of the ATF Form 4473 2023 Edition”. NSSF members can access this web-based course via the SHOT University Online education center.
Why do you need to learn about the latest ATF Form 4473? Well the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) revised the form in December 2022 to reflect new statutory requirements imposed by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the NICS Denial Notification Act, and the ATF Final Rule 2021R-05F. Use of the latest December 2022 edition Form 4473 is mandatory as of April 1, 2023.
This training series reviews key elements of the 6-page Form 4473, as well as tips for identifying and correcting common errors made by both buyers and sellers. The training series has three segments:
Module 1: Overview of Form 4473
Module 2: Completing Form 4473, Sections A-B
Module 3: Completing Form 4473, Sections C-E
The NSSF states that “All FFL counter salespeople, compliance officers, records keepers, and license holders should consider these SHOT University Online courses to be vital training to enhance FFL training and help reduce errors when using the new form.”
FFLs can order the December 2022 edition of the Form 4473 through the ATF Distribution Center, and the form is available for download at www.atf.gov. Use of the December 2022 edition is mandatory beginning April 1, 2023. At that time, use of the May 2020 edition must be discontinued. The new Form 4473 and continuation sheets are available from the ATF in both English and Spanish. A PDF version is offered online also.
SHOT University Online and the “Completing the Form 4473 2023 Edition” series are available as part of NSSF member benefits. For this and other instructional offerings, paid NSSF members should log in at SHOT University’s home page with their username and password, then click on the course of their choice.
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The March 2023 issue of Shooting Industry Magazine was just released. This special 5th Annual Woman’s Edition focuses primarily on lady shooters and gun owners. There are some very interesting articles about products for women and increased female participation in the shooting sports. CLICK HERE to access the full March 2023 issue for FREE.
Women have become increasingly important in the shooting sports world. The NSSF notes that nearly 5 million Americans purchased a firearm for the very first time in 2020, and of that figure, 40% were women! If trends continue, nearly half of all gun sales will be to women. And the age span for lady shooters is significant — in Shoot Like A Girl’s Annual Report, of their 3,457 guests who participated in 2022, 67% were over 40 years old, and 17% were over 60 years old.
Gun shop owner and instructor Ava Flandell states: “In my experience, female-taught classes fill up much quicker than those taught by men, especially when it comes to entry-level classes.”
CLICK HERE for the four March 2023 Shooting Industry lead stories about women and the firearms trade. And CLICK HERE for dozens of other articles about firearms Products for Women.
In this NSSF video, Kay Miculek and Babes with Bullets camp director Deb Ferns explain eye dominance. First they explain how to identify one’s dominant eye. Then Kay — a cross-dominant-eye target shooter — explains how cross-dominant individuals can maintain a proper sight picture.
One notable female-centric shooting organization is A Girl & A Gun Women’s Shooting League (AG&AG). This year’s major AG&AG event will be held April 27-30, 2023 in Grand Junction, Colorado. There will be workshops, live-fire training, fun matches, and other active.
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Here’s an positive report about a major gun industry company giving back to the shooting sports community. Birchwood Casey, part of GSM Outdoors, has shown its support for the First Shots introduction-to-target-shooting program by donating 10,000 Shoot-N-C targets. Those targets will help thousands of new shooters hone their skills.
First Shots is an introductory and refresher program made available through host target-shooting ranges across the country. With interest in firearm ownership at record high levels, First Shots programs are meeting the demand for education and experiences in the classroom and on the range.
Birchwood Casey has been a longstanding partner of First Shots. 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, such as this 12″ Shoot-N-C Sight-In Target featuring a 1″ grid and five diamonds. Bullet impacts show with a high-contrast yellow circle.
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The Rimfire Challenge Shooting Association (RCSA) is now an official partner of the +ONE Movement, a mentorship program organized by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). “RCSA is looking forward to a long relationship with NSSF,” stated RCSA Board President Peter Swenson.
NSSF +ONE programs encourage mentorship related to firearm safety, firearm basics, shooting sports, and hunting. The +ONE program focuses on peer-to-peer development in shooting sports and hunting.
About the Rimfire Challenge Shooting Association
Designed to introduce new shooters to shooting sports in an exciting, family-friendly format, Rimfire Challenge matches focus on competition with .22 LR rifles and pistols. Matches are open to shooters of all shooting experience levels, with events conducted at ranges nationwide. The annual RCSA World Championship takes place each October. The RCSA promotes rimfire competition nationwide, supports beginning competitors and clubs, and solicits support for rimfire events from industry businesses.
Programs that inspire mentoring can make a huge difference. According to recent research, if just one out of three target shooters and hunters can introduce someone new to the shooting sports, we can help to secure a strong future for generations to come.
The NSSF encourages shooting sports enthusiasts and hunters to join the +ONE movement and invite someone to the range or afield. Learn more about the +ONE Movement by visiting LetsGoShooting.org and LetsGoHunting.org.
This article is Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. No reproduction on any other site is permitted.
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Do you have a family member who has recently acquired his or her first firearm? Do you have friends or neighbors who keep firearms in a home with small children? It is important to know and practice the principles of firearms safety, ALL the time. Here are two well-written gun safety manuals in printable PDF format. All firearms owners, even experienced hunters and competitors, can benefit from reviewing these resources from time to time. And new gun owners, in particular, should take the time to read both these guides. The Remington Safety Manual includes the “Ten Commandments of Firearms Safety”. Here’s the First Commandment:
Click Image to Download Printable PDF Versions:
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SHOT Show 2023 was a big success, drawing over 52,000 registered visitors from over 100 nations. The show was virtually sold out of exhibit space with 2500+ exhibitors overall. Everything you can imagine relating to firearms and hunting was on display at the show: rifles, pistols, shotguns, ammunition, optics, stocks, barrels, reloading equipment, safety gear, gun cases, and more.
Today, January 20th, 2023, is the last day of SHOT Show 2023. To celebrate the successful show this year, we’ve collected a variety of images from the event. If you’ve never been to SHOT Show, the biggest gun-related gathering in the world, these photos provide a “look inside”, offering a vicarious SHOT Show experience for our readers.
SHOT Show 2023 — Images from the Big Event
Yes, SHOT Show can be crowded! This is opening day at the Venetian EXPO, Level 2.
Ace pistol, PRS, and 3-Gun competitor Doug Koenig records a Podcast at the Ruger booth.
Line-up of display stocks with mounted rifle scopes.
Brightly colored purple and black AR pistol from GunTec USA.
The quantity and variety of guns on display can be a little overwhelming for show visitors.
Above all SHOT Show is about commerce — connecting manufacturers and wholesalers with retail dealers/vendors across the nation and the world.
SHOT Show 2023 featured a small archery range set up on the plaza near Caesars Forum.
On Wednesday there was an All-Star Jam Concert outside Caesars Forum, next to Great Outdoors Plaza.
SHOT University’s ATF Compliance seminar drew hundreds of firearms retailers.
Setting up SHOT Show 2023 at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum (above) was a massive job requiring heavy equipment. Over 2500 companies exhibited at SHOT Show 2023.
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GunBroker.com Partners With NSSF To Raise Money For Project ChildSafe
GunBroker.com has partnered with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) for charity auctions. Dozens of fine products are being auctioned with all proceeds benefiting Project ChildSafe. The auctions are underway now with bidding through January 20, 2023. CLICK HERE to SEE Auctions.
GunBroker has a wide assortment of auction items — rifles, pistols, gun safes, cases, ammo and much more. Many brands in the shooting sports industry and beyond have stepped up to donate. The most valuable item is a .50 BMG rifle package complete with Vortex FFP 4.5-27x56mm scope and Accu-Tac bipod.
The mission of NSSF’s Project ChildSafe is to help prevent firearm accidents, theft, and misuse. Visit the GunBroker Project ChildSafe Auction page to see the dozens of items available.
Hornady Rapid Safe Handgun Night Guard RFID (15 units, auctioned separately)
Q LLC Erector 9mm Modular Suppressor, Black
US PeaceKeeper RAT Rifle Case 36″ Black
US PeaceKeeper RDP Rapid Deployment Pack OD Green/Black
US PeaceKeeper $200 Gift Certificate
EAA Girsan Regard MC 9mm
Real Avid Master Gun Vise
Gunsite Academy 250 Defensive Pistol Class
KOR 5er VRS Universal Gun Case Insert
Liberty Ammunition 40 S&W 60gr HP – 200 Rds
Timney Triggers USA H&K MP5 Two-Stage Trigger
Traditions Performance Firearms NitroFire® .50 Cal 26″ Barrel
GunAlert Firearm Safety Monitoring Device 2022 Production
If It Moves… Safety Monitoring Device 2022 Production
About Gunbroker Charity Program Support
GunBroker.com is pleased to continue to promote not-for-profit organizations whenever possible, including YSSA, USA Shooting, Kids and Clays, The Light Foundation (via Ruger’s efforts), Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP), Scholastic Action Shooting Program, and more. For decades, we’ve dedicated prime space on the homepage to charitable auctions and take no transactional fees.
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Winter solstice is tomorrow, Wednesday, December 21, 2022. We’re seeing extremely cold temperatures throughout many northerly states, with tons of snow falling on the ground. For American firearms fans in those colder climes, indoor training is the only realistic option this time of year.
AccuWeather forecasters warn that a significant storm may bring a wide swath of snow, rain, and fierce winds from the Plains to the East Coast this week. CLICK HERE for Accuweather Weather Report.
This article explains some key points to remember when shooting at indoor ranges. Always remember — safety first. Be especially careful to follow ALL the rules of safe gun handling. And even before you get to the range, make sure your guns are transported safely and in compliance with all local laws. In some states firearm(s) and ammunition must be kept in separate containers during transport.
This Video Covers Basic Gun Range Safety Rules and Etiquette
FIVE IMPORTANT SAFETY PROCEDURES for Indoor Ranges
1. Follow the Three Fundamental Rules for Safe Gun Handling
ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
2. Follow ALL Range Officer Instructions
ROs are the first and final authority on any range and their decisions are generally final. Arguing with a Range Officer may just get you thrown out.
3. Don’t Bother Others or Touch Their Guns
Respect other shooters’ privacy unless a safety issue arises. Do NOT engage other shooters to correct a perceived safety violation unless absolutely necessary – inform the RO instead. NEVER handle or touch another shooter’s firearm without their permission!
4. Know Your Range’s Rules
Review and understand any and all range rules and requirements/expectations. For example, what is the range’s maximum rate of fire? Are you allowed to collect your brass?
5. Know What To Do During a Cease Fire
IMMEDIATELY set down your firearm, pointed downrange, and STEP AWAY from the shooting booth (or bench). Range Officers do not want shooters trying to “secure/unload” their firearms in a cease fire situation — they want the shooters separated from their guns instantly.
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.
Double-Up on Hearing Protection When Shooting Indoors
When shooting 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. That’s why we recommend electronic muffs with plugs underneath.
For indoor rifle and pistol shooting, we like the latest Howard Leight Impact Pro Muffs. These offer an impressive 30 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). In addition, these muffs are pretty comfortable and offer Headphone Functionality so you can connect to your smartphone, MP3 player, or other audio device. These muffs are now $66.85 on Amazon and $66.85 at Walmart.
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You have probably watched one of the excellent shooting sports videos Ryan Cleckner has done for the NSSF. Ryan’s Understanding Minute of Angle (MOA) video (see below) has been viewed over 3.4 million times! Ryan is noted for his ability to explain complex topics in an easy-to-comprehend manner.
Cleckner has also authored a hugely popular book, the Long Range Shooting Handbook, which expands on the topics covered in his popular video series. This book is the #1 Best Seller on Amazon in its category. You can view Sample Chapters from Ryan’s book — just click “Look Inside” on the Amazon product page.
As a long-range shooting expert, Ryan Cleckner has impressive credentials. Cleckner was a special operations sniper (1/75 Rgr) with multiple combat deployments, and he has served a U.S. Army sniper instructor. Currently he works as a firearms industry executive and attorney.
The Long Range Shooting Handbook is divided into three main categories: What It Is/How It Works, Fundamentals, and How to Use It. “What It Is/How It Works” covers equipment, terminology, and basic principles. “Fundamentals” covers the theory of long range shooting. “How to Use It” gives practical advice on implementing what you’ve learned, so you can progress as a skilled, long range shooter.
Ryan Cleckner’s best-selling Long Range Shooting Handbook is designed as an introduction to important fundamental concepts such as MOA vs. MILs, External Ballistics, and Environmental Effects. Included are personal tips and advice based on Cleckner’s years of experience as a sniper instructor and special operations sniper.
Iain Harrison, editor of Recoil Magazine, said: “Whether you’re looking to dip a toe into the complex world of long range shooting, or you’re a seasoned shooter with years of trigger time, Ryan Cleckner’s book will prove to be excellent reference material. Well written and easy to understand, it covers all the essential topics that a well-rounded shooter needs to master.”
In this video, Ryan Cleckner reviews proper technique for rifle shooters. A stable platform, sight alignment, sight picture, and trigger control are key fundamentals to shooting properly.
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