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December 8th, 2022
Good news for Oregon gun owners — on December 6, 2022, Oregon Judge Robert S. Raschio signed a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) barring Oregon State officials from enforcing anti-gun Measure 114 until a hearing is held on a preliminary injunction next Tuesday. The Order stated that Measure 114 threatens Oregonians’ constitutional rights: “Absent Entry of this Temporary Restraining Order, Plaintiffs will be deprived of their right to bear arms pursuant to Or. Const. Art. 1, Sec. 27 by being made unable to lawfully purchase a firearm [or have 10+ round magazines.] Deprivation of fundamental constitutional rights for any period constitutes irreparable harm.”
Counsel for Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Gun Owners Foundation (GOF) secured the TRO in state court, preventing the entire new Oregon gun control law from being enforced. Signed by Judge Raschio, the order bars the state from implementing any portion of the law until a hearing is held on a request for a preliminary injunction next Tuesday.
GOA and GOF have also signed onto an amicus brief in a similar lawsuit against this new law in federal court in OFF v. Brown, which also saw some progress today when a Federal judge stayed the permit-for-purchase system requirement for 30 days.
The new law, which passed as a ballot measure by a very thin margin, was scheduled to take effect December 8th. The measure failed in over 90% of Oregon counties, but passed due to concentrated Democratic party voters in Portland and a couple other urban areas.
Oregon Measure 114 would:
Ban magazines over 10 rounds.
Require a permit to purchase any firearm.
Require a training course, application fee, fingerprinting, and a duplicative background check to obtain the permit-to-purchase.
Erich Pratt, GOA’s Senior Vice President, issued the following statement:
“This is an exciting victory for our members in Oregon as the clock was winding down on securing relief from the onerous and unconstitutional requirements this law would have placed on current and future gun owners. We look forward to continuing the fight.”
Sam Paredes, on behalf of the Board of Directors for the Gun Owners Foundation, added:
“We are grateful to Judge Raschio for his swift response to our request for a TRO on this draconian law, and we are fully prepared to continue the process as we request a preliminary injunction at our hearing next week.”
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October 28th, 2022
Oregon Ballot Measure 114 is considered by many to be the most oppressive, anti-gun legislation in the nation. We urge ALL Oregonians to vote in the upcoming election and vote “NO” on Ballot Measure 114. Here are some of the key provisions of the unconstitutional Ballot Measure 114 which will restrict the Second Amendment rights of Oregonians:
Ballot Measure 114 will require a permit to purchase or transfer any firearm.
Ballot Measure 114 creates a searchable government registry of firearm owners.
Applicants cannot obtain a permit without first passing a law enforcement firearms training course, but Law Enforcement Agencies are NOT required to provide the training.
Ballot Measure 114 bans ammunition magazines over 10 rounds.
READ FULL TEXT of Oregon Ballot Measure 114 of 2022
Most Oppressive Features of Ballot Measure 114:
 Gun Owner Registry: Ballot Measure 114 would allow your personal information to be added to a government registry. Measure 114 requires law enforcement to maintain a registry of gun owner’s personal information including applicant’s legal name, current address, and telephone number, date and place of birth, physical description, fingerprints, pictures, and any additional information determined necessary by law enforcement. This data will be published annually, so every criminal can find out who has guns and where they are stored.
Mandatory Permit to Purchase/Transfer Guns: Ballot Measure 114 requires a permit-to-purchase (or transfer) a firearm. The permit must be issued by law enforcement. A Concealed Handgun License does not qualify as a permit-to-purchase. A Hunter Safety Certification does not qualify as a permit-to-purchase. Permits must be renewed every 5 years for a fee. Issuance of a permit requires completion of classroom and live-fire training offered only by law enforcement certified instructors. There is no limit to the amount that can be charged for these classes. Nothing requires law enforcement agencies to actually offer the classes required to obtain the permit.
Firearm Magazine Restrictions: Ballot Measure 114 bans ALL firearms magazines with more than 10 rounds. Measure 114 will ban the use, possession, manufacturing, and transfer of ammunition magazines over 10 rounds. Use of a currently-owned magazine will only be lawful on private property, at a shooting range, and while engaged in hunting. When a magazine is transported off private property, the magazine must be removed from the firearm and stored separately.
Want to learn more about Ballot Measure 114? CLICK HERE for FULL TEXT of Ballot Measure 114.
Unconstitutional and Impractical Training Requirements
Ballot Measure 114 mandates gunowner training by Law Enforcement agencies, but provides no separate funding for that training carried out by police and sheriffs. The Stop114.com website explains:
The measure only allows those approved by police to provide the required “training” to apply for a permit. Police in Oregon are underfunded and understaffed. There is no plan in place to actually provide any training and virtually no police have the facilities or manpower to provide classes.
The Oregon State Sheriff’s Association has estimated that if a person somehow could complete the required training, the permitting process would cost sheriffs almost $40 million annually. There is nothing in the measure that provides any funding and the fees included would not come close to covering the costs. The estimate of costs to local police (not Sheriffs) is $51.2 million dollars the first year.
Free Range American states that Ballot Measure 114 could halt gun sales for two years or more:
OREGON MEASURE 114 COULD HALT GUN SALES IN STATE FOR YEARS
OCTOBER 14, 2022 By David Maccar
If [Oregon Ballot Measure 114] passes, the state will have the strictest gun laws in the entire country. Its passage will also likely result in the suspension of gun sales and purchases in the state, potentially for years, as the state creates a purchase permitting system from scratch that will cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.
The measure requires only a simple majority to pass.
If it passes, its various provisions would go into effect in January. On a recent Howl for Wildlife podcast, Amy Patrick, the policy director for the Oregon Hunters Association (OHA), told Free Range American that it will take at least two years to stand up a permitting system for residents. There’s no grace period, which means FFL gun sales would simply stop until purchase permits could be issued, potentially putting gun shops out of business and preventing state residents from exercising their 2A rights.
For more information visit Stop114.com and/or FreeRangeAmerican.us.
You can also contact the NRA to get involved:
Contact Rick Coufal at nra.oregon [at] gmail.com
Contact Jesse Greening at Jesse [at] nrailafrontlines.com
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November 11th, 2017
Finding Peace On The Other Side Of War
NRA Blog Story by Catherine Parks, Divide Camp Volunteer
For combat veterans there is a great divide between life pre-war and life post-war. Soldiers prepare, train and are equipped to go to a war zone, but, upon returning home, physically and psychologically injured veterans struggle to assimilate back into a normal life. Divide Camp, located in northeastern Oregon, honors the service of post 9-11 combat veterans through small-group outdoor adventures. The non-profit camp offers hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities. Learn More HERE.
Divide Camp provides lodging, home-cooked meals and transportation at no charge to the veterans served. The camp features 40 acres of remote forestland, six cabins, a shop and an outdoor picnic shelter. In 2014, The NRA Foundation funded its first grant to Divide Camp — $15,000 for an Action Trackchair — to allow amputee veterans to traverse the mountain terrain.
Another grant in 2015 funded pistol range construction, safety gear and targets. Initial range work for a competition 3-D archery course shootable from a Trackchair began with funding from an NRA Foundation grant in 2016.
How Divide Camp Helps Rebuild Lives
Army veteran Jose Martinez stepped on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. Following numerous surgeries and months of therapy, Jose was fitted with prosthetics, which allowed him to walk. Still, extreme depression set in and two suicide attempts followed. On his first day at Divide Camp, Jose used the new all-terrain wheelchair to hunt. “I missed the first couple of times, but my friends didn’t give up on me and Divide Camp didn’t give up on me, and I got one the next morning,” Jose said. “Elk hunting was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. How many amputees in California can say they shot an elk?” Jose stayed in a new cabin built to accommodate veterans with disabilities.
Just being in nature is an amazing healer
Julie Wheeler, Divide Camp executive director, has served as a critical incident stress worker to help others prevent post-traumatic stress disorder. She is familiar with what happens when people are exposed to high stress and trauma. “I know it takes a long time to overcome,” Julie said. “I think they need help beyond what’s provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is drugs and therapy. Just being in nature is an amazing healer.”
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October 2nd, 2017
President Trump and Vice President Pence review Leupold scopes in the East Room of the White House on July 17, 2017, during the Made in America Product Showcase. (White House photo).
As part of a program featuring American products from all 50 States, Leupold & Stevens proudly represented its home state of Oregon in the “Made in America Product Showcase” held July 17, 2017 in the East Room of the White House. As part of the event, Leupold presented rifle scopes and other optics products crafted in its Beaverton, Oregon, manufacturing plant.
The product showcase, which included one product line from each state, was reviewed by President Trump, Vice President Pence, and members of Congress. Along with Leupold’s optics, a wide range of other products were on display including guitars (Gibson, TN), NASA Space Suits (ILC Dover, DE), golf clubs (Ping, AZ), cowboy hats (Stetson, TX), and even horse-shoes (St. Pierre, MA). CLICK HERE for list of products by state.
“It was an honor to represent our 700-plus dedicated American workers and the state of Oregon at the Made in America Product showcase. We’re a fifth-generation, family-owned company that has been manufacturing in Oregon for 110 years”, said Bob Nees, Leupold’s VP of Marketing. Leupold President/CEO Bruce Pettet added: “Leupold & Stevens has called Oregon home since 1907, and we’ve never wavered in our commitment to American manufacturing”.
The White House had officially declared July 17th as “Made in America Day”:
Today, we mark the first Made in America Day and recognize the vital contributions of American workers and job creators to our Nation’s prosperity and strength. America owes much of its success to the determination and ingenuity of its entrepreneurs, workers, and farmers, who drive our economy and support our military strength.
American work ethic and quality craftsmanship are the heart and soul of our Nation. We are a Nation of innovators, builders, and farmers. We construct architectural wonders like the Golden Gate Bridge and the New York skyline. We feed the Nation and the world with agricultural products like American wheat, corn, and beef. We drive technological innovation, like the internet and the Global Positioning System, from visions to realities.
My Administration recognizes the critical connection between a strong manufacturing base and a thriving economy. I am committed to promoting American manufacturing, opening markets around the world for our producers, and protecting our businesses from unfair trade practices.
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October 9th, 2016
John Nosler lived 97 years, passing in 2010. During his long lifetime, John was an iconic figure in the shooting world. Considered a true pioneer in bullet and ammunition design, Nosler developed the famous Partition bullet in the 1940s. Born on April 4, 1913 in Brawley, California, John built his business from scratch. He founded his bullet company in 1948, and was considered to be one of the great innovators whose designs literally created the premium bullet category and influenced ammunition manufacturers worldwide.
Moose-Hunt Inspires Partition Bullet Design
While hunting in Canada, John experienced a bullet failure on the hide of a mud-caked bull moose. He then began developing a revolutionary new projectile, which he called the “Partition”, because of the barrier that separated the bullet into two sections. One year later, John and a friend traveled back to British Columbia with his new Partition bullets, which were designed to provide deep penetration and expansion. The men bagged two moose with two shots, and the rest is history.
 In recognition of his contribution to the shooting sports industry, John was the unanimous choice for the inaugural 2007 NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award. The award was the highlight of a long and fruitful career. Even though he officially retired in 1988 when his son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Joan Nosler purchased the company, John still managed to come to the office on a daily basis until his health declined.
Today, John’s son Bob Nosler still presides over the company as president and CEO of Nosler, Inc., based in Bend, Oregon. Along with bullets, the company now produces cartridge brass, loaded ammunition, and hunting rifles.
 To learn more about John Nosler and his bullet designs, get your hands on Going Ballistic, a “Professional Memoir” told by John Nosler to outdoor writer Gary Lewis. CLICK HERE to hear a short John Nosler audio clip or to order the book from the author.
John Nosler remained an avid hunter and shooter even late in life. Gary Lewis recalled that, at age 92, John Nosler attended the opening of a new shooting range outside Bend, Oregon. Even in his nineties, Nosler managed to drill two shots inside nine inches at 1000 yards. John Nosler leaves a legacy that will benefit hunters and shooters’ nationwide. The John A. Nosler Endowment of The NRA Foundation, sponsors the NRA’s Basic Rifle Training Program which instructs novices in safe rifle handling.
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August 8th, 2016
Editor: The following statement was released by Leupold & Stevens Inc. on August 3, 2016. We publish the statement as it was released, without modification.
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Leupold® Files Lawsuit Against Nightforce Over Patent Violations
Leupold & Stevens, Inc., has filed a civil suit in the U.S. District Court of Oregon alleging patent violations by Lightforce U.S.A., doing business as Nightforce. In the suit, Leupold & Stevens, Inc., alleges that Nightforce is marketing and selling products that infringe on a variety of patents owned by Leupold & Stevens, Inc. and is seeking all available remedies.
The lawsuit is based on six patents for riflescope adjustments, internal optical mechanisms, and flip covers.
Leupold & Stevens, Inc., has been pioneering riflescope and sporting optics technology since 1947, when it developed a non-fogging riflescope charged with nitrogen. Today, Leupold® has been granted over 151 patents and design registrations in 18 countries, representing Leupold’s continued commitment to innovation and development of sports optics. For more information on Leupold products, please visit us at www.leupold.com.
Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is committed to protecting its intellectual property and the innovations developed by its engineering and design teams.
Join the discussion on Facebook, www.facebook.com/LeupoldOptics, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LeupoldOptics or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/LeupoldOptics.
Founded in Oregon more than a century ago, Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is a fifth generation, family owned company that designs, machines and assembles its riflescopes, mounting systems and tactical/Gold Ring® spotting scopes in the USA. The product lines include rifle, handgun and spotting scopes; binoculars; rangefinders; mounting systems; and optical tools, accessories and Pro Gear. |
Initial Response from Nightforce Optics
We contacted Nightforce Optics regarding the legal action commenced by Leupold. A spokesman for Nightforce provided this response: “We have investigated [Leupold’s] claims and we are confident there is no infringement. We look forward to full and fair competition with Leupold in the future.”
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July 27th, 2016
Here’s big news in the gun industry. In a $95 million cash deal, Smith & Wesson Holding Company (Nasdaq: SWHC) will acquire Crimson Trace Corporation (CTC), the industry leader in firearms laser sights and tactical lighting. Once the acquisition is finalized, CTC will operate as Smith & Wesson’s new Electro-Optics Division, headed by Lane Tobiassen, CTC’s current President and CEO. Jeffrey Buchanan, Executive VP and CFO of Smith & Wesson, stated, “We intend to complete the purchase of Crimson Trace with cash on hand and we expect the transaction to close in three to six weeks.”
 This deal makes sense for both parties. In the past 12 months, CTC earned $44 million, with a quarter of that coming from Smith & Wesson. CTC President/CEO Lane Tobiassen will serve as President of S&W’s new Electro-Optics Division. The Crimson Trace management team and workforce, as well as its base of operations, will remain in Wilsonville, Oregon after the acquisition. Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (SWHC) will purchase all of the outstanding stock of Crimson Trace for $95.0 million in cash.
Two Decades of Innovation and Growth for CTC
Founded 22 years ago, Crimson Trace is now the firearms industry leader in laser sighting system and tactical lighting. CTC currently offers more than 225 products, including: Lasergrips®, Laserguard®, Rail Master® platforms, Defender Series®, Lightguard®, and the new LiNQ™ wireless activation system. With its ever-expanding product line, CTC has generated a 10-year compound annual revenue growth rate in excess of 10%.
CTC offers cutting-edge technology, including LiNQ™, the world’s first wirelessly-controlled laser + white light system. LiNQ™ combines a green laser sight and 300-Lumen LED white light for AR-Type Modern Sporting Rifles. The laser and light are controlled wirelessly via handgrip buttons.
Top Crimson Trace and S&W Executives Speak Out:
CTC President/CEO Lane Tobiassen said: “It is a great honor to lead Crimson Trace into this exciting new chapter in our history by joining the Smith & Wesson team. Since 1994, we have designed and brought to market more than 225 products[.] As the new Electro-Optics Division of Smith & Wesson, we believe that our capabilities, combined with inorganic opportunities to acquire related technologies, will expand the reach of our existing market footprint. This makes us a great fit for Smith & Wesson, a legendary company with an iconic brand[.]”
James Debney, Smith & Wesson President and CEO said, “Crimson Trace provides us with an exceptional opportunity to acquire a thriving company that is completely aligned with our strategy to become a leader in the market for shooting, hunting, and rugged outdoor enthusiasts. As the undisputed leader in the market for laser sighting products, Crimson Trace serves as an ideal platform for our new Electro-Optics Division.”
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June 1st, 2016
There’s no denying that 3-Gun competition is growing in popularity nationwide. Using a pistol, rifle and shotgun to shoot multiple targets at varying distances is exciting and challenging. Here are some pointers for performing better on the 3-Gun range by the USAMU’s SSG Daniel Horner, a two-time winner of Crimson Trace’s Midnight 3-Gun Invitational (M3GI) match.
 Competing in Night-Time Stages
“I use the same gear all year long, so when it comes time for this match (the M3GI), I just adapt the guns, so they will work for the night time,” stated Daniel Horner. “I attach the Crimson Trace lasers and lights to the guns in whatever is the easiest way possible. Last year I just screwed a rail to my shotgun with wood screws. So, people can compete with pretty much whatever they have available and make it work.” Horner also recommends using a pair of head-mounted lamps. One can illuminate your firearms’ iron sights while the other headlamp is aimed at the targets.
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August 8th, 2013
Chris Cheng, Top Shot’s Season 4 Champion, recently toured the Leupold factory in Beverton, Oregon. You can read about his experiences on The Firearm Blog. Chris was impressed with the scale of Leupold’s operation, particular the huge CNC machines “all cranking out parts for Leupold products. The machines run 24/7, and even at that rate Leupold says they cannot keep up with demand at this time.”
Read Full Leupold Factory Tour Report by Chris Cheng
Ranks of CNC Machines at Leupold Factory
Chris happened to be visiting the Leupold factory while members of the U.S. Marine Rifle Team were present. Here is a photo of Chris (far right) with the Leatherneck marksmen:
While Leupold’s production line is highly automated, Chris said that humans are still vital to the production of modern optics: “I was most impressed with the hand assembly line[.] No matter the industry, slowing things down for TLC usually increases the quality of the product. Additionally, the need for hand assembly produces jobs to help support the local community.”
Cheng was wowed by Leupold’s testing procedures: “Leupold has an intense stress test room where they push not only their products, but their competitors’ products to the limits. The details of their tests are proprietary information, but the lead tester told us stories about how he literally ‘sweeps up the floor’ when competitor’s products fall apart during stress tests.” By contrast, Leupold scopes are tough. Check out this video which shows a Leupold scope which “takes a licking and keeps on ticking” after being strapped to a running jack-hammer for 30 minutes:
Jack-Hammer Testing of Leupold Scopes
Photos by Leupold & Stevens
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February 29th, 2012
 Effective immediately, Leupold & Stevens, Inc. (“Leupold”) has appointed Jim Clark as Chairman of Leupold’s Board of Directors. In addition, Dr. Don R. Kania and Dennis Spindler were appointed as new Board Members. Jim Clark was appointed board chair following the retirement of Don Gobel, who served on Leupold’s board for 16 years, the last four as chairman. During Gobel’s tenure, Leupold’s gross sales more than doubled.
A sales and marketing expert, Jim Clark has 20+ years of executive experience for small and large corporations with a strong outdoor recreation focus. For many years he served as CEO of Yakima products. Clark has been involved in numerous outdoor organizations, and he has served on Leupold’s Board of Directors since 2007.
Dr. Kania has been appointed to the Leupold & Stevens board to fill the position vacated by Clark’s appointment. Dr. Kania is the president and chief executive officer of FEI Company, an Oregon-based manufacturer of electron and ion beam microscopes, and instruments used in nano-scale applications in many industries.
Dennis Spindler comes to Leupold after retiring from Big Rock Sports, where he was the senior vice president of purchasing and merchandising. Spindler provided key merchandising and purchasing leadership in his time at Big Rock, and during his tenure company sales more than doubled. He is widely known throughout the sports optics and fishing industries.
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August 20th, 2010
Savage’s Fullbore (Palma) rifle team performed well in recent competitions. The four-man team (Darrell Buell of Damascus, OR, John Weil of Welches, OR, Monte Milanuk of Wenatchee WA, and Stan Pate of Milwaukie, OR) wrapped up the season with two internationally-sanctioned matches. The first was the Canadian International Fullbore Championships in Chilliwack, B.C. and and the second was the Pacific International Fullbore Championships held just outside of Portland, OR. At both matches, elite shooters from around the world competed at 800, 900 and 1,000 yards. The two matches combined constitute a “Super Aggregate”, or Continental Title.
Team members (L to R): John Weil, Darrell Buell, Monte Milanuk and Stan Pate. (File Photo 2009).
Team Savage loaded up on the hardware at both matches, winning multiple medals at the various distances. Savage’s four shooters captured the team gold at the Canadian match and Gold and Silver in the individual Super Aggregate.
At the Pacific Int’l match in Oregon, local knowledge helped Team Savage rack up the medals. This competition was held on Weil and Pate’s home range at the Douglass Ridge Rifle Club. With John Weil leading the way, Team Savage put on a clinic: Weil won all seven gold medals available, while teammate Pate won six silvers. Milanuk added three bronzes. Weil also shot an impressive 148-4X at 1000 yards. In the video below, Team Captain Stan Pate demonstrates the accuracy of the Savage Palma (Fullbore) rifle, nailing a steel target at 1169 yards.
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June 3rd, 2010
 At around 2:15 on the afternoon of June 2nd, there was a fire and explosion at the Nosler production plant in Bend, Oregon. Apparently the accident started in the ballistics tunnel testing area. Employees reported a flash, then smoke followed by a “massive explosion” which was felt many blocks away. One employee who saw a bright flash alertly activated a fire alarm which helped speed the evacuation process.
Nosler Plant Fire and Explosion VIDEO Report
Thankfully, all the roughly 100 Nosler employees were able to evacuate safely, and there were apparently no serious injuries. The fire and explosion did do significant damage to the 80,000 square foot Nosler building. When fire crews arrived, they found major damage to the southeast corner of the Nosler plant, with thick smoke still pouring out.
Damage could run into the millions of dollars. A number of city blocks were evacuated and cordoned off. Right now the cause of the fire and explosion remains unknown, but the Bend Fire Department, state police agencies, and the federal BATF are commencing investigations.
CLICK HERE for Nosler Fire Damage Photos | CLICK HERE for KTVZ.com (Bend, Oregon) News Report
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