— Voters can stop this global tyranny by electing an Obama-proof Congress

In late September, several dozen UN representatives met at the University of Massachusetts in Boston to further discuss their plans for global gun control.

While our President may have a history of being absent for important events — missing over 300 votes while in the U.S. Senate, dissing important dignitaries who visit our country, etc. — he was sure to have his administration represented at this meeting.

The final report for the Boston Symposium on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) is posted online and states that:

“In the end, we seek to achieve an ATT that will establish the highest possible common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms, including small arms and light weapons, in order to contribute effectively towards peace and stability. This Symposium has brought us one step closer to achieving that goal.”

So, they are one step closer to their goal. What are there goals for our firearms?

Apart from using generic phrases like “highest possible common international standards” (aka, gun controls), the gun banners are very careful not to publicly post specific anti-gun proposals that would excite the American public against them. But Paul Gallant and Joanne Eisen, who have attended these UN meetings, spell out what the proposed ATT will really entail.

Writing together with another noted firearms author of the Independence Institute, Dave Kopel, they say that an Arms Trade Treaty would impose:

* Microstamping on firearms, thus increasing the cost of each gun by about $200;

* Registration of all firearms, which is often a prelude to gun confiscation;

* Restrictions on gun sales, especially private transfers (thus, no more gun shows as we know them);

* Embargoes on firearms and materials (such as nickel and tungsten) that would limit access to many of the firearms which are sold in this country.

I’ll never submit to any stinkin’ gun control laws!

You might think: “I don’t care what the UN imposes on us, I will never comply with their gun controls.”

Oh really? So, you’ll never buy a new gun from a gun dealer? Because if you do — and that gun has been manufactured according to UN treaty standards — then the microstamping technology on that gun will cost you a couple hundred dollars extra.

Not only that, the signature impressions that the firing pin leaves on your spent cartridge cases will be registered with the government under your name.

No problem, you say, you’re not a criminal — so who cares if the signature from your firing pin is registered with the government.

Well, do you ever take your guns to a shooting range and leave your spent brass? According to Kopel, criminals could easily implicate innocent gun owners by going to gun ranges, collecting the empty casings and dumping them at crime scenes. Moreover, the common practice of selling or giving away once-fired brass could disappear overnight.

Do you still think that a UN treaty won’t affect you? The “master minds” at the UN plan to register every firearms sale that passes through a gun dealer and to cut off (make illegal) any private sale that you might attempt as a means of circumventing their controls.

But we can beat this travesty by electing an Obama-proof Senate this November!

Even if the President signs the Arms Trade Treaty — and he most certainly will when it’s completed — we can strangle this hideous creature in its cradle if he can’t get two-thirds of all the Senators to support him.

Help GOA stop UN gun control

That’s why GOA is here, fighting to make sure he can’t impose a UN gun ban on every American citizen.

GOA has published its 2010 Voter Guide which is available at the GOA website.

And the GOA Political Victory Fund has helped pushed several pro-gun candidates over the hump in their primaries and into the lead for the general election. You can go to the GOA-PVF site to get more details on these races.

Finally, you can help Gun Owners of America continue to spread the word about pro-gun candidates by clicking here and contributing to the organization that is on the front lines defending your gun rights without compromising one inch.

SOUTHPORT, CONNECTICUT –Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE-RGR), announced today that for the third quarter of 2010, the Company reported net sales of $58.4 million and earnings per share of 32¢, compared with sales of $71.2 million and earnings per share of 37¢ in the third quarter of 2009.

For the nine months ended October 2, 2010, net sales were $191.1 million and earnings were $1.18 per share. For the corresponding period in 2009, net sales were $207.1 million and earnings were $1.13 per share.

Chief Executive Officer Michael O. Fifer made the following comments related to the Company’s results:

* The Company launched the new SR-40 striker-fired pistol late in the third quarter of 2010. New product introductions, including the new SR-40 pistol, remain a strong driver of demand and represented $50.0 million or 27% of sales in the first nine months of 2010.

* Estimated unit sell-through of the Company’s products from distributors to retailers in the third quarter of 2010 decreased by approximately 7% from both the third quarter of 2009 and the second quarter of 2010. NICS checks increased 6% from the third quarter of 2009 and 2% from the second quarter of 2010, indicating that the Company’s share of total firearms retail transactions (new and used firearms) may have declined during the quarter.

* The incoming order rate in the third quarter of 2010 increased significantly from the second quarter of 2010 and the third quarter of 2009.

* Cash generated from operations during the first nine months of 2010 was $23.5 million. At the end of the third quarter of 2010, our cash and equivalents and short-term investments totaled $53.0 million. Our current ratio is 3.7 to 1 and we have no debt.

* During the first nine months of 2010, capital expenditures totaled $16.4 million, much of it related to tooling and equipment for new products. We expect to invest approximately $20 million for capital expenditures during 2010.

* During the third quarter of 2010, the Company repurchased 412,000 shares of its common stock for $5.7 million in the open market. The average price per share repurchased was $13.83. These repurchased shares represented 2.1% of the outstanding shares as of the beginning of the third quarter of 2010 and were funded with cash on hand. As of the end of the third quarter of 2010, $4.3 million remains available for future stock repurchases.

* At the end of the third quarter of 2010, stockholders’ equity was $109 million, which equates to a book value of $5.77 per share, of which $2.82 per share was cash and equivalents and short-term investments.

Fernandina Beach, Fla. – A new study funded by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and carried out by Southwick Associates has found that the pool of American hunters is much larger than previously thought. This discovery can lead to major conservation and economic benefits. If many “casual hunters” (hunters that do not purchase a hunting license on an annual basis) can be converted into annual license buyers, a major benefit would be realized.

This report estimates that 21.8 million Americans hunted at least once over the past five years. Previous estimates have shown over 14 million youth and adults hunt each year, but not all hunters take to the field every year. Conducted in partnership with 17 state wildlife agencies, the study assessed license sales patterns and found that 78 percent of the U.S. hunters who bought a license in a given year also purchased one again the following year. By examining purchasing patterns over multiple years, it was determined that for every two hunters in the field this year, one is taking the year off.

“Considering hunters’ contribute over $1 billion every year to wildlife conservation via licenses and excise taxes, if half of the hunters who lapsed this year actually bought a license, conservation dollars would have increased by $97 million,” reported Rob Southwick, President of Southwick Associates. “This estimate doesn’t even include the extra dollars possible from increased hunters’ excise taxes. Considering the limited government dollars allocated for wildlife and the tremendous impact hunters provide to rural communities, increased efforts to boost hunter numbers would make smart conservation and economic sense.”

The NSSF study monitored license-buying patterns over multiple years, producing results for various segments of hunters, and described the lifestyles, habits and demographics of various segments of the hunting community. “We know there are many types of hunters with a wide range of interests. This study reveals who our hunters are beyond the usual demographic descriptions. We now have a better idea of hunters’ regional purchasing habits, recreational choices and overall lifestyle preferences,” said Jim Curcuruto, Director of Research and Analysis for NSSF. “The results will be used to strengthen existing hunting participation programs and develop new programs designed to convert the casual hunter into an annual license buyer. Savvy industry marketing and communications professionals will use these data to enhance their advertising efforts.” said Curcuruto.

A summary of the study results can be downloaded for free at: http://www.nssf.org/PDF/HuntingLicTrends-NatlRpt.pdf.

By Glen Wunderlich
Outdoor Columnist
Member Professional Outdoor Media Association

A poll conducted last month concluded that 90 percent of sportsmen are very likely to vote in the upcoming midterm elections. This survey conducted by Safari Club International (SCI) indicates an extremely high level of dissatisfaction among outdoor enthusiasts in government’s role in not only wildlife management but constitutional protections that have been stomped into the ground in recent years.

The smiling, talking heads will say anything to get elected, but when their voting records are scrutinized, their weasel words cannot disguise their records. And, if we are to believe anything…well, a skunk just doesn’t change his scent.

SCI President, Larry Rudolph said, “Hunters are standing ready to protect their sport, and the jobs and economic benefits it brings to rural communities, in the voting booth this year.   Our poll shows that the sportsmen’s community is more interested in these elections than ever before, and hunters stand ready to vote on November 2nd.”

The poll, conducted in September and based on responses from 500 randomly selected self-identified sportsmen nationwide, also found:
 
·         Nearly half (47%) believe sportsmen’s interests are underrepresented by the government in Washington, D.C.
·         Nearly eight in 10 (79%) sportsmen believe things in the country have gotten off on the wrong track.
·         Ninety-three percent (93%) of sportsmen are concerned about gun ownership rights,with 74% saying they are “very” concerned.
·         Three in five(60%) sportsmen also say they are very concerned about potential new laws governing ammunition and protecting the environment.
·         An overwhelming majority (92%) believe each state should manage and regulate its own wildlife opposed to the federal government.

Opposition to sportsmen continues to be strong, as evidenced by a recent case in Maine. A few days ago, a Federal Court of Appeals shot down an effort by anti-hunting groups to end trapping in the state. The Animal Welfare Institute attempted to manipulate the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to ban trapping by alleging that the Canada lynx – a species listed as threatened under the ESA – was not afforded enough protection under Maine’s regulations.

U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation president and CEO, Bud Pidgeon, said, “It was clear all along that anti-hunters were looking to set a precedent that could be used in state after state to shut down not only trapping, but hunting and fishing as well. With this strong decision, antis are going to have a far more difficult time doing this.”

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing, trapping, and shooting – that generate the money to pay for them.  The foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. 

Although this case may have been concluded, without an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court and its unlikely probability of being heard, we can be assured that another one just like it is in the wings. The antis are well-funded and relentless and will look for another issue to further their cause.

In the meantime, we sportsmen will continue to hunt and fish and will continue to fund wildlife conservation so that animals like the wild turkey and deer, that once were endangered, will flourish – not in spite of hunting – but because of it and the funding it generates through sportsmen’s dollars.

The least we can do as sportsmen is to stand up and be counted November 2nd.

By: Glen Wunderlich

The progressive Democrats have finally found a way to eliminate the national debt. H.R. 4646 doesn’t address out-of-control spending, nor does it raise anyone’s taxes. Yippee!

Dubbed the “Debt Free America Act”, the Democrat-sponsored scheme imposes a simple “transaction fee” on “any transaction that uses a payment instrument, including any check, cash, credit card, transfer of stock, bonds, or other financial instrument. The term `transaction’ includes retail and wholesale sales, purchases of intermediate goods, and financial and intangible transactions.” Those words quoted are taken directly from the bill’s language. And, since fees are not taxes, President Obama didn’t lie to us, now did he?

So, if you put money into the bank, deduct a measly 1 percent. If you take money out, well…you better take out a little extra, because the progressives will grab another 1 percent. Buy something? Add a little ol’ 1 percent.

The bill “is intended to raise sufficient revenue to eliminate the national debt, which was $10.6 trillion in January 2009…” again, words taken directly from the bill. However, since that time, the debt has risen to an astronomical $13.6 trillion, equating to a debt of $122,318 for every American taxpayer. Change you can believe in, for sure!

Oh, but don’t worry. President Obama’s Task Force won’t take any action earlier than November 3rd, by virtue of the convenient language contained in the bill, even though this clever scheme was introduced February 23rd of this year.

So, after President Obama ran up the debt and formed the Task Force, this is what they’ve come up with. And, they were the one’s we were waiting for? I could have waited indefinitely for these robber barons to take control, but I can’t wait to throw the bums out.

Decision could threaten hunting on all federal lands

Coraopolis, PA — The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) is sincerely disappointed with a recent federal court ruling regarding recreation on the Huron-Manistee National Forest in central Michigan; noting that it sets a troubling precedent that could pose a threat to hunting on all of our federal lands.

The ruling by the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals states that the Forest must consider banning gun hunting on 66,000 acres of areas designated as “Semiprimitive”. The ruling questions whether hunting is a compatible use of these areas given that Forest Plan direction states that users will find a “high probability of experiencing isolation from the sights and sounds of humans.” The following quote from the ruling is disappointing as it paints hunters and hunting in a very negative light – “And so, in striking a balance between competing uses of the Forests, one might expect the Service seriously to consider whether, say, birdwatchers in fall should be able to enjoy their pastime, in 6.75 percent of the Forests, without ducking for the occasional gunshot.”

Part of the court’s rationale for this ruling is that the Forest failed to consider land management direction (banning gun hunting on the Semiprimitive areas) that would minimize the duplication of recreational opportunity when considering state lands in Michigan. Because gun hunting is allowed on virtually all state lands, the court suggests that the Forest should have considered banning gun hunting on the Semiprimitive areas. This portion of the ruling could force federal agencies to consider restricting gun hunting to accommodate quiet pursuits in regions where other public lands open to hunting are abundant.

According to Mike Zagata, RGS President and CEO, “The potential ramifications to hunting of this unfortunate court decision are huge. The court is suggesting that the mere sound of a gunshot is incompatible with other public uses of our public lands. In addition, the court fails to recognize that with the exception of spring turkey hunting, the vast majority of hunters are afield in the fall well after the prime period for birdwatching has passed and well before cross-country ski and snowshoe enthusiasts take to the woods. This decision could well be the single greatest threat to hunting on our federal public lands in recent memory, and RGS plans to enlist the support of its members and volunteers to oppose it.”

The Court has given the Huron-Manistee 90 days to revise its Forest Plan to address the issues raised in this ruling. RGS will continue to coordinate the involvement of other leading wildlife conservation organizations to address the threats posed by this court decision and to protect the right of hunters to pursue their passion on their public lands.

Established in 1961, the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) is the one international wildlife conservation organization dedicated to promoting conditions suitable for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and related wildlife to sustain our sport hunting tradition and outdoor heritage.

Recognized by Charity Navigator as a four-star not-for-profit organization, information on the RGS, its mission, management projects and membership can be found on the web at:www.ruffedgrousesociety.org.

Grand Island, Nebraska – On the heels of the highly successful launch of their Superformance Ammunition line in 2010, Hornady expands its product line with Superformance Varmint Ammunition. Delivering velocities that are 100 to 200 fps faster than conventional loads, Superformance Varmint features fully optimized propellants specifically blended for each load.

Available in 222 Rem, 223 Rem, 22-250 Rem and 243 Win, each load combines groundbreaking Superformance propellant technology with the industry leading V- MAX™ bullet. With the 223, Hornady has gone a step further, creating a NEW 53 gr. V-MAX™ bullet specifically designed to achieve peak performance from the 223 Rem chamber. This new bullet boasts a high .290 B.C. and delivers 3465 fps at the muzzle in the Superformance Varmint 223 Rem load, producing trajectory equaling conventional 22-250 offerings.

Each Superformance Varmint load is carefully tested and produced to deliver greater accuracy, increased range, flatter trajectories, less wind drift and devastating terminal results in all firearm types, including semi-autos.

The new Superformance Varmint product line comes in a 20-count box and is now available at sporting goods and outdoor retailers. To see an overview video and find velocity comparisons and complete ballistic information, go to www.hornady.com/ store/Superformance-Varmint.

Founded in 1949, Hornady Manufacturing Company is a family owned business headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska. Proudly manufacturing products that are “Made in the USA” by over 300 employees, Hornady Manufacturing is a world leader in bullet, ammunition, reloading tool and accessory design and manufacture.

For further information regarding Hornady products, visit our web site at www.hornady.com. Media members interested in Hornady products for editorial review should contact Steve Johnson at sjohnson@hornady.com.

Although the bulk of the big bucks bagged in our state during the fall of 2010 are bound to come from the state’s four southernmost tiers of counties in Region 3, as they usually do, counties in the U.P. — Region 1 — are poised better than ever to give the south a run for its money…examples of forecast at the tite link.

Oct. 18, 2010

Contacts: Tom Cooley, 517-336-5030 or Mary Dettloff, 517-335-3014

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment today announced a diagnosis of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), an often-fatal viral disease found in wild ruminants, in a white-tailed deer in Allegan County.

The DNRE identified EHD in three other counties – Berrien, Cass and Ottawa – in late September.

The disease is characterized by extensive hemorrhages and is transmitted by a biting fly (midge). White-tailed deer develop signs of the illness about seven days after exposure. A constant characteristic of the disease is its sudden onset. Deer initially lose their appetite and fear of humans, grow progressively weaker, salivate excessively, develop a rapid pulse and respiration rate and finally become unconscious. Due to a high fever, the deer often are found sick or dead along or in bodies of water.

There is no evidence that humans can contract the EHD virus.

There is no known effective treatment for, or control of, EHD. Michigan first documented EHD in its white-tailed deer population in 1955. Additional die-offs attributed to EHD occurred in 1974 in several Michigan counties, and again in 2006 in Allegan County. A similar die-off affected areas of Oakland and Macomb counties along the Clinton River in 2008 and Livingston County in 2009. EHD is a common white-tailed deer disease in the southern United States. More frequent outbreaks of EHD in Michigan could be a consequence of climate changes that favor the northward spread of the biting flies that spread the disease, said Russ Mason, chief of the DNRE Wildlife Division.

Property owners who discover dead deer they suspect died of EHD should call the nearest DNRE office to report it. The DNRE Wildlife Disease Lab would like to collect more fresh specimens to test for the disease to determine its spread. Property owners are responsible for the proper disposal of unwanted carcasses. Carcasses can be buried at a sufficient depth so that body parts are not showing. Carcasses also can be disposed of at landfills that accept household solid waste.

For more information on EHD, please see www.michigan.gov/wildlifedisease.

By Glen Wunderlich
Outdoor Columnist
Member Professional Outdoor Media Association

Testing Lightfield Ammunition

Here in lower Michigan, where centerfire rifles are outlawed for deer hunting, the most popular firearm is the shotgun. As a necessary evil, many of us endure the shoulder pounding from excessive recoil produced by hard-hitting ammunition so that we can be on target when opportunity strikes afield. And, nothing is more difficult than to shoot tight groups after your shoulder is black and blue and your fillings are rattled loose. All that has changed!

Lightfield Ammunition has produced 12-gauge shotgun slug ammo that begins with mild and ends with wild. The mild version, in its Lightfield Lites configuration of 2 ¾ inches, is still quite formidable and propels an 1 ¼ – ounce saboted slug downrange at a respectable 1300 feet per second (fps). And, this load won’t beat you up.

Here is where things get interesting: Its 2 ¾ shell named the Hybred EXP fires the same 1 ¼ – ounce saboted slug at an impressive 1450 fps, while retaining downrange energy of 1200 foot pounds at 125 yards and does so while still hitting the exact same location on the target as the Lites. Lightfield refers to this phenomenon as SameSite Accuracy and permits sighting in with the milder loads and then confidently switching to the harder hitting stuff.

But, if that’s not enough punch to please you, hang on – and, I do mean hang on – for the next level of deer-drilling power: The 3-inch, Hybred Elite smokes the same slug at 1730 fps and produces an astounding 3628 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle. No other manufacturer can match this horsepower. In fact, the energy developed with this load is on par with a .460 Weatherby Magnum firing a 500 grain bullet! The 3-inch slug will hit about 1 ½ inches higher than the Lites or EXP at 50 yards and is designed to be dead on at 150 yards, if you have zeroed at 100 yards with the 2 ¾ – inch shells.

To accomplish a high level of accuracy takes a bit of an unusual hold described by Lightfield in this manner: Position a solid rest under both the forend and butt portions of your gun’s stock. Begin applying shoulder pressure to the butt of the gun and offset any forward gun movement by pulling straight back with your right hand in trigger squeezing position. With your left hand on the forend, pull firmly straight back and down at a 45-degree angle. The firmer the hold, the better the accuracy will be. Keep in mind that 60 percent of your overall group size can be directly attributed to inconsistent left hand pressure. If the tips of your fingers are not turning white and/or the gun tends to fly out of your hands, your hold is weak and so too will be your groups.

Although rifled slug guns perform similarly to rifles, they are not rifles and cannot be zeroed as if they were. Even the fastest slug has a significantly longer barrel time than a typical rifle bullet. It is extremely important to apply the same back pressure to the forend and the butt stock in the field as is done at the range! Not doing so will result in the barrel jumping into the air, moving your point of aim and ruining your shot before the slug even exits the barrel.

Sighting in should be at 50 yards and not 100, because the slug must impact the target while still in the supersonic phase of its flight, which eliminates approximately 60 percent of the windage factor. It’s a huge mistake to do otherwise! When the 2 ¾ – inch shells are sighted in 2.5 inches high at 50 yards, gravity will have it dead on at 100.

The Lightfield slug eliminates the inherent inaccuracy associated with bore size variations. When fired, the pressure build-up behind the projectile forces the locked slug/sabot assembly to expand to the actual full bore size of all shotgun barrels, regardless of the manufacturer. Once expanded, the locked sabot/slug assembly takes full advantage of the barrel rifling, maximizes spin and ensures an incredibly accurate flight path. In essence, the round becomes “customized” to whatever gun you have.

Oh, yes. That group shown in the photo was no fluke. Our shooting session had 5 shooters and all were able to produce virtually the same results. In addition, the SameSite technology is now available in 16 and 20 gauge.  (Disregard the holes with the red “Xs”.)

One more thing. Lightfield has a 3 ½ – inch 12 gauge round firing a 600 grain slug at 1890 fps with muzzle energy of 4759 foot pounds, but we won’t go there right now. But, if you are heading to dangerous game territory, it’s worthy company.