SAF Submits Appellants’ Brief to MD Supreme Court in ‘Red Flag’ Challenge

Attorneys representing the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and Maryland resident Donald S. Willey have submitted an appellants’ brief to the Maryland Supreme Court in their federal challenge of that state’s so-called “red flag” law. The case is known as Willey v. Brown and was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland in August 2023.

Mr. Willey, a 64-year-old Marine Corps veteran, has been battling officials in Maryland’s Dorchester County over alleged di minimis nuisance and zoning infractions. Ultimately, Willey became the subject of an Extreme Risk Protective Order (“ERPO”) to have his firearms and ammunition confiscated, for allegedly making threats, which Willey steadfastly denied. Willey was forced to endure a humiliating involuntary mental health evaluation. The federal lawsuit alleges Willey’s constitutional rights were violated for nearly two weeks, after which his firearms were returned.

SAF and Mr. Willey are represented by attorneys Mark W. Pennak at Maryland Shall Issue in Baltimore, and by Edward A. Paltzik, Serge Krimnus and Meredith Lloyd at Bochner PLLC in New York.

While the federal case remains active, it hinges on the interpretation of Maryland state law, so the federal district court certified two questions of law for the Maryland Supreme Court to answer. Once the Maryland courts interpret/define “reasonable grounds” as used in the state’s ERPO law, the federal lawsuit will resume. Those questions are: Read more

Gun Control

GOA Files Amicus Brief in SCOTUS Challenge to Maryland AWB

Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Gun Owners Foundation (GOF) filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court of the United States in support of the challenge to Maryland’s “Assault Weapons” Ban. GOA and GOF were joined by several groups in the filing, including Gun Owners of California, Tennessee Firearms Association, Virginia Citizens Defense League, and the Heller Foundation.

In the brief, GOA urges the Supreme Court to take the case, arguing that the 4th Circuit has intentionally tried to circumvent Bruen with their ruling to uphold Maryland’s ban, just as they have done previously in other landmark cases that eventually reached the Supreme Court. Additionally, the brief highlights how so-called “assault weapons” unquestionably meet the definition of bearable arms under Heller and Bruen.

Erich Pratt, GOA’s Senior Vice President, issued the following statement:

“Semi-automatic rifles have long been in the crosshairs of anti-gunners despite their soaring popularity, and under Heller and Bruen they are undoubtedly protected by the Second Amendment. Contrary to the political spin and temper tantrums of anti-gunners, these weapons are often Americans’ choice for self-defense – just ask our own Stephen Willeford.” Read more

Gun Control

SAF Files Amicus Brief with 11th Circuit in Postal Employee Carry Case

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and its partners have filed an amicus brief with the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a case involving a Florida postal worker who was indicted for possessing a firearm in a federal facility.

He was cleared by the federal district court, and now the government is appealing SAF and its partners are encouraging the 11th Circuit Court to uphold the district court ruling. The case is known as U.S. v. Ayala.

Joining SAF are the California Rifle & Pistol Association, Minnesota Gun Owners’ Caucus and Second Amendment Law Center. They are represented by attorneys C.D. Michel and Konstadinos T. Moros at Michel & Associates in Long Beach, Calif. Read more

Gun Control

SCI Defends Removal of Gray Wolves from ESA in Federal Appeals Court

This past Friday, Safari Club International (SCI) and the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) submitted an opening brief to the Ninth Circuit court of appeals detailing the many ways in which a district court in California misinterpreted the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) delisting rule.

In 2020, the FWS removed gray wolves across the lower 48 United States from the ESA lists of threatened and endangered species. A federal district court in California overturned that decision. SCI and NRA appealed, and Friday’s brief represents the first major step in that appeal wherein our organizations will stand up in court to defend the effective implementation of the ESA.

Since 2003 and across four Presidential Administrations, the Service has repeatedly tried to remove gray wolves from the ESA. Gray wolves have exponentially grown in numbers and habitat, and they no longer require the ESA’s protection. Federal courts, however, have largely overturned these rules based on technical legal issues—to the detriment of social tolerance of wolf populations and the Service’s ability to free up resources to recover other species that are truly at risk. Read more

Wildlife

Springfield Armory Echelon 4.5F Comp 9mm

GENESEO, ILL. – Springfield Armory® is proud to announce the launch of the Echelon™ 4.5F Comp 9mm pistol. Integrally compensated to reduce felt recoil and muzzle rise, the Echelon 4.5F Comp 9mm is meticulously engineered to offer enhanced performance and unmatched adaptability.

The integral compensator featured on this Echelon is discreetly designed with a single port on the top of the hammer-forged slide and barrel. Redirecting gas upwards, it effectively reduces muzzle rise and enhances control. The result is a pistol that delivers faster and more accurate follow-up shots. In addition, the front sight is positioned behind the compensator for an uninterrupted sight picture.

At the heart of the Echelon Comp lies the Central Operating Group. Employing cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, the Central Operating Group is entirely self-contained and serialized allowing it to be easily moved between grip modules in seconds. Precision built from stainless steel, the chassis provides a robust housing for its patent-pending operating system. Read more

Firearms

HAWKE® Optics’ New Endurance Reflex Sight

Hawke® Optics, a worldwide leader in precision tactical optics reveals the new Endurance Reflex sight. A high performance, slimline reflex red dot sight built for accuracy and durability, in an ultra-compact and lightweight package.

Shooters will appreciate the ability to switch between multiple reticles at the press of a button. The Endurance features a user-selectable 3 MOA dot, 30 MOA Circle, and Circle + Dot multi-reticle system. A 10-stage digital brightness control includes 2 night-vision compatible settings for enhanced flexibility, making this a great sight for both hunting, target, and tactical shooting situations.

The Endurance Reflex sights utilize the RMSc footprint for seamless direct mounting to slimline pistols. The sight also includes a removable Weaver/Picatinny base for an ultra-compact aiming solution on rimfire, air rifles, AR’s, and shotguns, giving you the ability to mount the Endurance Reflex on virtually any firearm for extreme adaptability. Read more

Optics

Ruger Introduces Seventh Edition of Ruger Collector’s Series: VOTE 2024 10/22

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is proud to introduce the Seventh Edition of the Ruger® Collector’s Series – the Vote 2024 10/22® Carbine. Accompanied by unique collector’s memorabilia, this Seventh Edition of the Collector’s Series is a great way to start a 10/22 collection, add to an existing collection, or simply celebrate your right to vote.

This collectible rifle features an exclusive Collector’s Series bolt marking and comes packaged with a Ruger Collector’s Series commemorative decal in the box. Also included are a Seventh Edition Ruger Collector’s Series pin, as well as a “Vote 2024” metal street sign, button, and bumper sticker. Read more

Firearms

Savage Arms Debuts New Rimfire Lever Guns

Savage Arms®, an iconic firearm manufacturer, announces two new rifles to its extensive line of industry-leading rimfire firearms and enters another new category. The REVEL CLASSIC and REVEL DLX, two cutting-edge takedown lever guns, bring a fresh perspective to the classic lever action rimfire rifle. With innovative features and exceptional craftsmanship, these firearms are set to revolutionize the shooting experience.

REVEL’s lever action mechanism delivers smooth and reliable cycling, while the crisp trigger ensures precise shot placement. Simple, quick take-down in the field or at the range makes this a new go-to backpack rifle. Equipped with a tubular magazine, REVEL offers ample firepower for plinking or small game hunting. The REVEL CLASSIC and REVEL DLX combine aesthetics and cutting-edge performance for a new standard in takedown rimfire firearms. Read more

Firearms

Invasive Box Tree Moth Confirmed in Lapeer County, Michigan

Suspected cases can be reported online at Michigan.gov/ReportBTM

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is addressing the detection of box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) in Lapeer County recently reported by the United States Department of Agriculture. Although this invasive pest is not a threat to Michigan’s natural resources, it can lead to significant defoliation and death of ornamental boxwood.

The new population of box tree moth was discovered through monitoring efforts in collaboration with the USDA. MDARD has been conducting statewide trapping for the pest, while the USDA has focused on trapping around the perimeter of the other 12 counties currently under quarantine to track the spread of this pest.

“These surveying and trapping efforts play a significant role in helping monitor and slow the spread of box tree moth within our state,” said Steve Carlson, MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division Director. “We’re continuing to work closely with Michigan’s horticulture industry to ensure the safe trade of plant materials and minimize the impact on nurseries, greenhouses, and retailers both inside and outside of the quarantined area.”

In 2023, MDARD implemented a box tree moth interior quarantine, which now encompasses 12 counties in Southeastern Michigan: Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Jackson Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne. MDARD is currently working to update the quarantine to include Lapeer County, which would make it the 13th county impacted by BTM. Read more

Wildlife

‘Nick’s Wild Ride with Nick Hoffman’ Premieres September 27 on Outdoor Channel

Nick’s Wild Ride Airs 7:30 p.m. ET on Fridays during “American Wild” Block

For the last nine years, country music artist and hunter, Nick Hoffman, of Nick’s Wild Ride has been taking audiences on an incredible global journey on Outdoor Channel. In his latest season, premiering September 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET, Hoffman promises more adventures, more food, culture, music and more history to get to the heartbeat of the locations he visits.

Since its inception nearly a decade ago, Nick’s Wild Ride with Nick Hoffman has featured destinations from Argentina to Europe, Kyrgyzstan to Africa, and Alaska to Arizona. Reflecting on these experiences, Hoffman remarked, “In my wildest dreams, I never expected the places this show would take me. Every location has been special and life-changing in some way, but if I had to pick a favorite, the first time in Africa was a life-changing event on many levels.” Read more

Hunting
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