Polymer 80 Issues Statement on ATF’s Recent Letter

DAYTON, NV – Polymer80 Family,

As you may have seen or heard, on Tuesday ATF published an open letter to FFLs declaring that certain Polymer80 blanks are considered “Firearms” under their latest – and unprecedented – interpretation of Final Rule 2021R-0F5. I wanted to personally address this with all of you, our loyal customers, many of whom have been with us since we started in a rundown old maintenance shop on Callen Street in Vacaville, CA.

Over the past several years, Polymer80 has shouldered a considerable amount of legal expenses fighting egregious, unwarranted, and naked assaults on us, our products, and the natural and inalienable rights embedded in the Second Amendment and enshrined in our history.

I want to make three things VERY clear.

    1. Polymer80 is not – and I am not – taking the bait. While Polymer80 vehemently disagrees with the open letter, we will take appropriate steps to ensure we continue to remain in compliance with applicable laws or regulations.
    2. In addition to continuing to produce quality products and innovate, we are also modifying existing product lines taking into careful consideration – as best we can given ATF’s constantly changing interpretations of its own rules – ATF’s various positions, statements, and guidance, as well as the Final Rule and challenges to it across the country.
    3. Finally, we are going to fight, as vigorously and fervently as ever, using every resource available to us in the legal system, against the open letter and reclaim our rights.

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Gun Control

Maxim Defense Introduces PRS Suppressors

St. Cloud, Minnesota – (January 4, 2023) Maxim Defense, manufacturer of state-of-the-art precision firearms, firearm parts and accessories, is proud to announce the PRS Suppressors as an addition to their MSX suppressor line. The MSX suppressors by Maxim Defense is specifically designed to minimize the increase in cyclic rate and gas blowback of a suppressed firearm. The primary design features include the significant reduction of sound signature, decreasing flash signature, reduced recoil and an increase in accuracy.

“The DNA of the PRS comes directly from our hugely successful M240 suppressor,” said Dave Larson, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Maxim Defense. “We utilized the same technology and engineering of the M240 to manufacture this serviceable, lightweight, incredibly-quiet suppressor. The PRS is the perfect companion for your next hunt.” Read more

Firearms

The Headrest Safe Company Introduces the Headrest Safe

Homewood, Alabama – (January 4, 2023) The Headrest Safe Company, LLC, innovators of the ultimate discreet vehicle safe storage system, is pleased to announce The Headrest Safe™, the standard for anti-theft vehicle safes. The Headrest Safe™ is designed to provide maximum protection for your valuables or firearms. Keep all of your valuables safe when you are in or out of your vehicle. Hide and secure items in plain sight with The Headrest Safe™.

“When it comes to carrying your valuables or firearms in your vehicle, most people think they have to choose between safety and convenience,” said Louis Tuck, COO/CFO, The Headrest Safe Company LLC. “With The Headrest Safe™, you can have the best of both worlds: peace of mind that it’s secure plus easy access.”

You can now take your firearm, cash, medications, and more with you in your vehicle and relax knowing it will stay out of the hands of kids, valets, or intruders. Keep them safe with The Headrest Safe™. The Headrest Safe Company uses the best quality materials, so you can count on your safe being tough. With three ways to open your safe (thumbprint, key, and code), you will have easy access to your valuables. Make sure your valuables are where you want them, when you need them. Read more

Firearms

CCRKBA Files Amicus Brief in Junior Sports Magazine Case

BELLEVUE, WA – The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms has filed an amicus brief in support of Junior Sports Magazines, Inc., in a First Amendment challenge of a California law that prohibits “advertising or marketing communication concerning any firearm-related product in a manner that is designed, intended, or reasonably appears to be attractive to minors.”

The brief was filed with the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. CCRKBA is joined by Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership and the Second Amendment Law Center.

Junior Sports Magazines is joined in its federal lawsuit by the Second Amendment Foundation, California Youth Shooting Sports Association, Inc., Redlands California Youth Clay Shooting Sports, Inc., California Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc., the CRPA Foundation, and Gun Owners of California, Inc., and Raymond Brown, a private citizen. SAF is the sister organization of CCRKBA, and California Rifle & Pistol is a CCRKBA affiliate.

“The issue here is simple,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb. “Junior Sports Magazines publishes a magazine titled ‘Junior Shooters,’ and because that magazine accepts advertising from firearms and ammunition manufacturers and firearms retailers, and publishes stories related to recreational and competition shooting, it is prohibited by law in California.

“The plaintiffs in this case,” he explained, “are challenging the constitutionality of California Business and Professions Code section 22949.80, which makes it unlawful for any ‘firearm industry member’ to ‘advertise, market, or arrange for placement of an advertising or marketing communication concerning any firearm-related product in a manner that is designed, intended, or reasonably appears to be attractive to minors.’ It’s an outrageous restriction on free speech and freedom of the press.” Read more

Gun Control

SAF Challenges Semi-Auto Ban in New York State

A federal lawsuit supported by the Second Amendment Foundation and Firearms Policy Coalition has been filed in New York, challenging that state’s ban on so-called “assault weapons.” Plaintiffs are represented by SAF and FPC attorneys.

The complaint was filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, on behalf of New York residents J. Mark Lane of Larchmont and James Sears of Irving. They are represented by attorneys Cody Wisniewski, Adam Kraut, who is also SAF executive director, and Nicolas J. Rotsko.

Named as defendants are New York State Attorney General Letitia James, State Police Supt. Steven A. Nigrelli and Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah, in their official capacities.

“The issue in this lawsuit is very plain,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “Both Sears and Lane are law-abiding New York residents who wish to own modern semiautomatic sport-utility rifles such as the AR-15, for lawful purposes including target shooting and home defense. Such rifles are in common use across the country, yet in the Empire State, citizens face the threat of arrest, confiscation, prosecution, fined and imprisonment for lawfully using such rifles.” Read more

Gun Control

Walleye season change on the lower Saginaw River in Bay and Saginaw counties starts Jan. 1

Dec. 28, 2022
Effective Jan. 1, 2023, the possession season for walleye will be open year-round on the lower Saginaw River in Bay and Saginaw counties from the mouth of the river, upstream to West Center Street (Douglas G. Schenk) Bridge.

The same regulation is in effect on the Lake Huron waters of MH-4 (see page 20 of the 2022 fishing guide) including Saginaw Bay. The daily possession limit for walleye remains at eight walleye with a 13-inch minimum size limit on these same waters.

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission approved this regulation Dec. 9, 2021, to increase fishing and harvest opportunities on the Saginaw Bay walleye population. Prior to this new regulation, the season used to close March 16 and reopen the last Saturday in April.

For current regulations, anglers are encouraged to view and refer to the digital version of the fishing guide at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests. The fishing guide and other helpful resources also are available by downloading the new Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.

The DNR manages Michigan’s fisheries resources for current and future generations by making scientific, research-based decisions and regulatory recommendations. Regulations are one tool the DNR uses to implement management strategies to protect, conserve and improve Michigan’s fisheries. Learn more about these efforts at Michigan.gov/Fishing.

Contact: Jeff Jolley, 989-686-2678

Fishing

Cleanup tips for winter storm-damaged branches, injured trees

High winds and heavy snowfall from winter storms over the last week have left some Michigan homeowners with injured trees or broken branches. Safety is a big concern when dealing with storm cleanup, especially in freezing cold temperatures.

After a storm, first assess whether there are broken tree limbs located near power lines or lying on your home. These should be dealt with by professionals. Experts should also handle any hanging branches and split limbs you can’t reach from the ground. Stay away from debris tangled in power lines and immediately notify your utility company.

After hazardous limbs are addressed, proper pruning and care of your injured trees are important for safety and for the long-term health of the trees. This can be accomplished when work conditions are safer in spring.

If your trees have only weathered minor damage, the winter pruning tips offered in this “Showcasing the DNR” story can help ensure the health of your trees. For other common situations, see the following tips:

  • Get expert help for climbing or chainsaw work. Licensed arborists are tree care professionals trained to assess storm-damaged trees; they have the experience needed to determine how much of a tree can or should be saved. Always ask for proof of licensing, insurance and work references. Find more information about hiring an arborist from ISA-Michigan, Michigan’s chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture.
  • Keep pests in mind when disposing of wood. Wood left behind after trees are damaged by storms may harbor insects or diseases harmful to forests. Moving debris out of the local area can spread pests.
  • Recycle or re-use woody storm debris. Check the national Don’t Move Firewood campaign for recommendations on seasoning and using local firewood.

Helpful resources

Questions? Email

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Wildlife

Live Winter Finch Feeder Cams

A live cam screenshot of a female Pine Grosbeak visiting a winter feeding site.

A new Winter Finch Feeder Camera is now streaming live from an impressive feeding station in far northern Maine, in the town of Woodland to be more exact. Sponsored by the Finch Research Network and Aspen Song Bird Food the action takes place in the backyard of Bill Sheehan where you can see Evening Grosbeaks, Pine Grosbeaks, Black-capped Chickadees, and other birds frequenting a variety of feeder styles. Aspen Song Bird Food generously provided the camera and sent 1½ tons of sunflower seeds, which should keep the winter finches and other birds coming into view.

To see a live view of the feeders and the birds that visit, check in to Northern Maine Birds – YouTube periodically to see what birds are active.

At the same time, you can see similar birds and others at the Ontario FeederWatch Cam at feeders in the yard of Tammie and Ben Hache in Manitouwage, Ontario at Ontario FeederWatch Cam | Cornell Lab Bird Cams Cornell Lab Bird Cams (allaboutbirds.org)

There are also a number of interesting videos you can view of winter finches and other birds visiting feeders, including a great one from the Ontario FeederWatch Cam at Colorful Finches of Canada’s Boreal Forest Share The Bounty Of The Ontario FeederWatch Cam – YouTube

Wildlife

The New BirdSpotter Photo Contest

A tranquil setting combined with dramatic color variations made this past BirdSpotter winning photo of a Blue Grosbeak a favorite (photo by Mike Timmons).

Every birder is invited to submit their best bird photo to compete for prizes worth hundreds of dollars in the new BirdSpotter Photo Contest, now through February 5th. Sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, members of their staff will select 10 finalist bird photographs, which will be posted on the BirdSpotter Voting webpage for birders to vote for their favorite finalists. Online voting will continue from February 13 to March 12, and winners will be announced shortly thereafter. Each birder is invited to enter a single photo, so pick your best.

Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU) and The Cornell Lab will award the following prizes, based on the voting results: First Place, a $300 WBU gift certificate, Second Place, a $200 WBU gift certificate, Third Place, a $100 Wild Birds Unlimited gift certificate; plus each of the photographers who took the 10 finalist bird photos will be invited to choose one Bird Academy online course Free of charge. For more information about the new BirdSpotter Photo Contest, see WBU Birdspotter entries (allaboutbirds.org) – and Good Luck!

Wildlife
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