NSSF Opposes Interior Dept. Proposal to Close 1.3M Acres of Bears Ears National Monument

NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, strongly opposes Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s proposed plan for the Department of the Interior to shutter access to recreational shooting on 1.3 million acres of the Bears Ears National Monument, in Utah. Today’s announcement will needlessly deny recreational target shooters access to the monument for no legally justifiable purpose and will violate federal law.

“Secretary Haaland’s proposed plan to close access to 1.3 million acres for recreational shooting is a violation of federal law,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and Chief Executive Officer. “Public lands must be made available for all the public to use. Federal law explicitly states that when closures of public lands are necessary, they must be limited in area and duration to achieve a specific stated objective. Secretary Haaland has articulated none of the required criteria, as required by law. The Secretary should rescind or drastically modify this misguided policy and apply the law as intended: to benefit the public.” Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

May 2024 – Firearm & Ammunition Exports

NSSF tracks and reports monthly U.S. export units for several sporting arms, ammunition, and optics categories from the US International Trade Commission. Below are the results for May 2024 compared to May 2023.

  • May Handgun exports increased 52.6 percent from 26,278 to 40,111 units. Within the handgun category, Pistol export units increased 60.8 percent from 23,887 to 38,406 units while exported Revolver units dropped 28.7 percent from 2,391 to 1,705 units.
  • May Rifle exports were down 19.7 percent from 31,803 to 25,529 units.
  • May Shotgun category posted a 31.5 percent decrease in exported units from 7,725 to 5,291.
  • May Muzzleloader category increased 342.5 percent from 207 to 916 units exported.
  • May Other Cartridges (excluding Shotgun cartridges) category decreased 31.9 percent from 76.0 million in 2023 to 51.7 million units exported in 2024.
  • May Shotgun Cartridges category decreased by 13.6 percent dropping to 3.2 million as compared to last year’s 3.7 million.
  • Telescopic Sights:
    • May Telescopic Sights for Rifles (HTS code 9013.10.2000, which includes military use) rose 13.1 percent from 32,030 units to 36,215.
  • Binoculars:
    • May Prism Binoculars [not for use with infrared light] (HTS code 9005.10.0040) decreased 18.1 percent from 24,518 units to 20,072.
    • May Binoculars HTS code 9005.10.0080 [Other Binoculars, NESOI] increased 38.2 percent from 20,194 units to 27,911.
  • Sound Suppressors:
    • May Sound Suppressors, Silencers, Mufflers and Similar Devices of Shotguns or Rifles of Heading 9303 (HTS code 9305.20.9100) decreased 9.5 percent, dropping to 181 from 200 units.
    • May Parts and Accessories of Shotguns or Rifles of Heading 9303 (HTS code 9305.20.9500) were up 32.4% from 86,874 to 114,999 units.

Source: US International Trade Commission Read more

Firearms

NSSF Praises SCOTUS Decision to Review Mexico’s Baseless $10 Billion Lawsuit

NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, praised the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to grant Smith & Wesson’s petition to hear Estados Unidos Mexicanos v. Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc., et al., Mexico’s frivolous $10 billion lawsuit against American firearm manufacturers seeking to blame them for the harm caused by lawless narco-terrorist drug cartels in Mexico. Mexico’s lawsuit also seeks to dictate how firearms are made and sold throughout the United States through a federal court injunction, in effect usurping the role of Congress and 50 state legislatures. NSSF filed an amicus brief earlier this year in support of the Supreme Court granting the case, arguing that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit’s flawed decision, “blows a gaping hole in the PLCAA and rolls out the red carpet for a foreign government intent on vitiating the Second Amendment.” The U.S. Supreme Court will now set a briefing schedule and hold argument, likely early in the new year.

“Today’s announcement by the U.S. Supreme Court that they are granting Smith & Wesson’s petition to hear Mexico’s frivolous $10 billion lawsuit against lawful American firearm manufacturers is welcomed news to the entire firearm industry. Mexico’s lawsuit seeks to blame lawful American firearm businesses for violence in Mexico perpetrated by Mexican narco-terrorist drug cartels and impacting innocent Mexican lives. It is not the fault of American firearm businesses that follow strict laws and regulations to lawfully manufacture and sell legal products,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “This case represents exactly why Congress passed, and President George W. Bush enacted, the bipartisan Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). The case was rightly dismissed by a federal judge before the First Circuit Court of Appeals’ erroneous ruling earlier this year that reversed the district court order and reinstated the case. Lawful American firearm manufacturers follow American laws to make and sell lawful and Constitutionally-protected products. The Mexican government should instead focus on bringing Mexican criminals to justice in Mexican courtrooms.”

Mexico alleges U.S. firearm manufacturers are liable for the criminal violence perpetuated by narco-terrorist drug cartels by refusing to adopt gun control restrictions that exceed what the law requires for the strictly-regulated production and sale of firearms. A U.S. District court in Massachusetts dismissed the case, finding the claims were barred by the PLCAA. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, however, revived the case on Mexico’s appeal earlier this year. Read more

Firearms, Gun Control

Genesee County Pheasants Forever Youth Hunt

Sunday, Oct. 13

Morning and afternoon sessions

Muzzy Pheasant Farm

1210 N. Durand Road, Corunna, Michigan

Youth ages 12-17 who have completed a hunter safety course are invited to join in a guided, three-bird pheasant hunt. The event includes clay target shooting before the hunt and a lesson on cleaning birds after the hunt.

Lunch will be provided for both sessions. The cost is $30, and registration is required.

Learn More and Register

Hunting

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease confirmed in white-tailed deer in 11 southwest Michigan counties

Since early September, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Health Section has confirmed epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, in the wild deer population across 11 counties in southwest Michigan. The affected counties include Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo, Kent, Ottawa, St. Joseph and Van Buren.

EHD, a common viral disease that primarily affects white-tailed deer, is transmitted through the bite of an infected midge, or biting fly. Deer cannot transmit the disease directly to one another; the virus must pass through the insect. Outbreaks of EHD typically occur in late summer and early fall but cease with the first frost, which kills the midge population.

Infected deer exhibit symptoms such as loss of appetite, reduced fear of humans, weakness, excessive salivation, rapid pulse, increased respiration and fever. They may also seek out water to cool their elevated body temperatures. In severe cases, the disease leads to unconsciousness and death.

“EHD is not expected to have widespread deer population-level impacts, but it can significantly affect localized areas if mortality is severe,” said Chad Fedewa, acting deer specialist for the DNR Wildlife Division. “After an outbreak, local deer populations usually rebound after a few years. That has been the case over the last decade or so each time we have seen this virus show up.”

Report observations online

If you suspect you have found a deer that has contracted or died from EHD, please submit the observation through the DNR’s online reporting system, Eyes in the Field. In most cases, deer will be found in or near water. Read more

Wildlife

Social Media Censorship Fuels Print Media Revival

Firearms News’ Facebook Page Getting Deleted Is Part of the Reason Why

DENVER – The saying “what comes around, goes around” rings true today as Firearms News, a leading voice in the Second Amendment community since 1946, announces a renewed commitment to print media as social media censorship further restricts free information flow. The publication’s Facebook page, a top resource for nearly 1 million followers, was recently deleted without warning, underscoring the growing challenges faced by conservative and pro-Second Amendment voices online.

Firearms News has long balanced the legacy of print media with the immediacy of digital content, publishing both monthly issues and daily updates online. Despite digital disruptions, the publication remains steadfast in its dedication to delivering unfiltered Second Amendment news, historical firearm insights, and gun reviews.

“Social media censorship shows the importance and value of our print roots,” notes David M. Fortier, Executive Editor at Firearms News. “Our community relies on us for unbiased journalism, and print is a key part of ensuring our message reaches those who value freedom and transparency.” Read more

Gun Control

EAACorp Announces a New Exclusive Witness2311 in Collaboration with Davidson’s

Cocoa, FL – European American Armory Corp announces the launch of the newest model in their acclaimed Witness2311 series, the Davidson’s-exclusive Girsan Witness2311 C BX. This Commander-size (C) variant is the first Witness2311 to feature a 1/2×28 threaded barrel (BX) on a double stack platform and stands out for offering a wealth of top-tier features at a competitive price point.

The Witness2311 C BX stands out with its striking combination of a gold titanium nitride barrel and a lightening-cut slide. This special edition Witness2311 is protected by a sleek, black camo Cerakote®. A beautiful, high-speed, low-drag 9mm pistol that comes optic-ready for the RMS/RMSc footprint, including the solar Far-Dot optic in the box. With a capacity of 17+1, all these features deliver a high-performance double-stack 1911. Read more

Firearms

Michigan Receives Nearly $330K to Bolster Elk Habitat, Hunting Heritage Projects

MISSOULA, Mont. – The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its partners allocated $329,809 in grant funding to improve Michigan habitat for elk and other wildlife while also supporting youth shooting sports programs.

“The Michigan Department of Natural Resources wants to both maintain and enhance suitable habitat in the core of the state’s elk range. That’s also good news for elk, deer, black bears, ruffed grouse and many other animal species. We are grateful to help with that effort,” said Jenn Doherty, RMEF managing director of mission operations. “Grant funding will also help 10 different youth recreational programs or events.”

RMEF supplied $135,430 that helped leverage $194,379 in partner funding. Read more

Wildlife

New Kimber CDS9

Kimber Mfg. is excited to share the release of the CDS9 as an addition to the popular KDS9c family of concealed carry semi-automatic handguns.

From hammer to muzzle the CDS9 is a completely new EDC (Everyday Carry) design from Kimber. The new CDS9 is a micro compact high-capacity handgun that delivers every attribute that concealed carry owners are looking for. A fully featured design that is anchored by a robust all metal frame, the new CDS9 is optics ready and features an accessory rail for light and laser accessories. Ambidextrous safety and slide release come standard, as well as the hallmark reversible magazine release. G10 grips and alloy frame are available on both models. Plus, the CDS9 is immediately available with a threaded barrel with the TFS model. Like the larger framed KDS9c and the new CDS9 is a fully featured firearm tailor-made for the EDC handgun owner. High capacity comes standard with 13 round and 15 round magazines included with each model. A concealable 10-round flush fit magazine is also available to maximize concealability. Ergonomic extended grip 10 round models will also be available soon for regions with capacity restrictions. This new CDS9 follows Kimber’s recipe for providing superior value with custom features normally found on guns twice the price.

Designed to be the next generation of the KDS9c family, the CDS9 represents Kimber’s dedication to dominate the premium concealed carry firearms category. Kimber also draws on the most sought-after trigger design from their world renowned 1911’s with straight pull characteristics, a flat faced trigger, and classic trigger bow that delivers a solid wall and crisp break. The CDS9 also features a dual recoil spring assembly that replaces traditional guide rods to deliver the softest shooting experience possible in a micro compact platform. Premium sights come standard from TAG® and with their trademark locking front fiber optic front, and tactical rear sights. The CDS9 is purpose built to deliver superior durability relentless reliability, and the superior performance Kimber is known for. Read more

Firearms
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