Gun Control Tanks as Midterm Election Issue

Gallup’s July survey found that the number of Americans who cited guns or gun control as the most important problem facing America had returned to levels similar to before the shooting in Parkland, Fla. This month, just two percent of Americans say guns and gun control are the most important problem. It was only a few short months ago that a record number of Americans cited guns as the most important problem (April, 13%).
Guns aren’t mentioned at all in the Gallup article on the July survey – not even in the section about “Americans’ Views of the Top Problem Facing the U.S.” Perhaps even more tellingly, it was not one of the top five most important problems cited by Democrats. You’ll only find the data on guns/gun control if you download the full trend file and turn to the last page.

After Parkland, we were told that “the gun control movement has reached a tipping point ” and that “this time it’s different.”

But the real difference might simply have been the intensity with which the agenda-driven media pursued the issue when they believed there was an opportunity to generate momentum behind it.

The fortunate truth is that Parkland-type incidents remain extremely rare. And as time passes, details emerge that refute the false idea that gun control could stop the few that actually do occur.  In the case of Parkland, these included details on the missteps of local law enforcement and the FBI and missed opportunities for early intervention and even for response at the scene.

However many Americans see guns and a perceived lack of gun control as a problem facing the country, few consider it the most important. Economic issues, immigration, government, healthcare, and the political environment all rate higher, as well they should.

The rarity of such events makes the ones that do occur seem that much more awful. It is understandable the nation becomes riveted for a time. But knee jerk reactions promote neither safety nor good policy. And to their credit, Americans increasingly understand this as cooler heads prevail.

Source: NRA-ILA

SAF, NRA Sue Seattle Over Storage Ordinance That Violates State Law

BELLEVUE, WA – The Second Amendment Foundation and National Rifle Association today filed a lawsuit against the City of Seattle and Mayor Jenny Durkan over adoption of a so-called “safe storage” requirement, alleging that it violates Washington State’s 35-year-old preemption statute, and is therefore unenforceable.

Also named as defendants are the Seattle Police Department and Chief Carmen Best.
State law prohibits cities, towns and counties or other municipalities from adopting gun regulations that exceed state authority. The state legislature has sole authority to adopt gun laws including, but not limited to, registration, licensing, possession, purchase, sale, acquisition, transfer, discharge and transportation of firearms.
“The City of Seattle has been trying to erode state preemption almost from the moment it was passed back in 1985,” recalled SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “When the city tried to ban guns from city parks facilities under former mayors Greg Nickels and Mike McGinn, SAF and NRA joined forces with other organizations to stop it, under the state preemption statute. We should not have to repeatedly remind Seattle that they are still part of Washington State and must obey the law.”
Joining SAF and NRA in the lawsuit are two Seattle residents, Omar Abdul Alim and Michael Thyng. They are both firearm owners.

Thompson Auto-Ordnance Offers Custom “Fly Girls” 1911

(Greeley, PA) – Thompson Auto-Ordnance, maker of the famous “Tommy Gun” and other classic firearms throughout history, is excited to introduce the special edition WWII themed custom “Fly Girls” 1911.

As part of Auto-Ordnance’s ongoing series of custom 1911s paying tribute to the men and women who supported America’s drive towards victory in World War II, we are proud to introduce the “Fly Girls” 1911. This custom pistol honors the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), who played a vital role in the war effort. Over 1000 women served as pilots during WWII, taking on vital roles operating aircraft in non-combat positions so their male counterparts could directly engage the enemy. These women aviators were pioneers in the profession, facing all of the risks and challenges shared by pilots of the time period. By war’s end, 38 had given their lives in service to their country.

Auto-Ordnance is proud to honor the dedication and sacrifice of the WASPs with this beautiful engraved and Cerakote finished custom 1911 pistol! The right side features the diamond shaped badge of the Women’s Air Corps; its design is patterned after Greek goddess Athena’s shield. Nearby are the years of WASP service, 1941-47, and the slogan “Pistol Packin’ Mama”. Engraved on the left side is the title “Original Fly Girls”, and the cartoon gremlin “Fifinella”, a design by Walt Disney, used as the official WASP mascot during WWII. The Army Air Corps roundel is on both sides of the slide. Contact your local firearms dealer to order your own Fly Girls 1911! MSRP is $1091. Read more

Traditions Outfitter G2 & 450 Bushmaster Models


Old Saybrook, CT  – Traditions™ Performance Firearms is pleased to announcement that the NEW Outfitter G2™ is now is stock in several calibers and currently shipping. Additionally, the 450 Bushmaster Model with the Quick Detach Forend is available! Please contact your sales rep, distributor, or Traditions™ for more information on availability and to place an order.

With a 22” LOTHAR WALTHER hammer-forged, premium fluted barrel the Outfitter G2™ is lightweight, easy to carry, and extremely accurate. This break action, single shot cartridge rifle is perfect for whitetail and large game hunting. The Outfitter G2™ has an 11 degree target crown and the point of balance has been moved rearward to accommodate smaller framed shooters. This rifle is one of the safest on the market thanks to the transfer bar system and the trigger block safety. The larger calibers, including 45-70, 35 Whelen, and 450 Bushmaster come with a muzzle break to reduce recoil. Available in 450 BUSHMASTER, .35 Whelen, 45-70, 35 Rem, .44MAG, and .357 MAG. there is a model for everyone. Also available in Scoped/Case packages. MSRP ranges from $439-$586. Read more

Introducing Youngsters to Firearms

By Glen Wunderlich

Modern technology is such that it has never been easier to introduce youngsters to the shooting sports with the world’s most popular caliber:  the .22 rimfire.  Firearms are now offered with adjustable synthetic stocks, so that smaller-framed youths can enjoy the sport without having to cut down wooden stocks, as was done commonly in the past; this fact allows youngsters to be able to grow with the firearm.  In addition, inexpensive telescopic sights can upgrade more difficult-to-learn iron sights, thus expediting the learning curve.  Plus, with the vast array of affordable and plentiful ammo, one doesn’t have to break the bank to get started.

I prefer to start a beginner with anything but a semi-auto rifle for a number of reasons.  While it may make for exciting movies, shooting fast is counter-productive to learning the basics of marksmanship.  In addition, semi-autos need to be kept clean to function properly or jamming actions stop the activity.  Beside, a single shot, or bolt action, or lever action is inherently safer, because the action must be manually cycled to fire again. 

Young Landon sizing up a shot with a Henry lever action .22 rimfire topped with a Bushnell rimfire scope

And, the final reason for avoiding auto loaders is that they need to be fed relatively high energy ammo to cycle the action – not typically conducive to accuracy.

Youngsters (and, adults for that matter) will find that better triggers mean better accuracy.  Several relatively inexpensive models have incorporated adjustable triggers that fit the bill.  Savage produces its Mark II rimfire rifle with its innovative AccuTrigger and Ruger’s counterpart incorporates its Marksman adjustable trigger with 2.25 to 5 pound pull weight.  The beauty of these adjustable triggers is that they offer user-adjustable triggers, so there’s no need for gunsmithing.

When it comes to scopes there are some to avoid.  The typical scopes designed for centerfire rifles are not a good choice, because their fixed internal parallax is set for 100 yards or more – not the range commonly employed with a beginner’s rimfire.  Parallax is the difference in apparent direction of an object, as seen from two different points. 

If you want to see if parallax is present, do this:  Set any scoped firearm onto a solid rest and focus the crosshairs onto a target – especially one from 30 to 40 yards for the purpose of this experiment.  Without moving the firearm, move your head a bit as you look through the scope.  If the crosshairs seem to move, you have parallax!  A rimfire-specific scope minimizes this distortion or eliminates it altogether at the shorter range used with rimfires.

The final piece of the puzzle for the beginner is the ammunition.  Most any supersonic ammo will not be as accurate as standard velocity, or sub-sonic ammo, which is one in the same.  Noise-sensitive youngsters will take to the quieter ammo better and it also has the added advantage of being more accurate – a fact that any seasoned target shooter understands.  No matter what ammo is chosen, make sure to have on hand good hearing protection that will fit a young shooter.

As the adult, it’s good policy to sight in the firearm at a given range from a solid sandbag rest – say 25 yards, before handing it off.  Once dialed in, the challenge is to shoot small groups in the center of the target.  After that, reactive targets such as cans or plastic water bottles filled with water can make for an enjoyable session of learning.  And, don’t be surprised if those young eyes show you up!

Michigan agencies release Independent Risk Analysis of Potential Enbridge Line 5 Spill

Michigan Tech study assesses impacts of worst-case oil spill in Straits of Mackinac 

LANSING, Mich. – State of Michigan agencies Thursday released for public comment a draft independent analysis of the impacts of a potential oil spill from Enbridge Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac.

A team led by Michigan Technological University and directed by professor Guy Meadows of Michigan Tech’s Great Lakes Research Center submitted the draft report “Independent Risk Analysis for the Straits Pipelines” to state officials on July 16, 2018.

The worst-case approach implemented in the study is based on the accumulation of worst-case assumptions and explicitly excludes consideration of the probability of such events. As a result, the assessment extends to events with low probabilities of occurrence but high consequences.

According to the analysis of more than 4,300 spill simulations, a rupture to both Straits pipelines with concurrent failures of primary valves on each pipeline and secondary safety valves, could release 32,000 to 58,000 barrels of crude oil into the Great Lakes and impact more than 400 miles of shoreline in Michigan, Wisconsin and Canada based on wind and current conditions. Depending on the timing and magnitude of a spill, 47 wildlife species of concern and 60,000 acres of unique habitat could be at risk. Read more

Pulsar Helion XQ28F Thermal Monocular

(MANSFIELD, TEXAS) – The Helion XQ28F (PL77392) will be a significant addition to the line of Pulsar Helion products. Pulsar’s newest addition is the answer to the law enforcement and hunting communities’ feedback: a new, more affordable, full-featured thermal monocular.

The XQ28 maintains all the features you love about Helions, including audio and video (as well as still image) recording and eight color display modes, variable magnification, 8-hr rechargeable battery, rugged glass-nylon composite construction and ultra-reliable IPX7 protection.

Pulsar Helion XQ28F features Wi-Fi compatibility to be used with the StreamVision App allowing the Helion’s display to be viewed on smartphones and tablets. The technology allows for your device to be used as a remote control. Pulsar’s StreamVision allows you to stream video, transfer data and upgrade your device with ease. Read more

Hi-Lux Leatherwood ART M1000-PRO Rifle Scope

https://hi-luxoptics.com/products/m1000-pro

As part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Automatic Ranging Trajectory (ART) riflescope, Hi-Lux introduces the latest version of James Leatherwood’s innovative method of simplifying long-range shooting – the Hi-Lux ART M1000-PRO.

https://youtu.be/LYjmdHKvMXQ

ART technology raises and lowers the rear of the scope similar to an open sight, allowing shooters to get first round hits of up to 1000 yards without complex distance estimation.

Specifically designed for hunters, the Hi-Lux ART M1000-PRO is a 2 to 10 power scope featuring the HR1 illuminated MOA reticle. The HR1 reticle is available in red or green illumination and the lowest three brightness settings are compatible for use with night vision optics. Read more

Styrka S5 and S3 Series Optics: Quality at Prices Hunters Can Afford

Eagan, MN Hunters and recreational shooters don’t have to spend thousands of dollars for high-quality optics that get the job done in the field. Two prime examples: The Styrka S3 Series and S5 Series binoculars and scopes.

The S3 Series Optics are Styrka’s entry-level glass, yet they’re built with the craftsmanship and the features you’d expect with optics twice the price.

Styrka S3 Series binoculars are available in three models:  8×42; 10×42; and a 10×42 model sporting a Mossy Oak Break-Up® Country™ finish. All lens surfaces are coated multiple times utilizing Styrka’s proprietary SXL anti-reflective coatings for maximum brightness, optimal color, and superior image contrast. Advanced coatings are also applied to the BaK-4 Prisms to dramatically increase light transmission. Read more

SCI Supports USFWS Proposed Improvements To ESA

Safari Club International supports major proposed revisions by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to its Endangered Species Act regulations that were announced today.
“Today’s announcement ushers in a major move forward for the FWS.  At long last, we have leadership that recognizes the importance of flexibility in the conservation of federally listed wildlife and the recognition that different approaches, including sustainable use, can be used to recover and sustain the world’s wildlife,” said SCI President Paul Babaz.
Of the many proposed changes, SCI generally supports the proposals to provide more flexibility to the management and recovery of threatened species and to modify how the agency establishes the “foreseeable future” when making threatened listing decisions.
Under one proposal, the FWS would decide on a species-by-species basis what, if any, ESA prohibitions would apply to each species listed as threatened.  The ESA itself applies these prohibitions (e.g., regarding take and import) only to endangered species.  Congress envisioned that the FWS would decide individually what prohibitions applied to each particular threatened species.
But the FWS long ago adopted a blanket rule that the statutory prohibitions would automatically apply to all threatened species, unless the FWS adopted a “special rule” specific to a particular species that spelled out what restrictions applied.
The FWS’s sister agency in implementing the ESA, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), followed Congressional intent and did not adopt the blanket rule.  The FWS’s proposal would align it with NMFS and Congressional intent. Read more

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