Legislative Issues

As a gun owner, you owe it to yourself to become involved in the fight to retain our Second Ammendment rights. Please educate yourself on the following issues, and write to your state and federal congressmen as appropriate. The issues below link to detailed information about them, and general links follow so that you can keep up on current information regarding legislative issues.

Bear Harvest Approaches 2,300 After Two Days

The Game Commission reported on 11/26 that bear hunters - aided by the increased visibility provided by a light snow that fell in western and northern counties on opening day - are having a great season. The statewide bear season will end 11/26 at sunset.

The regular 2-week antlered deer seasons opens 12/2.

http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/press/2003/november/nr113-03.asp

Pennsylvania State Police Firearms Registry

You should be aware that the Pennsylvania State Police are maintaining an on-going registry of firearms owned by law-abiding Pennsylvanians. According to authors Andy Barniskis and William A. Duff, that registry is clearly prohibited by law and is illegal.

http://www.kfc-rkba.org/page5.html

Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Second Amendment Case

The U.S. Supreme Court has denied Petition for Writ of Certiorari in the Silveira v. Lockyer Second Amendment lawsuit. The Silveira petition asked the court to rule on whether or not the Second Amendment applies to the States and whether or not it is an individual right.

http://www.keepandbeararms.com/Silveira/denied.asp

Assaulting the Ban

Two Democratic presidential candidates Congressmen Richard Gephardt (D-MO) and Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) have used the anniversary to introduce legislation demanding that the federal assault weapons ban be renewed and expanded before it expires next year. According to author John R. Lott, the bans have now been in effect for almost a decade, without any evidence of any benefits.

http://johnrlott.tripod.com/b1.html

Democrats Tout Second Amendment, but Voting Records Show Hostility

A year before the 2004 presidential election, major Democrat candidates have moderated their rhetoric on firearms, trying not to alienate voters who own guns, while also carefully reassuring liberal voters of their continued support for gun control. However, CNSNews.com's extensive review of the candidates' votes and statements on firearms policy shows that those with congressional experience have anything but a moderate voting record.

http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/11/17/110407.shtml

Mugger Goes Free, Victim Arrested

He survived a violent mugging, but now 80-year-old Lester Campbell faces criminal charges for defending himself with an unlicensed gun.

More New York City insanity.

http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=35469

Dog Shoots Man

A French hunter was shot by his dog after he left a loaded shotgun in the trunk of his car with two dogs and one of the animals accidentally stepped on the trigger, police said Wednesday.

This is the third or fourth story like this I've seen in the past 2 years.

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=oddlyEnoughNews&storyID=3768289

Women Take Aim at Gun Safety

Some 80 other women gathered Sunday at Gunsite Indoor Shooting Range in CT to participate in the Women On Target program. Funded by the National Rifle Association of America, the free program is intended to create more hunting and shooting opportunities for women by introducing or reintroducing them to firearm safety and basic firearm instruction.

http://www.newhavenregister.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10488281&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=517515&rfi=6

Groups Hunt New Following of Youth and Women

The number of people who hunt each year in this country fell by 7 percent between 1996 and 2001, according to a government survey. The trend has broad political, cultural and ecological implications for states such as Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, where hunting has long been a cherished practice. So a loose affiliation of government agencies, private industry groups and gun rights advocates has launched an effort to save what many view as a way of life.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A19865-2003Nov9.html

Bushmaster Given OK to Expand

The Planning Board granted conditional approval to Bushmaster Firearms, Inc. to build an 11,500-square-foot addition to its facilities off Route 302. Approval followed a public hearing at the Windham Town Offices. Members of the Southern Maine chapter of the Million Mom March attended the meeting, and two residents urged the Planning Board to reject the expansion. "Bushmaster produces guns that can and do kill children," said Sally Breen, a Windham resident and Peace Action Maine board member. "I ask that you deny permission for Bushmaster to expand their facilities and capabilities to produce more guns," she said.

Our CMP shooters can attest to the fact that the Bushmaster has other uses.

http://www.pressherald.com/news/local/031111bushmaster.shtml

Lying Scholars Fuel Anti-Gun Court Verdicts

According to the author, more and more federal judges today contend that Americans have no constitutional right to keep and bear arms because leftwing historians and law professors have been rewriting American history and reinterpreting the Constitution for years. Anti-gun judges then parrot the lies their professors told them and with each stroke of their gavels, they infuse those lies with the force of law.

http://www.richardpoe.com/column.cgi?story=131

Banning "Terrorist Specials"?

According to author John Lott, conjuring up phantom guns may be fine for Halloween, but the imaginary fears behind plastic guns keeps us from addressing the real problems.

http://www.techcentralstation.com/111303E.html

Md. State Police Against Expanding Gun Database

Citing substantial flaws with the state's ballistic-fingerprinting database, the Maryland State Police has recommended that it not be expanded.

http://enews.millionmommarch.org/plugin.jtml?siteID=MMM&p=1&Tab=News&Object_ID=567600

Blasting Stereotypes

TX woman proves guys are not the only ones who enjoy firearms.

http://www.valleystar.com/sliceoflife_more.php?id=50816_0_22_0_M

CT Man Charged for Wife's Suicide Using His Gun

Prosecutors say firearm in dresser drawer too accessible to troubled spouse

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=35635

Appeals Panel Reinstates Suits Against Gun Makers

A three-judge panel of the San Francisco-based Ninth U-S Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated a wrongful death lawsuit that was tossed out in 2001. It had been filed against gun manufacturers and distributors whose weapons were used by a white supremacist who wounded three children at a day care and killed a postal worker.

http://www.whnt19.com/Global/story.asp?S=1534164

M-16 Rifle May Be on Way Out of U.S. Army

After nearly 40 years of battlefield service around the globe, the M-16 may be on its way out as the standard Army assault rifle because of flaws highlighted during the invasion and occupation of Iraq.

This gives us CMP shooters an excuse to buy another rifle.

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=540&u=/ap/20031122/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_goodbye_m_16&printer=1

Study Criticizes FBI Bullet-match Method

In a finding that could affect thousands of criminal cases, the National Academy of Sciences has concluded that some techniques the FBI has used for decades to match bullets to crimes are flawed or imprecise.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20031121-092807-6262r.htm

Many Can Learn from One Fatal Mistake

As good a cop as he was, a 52-year-old veteran officer died when his gun accidentally discharged as he was dressing for work.

This story should convince everyone to obey all the rules of safe gun handling.

http://www.santamariatimes.com/articles/2003/11/16/sections/corbett/corbett.txt

Judge Rules Against Concealed Guns Measure

A St. Louis judge permanently barred Missouri's recently enacted concealed guns law, saying it violates the state constitution.

http://www.kctv5.com/Global/story.asp?S=1515803&nav=1PuZIz0N

Score Another Success For Grassroots Lobbying

The Hill is a Capitol Hill newspaper covering Congress and politics. A recent article was devoted to what seemed to The Hill as a surprising story: Gun Owners of America has stalled an education bill that passed the Senate 90-0.

http://www.gunowners.org/op0362.htm

Bound to Misfire

President Bush's program, Project Childsafe, will distribute 20 million gun locks. According to author John Lott, despite the obvious feel-good appeal of these rules, gun locks and safe storage laws are more likely to cost lives than to save them.

http://techcentralstation.com/110703D.html

Traveling with Firearms

It never was easy for hunters to travel by air, and since 9/11 it's become a real chore. This article gives a few simple rules to make it much easier.

http://www.nypost.com/sports/4094.htm

Neshaminy State Park Deer Hunt

Archery hunting of deer at Neshaminy State could begin as early as Dec. 27. State Parks Resource Management Chief James Barr said the population there should be about four deer, based on the types of trees and other vegetation inside the 330-acre park. Park rangers put the current deer population at about 100.
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-10102003-175445.html

Residents Complain of Noise from Souderton-Harleysville Gun Club

The Souderton-Harleysville Gun Club on Schultz Road in Salford Township is a 60-year-old private club. Members fire guns on Wednesday evenings and occasionally on Sunday afternoons. Pennsylvania Police Lt. T.J. Walsh told Bud the club's shooting hours were within the regulations of the state's noise code, which states that such noises should not be made between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10430133&BRD=1306&PAG=461&dept_id=187822&rfi=6

Target Shooting Not Just for Men

Rain couldn't dampen the spirits of adventurous women who went to shoot at Delaware County Field and Stream's Ladies Day. The Oct. 4 event was a success, with upwards of 100 women attending.
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1725&dept_id=498331&newsid=10324529&PAG=461&rfi=9

Anheuser-Busch Supports Gun Owners

Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc., the top corporate player in Missouri politics, is no longer backing Gov. Bob Holden - in large part because of Holden's veto of a concealed carry bill that the Legislature eventually overrode
A-B has always been a strong supporter of our rights. Support them by buying their products.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/News/F362F9633DE17F7586256DB3001354C6?OpenDocument&Headline=A-B+drops+support+of+Holden+over+guns++

Police Chiefs: Retain Assault-Weapons ban

The 10-year-old ban expires in September, but our nation's police chiefs want to see it continue.
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/7079405.htm

Bills Facing Heavy Grassroots Opposition

Gun Owners of America reports on the status of two anti-gun bills.
http://www.gunowners.org/a102103.htm

Congress Addresses Gun Ban in D.C.

"The District of Columbia Personal Protection Act," or H.R. 3191, which currently has 111 co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle would reverse the ban on guns in the District of Columbia, which has one of the strongest anti-gun laws in the United States.
http://mensnewsdaily.com/archive/newswire/nw03/talonnews/1003/101403-gun.htm

Courts Reject Lawsuits Against Gun Makers

According to this NRA Fact Sheet, more than two dozen cities and counties have filed suit against the firearms industry but court after court, including the U.S. Supreme Court and three state Supreme Courts, have rejected these lawsuits.
http://www.nraila.org/FactSheets.asp?FormMode=Detail&ID=37&EID=73507-10162003

NRA Attorney Argues for Gun Registration?

Gunshows-USA

Need to know if a gun show is coming up? Check here.
http://www.gunshows-usa.com

Gun Registration in Switzerland?

This piece on National Review Online by John Lott discusses how in a very short period of time Switzerland has moved to adopt all sorts of new gun control laws. The new proposed rules include registering guns, banning others, and tightening controls on buying guns.
http://johnrlott.tripod.com/swissgunlaws.html
Whenever you see anyone attacking professor John Lott's work, the place to go find out what Mr. Lott has to say about it is his own web site.
http://www.johnrlott.com/

Gun Control or Gun Safety: What's the Difference?

The gun-ban movement has taken a new approach. An approach known as "gun control." We don't want to ban guns; we just think there should be some level of control.
http://www.libertybelles.org/articles/gunsafety.htm

Gun Control a Non-Issue in 2004

Though a spate of gun violence has torn through schools and offices of late, hardly a word has been spoken on the campaign trail, angry moms are not marching and few lawmakers are waving their fists, leaving some to conclude that gun control is no longer a vital political issue.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,99939,00.html

Democratic Hopefuls Play Down Gun Control

Democratic presidential candidates are distancing themselves from tough gun control, reversing a decade of rhetoric and advocacy by the Democratic Party in favor of federal regulation of firearms.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A17706-2003Oct25.html

CDC Study Rips Guts Out Of Gun Control

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released a study that pretty much shoots the legs out from under the case for gun control. According to this author, There's no reason whatsoever for the federal government or the CDC or anyone else to conduct more studies. Gun control is useless at best and, more likely, an outright danger to life and safety.”
http://www.vdare.com/francis/gun_control.htm
The CDC press release is here:
http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r031002.htm

U.S. Gun-Control Laws Don't Save Lives

Another article about the CDC study.
http://www.insightmag.com/news/538606.html

Congressman Opposes U.N. Gun Control Efforts

Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) recently introduced "The Right to Keep and Bear Arms Act of 2003," or H.R. 3125 out of a concern that Second Amendment rights would be infringed upon by international forces, such as the U.N.
http://mensnewsdaily.com/archive/newswire/nw03/talonnews/1003/101503-gun.htm

Gun Rights Advocates Take Aim at Concealed Carry Bans

After victories in five states already this year, concealed carry advocates are turning their attention to the handful of remaining states that continue to prohibit gun owners from carrying a concealed firearm.
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?Page=%5CNation%5Carchive%5C200310%5CNAT20031015b.html

Zero-tolerance gun policy runs counter to gun-safety classes at school

When Nick Ziegeweid signed up for a firearms safety course at Winona Middle School earlier this fall, he was told to bring his shotgun. Better to learn how to handle the equipment he'd use when hunting than to have an instructor show him how to handle a gun he'd never seen. But when the 12-year-old boy attended his first class Oct. 11, school administrators and instructors met him and about 40 other students outside the school to remind them they couldn't bring their guns inside.
Talk about a Catch-22.
http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/4163277.html

NICS Goes Private

Now a PRIVATE company has access to your personal data.
http://dallas.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2003/10/13/daily24.html

Celebrities Beg to be 'Blacklisted' by NRA

Actor Dustin Hoffman is one of thousands of Americans clamoring to be included on a "blacklist" of anti-gun activists drawn up by the National Rifle Association.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=35340
You can see the NRA list here:
http://www.nraila.org/FactSheets.asp?FormMode=Detail&ID=15

Crosman Corp. Recalling Air Rifles

Crosman Corp. is recalling nearly 1,500 air rifles because they may unexpectedly fire when the user closes the barrel. The company has received one report of its spring-piston, break-action air rifle misfiring. No injuries have been reported.
The recalled rifles have model numbers RM177, RM177X, RM677, RM677X, RM877 and RM622 and a manufacture date prior to August 2001 and sold nationwide between June and August of 2001. The model number and the words "Manufactured for the Crosman Corp. by Mendoza" are printed on the barrel. Consumers should stop using the recalled rifles immediately.
Consumers can call Crosman Corp. at 1-800-724-7486 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EST Monday through Friday or find information on www.crosman.com
http://www.crosman.com/portal/crosmanhome.nsf/safetynotice?openpage

Rendell Creates Panel for Advice on Hunting and Fishing

Did Your Representative Support Your Gun Rights?

GOA lists how your Representative voted on some key gun rights bills.
http://www.gunowners.org/108hvote.htm

Gun Law Flaws Surprise Few

Neither opponents nor proponents of tougher gun control laws were surprised Friday when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found no proof the statutes reduce firearm violence.
http://www.connpost.com/Stories/0,1413,96~3750~1676652,00.html

NJ Judge Takes Aim at Guns

A Mercer County superior court judge took aim at the National Rifle Association yesterday and a culture that leads young men to think it's hip to carry guns.
While sentencing a 22-year-old man to 15 years in prison for manslaughter, Judge Bill Mathesius stated "And the NRA says, well, everybody should have guns and all that stuff," said Mathesius. "It's as stupid and as ignorant as people can be."
Let’s hope that this judge stays in NJ.
http://www.nj.com/news/times/index.ssf?/base/news-0/106404700368240.xml

AARP Supports Keeping Seniors Defenseless

While the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) offers rhetoric about supporting citizens' right to own firearms, their legislative answer is to spend membership dollars to "eliminate gaps in and strengthen enforcement of the Brady Act and other federal gun laws." If you're an AARP member, click on the link below to read the entire position statement from the AARP and then contact them and tell them to stop using YOUR money to take away your rights.
http://www.ofccpac.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=699

Opposing Lawmakers Unite on Background Check Improvements

What do you get when you put a current and former board member of the National Rifle Association (NRA) in the same room with two of the most vehemently anti-gun members of the House and Senate? The answer is agreement.
If Schumer and McCarthy like this "NICS Improvement Act" then we’d better watch out.
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?Page=\Nation\archive\200309\NAT20030926b.html

Bill Strengthens Background Checks

The Brady Campaign’s press release calls the NICS Improvement Act a sensible step that will save lives. Now I’m sure this is a bad law.
http://www.bradycampaign.com/press/release.asp?Record=509

Daschle Wants Changes to Gun Legislation

While a group of Democrats have pledged to filibuster the bill, Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle says he will back legislation to protect gun makers from lawsuits arising from criminal use of the weapons.
I wonder what he wants in return?
http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-gun-lawsuits,0,3082919.story?coll=sns-ap-politics-headlines

Assault-Weapons Ban Expiring in Silence

The 1994 ban on assault weapons expires next year and with its renewal hardly guaranteed, gun-control advocates plan to keep the pressure on Congress. But so far, none of the Democratic Party's presidential candidates has made gun-control a major thrust of the campaign, further dimming the prospects of passage of a tougher ban.
We still need to keep pressuring our lawmakers to be certain that the ban is not renewed.
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20030906-110347-9894r.htm

The NEA Supports Gun Control

The teacher’s union wants Congress to reauthorize the assault weapons ban.
Check out their web site. Our tax dollars support this nonsense.
http://capwiz.com/nea/issues/alert/?alertid=204

New CA Law Mandates Gun Redesign

The bill requires that, by 2006, guns be equipped with an indicator that shows whether a bullet is in the chamber, or with a mechanism that prevents a gun from being fired if the ammunition magazine is not inserted.
Law enforcement would be exempt from the requirements.
If this is such a good idea, why are LEOs exempt? I know many shooters, myself included, who chose a particular handgun because it did not have a magazine disconnect.
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2003/09/05/BA298064.DTL

LEA Says CA Gun 'Safety' Law Unsafe

The Law Enforcement Alliance of America is blasting California Gov. Gray Davis for signing a gun control bill that effectively bans the sale of many new handguns commonly used by law enforcement officers and citizens for self-defense. The best advice, they say, is to treat every gun as if it is loaded; regardless of what the chamber load indicator says.
Sound advice.
http://www.townhall.com/news/politics/200309/CUL20030926c.shtml

MA Gun Club Holsters Weapons

Starting in October, the guns at the Tewksbury Rod and Gun club will fall silent each Sunday; a concession club members have made to calm angry neighbors. The club, which has stood on the current site for many years, has become the target of increasing complaints over the past three years. Neighbors say the rattle of rifle fire has increased to intolerable levels.
This year it’s no Sunday shooting. Next year, no weekends. Pretty soon this club will compromise themselves right out of existence.
http://www.townonline.com/tewksbury/news/local_regional/tew_newtaguns09102003.htm

Concealed guns now legal in Missouri

Missouri became the 45th state in the nation to allow most of its citizens the right to carry a concealed handgun after state lawmakers overrode Gov. Bob Holden's veto of an earlier bill.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=34567

Two Years After New Law, Still No 'Wild West'

Michigan has found out what every other state with shall issue laws already knew that CCW permits do not lead to shootouts on every street corner. Remember the predictions back in the late 80’s of Florida becoming the Gunshine State.
http://www.newswithviews.com/Pratt/larry15.htm

Licensing of Gun Owners: Tool of Control

Read Larry Pratt’s essay on what happens when governments institute gun control.
http://www.newswithviews.com/Pratt/larry15.htm

NYC's Latest Gun Misfires

Read John Lott’s essay on Mayor Bloomburg’s call for more gun control laws after the City Hall shooting. As Lott says the vast majority of these rules would never have prevented Davis' murder - and many would actually make future similar crimes more likely.
You wonder how NYC could further restrict gun ownership.
http://www.americandaily.com/item/2798

2003-2004 WATERFOWL SEASONS

Final approval from the USFWS of the proposed seasons and bag limits is expected by late September. In addition to releasing waterfowl seasons, Ross also noted that the Game Commission again has posted the waterfowl seasons brochure and maps on its website at www.pgc.state.pa.us.
http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/press/2003/august/nr066-03.asp

FOUR WMUS SELL OUT OF ANTLERLESS DEER LICENSES

As of Aug. 26, four Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) covering a large portion of northwestern Pennsylvania have exhausted their antlerless deer license allocations, announced Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Vern Ross.
http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/press/2003/august/nr073-03.asp

DAILY ANTLERLESS DEER LICENSE UPDATE

You can get a daily update of the number of unsold licenses here. There were still plenty left in WMU 5C, our local area.
http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/wildlife/deer/antlerless_license_update.asp

Military Vehicle and Live Fire Military Shoot

There will be a Military Vehicle and Live Fire Shoot at the Wicen Shooting Range (The Wicen Farm) on Friday, October 31st, 2003 through Monday, November 3, 2003. Live fire hours are from 11am to 3pm. The military vehicle show is held all day. The F&S Wicen Shooting Range is at 3179 Mozart Road Furlong, PA 18925. Phone: 267-747-9714
Details can be found at:
www.bazzookajoe.com

Could a Ruby Ridge happen in PA?

Read Jim Slinsky's account of the confrontation that some members of the Citizens Against the Exploitation of Private Property Rights had with the PGC and the DCNR.
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/229-08172003-143159.html

AG Mike Fisher Announces Reciprocity Agreement with NC

The effective date of the agreement should be August 14, 2003, the effective date of the North Carolina legislation. This agreement came rapidly after North Carolina passed reciprocity on June 4, 2003 and it was signed by the Governor on June 14, 2003.
http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/cld/firearm_reciprocity.cfm

GUN LEGISLATION INTRODUCED IN THE 108th CONGRESS

So far this year 70 bills have been introduced in the 108th Congress. For a listing of those bills see the ACSL web site at:
http://www.acslpa.org/alerts/108th%20Congress.htm

NRA Files Brief in Supreme Court Gun Case

The NRA has filed a brief in support of Silveira v. Lockyer in what backers are calling a potential landmark gun-rights case now before the U.S. Supreme Court.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=34096

Girls With Guns

Read about what the Second Amendment Sisters are doing in the Boston area.
http://www.bostonmagazine.com/ArticleDisplay.php?id=196&page=3

Hope from the Gun Control Zone

Read the authors account of how he changed from anti-gun to favoring self-defense. He also offers tips on how to provide others with the facts.
http://www.strike-the-root.com/3/jackson/jackson2.html

Defensive Gun Use Statistics Under Fire

Estimates of "defensive gun uses" range from the tens of thousands a year to an eyebrow-raising 2.5 million a year -- a figure gun-rights groups routinely cite but one their opponents call wildly exaggerated.
They are no exaggeration to Tom Beiting, a Kentucky lawyer who pulled his gun on the knife-toting burglar.
http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/2003/08/16/news/local_illinois/55111025d0b71f4b86256d830077353d.txt

Study Finds 'Forgotten' High-Court Gun Cases

A six-year study of Supreme Court titled "Supreme Court Gun Cases," examines 92 cases and concludes without a doubt that "the Supreme Court has recognized an individual right to arms for most of the past two centuries."
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=34163

CRIME: Keep 'em Guessing

The Washington Times reports that 35 states now have laws that allow people to carry concealed weapons for protection under various conditions - bad news for thugs and thieves.
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/081503/opi_13279004.html

Training Tool Puts Cops Under the Gun

It is made to look like a video game, but the scenarios being played out on the screen simulate real-life situations for police officers that are anything but games.
Our Action Pistol shooters would love this!
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-08262003-148235.html

Gun Opponent Has a Personal Stake in His Mission

Bryan Miller of CeaseFire believes that an 'assault weapon' has no purpose in a civil society.
I guess he wants all of us CMP shooters to give back our M1's, and AR's.
http://www.post-gazette.com/localnews/20030818newsmaker0818p4.asp

Live Free or Die Indeed!

Read this response to an article entitled "Should Congress allow the sunset clause of the assault weapons ban" in the Exeter News-Letter.
http://www.libertyforall.net/2003/archive/aug31/indeed.html

Dove and Goose Seasons Open on September 1

Dove and the statewide season for resident Canada geese will open Monday, Sept. 1.
http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/press/2003/july/nr061-03.asp

Antlerless License Updates

The Game Commission began accepting resident antlerless applications on August 4. You can get a weekly update on unsold antlerless licenses along with an overview of how to apply for a 2003-04 Antlerless Deer License at this site.
http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/wildlife/deer/antlerless_license_update.asp

The Mystery of the Missing Million Dollars

Much of our current deer management policy is based on the work of one man, Dr. Gary Alt. Syndicated newspaper columnist Jim Slinsky asks where he got the funding for his studies but so far hasn’t gotten any real answers.
Makes you wonder what they are hiding.
http://www.outdoortalknetwork.com/art166.html

PA Legislators Conspire to Confiscate Your Guns

On July 1, 2003, 13 members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives introduced HB 1791, a bill that would give law enforcement the authority to confiscate all handguns in private possession, unless they are approved by a newly created Handgun Standard Commission.
http://www.acslpa.org/alerts/HB1791.htm
A copy of the bill is here:
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/BT/2003/0/HB1791P2321.HTM

Hoeffel Continues Push to Regulate Antique Gun Purchases

Democrat Joseph M. Hoeffel III, who represents the 13th District, said Monday he has reintroduced a bill that would place such weapons under the Gun Control Act of 1968. Hoeffel said the proposal does not broaden the level of gun control in the nation.
With more than 20,000 gun control laws on the books now, whose going to notice one more. Every member in his district should call him and let him know to drop this proposal.
http://www.pottstownmercury.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=9928289&BRD=1674&PAG=461&dept_id=18041&rfi=6

Prosecutors Launch Campaign to Keep Felons from Using Guns

A series of commercials tells convicted criminals they can get years in prison if caught with firearms.
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/6405772.htm

Why Doesn’t the Media Cover the Good-News Stories About Guns?

According to author Dr. John Lott, guns may make it easier for bad things to happen, but they also make it easier for people to protect themselves.
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/editorial/6431396.htm

Gun Statistics Expert John Lott Victim of Identity Theft

John Lott, author of the most widely cited research on civilian use of firearms against criminals, disclosed that he has been targeted by an online identity theft scheme.
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?Page=/Nation/archive/200308/NAT20030804c.html

MA Police Chief Directed to Process Gun Permits

Police Chief Raymond L. O'Berg said that he was imposing a moratorium on new gun licenses because of budget cuts and lack of office staff and that the department is now four months behind in processing permit applications,
This is not a carry permit it is a permit to OWN a firearm. This is what happens when your ‘right’ depends on the whims of government.
http://www.goal.org/taunton2.htm

The National Constitution Center and the Second Amendment

You can see what the new center in Philadelphia has to say about our right as enumerated by the 2nd Amendment. It not as bad you might think.
http://www.constitutioncenter.org/constitution/details_explanation.php?link=127&const=09_amd_02&active=explain&searchlink=results_Bill_of_Rights.html

U.N. Seeking Global Gun Control?

A U.N. group is working toward establishment of an international system to register and regulate civilian possession of firearms, according to a former congressman. The ultimate aim of many members of the conference on small arms is to outlaw personal ownership of guns altogether, said Georgia Republican Bob Barr in an interview on the newly syndicated WorldNetDaily Report with Joseph Farah.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=33584

A Daughter's Regret

Suzanna Gratia Hupp will live the rest of her life with regret. Had she been carrying her gun the day a madman executed her parents while she cowered helplessly and then fled, she is convinced she could have stopped one of the worst massacres in U.S. history.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&node=&contentId=A59368-2000May12¬Found=true

FBI Doing Gun Roundup In Order To Solve Murder

SEATTLE - Gun owners say the FBI is rounding up Makarov pistols in a nationwide effort to solve the murder of a federal prosecutor from Seattle. According to "Mak" owners, the FBI is looking for pistols that have been fitted with replacement barrels.
Now we know why the FBI wants to keep records on the background checks.

http://www.komotv.com/stories/26049.htm

Girls Just Want to Have Guns

It was an otherwise quiet Saturday in the woods of Sussex County, when gunshots pierced the air. Again and again, all day long. Welcome to Cherry Ridge Range, northern New Jersey's largest rifle range, and backdrop for the annual "Women's Day at the Range."
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-4/1058683861141900.xml

Firearms Measure Surprises Some in GOP

Rep. Todd Tiahrt (Kan.) surprised many of his fellow Republicans last week when he offered a lengthy amendment, blessed by the National Rifle Association, to the 2004 funding bill for the Commerce, Justice and State departments. Tiahrt's eight-point amendment, drafted with the NRA's help, would prevent the BATF from requiring firearms dealers to conduct a physical inventory, from denying licenses to dealers whose sales fall below a certain level, and from demanding that certain dealers provide documentation for all used guns sold in a specific period.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A20371-2003Jul20.html?referrer=email

Gun Report's Worth at Issue

Federal officials have called misleading a report by Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence that lists 10 gun dealers among the nation's worst in selling guns linked to crimes. "It is misleading to suggest that a gun dealer is corrupt because a large percentage of the guns sold in his store are subsequently used in a crime," the ATF said.
http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/more/MGBXJ60SNID.html

Gun Maker Takes Battle to Congress

Richard Dyke, owner of Bushmaster Firearms Inc., is using as much congressional influence as he can muster these days to fight what he says are direct threats to his industry's survival: civil lawsuits. Bushmaster has been sued because it made the assault rifle allegedly used by the "beltway snipers" in the Washington, D.C., area last year.
http://www.pressherald.com/news/local/030728bushmaster.shtml?survey83868

Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations Delayed

Many issuing agents have not yet received copies of the 2003-2004 Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations. Vern Ross, Game Commission executive director noted that issuing agents should receive their shipment of Digests shortly after the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/press/2003/june/nr049-03.asp

PA Right to Hunt Bill

HB 1512 provides for a Constitutional Amendment for the right to hunt and fish in PA. Introduced by Rep. Matt Baker (Tioga), it now has about 40 co-sponsors. Call your state representative and ask him or her to support this bill.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/BT/2003/0/HB1512P1908.HTM

Philadelphia City Council Opposes Gun Industry Immunity Legislation

CeaseFire PA, the statewide coalition of groups and individuals devoted to reducing gun violence, praised Philadelphia Councilman David Cohen for introducing a Council Resolution to put the City of Philadelphia on record opposing US Senate passage of S.659, to immunize gun manufacturers, distributors and dealers from legal liability.
http://www.jointogether.org/gv/news/alerts/reader/0,2061,564363,00.html

Firearm Reciprocity Agreements

According to the PA Attorney General's Office, 9 states now recognize the PA CCW - Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana and Wyoming.
I believe that Oklahoma and Utah now accept PA CCW licenses also, but they are not listed on the AG's web page so check first if you are going to visit either of those states.
http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/cld/firearm_reciprocity.cfm

Nationwide Reciprocity Bill in US House

Rep. John Hostettler (R-IN).has introduced H.R. 990, the 'Secure Access to Firearms Enhancement (SAFE) Act of 2003. This bill would a person who has a Concealed Carry permit in one state would be legally allowed to carry his concealed weapon in other states.
http://www.conservativealerts.com/042903.htm

No Permit Needed to Carry Concealed Guns in Alaska

Alaskans will no longer need a permit to carry a concealed weapon under a bill signed into law by Gov. Frank Murkowski.
http://www.adn.com/alaska/story/3280484p-3310005c.html

Coalition Against the Semi-auto Ban

This group's mission is to prevent the reauthorization of the unconstitutional "assault weapons ban" in Congress. Learn more at their website.
http://www.keepandbeararms.com/AWBan/

Civilian Sales of Surplus M-14 Rifles

Go here to sign the online petition requesting that the CMP sell surplus M-14 rifles rather than destroy them.
http://www.petitiononline.com/M14CMP03/petition.html

Firearms Industry Wins Another Court Victory

In another significant legal victory for the firearms industry, a New York appellate court on Tuesday upheld a trial court's August, 2001 order dismissing a lawsuit brought by New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer against gun makers.
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=128-06252003

Supreme Court Urged to Take on Gun Rights

The Supreme Court is being asked to overturn an appeals court ruling that said the Constitution does not guarantee people a personal right to own a gun
http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/news/content/news/ap_story.html/Washington/AP.V0977.AP-Scotus-Gun-Righ.html

The Second Amendment and the Preamble to the Bill of Rights

The author argues that modern debate over the wording of the Second Amendment could be quickly resolved if the Amendment was read through the preamble to the Bill of Rights (yes, the BOR had a Preamble).
http://www.sierratimes.com/03/06/11/greenslade.htm

Gun Facts Version 3.3 is Now Available

Gun Facts, an 80 page e-book, explodes the most common gun control myths with facts and statistics to refute all of the ridiculous claims of the gun-grabbers. This revised edition includes more data on "assault weapons", as well as few other hot topics.
http://www.gunfacts.info/

Democrats Have Not Dropped Gun Control Agenda

Author John Lott argues that Democrats will wait and revisit the gun issue "when the issue is ripe."
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,90037,00.html

Bill Would Subject Firearms to Consumer Safety Screening

The Firearms Safety and Consumer Protection Act, introduced by Sen. Jon S. Corzine (D-N.J.) and Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.), would give the Department of Justice authority to regulate the design, manufacture and distribution of guns.
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/6/11/122129.shtml

CA moves to Ban .50 Caliber Rifles

Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, maker of .50-caliber rifles - which are used by the military, law enforcement and civilians - plans to strike back and boycott sales to California government agencies, said company President Ronnie Barrett
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?Page=%5CNation%5Carchive%5C200306%5CNAT20030609b.html

Defend Your Family, Go to Jail

A Brooklyn man who shot and wounded an intruder while defending his family will spend three days in Rikers Island, the same jail housing the burglar who terrorized his home, because he owns an unregistered gun.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=33011

Nova Scotia Won't Prosecute Gun-Registry Offenders

Nova Scotia Justice Minister Jamie Muir said Tuesday the province is refusing to prosecute people who do not register their rifles or shotguns. The Justice Minister said the federal gun registry "has been flawed from the start" and law-abiding Nova Scotians "who use their guns for hunting or range practice shouldn't have to pay the price."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20030603.wguns0603/BNStory/National/

Officer's Arrest Spotlights Assault Weapon Law

The prosecution of a former Far Hills, NJ police sergeant on charges that he illegally owned an assault weapon has raised questions about the extent that law enforcement officers are exempt from New Jersey's 1990 assault weapons ban.
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-3/105341122543220.xml

Gun Maker Wants to Recover Legal Fees

A gun distributor wants the widow of slain school teacher Barry Grunow to pay its defense costs, including attorney's fees, from last year's five-week trial. Valor says it's entitled to recovery of attorney's fees because Pam Grunow turned down an offer of $200,000 in March 2002 to settle her lawsuit without going to trial.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/auto/epaper/editions/tuesday/local_news_e3ee4826949212a90012.html

Junior High Student Takes Aim at NRA Ad in School Yearbook

A 14-year-old Santa Clarita honor student objects to an advertisement for the NRA in her yearbook.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-nra10jun10235625.story

ATF Choice Boosts Clout of Ashcroft

A little-noticed provision in the Homeland Security Act gives Attorney General John Ashcroft the authority to select the head of a government agency charged with enforcing gun laws.
This is Ashcroft's chance to prove that he is a true supporter of gun rights.
http://thehill.com/news/062503/atf.aspx

Most Sweeping Gun Ban Ever Hits Congress

Not content with merely re-authorizing the ban, Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) has drafted legislation that bans millions more guns.
http://www.nraila.org/LegislativeUpdate.asp?FormMode=Detail&ID=644&T=print
A copy of the AWB renewal legislation is at:
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:H.R.2038: The NRA Fact sheet on the original AWB is available here.

Hastert 'not ready' to Support, Oppose 'assault weapons' Bill

In a statement to the press, House Speaker Hastert said, "The bill has not been discussed by the leadership yet, and I have not had a discussion with the president yet. I am not ready to make that decision”.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=32620

DeLay Sees Assault Weapons Ban Expiring in Congress

The House of Representatives will not extend a 1994 assault weapons ban set to expire next year despite President Bush's call for its renewal, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay said. "The votes in the House are not there to reauthorize it," said DeLay, a Texas Republican and staunch foe of gun control.
http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/05/13/congress.guns.reut/

Legislative Summary of Pending Gun Ban Bills in Congress

Read a summary by the NRA of pending legislation.
http://www.nraila.org/LegislativeUpdate.asp?FormMode=Detail&ID=662

New NRA President Lacks Star power, but Knows Guns

The new president of the National Rifle Association lacks the celebrity firepower of Charlton Heston. However, Kayne Robinson brings political expertise to the role, along with a police and Marine background and an inside-and-out knowledge of guns
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2003/05/16/national1344EDT0618.DTL

First Amendment Victory in NJ Suit

In a significant victory for the First Amendment, a lawsuit against the Montclair, N.J. Board of Education (School Board) brought by the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs (ANJRPC) was resolved in a court-ordered settlement. The School Board acknowledged that it violated its own policies by distributing a flyer supporting anti-Second Amendment legislation, while refusing to distribute a flyer opposing the legislation.
http://www.anjrpc.org/DefendingYourRights/MontclairPressRelease.htm

For Gun Industry, a Special Standing

The author of this story makes it seem that the lawsuit protection legislation is granting special protection to the gun industry.
When was the last time someone sued Ford because of the actions of a drunk driver?
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/5832098.htm

Reid's support of NRA-backed bill raises eyebrows

Traditionally a dependable voice for gun control, Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., is raising eyebrows among old allies with his endorsement of a bill that would shield firearms makers from lawsuits by gunshot victims.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/May-08-Thu-2003/news/21276111.html

Backfire

This WSJ editorial states that Democrats have discovered that gun control does not win elections.
http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110003542

Some Democrats Move Delicately to the Right on Gun Control

A growing number of Democrats believe their party must avoid alienating tens of millions of gun owners -- especially in rural areas and the South -- in order to have a chance to win the White House next year.
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/5842796.htm

Gun Controller Schumer Has Armed Bodyguard

According to this story, one of the Senate's leading gun control advocates, Sen. Charles Schumer - who's currently pressuring the White House to extend the 1994 assault weapons ban - travels with an armed bodyguard.
I guess those of us who can not afford armed guards are out of luck
http://www.newsmax.com/showinsidecover.shtml?a=2003/5/14/172817

How We Will Win Our 2A Rights Back in '04

The author of this piece feels that the magic bullet is for all gun owners to register to vote then vote for the most pro-Second Amendment candidate available - even if that means voting for a third party candidate.
http://www.libertybelles.org/articles/magic_bullet.htm

With gun control, America could be more like Mexico

According to the author of this editorial, Mexico is an oligarchy that operates on tyranny and corruption, and government people want to keep it that way, so everyone but themselves is kept defenseless. The author feels there are people who are pushing America in that direction.
http://www.mcall.com/templates/misc/printstory.jsp?slug=all%2D5guns%2D4may16§ion=/printstory

Why They Hate the NRA

The author feels that leftists loathe the National Rifle Association and everyone associated with it because the NRA and its members and supporters fight for everything leftists fight against.
http://toogoodreports.com/column/general/stover/20030513.htm

There Are No Gun-free, Safe zones

In discussing a recent school shooting, author John R. Lott Jr. makes the case that good intentions do not necessarily make good laws and that too many gun laws primarily disarm law-abiding citizens, not criminals.
http://www.cleveland.com/search/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1052818562262241.xml?ocoth

CNN 'backpedals' on Gun Story

Saying CNN may have deliberately misled viewers about the legality of various weapons, Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the NRA is lashing out at the network for incorrectly reporting that fully automatic weapons are banned under a 1994 law set to expire next year.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=32677

Join Other Pro-Gun Rights Activists Near You

Through this website, you can meet-up with other local supporters of your constitutional right to keep and bear arms.
http://beararms.meetup.com/

FBI Speeds Gun Purchase Background Checks

The Justice Department reports that the FBI has improved its ability to respond quickly to gun dealer requests for criminal background checks, with only 9 percent of the transactions now facing delays.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A52913-2003May29.html

Bias Against Guns

Author John Lott tells why he feels that the gun-control debate has no connection with the reality of guns in our society.
http://www.americandaily.com/item/661
Lott also argues that reporting on children accidentally killed with firearms is also misleading.
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?Page=/Nation/archive/200305/NAT20030520b.html

Commissioners Approve 2003 - 2004 Seasons and Bag Limits

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners gave final approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for 2003-2004, including new wildlife management units and continued, but modified, antler restrictions for deer hunting.
http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/PGC/newsroom/2003/nr021-03.htm

Applications Now Available for Elk Hunting License Drawing

The public drawing is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27, and the elk season is set for Nov. 10-15.
http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/PGC/newsroom/2003/nr030-03.htm

Petition For the CMP to Sell M-14 Rifles

Visit this site to view and sign an on-line petition requesting that Congress allow the CMP to sell surplus M-14 rifles to the public rather than destroy them.
http://www.petitiononline.com/M14CMP03/petition.html

Hunt of a Lifetime

According to their website, "Hunt Of A Lifetime" is a nonprofit organization with a mission to grant hunting & fishing adventures and dreams for children, age 21 and under, who have been diagnosed with life threatening illnesses. We are doing what we can to make a difference in their life, a dream come true. If you are interested in helping a child live their dream, please contact us for more information.”
http://www.huntofalifetime.org/

Robinson begins term as head of NRA

The new head of the National Rifle Association says he's ready to push gun rights to the top of the nation's political agenda. Kayne Robinson of Des Moines is a former police officer and took over the presidency of the NRA after actor Charlton Heston stepped down.
http://www.wqad.com/Global/story.asp?S=1264682

House Passes Reckless Lawsuit Legislation

The next step for this critical reform will be consideration in the U.S. Senate. The Senate version, S. 659, was introduced by U.S. Senators Larry Craig (R-Id.)-also an NRA Director-and Max Baucus (D-Mont.), and currently has 52 cosponsors.
Contact your US Senators and ask them to support S.659
http://www.nraila.org/LegislativeUpdate.asp?FormMode=Detail&ID=614&1=View

Shooters Angered with White House Support for Firearm Ban

Unhappy with President Bush's decision to support continuation of a controversial gun ban passed during the Clinton administration, many gun owners say they'll dump Bush in 2004 and vote for someone else if he signs new legislation extending the prohibition.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=32094

NRA's LaPierre Promises 1994 Gun Ban Will Be Defeated

We are bound and determined that that the Clinton gun ban on semi-autos and so-called 'assault rifles' will not be re-enacted," said Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the National Rifle Association (NRA) to a standing ovation. "I promise you that."
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPrint.asp?Page=\Nation\archive\200304\NAT20030425e.html

Petition to Allow the AWB to Lapse

You can sign the on-line petition here:
http://www.petitiononline.com/AWB/petition.html

Rep. Paul Letter to Pres. Bush Re: Semi-auto Ban

Read Rep. Ron Paul’s letter to President Bush.
http://www.gunowners.org/paul2bush.htm

Pre-written Letter to President Bush

This letter is courtesy of the GOA.
http://www.gunowners.org/activism.htm

Bush Wrong on Firearms

The author gives the reasons why he feels that President Bush is wrong to support a federal ban on firearms labeled "assault weapons" a law set to expire before the next presidential election.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=32030

Lautenberg Gun Control Bill Compared to Nazi Policies

Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) announced his plans to introduce legislation he calls the "Homeland Security Gun Safety Act, claiming the proposal will close "loopholes" in current gun laws "that allow terrorists to access weapons and explosives inside our borders.
Second Amendment advocates compare the proposal to the actions of Adolf Hitler's regime in Nazi Germany.
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?Page=%5CNation%5Carchive%5C200304%5CNAT20030430e.html

Pro-Gun Women Allege Set-up by 'John Walsh Show'

Maria Heil, national spokesperson for the Second Amendment Sisters and two women who are victims of prior criminal assaults say that the John Walsh Show set them up. They say that the episode, which was supposed to focus on women arming themselves for self-defense instead became a debate on gun ownership.
Many of you have met Maria at Ladies Day and other club events.
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?Page=\Nation\archive\200304\NAT20030430d.html

Latest Democrat Extremism: Guns Are Weapons of Mass Destruction

Defenders of the Second Amendment are on the lookout for a new Democrat campaign, already attempted in one state, to brand handguns as "weapons of mass destruction."
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/4/9/164624.shtml

Most Gun Owners Disgust Me!

The author tells why, for the first time since she began an active role in the Second Amendment rights movement, she is disappointed with many of her fellow gun owners and thoroughly disgusted with a number of others.
http://www.armedfemalesofamerica.com/takingaim/mostgunowners.htm

PA Deer Hunters Record Safest Season Ever

The Game Commission announced that deer hunters recorded the safest season ever during the 2002 regular firearms deer season, which was held Dec. 2-14.
http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/PGC/newsroom/2003/nr019-03.htm

PROPOSED 2003 - 2004 Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits

On Tuesday, April 8, the Commission Board is scheduled to take official action to finalize the 2003-2004 hunting and furtaking seasons and bag limits, including the adoption of new Wildlife Management Units.
http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/PGC/hunting/sb_03_04.htm

PA Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs

Check the PFSC site for a list of pending legislation in the PA House pertaining to firearms, hunting, and wildlife issues.
http://www.pfsc.org/alerts.html

Plymouth Meeting Mall A Gun-Free Zone?

According to an email making the rounds, the mall has posted signs stating to the effect that persons entering the mall shall not carry a weapon, even legally, except for law enforcement officers. You may want to check for such a notice before you enter this or any other mall.

Decision to Fire Teacher Splits Community

The question of whether Anthony Sarkis should lose his job for inadvertently taking a loaded gun into Pittsburgh area high school last month has polarized people in the Shaler Area School District, creating divisions within the close-knit community.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/tribnorth/news/s_125126.html

Supervisor Doesn't Want Township Money Going to NRA Class

When Upper Southampton, Bucks County Supervisor Lola Biuckians perused a list of township expenses last week, she saw something she didn't like: a $450 fee for two police officers to take a tactical response team course through the National Rifle Association.
The board chairwoman not only objected, she voted against approving a whole month's worth of township expenses at the last board meeting.
"I have a problem with the NRA because I'm opposed to guns and we can't get any meaningful gun legislation because this group is so powerful,".
Someone should clue her in that we are talking about TRAINING, not politics. But then, I guess politics is what she wants it to be about.
http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-03312003-65866.html

The 2nd Amendment Doesn’t Protect the National Guard

The author of this essay uses a different approach to show that the Second Amendment pertains to an individual, not collective, right.
http://www.keepandbeararms.com/information/XcIBViewItem.asp?ID=3561

Assault Weapons Ban Back on the Table

Sen. Dianne Feinstein and President Bush seem headed for a showdown over her effort to renew the federal assault weapons ban after the administration hedged on a presidential pledge to support the renewal. The bill, which barely passed in 1994, is due to expire in September 2004, unless Congress votes to reauthorize it and Bush signs the bill. In his 2000 presidential campaign, Bush came out for renewal and for an additional provision to ban the import of ammunition- feeding devices of 10 bullets or more.
Let’s start working now to insure that this bill is not renewed. Call and write your Representatives and Senators
http://www.keepandbeararms.com/information/XcIBViewItem.asp?ID=3561

Navy Vet Has Charges Reduced

But now Dixon, 27, is deprived of the jury trial he wanted. On the lesser charge, he can only be tried by a judge. He is charged with using an unlicensed handgun to wound Ivan Thompson, 40, a longtime criminal who broke into his home last year.
http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/71202.htm

Spending Bill Protects Gun Records

Congressional Republicans included a provision in the mammoth spending bill to keep the government from releasing the names of gun shops and gun owners whose weapons were used in crimes.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,78659,00.html

Supreme Court Throws Out Gun Database Case

Congress already decided in this year's budget bill that gun record database information is private, and the Supreme Court says that's good enough for them. The high court threw out a case scheduled for next week that asked whether the government must release information about gun shops and gun owners whose weapons were used in crimes.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,79697,00.html

Reckless Lawsuit Preemption Bill Introduced in Congress

U.S. Representative Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) teamed with Representatives Rick Boucher (D-Va.), Melissa Hart (R-Penn.), and Chris John (D-La.) to introduce reckless lawsuit preemption legislation, H.R. 1036, in the House last week.
http://www.nraila.org/ActionAlerts.asp?FormMode=Detail&ID=154

Surviving Terror: 15 Things You Should Do Now

Forget the duct tape. Here are some more practical ideas. Check with your mortgage lender before following the advice to prepay one or two month’s payments. Most lenders that I know of still make you pay each month’s payment regardless if you have sent in extra payments.
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/3/25/131151.shtml

Answer to Terror? Arm Yourselves

In his latest book, National Rifle Association Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre makes the case that the war on terror makes it more important than ever for law-abiding Americans to arm themselves.
Order the book through the Amazon.com link on the club web site and earn a donation to the club.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=30982

NRA 132nd Annual Meetings & Exhibits

The National Rifle Association, the nation's oldest civil rights organization, will hold its 132nd Annual Meetings & Exhibits April 25-29, at the Orange County Convention Center, in Orlando, Florida.

http://www.nraila.org/NewsCenter.asp?FormMode=Detail&ID=2315

Firearms Legislation in the 108th Congress

Gun Owners of America analyzes pending Federal legislation.

http://www.gunowners.org/108anatb.htm

Comments on the Endangered Species Act

Read Jim Slinsky’s comments about the ESA. Jim is the host and producer of the "Sportsman's Connection," a statewide, syndicated, outdoor-talk radio program. You can contact him through his web site at http://www.outdoortalknetwork.com.

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/40434.html

Don't protect a negligent industry

The author wants the Consumer Product Safety Commission to have oversight over firearms.
Right. By the time the CPSC gets finished, there won’t be a gun left that will fire when you need it.

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/editorial/5144898.htm

Don't Punish the Industry for What People Do

According to the author of this op-ed piece, the "Firearms Heritage Protection Act," recently introduced in Congress, would prohibit civil suits against gun manufacturers, distributors or dealers for damages resulting from the criminal misuse of firearms. Laws affording some protection to the gun industry exist in many states.

This is a rebuttal to the previous article.

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/editorial/5144901.htm

States Reconsider Limits On Law-Abiding Gun Owners

As violent crime rates continue to drop in states that allow citizens to carry concealed firearms, some of those states are reconsidering the limits they place on that constitutional right.

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=\Culture\archive\200301\CUL20030115c.html

Lawsuit Challenges D.C. Gun Ban

Two Cato Institute scholars announced today that they have filed a civil lawsuit in a Washington, D.C. federal court on behalf of six plaintiffs to vindicate the right of D.C. residents to defend themselves in their home.

http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=30991

Guns' Legality Key in 4 NY Cases

A man's home may be his castle, but don’t try to defend it with a gun in NYC. Read this story about 4 people who defended themselves with a firearm and how 3 of them are in hot water.

http://www.newsday.com/mynews/ny-nygun203139094feb20.story

Democrat Targets .50 Caliber Revolver for Nationwide Ban

"It's hard for me to rationalize any particular need or purpose" for the 500 Magnum, said Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.). "I think guns are made to kill people. That's my opinion." Asked if he would seek a nationwide ban on the 500 Magnum, Davis replied, "Yes, indeed."

Never mind that S&W’s new handgun is for meant for hunting.

http://www.cnsnews.com/Culture/archive/200302/CUL20030217b.html

Ted Nugent takes aim at anti-hunters

Nugent - who coined the hunting phrase - whack ’em and stack ’em - and co-wrote the cookbook - Kill It & Grill It - took the stage as the featured speaker for the annual convention of the Wisconsin Bow Hunters Association.

http://www.wisinfo.com/postcrescent/news/archive/local_8976641.shtml

Hunter shot by dog

A German hunter was shot in the backside by his dog. The man and a friend had put their shotguns on to the front seat of their car as they rested. But when they set off again the dog jumped on to the seat and the gun went off.

What is it with these dogs? I think this is the third story like this in a year.

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_741966.html

High-tech Gun Range Puts Shooters in Unpredictable Situations

FATS -- Firearms Training System - is a live-fire video handgun range system. Most shooting simulators use laser weapons. This one -- one that use live rounds -- is relatively new technology

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Jan-07-Tue-2003/living/20397660.html

Analyzing the Election

Read an analysis of November’s Gubernatorial election by Andy Barniskis, Legislative Chairman of Falls Township Rifle and Pistol Association

http://www.ftrpa.com/legislative/andys%20column.htm

Game Commission Seeks Comments on Deer Management Program

The Pennsylvania Game Commission's Bureau of Wildlife Management is seeking public review of and comments on a plan to guide the agency's Deer Management Program through the year 2007.

http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/PGC/newsroom/2003/nr007-03.htm

Commissioners Give Preliminary Approval to 2003-2004 Seasons and Bag Limits

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners gave preliminary approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for 2003-2004, including new wildlife management units and continued antler restrictions for deer hunting.
http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/PGC/newsroom/2003/nr001-03.htm

Proposed Boundaries for Wildlife Management Units

See which proposed WMU contains your favorite hunting spot.
http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/PGC/wildlife/wmu/mgtUnits.htm

Antlerless License Process to Change

In conjunction with the preliminary approval of proposed Wildlife Management Units, the Board of Pennsylvania Game Commissioners also proposed new regulations for issuing antlerless deer licenses.

http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/PGC/newsroom/2003/nr002-03.htm

GOA House Ratings For the 108th Congress

Check out GOA’s ratings of our Senators and your representative.

Representatives - http://www.gunowners.org/108srat.htm
Senators - http://www.gunowners.org/108hrat.htm

New Concealed Carry Reciprocity Agreements

The PA Attorney General has entered into a reciprocity agreement with the state of Wyoming.

http://www.mpoetc.org/Newsletters/2002%2012/firearm_reciprocity_agreement.htm

Georgia Added to the List of States With Reciprocal Recognition

Pennsylvania will honor Georgia firearms permits effective December 15, 2002. Therefore, effective December 15, 2002, Georgia will recognize firearms permits issued by Pennsylvania.

http://www.ganet.org/ago/press/press.cgi?prfile=PR.20021210.01
See a complete list of states that honor PA’s CCW License at Packing.org.

http://www.packing.org/state/index.jsp/pennsylvania

The Keystone Firearms Coalition

KFC is an all-volunteer gun rights organization fighting for your rights. Visit their new web site to learn more.

http://www.kfc-rkba.org/index.html

Firearms Experts to Speak in Philadelphia

The Second Amendment Sisters of Pennsylvania (SAS-PA) is sponsoring a weekend lecture series with Massad Ayoob and Walt Rauch. The weekend kicks off with a dinner on April 4 at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein in Philadelphia. The two-day lecture series runs on Saturday, April 5, and Sunday, April 6, at the Holmesburg Rod and Gun Club. Discount tickets are available until February 8. For more information and prices visit http://www.2asisters.net/pa/events.htm, or call Penni Bacheler, state co-coordinator, at 877-212-4170 (Accepts Voice or Fax)

http://www.usnewswire.com/topnews/qtr1_2003/0127-115.html

Hero dad under the gun

If you think that you have the right to defend you and your family in your own house, read Ronald Dixon’s story.

http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/52803p-49473c.html

Anti-Gun Group Sues Maker of Gun Tied to DC Snipers

Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence (formerly known as Handgun Control, Inc.), announced the lawsuit against Bushmaster at the National Press Club.
"If you're going to choose the sell this kind of a high firepower military gun to the civilian population," Henigan said, "we're saying you have a special responsibility to make sure that the dealers you're using to sell that gun themselves act responsibly."

Sounds right, sue the gun.

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=\Culture\archive\200301\CUL20030116e.html

Read Bushmaster’s response at:
http://www.bushmaster.com/statement.asp

PETsMART Makes Donation to Anti-Hunting Group

The charitable arm of PETsMART, Inc., PETsMART Charities, recently made a sizable contribution to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation’s largest animal rights organization. In making this donation, PETsMART Charities is contributing to a leading animal rights group whose main goal is to end all animal use, including hunting, fishing and trapping.

Sportsmen and sportswomen should express their dissatisfaction with PETsMART Charities’ support of HSUS by contacting:

Remember H&R Block's Sellout Last Tax Season

Last year, pressure from the Brady Center caused Block to cancel a marketing agreement with the NRA. You may want to remember that when you choose a tax preparer this year.

http://www.keepandbeararms.com/information/XcIBViewItem.asp?ID=3548

See What ADT is Pushing

You have to see this to believe it. If you have an ADT system, you may want to reconsider.

http://www.edinboro.edu/~pyrdek/adobe/adt-anti-gun.pdf

Judge rules in favor of gun maker

A judge in West Palm Beach, FL threw out a jury's verdict that had held a gun distributor partially liable for the shooting death of a middle-school teacher.

http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=30705

Welcome Gov. Rendell to Harrisburg

Gun-rights and sportsmen’s groups across PA have begun a letter writing campaign to greet incoming Governor Rendell. Please send an email, letter, or fax to your state representative and senator asking them to oppose any gun control proposals that the Governor initiates or backs. Contact your representatives by Inauguration Day, January 21. Feel free to use the sample letter shown below.

Dear Representative or Senator:
I can't help but think that beginning January 21st, the gun-rights of Pennsylvanians will be in more jeopardy than ever before. Governor-Elect Ed Rendell has made no secret of his utter contempt for that part of our state constitution. From suing gun manufacturers to one-gun-a-month purchase limits to advocating gun registration, the incoming Rendell administration holds the potential to seriously damage our basic freedom of self and community defense more effectively than any terrorist could ever do.

More than any time in recent memory, each citizen's basic right to self-defense has never been more necessary. What's also necessary are elected representatives with the principle and courage to stand with us to restore and protect those rights. I call on you as my elected representative to stand absolutely firm against all efforts to limit this essential personal freedom recognized by millions of Pennsylvanians.

Please let me know in no uncertain terms -- are you with us or against us?

Sincerely,

PA HB 2070 Signed by Governor Mark Schweiker

In a major victory for supporters of the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, House Bill 2070 was signed into law by Governor Mark Schweiker (R) on December 9, 2002. This bill will correct 1968 legislation which unintentionally prohibited firearm ownership by people convicted of minor crimes. For example, an individual convicted of the offense of "drag racing" over 20 years ago, and who has committed no other criminal offense since, is not the "menace to society" the federal Gun Control Act or the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act meant to encompass. HB 2070 will restore some common sense to Pennsylvania’s gun laws.

http://www.nraila.org/ActionAlerts.asp?FormMode=Detail&ID=145&T=print

PA Deer Season Highlighted by Hunter Support

The Game Commission announced that Pennsylvania's two-week rifle deer hunting season - the second with concurrent antlered and antlerless deer hunting and first with new antler restrictions - ended Saturday, Dec. 14, without much fanfare as hunters hung up their rifles and focused on the approaching holiday season.

The Commission also announced that hunting-related shooting incidents dropped dramatically

http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/PGC/newsroom/2002/nr115-02.htm

New State Laws Limit Self-Defense Options

Residents of at least two states could face a tougher time defending themselves with a handgun, as a result of new laws enacted by their legislators that just took effect. Maryland became the first state in the nation to require that only new handguns with internal trigger locks could be sold in the state while New Jersey will become the first state to require so-called "smart gun" technology, though the law won't actually take effect for at least three years.

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?Page=/Nation/archive/200301/NAT20030102a.html

Law Provides for Guns So Safe They Don't Work at All

As this editorial clarifies, The fact that no such technology exists did not deter the Trenton crowd. and that There is nothing in the law that says the gun necessarily has to work.

http://www.mcall.com/news/columnists/all-5lawdec29,0,6598489.column?coll=all%2Dnews%2Dcol

Pittsburgh Security Firm Offers Free Gun-safety Program

Shield Police/Security Training Inc. only offered the day-long, first-time class to women. Owners of the company were pleasantly surprised by the interest in the course.
"This is a woman's home safety and self-defense course," Osinski said. "It gives basic techniques" with emphasis on safety. "Our cutoff was 26, and 66 women contacted us."
Forty women have been placed on a waiting list for a future class.

http://www.post-gazette.com/neigh_south/20021204sguns1204p2.asp

DE Judge tosses suit against gun makers

A judge has dismissed Wilmington's lawsuit against the gun industry, saying the city cannot recover police overtime and other costs from firearms manufacturers. Wilmington’s mayor is not sure whether the city will appeal.

http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/local/2002/12/05judgetossessuit.html

Educating the Enemy

The author, Chairman of the Legislative Committee of the Bucks County Sportsmen’s Coalition, wonders whether it does any good to educate the politicians and media about firearms and describes his experiences in this area.

http://www.keepandbeararms.com/information/Item.asp?ID=3537

Gun-rights Ruling Seen As Dare to High Court

Reinhardt is basically thumbing his nose at the Supreme Court and daring them to take the issue up at some future date," said San Jose, Calif., lawyer Donald Kilmer Jr., who is preparing to argue a different Second Amendment issue before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

http://www.washtimes.com/national/20021217-843548.htm

D.C. Gun Law Under Fire

A Second Amendment group is filing a lawsuit demanding that the nation's capital ease up its gun laws, which are considered the most restrictive in the nation.
The Cato Institute, a public policy research group that bases its work on libertarian principles, is crafting a legal challenge to Washington, D.C.'s law, claiming that all Americans have the right to defend themselves.

http://foxnews.com/story/0,2933,71750,00.html

Canadian Gun-control Laws Run Amuck

Introduced in 1995 with a promised net cost of $2 million dollars (Canadian), the nation's gun registry is going to cost over a billion dollars, according to a new report from the auditor general.

Imagine what registration would cost here in the US.

http://www.nationalreview.com/kopel/kopel121202.asp

Why I Still Support the National Rifle Association

As Sheriff Michael E. Cook explains, like it or not, the NRA is still the largest lobby we have protecting our rights under the Second Amendment. They swing the most power on the hill and in state politics for our point of view. That means that if you don't help them you are not part of the big team and so your voice has less effect.

http://www.sierratimes.com/02/12/04/sheriff.htm

Sheriff Reopens FL Range

Charlotte County, FL Sheriff William Clement recently reopened the department's gun range on Airport Road, more than six months after a stray bullet hit a woman watching her children play baseball nearby. Clement closed the range indefinitely after a bullet fired by a Southwest Florida Criminal Justice Academy cadet overshot the 26-foot-high berm which acts as the range's backstop, and traveled about 3,725 feet to Carmalit a Park, where it hit parent Mary Tipton and bruised her left arm. The cadet who fired the errant shot was practicing a short-range shooting exercise: firing from the hip, three feet from the target.

Another story reinforcing the need for safety on the range.

http://www.sun-herald.com/NewsArchive2/120602/tp10ew17.htm?date=120602&story=tp10ew17.htm