Category: Firearm Industry News

Coverage of events for Fear and Loading by Guy J. Sagi and breaking news of interest to firearm owners.

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For 75th Anniversary Redding Freezes 2020 Pricing

For 75th Anniversary Redding Freezes 2020 Pricing

From Redding Reloading Equipment

Redding Reloading Equipment was founded in Upstate, NY in 1946. That was 75 years ago and today we remain a 100% American made staple of the precision handloading market. From our people, to our steel and our machinery we continue a proud tradition. We are also still located in the same area where it all began in a chicken coop with one product, a powder scale.

While 75 years is a significant achievement for any business, we take great pride in accomplishing this in a demanding industry and in a State that is anything but fully supportive of us and our customers. It is those customers who have made all of this happen and we truly appreciate each and every one. As this year marks an important anniversary and as it follows a financially difficult year for so many in our shooting community, we have decided the best way to celebrate this milestone is to give back as a way to thank each of them.

Therefore, Redding Reloading Equipment will freeze their 2020 pricing throughout 2021.

Our sincere hope is that this will assist our customers in some measure as we all recover from COVID-19 and the restrictions which have caused so much pain. While our costs will increase and our employees will get their raises, we feel that on this anniversary year we will celebrate by giving back to all of you, the Redding customers, who have made this journey possible.

Redding Reloading Equipment has focused on building the finest quality, American Made products for the precision handloading market since 1946. To learn more about our ongoing commitment to the precision handloading enthusiast and to request a copy of the current Redding catalog visit: www.redding-reloading.com

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New and Expanded Project ChildSafe Brochure

New and Expanded Project ChildSafe Brochure

From NSSF

Project ChildSafe®, a program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation®, now offers a new digital publication that provides easy access to its key educational resources on firearm safety and suicide prevention. The enhanced digital resource is one of the most comprehensive guides on gun safety available to the public today.

Project ChildSafe’s “Guide to Responsible Gun Ownership, Safe Handling and Secure Storage” is available for viewing and downloading.

“This expanded firearm safety resource will be of value to anyone wanting to educate themselves and others about nearly all aspects of gun safety,” said NSSF® President and CEO Joe Bartozzi. “We believe it will be particularly useful to first-time gun owners—and there are many of them—who need a comprehensive resource on gun safety for themselves and their families.”

The resource includes links to gun safety videos for adults and children, infographics, public service announcements and additional safety content that can help prevent accidents, thefts and misuse of firearms, including suicide.

Topics include safe firearm handling, options for secure storage, what to consider when owning a firearm for home security, and the importance of preventing access by at-risk or prohibited persons.

This new, enhanced version adds content and links to many of Project ChildSafe’s most-requested safety resources, including:

  • first-time gun owner educational materials
  • overview of safe storage options such as lock boxes and their features
  • storing guns securely in vehicles video and brochure
  • a suicide prevention resource designed to help parents better understand youth mental health and deter unauthorized access to firearms
  • safety messages for children, including NSSF’s award-winning McGruff videos on gun safety, and a child safety pledge.

NSSF’s Project ChildSafe program has provided nearly 40 million free firearm safety kits that include a gun lock and educational materials to communities in every state and the U.S. territories since its inception in 1999.

Learn more at ProjectChildSafe.org and help support Project ChildSafe’s efforts to keep communities and homes safe at ProjectChildSafe.org/donate.

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2A Legal Pioneer David Hardy Inducted Into 2nd Amendment Hall of Fame

From the Second Amendment Foundation 

Veteran Second Amendment legal scholar, author, attorney and gun rights authority David Hardy of Tucson, Ariz., has been inducted into the Second Amendment Hall of Fame by the Second Amendment Foundation.

In 1974, he was first to publish an article in the Chicago-Kent Law Review promoting recognition of the Second Amendment as protective of an individual right to keep and bear arms. In those days it was considered an outlandish notion, but now that interpretation is the law of the land, thanks to two Supreme Court rulings in 2008 and 2010.

Upon learning of his award, Hardy said he was deeply honored, adding, “I don’t think the battle will ever end, but I think that the grounds of the battle are shifting decidedly in our favor.”

The 69-year-old Hardy worked for ten years in the office of Solicitor for the U.S. Department of Interior, primarily representing the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. He also served as associate editor of the Arizona Law Review, and has handled cases up to the U.S. Supreme Court. He has authored seven books and 27 law review articles, one of which was cited by the Supreme Court and 11 of the 13 U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals.

“Among gun rights activists and scholars, David Hardy is a living legend,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan Gottlieb. “We’ve been honored to have him appear at several of our Gun Rights Policy Conferences, and would be difficult to find anyone with his level of history and achievement in restoring the Second Amendment to its rightful place as a cornerstone of the Constitution.”

Hardy was born in Phoenix to an old-line Arizona family. His great-grandfather was Nat Hickman, who Hardy describes as “a gun-slinging outlaw who took the alias of Charles W. Hardy when he fled to the Arizona Territory in 1872. He married a Native American woman and was subsequently elected the first Justice of the Peace of Cave Creek.

Today, Hardy manages the blog ArmsAndTheLaw.com and operates the publication website hardybooks.net.

The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 650,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control.

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Primary Arms Government Hosts Holiday Gift Drive with Houston TX PD

Primary Arms Government Hosts Holiday Gift Drive with Houston TX PD

From Primary Arms

Primary Arms Government is partnering with the Houston Police Department this holiday season with their Blue Santa Program. Throughout December, Primary Arms Government is working to collect toys for locals in need.

The Blue Santa Program is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization owned and operated by local Houston police officers. This program collects unwrapped gifts from the community and distributes them to less-fortunate children and teens in the Houston area. Gifts range from toys and school supplies to necessities like soaps, shampoo, and shaving kits. In the recent economic slowdown, these items are more needed than ever, and Primary Arms Government is proud to support this crucial community program’s efforts.

“Houston Blue Santa was established in 1984 through the HPD and has brought smiles to the faces of kids and parents alike at Christmas with the gift of giving,” says Ozge Cumberland, Primary Arms’ Senior Vice President. “We are extremely enthusiastic and supportive of this generous display of community and encourage all to join in the effort. The satisfaction of giving is the best part of living.”

For more information on Primary Arms Government, visit their homepage. From there, you can view all the major services and benefits of working with the Primary Arms Government team for all your equipment purchases. No matter your team’s needs, Primary Arms Government can help you find the right solution with testing and evaluation, trade-ins, and special pricing.

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ATF is accepting comments on pistol stabilizing braces becoming NFA items

Pistol Braces Could Become NFA Items photo by Guy J Sagi

The ATF is accepting comments on pistol stabilizing braces becoming NFA items. If they are included in the list it would force owners to either register, destroy or turn them in. Failure to do so would mean felony by possession. There are tens of thousands of the braces in circulation, most on stock pistols produced by longstanding manufacturers and purchased legally at FFLs. The aftermarket demand for the accessories is thriving as well.

The Federal Register (here) has complete details on how to comment by letter, fax or the portal’s web-based submission system. Deadline for submission is Jan. 4, 2021.

Pistol Stabilizing Brace Possession Would Become Similar to Machineguns

As I reported yesterday, if listed as an NFA (National Firearms Act) item, owners of pistol stabilizing braces can retain legal possession by adhering to the same prerequisites as those in place for suppressors, short-barreled rifles and shotguns and antique machineguns. That means procuring a federal tax stamp, after paying an additional fee they didn’t expect when purchasing the gun, filing the proper paperwork, securing permission from their area’s chief law enforcement officer and undergoing additional background checks and fingerprinting—along with those associated costs. Enthusiasts who don’t want to go through the red tape or voluntarily place their name on a Federal registry would be able to destroy or turn them in. Failure to comply would be a felony.

With the Biden administration ready to occupy the White House next month, there was no shortage of predications that gun control was going to become a priority. The fact ATF is accepting comments on pistol stabilizing braces becoming NFA items before the end of the year, however, came as a surprise to most pundits.

I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, thank you for visiting my modest blog and I hope you have a glorious rest of your day.

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Pistol Braces Could Become NFA Items

Pistol Braces Could Become NFA Items photo by Guy J Sagi

Owners of pistol braces could be forced to either register them as NFA items—paying the extra tax stamp fee after registration—or destroy or turn them in, if an BATFE proposed rulemaking draft is published in the Federal Register and approved after the comment period has ended. The change would affect tens of thousands of gun owners and a segment of the industry producing the popular accessory, currently available as an OEM component and accessory.

The Prince Law Offices Blog has full details here, including a link to the leaked document.

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Cheaper than Dirt Accused of Price Gouging by Texas Attorney General

Cheaper than Dirt Accused of Price Gouging by Texas Attorney General

The Austin American-Statesman is reporting that the Texas Attorney General has accused the website of price gouging in some cartridge sales. “The Texas AG’s office has identified ammunition as a necessity and, as a result, is arguing that those price hikes were against the Texas Business and Commerce Code,” the story explains.

The state’s Attorney General office has identified more than 4,000 purchasers who were allegedly victimized. As early as April the Houston Chronicle reported officials had already received more than 100 complaints.

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Ruger to Expand Factory in North Carolina

From the North Carolina Governor’s Office

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., a leading U.S. designer and manufacturer of commercial and sporting firearms, will grow its North Carolina workforce with an expansion at its Rockingham County production facility, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company’s goal is to add roughly 60 jobs and invest approximately $10 million at its site in Mayodan over the next three years.

“North Carolina’s skilled workforce continues to make our state a smart choice for growing manufacturers,” Governor Cooper said. “Today’s expansion by Sturm, Ruger & Co. highlights our state’s commitment to growing with companies and is a strong investment in the future of Rockingham County.” 

Founded in 1949, Connecticut-based Sturm, Ruger [NYSE: RGR] is one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of firearms. Its award-winning products are bought by hunters, collectors and hobbyists, as well as law enforcement organizations, security firms and government agencies. Sturm, Ruger established its $26 million production facility in Mayodan in 2013, and its workforce there currently totals 490. It also has plants in New Hampshire and Arizona. 

“We are thrilled to achieve so many goals with this project,” said Mickey Wilson, Sturm, Ruger’s vice president of Mayodan operations. “This expansion will help us to grow our business and further expand our diverse lineup of rugged, reliable firearms, while at the same time expanding our presence in Rockingham County.”

The North Carolina Department of Commerce led a team of partners in supporting Sturm, Ruger’s decision to expand its North Carolina operations. The company had considered other U.S. business destinations. Salaries for the new jobs are expected to average $44,033 per year, creating an annual payroll impact for the region of more than $2 million per year. Rockingham County’s overall annual wages average $35,146. Sturm, Ruger’s new positions will include production associates and supervisors.

“Expansions by existing companies are compelling evidence that North Carolina’s economic assets and business climate remain competitive with other leading destinations,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “I congratulate Sturm, Ruger for its impressive growth and also commend the state and local partners and allies that have supported the company’s success in Rockingham County.”

A performance-based grant of $150,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate Sturm, Ruger’s North Carolina expansion. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All One NC grants require a matching grant from local governments, and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

Joining the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina in the collaborative effort to support this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Rockingham County, the Town of Mayodan, and the Rockingham County Center for Economic Development, Small Business & Tourism.

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B&T Wins Sao Paulo Brazil APC40PRO Contract

B&T Wins Sao Paulo Brazil APC40PRO Contract

From B&T

B&T USA is proud to announce the São Paulo Brazil Military Police purchased the B&T APC40 PRO platform. These compact weapon systems are chambered in the .40 S&W, allowing cartridge commonality between the divisions recently procured Glock service pistol and its new sub machine gun.

“After enduring a rigorous and thorough selection process, B&T is pleased that our APC40 PRO model has been chosen by the officers of the São Paulo Military Police,” stated Jon Scott, Vice President of Sales, B&T USA. “This contract also marks the company’s first exportation of US-produced APC40 models, built right here in Tampa, Florida — which, in and of itself, is very exciting for us.”

In addition to B&T’s APC40 PRO models, the São Paulo Military Police will also receive US-produced B&T tri-lug SMG suppressors, unique B&T 30-round Glock magazines and Vicker’s Tactical VCAS two-point adjustable slings with U-Loop attachments by Blue Force Gear.

About the APC40 PRO

The APC40 PRO utilizes a hydraulic buffer system to drastically reduce felt recoil and muzzle riseand is the workhorse of the APC PRO line. The platform features functional updates to the original APC series include dual auto-folding, non-reciprocating and ambidextrous charging handles, improved lower receiver ergonomics that include a side positioned bolt hold open/release, removable M4 compatible grip, and Magpul M-Lok accessory slots located on the forend. Additionally, the APC40 PRO is equipped to accommodate Glock magazines.

About the Military Police of the State of São Paulo, Brazil

São Paulo Brazil’s military police is the largest state law enforcement arm within the country of Brazil. While the State Military Police Officers are considered military personnel under Brazils constitution, they perform more traditional police duties among civilian populations that include community policing, patrol, traffic enforcement, as well as more specialized enforcement.This police force is comprised of more than 100,000 personnel who fill its ranks. Many of its officers are assigned to a series of battalions at various locations spanning the state, as well as within the Greater São Paulo region (Grande São Paulo) which itself is comprised of 40 different cities and towns.

About B&T USA

B&T USA, a Florida-based firearms, silencer and accessories manufacturer operating under license of B&T AG SWITZERLAND, which was founded in 1991 as a designer and manufacturer of the industry’s most advanced suppressors. Under the leadership of Karl Brügger, B&T AG has evolved into a world leader in the design, manufacture, and sale of the most technologically advanced, high performance weapons systems in the world. From the comprehensive APC (Advanced Police Carbine) line, recently adopted by the United States Army, to the new 9mm USW® (Universal Service Weapon) and USW conversion kits; B&T weapon systems are used globally by police, Special Forces, and elite military units. For more information on B&T USA, visit: www.bt-arms.com

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B&T Provides the United States Air Force with APC9K PRO Models

B&T Provides the United States Air Force with APC9K PRO Models

From B&T

B&T, Inc. is proud to announce the United States Air Force has purchased B&T APC9K PRO platforms. These ultra-compact weapon systems are destined for specialized service and close personal protection use within the branch.

“B&T is honored to have our APC9K PRO selected by the United States Air Force. We’re pleased to know that specially trained Airmen will be equipped with the finest equipment available to not only ensure their personal safety during challenging assignments, but contribute to the overall success of their mission,” stated Jon Scott, Vice President of Sales, B&T USA.

The United States Air Force is the second branch of service to purchase APC9K PRO sub compact weapon systems after identifying an operational need for a highly concealable, sub machine gun. At less than 15-inches in length, the APC9K is optimized for low visibility carriage and discreet deployment; use in and around vehicles, and within confined spaces — all while delivering unsurpassed accuracy, controllability and ergonomics.

About the APC9K

The APC9K utilizes a hydraulic buffer system to drastically reduce felt recoil and muzzle rise and is the most compact version of the APC9 PRO line. The platform features functional updates to include dual auto-folding, non-reciprocating and ambidextrous charging handles, improved lower receiver ergonomics that include a side positioned bolt hold open/release, removable M4 compatible grip, and Magpul M-Lok accessory slots located on the forend. Additionally, the APC9K can be equipped to accommodate Glock 9mm magazines, SIG P320 magazines or proprietary B&T magazines, by simply switching the non-serialized lower receiver group.

About B&T USA

B&T USA, a Florida-based subsidiary of the formerly known as B&T AG SWITZERLAND, which was founded in 1991 as a designer and manufacturer of the industry’s most advanced suppressors. Under the leadership of Karl Brügger, B&T has evolved into a world leader in the design, manufacture, and sale of the most technologically advanced, high performance weapons systems in the world. From the comprehensive APC (Advanced Police Carbine) line, recently adopted by the United States Army, to the new 9mm USW® (Universal Service Weapon) and USW conversion kits; B&T weapon systems are used globally by police, Special Forces, and elite military units. For more information on B&T USA, visit: www.bt-arms.com