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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U.S. firearms sales May 2021—Year-over-year decrease from 1.7 million to 1.4 million firearms

U.S. firearms sales May 2021—Year-over-year decrease from 1.7 million to 1.4 million firearms

From Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting

Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting (SAAF) estimates May 2021 U.S. firearms unit sales at a little over 1.4 million units, a year-over-year decrease of about 300,000 firearms, a 16.8% drop relative to May 2020.

Detailed data by firearms type and state are available for purchase at https://SmallArmsAnalytics.com/shop/.

SAAF’s firearms unit sales estimates are based on raw data taken from the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), adjusted for checks unlikely to be related to end-user firearms sales. For example, although the FBI’s raw numbers (for May 2021, some 3,206,589 checks) increased year-over-year by about 100,000 checks, this is largely due to background checks unrelated to end-user sales. As a case in point, in May the state of Illinois conducted close to 1,000,000 total checks whereas end-user unit sales at likely amounted to about 41,000. SAAF makes certain adjustments to the FBI’s raw data based on retailer reports and other information; nonetheless, the estimates likely understate the true number of sales.

SAAF Chief Economist Jurgen Brauer comments that “the May 2021 number of about 1.4 million firearms is the second monthly decline recorded in the first five months of 2021. Nonetheless, the overall firearms sales pace thus far this year clocks in at nearly 9.2 million units as compared to 8.7 million units for January to May 2020.”

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Joe Harold Graham, Former NRA Publications Executive Director, Passes Away

By Guy J. Sagi

Joe Graham, former executive director of the NRA Publications Division, died over Memorial Day weekend. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia, son William Graham and daughters Mary Atkins and Marilyn Graham. Preceding him in death were his parents and brother, John Graham.

Graham grew up in Cadiz, KY, and graduated from Vanderbilt University, where he lettered in football and was named All-SEC. He went on the play for the Minnesota Vikings until injuries forced premature retirement from the gridiron. He served in the Air Force and was stationed at Da Nang, Vietnam, from 1968 to 1969, at the height of the Tet Offensive.

He worked at Pentax Corporation from 1972 to 1998, rising from the position of Senior Vice President to CEO. He left to serve as publisher of Petersen’s Hunting and Petersen’s Bowhunting magazines, but in January 2000 assumed the role of Executive Director of NRA Publications Division.

Graham’s vision was different from that of his predecessors, who traditionally thought periodicals produced by non-profits were incapable of generating an organization any profit. The publications division quickly became a revenue source for the NRA, using many of the approaches he fine-tuned on the newsstand at Petersen’s. In June 2007 he launched Shooting Illustrated magazine. He was at the helm as NRA’s stable of magazines launched sister television shows, established websites, fully harnessed video and introduced apps. He drilled into every staff member the importance of honesty, uncompromising ethics and that every NRA member deserves solid reporting and quality in their publications.

On Jan. 5, 2014, he officially retired from the NRA and moved from Northern Virginia to Castle Rock, CO, to be close to family. His legacy will thrive for decades in the organization and continue to protect the Second Amendment through the team members he mentored.

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Vaccinated West Virginians Could Win a Gun

Vaccinated West Virginians Could Win a Gun

By Guy J. Sagi

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced on May 27 that state residents vaccinated for COVID-19 may qualify for lottery drawings with a long list of prizes, including firearms. The program is an effort to bolster the state’s inoculation rate, which currently stands at 51.1 percent of those eligible having received at least one dose. “There are going to be so many wonderful prizes that you can win, it will blow you away,” he said. “We are going to make a few West Virginians millionaires before this is over. Some people will win trucks and scholarships and on and on, but we’ve got to get you vaccinated first.”

On June 1 Gov. Justice provided more detail on the vaccine incentive lottery, which runs June 20—the state’s 158th birthday and Father’s Day this year—to Aug. 4. Grand prize will be $1.588 million and the runner-up will receive $588,000. Custom rifles and shotguns will also be awarded, as well as in-state college scholarships, trucks, lifetime hunting and fishing licenses and more.

Currently 40.9 percent of the West Virginia’s residents are fully vaccinated. The effort’s goal is to move that figure up to at least 65 percent.

You must sign up, however. “West Virginians who have been fully vaccinated will need to register to be entered to win the prizes,” the June press release from the Governor’s office explains. “A registration website will soon be available and will be announced by the Governor at a press briefing.”

Firearm enthusiasts in Illinois also reaped benefits for receiving a vaccination last month. The Worldwide Shooting and Recreation Complex, in Sparta, IL, provided 100 free targets of trap, skeet or sporting clays good through October for those receiving doses at the facility over a two-day period. Other states have introduced a variety of vaccination incentives, as well. When Ohio introduced its $1 million giveaway, for example,  NPR reported the inoculation rate soared.

“Not only are a bunch of people going to win all kinds of great stuff, but, by getting vaccinated, it’ll protect your life and it’ll protect your family and friends all around you,” Gov. Justice said.

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NRA Announces New Dates for 150th Annual Meetings & Exhibits

From NRA

The National Rifle Association is pleased to announce its 150th Annual Meeting & Exhibits to be held in Houston Sept. 3 through 5, 2021. The bigger-than-ever exhibit hall will feature more than 800 exhibitors and acres of the latest guns, knives, optics, ammo and accessories available.

The NRA is excited to host its 150th anniversary celebration in Texas this fall. This event is a much-needed and anticipated gathering for tens of thousands dues-paying members and millions of gun owners after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of our 2020 convention.

We are proud to announce MidwayUSA is returning as the official sponsor of this three-day event to be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Patriots will gather to enjoy this family-friendly event featuring the most spectacular displays of every imaginable firearm on the market. NRA members can also book the hunt of a lifetime, purchase shooting and hunting accessories, view priceless gun collections and see celebrities walking the aisles. In addition to the exhibition floor, NRA members will enjoy the camaraderie of other freedom-loving members as they attend the many events, receptions and demonstrations happening throughout the weekend.

For more information, visit www.nraam.org.

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Comp-Tac Revises the CTAC IWB

Comp-Tac Revises the CTAC IWB

From Comp-Tac

Comp-Tac® released its updated and enhanced CTAC™ V2 Holster May 26.

The original CTAC™ is an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster first introduced at the beginning of Comp-Tac in 1999. Since then, it has been a favorite among customers because of its thin design and resistance to sweat in hot and humid climates.

The CTAC V2 is an updated version that takes the knowledge and technology Comp-Tac has gained in the last 22 years to become even better. The CTAC V2 maintains the same functionality but now incorporates some new features, including a narrower overall design with the two mounting clips brought in closer to the body of the holster. Additionally, the holster body has been updated to accommodate micro-red dot optics and the color options have been expanded from only black to include coyote brown, OD green and wolf gray.

“When we first started making holsters, it was a thrill to see our products loved and used by so many,” said Gordon Carrell Comp-Tac general manager. “After 22 years of learned experience, bringing on new technology and staying current with the changes in firearm design, we knew we needed to show our original holster some love. The CTAC V2 is a fresh take on a popular holster that doesn’t lose any of the draw of the original.”

For more information about the CTAC V2, visit www.comp-tac.com/ctac-v2

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Tasco Unveils New Website and ProPoint Red Dot Lineup Expansion

Tasco Unveils New Website and ProPoint Red Dot Lineup Expansion

From Tasco

Tasco®, a leader in superior value optics, has launched a major redesign of its website, Tasco.com. Besides a new look and feel, the website features overhauled navigation, enhanced product content and new categories for customers to explore.

Tasco.com now includes integrated connections to Tasco social media, streamlined customer support and in-depth product pages so customers can quickly and easily find the information they need. Searchers can find products by category, with added filtering or with new and improved search functionality. Besides classics like binoculars, rifle scopes, telescopes and spotting scopes, customers will notice new red dot and golf categories highlighted on the website’s homepage.

The Tasco lineup of red dot sights is also new and improved in 2021 with the addition of two new models – the TRD130T ProPoint® 1×30 and TRDPCC ProPoint 1×30 PCC. Designed with rugged construction and versatile mounting options, both red dots offer outstanding value at an entry-level price point.

At the core of the ProPoint line is a crisp red dot with multi-coated lenses for a bright image without the blue tint found on other brands’ red dots. This provides a clear target view and aiming point for quicker and more accurate shooting, making ProPoint red dots intuitive sights for hunters and range shooters alike.

Both red dots come with capped elevation turrets and provide up to 500 hours of battery life. From front to back, these red dot sights are designed, constructed and tested to withstand relentless recoil for years of service at the range and in the field thanks to their rugged aluminum construction.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the TRD130T Red Dot is $41.59 and for the TRDPCC is $79.99. For more information on these or to see other Tasco products, visit Tasco.com.

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Meprolight — Upgrade Your Handgun Sights

Meprolight — Upgrade Your Handgun Sights

From Meprolight

Chances are, if you’re reading this, you are one of the millions who purchased a new handgun in the past year or so. Should you upgrade your sights? A better question might be, do you want to increase your capabilities? Tiger McKee, Director, Shootrite Firearms Academy recently penned the following, “Shooting accurately is all about sight alignment and a smooth press or stroke on the trigger. In self-defense applications, this has to be done under any and all conditions….The sights on your weapon have to be up to the task and may be one of the first modifications you need to consider.” (The Shooting Wire.com, 4/19/21)

The engineers at Meprolight®, having served in the Israeli Defense Forces, understand the complexities of sight alignment, sight picture, and rapid target acquisition. From their experience, they have made Meprolight® into the world leader in handgun sights. Their multiple aiming solutions enable you to select the sight that best matches your shooting style. Three of the most popular are:

· Mepro Hyper-Bright™ —self-illuminated day/night sight with visually enhanced contrasting front sight

·Mepro Tru-Dot® — family of self-illuminated day/night sights

· Mepro MicroRDS™ —micro red dot optic. Make every pistol an optic ready pistol

McKee went on to say, “The majority of pistols offered today come with ‘good’ sights. However, to cut costs some factory sights are insufficient for defensive work. You can expect to install upgraded sights.“

For more information or to find your local Meprolight® Dealer, visit Meprolight.US or call (717) 985-4482. You can also visit our online partners: OpticsPlanet, MidwayUSA or Photo4Less.

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SIG SAUER Academy to Offer Classes at American Police Hall of Fame Shooting Center

SIG SAUER Academy to Offer Classes at American Police Hall of Fame Shooting Center

From SIG SAUER

Beginning in June exclusive SIG SAUER Academy course offerings will be taught by the world-renowned SIG SAUER Academy instructors onsite at the APHF Shooting Center. The course offerings are as follows:

  • Handgun 101: This comprehensive course provides hands-on training and the basic knowledge necessary to safely handle, load, fire, and maintain most types of semi-automatic pistols. Classroom and range time offer ample opportunity to achieve the skills for success in a casual, stress-free environment.
  • Handgun 102: This is step 2 in the SIG SAUER Academy foundational handgun series. Utilizing the principles of training in Handgun 101, this course takes students through the efficient and safe use of a handgun. Working from the holster, performing reloads, clearing stoppages, and correctly manipulating a trigger to maximize accuracy are all thoroughly taught in a relaxed, hands-on environment.
  • P320 Armorer Course: Learn the mechanical functioning, disassembly/reassembly, maintenance, troubleshooting, and field repair of the SIG SAUER P320 pistol. This is a hands-on class that guides students through the step-by-step armorer operations for the P320. Upon successful completion of the course a three-year factory armorer certification is issued to students.

To register and review the in-depth course outlines, pre-requisites, and equipment requirements for the SIG SAUER Academy courses at the APHF Shooting Center visit sigsaueracademy.com.

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Firearm Industry Honors Senator Kevin Cramer as Legislator of the Year

Firearm Industry Honors Senator Kevin Cramer as Legislator of the Year

From NSSF

The National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®), the trade association for the firearm, ammunition, hunting and recreational shooting sports industry, recognized U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) as the 2020 National Shooting Sports Foundation Legislator of the Year for his determined commitment to protect the firearm industry against discriminatory banking practices and preserving America’s Constitutional rights.

Senator Cramer was instrumental in calling for an end to the discriminatory practices against the firearm industry when he introduced the Freedom Financing Act, S. 821. The legislation was written to prevent financial institutions from accessing taxpayer-subsidized government programs while at the same time denying banking services to lawful and compliant industries. The bill would have prohibited access to the Federal Reserve Discount Window Lending Programs, Federal Deposit Insurance Company and Automated Clearing House Network to any financial institution with over $10 billion in assets, credit card processor and other financial institution which discriminated against the manufacturer and retailer of firearms, ammunition and shooting sports equipment.

“We are honored to present Senator Cramer with the 2020 NSSF Legislator of the Year Award for his bold and determined leadership in the U.S. Senate to end the discrimination against firearm businesses by those in the banking sector,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “Senator Cramer has been an invaluable partner to the firearm and ammunition industry on Capitol Hill. NSSF appreciates his commitment to protect the firearm industry against this unwarranted discrimination and enable businesses to serve their customers not just in North Dakota, but across the nation.”

Senator Cramer’s Freedom Financing Act was just the first of many actions he spearheaded to guard the firearm industry against discriminatory lending practices. Senator Cramer led tough questioning of banking executives under oath to hold them accountable for their policy decisions to benefit from taxpayer protections and at the same time deny a Constitutionally-protected industry from banking services. Senator Cramer worked closely with the White House and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to publish the Fair Access Banking Rule, that was finalized by the Trump administration, only to be canceled by the Biden administration.

Undeterred, Senator Cramer introduced the Fair Access to Banking Act, S. 563 this year, that would require banks to provide access to services, capital, and credit based on the objective risk assessment of individual customers, rather than subjective broad-based decisions affecting whole categories or classes of customers.

The Fair Access to Banking Act would stop corporate banks from picking winners and losers based on executives’ personal politics. It also protects banks from outside pressure by special interest groups seeking to use the banks as a political weapon to advance their agenda. It currently has 31 co-sponsors.

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Attorneys General Oppose Biden’s ATF Director Nominee

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen and 19 other state attorneys general today called on the U.S. Senate to reject David Chipman’s confirmation as director of the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), citing concerns over his approach to public safety and Americans’ right to keep and bear arms.

In a letter to U.S. Senate Republican and Democratic leadership, Knudsen and the coalition of attorneys general outlined the threat President Joe Biden’s ATF nominee would pose to law-abiding gun owners if confirmed to lead the agency responsible for regulating firearms. Chipman has a long history of anti-gun rights lobbying and activism.

“Mr. Chipman has a First Amendment right as a private citizen to work for these political organizations and to lobby for the taxation, registration, and even confiscation of firearms. Americans likewise have the Second Amendment to protect their God-given rights to keep and bear arms,” Knudsen and the attorneys general wrote. “Accordingly, we ask you to oppose Mr. Chipman’s confirmation to this important position and demand President Biden nominate someone who is not hostile to our rights and way of life.”

ATF agents play an important role in upholding the public safety of communities around the country and will be disserved by an agency director with a political agenda. Americans’ Second Amendment rights do not need to be infringed to keep them safe from violent criminals.

“Its agents deserve a director who will inspire confidence from the people they serve. Given Mr. Chipman’s history of anti-gun lobbying and political activism, Americans cannot be reasonably expected to believe he will be an unbiased enforcer of current laws,” the letter stated. “As the chief legal and law enforcement officers in our respective states, we are concerned that Mr. Chipman will make Americans less safe by diverting ATF resources to attack the rights of law-abiding gun owners instead of cracking down on violent criminals and criminal organizations.”

Attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and West Virginia also signed onto Knudsen’s letter.

Click here to view the letter.