Category: Firearm Industry News

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

Posted on

Ammo.com Charitable Donations Reflect Record Sales

From Ammo.com

The ongoing pandemic and recent civil unrest amidst calls to “defund the police” have sparked an unprecedented demand for ammunition. Online ammunition retailer Ammo.com offers unique insight into what that surge in demand looks like.

With every purchase, Ammo.com donates 1% to an organization that shares our values.

Ammo.com’s Freedom Fighter Support program offers customers the option to donate 1% of their purchase price at no extra cost to them during checkout. To date, the program has raised over $100,000 for charities and pro-freedom organizations including Homes For Our Troops, the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation, Jews for the Preservation of Firearm Ownership, and the National African-American Gun Association Scholarship Fund.

In Q1 of 2020, Ammo.com’s customers elected to have the company donate $9,405.21 to their chosen organizations. In the second quarter, donations skyrocketed to $16,937.27, reflecting an approximate 80 percent increase in total donations site-wide. Although Ammo.com does offer firearm accessories and apparel, the vast majority of their increased sales resulted directly from customer ammunition purchases.

Ammo.com’s donations to their customers’ preferred organizations have risen by the following percentages in Q2 of 2020:

  • Homes For Our Troops: +69%
  • Armed Citizens’ Educational Foundation: +69%
  • National Rifle Association: +50%
  • Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation: +37%
  • Second Amendment Foundation: +33%

Ammo.com’s Q1 2020 and Q2 2020 donations combined have increased by 116% relative to the entire preceding year.

“We are honored to be in such a position that we can provide financial support to so many worthy causes,” said Alex Horsman, marketing manager of Ammo.com. “We typically see ammo sales increase in direct response to calls for more gun control, and nowadays with so much uncertainty looming in the air following the arrivals of the pandemic, the riots, and the calls to ‘defund the police’ – as well as in anticipation of the November election – it is evident American firearm owners are investing in ammunition like they never have before. Hopefully the money we’re able to donate helps bolster these worthwhile organizations during the current turbulent times.”

Posted on

Chinese website illegally selling weapon components seized

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan have seized LAFAUTO.com after an international arms-trafficking investigation. Readers who frequent social media may have likely seen the company’s advertisements for fuel and oil filters with the same profile as legal suppressors and identical thread patterns. While HSI has been aggressive in the seizure of Internet sites used to facilitate the sale of counterfeit goods, this seizure is the first instance in which a website wholly dedicated to illegal arms components has been seized by the agency.

HSI determined that more than 350 suppressors seized by law enforcement across the county were purchased from the website and smuggled into the United States from China as automotive parts. Without a proper BATFE tax stamp, they are illegal to purchase and possession is not allowed in some states. The website advertised the suppressors as automotive components, but images on the site clearly resembled firearms components.

“Investigating international arms trafficking is among HSI’s highest priorities,” said Vance Callender, HIS special agent in charge of Michigan and Ohio. “This website, operated from China, blatantly disregarded our customs law, smuggled illegal silencers into our country, and placed the American public at risk.”

The bargain-basement prices reflected quality, making the units a dubious safety decision. Unknowing enthusiasts visiting the website are now greeted by a message from ICE that states it has been seized by order of a warrant issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. For those who inadvertently purchased one of the items it advises, “The possession of a silencer sold by LAFAUTO.com is a violation of federal law. If you are in possession of a silencer sold by LAFAUTO.com you should contact your nearest HSI and AFT office.”

Law abiding citizens can legally add a suppressor to their collection—subject to local and state laws—by purchasing from a licensed dealer and filing the paperwork and undergoing the additional background checks required. If approved, and once the required BATFE tax stamp has been received, then it is legal take possession.

There are plenty of quality suppressors you can legally purchase today, including the OSS Suppressors HX-QD 556Ti, SureFire SF Ryder 9-Ti2 and more.

Posted on

Bond Arms Best Seller—The Backup

From Bond Arms

As Bond Arms custom-made quality handguns grew in popularity, they drew the attention of former law enforcement and former soldiers who loved the guns, but they wanted to see one basic change. At the time, most of Bond Arms’ models came in a polished stainless finish that was both attractive and durable. For these old pros, many wanted to see a model with less shine to improve its conceal-ability and allow it to better blend in and not catch unwanted attention. Bond Arms responded to these requests, and the Backup™ was born, quickly becoming one of their best-selling models of all time.

The Bond Arms Backup boasts the ultimate blend of compact conceal-ability with threat-stopping firepower. Chambered for the powerful .45 ACP, the entire break-action handgun is only 4.5 inches long with 2.5-inch double barrels for a two-round capacity. All the parts that would normally be shiny on the Backup are bead blasted for a grayish, matte finish, while the frame features a dark crinkled powder coat finish.

The Backup is outfitted with Bond Arms newest rubber grips, providing a great handle on the firearm and making it comfortable to shoot. Additional features include the company’s patented rebounding hammer, retracting firing pins, a cross-bolt safety and a spring-loaded, cammed locking lever. 

Like all Bond Arms handguns, the barrels are interchangeable with a few simple turns of a single hex-head screw to create as many as 25 caliber combinations from 20 available barrels. The Backup frame can be used with barrels chambered as small as the .22 rimfire up to a .410 shotgun load.

“The ultra-compact size, attractive matte-finish and popularity of the .45 ACP chambering among those who carry concealed made the Backup™ a Bond Arms® best-seller right out of the gate,” says Gordon Bond.

Backup Features:

  • Bead-blasted steel double-barrel and frame
  • Powder-coated finish on the frame
  • Standard-sized, rubber grips
  • Front-blade, fixed-rear sights
  • Trigger guard
  • Compatible with all standard Bond Arms barrels
  • Patented rebounding hammer
  • Retracting firing pins
  • Cross-bolt safety
  • Spring-loaded, cammed locking lever
  • 19 ounces
  • Barrel length is 2.5 inches
  • Overall length is 4.5 inches

MSRP: $540.

And don’t forget to take a look at the company’s new Grizzly model. If you want a close look at the quality that goes into their guns, here’s a slide show I did for my Fear and Loading YouTube channel.

Posted on

Brownells Resumes Standard Capacity Mag Sales to California

From Brownells

In the wake of a ruling by a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Brownells has resumed selling its full lineup of rifle, pistol and shotgun magazines to California customers.

Known as Duncan vs Becerra, the case against California’s ban on standard-capacity magazines was brought by the California Rifle & Pistol Association.

The Ninth Circuit applied strict scrutiny in its decision and ruled firearm magazines, including those of 30-rounds capacity or more, are “protected arms under the Second Amendment.”

The entire ruling can be read at the United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth Circuit site.

Effective immediately, Brownells will once again ship magazines to California customers.

To see Brownells full lineup for popular magazines for AR-15 style, AK-47 style and other commonly-owned semi-automatic rifles and pistols, visit the magazine section of the Brownells website.

Posted on

GLOCK Donates ‘New Shooter’ Gearbox for National Shooting Sports Month

From NSSF

NSSF, the firearm industry trade association, is pleased to announce that GLOCK has agreed to sponsor a “New Shooter” Gearbox Giveaway in support of 2020’s National Shooting Sports Month®.

Founded by Gaston Glock in the 1980s, GLOCK, Inc., is recognized worldwide for producing a wide range of high-quality, striker-fired pistols. The first model to hit U.S. shores, the GLOCK 17 in 9mm, is now in its fifth incarnation and is joined by many other models denoted as GLOCK’s Gen5 firearms. With its U.S. headquarters in Smyrna, Georgia, the company currently produces more than 50 handgun models for consumer, military and law enforcement use, those models running the gamut from a model in .22 LR to GLOCK’s own .45 G.A.P. chambering.

The 2020 National Shooting Sports Month GLOCK “New Shooter” Gearbox Giveaway, valued at nearly $4,000, includes:

2 GLOCK 44 .22 LR pistols

1 One-on-one training session with GLOCK Professional instructor and a trip to the GLOCK factory

1 G44 12-ounce tumbler kit

1 G44 threaded barrel kit

1 G44 long-sleeve T-shirt

2 G44 targets

1 G44 Promo Media Box (exclusive, only 30 produced)

1 double pistol case

1 Electronic Ear Pro hearing protection

1 grey bench mat

1 black ranger mesh hat

1 GLOCK Perfection patch

1 G44 patch

3 GLOCK Perfection decals

1 Gen5 range towel

1 GLOCK disassembly tool

1 GLOCK SAFE ACTION aluminum sign

“GLOCK is truly dedicated to getting more people involved in target shooting and the shooting sports—who else would giveaway not one, but two pistols?” said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Retail & Range Business Development. “We hope whoever wins this takes that to heart and asks someone new to join them on the range to experience just how safe and enjoyable our shooting sports are.”

“GLOCK is excited to participate in the 2020 National Shooting Sports Month by giving away a New-Shooter Gearbox, said Shelby Lasater, Director of Marketing. “We recognized the need from our brand enthusiasts for a .22 LR pistol and introduced the G44 in 2020. This provides an increased opportunity to encourage and share sport shooting with others.”

National Shooting Sports Month, a celebration of the shooting sports and the firearm industry, takes place throughout the month of August. Firearms ranges and FFL retailers across the country have listed hundreds of events, classes, shoots and promotions on the calendar at ShootingSportsMonth.org. That calendar interacts directly with NSSF’s LetsGoShooting.org website, which consumers use to discover the August events taking place in their communities. Ranges and retailers are encouraged to continue adding their August activities to the calendar here, and when they do, NSSF will send those businesses a promotional package that includes shirts and hats.

Posted on

MidwayUSA Foundation Funding the Future of Shooting Sports

In support of NSSF’s National Shooting Sports Month, MidwayUSA Foundation is offering a variety of programs to enhance the opportunities within youth shooting sports. As the only 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to helping communities and organizations raise funds to support their high school and college shooting teams and activities, the Foundation’s support is crucial to the future of the shooting sports industry.

Once a MidwayUSA Foundation Team Endowment is established, the easiest and most efficient way for a youth shooting team to start growing that endowment is through online donations. Every participating team has its own webpage that can receive donations and 100% of every donation benefits that team. The contribution is also matched through the Foundation’s 2020 Matching Program that is funded by Larry and Brenda Potterfield, owners of MidwayUSA.

The Matching Program can also benefit teams that conduct fundraisers to include those that utilize Foundation product grants. MidwayUSA Foundation offers participating teams and organizations top-quality products, including firearms, at no cost to conduct a community fundraiser any way they choose. Proceeds contributed to their endowment are matched. Additional funds raised with these product grants can be kept for immediate team expenses. All free fundraising products available are listed on the Foundation website.

“We understand that youth shooting teams are not all the same. There are large and small teams, high school teams, college teams, and teams of all shooting disciplines. In addition, the communities in which these teams belong are also unique. For these reasons, we work to create a variety of programs that appeal to all,” said Executive Director G. Scott Reynolds.

While matching and product grants are the longest-running programs, MidwayUSA Foundation has recently added additional fundraising assistance programs. Teams can now create custom uniforms with Battle Gear or order SSP Eyewear for discounted prices and each purchase benefits their team endowment. Other industry partners, like SKB Shotguns and Everest, also have promotions to benefit the MidwayUSA Foundation’s mission. More details can be found here.

A fun and mobile-friendly option that allows teams to compete and fundraise if they cannot be together is Peer-to-Peer fundraising. The Foundation can set up an online fundraiser for teams and team members can create their own individual campaigns. Peer-to-Peer then allows users to generate donations through their own network of friends and family by texting, emailing, or sharing on their various social media platforms.
Throughout the year, the Foundation also offers incentives to top fundraising teams. Anyone interested in funding youth shooting sports or seeking details about these programs is encouraged to visit the Foundation website [midwayusafoundation.org/fundraising] or contact a Foundation Program Manager in their region. For more on National Shooting Sports Month and a free ebook to get you started, visit this page

Posted on

Court Determines California’s Magazine Ban is Unconstitutional

NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, applauded the decision of a three-judge panel to uphold a lower court’s decision that California’s ban on standard capacity magazines violates Second Amendment rights and is unconstitutional.

The panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed (2-1) the decision of U.S. District Court Judge Roger T. Benitez in Duncan v Becerra that California’s ban on possessing firearm magazines capable holding more than 10 rounds violates the Second Amendment. NSSF submitted an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs’ challenge to the state law.

“This is a tremendous victory for all who value the rule of law and preservation of individual liberties protected by the U.S. Constitution,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President of General Counsel. “The firearm industry trade association was confident that possession of these accessories is protected by the Second Amendment and that California overreached to infringe upon the fundamental civil liberties of law-abiding citizens. This serves as notice to antigun politicians that their campaign to trample on constitutional rights and advance a radical agenda to deny citizens’ their Second Amendment rights will not go unchallenged.”

Duncan v Becerra challenged California Government Code § 31310, which bans possession of what California termed “large capacity magazines,” (LCMs) or any magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds. Judge Kenneth K. Lee wrote for the majority that, “California’s near-categorical ban of LCMs strikes at the core of the Second Amendment — the right to armed self-defense. Armed self-defense is a fundamental right rooted in tradition and the text of the Second Amendment. Indeed, from pre-colonial times to today’s post-modern era, the right to defend hearth and home has remained paramount.”

Finding that the challenged law must be evaluated under strict scrutiny, he continued, “California’s law imposes a substantial burden on this right to self-defense.”

NSSF expects California’s Attorney General to seek a review of the decision to the full court. However, NSSF is confident the holding of the panel that the legal test applied to the decision are sound and will survive appeal.

Posted on

3 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Ruger

Sturm, Ruger & Company quietly celebrated its 70th Anniversary in 2019. Even though the brand may be one of your favorites, odds are good there are 3 things you probably didn’t know about Ruger. For the past seven decades the firm has built an enviable reputation for producing rugged and reliable firearms that perform, but there’s more to the story.

It begins with William Batterman Ruger. Born in Brooklyn, NY, in 1916, he developed a passion for firearms early. He came up with a machine gun design while attending the University of North Carolina. After leaving school, he worked in a Springfield Armory machine shop. During World War II Ruger helped Auto Ordnance improve gun designs.

The industry slowed in peacetime, though, and Ruger opened a small machine shop in Southport, CN. He primary manufactured tools, but between projects designed and patented a new .22 semi-auto pistol.

It was a challenge to finding revenue to manufacture and market it, though So in 1949 he formed a partnership with Alexander Sturm—a firearm collector, author and artist—who provided $50,000 in seed money and designed the logo.

1—It Started in a Barn

Operations started in a small shop nicknamed the “Red Barn,” and two of the first eight Ruger Standards produced were sent to noted gun writers, including NRA Publications’ Maj. Gen. Julian Hatcher. Another went to a competitive shooter who won several matches, and the combined publicity resulted in 9,000 back-orders by summer of 1950.

Twenty-eight-year-old Alexander Sturm died in 1951. Black replaced the red in original eagle logo in honor of his memory and the color would not reappear until the company’s Golden Anniversary, 1999.

The list of successful firearms that followed is long, but the company flourished and in 1969 the public could purchase stock. The New York Stock Exchange listed Ruger in 1990, where it remains under the ticker initials RGR. Today the company remains one of the most profitable firms in the industry.  

2—It Made Golf Clubs

Producing quality firearms requires and intimate knowledge of metals and metalwork and in 1963 Sturm, Ruger & Co. tapped the firm’s expertise by founding Pine Tree Castings. Today it produces items for a wide range of industries, including defense firearms, commercial equipment, tools and even automotive.

Calloway Golf engaged its services in 1999 to make the titanium heads found on many of its “Big Bertha” golf clubs. A few of them wore the Ruger name and logo. The parent company of Ping has used the company and an undisclosed number of other firms continue to do so.

3—Luxury Muscle Cars

In 1969—when GTOs, Barracudas and 396SS Novas owned the streets—Ruger rolled out a luxury car with 1930’s style. A Ford 427 c.i.d. V-8 produced 425 horsepower in the open touring vehicle. “The idea was to make a very fine automobile according to today’s best engineering standards,” Ruger told Sports Illustrated in 1970, “but with styling free of the modern streamlined appearance.” Top speed was 150 mph. Price topped out at $17,000.

Only two were made. Ruger refocused on his core business, where it remained until he retired in 2000. He died two years later.

Ruger Today

Ruger had 1,600 employees at the time of its anniversary in 2019, more now. They work in six locations across four states—Arizona, Connecticut, North Carolina and New Hampshire. The company has built some of history’s finest firearms. The most popular .22 LR rimfire ever made is the company’s 10/22. Nearly all of them feature the same quality and innovation that launched the company.

Is the William Batterman Ruger approach still alive and well at the company? “Absolutely,” said Mark Gurney, director of product management at Ruger. “We are continually developing a variety of innovative products that are modestly priced. As a company, we have always turned a profit and we have always been free of debt, giving us tremendous flexibility to create opportunities.”

As for the future, “We commit considerable portions of our resources to bringing new products to market,” Gurney said. “We aim to be a world leader that provides a spirit of freedom, recreation and peace of mind to our responsible customers and for generations to come.”

The company’s story is interesting, and ideal for a quick game of trivia at the firing line during reloads. Were you familiar with all “3 things you probably didn’t know about Ruger?”

Let me know by leaving a comment, and thank you so much for taking a look at my blog. I hope each and everyone has a safe and glorious day.

Photo courtesy of Ruger

Posted on

TSA Detecting More Guns at Checkpoints

From TSA

Transportation Security Administration officers detected firearms in carry-on bags at a rate three times higher this past July than the same month in 2019, though passenger volume is significantly lower. 

TSA officers detected 15.3 guns per million people last month compared to 5.1 guns per million people screened during July 2019. The rate is particularly alarming, given that TSA screened about 75% fewer passengers in July 2020, over the previous year’s volume.

“TSA is diligently working to ensure our employees and passengers are safe and secure while traveling during a pandemic, and yet we are noticing a significant increase in loaded firearms coming into checkpoints,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “Travelers must understand that firearms are prohibited items at airports and in the passenger cabins of aircraft. As hard as we are working to mitigate other risks at this time, no one should be introducing new ones.”

The potential Federal civil penalty for an unloaded firearm starts at $2,050 and it starts at $4,100 for a loaded gun. The penalty can go up to the current statutory maximum of $13,669 per violation, depending on the circumstances. A case with substantial aggravating or mitigating factors may result in a sanction amount that falls outside the usual sanction ranges. The complete list of penalties is posted online. . (This paragraph has been edited from the original, which stated a current statutory maximum penalty of more than $10,250. This clarifies that the maximum penalty could reach $13,669.)

In addition to financial civil penalties, individuals who violate rules regarding traveling with firearms will have their trusted traveler status and TSA PreCheck™ expedited screening benefits revoked for a period of time. The duration of the disqualification will depend upon the seriousness of the offense and if there is a repeated history of violations.

“Even more concerning is that 80 percent of the firearms coming into the checkpoint are loaded and it’s just an accident waiting to happen. Travelers need to know that if they bring a gun to the security checkpoint, regardless of whether it is in a handbag, knapsack, roller-bag or strapped to their belt, it will be an inconvenient and expensive mistake on their part,” Pekoske said.

Nationwide last year, 4,432 firearms were discovered in carry-on bags at checkpoints across the country, averaging about 12.1 firearms per day, approximately a 5% increase nationally in firearm discoveries from the total of 4,239 detected in 2018. Eighty-seven percent of firearms detected at checkpoints last year were loaded.

Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage, if they are properly packaged and declared at check-in with the airline. Firearms must be unloaded, packed in a hard-sided case, locked, and packed separately from ammunition. Ammunition and firearm parts, including firearm frames, receivers, clips and magazines are also prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be checked. Any type of replica firearm is prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be transported in checked luggage. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality; therefore, travelers should familiarize themselves with state and local firearm laws for each point of travel prior to departure.

TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its web site. Airlines may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition. Travelers should also contact their airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies. And regardless of your destination and how you’re getting there, know the laws before you arrive. Here’s a handy list worth bookmarking, compiled by GunLawsuits.org.

Posted on

Warne Launches New Website

From Warne

Fitting scope to rifle is always a unique challenge. The specific rifle, scope, application, user’s personal preference, and budget are all factors impacting if a mount works or doesn’t for each build. As master of providing mounting solutions, Warne understands this and now makes finding your next match easier with a new website.

The new website retains classic features that made Warne’s site the go-to source for answers when selecting rings and mounts, and now includes a new layout and features for an enhanced browsing experience. The need for the new website arose when Warne began offering online sales direct to consumers who take comfort in knowing they’re getting the right part directly from the Oregon factory.  The site has been a great resource for those seeking less-common products.

417 products have been broken down categorically and subdivided to direct you towards your next answer within a couple quick clicks. Warne’s famous Scope Mount and Scope Ring Selector remains prominently positioned on the home page. These selector tools take into account scope tube and objective diameters in addition to the rifle pairing to ensure a scope height that is both low enough for comfortable use and high enough to prevent scope bell contact with the rifle.

Options within each category now display beautifully in an easy-to-browse grid format including current in-stock status and pricing. 

Professionals have long trusted Warne because the best scope and rifle are worthless if the parts bonding them aren’t reliable.  Now Warne makes it easier than ever to have confidence in every shot.  Visit WarneScopeMounts.com today.

Exit mobile version