Tetra Announces #HearsToDad Contest

Tetra Announces #HearsToDad Contest

From Gray Loon Marketing

Instead of giving your dad another tie, a dozen golf balls or a yard tool this Father’s Day, win him what he really needs: a pair of TETRA hearing devices. Bonus: you’ll win a pair, too. Enter TETRA’s #HearsToDad Contest and salute your dad this Father’s Day.

To enter the #HearsToDad Contest, entrants must share their story about how their dad or father figure has been influential in shaping their passion for the outdoors, and follow TETRA on Facebook or Instagram.

  • Instagram: upload a photo or video with your tribute to dad and use the hashtag #HearsToDad.
  • Facebook: reply on TETRA’s posts in the comments section with your photo or video along with a tribute to your dad. 

Winner will be chosen based on originality, creativity, and quality of writing, and will receive one pair of TETRA Multi-Pursuit AlphaShield devices ($1499 value) and one pair of TETRA AlphaShield 60-level hearing devices ($699 value). In addition, all entries will receive a $100 coupon to be used on any TETRA device purchase made at tetrahearing.com. 

TETRA AlphaShield devices are designed to protect hearing from repetitive high-volume shooting, whether you’re on the range or in the field, while still being able to communicate clearly with those around you and have an enjoyable experience.

TETRA’s goal is to change the industry’s attitudes and behaviors around the need to protect our ears from all the things we do that damage our hearing, and ensure every hunt is enjoyable. TETRA isn’t just joining the hearing protection category, they’re redefining it. 

Contest ends June 14, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. CST. Salute your dad and enter to win today.

For more information about TETRA and the #HearsToDad Contest, visit tetrahearing.com.

NSSF-Adjusted NICS Background Checks for May 2020

NSSF-Adjusted NICS Background Checks for May 2020

From NSSF

The May 2020 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 1,595,790 is an increase of 75.2 percent compared to the May 2019 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 910,910. For comparison, the unadjusted May 2020 FBI NICS figure 3,066,740 reflects a 32.1 percent increase from the unadjusted FBI NICS figure of 2,320,918 in May 2019.

Twenty-five states currently have at least one qualified alternative permit, which under the Brady Act allows the permit-holder, who has undergone a background check to obtain the permit, to purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer without a separate additional background check for that transfer. The number of NICS checks in these states does not include these legal transfers based on qualifying permits and NSSF does not adjust for these transfers. Recently, the states of Alabama and Michigan had law changes that affected their Brady Law standing which removed qualifying alternate permits usage for firearm transactions. These changes went into effect July 22, 2019 for Alabama, and March 3, 2020 for Michigan. In May 2020, Alabama state’s NSSF-adjusted NICS was 298.0 percent higher than May 2019, which accounts for an additional 38,877 checks over this time last year. May 2020 NICS numbers for Michigan were up 297.5% over May 2019 and account for an additional 48,097 checks.

The adjusted NICS data were derived by subtracting out NICS purpose code permit checks and permit rechecks used by states for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases. NSSF started subtracting permit rechecks in February 2016.

Though not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provide an additional picture of current market conditions. In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions for sales or transfers of new or used firearms. It should be noted that these statistics represent the number of firearm background checks initiated through the NICS. They do not represent the number of firearms sold or sales dollars. Based on varying state laws, local market conditions and purchase scenarios, a one-to-one correlation cannot be made between a firearm background check and a firearm sale.

Pennsylvania Shooting Ranges, Region Offices Reopening

Pennsylvania Shooting Ranges, Region Offices Reopening

From the Pennsylvania Game Commission

The Pennsylvania Game Commission today reopened the last of its closed shooting ranges on additional state game lands in counties upgraded to the yellow phase in the state’s three-phase matrix to ease COVID-19 restrictions.

Those counties include: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Northampton, Montgomery and Philadelphia.

Within those counties, any rifle, shotgun, pistol and archery ranges on state game lands have reopened and regular hours of operation have resumed.

The latest upgrades also will reopen to the public the Game Commission’s Southeast Region Office in Reading, which will resume regular lobby hours beginning Monday, June 8. The agency’s Harrisburg headquarters will remain closed to the public until further notice.

The final ranges to reopen are on: State Game Lands 106 in Berks County; State Game Lands 43 in Chester County; State Game Lands 300 in Lackawanna County; State Game Lands 205 in Lehigh County; and State Game Lands 234 in Montgomery County.

With all Game Commission shooting ranges and region offices open again, Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans thanked hunters, trappers and target shooters for their patience in recent months as the agency made adjustments to comply with COVID-19 guidelines.

“While most state game lands shooting ranges have been back up and running for at least a couple of weeks, these final reopenings ensure hunters, trappers and other properly permitted target shooters can resume practice at their range of choice,” Burhans said. “The agency already has extended the validity of 2019-20 shooting range permits, which will expire on Aug. 31 rather than June 30, so there are nearly three full months for shooters to make up for lost time, and I wish them the best in doing so.”

The Game Commission closed all shooting ranges on state game lands in late March in accordance with Gov. Tom Wolf’s developing guidance to help control the spread of COVID-19.

To enable hunters and target shooters to make up for lost opportunity due to ranges being closed, the Game Commission has extended the life of 2019-20 shooting-range permits, which have a printed expiration date of June 30, 2020. The permits will be considered valid to use on state game lands shooting ranges until Aug. 31, 2020.

Pennsylvania 2019-20 hunting and furtaker licenses, which also are set to expire June 30, 2020 and allow holders to use shooting ranges on game lands, will be honored for range use through Aug. 31, 2020, as well. However, hunters and trappers are reminded that beginning July 1, 2020, they will need 2020-21 licenses before engaging in any hunting or trapping activity through June 30, 2021.

Make $70,000 Fast by Turning in These Looters Targeting Guns

Make $70,000 Fast by Turning in These Looters Targeting Guns

Florida $15,000 and $5,000 Rewards

MIAMI—The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Miami Field Division and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)—the trade association for the firearms industry—have announced a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft of firearms from the Airport Pawn & Gun Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL). ATF is offering a reward up to $10,000, which will be matched by the NSSF up to $5,000 for a total reward of $15,000. 

The suspects burglarized the shop at approximately 1:30 a.m., June 1. A total of eight suspects entered the premises, located at 831 NW 42nd Avenue, Miami, FL, 33126, removed 31 handguns from the store and fled the scene. 

WEST PALM BEACH—ATF and the West Palm Beach Police Department announce a reward today of up to $5,000 for information related to any information that will lead to arrest on the attempted burglary of the Queen of Pawn in West Palm Beach.

In the early morning hours of June 1, 2020, a group of unidentified suspects broke the front door of Queen of Pawns, located at 4900 Broadway Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL. One suspect fired a handgun into the entrance of the business. Several other suspects were armed with machetes, rocks, bricks, and hammers. The suspects were unsuccessful at gaining entry into the closed business.

The suspect who fired the handgun was riding on the passenger side of a white (over black) Range Rover bearing New York license plate JLF8429.

Texas $5,000 and $10,000 rewards

PFLUGERVILLE—Investigators with ATF and the Pflugerville Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in locating three suspects involved in the burglary of Red’s Indoor Range located at 1908 West Pecan Street, Pflugerville, Texas.  The burglary took place at 3:32 a.m., Monday morning, June 1. 

Three suspects forced entry into Red’s Indoor Range while it was closed. The suspects are described as light skinned, 5’2”-5’6”, dark hair, and thin builds. Thirty two firearms were stolen, to include both handguns and long guns.

“Recovering these firearms quickly before additional crimes are committed remains a top priority for ATF,” said ATF Houston Field Division Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski.

DALLAS—The ATF is offering a $5,000 reward, combined with an additional $5,000 offered by the NSSF, for a total reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the burglary and theft of 46 firearms from a federal firearms licensee (FFL) in Dallas, Texas.

On Sunday, May 31, 2020, at approximately 1:25 a.m., three suspects forced entry into the DFW Gun Range, located in the 1600 block of West Mockingbird Lane in Dallas. Video surveillance captured the suspects gain access through a door on the west side of the building.  The suspects removed 43 handguns and 3 long guns from the business in under 2 minutes, and then fled on foot.   

Suspect 1 is a young, black male, height and weight undetermined. At the time of the burglary, Suspect 1 wore dark-colored athletic pants, a gray, hooded jacket, black tennis shoes with a white swoosh and light-colored gloves.

Suspect 2 is a young, black male, height and weight undetermined. At the time of the burglary, Suspect 2 wore medium-colored jeans with areas of distress, a red-colored sweat jacket, dark tennis shoes with a white swoosh, white soles and white laces and a dark mask covering the lower half of his face. During the burglary, Suspect 2 wore a multi-colored, school-style backpack with black straps. Suspect 2 and Suspect 3 alternated carrying a dark-colored, pet carrier-style bag with mesh sides.

Suspect 3 is a young, black male, height and weight undetermined. At the time of the burglary, Suspect 3 wore dark-colored pants, a dark-colored long sleeve shirt or jacket, tennis shoes with a dark and light pattern and a dark cloth covering the lower half of his face. During the burglary, Suspect 3 carried a light blue-colored athletic bag with a dark-colored bottom and a gray-colored strap. Suspect 3 and Suspect 2 alternated carrying a dark-colored, pet carrier-style bag with mesh sides.

This incident is one of three attempted or actual thefts from Dallas Federal Firearms Licensees reported within a four-hour window late Saturday night into Sunday morning. At this time, it is unclear if any of the incidents are connected.

California $10,000 reward

HAYWARD—ATF and NSSF have announced a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft of firearms from Richardson’s Tactical LLC Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL).

ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000 and the NSSF is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for a total reward of up to $10,000.

On May 31, 2020, at approximately 10:18 PM, 30-40 individuals broke into the shop located at 1984 National Ave in Hayward, CA.  The suspects stole 29 firearms from the store before fleeing the property. 

Georgia $10,000 reward

ATLANTA–The ATF and NSSF are seeking information on the burglary and theft of firearms from Chuck’s Firearms Inc. in Atlanta. ATF is offering a reward up to $5,000, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward up to $10,000.

“We take this crime very seriously,” said Atlanta Field Division Special Agent in Charge Arthur Peralta. “Firearms trafficking is a serious offense that results in significant federal prison time for the person or persons responsible.”

This theft happened Saturday around 2:30 a.m. from Chuck’s Firearms Inc. at 761A Miami Circle, Atlanta. The burglary occurred during the protests and looting in the Atlanta area.

The 42 stolen firearms pose a potential danger to citizens and communities. ATF is soliciting the public’s assistance with any information that leads to those responsible for this crime.

Delaware $5,000 reward 

NEWARK– ATF and NSSF have announced a combined reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for the theft of 35 firearms from a federal firearms licensee in Newark. ATF Special Agents from the Wilmington Field Office are working with Delaware State Police Troop 2 on this investigation.

At approximately 1:35 a.m. on Sunday, a group of five suspects broke into American Sportsman, located in the 2600 block of Capitol Trail. They stole 35 firearms, including both handguns and long guns, as well as firearm accessories like magazines.

The suspects are described as black males in their early 20s-early 30s, all with slim builds except for one heavy-set suspect who also has a thick beard. One of the slim suspects wears glasses.

“Recovering these firearms as quickly as possible before any additional crimes are committed is a top priority,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones. “We will continue to work closely with our partners in the Delaware State Police and ask anyone in the community who may know something to please come forward.”

New York Case 

BUFFALO–ATF and the Buffalo Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individuals in the photographs below who may have information regarding the theft of firearms from Metro Loan Pawnbrokers located at 42 Broadway in Buffalo.

On Sunday between 12:15 a.m. and 1:00 a.m., a large group of unidentified individuals broke into the Metro Loan Pawnbrokers located at 42 Broadway in Buffalo. During the course of the burglary, the suspects stole 12 firearms – nine shotguns and three rifles. One of the stolen firearms is an AR-15.

Still camera shots of suspects in a Buffalo Pawn Shop burglary.

New York Field Division

Mississippi $5,000 reward

Columbus—ATF and NSSF today announced a combined reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons who participated in the theft of a firearm from a gun store in Columbus, Mississippi.

ATF New Orleans is offering a reward of up to $2,500, which will be matched by the NSSF of up to $2,500, for a total reward of up to $5,000.

On May 27, 2020, at approximately 2:20 p.m., two unidentified suspects entered K&S Outdoors, a federal firearm licensee (FFL), located at 2010 Hwy. 45 North, in Columbus, MS. One suspect engaged the owner in a conversation while the other suspect reached beyond the counter and stole a pistol. Both suspects exited the store and fled in an unknown direction. Store personnel did not discover the firearm was missing until later that day.

The ATF New Orleans Oxford Field Office, Columbus Police Department, and Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office are jointly investigating this crime.

Alabama $5,000 reward

BIRMINGHAM—ATF in conjunction with the Alabaster Police Department and NSSF are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction for those responsible for the theft of firearms from Family Pawn, a federal firearm licensee (FFL).

On May 26, 2020, Family Pawn, 873 1St Street N, Alabaster, was burglarized where approximately four firearms were reported stolen to the Alabaster Police Department. ATF Industry Operations Investigators responded to the FFL and are in the process of conducting an inventory to determine the exact number of firearms stolen.

ATF is offering the reward for the amount of up to $2,500, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward of up to $5,000. This reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF in which NSSF matches ATF’s reward in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers.

“ATF works closely with members of the firearms industry to curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms. ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge, Frank Haera said, “ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence will leverage investigative resources combined with community partnerships to recover the stolen firearms.”

Anyone with any information about these crime should contact ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (800-283-4867) or by visiting www.reportit.com or through the mobile “Reportit” app, available both on Google Play and the Apple App Store. All calls will be kept confidential. Callers can also text ATFMIA to 63975 to report information.

Great American Outdoors Act Continues to Gain Momentum in Congress

From the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation

The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) continues to gain momentum in Congress after a recent announcement by Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) member and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) that the Senate will soon take up GAOA, likely next week. Yesterday, a House companion of GAOA was introduced by a number of Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) members.

Prior to bill introduction, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) and partners including the National Wildlife Federation, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Delta Waterfowl, Mule Deer Foundation, the Boone and Crockett Club, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, led the effort to secure the inclusion of funding to restore the crumbling infrastructure on public lands and waters that are most important to sportsmen and women in the Great American Outdoors Act.

As a result of these efforts, GAOA will provide $9.5 billion over 5 years to address the deferred maintenance backlog on federal public lands and waters with roughly $3 billion set aside to restore the infrastructure on hundreds of millions of acres that provide access and opportunity for America’s sportsmen and women. In total, our federal public land management agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, face nearly $20 billion in deferred maintenance backlog that will be addressed by GAOA.

Furthermore, the Great American Outdoors Act will provide permanent and dedicated funding to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at $900 million annually, building on the success of S. 47, the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, which permanently authorized LWCF, but did not provide any funding. GAOA will also ensure that $15 million of LWCF funding is set aside for the purpose of increasing access for hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, and other forms of outdoor recreation on public lands and waters.

“The resources provided through this legislation represent one of the most significant contributions ever made to addressing the federal lands maintenance backlog and increasing public access for sportsmen and women,” said CSF President Jeff Crane. “This legislation also serves as a way to stimulate the economy and to create new employment opportunities through shovel-ready jobs during a time when Americans need them most.”

The Great American Outdoors Act in the Senate (S. 3422) is led by CSC Member Sen. Cory Gardner (CO), CSC leaders Martin Heinrich (NM), Joe Manchin (WV) and John Boozman (AR), along withnearly 30 other CSC members. The House bill is led by CSC Member Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC) and is cosponsored by CSC members Representatives TJ Cox (CA), Jeff Fortenberry (NE), Mike Simpson (ID), and Xochitl Torres Small (NM), among others.

This legislation comes at a time that is most critical for sportsmen and women, and when more people are realizing the value of the outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic while participating in the #ResponsibleRecreation campaign.

CSF is working to generate even stronger support for this legislation to ensure this bill quickly passes the Senate and the House on a strong bipartisan vote.

Hornady is one of the many firearm companies supporting the act.

Redding Reloading Equipment has Reopened

Redding Reloading Equipment has Reopened

From Redding Reloading Equipment

Redding Reloading Equipment has reopened after the State Of New York mandated business Pause. The company is at full production and shipping capacity handling the orders which were received over the 8-week closure. Redding is fortunate to be located in one of the most lightly impacted counties in New York but was still required to do a 100 percent shutdown for the duration of the State mandated New York on Pause. The company wishes to thank all of the customers who continued to order and we are working overtime to produce and ship all of the substantial backlog that the NY on Pause created. We also recognize the increased interest in reloading created by recent events. We are currently geared up to handle the increases in demand which are appearing.

The company also wishes to inform all of our customers that the Customer Service Department is fully staffed and working a five-day week as has been our model for many years. Again, there are backlogs of repairs which were received during the shutdown but repairs are being processed quickly and on a first in first out basis. E-mail and Phone service is at full operational capacity and we look forward to maintaining the high level of customer satisfaction we have developed over our 74 year history.

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 new 2020 Redding catalog visit: www.redding-reloading.com

RCBS Continues Support of National 4-H Shooting Sports Program

RCBS Continues Support of National 4-H Shooting Sports Program

From Vista Outdoor

RCBS, the leading manufacturer of ammunition reloading equipment for rifles and pistols, has named the National 4-H Shooting Sports Program as the recipient of its 2020 youth shooting sports donation.

Over the last five years, RCBS has continued its support of youth shooting sports education programs by dedicating a portion of the proceeds from every RCBS Explorer and Explorer Plus Reloading Kits to the National 4-H Shooting Sports Program. This year, the company presented a check for $7,290 to help fund continuing youth education.

“It is a privilege to once again be able to assist the National 4-H program with its continued mission of educating youth on safe and responsible firearm usage,” said Eliza Graves, Senior Brand Manager for RCBS. “Through their numerous events each year, thousands of young adults are provided with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth and conservation ethics. We are proud to once again partner with such a proven organization as their mission is shared wholeheartedly by the team at RCBS.”

Each year, over 400,000 young people participate in 4-H Shooting sports across the country, with over 19,000 adult volunteers and professional educators assisting with their education.

RCBS, a brand of Vista Outdoor, is the leading manufacturer of ammunition reloading equipment for rifles and pistols, offering reloading equipment throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.RCBS.com.

XS Sights RAM Night Sights Receive Top Rating from Members of the National Tactical Officers Association

XS Sights RAM Night Sights Receive Top Rating from Members of the National Tactical Officers Association

From Shannon Jackson P.R.

XS Sights RAM Night Sights have received the National Tactical Officers Association’s (NTOA) top rating in their Member Tested and Recommended Program.   NTOA member-tested products deemed ‘Excellent,’ the program’s highest rating, are defined as “product that performs at a level above advertised specifications and demonstrates its usefulness and quality of workmanship every time it is used and can be used for other purposes.”

The high-performance RAM (radioactive material) night sights are fine-tuned for Law Enforcement use and feature a traditional 3-dot tritium notch and post sight picture. The front sight features XS’s proprietary Ember® Glow Dot technology which absorbs ambient light and glows in low light.  The front tritium lamp in the RAM sight charges the Ember Glow Dot, making the front sight glow brighter than the rear, keeping one’s focus down range. The rear sight of the RAM is blacked out to increase contrast against the front sight which is available in bright orange or green.  NTOA members tested both colors. 

A NTOA member who is a police officer from Virginia wrote: “The RAM Night Sights in Orange by XS Sight Systems are a fantastic step up from stock Glock sights. I normally don’t gush about the products I test because I know fellow officers are depending on an accurate review and they might be taking that gear into dangerous situations, but this is a no brainer. The sights are much like normal tritium night sights, but with a little more thought and effort put into them. The big difference for me was the larger dot on the front sight. This makes it real easy to not only find and focus on the front sight, but in total darkness you will be absolutely certain that you have the right dot between the two glowing rear dots.”

Other testers of the orange RAM sights said:

  • “It is quick and easy to pick up the front sight when combat shooting.”
  • “I received the orange front sight and was immediately impressed with the ease of picking up the dot in low light, no light and bright light.”
  • “I also compared these sights to other precision brands both during daytime and nighttime conditions.  The XS RAM sights outperformed the other brands I compared them to.  The RAM sight was easier to see in the dark and faster to pick up during the day…..I would definitely recommend these sights to anyone that wants to improve the accuracy and speed of their Glock for a good price point and quality product.”

The following are excerpts from NTOA members who tested the Green RAM sights:

  • “…. these have been a dream to shoot.”
  • “The rear is mainly blacked out which I really like because it increases the contrast against the front sight.”
  • “I received the XS RAM night sights and had them installed on my Glock 19.  This is the weapon that I carry when acting in the capacity of an emergency response team member, as well as home defense……After shooting with a green front sight, I don’t see any reason to use anything other than these green sights moving forward.  These sights are very easy to track when punching my handgun out and engaging the targets.”

“We are honored to receive the highest rating from members of the National Tactical Officers Association for our RAM Night Sights,” said Zack Kinsley, Marketing Manager for XS Sights.  “Law Enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day. Our sights are purpose-driven tools designed to ensure fast and accurate target acquisition, so you can have confidence in what you carry.”

All XS Sights pistol sights are backed by a 10-Year, No-Questions-Asked-Warranty, and 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.

For more information on XS Sights, visit xssights.com or call (888) 744-4880.

Retailers Report that 40% of Their Customers are First-Time Gun Owners During COVID-19

Retailers Report that 40% of Their Customers are First-Time Gun Owners During COVID-19

By Jim Curcuruto, NSSF Director of Research and Market Development

The early part of 2020 has been unlike any other year for firearm purchases—particularly by first-time buyers—as new National Shooting Sports Foundation research reveals millions of people chose to purchase their first gun during the COVID-19 pandemic.

January 2020 started out with a strong SHOT Show, followed by buzz surrounding background check figures on firearms with NSSF-adjusted NICS data showing year-over-year increases of 19 percent in January and 17 percent in February.

Mid-March brought the COVID-19 pandemic to the front of every news cycle, and firearm sales during this time were a lead story. Thanks in large part to the work done by NSSF’s legislative team, the firearms industry was deemed essential in most states, and firearm retailers were allowed to stay open to conduct business. And conduct business they did, with NSSF-adjusted NICS figures showing year-over-year increases of 80 percent in March and 69 percent in April 2020. These strong increases led to more than 6.5 million NSSF-adjusted background checks in the first four months of 2020, up 48 percent from 4.4 million during the same period in 2019.

NSSF has been the go-to source for information on the firearm industry, providing insights on topics such as women gun owners, first-time gun buyers and shooting sports participation for more than a decade. In May 2020, NSSF surveyed firearm retailers to learn more about what they were seeing pertaining to sales during the first four months of 2020.

Not surprisingly, retailers reported an increased number of first-time gun buyers, estimating that 40 percent of their sales were to this group. This is an increase of 67 percent over the annual average of 24-percent first-time gun buyers that retailers have reported in the past. Semiautomatic handguns were the primary firearm being purchased by first-time buyers, outpacing the second-most purchased firearm, shotguns, by a 2 to 1 margin. Modern sporting rifles, revolvers and traditional rifles rounded out the top five types of firearms purchased by first-time gun buyers.

Retailers noted that these new customers were spending $595 on an average sale and that 40 percent of first-time gun buyers in the first four months of 2020 were female. The main purchase driver among the group was personal protection, followed by target shooting and hunting. Also of note was that 25 percent of first-time buyers had already taken some form of firearms safety course and 63 percent inquired about taking a firearms safety course in the near future.

All this equates to more than 2.5 million new gun owners in a very short period of time. Past NSSF research has shown that in order to keep these new owners active and avoid them becoming lapsed participants, they will need information on topics such as how to safely own, operate and secure their new purchase. Additionally, these new gun owners will need an invitation to go to the range or to the field to learn about firearm safety, personal protection and the recreational side of gun ownership, so be sure to add a +ONESM and invite some of these first-time gun owners with you as the nice weather returns and social distancing requirements are relaxed.

Legal Heat Sponsors Guns & Tacos Charity Event

Legal Heat Sponsors Guns & Tacos Charity Event

From Blue August

Legal Heat, the nation’s largest firearms training firm, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Chicago area Guns & Tacos charity event to benefit Brotherhood for the Fallen.

Felix Gonzalez, an instructor for Legal Heat’s training team, is holding his 8th annual “Guns & Tacos” charitable event in the Chicago area on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. The event is open to both law enforcement and firearms enthusiasts, and will combine the joys of range shooting and eating good food. The first Guns & Tacos event was held in 2012 by a group of friends who love guns, tacos, freedom and America. For the past seven years, local attendees have looked forward to gathering for the annual event.

The Guns & Tacos event will be held at The Buffalo Range Shooting Park. It will have several ranges for attendees to enjoy, including two bench rifle ranges, “The Pit,” skeet and a Tactical Range where participants can move and shoot. The event will start with morning check-in and safety briefing from 8-9 am. At this time, literature and SWAG from sponsors will also be distributed. Afterward, attendees can move freely from range to range to enjoy various shooting activities. Lunch is served around noon by a popular Taco food truck, and attendees can eat and rest at the picnic grove on site. Raffles for door prizes will be drawn and distributed during lunch. The event lasts until the range closes at 4:30 pm, and attendees can shoot and socialize throughout the day at leisure.

All proceeds from the event (after range rental and food expenses) will benefit the Brotherhood for the Fallen, a 501c3 organization for the benefit of fallen first responders.To learn more about the Guns & Tacos event, visit its Facebook page.