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ATF Urges FFLs to Prepare for Tropical Storm Isaac and Other Disasters
WASHINGTON — In preparation for Tropical Storm Isaac and other natural disasters, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) today urged federal firearms licensees (FFLs) and federal explosives licensees and permittees (FEL/Ps) to be prepared and protect their merchandise and facilities. ATF has prepared guidance, which is available online, regarding how to plan ahead before disasters strike.
For FFLs, an ATF brochure and video are available on ATF’s website with information regarding businesses that are affected by flooding or other such incidents. The brochure, “Disaster Preparedness for Federal Firearms Licensees,” (ATF publication 3317.7), is available at http://www.atf.gov/publications/download/p/atf-p-3317-7.pdf. The video, “Disaster Preparedness,” is listed under ATF’s Online Education Seminars at http://www.atf.gov/training/firearms/ffl-educational-seminars/.
FEL/Ps should review the brochure, “Voluntary Steps to Prepare for a Pending Natural Disaster,” (ATF Publication 5400.16, March 2011), which is available at http://www.atf.gov/publications/download/p/atf-p-5400-16.pdf.
FEL/Ps that have additional questions concerning preparedness are urged to contact their local ATF field office or the Explosives Industry Programs Branch at 202-648-7120. FFLs with additional questions, should contact their local ATF field office or the ATF Firearms Industry Programs Branch at 202-648-7190.
For other useful information on planning for a natural disaster, please visit www.ready.gov. Further information about ATF is available at www.atf.gov.
Wiki Weapon Project Dreams of Creating a Functional Print-it-Yourself Firearm
The group known as Defense Distributed has a three-fold mission plan: 1) Create the world’s first 100% 3D printable gun, 2) Adapt the design down to cheaper 3D printers and 3) Become The Web’s Printable Gun Wiki Redoubt. What does that mean? It means they want their project to result in a scenario where you can download formatted CAD blueprint files, feed them into a 3-D printer (see “additive manufacturing”) and end up with a firearm.
Sound like science fiction? Having visions of a Star Trek-esque replicator device? The idea isn’t quite so far-fetched. The use of 3-D printing for rapid prototyping has exploded over the past decade and, as the technology continues to mature, costs continue to fall. This could make the prospect of a D.I.Y print-at-home firearm a reality before you think.
One example of how this idea could come to fruition is the printable AR15 lower receiver by Michael Guslick. Although the majority of the complete firearm’s parts are existing off-the-shelf parts, the lower receiver Continue reading
Rob Pincus Remembers Crossbreed Hosters Founder Mark Craighead
Personal defense and shooting instructor Rob Pincus shares fond memories and his thoughts on the loss of a friend, Mark Craighead, founder of Crossbreed Holsters:
My good friend and industry Leader, Mark Craighead passed away today. Mark owned & operated Crossbreed Holsters with his family and friends. I received the news today from the family and they asked me to pass on their thanks for the thoughts of the firearms community and their assurance that things would continue as expected at Crossbreed. We have lost a great asset today.
Mark quickly became a leader in the industry as his incredibly innovative Crossbreed Holster design and company quickly become respected for quality and function. He and I worked together on many projects over the last few years and have had the pleasure of hearing from many of his customers in my courses who greatly appreciate his efforts and his company’s efforts to meet their needs. Mark would often ask me what people were saying about the products and how they held up in class and he was always very proud to hear the great reports. He was also very eager to find ways to better serve his customers, the firearms community and the industry as a whole.
Approximately 3 weeks ago, Mark had a heart attack after a successful outpatient surgical procedure and had a very bad few days. We all believed that he had come through it and was on the road to full recovery. Earlier today, he had another massive heart attack and we lost him.
Outside of work, which he very much enjoyed, Mark was both a dedicated family man and a bit of an adventurer. One of his biggest hobbies was motor sports. He had some very impressive vehicles that he enjoyed driving/riding when time allowed. He even ran his beloved Lingenfelter Cadillac CTS-V in the Cannonball Run last year and had planned to try the Vegas to Reno Desert Race in 2013.
One thing that truly stood out about Mark was his commitment to friends and family. As Crossbreed Holsters grew, he continued to bring more and more of both into the operations to share in his success and in fulfilling his commitment to excellence. I have yet to meet anyone in the industry who had a bad word to speak of him and doubt sincerely that I ever will.
Rest In Peace, Brother.
-Rob Pincus
-8/24/12
GunBroker and USA Shooting Bring London Games to Fans with a Special Auction
GunBroker.com and USA Shooting Bring London Games to Fans with a Special Auction; Winner Can Shoot with Five-Time Olympic Medalist Kim Rhode
Kim Rhode (PHOTO: Nv8200p)
(Kennesaw, GA) Want to shoot with Olympic medalist Kim Rhode? GunBroker.com, the world’s largest Internet auction site for firearms and accessories, is hosting a special champion-themed Charity Auction. New and existing GunBroker.com site users can currently bid on a one-of-kind experience that includes: a 3-day/2-night trip for two to Colorado Springs, a VIP tour of the Olympic Training Center and an afternoon of shooting with five-time Olympic medalist Kim Rhode. Donated by Winchester Ammunition, all proceeds from the charity prize package will benefit the USA Shooting Team.
“USA Shooting is excited to partner with Winchester to provide an opportunity of a lifetime – the opportunity to spend a day shooting with Olympic legend Kim Rhode at the Olympic Training facilities in Colorado Springs,” notes Buddy DuVall, executive director of the USA Shooting Foundation.
To track the auction and place a bid on this elite package, search for auction #301833800 or visit http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=301833800. The auction closes Sept. 2, 2012.
GunBroker.com is proud to be the Official Continue reading
Ruger Passes the One Million Firearms Mark for 2012 – On Track to Beat Their Record
Let’s hope that this continues… Here’s an indication that at least one market sector is doing alright. Ruger has announced that they recently passed the “1,000,000 firearms produced” mark for the year and they anticipate that number to keep growing:
Ruger is on a Roll – Company Produces One Millionth Firearm of 2012
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is on pace to beat its own record of 1,114,700 firearms produced in one year, set in 2011. On August 15, 2012 Ruger produced its one millionth firearm of the year, a Ruger® SR1911™ pistol which will be hand-engraved by Baron Technology, Inc. and auctioned off to support the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action.
“Last year, Ruger became the first commercial firearms company to produce one million firearms in one year, and we were incredibly excited and proud to reach that milestone,” said Ruger President and CEO Mike Fifer. “It took us nearly all of 2011 to build one million firearms, but in 2012 we accomplished it on August 15th. We continue to invest in and improve our manufacturing processes to help us respond to the strong demand for Ruger® firearms. We expect 2012 will be another record-breaking year for Ruger, and we want to thank our loyal customers for their continued support.”
The firearms industry has seen consistent growth over the last few years, as measured by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) background checks as adjusted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. In July 2012, NICS checks rose by 25.5% compared to July 2011, the 26th consecutive month that NICS checks have risen on a year-over-year basis. Demand for Ruger products has outpaced the growth in overall industry demand, driven by new product introductions including the Ruger American Rifle™, SR22™ pistol, SR1911™ pistol, and 10/22 Takedown™ rifle.
For more information on the extensive, award-winning line of Ruger® firearms, visit www.Ruger.com or www.Facebook.com/Ruger.
Unlikely Federal Agencies Creating Large Ammo Stockpiles?
Amidst efforts led by Senate democrats to limit ammunition sales to citizens, some unlikely federal agencies have recently been soliciting bids for huge quantities of ammunition. Coupled with other recent solicitations for items like quantities of riot gear and bullet-proof checkpoint booths, some are wondering if the feds are gearing up for some sort of anticipated domestic troubles.
In one solicitation the NOAA’s National Weather Service solicited a bid for 46,000 rounds of 180 grain JHB .40 S&W ammunition to be delivered to various locations including Maine, Massachusetts, Florida and New Jersey – whose NJSA 2C:39-3f(1) limits citizens’ possession of such ammunition with the following language:
Any person, other than a law enforcement officer or persons engaged in activities pursuant to subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-6, who knowingly has in his possession any hollow nose or dum-dum bullet […] is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
After word of the solicitation began making waves, it was later modified to indicate Continue reading
