Hi Point Firearms founder Tom Deeb Dies
Photo: Facebook
Founder and former owner of Hi Point Firearms, Tom Deeb, died Monday. We had heard rumors about his passing, but it was confirmed by the company on Facebook today.
RIP, Tom.
From Hi Point’s Facebook page:
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of “Tom” Deeb, founder and former owner of Hi-Point Firearms on March 21, 2016. Tom was enjoying semi-retirement in Texas. The loss that is felt by his family (several of whom work at Hi-Point Firearms), and his many friends, cannot be put into words.
Tom was an extraordinarily smart and accomplished entrepreneur who built a company that still represents the fair practices and honest principles he implemented in establishing it.
Tom was involved in many organizations. He most enjoyed working with his many friends, law enforcement personnel, and The Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE).
Tom had an unwavering desire to always do the right thing, and this principle will be continued by the current Hi-Point owner Mike Strassell, who has been a business partner with Tom for 30 years.
We will pass along additional information in accordance with the family’s wishes.
ATF, NSSF Coordinate to Offer Reward in Firearm Theft Cases
Guns Stolen in South Carolina and Alabama
Not long after the recent release of the BATFE’s 2015 FFL Theft and Loss Report – which reported a total of nearly 15,000 lost or stolen firearms last year – the Bureau is trying to solve more firearm theft cases with the help of firearms industry industry trade association National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).
The BATFE, and NSSF have announced a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft of firearms from Lexington Pawn & Gun, a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL), in Lexington, SC. ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward of up to $10,000.
Two separate burglaries occurred at Lexington Pawn & Gun, 4884 Sunset Blvd, Lexington, SC. On Feb. 13, 2016, at approximately 4 AM, unidentified suspect(s) broke into Lexington Pawn & Gun. The suspect(s) stole several firearms and fled the scene.
On March 5, 2016, at approximately 2:08 AM, unidentified suspect(s) broke into Lexington Pawn & Gun. The suspect(s) stole several firearms and fled the scene.
These crimes are being investigated by ATF and the Lexington Police Department.
In a, presumably unrelated incident, a separate reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction for those responsible for the theft of firearms from Patriot Gun Sales in Montgomery, AL.
On March 10, 2016, Patriot Gun Sales, 3079 Wetumpka Highway, Montgomery, was burglarized and approximately 18 firearms were reported stolen to the Montgomery Police Department. ATF is offering the reward in the amount of $2,500, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward of up to $5,000.
These rewards are part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF in which NSSF matches ATF rewards 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 along with our law enforcement partners are committed to ensuring that our communities are safe and that those who violate federal laws are held accountable. Anyone with information about these crimes should contact ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (800-283-4867). All calls will be kept confidential.
ATF Releases 2015 FFL Theft and Loss Report
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) is responsible for investigating instances where firearms are lost or stolen from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL). Part of ATF’s core mission is to protect the public from violent crime involving the use of firearms. Stolen firearms are used by violent offenders in the commission of crimes, and pose a substantial threat to the public and law enforcement.
FFLs must report each lost or stolen firearm within 48 hours of discovery of the loss or theft by completing and forwarding a Federal Firearms Licensee Theft/Loss Report to ATF. In addition, the FFL must also report the firearm loss or theft to the appropriate local law enforcement agency.
There was a total of 14,800 lost or stolen firearms reported nationwide last year from FFLs. Of those firearms, 8,637 were reported as lost. Firearms are considered lost when an FFL takes a firearm into its inventory and later cannot account for the disposition of the firearm from its inventory during an inventory reconciliation.
There were 6,163 firearms reported stolen in 2015 by FFLs. Stolen firearms are broken down into three reporting categories: larceny, burglary and robbery. Continue reading
What NOT to Wear to the Airport
Do you long for the days when people used to dress up for air travel? That big fella in the next seat wearing sweat pants and clipping his toenails isn’t the only one committing fashion faux pas at the airport.
TSA Public Affairs spokesperson Lisa Farbstein recently tweeted out an example of what NOT to wear when traveling by air.
A passenger at Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) recently came to TSA security checkpoint with high-heeled shoes with heels designed to look like revolvers and bandoliers of ammunition around the sides. And, of course, since accessorizing is important, the passenger also had a couple of bracelets with similar bandolier-like appearance.
According to Farbstein’s tweet, the passenger, unsurprisingly, experienced some delays in passing through the checkpoint.
Per federal regulations in regard to flying with firearms, realistic replicas and toys are not permitted in carry-on bags and must be checked. It may be debatable whether or not the shoes and bracelets are realistic, but this is undoubtedly why the passenger got held up at the checkpoint.
Is this taking things too far? Does TSA have better things to do? Or is this a reasonable stop? Share your comments below.
Registration for 2016 NSSF Industry Summit Has Begun
If you are involved in the firearms industry, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) Industry Summit is an outstanding opportunity to sit in on some educational seminars that will help you continue to grow your business in a market that is constantly besieged by gun control advocates. NSSF, the firearms industry trade association, announced today that registration for the 2016 iteration of the Industry Summit is now open.
Taking place June 6-8 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center, this year’s summit will provide attendees with the latest research related to the firearms and ammunition industry, hunting and target shooting, while delivering cutting-edge information from experts in their field. Those attending the summit are decision makers from all segments of the firearms industry, including firearms retailers, range owners, members of the conservation community and state wildlife agency professionals.
For more information on the 2016 NSSF Industry Summit, visit www.nssf.org/IndustrySummit. NSSF Members, non-members, governmental agency professionals and industry relevant guests are all encouraged to attend, and those registering to attend online will receive a discount. To register, visit www.nssf.org/IndustrySummit/Registration.
Matt “Axe” Axelson Tribute Rifle to be Raffled to Benefit Special Operations Wounded Warriors
Brownells, SOWW Partner to Raffle Axelson Tactical Rifle
We consider it an honor to have sat before the likes of true American heroes such as Marcus Luttrell and Ron Bellan and to hear the heartfelt words of Matt “Axe” Axelson’s family during SHOT Show 2016 as they came together with Brownells to announce the raffle of a rifle package to benefit Special Operations Wounded Warriors (SOWW).
The package includes the Axelson Tactical Rifle – one of only 99 built – serial numbered AXE01. The rifle is a semi-auto replica of the one that Matt was carrying on June 28, 2005, when he and nine other US Navy SEALs and eight Army Aviation Soldiers were killed in combat in support of Operation Red Wings – the events of which were depicted in the book and film Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10. Continue reading
