Make Plans to Meet FFL Compliance Consultants at SHOT Show Reception
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) is providing an opportunity for firearms retailers to gather information about FFL compliance. NSSF Retailer Members are invited to attend a 90 minute reception during the 2013 SHOT Show during which they can meet with four former ATF officials who serve as NSSF FFL Compliance Consultants.
With over 120 years of combined experience with the bureau, Wally Nelson, Nick Scouffas, Fred Gerlach and Harry McCabe are available to visit member businesses to assess ATF compliance, review internal controls and record keeping practices and help prepare for ATF compliance inspections.
Although the compliance program costs can range as high as $3000, NSSF provides subsidies for retailer members to bring the cost below $500. Retailer members who sign up for the consultation during this SHOT Show reception will receive a further discount, lowering the price to $399. Further, one reception attendee will be randomly chosen to receive an in-store audit for free.
If you are a firearms retailer who is not already an NSSF retailer member, be sure to see our previous post for information on how you become a member for as little as $35 – a savings of over 50% off the normal price.
Event Details:
Location: NSSF Member Lounge – Lido Ballroom, Venetian Hotel Level 3
Date: Wednesday January 16, 2013
Time: 4:30-6:00 PM
For more information about the event or the compliance program, contact Patrick Shay via email at pshay@nssf.org or by phone at (203) 426-1320.
ATF Reminds FFLs to Be Prepared for Natural Disasters Like Hurricane Sandy
As they often do in times of particularly severe weather, the ATF has issued a press release reminding FFLs and FEL/Ps to prepare for events such as the impending Hurricane Sandy:
In preparation for Hurricane Sandy 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.
Indiana Librarian Finds Black Powder Pistol Inside Donated Book
Directly from the “Why Can’t This Ever Happen To Me?” files…
Phyllis Nelson, Assistant Library Director for the Valparaiso, Indiana, branch of the Porter County Public Library, contacted Valparaiso PD when a library employee opened a donated book and found an extra prize inside: A .31 caliber Arma San Marco (sic) black powder pistol.
Police, despite determining that it was not stolen, are still holding the single shot gun as evidence. Under federal law, black powder guns are excluded from the definition of “firearms” under a provision in 18 USC 921 which classifies them as an “antique firearm” and limits their regulation. Indiana Code 35-47-1-5 contains no such provision excluding black powder guns, which means that the found A.S.M pistol would be classified as a “firearm.”
Statements by library personnel indicate that thousands of books are donated each month with no donor records kept, so there is no way of knowing when or by whom the book was donated.
The brass-colored, wooden-handled single-shot .31 has been valued around $175 by several sources, although GunLink can not find a current value for the gun. The gun was found in a 1998 novel titled “Outerbridge Reach” by Robert Stone. Online images for similar model guns which we found show it in a similarly hollowed out book (albeit with different endpage art), indicating that the book could be a standard container for such a piece.
Administration Still Trying to Cover up Fast & Furious
Fast & Furious is in the news again. The Obama Administration this week filed court papers to get the lawsuit filed by the House of Representatives against Attorney General Eric Holder thrown out.
The House lawsuit asks the court to reject a claim of executive privilege by the President, who sealed thousands of documents relating to Fast & Furious, a Justice Department operation that facilitated the smuggling of thousands of U.S. weapons south of the border.
The administration calls the House lawsuit a mere “political dispute” between the branches of government. But this is much more than a political dispute. People died as a result of Fast Furious, which makes it much worse than even Watergate where no one died. Fast & Furious has led to the deaths of more than 200 Mexicans and at least one U.S. federal agent.
On a somewhat positive note Continue reading
Preparing to Survive an Active Shooter Incident
On any given day, the possibility exists that a dangerous situation may arise. While it is impossible to completely eliminate such occurrences, steps can be taken to mitigate their effects. Just as you (hopefully) have a plan in place for what to do if a fire starts in your home (and practice that plan!), creating a plan and training for dealing with other potentially dangerous situations can be a life saving endeavor.
Violence in the workplace and other public locations, including “Active Shooter” situations, are nothing new. From disgruntled (ex-)employees to upset customers flying off the handle to drug-fueled fiends, we hear about these situations all too frequently. Despite this, a tremendous number of people adopt a “it could never happen to me” attitude and do nothing to prepare for the possibility of such a situation.
While they certainly may be helpful, dedicated tactical training and personal defense courses aren’t the only way to prepare for a violent threats during the course of everyday life. Continue reading
Walther PK380 Recall Notice – Problem With Manual Safety
During an internal quality review, Carl Walther GmbH has identified a condition that may exist in certain PK380 pistols which may permit a round to be discharged if the trigger is pulled, despite engagement of the manual safety. Walther has found that engagement of the manual safety may not prevent firing of a chambered round when the trigger is pulled.
This recall applies to Walther PK380, .380 ACP pistols manufactured by Carl Walther GmbH from May through September 2012, which have a serial number range from PK101201 to PK112155.
STOP USING YOUR PISTOL AND RETURN IT TO WALTHERAMERICA AT ONCE.
Any unintended discharge of a firearm has the potential to cause injury, and owners are asked to stop using the pistol until the company has had an opportunity to inspect it to make certain that there is no condition which will allow the pistol to discharge with the safety engaged.
To facilitate the inspection and repair, if necessary, of your pistol, please contact Waltheramerica’s customer service department at 1-800-713-0356 to receive instructions and a call tag for the return of your pistol to Waltheramerica.
Additional information will be posted on Waltheramerica.com. If you have any questions about this recall, please contact Waltheramerica at 1-800-713-0356.
