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.
Bigfoot Gun Belt Goes Beyond Just Holding Up Your Trousers
Why You Need a Good Gun Belt, and Why Your Current Belt Probably Isn’t It
One of the most important pieces of your CCW loadout might not be what some would expect. Finding a firearm that is reliable, accurate, easy to carry, and easy to use under stress is paramount. The number two spot on this list is often contested between a good holster and a good belt, the importance of which is difficult to understate. Speaking with someone who carries a firearm regularly, whether for work or for general self defense, will confirm that one of the most important pieces of your CCW loadout is a good belt.
A CCW holster has a lot of responsibilities, including being comfortable, effectively concealing the firearm, keeping the firearm in the right position and angle where you put it, and keeping the firearm securely holstered unless and until you intentionally draw it. But what keeps that holster where you put it and allows it to do its job? As important as the holster may be, the belt from which you hang it is just as vital. The important thing to realize is that the belt and the holster work together to comprise the overall carry system that you use.
Like many people who carry, Team GunLink has amassed a box-o-holsters through the trial and error process of finding the couple of holsters that work well and see regular use. No matter how good those holsters are, without a good belt, they will have issues. As such, CCW-ers may find themselves either going through a similar trial and error process with their belt or just dealing with those issues – which can lead to giving up on carrying a gun. I personally went from using a standard web belt to a Dickies work belt, which I used for ages, using “fashion belts” for dressier work and toying with the idea of springing for a spendy double-thick gun belt before finally finding Bigfoot Gun Belts. Continue reading
Winchester Ammunition Offers Custom Engraved, Commemorative Model 1866 Rifles In Celebration of 150th Anniversary
Oliver F. Winchester introduced a legendary brand to the world in 1866. And for 150 years since, generations upon generations across the globe have experienced life, with Winchester.
In celebration of its 150th anniversary in 2016, Winchester is offering a once-in-a-lifetime series of 10, pre-production riles, chambered in 44-40, from the “One of Five Hundred” Model 1866 “Yellow Boy” commemorative rifle collection.
Considered one of the most collectible rifles ever from Winchester, each firearm includes custom embellishments and identification through Baron Engraving. Each rifle will also come with a special box of commemorative ammunition and the magnificent 150th anniversary collectible medallion.
The rifles have been allocated to various industry and conservation organizations to help raise funds in support of the shooting sports and hunting heritage. More details on this commemorative lineup of rifles will be available throughout 2016 on Winchester.com and communicated through Winchester Ammunition social channels, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
“This is a very unique series of collectible firearms and ammunition that represents the Winchester brand and our 150 years of legendary excellence,” said Brett Flaugher, vice president of marketing, sales and strategy. “We are very proud to help raise awareness and dollars through our 150th celebration in 2016 that will benefit the hunting and shooting sports industry.”
About Winchester Ammunition
The iconic Winchester brand celebrates 150 years of legendary excellence in 2016—a historic milestone representing a steadfast commitment to the hunting and shooting sports traditions and future generations of sportsmen. A world leader in delivering innovative products, Winchester is The American Legend, a brand built on integrity, hard work and a deep focus on its loyal customers. Learn more about the history of Winchester by visiting Winchester.com or connect with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterOfficial.
Are you ready for #GunVote 2016?
Every election is, of course, important and we hear the “most important election ever” rhetoric in just about every election cycle. This one, however, is quite important for gun owners. Not only because we are electing the next commander in chief and we want the POTUS to be a solid supporter of gun rights as proscribed in our country’s founding documents, but because – provided that Mitch McConnell isn’t completely full of it – the next President is guaranteed to nominate at least one Supreme Court justice.
Being a well informed voter and being active in helping others to be the same is paramount and, for gun owners, there is a great resource to help with that: the NSSF #GunVote voter education initiative.
The crowded GOP field is still narrowing itself down and there are some solid (and not so solid) pro-gun candidates. The democrat presidential candidate for the general election will almost certainly be Hillary Clinton.
Despite making a lot of noise about enacting gun control measures, the current president has proven himself to be an inexperienced, politically impotent empty suit who achieved nothing more than stirring up a few uninformed rabble rousers who complained enough to get their coffee shop posted as a gun-free criminal protection zone. The running joke among… pretty much everyone… is that he is the Gun Salesman of the Century thanks to the ensuing panic buying every time he picks up his pen and his phone. Clinton, on the other hand, has been engaged in politics for more than five decades, including being part of the administration that enacted the 1994 so-called “Assault Weapon” Ban, which outlawed many of the most popular firearms based on cosmetic features. Continue reading
Brownells New Product Week in Review :: March 11, 2016
Brownells Product Manager Paul Levy introduces new items available this week.
- Howa Barreled Actions – Available in a wide range of calibers and barrel profiles, complete actions include 2-stage trigger, internal magazine and bolt, and are ready to drop into a compatible stock, sold separately. Actions are drilled and tapped for scope mounts, and come in Blue or Cerakote Gray finish in Short, Long and Mini sizes. FFL required.
- Battle Arms AR-15 Titanium Gas Block – Gas block fits barrels that are .750″ in diameter and gives very low profile combined with ultra-lightweight titanium construction. Helps keep an AR-15 rifle or carbine fast and maneuverable, and fits underneath almost any handguard.
- Streamlight TLR-1 HL – Popular weaponlight is now available in new colors to match firearms with Flat Dark Earth or Brown finishes. Fits onto Picatinny or Universal rails and gives up to 630 lumens of brilliant white light. Runs on two CR 123 lithium batteries and has intuitive, ambidextrous controls for momentary- and constant-on.
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
