Extended NICS Hours for Black Friday
Worried about long waits at the gun counter when snapping up those smoking Black Friday deals? This recent announcement may help to ease your mind.
The FBI NICS Section has announced extended hours of service on Friday, Nov. 29, 2013 (“Black Friday”), for E-check Users and state Point-of-Contact (POC) Programs. Typically, the NICS is available daily from 8 a.m. until 1 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). However, in response to requests to bring NICS into service earlier on “Black Friday” to better accommodate typical business-hour extensions throughout the retail industry and due to a long history of record-breaking volume on this day, the FBI will bring the NICS in-service starting at 4:30 a.m. EST for NICS E-check Users and for state POC Programs. The NICS Contracted Call Centers will open, as normal, at 8 a.m. EST.
For those Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) that do not currently utilize the NICS E-check service and would like to do so prior to NICS Peak Season 2013 or in advance of the earlier-than-normal NICS service hours being provided on “Black Friday,” contact the following for that expeditious, automated firearms background check service: 1-877-324-6427. Select Option 2 for FFL Customer Service and then option 5 for E-Check enrollment. Continue reading
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Safety Alert
S&W M&P Shield Safety Alert
PRODUCT: ALL M&P Shield™ firearms manufactured before August 19, 2013.
DESCRIPTION OF THE HAZARD: Smith & Wesson has identified a condition where the trigger bar pin could damage the lower trigger in certain M&P Shields in a way that may affect the functionality of the drop safety feature of the firearm, potentially allowing the pistol to discharge if it is dropped.
Any unintended discharge of a firearm has the potential to cause injury, and we ask that you STOP USING YOUR PISTOL IMMEDIATELY UNTIL IT HAS BEEN INSPECTED AND, IF THE CONDITION IS FOUND, REPAIRED.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCT INVOLVED: This Safety Alert applies to all M&P Shield pistols manufactured before August 19, 2013. We believe this condition is largely limited to recently manufactured M&P Shield pistols. However, out of an abundance of caution, we are asking all consumers of all M&P Shields manufactured before August 19, 2013 to immediately inspect their pistols for this condition. Continue reading
Freeman Named Official Services Contractor for SHOT Show
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry, has awarded Freeman a five-year contract to serve as the official exposition services contractor for the SHOT Show, beginning with the 2014 show.
“In this period of transition, our goal is to maintain continuity for our customers to help make their SHOT Show experience the best it can possibly be. Our new agreement with Freeman provides that continuity and continues to deliver best-in-class services to our exhibitors,” said Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice president and chief marketing officer.
Freeman is the leading global partner for integrated marketing solutions for live engagements. It produces more than 4,300 expositions annually, including 135 of the 250 largest U.S. trade shows, and 11,000 Continue reading
ATF Publishes Updated Firearms and Commerce Report
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) today released the Firearms Commerce in the United States 2013 report, which contains information about domestic firearms manufacturing, as well as the importation and exportation of firearms. The report contains the most up-to-date information available about the firearms industry and ATF’s regulatory activities including firearms entering commerce and statistical data.
“The information in this report provides insight for the general public on the number of firearms reported as manufactured and imported in the United States annually,” said ATF Assistant Director, Office of Enforcement Programs and Services, Arthur Herbert. “The report also provides statistical information about ATF’s regulatory and enforcement initiatives.”
The 2013 update reports more than 6.5 million firearms were manufactured in 2011(the latest year available) and more than 4.8 million firearms were imported into the United States in 2012. In addition, more than 1 million National Firearms Act (NFA) transfers were processed by ATF in 2012, and there are currently more than 3.5 million NFA firearms registered. The number of federal firearms licensees (FFLs) increased from 123,587 in 2011 to 130,956 in 2012. This reflects a 6 percent increase in one year.
ATF continuously develops and strengthens its collaborative efforts with members of the firearms industry and consumers through education and outreach to prevent the diversion of firearms through illegal markets. This report provides one-stop shopping for those having an interest in firearms industry data.
To view the Firearms Commerce in the United States 2013 report visit https://www.atf.gov/sites/default/files/assets/pdf-files/052013-firearms-commerce-in-the-us-annual-update.pdf
How to List Your Firearms Related Business in the GunLink Directory
The GunLink Business Directory is a great resource for owners of businesses in firearms, gear, training and related industries. There are a large number of firearms-friendly websites across the web, but there are also a growing number of websites and advertising outlets that do not allow the participation of firearms related businesses. Because of this trend, business owners in this industry need all the help they can get.
To get those businesses’ information out to people as well as improving their search engine results, we try to make listing in the GunLink directory as easy as possible. This guide should help make it even easier to get started today. Continue reading
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.
