NSSF Post-Election Day 2016 Statement
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry, today congratulates President-Elect Donald Trump on his historic victory.
The American people have spoken. We have elected a president who has pledged to protect our Constitutional rights and a majority of both houses of Congress that will work to ensure that our individual right to keep and bear arms will be preserved.
The work of those who love liberty and our nation’s hunting and shooting traditions is never over. Americans need to remain involved to help ensure that the defense of our Second Amendment remains strong and the lawful commerce in firearms is protected at all levels of government.
We thank all those Americans who supported NSSF’s 2016 #GUNVOTE voter education and registration initiative. We know that we can count on you. You should know that we remain steadfast in our mission to help promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports.
Firearms Retailers, NSSF File Federal Suit against Attorney General Healey’s Overreaching ‘Enforcement Notice’
Four federally-licensed Massachusetts firearms retailers and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry, today filed action in United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts to challenge on Constitutional grounds the “Enforcement Notice” issued by state Attorney General Maura Healey. The lawsuit states that her office overstepped its legal authority and deprived the retailers of their due process protections guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. The action seeks declaratory relief and a permanent injunction enjoining enforcement.
The retailers are Pullman Arms Inc. of Worcester; Guns and Gear, LLC of Agawam; Paper City Firearms of Holyoke; and Grrr Gear of Orange.
“Attorney General Maura Healey’s actions were unconstitutional. Firearms retailers in Massachusetts cannot determine the meaning or scope of the Attorney General’s Enforcement Notice and subsequent explanations,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “Because criminal penalties can result due to Attorney General Healey’s unilateral reinterpretation of a state statute done without administrative process or input from affected parties, her office exceeded its lawful authority and retailers were deprived of their due process protections under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments.”
“In addition, if the Attorney General’s Enforcement Notice is understood as applying to all semi-automatic firearms, it violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendments to keep and bear arms because it bans the manufacture, sale and possession of a broad range of firearms in common use by the citizens of Massachusetts,” Keane said. “Unfortunately, Attorney General Healy’s unconstitutional action has left us no other option than to seek relief from the courts.”
Representing NSSF and the retailers are the Boston-based law firm of Kenney and Sams, P.C., and Michael Sullivan of the Ashcroft Law Firm, who is a former United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts and former Acting Director, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Read the Civil Action filed today.
#GunVote 2016 – Get Involved
For Gun Owners, This Is The Most Important Election Ever
Of course, we all know by now that the democratic front-runner in the 2016 race for the office of the President of the United states has made gun control a major part of her platform, which includes vowing to attack gun rights on her first day in office if elected. That is a given, since her name is on some of the worst Second Amendment-violating legislation in the United States from the last time she was in the White House.
However, following the passing of of Justice Antonin Scalia (often the deciding opinion on Second Amendment cases before the SCOTUS), the implications of this election go much further and will have much longer lasting repercussions. Justice Scalia’s vacant seat will be filled by someone appointed by the president we elect in November. With the balance of the Supreme Court at stake, this election will affect our constitutional rights. It is crucial that all gun owners and Second Amendment supporters register to vote, become informed about candidates’ positions, and on Election Day, #GUNVOTE. Don’t risk your rights!
Martin Zacha Named to NSSF Board of Governors
Industry Group in Charge of SHOT Show Gets New Board Member
The NSSF Board of Governors has announced the appointment of its newest board member, Martin Zacha, Vice President, Ammunition Products for Vista Outdoor. Vista Outdoor is a leading global designer, manufacturer and marketer in the growing outdoor sports and recreation markets. The company operates in two segments, Outdoor Products and Shooting Sports, and has more than 40 well-recognized brands that provide consumers with a range of performance-driven, high-quality and innovative products.
Prior to his role with Vista Outdoor, Zacha was Vice President of ATK’s Sporting Group. He has more than 30 years of experience in operations management in ammunition and outdoor accessories, including time spent as the Director of Operations for 5.56mm ammunition, primers and high explosives at Winchester Ammunition’s Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. In his role with Vista Outdoor, he leads all ammunition business operations, including engineering, supply chain, distribution, product development and supporting functions at factories in Anoka, Minnesota, and Lewiston, Idaho. He and his teams are also responsible for identifying and executing sourcing opportunities.
Team GunLink is proud to be NSSF Media members and congratulates Mr. Zacha on his appointment to the NSSF Board. Continue reading
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.
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.
