Brian McCombie

Over the last decade, California law enforcement agencies have allowed their officers to purchase their own rifles for on-duty use. Many of these rifles are considered “assault weapons” under California’s draconian gun laws, and therefore cannot be purchased or owned by civilians.

During our most recent Holiday shopping period, American consumers set a record — for firearms purchased. This was based on FBI figures on background checks required to buy firearms.

Smith & Wesson Corporation recently received contracts from the Massachusetts State Police and the Vermont State Police for new duty firearms from the M&P Pistol Series.

Gun owners and users appeared to be more safety conscious than ever, considering that data recently released by the National Center for Health Statistics revealed that fatal accidents involving firearms dropped to a record low in 2008.

Oregon State Senator Ted Ferrioli (R-Dist. 30) was upset over a survey distributed to state workers by managed care organization Kaiser Permanente. Ferrioli's beef? The survey asks about guns.

In Lawrence, Kansas, Police Chief Tarik Khatib has asked his city commission to create a new program allowing patrol officers to purchase their own rifles for on-duty use. City commissioners delayed action on that proposal, saying they wanted to gather public feedback first.

Gander Mountain recently debuted, “Gun World by Gander Mountain,” a new 30,000 square-foot retail outlet featuring upwards of 5,000 guns of all kinds, and firearms specialists on duty. Located in Germantown, Wisconsin, Gun World celebrated its grand opening Saturday and Sunday, November 12-13.

Gunmaker Mossberg has entered into partnership with Outdoor Adventures Worldwide LLC, to help hunters select, book and prepare for their hunts — as a free service through Mossberg Outdoors.