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Video: GOA’s Larry Pratt Takes on ATF Nominee

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Larry Pratt tells why Obama's nomination, Andrew Traver, to head up the ATF is a direct attack on gun ownership.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is waging a war on innocent gun owners, and not surprisingly, the Obama administration has done nothing to keep them in check.

You are no doubt aware of how the agency has been going after honest gun dealers in recent years.  Combine that with byzantine federal laws and regulations — subject to BATF interpretation — and it's no wonder the number of FFL holders has decreased almost 80%.

Then there was former National Guardsman David Olofson. In 2008, Olofson's loaned AR-15 malfunctioned at a range — firing a three-round burst with a single trigger pull.  The ATF could only replicate the malfunction after experimenting with different types of ammunition behind closed doors.  Having achieved the result they wanted, the ATF labeled Olofson's gun a machine gun, and he was sentenced to three years in prison for an illegal “transfer.”

The agency also put millions of gun owners in its crosshairs when it reclassified shotguns that are equipped with pistol grips.  By decreeing in 2009 that such firearms are not “shotguns,” the ATF acted as a de facto legislative-making body… quietly turning millions of gun owners into potential criminals overnight.

If the weapons are not “shotguns,” then what are they?  The NFA Owners Association suggests the only logical alternative is that such firearms are now “destructive devices” — in the same category as grenade launchers, which require owners to register their weapons and pay a $200 tax.

Of course, failure to register such weapons and pay the required tax would result in the same treatment that David Olofson received.

One Senator on Capitol Hill is looking into the agency's contemptible practices and asking pointed questions of ATF Acting Director Ken Melson.

In late January, Senator Charles Grassley (R-AL) questioned Melson about abuses stemming from Project Gunrunner, a program the ATF started in 2005 to stop US guns from getting into the hands of Mexican drug cartels.  In order to track illegal gun running, the ATF engages in (and approves of) illegal gun purchases made at gun shows and stores throughout the southwest.

The word is starting to leak out that the ATF has its fingerprints on many of the strawman sales that are grabbing so many headlines.  On January 30, newspaper headlines in El Paso, Texas, stated that:  “US agency intentionally permits arms to be trafficked into Mexico.” Read more

Source: Gun Owners of America


Tactical Shotgun Resources

The Gun Digest Book of the Tactical Shotgun The Gun Digest Book of the Tactical Shotgun
SpecOps Adjustable Shotgun Stock Rem – NO Forend
SpecOps Adjustable Shotgun Stock w/forend – Black
Blackhawk! Shotshell Sling

Leupold Warns: Beware of Fake Scopes!

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Leupold warns of fakes.Optics manufacturer Leupold has issued a customer alert to purchasers of its products, particularly via Internet sales, regarding bogus Leupold products that are apparently being illegally imported from the People’s Republic of China.

According to a corporate press release, “Counterfeited Leupold Mark 4 riflescopes and more recently, counterfeited Leupold Prismatic riflescopes have begun to arrive with increasing regularity at the firm’s Beaverton, Oregon, headquarters for service.

These products are not manufactured by Leupold and are not covered by the Leupold Full Lifetime Guarantee.”

Counterfeited Leupold Mark 4 riflescopes: “In general, most of the scopes appear to originate from Hong Kong (People’s Republic of China), and have ‘Leupold Mark 4’ laser engraved on the bottom of the turret in a silver etch, while the black ring on the objective is etched in white and does not include the name ‘Leupold.’ The scopes also do not bear the Leupold medallion, a mark all Leupold scopes will always possess. An authentic Mark 4 riflescope will always be engraved black on black and have the name ‘Leupold’ engraved on the black ring.”

Counterfeited Leupold Prismatic riflescopes: “The absence of a serial number and barcode on the bottom of the scope is the easiest way to identify these counterfeits. A brass ring may be visible when looking into the objective and screws can be seen on the top of the finger click adjustments under the caps. The product name is not engraved on the black ring.”

Anyone finding a scope that is suspect should write down the serial number and call 1-800-LEUPOLD to confirm if it is or is not authentic.

SOURCE:  Leupold
https://www.leupold.com/tactical/resources/counterfeit-warning/



Need A Good Reason to Join Tactical Gear?

Members Can Download the Handbook of Standard Reticle Patterns by Manufacturer, Compiled by D. Andrew Kopas

This handy 82-page reference contains diagrams of tactical reticles from all the major optics manufacturers. D. Andrew Kopas shares the digital handbook with members of tacticalgearmag.com and scout/snipers in all branches of the armed forces, police marksmanship units and civilian long-distance shooting disciplines.

Join Tactical Gear Now to Get Your FREE Reticle Handbook »

SHOT Show 2011 Video: Springfield XDm Compact 3.8

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Tactical Gear Editor Kevin Michalowski takes a look at the new Springfield XDm Compact 3.8 at SHOT Show Media Day 2011.

 


Recommended Concealed Carry Resources:

Gun Digest Book of Concealed CarryThe Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry

The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery

Effective Handgun Defense, A Comprehensive Guide to Concealed Carry

Find more resources at
gundigeststore.com/tactical

Gun Digest the Magazine February 28, 2011

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Gun Digest is the source for firearms news, pricing and guns for sale. Readers benefit from in-depth editorial expert advice, show reviews and practical how-to instructions. With your Subscription, you’ll also learn about threats to your Second Amendment rights. Click here to begin your subscription to Gun Digest.

Gun Digest the Magazine February 28, 2011Inside this issue:

  • Shooting Safety Tips
  • Gun Review: CVA Optima Pro
  • Pocket Pistols
  • Collecting: How to Ship Guns
  • Gun shows, auctions, classifieds and more!

Not a subscriber? Make sure you don’t miss another issue! Subscribe now

National Gun Day 24th Anniversary Gun Show

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Mark your calendar for the weekend of February 26, 27, 2011, to go to the “dream event” of the year — National Gun Day Show, Show of Shows Military Show and Karl Casper’s Custom Car Show all at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

The National Gun Day Show and the Show of Shows Military Show is the largest event of its kind in the World with over 3500 tables between the two separate shows.  If you have never been there, you do not know what you are missing.

The National gun Day Show will be celebrating its 24th year anniversary at the Ky Fair & expo Center.  Gun dealers and collectors from all over the world will be there to buy, sale or trade.  Some of the finest antique and collector guns will be available.

Admission is $12, children under 12, $2, per day.
Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 9am-3pm

For more information visit:  www.nationalgunday.com

Ron Dickson
PO Box 741
Oxford, OH  45056
(513) 523-3574
[email protected]


Resources for Military Gun Collectors

Standard Catalog of Military Firearms, 5th EditionThe Standard Catalog of Military Firearms

The Greatest Guns of Gun Digest

Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values

Gun Digest 1944 – 2009 3-DVD Set

Gun Digest the Magazine

Gun Digest 2011

Switzerland Voters Reject New Gun Control Initiative

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Swiss voters have rejected a plan that would have greatly restricted firearms ownership.

“In Switzerland, where all able-bodied men are required to perform military duty,” the Canadian Press reported, “many choose to take their army-issued rifle home with them even after completing military service.

Gun clubs, too, remain a popular feature of village life in rural parts of the country, with children as young as 10 taking part in shooting competitions.” But a newly proposed law would have required, “military-issued firearms to be locked in secure army depots.”

It also would have established a national gun registry and made it much harder to buy a variety of firearms.  This in a nation of 8 million people, who have an estimated 2.3 million firearms in their households, “more guns per capita than almost any other country except the U.S., Finland and Yemen.”

Just over 56 percent of Swiss voters rejected the proposal. “There was a clear division between cities where voters were more in favour of the initiative and the countryside where people were mobilised against it,” Claude Longchamp, head of research institute gfs.bern, told the Reuters news agency.

Resources for Military Gun Collectors

Standard Catalog of Military Firearms, 5th EditionThe Standard Catalog of Military Firearms

The Greatest Guns of Gun Digest

Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values

Gun Digest 1944 – 2009 3-DVD Set

Gun Digest the Magazine

Gun Digest 2011

Ammo Recall: Federal, American Eagle 45 Auto Safety Alert

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Federal ammo .45 ACP recallCertain lots of recently manufactured 45 Auto ammunition may contain an incorrect propellant charge. Use of product from these lots may result in firearm damage and possible serious injury.

DO NOT USE PRODUCT FROM THE FOLLOWING LOTS:
38X628 through 38X765 38T401 through 38T414

If you have in your possession any 45 Auto with the following brand names and part numbers, check to see if your ammunition package contains the above lots: American Eagle® (AE45A, AE45N1, or AE45A250), ChampionTM (WM5233), GoldMedal® (GM45B), Hi-Shok® (45C, 45D) and Federal® Personal Defense® (C45C, C45D). Example below:

THIS WARNING APPLIES ONLY TO THE LOTS LISTED ABOVE.
If you possess ammunition from any of these lots, or have questions concerning this warning, please contact us at 1-800-831-0850 or 1-800-322-2342 and ask for Product Service. Federal will provide replacement product and will cover the cost of returning the affected product.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.


Resources for reloading:
Cartridges of the World. Click Here.Cartridges of the World, A Complete and Illustrated Reference for Over 1,500 Cartridges

The ABC's of Reloading, The Definitive Guide for Novice to Expert, 9th Edition

Ammo & Ballistics 4, Ballistic Data out to 1,000 Yards for over 170 Calibers and over 2,400 Different Loads

Video Gun Review: Rossi Circuit Judge

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Gun Digest editor Dan Shideler reviews the Rossi/Taurus Circuit Judge – a revolving carbine/shotgun that's a fun and useful shooter.

To learn more about Rossi click here.


Recommended books and DVDs for gun owners:

Gun Digest 2011 - The World's Greatest Gun BookGun Digest 2011, The World's Greatest Gun Book, 65th Edition

Gun Digest 1944-2009 3-DVD Set

Massad Ayoob's Greatest Handguns of the World

Shop more at gundigeststore.com

Video Gun Review: Armalite SPR Mod 1

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Kevin Michalowski, editor of Gun Digest the Magazine and Tactical Gear, talks with Mark Westrom of Armalite at SHOT Show 2011 Media Day at the Range about the SPR Mod 1.

For more information on Armalite click here.


Recommended AR-15 resources for gun owners:

New! The Gun Digest Book of the AR-15 Vol. III

New! The Gun Digest Buyer's Guide to Tactical Rifles

The Gun Digest Book of the AR-15 Vol. I

The Gun Digest Book of the AR-15 Vol. II

Gunsmithing the AR-15, How to Maintain, Repair & Accessorize

Find more gun books, DVDs and downloads at gundigeststore.com.

Magazine Ban, Gun Show Ban and Even a Gun Ownership Ban…

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Since the Tucson tragedy, anti-gun Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) has been hovering like a vulture, waiting to pick the bones of the victims for political advantage.

Now he has his chance.

The same Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization which provided a vote on the repeal of ObamaCare may well be the vehicle for a series of gun control proposals.

Right now, no one knows which amendments will be offered.  Democratic leaders like Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) are threatening to offer anti-gun amendments, and pro-gun Senators like Tom Coburn (R-OK) are considering amendments to protect gun rights.

Now, it's entirely possible that senators from both sides will simply retreat to their own corners.  In fact, GOA's sources inside the Senate indicate that gun amendments to the FAA bill are unlikely at this point, but there's no way can we count on that — and risk being caught unprepared.

There are three amendments which Lautenberg and Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) have been nursing since Tucson.

The first would limit semi-automatic magazines to 10 rounds, in a reprise of the Clinton ban.  Read more

Source: Gun Owners of America


Recommended Books and DVDs for Gun Owners:

Gun Digest 2011. Click hereGun Digest 2011, The World's Greatest Gun Book, 65th Edition

Gun Digest 1944-2009 3-DVD Set

Massad Ayoob's Greatest Handguns of the World

Shop more at gundigeststore.com

Clarksville, Tennessee: Ban On Handguns Lifted At Most City Parks

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City Councilman Wallace Redd.
City Councilman Wallace Redd.

On a 9 to 3 vote, the City Council in Clarksville, Tennessee, recently lifted a ban on handguns in most of that city’s parks.

“In 2009, the state legislature passed a law permitting handguns in public parks, but included a provision allowing cities to opt out,” the Leaf Chronicle reported.  “Clarksville was one of about 70 [cities] to do so…”

Of note, “the resolution stopped short of an all-out repeal of the opt-out clause. The ban will remain in place at many parks, including the city’s largest two — Heritage and McGregor.”

Although a number of citizens had asked for the ability to practice concealed carry at city parks, citing personal safety concerns, council members who opposed the change insisted the parks were safe.  “Councilman Wallace Redd, who proposed the resolution, said that reasoning misses the point.”

“It is a Second Amendment issue,” Redd said. “You don’t have to have an opinion from the police chief that our parks are [or are not] dangerous.”

Councilwoman Kaye Jones’ constituents overwhelmingly supported lifting the ban against handguns.

“I have had more calls on this one item than anything else,” said Jones.

Source:  Leaf Chronicle 2/4/11:


Recommended Concealed Carry Resources:

Gun Digest Book of Concealed CarryThe Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry

The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery

Effective Handgun Defense, A Comprehensive Guide to Concealed Carry

Find more resources at
gundigeststore.com/tactical

SHOT Show 2011: Smith & Wesson Governor Competes with Taurus Judge

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The Smith & Wesson Governor, a six-shot revolver that packs .410 shotshells, .45 ACP or .45 Colt. Photos by Corey Graff

 

At SHOT Show 2011, Smith & Wesson rolled out the Governor — a revolving shotshell-shooter that can hold any combination of six rounds consisting of .410 Shotshell, .45 ACP and .45 Colt.

As Gun Digest Author Massad Ayoob pointed out recently in his Backwoods Home blog, “I suppose turnabout is fair play. The Taurus folks have been selling clones of S&W revolvers for many, many years, and selling them quite well, too.”

Of course, Ayoob was referring to the Taurus Judge, which appears to have been the inspiration behind the S&W Governor. But surely there must be differences, and the main one is the Governor's ability to stock six rounds, versus the Taurus Judge's five.

The Governor has a barrel length of 2 3/4″ and the frame is a lightweight heat-treated scandium alloy — overall weight comes in at around 29.6 ounces. There is no rear sight, but the front sight includes low light tritium inserts for after-dark business. 

The one I picked up had the optional Crimson Trace laser grip, which is activated by depressing a button on the front of the grip (it basically turns on when you grip the pistol).

As Ayoob remarked:

Personally, I think it’s going to be interesting to be in court when someone who used one in self-defense says to the black-robed magistrate on the bench, “I did it with a Raging Judge!”

But, hey, if you’re gonna play the names, be cool about it. You can always buy a Taurus Judge AND a Smith & Wesson Governor, and wield ‘em both, one in each hand. When you confront your next burglar and he runs away with no blood spilled (the way such things usually end), you can shout after him, “You’ve been put on probation by the Judge, and been granted a reprieve by the Governor!”

To learn more about the Smith & Wesson Governor click here.

 



Recommended Resources for Concealed Carry

New! Gun Digest Buyer's Guide to Concealed Carry Pistols

The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry

The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery

Effective Handgun Defense, A Comprehensive Guide to Concealed Carry

Find more self-defense stuff at gundigeststore.com/tactical

Getting up to speed

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The idea of carrying a firearm for self-defense is a big step that should not only include training and education, but also a good deal of self-reflection. Can you do it? Can you devote enough time to be good at it? Good enough to protect yourself both in a fight and legally? When can you use deadly force? What are the laws of your state? These are just some of the questions we will explore.

Hang on it could be a bumpy ride.

SHOT Show 2011 Video: Steyr SSG 08 .338 Lapua Mag

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Video: Tactical Gear Editor Kevin Michalowski test fires the Steyr SSG 08 .338 Lapua Mag at Show Show 2011 Media Day

Steyr Arms has substantially upped the ante on its extraordinary long-range tactical rifle, the SSG 08, with the introduction of a brand new adaptation chambered in the ultimate long-range tactical round, the .338 Lapua Magnum.

A prototype of the new rifle made its public debut at the 2010 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits. The display of the prototype coincides with the overwhelmingly successful conclusion of the extensive 10,000-round endurance and reliability testing of the new chambering in the SSG 08 at the Austrian factory. The rifles are currently in route to the U.S. and will be available this fall.

Introduced to the American long-range shooting market in 2009, the SSG 08 was designed to the specifications of Austria’s EKO COBRA anti-terrorism unit. The SSG 08 is based on Steyr’s unique Safe Bolt System (SBS) action, which is bedded in a high-grade aluminum stock and mated to Steyr’s direct trigger, legendary for its crisp, clean and repeatable break. The skeletonized stock includes a UIT rail along the length of the fore end, a built-in bipod post, multiple mounting points for user-customized Picatinny rail combinations and a fully enclosed detachable-box magazine. The butt of the stock folds for transport and features an adjustable cheek piece, an adjustable butt plate, and an integrated, finely adjustable rear-elevation pod.

The cold-hammer-forged barrel measures 27.17 inches to maximize the potential of the .338 cartridge, and its 1:9 twist rate will stabilize bullets up to and including the increasingly popular 300-gr. HPBT Secnar projectile. The action, magazines and stock were lengthened to accommodate the dimensions of the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge. Due to the SSG 08’s extreme accuracy potential and ability to maintain supersonic speeds at distances in excess of 1,500 meters with the .338 Lapua chambering, a 20-MOA declination scope base will also be included to make use of your favorite long-range optic. The .338 Lapua Magnum version of the SSG 08 also includes a newly designed heavy-duty bipod.

The new Steyr.338 Lapua Magnum version of the SSG O8 will be available at retailers nationwide by the end of the summer. The suggested retail price is $6,795. To find a dealer near you, visit the Steyr website at www.steyrarms.com.


Steyr Arms Rifle Specifications

Model: SSG 08
Purpose: Long-Range Target Shooting, Tactical
Manufacturer: Steyr Mannlicher GmbH
Kleinraming, Austria
Importer: Steyr Arms, Inc.
P.O. Box 840
Trussville, AL 35173
(205) 655-8299
www.steyrarms.com
Operation: Bolt-action repeating
Caliber: .338 Lapua Magnum, .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum
Magazine type/capacity: Polymer double-stack detachable box/10 rounds (.308), 8 rounds (.300), 6 rounds (.338)
Action material: 25CrMo4 steel
Barrel: 20- and 22.4-inch; 27.17 inch (.338 Lapua), cold-hammer-forged heavy barrel (stainless steel optional)
Rifling: 4 Grooves, 1:12 RH Twist; 1:9 (.338 Lapua)
Sights: No sights; integral 15.9-inch Picatinny rail
Finish: Mannox®
Safety: 3+1 Position Safety
Trigger type: Single-stage (rear set trigger optional)
Pull weight: 3 pounds, 8 ounces (user adjustable)
Stock material/type: Hard Eloxal-coated aircraft aluminum
Length of pull: 14.25 inches min. (0.33-inch inserts available)
Drop at comb: +0.85 to -0.9 inches vertical adjustment
Comb adjustments: 0.5 inches longitudinal; 0.133 inch lateral (rotationally adjustable)
Drop at heel: +1.07 to -3.8 inches vertical adjustment
Recoil pad: Elastomer; 0.8-inch thick
Sling swivels: Two removable push-and-turn style
Pistol grip: Polymer with interchangeable rubber inserts
Checkering: None
Weight, empty: 12 pounds, 2 ounces; 13 pounds, 4 ounces (.338 Lapua)
Overall length: 46.5 inches with 22.4-inch barrel, 38.3 inches with stock folded; 50 inches OAL (.338 Lapua)
Included accessories: Owner’s manual, Versa-pod or HD bipod (.338 Lapua), continuously adjustable rear-elevation pod, one detachable box magazine, hard travel case, sling swivels
MSRP: $5,899 (.308 Win., .300 Win. Mag.); $6,795 (.338 Lapua)

Gun Digest the Magazine, February 14, 2011

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Gun Digest is the source for firearms news, pricing and guns for sale. Readers benefit from in-depth editorial expert advice, show reviews and practical how-to instructions. With your Subscription, you’ll also learn about threats to your Second Amendment rights. Click here to begin your subscription to Gun Digest.

Gun Digest the Magazine, February 14, 2011Inside this issue:

  • Chiappa Rhino .357
  • Federal ATK Ammo
  • Targets for Precision Shooting
  • Knight TK-2000
  • Gun shows, auctions, classifieds and more!

Not a subscriber? Make sure you don’t miss another issue! Subscribe now

SHOT Show 2011: Browning Introduces 1911-22 L.R. Autoloading Pistol

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Browning debuted its 1911-22 at SHOT Show 2011. Photo by Corey Graff
Browning debuted its 1911-22 at SHOT Show 2011. Photo by Corey Graff

When Browning set out to celebrate 100 years of John Browning's 1911 pistol, she certainly could have done the predictable thing and offered just a commemorative version in .45 ACP. Instead, we got a very nice, scaled-down 1911 A1 in .22LR. That means this is one 1911 you can afford to shoot — lots!

Browning's 1911-22 is scaled down to 85%, making it comfortable to hold. Photo by Corey Graff
Browning's 1911-22 is scaled down to 85%, making it comfortable to hold. Photo by Corey Graff

Browning 1911-22Ideal for target practice and making training affordable, this one will be a classy addition to anyone's gun collection. Like I said, it's scaled down to 85% of the full-size 1911, which makes it a joy to hold.

Depending on which version you're talking about — the A1 sports a 4 1/4″ barrel; the Compact model a 3 5/8″ tube — the weight comes in between 15 or 15 1/2 ounces respectively. The barrel has a target crown and the slide is aluminum with a matte blued finish. I really liked the dark brown grips; they gave the pistol an old-fashioned golden-age charm.

All of the controls are standard 1911 — functioning grip safety, manual thumb safety, and the magazine holds ten rounds. The sights are fixed, nothing fancy there. The barrel block is a shiny stainless steel, which sets it apart from the blued slide.

Pistols shipped in 2011 will include a special first year of production collector’s certificate plus a free limited edition commemorative canvas and leather zippered pistol case with 1911-22 pistols shipped during 2011.

The Browning 1911-22 retails for $599.99.

For more information click here


Recommended 1911 Resources

Gun Digest Shooter's Guide to the 1911New! Gun Digest Shooter's Guide to the 1911

1911: The First 100 Years

Massad Ayoob’s Greatest Handguns of the World

1911 Series Disassembly-Reassembly DVD

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