4 November 2010
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
NOV 03, 2010 05:38P.M.
thoroughly prepped and sprayed with an adhesive agent, firearms are laid onto the film and the solution is meticulously applied. Once the film is custom cut and formed to the gun, it is sprayed with a resilient heavyduty clear coat in a paint booth, ensuring longevity of the hydrographics pattern. The final result is a striking customized pattern that enhances the design of the firearm at a fraction of the cost of a new weapon.
Full Color Camo Wrap Any Gun, Bow or Rifle H2O Printers Announces Aesthetic Firearms Customization.
Prices for H2O Printers hydrographics vary depending on the scope of the project. Please visit www.H2OPrinters.com for more information.
Full Color Camo Wrap Any Gun, Bow or Rifle
Full Color Camo Wrap Any Gun, Bow or Rifle H2O Printers
About H2O Printers: Are you looking to enhance the appearance of your firearms? HydroDipping is the answer! You can turn your items into an amazing work of art! H2O Printers specializes in Hydrographic Water Transfer Printing and Dipping, utilizing some of the most advanced technologies in the industry. Dozens of patterns to choose from in just about every color! H2O Printers can even take your own custom designs and turn them into amazing pieces of work! H2O Printers can transform almost any surface – glass, woods, metals, even plastics! Hydro-Dipping is lightweight, affordable, and you won’t believe the results.
Houston, TX --(Ammoland.com)- H2O Printers, the nation’s premier custom hydrographics shop, is pleased to announce its foray into firearms. For those wanting extra camouflage when hunting but don’t want to buy a new gun, or for those who just want to stand out at the range, H2O Printers now provides custom graphics for your guns. H2O Printers offers a complex film water transfer process that can be applied to most existing surfaces of a firearm, producing a durable, longlasting customized pattern. While the Reaper (see attached photo) hydrographics patterns are the most popular, there are several other patterns with custom colors from which to choose, including carbon fiber, brushed aluminum, flames, skulls and much more. Click here to see the multitude of hydrographics projects H2O Printers has already completed: www.H2OPrinters.com.
Brought to you by - AMMOLAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.comSubmit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com Full Color Camo Wrap Any Gun, Bow or Rifle Tags: Camouflage, Custom Guns, H2O Printers. Camo
“Hydrographics design and installation has been an instant success for us,” said Nick Field, Spokesman for H2O Printers. “The possibilities are endless for design customization. We’ve done all sorts of gun customization including rifles, shotguns, hand guns and more. This is definitely the start of something big when it comes to firearms personalization.” Hydrographics transfer is a complex process that requires a professional transfer station, tank, hardware, paint booth and products. A quick and simple explanation for those interested: First, a graphics film is laid in a giant specialized tank where it floats in a solution. Then, after being
1
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
rights for years to come. Please go to the above URL to “meet” them.
Gun Owners of America Racks Up Huge Victories From Coastto-Coast
Gun Owners of America 8001 Forbes Place, Suite 102 Springfield, VA 22151 Phone: 703-321-8585 FAX: 703-321-8408 www.gunowners.org
NOV 03, 2010 05:16P.M. Gun Owners of America Racks Up Huge Victories From Coastto-Coast
About: Gun Owners of America (GOA) is a non-profit lobbying organization formed in 1975 to preserve and defend the Second Amendment rights of gun owners. GOA sees firearms ownership as a freedom issue. `The only no comprise gun lobby in Washington’ – Ron Paul Brought to you by - AMMOLAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.comSubmit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com Gun Owners of America Racks Up Huge Victories From Coast-to-Coast
Gun Owners of America Tags: GOA, GOA-PVF, Gun Owners of America, Gun Politics, Pro Gun Organizations, Pro Gun Republicans
Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Candidates backed by Gun Owners of America scored tremendous wins in Tuesday’s elections. In many cases, GOA was the ONLY national pro-gun organization to actively oppose Nancy Pelosi’s “Blue Dog” Democrats.
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Brownells Sponsors 2nd Annual Extreme Huntress Contest
Our aggressive opposition to these Representatives – who are mistakenly considered to be somewhat conservative – was well worth the effort as Pelosi has now been reduced to minority status.
NOV 03, 2010 05:07P.M.
You can go to the GOA website — at http://gunowners.org/goavictories.htm — to see the dozens of new GOA-backed Senators and Representatives that will be serving you.
Brownells Sponsors 2nd Annual Extreme Huntress Contest
Some of the highlights include: • California, Dist. 19 — Jeff Denham • Florida, Senate — Marco Rubio Brownells.com • Florida, Dist. 22 — Allen West Des Moines, Iowa – -(Ammoland.com)- For the second year, Brownells is sponsoring Primal Adventure’s Extreme Huntress Contest, an essay competition for the “most hard-core women hunters in the world.”
• Minnesota, Dist. 8 — Chip Cravaack • Missouri, Dist. 4 — Vicky Hartzler • Ohio, Dist. 6 — Bill Johnson
“We were thrilled with the response the contest generated last year,” said Brownells President Pete Brownell.
• Virginia, Dist. 9 — Morgan Griffith “Female hunters have earned a major role in the outdoors, and we’re happy to help serious female hunters who really go for it in the field.”
• Washington, Dist. 2 — John Koster These are patriots who will be protecting the Constitution and your gun
2
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
satisfaction, unconditional, lifetime guarantee. For more information, or to place an order, call 800-741-0015 or visit Brownells.com mention AmmoLand. Brought to you by - AMMOLAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.comSubmit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com Brownells Sponsors 2nd Annual Extreme Huntress Contest Tags: Brownells, Brownells.com, Extreme Huntress Contest, PrÓis Hunting Apparel, Sponsorships, Women Shooters
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
SPIKE TV Is In Search Of The World’s Most Lethal Combatant In New Reality Series
Rebecca Francis with the mountain goat she took as winner of the Brownells sponsored, 2009 Extreme Huntress Contest. Photo Courtesy of Rebecca Francis. The contest, coordinated by Próis Hunting & Field Apparel for Women and Primal Adventures TV, solicits essays and photos from female hunters about their adventures in the field. A celebrity panel of judges reviews the submissions and picks the top-10 entries, which are then posted on a website where the public can vote on the best essay. More than 21,000 people cast online votes last year.
NOV 03, 2010 03:20P.M. SPIKE TV Is In Search Of The World’s Most Lethal Combatant In New Reality Series “Most Lethal” To Feature 12 of the World’s Best Special Forces Operatives in an Array of Combat Challenges.
The inaugural season’s winner was Rebecca Francis, 36, of Woodland Hills, Utah, who won all-expenses-paid sheep and mountain goat combination hunt in British Columbia. She took a 9-inch-plus billy goat with 6-inch bases at 320 yards with a .338 Ruger RCM. “The Extreme Huntress Contest creates positive role models for women, who are the fastest-growing segment in the hunting industry,” said Tom Opre, Primal Adventures executive producer and host. “Also, we know that if Mom goes hunting, many more children will be exposed to the strong traditions of our outdoor heritage.” Spike TV
The 2010 contest winner will earn an all-expense-paid hunt in New Zealand for gold medal estate stag, fallow deer, and tahr chamois, provided by Fraser Safaris of New Zealand.
New York, New York --(Ammoland.com)- Spike TV delves into the secretive community of special ops in “Most Lethal,” a new one-hour non-scripted series in which real-life warriors from the top tiers of special operation forces faceoff in a grueling competition to determine who is the fiercest.
In addition to Brownells‘ contribution, the winner receives gear from Próis, Otis Technologies, Aimpoint, Bowtech Archery, Swarovski, Schnee and Badlands Packs, among others.
The series will examine the shrouded world of these military mercenaries by challenging 12 of the most dangerous in the world to compete for the title of “Most Lethal.”
About: At Brownells Everything is Guaranteed period! …Forever, 100%, with no restocking fees. Brownells is the world’s largest supplier of firearm parts, gunsmithing tools, reloading equipment and accessories. Stocking more than 30,000 items, the company supplies armorers, gunsmiths, and shooters worldwide. All of their products are backed by a 100%
Using advanced technology to analyze the weaponry, training operations, and tactics, the series will be an authentic look at this covert world rarely
3
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
explored on television. The 10-episode series, produced by GRB Entertainment, will premiere on Spike in the summer 2011.
William Shatner,” “Growing Up Gotti,” “Next Action Star,” “Cannonball Run: Race Across America,” and “Live! The World’s Greatest Stunts.” GRB’s programs are aired in primetime in more than 190 countries by the largest broadcasters in the world.
“We are bringing together twelve of the best-trained combatants in the world for the most intense reality series on television,” said Sharon Levy, Spike TV’s executive vice president of original series. “The show will arm the viewer with information on training techniques and history of the special ops that viewers can’t find anywhere else.”
Brought to you by - AMMOLAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.comSubmit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com SPIKE TV Is In Search Of The World’s Most Lethal Combatant In New Reality Series
The competitors on “Most Lethal,” ranging from non-active elite members of the Navy Seals to Green Berets, will have to withstand physical tests and demonstrate skills that go far beyond anything seen before in a competition show.
Tags: Most Lethal TV, Reality TV, Shooting Media News, Spike TV
“It’s not enough for them to be fit and strong and great with weapons,” said GRB CEO Gary R. Benz. “We’re going to test every combat skill and tactical response in the book. Then, we’re going to throw away the book and find out what they learned on the battlefield.”
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Maryland Black Bear Hunting Season Closes NOV 03, 2010 02:19P.M.
The series will be filmed at state-of-the-art military facilities around the U.S. under the supervision of local evaluators and a handpicked team of top tier combat operators. The challenges are modeled on real world combat scenarios that will test everything from urban combat to evasion, from search-and-destroy to reconnaissance, and will include threat evaluation and threat elimination. Each location includes special terrain along with a unique set of combat challenges that the contestants must overcome.
Maryland Black Bear Hunting Season Closes
Unlike existing military-based television shows, “Most Lethal” will deal with all facets of combat including the split second decisions that are critical to success and survival. Casting will begin in the coming weeks. A host will be announced at a later date.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Annapolis, MD --(Ammoland.com)- OAKLAND, Md. (October 30, 2010)— The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the conclusion of the 2010 black bear hunting season.
“Most Lethal” was created by Tim Prokop, GRB’s vice president of development, who will also produce and direct the series. GRB’s international division will market both the foreign sales of the series as well as the format rights. Sharon Levy is Spike TV’s executive vice president of original series and Tim Duffy is vice president of original programming for Spike TV.
The season opened Monday, October 25 in Garrett and Allegany counties. The seventh Maryland bear hunt was officially closed at 9:00 p.m. with 67 bears reported to mandatory check stations in Western Maryland. “The 2010 bear hunt was another unqualified success. Unseasonably mild weather made the first part of the season a challenge and kept hunter success low. Despite marginal conditions we safely reached another harvest quota while allowing the first five-day bear hunt in Maryland history,” said Harry Spiker, Game Mammal Section Leader for DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service
About Spike TV Spike TV is available in 98.6 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at www.spike.com/press
“The permit application preference point system proved effective again this year. More than 3,800 hunters applied for one of the 260 available bear hunting permits and 85% of the permits were awarded to applicants with one or more preference points,” Spiker added.
About GRB ENTERTAINMENT Celebrating its 25th successful year as a producer and distributor, GRB Entertainment received the 2009 Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality Program for the hit A&E series, “Intervention.” Other notable GRB shows include “Confessions: Animal Hoarding,” “Aftermath with
4
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
The average estimated live weight of the bears taken this year was 163 lbs. The largest bear of the season was a 433 lb. male taken by Joseph Schmidt of Oakland, Garrett County.
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Chiappa .22LR M-Four Tactical Handgun
The hunt by the numbers:
NOV 03, 2010 02:12P.M. • 67 bears taken Chiappa .22 LR M-4 Tactical Handgun • 57 from Garrett County, 10 from Allegany County • 163 lbs. average weight • 72% of the bears were taken on private land • 558 hunters participated in the hunt and 3,850 hunters applied for a permit • 58% of the successful hunters were residents of Garrett and Allegany counties For more information about Maryland’s black bears visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland’s forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNRmanaged parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland’s effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state’s number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov
Chiappa .22 LR M-Four Tactical Handgun
Chiappa Firearms Brought to you by - AMMOLAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.comSubmit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com
Dayton, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- Chiappa Firearms’ all new .22 L.R. handgun will hit the shelves early 2011. This unique Chiappa .22 L.R. caliber handgun is identical to Chiappa’s .22 L.R. look alike of the U.S. Military M-4 Carbine.
Maryland Black Bear Hunting Season Closes Tags: Bear Hunting, Bear Management, Black Bears, Maryland, Maryland DNR, MDNR
Chaippa then eliminated the shoulder stock and shortened the barrel to 6-inches creating a new smallbore handgun. A 28-shot magazine means a bunch of fun between reloads. Robust and reliable, this new handgun has all the same buttons and switches as the regular M-4 Carbine so any learning curve between the real combat carbine, the Chiappa smallbore military look alike carbine and the new Chiappa M-Four pistol is zero. • MSRP: $469.00 • Weight: 4.1 pounds • Overall length: 145/8 inches
5
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
• Barrel length: 6 inches
up all of their winter fat reserves, bears become ravage springtime feeders. The protein offered by newborn moose proves irresistible to hungry bears. An adult black bear can sustain a diet for one week with a moose calf kill.
• Magazine capacity: 28 rounds • Caliber: .22 Long Rifle • Fun level: High Marketed by: MKS Supply, Inc. 8611-A North Dixie Dr Dayton, OH 45414, 837-425-4867 or 937-545-0363 www.mkssupply.com Brought to you by - AMMOLAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.comSubmit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com Chiappa .22LR M-Four Tactical Handgun
The Bear Whisperer with a trophy bruin Tags: 22LR, Chiappa Firearms, Firearms News, M4 Carbines, MKS Supply, New Guns, Revolver, Smallbore, Wholesale Guns
I wanted to play on this bear’s natural instincts with a cub-in-distress call. The reason for the call was twofold. One, the bear may think there was other bears feeding on a carcass that was rightfully his own. Or two, because it was spring, the boar bears were just beginning to chase the sows. A boar’s amorous thoughts would turn violent if the sows cubs were nearby.
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Bear Calling While Hunting NOV 03, 2010 01:57P.M.
It has been determined that a sow may not breed if she is with her first year cubs. However, she may rebound into heat at the death of those cubs. So, a boar will graciously kill off the cubs to regain mating rights.
Bear Calling While Hunting By “The Bear Whisperer” Blaine Anthony
Thirty minutes into my second calling sequence he appeared. The steely eyed bruin cautiously slumbered towards the call, at a nerve-racking pace. He was coming directly for the ground blind. The bear was clearly on the hunt and was extremely wary of his surroundings. I had to wait for the perfect opportunity to draw my bow back without getting caught. After a stare down that seemed to stretch the entire evening, the bear began to circle the blind. This gave me a much needed moment to gather myself. Seconds later, he reappeared a mere 17 yards from the tip of my broad head. The angle afforded me a chance to draw, and then I let it rip. The blood trail led us directly to the boar a mere 40 yards from the blind.
Sportsman Channel Fairfield ME --(Ammoland.com)- The Bear Whisperer and North American Safari TV crew are no strangers to hunting trophy bruins. The short story below is regarding one interesting trek in the woods in the Northeast. We were highly anticipating tracking a particular New Brunswick – a quest for a true predator! This was a bear that was actively and frequently killing for meat. Although calling in the East was a new experience for me, I figured it was the best tactic considering the fresh moose carcass nearby. Having used
6
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
Virginia Shooting Sports Association Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- Virginia gun owners elected three progun challengers to replace three pro-gun incumbents. There is one last race to be decided – the 11th Congressional District.
The Bear Whisperer Blaine Anthony “The Bear Whisperer” is the producer and host of North American Safari (airing January 2011) and Bear Whisperer TV (debuting fall, 2011) Gear used on this hunt: Limbsaver Speedzone Bow – Tru-Fire T-1 Broadheads – Carbon Express Mayhem Arrows – QAD Ultra rest – Wood n Trail camo – Leupold Vendetta Range Finder – Border Crossing Scents Beat bait in a stick.
Here is the breakdown: • 2nd Congressional District • Scott Rigell defeated one term incumbent Glenn Nye. This race was a wash for gun owners as both candidates received “A” ratings from the NRA-PVF.
Brought to you by - AMMOLAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.comSubmit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com
• 5th Congressional District • State Senator Robert Hurt defeated one term incumbent Tom Perriello. This is another flip of an “A” rated candidate for an “A” rated candidate.
Bear Calling While Hunting Tags: Bear Hunting, Game Calls, Hunting Tips, Hunting TV Shows, Shooting Media News, Sportsman Channel, The Bear Whisperer
• 9th Congressional District • House of Delegates Majority Leader Morgan Griffith defeated 14 term incumbent Rick Boucher in what may have been the biggest change last night – one that foreshadowed how big the night would be for the GOP. Delegate Griffith has been a go-to guy for VSSA and other gun rights groups while he has been in the General Assembly. His leadership on the issue will be greatly missed at the Assembly but he will make an excellent congressman.
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Gun Owners Win Solid Victory in 2010 Election NOV 03, 2010 01:41P.M.
• 11th Congressional District • The race between challenger and “A” rated Keith Fimian and incumbent “F” rated Gerry Connolly has yet to be decided. With 166 of 168 precincts counted, Connolly holds a 487 vote lead. This one is likely headed for a re-count. More proof that every vote counts. National Returns Impact on Gun Rights
Gun Owners Win Solid Victory in 2010 Election Election Post Mortem – Three Incumbents Defeated – One Race Undecided
Dave Kopel was doing analysis as the returns came in last night and the results are big for gun owners. Of the Senate races decided (there are some like the Colorado and Washington Senate races that are too close to call) gun rights supporters are a +6. In the House of Representatives, gun owners picked up an additional 18.75 supporters of the right to keep and bear arms (the partial number
7
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
is based on Kopel’s rating scale that takes into account the increase from say a “C” rated incumbent to an “A” rated replacement) . While gun owners may have a differing view on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid when it comes to other issues, he is undoubtedly a better choice for that position than Senator Chuck Schumer or Senator Richard Durbin. One of these two would have likely won the Majority Leader position had Reid lost last night. With the increase in numbers in the Senate, we may well have the magic number of 60 votes to move initiatives like national reciprocity or other pro-rights legislation. About: The Virginia Shooting Sports Association (VSSA) was originally founded as the Virginia State Rifle and Revolver Association in 1938. VSSA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. VSSA is also closely affiliated with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), Virginia Outdoor Sports Information Network (VOSIN), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), Virginia Gun Collectors Association, and the Virginia Wildlife Federation (VWF). Visit: www.myvssa.org
GOP Takes House But Second Amendment Battle is Far From Over
Brought to you by - AMMOLAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.comSubmit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com
FirearmsTruth.com Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- We are happy to see that the Republicans have taken control of the House of Representatives as the Grand Old Party as it is known tends to be friendlier to gun related issues.
Gun Owners Win Solid Victory in 2010 Election Tags: Anti Gun Politicians, Elections, Gun Politics, Gun Voters, NRAPVF, Virginia Shooting Sports Association, VSSA
The people have spoken and this wasn’t the result of some nefarious plot by the insidious gun lobby – which is how the National Rifle Association and other pro-gun organizations are painted in the mainstream media – to take control of the country.
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
GOP Takes House But Second Amendment Battle is Far From Over
This was the will of the people, which includes hunters, shooters, gun collectors and just every day citizens that believe in the Second Amendment.
NOV 03, 2010 01:29P.M. But the writing is on the wall, and we’re not out of the woods yet. Nor is it the time however to let down our guard.
GOP Takes House But Second Amendment Battle is Far From Over
The Senate will still include a rogue’s gallery of anti-gun zealots including two Republicans: Senator-Elect Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), a cosponsor in the U.S. House of Representatives of legislation to close the so-called gun show loophole, and Senator-Elect Dan Coast in Indiana had previously served in the U.S. Senate, voting for the Brady Bill and the Assault Weapons Ban. Key anti-gun Democrats retained their seats in the U.S. Senate as well, and these include Senators Chuck Schumer of New York and Senator Barbara Boxer of California. New York was also a special case as Kirsten Gillibrand was finally “elected” to the Senate (she had been appointed to fill Hillary Clinton’s seat, which she will now hold for two more years).
8
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
Both Schumer and Gillibrand have been foes to gun owners, while Boxer has also been a supporter of gun control. The NRA-endorsed Christine O’Donnell was also defeated by Democrat candidate Chris Coons in Delaware, while Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), who was appointed to finish the term of former Senator Ken Salazar, was elected to a full term. He has co-sponsored gun show loophole legislation.
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Gutless Field Dressing Elk NOV 03, 2010 01:11P.M. Gutless Field Dressing Elk
We happy that Senator Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin) was defeated in his re-election bid, as Feingold has had at what best can be described as a mixed record on gun related issues, including voting in favor of background checks at gun shows. But now is the time to think to the future, but to be on guard today. Only this year the EPA attempted to ban lead ammunition, while the State Department stopped efforts to allow the importation of American M1 made rifles from South Korea. These are both back door gun bans, and while the same mainstream media that sees the NRA as a cabal of evildoers bent on turning America into a Wild West, turn a blind eye to these efforts. Instead the media tries to say that the Democrats and President Obama have done nothing to impose new restrictions. Except for the attempt to ban lead ammo, the blocked importation of those M1 rifles and the appointment of two fiercely anti-gun rights Supreme Court Justices.
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
So while this is a time to celebrate our wins with the House, we should be remain on guard.
MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Eviscerating an elk can be an unpleasant part of a hunt; the prelude to hard, heavy work packing out quarters.
Peter Suciu is executive editor of FirearmsTruth.com, a website that tracks and monitors media bias against guns and our Second Amendment rights. Visit: FirearmsTruth.com
But the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is offering insights to a lesserknown, long-proven alternative. Gutless field dressing can save you time, weight and handling of entrails with no significant loss of meat. This method also allows hunters to skip the traditional step of splitting and handling the spine, which can contain fluids associated with chronic wasting disease.
Brought to you by - AMMOLAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.comSubmit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com
Here’s how: GOP Takes House But Second Amendment Battle is Far From Over 1. With the elk lying on its side, begin working on the side facing up. Cut off the lower front leg at the knee joint and the lower hind leg at the hock
Tags: Anti Gun Politicians, FirearmsTruth.com, Gun Banners, Gun rights News, Peter Suciu
2. Separate the front leg from the ribcage and the hind leg from the pelvis at the ball joint. Many hunters do not skin the legs. Leaving the hide on helps keep meat clean. 3. Skin the side of the animal and remove the backstrap. 4. Strip as much meat from the flank, brisket, ribcage, spine and neck as you can, keeping the strips as large as possible. Remember, large pieces are easier to handle and keep clean than small ones. 5. Turn the carcass over and repeat the above steps.
9
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
6. Make an incision between the ribcage and pelvis to reach the tenderloins lying along the underside of the spine, and any internal organs you wish to keep. To reduce weight, bone out the legs by flaying them open lengthwise on the inner side and removing the bones. When cool, sack or wrap the meat in clean heavyweight cotton. For an excellent video on gutless field dressing, contact longtime Wyoming outfitter and RMEF supporter Ron Dube at 307-527-7815 www.cgwildernessadventures.com (The following is not Ron’s video in fact it is nothing like his video, it is just funny…video included by AmmoLand.com not RMEF) About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.8 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.
Muzzy Moves TV Show to the Sportsman Channel
Brought to you by - AMMOLAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.comSubmit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com Muzzy Archery Gutless Field Dressing Elk Cartersville, GA --(Ammoland.com)- Muzzy Bad to the Bone Bowhunting TV will be moving from the Outdoor Channel to the Sportsman Channel for 2011.
Tags: Elk Camps, Elk Hunting, Field Dress, Hunting News, Hunting Tips, RMEF
Sportsman Channel, a leader in outdoor programming for the American sportsman, has long been known as having more hours of bowhunting programming than any other network.
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Muzzy Moves TV Show to the Sportsman Channel
“Muzzy’s program helps to solidify Sportsman Channel as the leader in bowhunting programming,” said Sportsman Channel CEO, Gavin Harvey. “We are the only network with a full primetime night dedicated to bowhunting with our Full Draw Friday Nights, and the archery category only continues to strengthen in popularity.”
NOV 03, 2010 11:19A.M. Muzzy Moves TV Show to the Sportsman Channel
Muzzy Archery CEO, Michele Eichler said, “Muzzy Bad to the Bone Bowhunting TV is all about bringing the excitement of hardcore bowhunting to our viewers, and the Sportsman Channel does just that as a channel truly dedicated to the sportsman. We are thrilled to be partnering with Sportsman Channel in 2011.” Eichler, Muzzy Bad to the Bone Bowhunting TV’s host, leads the charge with her over-the-shoulder shots. Viewers can expect Eichler to hunt
10
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
whitetails to hogs to moose, always staying true to Muzzy’s motto of being “bad to the bone.”
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Rhino .357 Magnum Revolvers Debut In Matte Nickel
“We couldn’t be happier with how the show is lining up for 2011,” Eichler said. “Muzzy will be bringing viewers great hunts and lots of Muzzy moments as part of Sportsman’s Full Draw Friday Night Bowhunting Block.”
NOV 03, 2010 10:57A.M. Rhino .357 Magnum Revolvers Debut In Matte Nickel
Muzzy Bad to the Bone Bowhunting TV will air Fridays at 8 pm, Mondays at 3 p.m. and Tuesdays at 1 a.m. ET for 52 weeks beginning January 2011. About Sportsman Channel: Launched in 2003, Sportsman Channel is the only television and digital media company fully devoted to the more than 82 million sportsmen in the United States, delivering entertaining and educational programming focused exclusively on hunting, shooting and fishing activities. Sportsman Channel is now available in HD, check with your local cable or satellite provider. Acquired by InterMedia Outdoors Holdings in 2006, Sportsman Channel reaches 27 million U.S. television households and is a part of the nation’s largest multimedia company targeted exclusively to serving the information and entertainment needs of outdoors enthusiasts. Visit www.thesportsmanchannel.com, follow on Twitter, @SPORTSMANchnl (www.twitter.com/SPORTSMANchnl), become a Fan on Facebook, www.facebook.com/sportsmanchannel and download Sportsman App at www.itunes.com/appstore.
Rhino 20D 357 Revolver Matt Finish
For more information, check out www.muzzy.com Brought to you by - AMMOLAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.comSubmit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com Muzzy Moves TV Show to the Sportsman Channel
Chiappa Firearms
Tags: Archery News, Hunting TV Shows, Muzzy, Shooting Media News, Sportsman Channel
Dayton, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- The new Revolutionary Rhino .357 Magnum revolvers debut in matte/brushed electroless nickel finish. This follows on the release of the stainless Rhino .357 Magnum. The Rhino is an unusual looking ergonomically designed firearm. Thanks to this unique form follows function design, the recoil and muzzle flip is greatly reduced due to the bottom chamber 6:00 firing position. This low barrel design shifts recoil in line with the forearm resulting in very fast and highly-accurate repeat shots. The Rhino’s hexagonal shaped cylinder makes for a flatter profile when carried concealed. Each Rhino comes with a hand-made Italian calf skin molded and stitched leather holster to fit up to 2-inch wide belts and is marked with the Rhino logo to match the revolver. Current Specifications: • Caliber: .357 magnum (and of course .38 Special)
11
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
• Basic weight: 25-ounces with a 4-inch barrel
Guns And Gear TV Features Ruger’s M77 Hawkeye Predator Rifle
• Frame Material: Ergal (a high-strength aircraft aluminum alloy) • Metal finish: Matte/brushed electroless nickel • Stocks: Composite rubber or wood. One piece, retained by a single screw at the butt. Guns & Gear TV • Capacity: 6-rounds Mandeville, LA --(Ammoland.com)- This week, Guns and Gear features Ruger’s M77 Hawkeye Predator Rifle.
• Barrel lengths and MSRP: 2-inch $799; 4-inch, $899; 5-inch, $925; 6-inch, $980.
The Big Dot sighting system from XS Sights, Brownells’ tip for cleaning a fouled rifle bore , using Viridian Green Lasers’ C5L Laser/Light combo in home defense situations, operating an AR-15 with Tiger McKee, a stock length shotgun tip from Gil and Vicki Ash at OSP Shooting School, Sig Sauer’s 556 DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle), the evolution of the AR15 from Gunsite’s Ed Head, Smith & Wesson’s engraved guns and a safety tip on gun store etiquette.
Marketed by MKS Supply, Inc. 8611-A North Dixie Dr. Dayton, OH 45414, 837-425-4867 or 937-545-0363 Brought to you by - AMMOLAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.comSubmit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com
Back for a second season of featuring the newest and most interesting firearms and products in the industry, Guns and Gear is a gun shop in your living room. Each episode delivers in-studio interviews, field and range demonstrations, tips from top shooting instructors and more!
Rhino .357 Magnum Revolvers Debut In Matte Nickel Tags: .357, Chiappa Firearms, Firearms News, MKS Supply, New Guns, Revolver, Wholesale Guns
Guns and Gear airs on VERSUS and VERSUS HD on Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. Eastern and Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. Eastern. Watch show segments, learn more about the products and get the latest news at www.gunsandgeartv.com.
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Guns And Gear TV Features Ruger’s M77 Hawkeye Predator Rifle
To see these products in action, check out the videos at Gun Talk TV: • Ruger’s M77 Hawkeye Predator Rifle: www.guntalk.tv/gtv/library.php?video_id=561
NOV 03, 2010 10:38A.M.
• XS Sights Big Dot sights: www.guntalk.tv/gtv/library.php?video_id=585
Guns And Gear TV Features Ruger’s M77 Hawkeye Predator Rifle
• Brownells: www.guntalk.tv/gtv/library.php?video_id=563 • Viridian Green Lasers’ C5L Laser/Light: www.guntalk.tv/gtv/library.php?video_id=567 • AR-15 tips with Tiger McKee: www.guntalk.tv/gtv/library.php?video_id=565 • Sig Sauer’s 556 DMR: www.guntalk.tv/gtv/library.php?video_id=564 • AR-15 evolution from Gunsite’s Ed Head: www.guntalk.tv/gtv/library.php?video_id=559
12
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
• Smith & Wesson’s engraved guns: www.guntalk.tv/gtv/library.php?video_id=562
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(Ammoland.com)- The United States’ top shooters are invited to compete in the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Final.
Guns and Gear airs on VERSUS and VERSUS HD on Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. Eastern and Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. Eastern. Watch show segments, learn more about the products and get the latest news at www.gunsandgeartv.com.
Jamie Beyerle, one of America’s top rifle athletes, boasts a resume that includes three medals and a quota place in Women’s 50m Rifle Three Position and yet another medal in Women’s 10m Air Rifle . . . all during 2010.
Brought to you by - AMMOLAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.comSubmit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com
Beyerle (Lebanon, Pa.) was invited to compete in the 2010 ISSF Rifle and Pistol World Cup Final in both the Women’s 10m Air Rifle and Women’s 50m Rifle Three Position events. Shooting against some of the best athletes in the world, Beyerle beat all expectations.
Guns And Gear TV Features Ruger’s M77 Hawkeye Predator Rifle Tags: Brownells, Guns And Gear, OSP Shooting School, Ruger & Company, Shooting Media News, Tom Gresham, VERSUS Network
In her first day of competition, she entered the final in the lower half of the field with 396 match points. A strong final of 103.2 points left Beyerle tied with Italy’s Elani Nardelli for the bronze medal at 499.2 points. In the shoot-off, Beyerle succeeded with a 10.5 point single shot to Nardelli’s 9.8 point shot.
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
USA Shooting Athlete of the Month:Jamie Beyerle
The next day, Beyerle once again brought her medal winning ways to the Women’s 50m Rifle Three Position event. She finished the qualification round with 590 points, tied with only one other shooter. Beyerle beat the competition as she shot for 100.7 points in the final to win the gold medal with 690.7 total points.
NOV 03, 2010 10:28A.M. USA Shooting Athlete of the Month:Jamie Beyerle
National Rifle Coach Major Dave Johnson said, “She’s been shooting great and working towards this success for a long time. It’s nice to finally see things coming together. I’m looking forward to see her accomplishing planned goals for the quad in the future.” USA Shooting would like to congratulate Jamie Beyerle, the Athlete of the Month for Nov., and wish her continued success for 2011. ELEY is a Proud Sponsor of the USA Shooting Rifle and Pistol Teams: ELEY Limited, manufacturer of the world’s most consistently accurate rimfire ammunition, has been the Official Sponsor and Official Supplier of .22 rimfire ammunition of the USA Shooting rifle and pistol teams since 2000. For more information on ELEY and their products, please visit www.eley.co.uk. About USA Shooting: USA Shooting, a 501c3 non-profit corporation, was chartered by the United States Olympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of shooting in April 1995. USA Shooting’s mission is to prepare American athletes to win Olympic medals, promote the shooting sports throughout the U.S. and govern the conduct of international shooting in the country. Check us out on the web at www.usashooting.org and on Twitter at twitter.com/USAShooting.
Jamie Beyerle shoots her way to Athlete of the Month accolades. Photo courtesy of Wolfgang Schreiber, (c) 2010 ISSF
Brought to you by - AMMOLAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.comSubmit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com
USA Shooting
13
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
USA Shooting Athlete of the Month:Jamie Beyerle
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
Tags: Competition Shooters, Competitive Shooting News, ISSF, Olympic Shooting, Shooting Teams, USA Shooting, Women Shooters
WASHINGTON --(Ammoland.com)- The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership today roundly praised a decision by the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw thousands of acres of prime backcountry fish and wildlife habitat in Colorado from an upcoming energy lease sale.
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Removal of Backcountry Lands from Colorado Energy Sale Draws Sportsmen’s Praise
The five proposed leases, totaling 10,364 acres and slated for auction on Nov. 10, are located in national forest roadless areas near Craig and south of Rifle and provide important wintering grounds for elk and mule deer, as well as valuable native trout habitat.
NOV 03, 2010 10:16A.M.
“These prized backcountry lands would have been compromised if development was allowed to proceed as planned,” said TRCP Colorado Field Representative Nick Payne, “and we appreciate the Forest Service’s and Bureau of Land Management’s prompt attention in correcting this problem. As proposed, the leases would have violated the Forest Service’s own rules; their willingness to withdraw them from sale fosters more balanced management in the future.”
Decision to Remove Backcountry Lands from Colorado Energy Sale Draws Sportsmen’s Praise TRCP urges responsible management, adherence to Forest Service policy to conserve roadless areas during energy development.
While the lands in question are located on national forest land, the BLM manages mineral leasing for all federally administered lands, including national forest roadless areas. If the leases were issued, road building could have potentially been allowed within the Sugarloaf North and Black Mountain roadless areas near Craig and the Battlement Mesa roadless area south of Rifle, thereby violating both the 2001 national roadless rule and an agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state of Colorado. The state of Colorado and the U.S. Forest Service meanwhile continue to develop the Colorado roadless rule, a plan that could determine the management of 4.4 million acres of roadless areas. The Colorado roadless rule-making process has been dogged by controversy since its inception, with many in the sportsmen’s community criticizing shortcomings in the draft plan that would preclude adequate conservation of backcountry fish and wildlife habitat.
Removal of Backcountry Lands from Colorado Energy Sale Draws Sportsmen’s Praise
“Colorado’s roadless areas must be conserved at a level that is equal to or stronger than the safeguards afforded by the national roadless rule,” said Joel Webster, associate director of campaigns for the TRCP Center for Western Lands. “While sportsmen are encouraged by the receptiveness of the Forest Service to our recommendations for improvements, the proposed Colorado rule requires additional work before it will satisfactorily conserve core fish and wildlife habitat in the Centennial State.” “Monday’s decision also did not resolve roughly 70,000 acres of gap leases in roadless areas that have been sold since 2001 and that violate the Forest Service’s own policies meant to safeguard the surface values of roadless areas,” continued Webster. “America’s hunters and anglers remain ready to
14
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
work with federal decision makers to assure the responsible management of these priceless lands into the future.”
has been a champion on issues of importance to sportsmen and women for more than 60 years.
Learn more about the TRCP’s work in support of roadless area conservation.
Today, we are proud to have led a six-year process to amend the state constitution to guarantee the personal right to hunt and fish.
TRCP Colorado Roadless Report
This has been a grassroots effort, a campaign with a short timeline and a very limited budget. We led a coalition of virtually all national conservation organizations and more than 100 local clubs and chapters across the state.
About: Inspired by the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the TRCP is a coalition of organizations and grassroots partners working together to preserve the traditions of hunting and fishing. Visit: www.trcp.org
Thousands of volunteers helped ensure our success, and their children and grandchildren will thank them one day.
Brought to you by - AMMOLAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.comSubmit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com
Hunting and fishing are important to the people of Tennessee – and to the state – for economic and other practical reasons.
Removal of Backcountry Lands from Colorado Energy Sale Draws Sportsmen’s Praise
As we’ve seen here and in other states, some groups want to see hunting and fishing outlawed. But as of tonight, we can rest easy knowing that it will not happen here.
Tags: BLM, Colorado, Public Land, Roadless Rules, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, TRCP
These days, the reality is if you want to be sure about something, you had better get it in writing.
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
About: The Purpose of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation is to champion the conservation, sound management and enjoyment of Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources for current and future generations through stewardship, advocacy and education. Visit: www.tnwf.org
Tennessee Passes Right to Hunt and Fish Constitutional Amendment
Brought to you by - AMMOLAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.comSubmit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com
NOV 03, 2010 09:57A.M. Tennessee Passes Right to Hunt and Fish Constitutional Amendment
Tennessee Passes Right to Hunt and Fish Constitutional Amendment Tags: Hunters Rights, Tennessee, Tennessee Wildlife Federation
Tennessee Wildlife Federation Nashville, TN - -(Ammoland.com)- The Tennessee Wildlife Federation
15
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Tags: Bradley Smoker, Contest, Game Recipes, Hunting Gear
Bradley Smoker Sweepstakes Winner
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
ATK Awarded Five-Year FBI Ammunition Contract Valued at $95 Million
NOV 03, 2010 09:42A.M. Bradley Smoker Sweepstakes Winner
NOV 03, 2010 09:18A.M. ATK Awarded Five-Year FBI Ammunition Contract Valued at $95 Million ATK 5.56 Caliber Ammunition Products Fulfill Duty and Training Requirements of the FBI.
Bradley Smoker Delta, British Columbia, Canada --(Ammoland.com)- Bradley Smoker, bradleysmoker.com is happy to announce that a lucky person has won their Indian Motorcycle sweepstakes. Tens of thousands of people across North America entered the Bradley Smoker Sweepstakes and a lucky guy in Lancaster Ohio pulled off the win. ATK 5.56 Caliber Ammunition Products Fulfill FBI Duty and Training Requirements
Yup, Jim Vanover of Lancaster won the big one. Bradley Smoker also gave away three great electric food smokers and cartons of wood bisquettes to keep their new owners happy for many months of great tasting food to come. “We had a lot of fun with this sweepstakes and are delighted to congratulate Mr. Vanover on his win.”-Wade Bradley Bradley Smoker makes the most advanced easiest to use electric automatic feed digital food smokers you can find anywhere. To learn more please visit their web site at www.bradleysmoker.com for a look at some really clean smoke smokers that are sold throughout the world.
ATK MINNEAPOLIS, Minn --(Ammoland.com)- ATK (NYSE: ATK) announced today that it has received a contract from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for 5.56 caliber duty and training ammunition.
Bradley Smoker 1609 Derwent Way Delta, British Columbia V3M 6K8 Canada 1-800-665-4188 www.bradleysmoker.com Brought to you by - AMMOLAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.comSubmit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com
The contract is a five-year, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) agreement with a maximum value of $95 million. ATK will produce the mission-specific ammunition at its facility in Anoka, Minnesota.
Bradley Smoker Sweepstakes Winner
16
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
ATK used its core capability of ammunition technology development to create a customized solution to meet the needs of the FBI. The duty load is based on Federal Premium’s 62-grain Tactical Bonded projectile, which excels at barrier penetration, while the training ammunition features 55-grain and 50-grain bullet options ideal for the needs of the Bureau. Production of the duty round was tailored to the specifications of the FBI and is already underway. Deliveries are expected to begin by the end of 2010. “This contract is the result of a focused effort to expand our business in an important strategic market,” said Ron Johnson, President of ATK’s Security and Sporting group. “Our core ammunition technology provides the ideal platform for meeting this important customer need.”
South African Gunowners Association
ATK is a premier aerospace and defense company with operations in 24 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally, and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.
South Africa - -(Ammoland.com)- In addressing the National Press Club in Pretoria yesterday (full speech below), the Minister of Police, Mr EN Mthethwa, acknowledged that problems experienced with the implementation of the Firearms Control Act – at both the CFR (Central Firearms Registry) and provincial/station level – had resulted in delays and situations he termed “unacceptable”.
Brought to you by - AMMOLAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.comSubmit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com
When divulging plans to eliminate the backlog in the processing of license applications, to streamline the systems, and to get the various databases in order, he announced that people and resources had been allocated and getting the processes improved and certain legislation brought into effect was expected to be complete within nine months.
ATK Awarded Five-Year FBI Ammunition Contract Valued at $95 Million Tags: 5.56, Ammunition, Ammunition Factorys, Ammunition News, ATK, ATK Ammunition, FBI, Military Contracts
The SA Gunowners’ Association (SAGA) is heartened by this new open and frank approach and has therefore accepted (along with other recognized firearm user groups) his invitation to participate in the process and assist/advise the personnel now charged with unclogging the system.
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Firearm Licensing Unclogging the System in South Africa
We do so in order to obtain fair treatment for our members and prompt service delivery for South Africa’s firearm owners in general.
NOV 03, 2010 09:02A.M. Where appropriate however, without contributing to delays, and without compromising our principles, we will continue to press for sensible and practical amendments to the Act and regulations.
Firearm Licensing Unclogging the System in South Africa
We trust that we will one day obtain another frank admission from the Minister – an admission that, far from being part of South Africa’s ‘crime problem’, South Africa’s firearm owners are an important part of the solution. ************************************************************** CHALLENGES AFFECTING THE SAPS FIREARMS APPLICATION AND LICENSING PROCESSES Remarks by Minister of Police, E.N. Mthethwa, MP to the
17
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
National Press Club on, Sheraton Hotel, Pretoria 02 November 2010
however only came into effect in 2004. The main reason was to allow SAPS to put in place the necessary systems and processes required for its proper implementation. Parallel to these processes, the Act required that certain regulations and legal administrative processes be developed to accompany it. Under the Act, the Minister of Police is also empowered to make certain transitional arrangements to allow firearm owners and members of the public to fully comply with different aspects of the Act and subsequent regulations. Despite the intention of the Act and resources that have been allocated to the CFR, it is crystal clear that significant problems still exist with regard to the smooth implementation and administration of this Act.
Newly-appointed Deputy Minister of Police, Ms Magdeline Sotyu; National Police Commissioner of Police, General Bheki Cele; Secretary of Police, Ms Jenni Irish-Qhobosheane; Deputy Chairperson of the National Press Club, Jos Charle; Executive Members of the National Press Club; Members of the Media; Ladies and Gentlemen we take this opportunity to welcome our Deputy Minister of Police, Ms Magdeline Sotyu. We are confident that she will make a positive contribution to our mission on fighting this scourge. Indeed she joins this ship at a time when we are in full swing with our programmes and remain optimistic she will add oomph on this crusade. We also wish to express our appreciation to the National Press Club, its executive and members for allowing us to communicate to the nation this morning. Your platform continues to be a vital link in helping us to reach as many South Africans as possible. We shall expect this relationship to continue to flourish.
Effective firearms control – our priority The creation of an effective allocation of firearms and control thereof is a matter that, without fear or favour, has always been a priority for this Ministry. Our view is premised along a thinking that, no matter how committed we can all be in the fight and reduction of crime; if one portion of our chain is weak, it will weaken the entire chain. In addition, the importance of ensuring a sustained and efficient implementation of the Act was recently highlighted at this year’s Cabinet Lekgotla. This area was identified as one of the priority of Cabinet and government’s approach to firearm control. It therefore became even more necessary to tackle the challenges facing SAPS with regard to the legislative processes surrounding the Act.
An overview of the Central Firearms Registry As the leadership and management of police we would like to share the current state of affairs in one of the components within SAPS, the Central Firearms Registry (CFR). Indeed the importance of this section cannot be over-emphasized. Our success or failure in fighting crime is to a large extent, dependent on how effectively-managed this section is. It is a make or break and hence at all material times, its effectiveness cannot be compromised. Let us begin by emphasizing a point we have been making, that in order to score victories in the fight against crime; we need to ensure that our own ‘house’ is in order. This speaks to the caliber of police officers, the importance of management systems as well as ensuring that we have in place clear policy frameworks that support our vision: Ensuring That All People In South Africa Are, and Feel Safe.
What works well and what does not at CFR? Earlier this year, we received increasing number of complaints from certain sections of society, ranging from ordinary South Africans to organized formations in this related to the firearms field. These complaints and allegations, primarily related to the malfunctioning of the SAPS’ Central Firearms Registry and alleged improper implementation of the related aspects of the Firearms Control Act and its regulations. To determine their legitimacy and authenticity, we had to take certain steps.
We began this process by looking at what works well and where bottlenecks exist. Such a process would then inform us on how, why, where and when we need to fix things. Preceded by the actions, it is vital to make sure that where we put in place corrective measures, we do so promptly while guided through informed and empirical findings.
Appointment of a Task Team to probe and recommend solutions I then instituted a Task Team led by the Civilian Secretariat of Police to undertake an in-depth and thorough assessment of the problems experienced with the implementation of the Act. Their terms of reference were straight-forward: through an assessment of the current situation, to develop a clear set of recommendations on how the problems in the CFR administration of the Act could be addressed; speedily and cost-effectively. This team has now finalized its investigations and presented us with a final report in the
Firearms Control Act – a cornerstone in firearms management As most South Africans would know, the Firearms Control Act (FCA), 2000 (Act 60 of 2000) was passed in 2001
18
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
past weeks. The Secretary of Police is here with us and she will go deeper in terms of the processes involved in the assessment, including visits to affected provinces, police stations, interviews conducted with various parties, analytical reviews of the Act and so forth.
database system. Court cases lodged against the CFR As a result of the backlogs and inefficiencies in the processing of the firearms, the Department has been subjected to significant litigation and court applications (more so cases brought against the Minister and the National Commissioner). To a large degree, our review indicates that the majority of cases brought against the Department appear to relate to issues of administration which in essence, could have been avoided had people tasked with managing these process acted effectively.
Maintaining transparency while finding lasting solutions We want to frankly state to the nation that the current state of affairs at the CFR is far from what and how it is supposed to be. That is, if we are serious about reducing crime. Instead of serving as an additional arsenal to our mission, suffice to say the CFR currently acts as a bottleneck in our crime-fighting initiatives. Our overall purpose arising from today’s briefing is to highlight these major challenges but at the same time, outline key proposed solutions to address them. Key challenges identified during the Task Team’s assessment regarding the implementation of the FCA, which seriously impact on SAPS’ ability to implement the Act include:
Management and organizational design of the CFR We have noted that some of the challenges relate to the organizational design of the CFR is over complicated and does not necessarily speak to the requirement of the Act and regulations. Individual accountability for performance is not necessarily linked to overall objectives of the various components of the structure; hence the continuation of backlogs with no corrective measures taken against poor or under-performing members.
Backlog in the processing of licenses One of the biggest challenges for the effective implementation of the Act is the ability of the CFR and provinces to process license applications. There are currently major backlogs in processing these licenses and such backlogs contribute as the major causes of litigations brought against SAPS. On average a renewal for a firearm license could take between 5 months and 6 years to be finalized. We have been informed about some of the factors that contribute to such delays (incorrectly-filled forms by applicants, delays in the finalization of competency certificates and delays in the conducting safe inspections). In our view, this is still unacceptable.
Lack of effective communication within CFR One of the identified challenges relates to poor communication. Instead of communicating requirements for licensing to members of the public, the CFR has rather chosen to keep the public in the dark regarding the licensing processes. This approach has meant that people who do not qualify for licenses apply in the belief that they have a right to such licenses. As a result the systems become overloaded with inappropriate and incomplete licensing application forms.
Corruption and irregular issuing of licenses Lackluster IT systems During the assessment a number of concerning issues were raised regarding irregularities in the issuing of firearms licenses. Some of these include issuing of firearm licenses under the old Arms and Ammunition Act. There are also cases where a single firearm is licensed to two different individuals and/or illegally issuing firearms to people who have been genuinely refused licenses (such individuals having to pay bribes).
The assessment further pointed out that we have invested in an Information Technology (IT) system that is currently under-utilized, as much of the work is done manually. The other challenge is the management for not appreciating the full extent of the task at hand. Recommendations to turn-around the CFR into a functional unit
Integrity of the database system Having provided a much clearer depiction of the state of affairs, it is important to formulate remedial steps to resolve and turn around this current state of CFR. Below are the urgent remedial steps:
One of the objectives of the FCA was to ensure a new database with accurate and comprehensive picture of who owns what firearm and when the license is due for renewal. However the backlogs in renewal applications coupled with irregularities in the issuing of firearm licenses under the Act, raises serious questions regarding the integrity of the new
Establishment of an Intervention Team to address current backlogs
19
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
We have taken a decision to establish an Intervention Team consisting of representatives from SAPS (a representative from National Commissioner’s office), Police representative from each province, representative from Business, representative from the Secretariat and other persons as required. We need to emphasize that this Intervention Team will draw on senior experts complemented by operational people who are familiar with the challenges. As part of an integrated approach, they will be in consultation with some of the teams who have been involved in turnaround strategies of other departments such as Home Affairs, SARS, etc to derive best practice turn-around models. We have put a 9 month turnaround time to resolve all outstanding backlogs. On a monthly basis this Team shall report to the Minister and National Commissioner on progress.
have our systems speaking to each other so that the firearms licensing process becomes seamless, simple and efficient. Once the processes are in place, a key focus will be around skills and on-the-job training of personnel, followed by strict monitoring and evaluation processes. More hands-on approach in dealing with legal cases The ongoing litigation cases brought against the SAPS dampen the public’s confidence in the organization. With immediate effect, we have now tasked the Secretariat assisted by SAPS legal team to monitor legal challenges related to the FCA. They will then compile a monthly summary of cases and report on the status of such cases. We need to ensure that we are on a sound footing legally and operationally. That is why our legal team is advising us on ensuring we ‘clean out’ this Force without any legal or negative financial implications to the taxpayer.
Urgent management changes at CFR The current management neither recognized the seriousness of the problems nor has shown readiness to adapt its structures and procedures to address the challenges. In this context it will not be possible for SAPS to embark on any turnaround strategy under the current management. We shall therefore effect changes. In effecting this change, we are cognizant that this management has vast knowledge of the FCA; unfortunately this knowledge is centralized in a few individuals and does not necessarily contribute to the effective management of the FCA.
Launch an investigation in all the corruption and bribery cases While we may continue to improve our systems, effecting management changes at CFR, we still need to ensure that those who have been involved in corrupt activities, are brought to book. We have begun this process and whether it is the corrupter or corruptee, we shall ensure that they all face the full might of the law. We shall do this without fear or favour. We shall ensure that those who are not committed to helping us achieve our goals, are excused from this mission to make way to those who want to deliver. Those who have not been involved in corrupt in practices within the CFR, but lacked disciplinary focus would have to be taken through necessary processes as well.
Urgent development and intensifying of Communications Strategy As a matter of urgency, beginning with this public briefing today, we will be intensifying the Triple-C approach: communications, command-and-control as well as coordination. But the emphasis for CFR will be around communications. Yesterday, the Secretary of Police also met with various affected firearm owner formations to discuss these new proposed interventions we are undertaking. We are informed the outcome of the meeting was positive. We have long stated that we shall not become denialists. We affirmed our position that, in areas where there are stumbling blocks, we will never deny such occurrences but shall accept the shortcomings, while finding solutions to such challenges. We therefore want to assure the public that efforts will be made to effectively improve our communications across the organization to address frustrations and to re-enforce government’s commitment to implementing the FCA.
Conclusion As we conclude, we want to emphasize that the challenges in the implementation of the FCA not only undermine our approach to firearms control and management, but it also puts the lives of law-abiding citizens in danger. As pointed out in our recent crime statistics, illegal firearms contribute to the high rate of robberies, rape, hijackings and murder. It has also been revealed that if we can deal with these illegal firearms which happen to be in the hands of criminals, we can significantly reduce crime across all facets. We shall not allow those who are tasked to protect the innocent and vulnerable to become part of promoting this vicious scourge of crime; either by omission or commission. It is therefore inconceivable that police officers would compromise innocent lives due to their laziness, inefficiency or ineptitude. What further infuriates is when one asks questions around the challenges in this area, we do not get clear and forthright answers. In fact in areas where one gets answers, they are not satisfactory. Clearly there are some within
Redesign of the Firearms Registry’s systems (IT and Operational) This is a critical area that requires our attention if we are to succeed in this field. The overall objective is to ensure we
20
Today’s Tabbloid PERSONAL NEWS FOR news@ammoland.com
4 November 2010
SAPS who have adopted and still apply a leisure faire approach in carrying out their duties. We are saying, their time is up. 2010 is A Year of Action: Ensuring That All People In South Africa Are, and Feel Safe. We cannot achieve this goal if our house is in tatters, hence our resolve to fix things, and fix them now. I thank you. [Ends speech] ******************************* About: The South African Gunowners’ Association (SAGA) is a non-profit, nondiscriminatory organization, whose sole purpose is to represent the interests of all people who embrace the principles of safe and responsible ownership and usage of firearms for sport, recreation, hunting and selfdefence. Visit: www.saga.org.za Brought to you by - AMMOLAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.comSubmit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com Firearm Licensing Unclogging the System in South Africa Tags: Concealed Handgun Licenses, Firearms Registration, Registered Guns, SAGA, South Africa, South African Gunowners Association
21