The Worlds Oldest And Largest Firearm AuthorityThe Worlds Oldest And Largest Firearm Authority

AR 101: Field Positions

Cold War K-FramesCold War K-Frames

COMBATMAGNUM

S&WS MODEL 69 .44 MAG

TESTING NOSLERS FIRST CARTRIDGETESTING NOSLERS FIRST CARTRIDGETESTING NOSLERS FIRST CARTRIDGEDecember 2014

TESTING NOSLERS FIRST CARTRIDGETESTING NOSLERS FIRST CARTRIDGETESTING NOSLERS FIRST CARTRIDGETESTING NOSLERS FIRST CARTRIDGE

RUGER

10/22

CARBINECollectors Series

In production for 50 years, the Ruger 10/22 has

become Americas favorite .22 LR rifl e. With proven

performance, a legendary action and a renowned,

reliable rotary magazine, the 10/22 has inspired a

loyal following. The Ruger Collectors Series 10/22

Carbine commemorates a half-century of excellence.

RUGER.COM/10/22

*Some magazines are not available for sale in all states and locales due to laws and regulations limiting magazine capacity. Prior to purchasing, please checkyour state and local regulations to verify that you may legally possess such magazines. (Model 21105 Ships with Three BX-1 Magazines)

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One of a Kind, Limited Edition Collectible Sign Only Available with this Model!

Volume 162, No. 12, 128th Year of Publication

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

The NRA, the foremost guardian of the traditional American right to keep and bear arms, believes every law-abiding citizen is entitled to the ownership and legal use of rearms, and that

every reputable gun owner should be an NRA Member.

TABLE OF CONTENTS DECEMBER 2014Wayne R. LaPierre,

Executive Vice President

features

MEMBER PROGRAMS: (800) 672-3888

56

Phot

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J. M

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The Worlds Oldest And Largest Firearm AuthorityThe Worlds Oldest And Largest Firearm Authority

AR 101: Field Positions

Cold-War K-Frames

COMBATMAGNUM

S&WS MODEL 69 .44 MAG

TESTING NOSLERS FIRST CARTRIDGETESTING NOSLERS FIRST CARTRIDGETESTING NOSLERS FIRST CARTRIDGEDecember 2014

Ofcial Journal of the National Rie Association

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

TESTING NOSLERS FIRST CARTRIDGETESTING NOSLERS FIRST CARTRIDGE

THE COVER: No, this is not Dirty Harrys .44 Mag. On this months cover is the new Smith & Wesson Model 69, a ve-shot stainless-steel revolver built on the mid-size L-frame. Smiths engineers came up with the solution to make the smaller frame stand up to the rigors of the .44 Mag. cartridge. Also, there is an update to the classic Model 66 in .357 Mag. For Field Editor Wiley Clapps report on the latest Combat Magnums, turn to p. 42. Photo by Forrest MacCormack. Design by David J. Labrozzi.

NRA: Always At The Ready .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 18Chris W. Cox Election Day has passed. Come the rst of the year, the political

landscape will have changed. What will not change in 2015 is the energetic and well-funded resurgence of the gun control movement, especially at the state level.

Combat Magnum Resurgence . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 42Wiley Clapp The full-size American revolver concept not only isnt dead, two new

Smith & Wesson Combat Magnumsthe Model 69 in .44 Mag. and the revamped .357 Mag. Model 66are proof that the big wheelgun is making a comeback.

Testing The .26 Nosler .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 46John Barsness Noslers new long-range cartridgethe rst to bear the company

namedoes precisely what it was designed to do: shoot fast, at, and live up to the hype surrounding its ballistic performance.

AR 101: Shooting The General Purpose Ri e .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 50Kyle E. Lamb This month, we conclude our AR 101 series by focusing on eld

shooting positions. Well also take a closer look at the ARs performance-enhancing components.

Cold War K-Frames . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 56Timothy J. Mullin After the defeat of Nazi Germany, Smith & Wesson K-frames were

pressed into service with German police agencies in the newly occupied nation.

ABG EPE IP, LLCReg. U.S. Pat & TM Off.

When you remember Elvis Presley, you certainly remember his music, the way he lit up thebig screen, and how he captured hearts with nothing more than a smile. When you rememberElvis, you remember a superstar, a legendary performer who changed music, and will rule foreveras the undisputed King of Rock and Roll. Throughout his career, Elvis sold over one billionrecords, starred in 33 films, and became an icon of 20th century pop culture.

Elvis Presley, the entertainer, loomed larger than life, but to the people who knew him thebest, there was nobody more down to Earth. He loved his parents. He was generous and loyal tohis friends. He cared deeply for his legions of fans around the world, and when it came to hiscountry, Elvis was proud to be an American.

As you probably know, Elvis popularity was unmatched at the time he received notice thathe had been drafted into the U.S. Army. Today, the photographs of his Army induction bring back bittersweet memories.As his music career was skyrocketing, Rocks first and most enduring idol was transformed into Private, U.S. Army, serialnumber 53310761.

On March 24, 1958, Elvis reported to the office of the Memphis Draft Board and was inducted into the U.S. Army.Greeted by throngs of fans, reporters, and photographers, Elvis became center stage in what is probably the most famousinduction ever.

Now, to honor Elvis and his service to his country, America Remembers is proud to present a handsome limited editionpistol officially authorized by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.: The Elvis Presley .45 Tribute Pistol. For this Tribute, wehave chosen a firearm that was an Elvis favorite, the classic Government Issue Colt .45 caliber service semi-automaticpistol with artwork honoring the memory of Elvis and his service in the U.S. Army. The Colt .45 pistol was Americasofficial military sidearm for more than 50 years, including the years that Elvis served in the Army.

Each working Colt Government Model .45 ACP pistol is crafted in blued steel and decorated with artwork in elegant24-karat gold and gleaming nickel. Magnificent custom artwork is complemented by the faux ivory grips, emblazoned withthe iconic TCB logo. Both sides of the firearm are elegantly decorated with 24-karat gold banners and scrollwork in thetradition of the finest presentation firearms.

Only 500 AvailableOnly 500 Elvis Presley .45 Tribute Pistols will be produced, including Tribute #1, which has been presented to

Graceland. Demand for this Tribute is expected to be very high and your prompt action is recommended. We will arrangedelivery of your working pistol through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice. If for any reason you are less thansatisfied with the Tribute, you may return it in original, unfired condition within 30 days for a full refund. Enthusiasm forElvis has not diminished since his debut in the fifties. Today, there are over 625 active Elvis fan clubs worldwide and hispopularity remains strong. Call today to ensure that you are among the privileged few who can claim ownership of thislimited-edition Elvis Tribute presentation firearm. The Tribute is sure to bring back your most cherished Elvis memories,while preserving his legacy for generations to come.

There are few people in history who can truly be considered legends, but in the case of Elvis Presley, the label rings true. He was a true American original. If you are an Elvis fan and appreciate fine-crafted commemorative firearms, the Elvis Presley .45 Tribute Pistol is sure to take a position of honor in your personal collection, but please don't hesitate in making your decision.

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Daytime Telephone No. ( )

America Remembers10226 Timber Ridge Drive, Ashland, Virginia 23005

www.americaremembers.comTo place your reservation toll-free call 1-800-682-2291

AHL, Inc.

The Elvis Presley.45 Tribute PistolAmerica Remembers Presents

The left side features a trio of portraits including two of Elvis from his days as atanker with the Armored Division and a classic portrait of Elvis, the entertainer, animage which brings back our cherished memories of this legendary singer. Featured inbold letters is Elvis Presley, a name that thrilled audiences whenever it appeared onposters, billboards, and marquees around the world. You'll also find the TCB logo onboth sides of the slide. Together with a lightning bolt, this logo translates to Taking Care of Business in a Flash, an idea that encapsulates both the charisma and character of thismagnetic entertainer. TCB was an idea and credo that Elvis adopted and shared with his closest friends.

On the right side, you'll find two detailed portraits featuring the dashing young Elvis in his Army uniform, and an image of Elvisplaying the guitar. Displayed prominently across a banner is an authentic recreation of Elvis Presleys distinctive signature, alegendary autograph coveted by his legions of adoring fans. Elvis was not only an unforgettable performer; he was a patrioticAmerican who answered the call to duty when he was drafted by the U.S. Army.

As a final touch, the grip screws, slide stop,

hammer, safety lock,magazine catch, andbarrel bushing are all hand-polished and decorated in

24-karat gold,adding elegance

to the overalldesign.

Display Case AvailableAn optional, luxuriously lined, custom-built wooden display

case is available for purchase.

I wish to reserve ____ of the Elvis Presley .45 Tribute Pistol aworking Colt .45 pistol, at the introductory issue price of $1,995*. MyTribute will be elegantly decorated in 24-karat gold and nickel, andnumbered within the edition limit of 500. My deposit of $195 per Tributeis enclosed. I wish to pay the balance at the rate of $100 per month, withno interest or carrying charges. Certificate of Authenticity included.Thirty-day return privilege. Please check one: Check enclosed for $______________. Charge payment of $________________ to:

VISA MasterCard AMEX DiscoverNo. ________________________________________ Exp. _________Display Case I wish to reserve the optional, luxuriously lined, custom-made

display case with locking glass lid. My payment of $149* is enclosed or add to credit card.

*All orders are subject to acceptance and credit verificationprior to shipment. Shipping and handling will be added toeach order. Virginia residents please add sales tax.

Caliber: .45 ACP Edition Limit: 500 Model: Colt Government Model

TABLE OF CONTENTS DECEMBER 2014

NRA PUBLICATIONSDoug Hamlin Executive DirectorLourdes F. Kite Deputy Executive DirectorMarshall J. Flemion Director, Integrated MarketingEvelyn Q. Kessler Fiscal Operations Manager Terri A. Wolfe Executive AssistantRachel Carr Sales & Fiscal Assistant

EDITORIAL John R. Zent Editorial DirectorMark A. Keefe, IV Editor In ChiefBrian C. Sheetz Senior Executive EditorAnn Y. Smith Senior Executive Editor, DigitalAaron Carter Managing Editor Joseph L. Kurtenbach Associate EditorJustin McDaniel Digital Managing EditorMaureen A. Denfeld Editorial AssistantGina Schmidt Contributing EditorBruce N. Can eld, Wiley Clapp, Rick Hacker, Jeff Johnston, Bryce M. Towsley, Jim Wilson Field Editors

ARTHarry Lloyd Jaecks Creative DirectorSusan K. Kilday Art DirectorDavid J. Labrozzi Associate Art DirectorChristine Petchenick Digital Graphic DesignerLloyd Hill Photography DirectorPeter Fountain PhotographerForrest MacCormack Associate Photographer

American Ri eman (ISSN 0003-083X) is published monthly by the National Ri e Association of America, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400, (703) 267-1000, for the bene t of its mem-bers. Membership dues (U.S. and pos-sessions) $35 a year, $85 for 3 years, $125 for 5 years. $3.75 per year is designated for a magazine subscription. For foreign postage add $5 a year in Canada and $10 elsewhere. For membership inquiries only, call (877) 672-2000. Copyright 2014, the National Ri e Association of America. All rights reserved except where expressly waived. Periodicals Postage paid at Fair-fax, VA, and at additional mailing of ces.

POSTMASTER: Please send addresschanges to American Ri eman, c/o National Ri e Association, P.O. Box 420648, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0648.

TO CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS or to report a damaged or undelivered magazine, write: American Ri eman, c/o National Ri e Association, P.O. Box 420648, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0648. Or to make changes to your account online go to: NRAmemberservices.org. Do not return damaged copies. Change of address should include both new address and a mailing label bearing the old one. In case of duplication send both labels.

of cial journal

Lock, Stock & Barrel .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 24 Opening Shot, Product Previews, Rapid Fire, American Ri eman Television, Essential Gear and Books In Brief

news & notes

The Keefe Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 8Readers Write . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 22

correspondence

technical Questions & Answers .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .36 Skeletonized Webley U.S. Nomenclature

Dope Bag: Data & Comment . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .60 Gamo Buckmasters Squirrel Terminator .177 Air Ri e Tristar Raptor Semi-Automatic 20-Ga. Shotgun

American Ri eman 2014 Index .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .82I Have This Old Gun .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .84 Colt Police Positive Special

The Armed Citizen . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 Special ReportsStanding Guard .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 12Presidents Column .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14Political Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16Regional Report/Member Info & Bene ts. .. .. .. 64ILA Report . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 66Programs & Services .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 68

24 60 84

Wayne R. LaPierre, Executive Vice President

Volume 162, No. 12, 128th Year of Publication

FLAT OUT.

LIGHTS OUT.

26Nosler.com 800.285.3701

FLAT TO 415.The drive to experiment. Push limits. Break barriers. Introducing 26 Nosler .

The fulfi llment of John Amos Noslers legacy of innovation. Fast, fl at and dead-on to 415 yards,its not just a new cartridge, its a new breakthrough in ballistic performance.

NRA PUBLICATIONSPRODUCTION & ADVERTISING SALES OPERATIONS

Michael J. Sanford Director Michelle E. Kuntz Manager James C. Handlon Marketing Manager Debra Oliveri Senior Production CoordinatorAndrea C. Myers Production CoordinatorSamantha Brown Senior Coordinator, Ad ServicesTiffany Ngu Coordinator, Ad ServicesEastern Sales Manager

Tony Morrison(860) 767-9801Southeast Sales ExecutiveStan Yates(850) 619-8148Detroit Advertising SalesKen Glowacki(313) 779-8504New York Advertising SalesMike Edison(201) 819-1510Eastern Direct Sales ExecutiveRachelle Trout(910) 262-0913

Western Sales ManagerCourtney Olson(303) 955-2194Western Sales ExecutiveJames ONeill(530) 401-8607Midwest Sales ExecutiveTim Hamill(231) 360-6434Western Direct Sales ExecutiveDebbie OConnell(805) 582-9856

WEB OPERATIONSMichael Pedersen ManagerTom Rickwalder Senior Web DeveloperSteve Dulco Senior Web Designer/Video Editor

ONLINE DECEMBER 2014

WARNING: All technical data in this publica-tion, especially for handloading, re ect the limited experience of individuals using speci c tools, products, equipment and components under speci c conditions and circumstances not necessarily reported in the article and over which the National Ri e Association (NRA) has no control. The data have not otherwise been tested or veri ed by the NRA. The NRA, its agents, of cers and employees accept no responsibility for the results obtained by persons using such data and disclaim all liability for any consequential injuries or damages. See asterisked (*).

* NO ADVERTISED ITEM IS INTENDED FOR SALE IN THOSE STATES, OR IN THOSE AR-EAS WHERE LOCAL RESTRICTIONS MAY LIMIT OR PROHIBIT THE PURCHASE, CAR-RYING OR USE OF CERTAIN ITEMS. CHECK LOCAL LAWS BEFORE PURCHASING. MENTION OF A PRODUCT OR SERVICE IN ADVERTISEMENTS OR TEXT DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THAT IT HAS BEEN TESTED OR APPROVED BY THE NRA.

OFFICIAL NRA POSITIONS ARE EX-PRESSED ONLY IN STATEMENTS BYLINED BY NRA OFFICERS OR IN ARTICLES IDEN-TIFIED AS SUCH.

THE EDITORS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS OR PHOTOGRAPHS.

americanri eman.org

also on

Gun Of The WeekEvery week, a Ri eman editor gives you a video overview of a new gunranging from the nimble Weatherby SA-08 28-ga. autoloader to the retro Smith & Wesson Model 66 wheelgunbefore heading to the range to wring it out.

The Keefe Report American Ri eman Editor In Chief Mark Keefe checks in on happenings with the magazine, the television show, industry trends, and other rearm and shooting sports topics.

Clapp On HandgunsField Editor Wiley Clapp shares more than a half-century of experience and knowledge in the technical and historical aspects of handgunning.

blogs

mobile AmericanRi eman.org MobileDesigned to be accessible and easy to use, our mobile site is now available on Apple or Droid operating systems as well as BlackBerry. Check us out!

insider American Ri eman InsiderWith our e-newsletter youll be the rst to know when theres something new at AmericanRi eman.org. No need to searchwe deliver exclusive videos, articles and must-have products straight to your inbox. So log on, sign up and start clicking.

Still Soaring: The Desert EagleThanks to its regular appearance on screen and in video games, the Desert Eagle .50-cal. pistol enjoys a nearly uni-versal level of recognition. Its long and colorful history still generates plenty of curiosity. To nd the answers to the top nine questions about this beefy big-bore semi-automatic, go to AmericanRi eman.org/DesertEagleFacts.

stories

featured The Ammunition Shortage ExplainedDifferent day, same headline? Perhaps. So lets try again, with one of the most detailed explanations to date. Its actually a question of simple economics. Supply, demand and pro tor lack thereof, plus the kinds of guns Americans buy. Go toAmericanRi eman.org/KeefeOn22 for more.

Pod PeopleNever shot a Pod? We hadnt either until recently when the American Ri eman Television crew was at FN Herstal in Bel-gium. There we witnessed two .50-cal. FN M3P machine guns ring at a combined rate of 2,200 rounds per minute. Learn more and check out the video at AmericanRi eman.org/Pod.

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8 DECEMBER 2014 AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORGDECEMBER 2014 AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

CORRESPONDENCE KEEFE REPORT

With the rise of the Beretta, Glock, SIG Sauer and Smith & Wesson double-action or striker-red semi-automatic pistols, the era of the sixgun as the dominant sidearm in American law enforce-ment came to a close. For nearly a century, starting in the 1890s, the double-action, swing-out cylinder revolver dominated the holsters of police ofcers. Two basic, yet sim-ilar, forms with similar operation but different lockwork evolved, as represented by Colt and Smith & Wesson. With rare exception, if you were a cop, one of those two brands rode in your duty rig.

But by the 1990s, nearly every major agency had either transi-tioned to a semi-automatic pistol or was trying to decide which one to adopt. And Colts manu-facture of revolvers from the 1889 Navy Double Action, to the Police Positive Special (this months I Have This Old Gun) to the Python was over. Magazine capacity had much to do with law enforcement adoption, but so did improvements in semi-automatic pistol design and reliability.

That law enforcement ofcers no longer carry revolvers as their primary service sidearms does not mean they do not have a role to play. They are a joy to shoot at the range, offer simple operation, are capable of impressive accuracy and still are a viable choice for personal protection. Too, there have been new materials and manufacturing techniques applied to revolvers, as evidenced by the Ruger LCR, the S&W Bodyguard and one of the most unusual revolvers introduced, the Chiappa Rhino.

Smith & Wesson and Ruger still make a surprising number of double-actions in the United States, and Rossi and Taurus continue to make huge numbers of them in Brazil. There are others, such as Dan Wesson, Italys Chiappa and Germanys Herman Weirach

(imported as the EAA Vindicator). Many of these guns are short- barreled snubbies, but quite a few are mid-size. They are what used to be considered service revolvers but are now often referred to as house guns, as they have moved from duty holsters to lock boxes.

And then there are the big bores and the magnums. Typically, the attribute revolv-ers retain over semi-automatics is power. Although there are pistols designed to re revolver cartridgesthe Desert Eagle, Automag and Coonan come to mindcartridges in the power range of the .357 Mag., .41 Mag. and .44 Mag. tend to reside rmly in revolver territory. There are times one just needs a big, pow-erful handgun. Few with sense declare the 9 mm Luger the ideal sidearm for bear country. The .44 Mag.? Well, thats a different story.

There is a nostalgic streak to shooters, and the ve-shot .44 Mag. Model 69and its .357 Mag. cousin the Model 66appeal to it. You can read about those two in Field Editor Wiley Clapps story beginning on p. 42. There is some-thing simply retro and cool about the big stainless Smiths with their fully lugged barrels. Legislation, in particular in California, has led to renewed interest in revolvers, but for many of us they never went out of style.

Sincerely,

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10 DECEMBER 2014 AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

OFFICIAL JOURNAL IN THE NEWS

The Armed Citizen

Studies indicate that rearms are used more than 2 million times a year for personal protection, and that the presence of a rearm, without a shot being red, prevents crime in many instances. Shooting usually can be justi ed only where crime constitutes an immediate, imminent threat to life, limb, or, in some cases, property. Anyone is free to quote or reproduce these accounts. Send clippings via e-mail to armedcitizen@nrahq.org, or by mail to The Armed Citizen, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400. For bonus features, visit The Armed Citizen Blog at www.americanri eman.org. View this column online at www.nrapublications.org.

If you have a firsthand Armed Citizen experience, call NRA-ILA PR/Communications at (703) 267-1193.

Barbara Haley, 52, awoke to the sound of her barking dog around 2:40 a.m. She went to investigate and noticed a few items out of place, but when she did not see anyone, she returned to bed. Then, after a loud crash, she discovered an intruder had taken refuge in her bedroom closet. She retrieved her rearm and issued the verbal warning, Dont move! before calling 911. She then pointed her .45-caliber handgun and kept the 24-year-old suspect at bay for 30 minutes until police arrived. (Omaha World Herald, Omaha, NE, 9/3/14)

Kim and Jim Fee, owners of Robs Quick Stop, were suspicious when a young man wearing a black bandanna over his face entered the store around 9:15 a.m. With rearm in hand, the masked robber rounded the counter and headed for the cash register. Jim immediately drew his .380-caliber handgun and aimed at the assailant. Surprised to nd a pistol aimed back at him, the suspect ed. The suspect is reportedly still at large, and no injuries were sustained during the incident. (Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, WA, 8/22/14)

Shortly after 9 p.m., a gas station clerk exchanged gun re with three masked, armed robbers using the rearm he legally carried, thus protecting a co-worker from harm. The clerk sustained injuries to the hip and leg that were determined to be non life-threatening. Two of the 20-year-old suspects were taken to the hospital and later died. The

third suspect is reportedly still being sought by police, who are investigating other convenience store robberies in the area. (The Repository, Canton, OH, 9/14/14)

Despite having a protective order against him, Brandy Morenos ex-boyfriend shattered a glass door and entered her home just before 4 a.m. He attacked Moreno and stabbed her. Morenos 11-year-old daughter, Jayda, was home at the time of the incident. When she witnessed the attack, Jayda retrieved a handgun and red twice. The ex-boyfriend ed the home, but was found just a few blocks away. Both he and Moreno were taken to a local hospital in serious condition. Their current conditions are reportedly unknown. I think shes a hero, Morenos neighbor, Carolyn Marsee, said of Jaydas actions. (The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, OK, 9/25/14)

When a 20-year-old suspect entered a convenience store, confronted the owner and attempted to pistol whip him, the would-be victim retrieved his own gun, called 911 and kept the suspect inside the store until police could arrive. The

suspect was arraigned on charges of armed robbery, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. (Cape Cod Times, Cape Cod, MA 9/12/14)

James Jackson, a 73-year-old Air Force veteran, was at home with his wife and grandson when he heard the sound of a picture window breaking. He armed himself with his Taurus .380 ACP handgun and investigated the noise. Encoutering a strange man inside his home, he red a single round at the 29-year-old intruder. After being treated at the hospital for a bullet wound, the suspect was upgraded to fair condition. Reportedly the suspect has not yet been charged. Neither Jackson nor his family were harmed. (Omaha World Herald, Omaha, NE, 8/27/14)

In the early morning hours, a woman called 911 to report that a man had broken into her home. She confronted the intruder with a rearm causing him to ee before the police could arrive. Police are linking the event to other break-ins in the neighborhood and a suspect is being sought. The resident was not injured. (Fosters Daily Democrat, Dover, NH, 9/10/14)

Arthur M. Lewis, 89, a decorated World War II veteran, was working at his jewelry business around 3 p.m. when a man with a gun entered the store. Lewis quickly grabbed the .38-caliber handgun he was carrying in his pocket. The would-be robber exchanged gun re with Lewis before eeing the scene. He was later found at a local hospital su ering from six gunshot wounds. After being treated, the assailant was arrested and now faces charges of armed robbery, felon in possession of a rearm, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and armed burglary. Lewis left arm was grazed by a bullet, but he was other-wise unscathed. (The Palm Beach Post, Palm Beach, FL, 8/26/14)

SPONSOR AN NRA LIFE OF DUTY MEMBERSHIP FOR AN AMERICAN HERO. Honor those who stand on the front lines with exclusive benets worth thousands of dollars. And thats only the beginning! Visit NRALifeOfDuty.tv or call (877) NRA-GIVE now to sponsor a hero.

OFFICIAL JOURNAL SPECIAL REPORT

12 DECEMBER 2014 AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

standing guardBy Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President

When Prosecution is Persecution

Good and evil. Right and wrong.Those are two fundamental oppos-ing concepts that de ne the nature of humankind.

But for the gun-ban crowd, each and every one of themwhen it comes to private ownership of firearms and armed self-defense, the very heart of the Second Amendmentthere is no such conflict. In their lexicon,

firearms in the hands of private citizens are inherently evil.

These zealots for disarming individual Americans choose not to recognize the basic notion that de nes American free-dom: the di erence between a good guy with a gun and a bad guy with a gun.

There is no better example of that mindset than with the persecution of a young woman named Shaneen Allen. Her crime? Being honest in New Jersey.

Allen, a Philadelphia resident, mis-takenly believed her Pennsylvania carry permit was like her drivers licenseuniversally recognized across state lines. When she crossed the bridge into New Jersey in October 2013, she entered a gun-ban Twilight Zone that began with a state trooper pulling her over for a minor tra c infraction.

Allen acted properly when she volun-teered that she possessed a lawful carry permit and had a Bersa semi-auto in her purse in the back seat. The handgun, by the way, was locked and inoperable. (In New Jersey, Right-to-Carry permits are rarely issued, subject to the whim of gun-ban public o cials.)

Thus began a nightmare spun by o cials backed by the power of oppres-sive gun control lawsall hell-bent on punishing this single, working mom for making a simple mistake. With all the talk about bullies among the chattering classes, that is the only word to describe New Jersey o cials who dealt with Allen.

She was dragged out of her car and handcu ed, charged with illegal possession of a handgun and posses-sion of illegal cartridgescommon self-defense .380 hollow-points. A second o cer on the scene told Allen that he would have sent her home to Philadelphia to return to New Jersey unarmedwith no one the wiser. Neither that option, nor the U.S. Constitution, moved the arresting o cer.

Perhaps the best description of the injustice done to her under New Jersey gun laws was penned in a USA Today analysis by renowned professor Glenn Harlan Reynolds:

shes being punished for something the Constitution saysand the Supreme Court has agreedis a constitutional right. And the super-sti penalties and abusive prosecution shes experiencing are pretty clearly

intended to chill people from exercis-ing that right.

The super-sti felonies for which she was arraigned are virtually one step below penalties for violent crime in New Jersey. Consequently, Allen spent 46 days in jail awaiting trial.

Allen crossed paths with an even bigger forceJim McClain, the prosecu-tor of Atlantic County, who could have used discretion and simply declined to pursue the charges. Or he could have asked the court to place Allen in New Jerseys Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI), designed for rst o enders like her which would result in no criminal record.

McClain, a gun-ban zealot, refused that option and o ered Allen a plea deal under which she would spend a minimum of three years in prison, likely lose her two young boys and have an employment impediment that would stick with her for the rest of her lifeconvicted felon. She would also become a prohibited person whose future possession of a rearm or ammunition would be a federal felony.

Next we meet the assistant prosecu-tor, Deborah Hay, who de ned Allens crime as too serious to allow diver-gence, saying Allen going to prison would serve as an example.

Example of what? Decent, peaceable people exercising a constitutional right who unknowingly commit a crime under New Jerseys prohibitive statutes?

Oh yes, I almost forgot just before pulling out all the stops to put this young woman in prison and denying her the second chance of diversion, pros-ecutor McClain gave that legal PTI time-out to Baltimore Ravens football star, Ray Rice. His crime? Getting caught on surveillance video bashing his girlfriend unconscious with a vicious punch to her face, then dragging her unconscious body out of an elevator. Where McCain was not prepared to make an example

Like us on Facebook at the National Ri e Association. View this column online at www.nrapublications.org.

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of a huge athlete beating a small woman senseless, he was willing to throw the book of mandatory penalties against Shaneen Allen.

And where were the gun banners in response to the civil rights abuse suf-fered by Allen? Just where you would expect.

Try these smug words from Bryan Miller, who heads the group Heeding Gods Call: Fortunately, the notoriety of this case will make it less likely Pennsylvanians will carry concealed and loaded handguns in New Jersey, thereby making them and the Garden State safer from gun violence.

Safer from gun violence? Shaneen Allen? While New Jersey is awash in vio-lence committed by real criminals who go unpunished?

The truth is Allens only connection with gun violence was that she was robbed twice in Philadelphiathe very reason she bought a rearm for self-protection and applied for and received a carry permit.

Just a short time ago, it seemed that there was no justice to be had in New Jersey for Shaneen Allen. But public outcry by gun owners across the nationled by NRA memberscombined with the work of her dedicated, skilled lawyer, Evan Nappen (an NRA Benefactor mem-ber), reversed this injustice. New Jerseys acting Attorney General, John Ho man, interceded and Allen was o ered the intervention program, after the nearly year-long nightmare.

The notoriety of this case has awakened Americans to the need for enactment of the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act so lawful carry permit owners can legally bear arms across state lines so long as they are in compliance with the laws of their home states.

I promise you that among NRAs top initiatives for the new U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives in January will be enacting this national law to prevent the kind of injustice su ered by Shaneen Allen and other victims under repressive, prohibitive gun laws wherever these exist in America.

14 DECEMBER 2014 AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

OFFICIAL JOURNAL SPECIAL REPORT

presidents columnBy James W. Porter II, President

NRA OFFICERS James W. Porter II, PRESIDENT Allan D. Cors, FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Pete R. Brownell, SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Wayne LaPierre, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Edward J. Land Jr., SECRETARY Wilson H. Phillips Jr., TREASURER R. Kyle Weaver, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GENERAL OPERATIONS

Christopher W. Cox, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION

For news about your NRA, visit: www.nra.org and www.nranews.com View this column online at www.nrapublications.org

Admitting to the Assault Weapons Myth

When the New York Times pub-lished an op-ed thoroughly exposing the Assault Weapons Myth, the major players in the gun-ban movement blithely said they were moving on, that a federal gun-ban was a non-starter.

With that myth shattered, gun banners have simply regrouped to concentrate on their new big lieuniversal back-ground checks.

The Times piece was surprisingly accurate, with evidence from Justice Department researchers and other academics who long-ago concluded the 1994 assault weapons bans e ect on crime was too small to measure. In reality, the issue was a massive fraud.

In her September 14, 2014, analysis, Lois Beckett of ProPublica accurately dis-sects what I would prefer to call a serial lie that led to the passage of U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinsteins and (then) U.S. Rep. Chuck Shumers 1994 assault weapons ban. It was, says Beckett, purely political ction, or as she put it, Democrats created and then banned a category of guns they called assault weap-ons. These rearms, she writes were presented by the media as the gun of choice for drug dealers and criminals and which many in law enforcement wanted to get o the streets.

None of that was true then, nor is it true today.

Beckett in this and subsequent pieces, validated NRAs truth about what

has been a phony issue. My initial reac-tion was surprise, followed by anger.

Since all of this is and has been a myth, what the hell has the last 30 years expenditure of time, emotion and money by millions of threatened Americans been all about?

What about the loss of freedom of peaceable individual citizens in states like New York, Connecticut, Colorado, California and Maryland where the assault weapons myth led to real con scatory bans with Draconian criminal penalties? What about all those formerly law-abiding citizens who are now potential felons? These good citizens are paying a heavy price for a myth.

Beckett should go a few steps further and put human faces on victims of the Assault Weapons Myth.

Neither the Times, nor other major media that consistently ampli ed the big lie of assault weapons over decades, even blinked over Becketts revelations.

Huge damage has been done to countless citizens and the gun-ban crowd wants to simply walk away saying, Nevermind?

Not to take anything away from Beckettwe hope she pursues the truth furtherbut there is something else afoot here. With the gun-ban crowds reactionto take a walk on this issuetheyre now admitting that the assault weapons ban is a big rock tied around their necks and they want to lose the loser.

From the get-go, the assault weap-ons issue was a self-ful lling disaster for the anti-Second Amendment crowdsimply because when it was enacted, honest Americans went on a buying spree that has never abated. In terms of grassroots power alone, that changed the dynamic.

The man initially responsible for the assault weapons fraud, Josh Sugarmann, who founded the venomous Violence Policy Center, believed that banning

handguns was impossible because there were just too many of them in private hands. Assault weapons, he wrote, were the perfect new topic because few people can envision a practical use for these weapons.

With your opposition and NRAs suc-cessful legislative action, the1994 federal ban as passed included an automatic sunset provision under which it would vanish o the books after 10 years, unless reenacted by Congress.

During that decade, which predict-ably saw no reduction in any crime, the ban produced another resulta massive consumer demand.

When the ban vanished o the federal books in 2004, that demand was exponential.

Where in the early 1990s only a hand-ful of companies produced the AR-15, there are now thousands of companies producing ri es, parts and accessories. There has never been anything like the aftermarket commerce for ARs, which has become the most popular ri e in history. With each acquisition over the years, the rearm that few people can envision a practical use for has become ubiquitous.

Because of the ban, because of the big lie and because of the likes of Dianne Feinstein on a national level, Sugarmanns original fear about hand-gun ownershiptoo many in private hands to bannow applies equally to semi-automatic long guns.

As the new e ort of the gun-ban lobby to back away from their myth expands, so will our opportunity to take back lost ground. We must never let up in our e orts to free all American gun-owners from the tyranny of the assault weapons big-lie in those states where gun owners su er against its anvil.

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Then you need to support the NRA Institute for Legislative Action.

We are the only arm of NRA speci cally charged with defending your Second Amendment freedoms on Capitol Hill, and in state legislatures and courtrooms across America.

Visit www.NRAILA.org/donateto support NRA-ILA today!

OFFICIAL JOURNAL SPECIAL REPORT

16 DECEMBER 2014 AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORGNRA-ILA: (800) 392-8683 NRA-ILA website: www.nraila.org View this column online at www.nrapublications.org

political reportBy Chris W. Cox, NRA-ILA Executive Director

The Judiciarys Role in Fundamental Transformation

On Nov. 21, 2013, on a near party-line vote, the Democratic-controlled United States Senate eliminated the possibility of a libuster on con rmation votes for many fed-eral appointments. The new rule allows nominations for most executive positions and all lower court federal judgeships to move forward in the Senate with a simple majority vote rather than the 60 votes needed to end a libustered nomina-tion. Although he opposed an identical proposal to change the Senate rules in 2005, President Obama was quick to take

advantage of the new rule, now that it could be used to his bene t. In a little more than a year since this rule change, its e ect on the federal judiciary has been signi cant. Nine of the 13 federal courts of appeal now have a majority of judges who were appointed by anti-gun presidents.

While a presidents party a liation is not necessarily determinative of how his judicial appointees will decide cases, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack

Obama were behind all the Democrat appointments of currently active federal judges. These presidents are no friends of the Second Amendment, and Clinton and Obama in particular adamantly pur-sue gun control. To assume this agenda wouldnt in uence their judicial appoint-ments is dangerously nave.

Many gun owners understand the importance of appointing Supreme Court justices who will faithfully interpret the Constitution, but the importance of lower court appointments, especially to the federal circuit courts of appeal, is often overlooked. Because of the sheer number of federal cases, lower court decisions often set the tone of consti-tutional debates and establish the rules under which people live for years. Lower federal courts have decided cases on important issues from whether the right to bear arms applies outside the home to the scope of protections provided by federal interstate transportation of re-arm laws. The total list of gun-law issues currently pending before lower courts is too long to list here, but these examples illustrate the importance of keeping anti-gun partisans o the bench.

The Supreme Court itself illustrates how a presidents viewpoint can reso-nate through his judicial picks. In 2010, Justice Sonia Sotomayor joined the dissent in the landmark McDonald case, arguing that there is no constitutional right to own a rearm. And earlier this year, Justice Elena Kagan wrote an opin-ion a rming the conviction of a former police o cer for buying a rearm for his uncle, even though both men success-fully passed background checks before receiving the rearm. Opinions such as these from the high court only serve to embolden anti-gun judges throughout the federal judiciary.

Federal judges often serve as a legacy for the presidents who appoint them and the senators who con rm them. A federal

judgeship is essentially an appointment for life, subject only to impeachment by Congress. Judges often remain on the bench for decades after the presidents who appointed them have left o ce. As an example of how long this can be, several judges who were appointed by President Kennedy remain in the federal judiciary on senior status (i.e., in a semi-retired role). These judges illustrate that its entirely possible for a president to have an impact on the legal landscape for more than a half-century.

As Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., told the New York Times earlier this year, the lling of judicial vacancies will a ect America for a generation, long after the internecine battles on legislative issues are forgotten. One of those internecine battles that Schumer was likely referring to was his failed attempt to pass a num-ber of expansive gun control measures out of the Senate last year. He clearly sees the recent spike in appointmentsthanks largely to the elimination of the libuster he supportedas a backdoor opportunity to shape our nations gun laws in a way that he has been unable to accomplish through legislation. Anti-gun Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., went even further, commenting on the need to have people there that are of an ideological like mind.

The midterm elections have now been decided, but the struggle for freedom continues. The appointment of judges can, as much as anything, contribute to President Obamas stated goal of fundamentally transforming the United States of America. This is yet another reason gun owners must stay informed, alert and involved. Now, more than ever, your NRA is here to help you understand where the battle for freedom will be joined.

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18 DECEMBER 2014 AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

FEATURE ILA STORY

By Chris W. CoxNRA-ILA Executive Director

Election Day has passed. Come the rst of the year, the political landscape will have changed, in some cases for the better, in others not. What will not change heading into 2015 is the energetic and well-funded resurgence of the gun control move-ment, especially at the state level.

Unprecedented amounts of money and collaboration amongst new gun control groups means more work for each of us, but we are always at the ready. NRA mem-bers and Second Amendment advocates are steadfast and united in purpose, and NRA succeeds because of your activism and support every legislative session. The rst step to winning in 2015 is understanding where and how weve succeeded in 2014, as well as being prepared for the critical battles ahead.

As Congress has continued to stalemate over a variety of issues, the focus of our anti-gun opponents has turned sharply to the states. 2014 proved to be one of the busiest years for NRA in state legislatures across the country. Yet despite the opposi-tion and money aligned against us, NRA continued to succeed in many states with the passage of critical legislation protecting and promoting our freedom. What fol-lows are just a few highlights that NRA and its members can be proud of this year.

Georgia passed what is likely the most comprehensive pro-gun legislation in its history. With the enthusiastic participation of Georgia NRA members, Right-to-Carry was reformed and expanded, privacy of Right-to-Carry licensees was enhanced, and self-defense, hunting rights and state rearm preemption were all strengthened signi cantly.

Idaho became the latest state to enact campus carry and now recognizes the right of retired law enforcement o cers and those with an enhanced concealed-carry permit to carry rearms on college campuses. This was an important victory in the ongoing e ort to protect the right to self-defense and to expand Right-to-Carry protections for law-abiding citizens.

Kansas also passed an important and comprehensive pro-gun bill this year that signi cantly strengthens state rearm preemption laws, expands open carry, limits taxpayer funds for gun buybacks and facilitates lawful transfers of items regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA).

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ILA STORY

20 DECEMBER 2014 AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Michigan had a productive pro-gun year, and the positive momentum continues into 2015 for Michiganders. The Firearms Records Con dentiality package signed into law ensures that information submitted to the state for purposes of rearms licensing, registration and concealed carry permitting remains con dential. Such information is exempted from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act and will only be available to law enforcement o cials for proper investigatory purposes. Also signed into law were multiple NRA-backed bills promot-ing and preserving Michigans rich hunting heritage, as well as eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way through Michigans legislature, including additional reforms to the states Right-to-Carry laws.

Across the nation, many other states saw similar success with at least 30 states enacting some form of pro-gun legisla-tion in 2014. Right-to-Carry laws were greatly improved in states such as Arizona, Indiana, Louisiana and South Carolina. In addition, Louisiana and South Carolina lifted prohibitions on carrying handguns in restaurants, and doing so is now legal under at least some circumstances in all 50 states.

NRAs shall-certify legislation is an important pro-gun reform that in 2014 was adopted by ve pioneering states: Arizona, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Utah. Under these laws, state o cials whose sign-o is required under federal regulations for the transfer of rearms or other items regulated by the NFA must execute it in a timely manner, provided the applicant is not legally prohibited from receiv-ing the item.

Under current law in most states, such o cials are not required to act on an application for an NFA item, meaning that a law-abiding applicant has no recourse when the o cial refuses to consider the application or denies it for ideological, political or other arbitrary reasons. Shall-certify legislation establishes statewide standards for these decisions and ensures law-abiding residents have access to legal rearms and rearm accessories. It is also meant to counter plans by the Obama administration to restrict access to NFA rearms by expanding the certi cation requirement to situations in which it does not currently apply.

Hard work by many led to great gains in various states, but not to be forgotten is the onslaught of anti-gun legisla-tion that was thwarted but will require our ongoing vigilance. Truth is, most people only become aware of a fraction of the onerousand often ridiculouslegislation introduced in state legislatures each year. Your NRA fended o bills in numerous states that would have imposed gun registration, gun bans and magazine restrictions. Of particular note was the New Jersey legislation to restrict magazine capacity that was vetoed by Republican Governor Chris Christie.

True to form, the California legislature continued its assault on the Second Amendment. Dangerous legislation enacted in California is precisely what Michael Bloomberg and like-minded gun banners hope will serve as a model for all states. The now-infamous AB 1014, signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in September, is among the most egregious anti-gun bills weve seen to date. This law creates a gun violence restraining order that family members may obtain against each other and that may also be sought by police. Subjects of such orders would be given no prior warning and no opportunity to be heard until

after an initial restriction is issued. For some, the rst indication of the proceedings might be con scation by police of their law-fully obtained rearms. Even those who prevail at later proceed-ings against extension of the orders will still su er the expense of ghting for their rights and, in many cases, bureaucratic obstacles in reclaiming their seized property.

Unfortunately, with the continued meddling of ber-nanny Bloomberg, this new and disturbing gun control innovationas well as previously-vetoed or impassable restrictionsis certain to reappear. Multiple gun control concepts that failed in 2014 will be waiting for us again in 2015, not because the American people support them but because a megalomaniacal billionaire wants to remake the country in his image.

NRA and its educated and engaged members worked hard this year to prevent movement of anti-gun legislation in their states, but new tactics and strategies emerged, reminding us to never rest on our laurels. One of those new strategies emerged in the state of Washington with ballot Initiative 594.

While marketed as a bill to close loopholes in the states rearm background check system, this measure presump-tively criminalizes many ordinary activities of law-abiding gun owners that involve their using or borrowing each others re-arms. Its language expands the states handgun registration scheme. Meanwhile, it ignores the fact that most criminals have always obtained their rearms o -papersuch as through theft, the black market and straw purchasesand will continue to do so unimpeded by its provisions. Indeed, the states largest law enforcement groups, the Washington Council of Police and Sheri s (WACOPS) and the Washington State Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors Association (WSLEFIA), opposed the 18-page gun control measure.

Unfortunately, these misleading and well-funded initiative e orts wont end with Washington State. Mislabeled ballot initiatives pushed in states by national gun control activists will continue attempts to mislead, misinform and hoodwink the American public. Nevada is the next battleground for this concept. A 2016 ballot initiative petition seeks to require government permission for nearly all rearm transfers in the Silver State, with very limited exceptions. Just as with other so-called universal background check legislation, the Nevada proposal promises to be ine ective and unenforceable and to turn traditional, innocent conduct into criminality. Your NRA will be working non-stop to educate the public about the truth and consequence of these types of measures.

The upcoming year will undoubtedly provide both legisla-tive opportunities and challenges nationwide for gun owners. Adverse e orts will continue to be fueled by Bloombergs anti-gun war chest. Yet while he is doling out millions upon millions of dollars to defeat the NRA and to buy loyalties and in uence, NRAs already loyal, educated and engaged members will be persistently resisting him at every turn. His money cannot outlast the enduring commitment of millions of dedicated NRA mem-bers ghting for freedom.

With the mid-term elections now behind us, 2015 serves as the focus for critical action in state legislatures. We have the opportunity as gun owners and Second Amendment supporters to control that agenda. We knew 2014 would be a challenge. We were ready for success then, and we are ready for it now.

Michigan had a productive pro-gun year, and the positive Michigan had a productive pro-gun year, and the positive momentum continues into 2015 for Michiganders. The Firearms Records Con dentiality package signed into law ensures that Records Con dentiality package signed into law ensures that information submitted to the state for purposes of rearms licensing, registration and concealed carry permitting remains con dential. Such information is exempted from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act and will only be available under the Freedom of Information Act and will only be available to law enforcement o cials for proper investigatory purposes. Also signed into law were multiple NRA-backed bills promot-

with at least 30 states enacting some form of pro-gun legisla-tion in 2014. Right-to-Carry laws were greatly improved in with at least 30 states enacting some form of pro-gun legisla-tion in 2014. Right-to-Carry laws were greatly improved in with at least 30 states enacting some form of pro-gun legisla-tion in 2014. Right-to-Carry laws were greatly improved in

Michigan had a productive pro-gun year, and the positive momentum continues into 2015 for Michiganders. The Firearms Records Con dentiality package signed into law ensures that information submitted to the state for purposes of rearms licensing, registration and concealed carry permitting remains con dential. Such information is exempted from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act and will only be available to law enforcement o cials for proper investigatory purposes. Also signed into law were multiple NRA-backed bills promot-ing and preserving Michigans rich hunting heritage, as well as eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way through Michigans legislature, including additional reforms to the states Right-to-Carry laws.

Across the nation, many other states saw similar success with at least 30 states enacting some form of pro-gun legisla-tion in 2014. Right-to-Carry laws were greatly improved in states such as Arizona, Indiana, Louisiana and South Carolina.

ing and preserving Michigans rich hunting heritage, as well as eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way through Michigans legislature, including additional reforms to through Michigans legislature, including additional reforms to through Michigans legislature, including additional reforms to through Michigans legislature, including additional reforms to through Michigans legislature, including additional reforms to

Across the nation, many other states saw similar success with at least 30 states enacting some form of pro-gun legisla-with at least 30 states enacting some form of pro-gun legisla-

Across the nation, many other states saw similar success with at least 30 states enacting some form of pro-gun legisla-

Across the nation, many other states saw similar success with at least 30 states enacting some form of pro-gun legisla-tion in 2014. Right-to-Carry laws were greatly improved in

Across the nation, many other states saw similar success with at least 30 states enacting some form of pro-gun legisla-tion in 2014. Right-to-Carry laws were greatly improved in with at least 30 states enacting some form of pro-gun legisla-tion in 2014. Right-to-Carry laws were greatly improved in

ILA STORYILA STORY

Michigan had a productive pro-gun year, and the positive momentum continues into 2015 for Michiganders. The Firearms Records Con dentiality package signed into law ensures that information submitted to the state for purposes of rearms licensing, registration and concealed carry permitting remains information submitted to the state for purposes of rearms licensing, registration and concealed carry permitting remains con dential. Such information is exempted from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act and will only be available to law enforcement o cials for proper investigatory purposes.

information submitted to the state for purposes of rearms licensing, registration and concealed carry permitting remains con dential. Such information is exempted from disclosure con dential. Such information is exempted from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act and will only be available to law enforcement o cials for proper investigatory purposes. under the Freedom of Information Act and will only be available con dential. Such information is exempted from disclosure con dential. Such information is exempted from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act and will only be available under the Freedom of Information Act and will only be available to law enforcement o cials for proper investigatory purposes.

momentum continues into 2015 for Michiganders. The Firearms Records Con dentiality package signed into law ensures that information submitted to the state for purposes of rearms licensing, registration and concealed carry permitting remains con dential. Such information is exempted from disclosure con dential. Such information is exempted from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act and will only be available to law enforcement o cials for proper investigatory purposes. Also signed into law were multiple NRA-backed bills promot-ing and preserving Michigans rich hunting heritage, as well as

under the Freedom of Information Act and will only be available to law enforcement o cials for proper investigatory purposes. Also signed into law were multiple NRA-backed bills promot-

Records Con dentiality package signed into law ensures that information submitted to the state for purposes of rearms licensing, registration and concealed carry permitting remains licensing, registration and concealed carry permitting remains licensing, registration and concealed carry permitting remains con dential. Such information is exempted from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act and will only be available to law enforcement o cials for proper investigatory purposes. Also signed into law were multiple NRA-backed bills promot-ing and preserving Michigans rich hunting heritage, as well as

con dential. Such information is exempted from disclosure licensing, registration and concealed carry permitting remains con dential. Such information is exempted from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act and will only be available to law enforcement o cials for proper investigatory purposes. Also signed into law were multiple NRA-backed bills promot-

information submitted to the state for purposes of rearms

Michigan had a productive pro-gun year, and the positive momentum continues into 2015 for Michiganders. The Firearms Records Con dentiality package signed into law ensures that information submitted to the state for purposes of rearms licensing, registration and concealed carry permitting remains con dential. Such information is exempted from disclosure

eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even now, many critical pro-gun bills continue to make their way eliminating bans on short-barreled ri es and shotguns. Even

through Michigans legislature, including additional reforms to through Michigans legislature, including additional reforms to the states Right-to-Carry laws.through Michigans legislature, including additional reforms to through Michigans legislature, including additional reforms to the states Right-to-Carry laws.through Michigans legislature, including additional reforms to through Michigans legislature, including additional reforms to the states Right-to-Carry laws.through Michigans legislature, including additional reforms to through Michigans legislature, including additional reforms to through Michigans legislature, including additional reforms to through Michigans legislature, including additional reforms to the states Right-to-Carry laws.

You may not be aware of it, but if you own real estate, you can put this valuable asset to work protect-ing and preserving our freedoms.

When you give a gift of real estate to the NRA, youre not only helping defend the freedoms we all hold dear, youll also be realizing a number of personal nancial bene ts.

Depending upon how you and the NRA decide to structure your gift, you may be eligible for tax advantages such as current

income tax deductions, capital gains tax savings and reduced estate taxes.

NRA member Ed Eklund donated his 149-acre Missouri farm to the NRA Whittington Center in 2011. NRA, in turn, sold the property at auction. The proceeds were used to fund a charitable gift annuity that provided Eklund with a tax deduction, immediate cash and an income stream for the rest of his life.

This is just one example of how NRA can help you meet your income needs through a gift of real estate or other charitable giving strategies. Additionally,

your gift of real estate can be used to eliminate maintenance burdens, owner-ship expenses and prospective liquida-tion e orts and costs.

At the same time, by giving a gift of real estate, you have the opportunity to bene t the NRA program of your choice, plan for the future in an estate plan or will, or even ful ll the wish of a deceased loved one.

Many types of real estate qualify for the program including personal residences, vacation homes, commercial

properties, hunting land, farms, ranches and raw land.

If you choose to donate real estate, NRAs O ce of Advancement will work closely with you to prepare real estate gifts for sale. Through this process, youll maximize market valuations and compare the tax bene ts of potential gift arrangements. Gifts of real estate are subject to certain conditions, including a minimum value, marketability and mortgage liability.

What will happen to your property once it is donated to the NRA?

Its simple. We make every e ort to optimize your gift to the NRA. When we receive a gift of real estate, we make a determination of how best it may match the donors interests with respect to NRAs mission.

Sometimes its best to sell the prop-erty immediately, but in other cases the property may be held to serve the NRAs primary exempt purposes.

Real estate donations to bene t NRA programs are an increasingly important gift class. The fact that these gifts may provide unique nancial and other ben-e ts to donors makes gifts of real estate even more attractive.

For more information on making a planned gift

of real estate to NRA, please call NRAs O ce of Advancement

toll free at

1-877-672-4483 or visit our website at

www.NRAGive.com NRAs Tax Identi cation number is 52-1710886

Freedoms FutureBy Wilson H. Phillips Jr., NRA Treasurer

A Priceless Gift to Future Generations

The National Rifle Associations Whittington Center

Phot

os b

y NRA

Sta

Youre not only helping defend the freedoms we all hold dear, youll also be realizing a number of personal financial benefits.

NRA acquired the property in 1973 through a real estate trade. At 52 square miles, the Whittington Center now hosts the worlds nest shooting facility.

22 DECEMBER 2014 AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORGDECEMBER 2014 AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

CORRESPONDENCE READERS WRITE

Readers Write affords members an opportunity to comment on material published in American Rieman. Single-topic letters are preferred and may be edited for brevity. Send letters to: Readers Write, NRA Publications, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400 or e-mail us at publications@nrahq.org.

Passing The TorchJohn Zents article Passing The Torch (October 2014, p. 26) detailed three guns from Purdy that exemplify the nest in the art of rearm

design and manufacture. A fair amount was said about the quality of the nish and embellishment of the metalwork, but little was said about the stocks. While the photographs were of small scale, it would appear that Purdy has continued the practice (which at one time was common with almost all gunsmiths) of very close t between metal and wood and a smooth transition between the two. This is very welcome in a world where it seems that most stocks are left proud around the metal which, I believe, is simply a way to disguise the poor t and the fact that the poorly aged wood will probably change dimensions over time.

JON A. OXLEY, VIA E-MAIL

Vive Garry James!

I have been reading American Rieman for more than 50 years, and I am very inter-ested in the small arms of World Wars I and II. I have shelves of notebooks lled with articles on the subject. Garry James Lebel story is a masterpiece of its kind. The article authoritatively covers not only the technical and historical aspects of the rie, but also the development and evolution of its cartridge. The illustrations, especially the full-page photo of a very natty poilu infantryman, are the icing on the cake. Kudos! Vive Monsieur James!

THOMAS L. ALLEN, VIA E-MAIL

Beware Of Eager Riffs

I always enjoy Garry James excellent arti-cles, and his latestFrances Great War Masterpiece: The 1886/93 Lebel (October 2014, p. 66)was of special interest. Whilst living in England, I belonged to my hometowns Operatic Society (Wood Green, North London). When it was decided to perform Rombergs Desert Song, I had the task of obtaining the police permit and hiring 25 Lebel ries for the Legionnaires. These I obtained from Baptys, a London company that supplied arms for stage presentations. Knowing my experience with rearms (I was an armorer in the British Army during World War II) I was given the role of the French Legionnaire sentry, who whilst on sentry duty is attacked by several Riffs (Arabs).

I was supposed to get off three shots before a Riff gets behind me and knocks me out! I suppose it was the short length of the blank cartridgesthey just wouldnt feed from the tubular magazineI had to load them separately. That wasnt too bad, except the Riff was too eagernot only did he not wait for all three shots, but he had picked up the wrong club (it should have been a soft property one) and hit me such a blow! I had a bump on my head for a week. Some friends attend-ing the operetta told me afterwards how realistically Id fallen down.

ROBERT WHITER, CALIFORNIA

Photo courtesy of Robert Whiter

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NEWS & NOTES OPENING SHOT

Brownells: 75 Years And CountingThe word legacy is often bandied about for the express pur-pose of conjuring up larger-than-life impressions of a particu-lar business or individual, but for Frank R. Brownell, III, it is an entirely appropriate term to use when describing the impact his per-sonal and professional life have had on the rearm industry. His name, after all, is synonymous with one of its most in uential companiesone his late father, Bob, founded in 1939, the same year he was born.

COVER: Bob Brownell of Montezuma, Iowa, made the transparency of his son, Frank, about three miles southeast of Devils Tower, Wyo. He used a Meridian 45B camera with Schneider Angulon lens at 8, 1/50, with three ash extensions and Ansco lm. The ri e is a Husqvarna with a Leupold scope. [February, 1957]

1

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OPENING SHOT

The elder Brownell had already cut his teeth in the retail trade work-ing in his fathers small Montezuma, Iowa, grocery store in the 20s and 30s. Eventually, his nascent gun-smithing hobby developed into a trade for which there was virtually no professional support. It was then that Bob realized supplying parts and tools to other gunsmiths could be a trade all its own. In 1939 he launched Brownells, advertising just a few years later in The American Rieman. In 1947, he sent out catalog Number One to customers. By 1951, he had closed his gunsmithing shop to concentrate full-time on providing quality supplies to gunsmiths across the country.He never forgot the prin-ciples of customer service learned at his fathers neighborhood grocery store and determined to incorporate them into what would become his companys operating philosophy:

unmatched Selection, unrivaled Service and absolute Satisfaction.

Frank, having worked at Brownells as a young boy and later serving in the U.S. Navy, eventually returned to work side-by-side with his father, expanding the company into gun parts sales. He became president/chief executive ofcer in 1987 and chairman/chief executive ofcer in 1991. Today, with more than 50 years in the business, he serves as chairman of the board. Under his leadership, Brownells (brownells.com) has evolved into The World's Largest Supplier of Firearms Accessories and Gunsmithing Tools and also offers archery tackle, ammunition and emergency pre-paredness supplies. The company sponsors a Gunsmith Conference and Career Fair and publishes a variety of catalogs and videos. Franks son, Pete, who became chief

executive ofcer of the company in 2012, currently serves as second vice president of NRA. Most recently, Frank was named winner of the 2014 Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award by NRA Publications for his contribu-tions to the rearm industry.

It is an industry that, according to Frank, has witnessed a sea change since he began in the business. There are fewer gunsmiths who can make a part from scratch like gunsmiths of my era, he said, but added, Todays gunsmith is skilled in problem diagnosis, precision machining, tting and modifying parts and business development. In addition, he said, The number of

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Pete and Frank Brownell

products for gunsmiths and the hob-byist to purchase has grown expo-nentially. Ive seen our catalog go from about 120 pages when I was in high school, to a monster 696 pages in the one for this year.

Recalling his familys and com-panys relationship with NRA, Frank said, We were one of the three exhibitors at the rst NRA Annual Meetings that welcomed exhibitors, and we have shown at every Annual Meetings and Exhibits since.I was literally raised at those shows; that was the way I made friends and truly learned the business. My three sons are all Life members and have passion for the NRAs mission. Pete and I have moved up to Benefactor. We fully understand it is the NRA who carries the big club on a national level to work hard to keep the Second Amendment strong and from being trampled by the anti-gun politicians. Its neat to see

how our family has grown along-side the NRAfrom a simple ad in The American Rieman to playing key roles in developing The NRA Foundation and Youth Ambassadors program, to supporting Brownells/NRA Day, the round-up program I just couldnt be more proud of our 75-year relationship with the NRA.

Asked if he has any plans to retire, Frank replied, My whole life from about age seven has revolved around my family and this business.I love what I do, I love the friends I have made on a national level, I love watching or being a part of the great success and growth Pete and his team have brought to this company. In 1964 after completing my tour with the U.S. Navy, I was employee number 11.Now we are over 400what a joy for me as chairman to be a part of this amazing growth.I tell the guys I intend to go out of here feet rst on a gurney.

Brownells continues to uphold its reputation for excellence through an industry-exclusive, 100-percent Forever Satisfaction Guarantee on every product sold. Additionally, its professional gun and archery techs are available to answer customer questions on virtually any rearm- or archery-related issue free of charge.

In the three-quarters of a cen-tury since his father started it, Frank Brownells legacy has seen a family hobby become a world-class, family-owned business that is both his inheritance and a bequest to future generations. brownells75th.com

BRIAN C. SHEETZ, SENIOR EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Bob Brownell

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