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Polymer80 Product Changes in Accordance with ATF Final Rule

Tuesday, August 30th, 2022

Last week ATF final rule 2021R-05F, Definition of “Frame or Receiver” and Identification of Firearms, went into effect. Polymer80, Inc., the company that designs and develops innovative firearms and after-market accessories that provide ways for customers to participate in the build process while expressing their right to bear arms, is a direct target of this new rule. Polymer80 wholeheartedly disagrees with the ATF final rule, however, in an effort to maintain a legal business, will comply with the unconstitutional regulations.

In accordance with the new ATF final rule, Polymer80 will no longer offer their popular 80% kits in the same configuration in which customers have grown accustom. Instead, Polymer80 has released three new options for consumers interested in building their own legal firearm:

· OPTION 1 is an unserialized 80% frame with rear rail, locking block rail system and pins. No jig or tools are included with this product.

· OPTION 2 is a serialized frame that does include a jig, tooling, rear rail and locking block rail system. This option is the same as the prior 80% kit offered by Polymer80, but with a serialized frame.

· OPTION 3 is the “Build Back Better” kit, which includes everything listed in option 2 plus a slide assembly. This kit contains everything you need to build a complete, serialized firearm.

Option 1, the unserialized 80% blank, is currently available for purchase at www.polymer80.com. Please note that shipment is not available to all states.

For those interested in assembling without drilling, Polymer80 will continue to offer their AFT “Assemble for Thyself” kit, which includes all the necessary components to build a complete firearm, no drilling required.

Polymer80 will also continue to offer their line of complete pistols, including the popular PFC9 compact pistol and PFS9 full-size pistol, as well as parts and accessories.

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Smith & Wesson CEO Issues Statement on Anti-Gun Rhetoric

Tuesday, August 16th, 2022

Smith & Wesson President & CEO Mark Smith issued the following statement:

“A number of politicians and their lobbying partners in the media have recently sought to disparage Smith & Wesson. Some have had the audacity to suggest that after they have vilified, undermined and defunded law enforcement for years, supported prosecutors who refuse to hold criminals accountable for their actions, overseen the decay of our country’s mental health infrastructure, and generally promoted a culture of lawlessness, Smith & Wesson and other firearm manufacturers are somehow responsible for the crime wave that has predictably resulted from these destructive policies. But they are the ones to blame for the surge in violence and lawlessness, and they seek to avoid any responsibility for the crisis of violence they have created by attempting to shift the blame to Smith & Wesson, other firearm manufacturers and law-abiding gun owners.

It is no surprise that the cities suffering most from violent crime are the very same cities that have promoted irresponsible, soft-on-crime policies that often treat criminals as victims and victims as criminals. Many of these same cities also maintain the strictest gun laws in the nation. But rather than confront the failure of their policies, certain politicians have sought more laws restricting the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens, while simultaneously continuing to undermine our institutions of law and order. And to suppress the truth, some now seek to prohibit firearm manufacturers and supporters of the 2nd Amendment from advertising products in a manner designed to remind law-abiding citizens that they have a Constitutional right to bear arms in defense of themselves and their families.

To be clear, a Smith & Wesson firearm has never broken into a home; a Smith & Wesson firearm has never assaulted a woman out for a late-night run in the city; a Smith & Wesson firearm has never carjacked an unsuspecting driver stopped at a traffic light.

Instead, Smith & Wesson provides these citizens with the means to protect themselves and their families.

We are proud of our 170-year history. We are proud of the commitment of our employees to making a quality product. We are proud to provide law-abiding citizens and law enforcement – our customers – with the tools to provide for their security and independence. We are proud of our responsible business practices.

We will continue to work alongside law enforcement, community leaders and lawmakers who are genuinely interested in creating safe neighborhoods. We will engage those who genuinely seek productive discussions, not a means of scoring political points. We will continue informing law-abiding citizens that they have a Constitutionally-protected right to defend themselves and their families. We will never back down in our defense of the 2nd Amendment.”

– Mark Smith, President & CEO

Posted in 2A, Industry | 12 Comments »

American Suppressor Association – June Policy Update

Sunday, July 24th, 2022

Check out the latest on Suppressor policy updates from our friends at the American Suppressor Association.

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Aero Precision Partners with the Second Amendment Foundation to Help the Fight Against Gun Control in Washington State

Saturday, July 23rd, 2022

To raise funds to combat the recent standard capacity magazine ban (SB 5078) in the State of Washington, we at Aero Precision partnered with the Second Amendment Foundation to sell specially marked 30-round magazines. The net profits from each of these magazines sold have been donated to the Second Amendment Foundation raising a total of $28,120 for the fight against this unconstitutional law.

This fundraiser worked to not only generate money for this fight but also played a key part in our effort to get more standard capacity magazines into the hands of Washington State residents before the ban took effect.

Being a Washington-based firearms manufacturer we at Aero Precision want to ensure we are taking actions with a measurable impact beyond just building awareness. While the fight to preserve the Second Amendment is national, we believe the need to dig in at a local level is imperative. These values are something we hold close to heart as these types of laws negatively impact the rights of our local community members, employees, and customers.

About Aero Precision:

Aero Precision is a leading, top-tier manufacturer in the firearms industry. With roots in Aerospace, our quality and attention to detail go unmatched. When building something that flies, there is no margin for error. We take that same approach when making parts for firearms. Aero always delivers extremely high-quality, American-manufactured parts and components that you can rely on.

Manufacturing a great firearm isn’t just about what the end product looks like. It’s about what it feels like, how it works, how it handles, and how it performs. We push the boundaries of manufacturing and challenge the status quo by constantly looking for new ways to use, develop or evolve existing processes. By personally designing and engineering state-of-the-art tooling, we’re able to leverage the latest machine tool technologies to provide our customers with parts and components of the highest quality.

To learn more visit: www.aeroprecisionusa.com

About the Second Amendment Foundation:

“The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) is dedicated to promoting a better understanding about our Constitutional heritage to privately own and possess firearms.

To that end, we carry on many educational and legal action programs designed to better inform the public about the gun control debate.”

To learn more or get involved visit: www.saf.org

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Integrating Technology in Gun Culture Showcases Millennial Support for Second Amendment

Tuesday, July 19th, 2022

According to Adams Arms, their consumer roster of millennial first-time gun owners has increased and is now the second highest purchasing demographic after women. This generation – no longer the persona of middle-aged white men, is more educated on the Second Amendment, has yielded a younger group of military veterans re-entering civilian life after having enlisted post 9/11, and has buying power due to their increased wealth and education.

(Brooksville, FL) July 18, 2022— Nearly 50% of all millennials are now homeowners, according to a Bloomberg study. They have also become wealthier and more highly educated.(1) In short, they have come of age; a milestone which also appears to include greater knowledge of and appreciation for the Second Amendment and the greater technology in firearms. Adams Arms President Jason East points to millennials’ pattern of investment in technology as one of the reasons their roster of millennials as first-time gun owners has seen a spike recently. “Another reason is the change in the dialogue in gun stores. In years prior gun owners would not ask questions – the store owner would tell them what they wanted and needed. Millennials ask a LOT of questions and demand the latest proprietary technology,” points out East.

Millennials, much like the baby boomer generation and those older, are a demographic that is independent in their view of the world.(2) As youngsters skateboarding was a prevalent culture for them. Anything they did generally became trends. For example, The Defcon Group, a manufacturer of outdoor wear and sporting goods, was largely popularized by Navy Seals and other Special Operators, giving way to following special operations into the firearms culture.(3)

That world is now projected by Influencers. Instagram is alive with people who claim to be part of the “tactical community”, a culture of high tech rifles and drills that embody a messaging of positivity paired with images of attractive internet personalities and their guns. This source of their news speaks louder than mainstream political news.(4)

Millennials are a blend of veterans who enlisted in the military following 9-11, have an interest in firearms because video games have been a big part of their virtual lives, and support the right to carry concealed weapons and the Second Amendment providing Americans the right to carry firearms in public for self-defense. An example would be support for the decision handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court this week ensuring rights under the Second Amendment and striking down laws in states violating that right.(5)

But they also recognize a problem in America and want to keep guns out of the hands of people who can not be trusted.(6) Older people are saying they want guns for protection, but younger folks are saying they’re more into going shooting at a gun range. “Millennials are also more likely to listen to gun-oriented podcasts and shows, more likely to participate in online forums, and generally more likely to integrate technology in gun culture,” acknowledges East. “Our experience has been that they like the latest, coolest, proprietary technology in firearms.”

About 74 percent of military veterans who enlisted post 9/11 are millennials, born between 1980 and 1996. 82 percent of the U.S. Army is comprised of millennials.(7) A large number of these who re-enter civilian life do so with solid training and excellent skill in firearms operation and safety.(8)

East adds, “Young veterans are a skilled exception. We typically see first-time gun owners begin with a handgun. Over the course of the training their skills and confidence level become transferable to a rifle. Some millennials, following extensive research on the technology, have started with a rifle. Our piston drive system is a favorite of the military and law enforcement – and civilians such as these millennial first time gun owners now see its merit. The rifle is cleaner, cooler and more reliable. In short, its operation is there when it counts the most, which feeds millennials’ desire for quality technology. Social media, Instagram in particular, demonstrates the message about the superiority of our piston system over direct impingement.”

Visit adamsarms.net

Sources:

1 Gongloff, Mark. “Terrible News: Millennials are Finally Buying Houses”; Bloomberg; 03 January 2022; bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2022-01-03/terrible-news-millennials-are-finally-buying-houses

2 McGuire, Jen. “Here’s How Many Millennials Keep Guns in Their Homes”; Romper; 16 February 2018;. romper.com/p/how-many-millennial-families-have-guns-in-the-house-its-a-complicated-subject-8240256

3 Staff Writer. “About DefCon Group”; Tactical Distributors.com; 2022; tacticaldistributors.com/collections/defcon-group

4 Zuylen-Wood, Simon. “The Heavily Armed Millennials of Instagram”; The Washington Post Magazine; 04 March 2019; washingtonpost.com/news/magazine/wp/2019/03/04/feature/the-heavily-armed-millennials-of-instagram/

5 Gresko, Jessica. “Supreme Court Expands Gun Rights, With Nation Divided”; AP News; 23 June 2022; apnews.com/article/supreme-court-guns-decision-58d01ef8bd48e816d5f8761ffa84e3e8

6 McGuire, Jen. “Here’s How Many Millennials Keep Guns in Their Homes”; Romper; 16 February 2018;. romper.com/p/how-many-millennial-families-have-guns-in-the-house-its-a-complicated-subject-8240256

7 Trent, Sgt. Maj. Kanessa. “Motivating and Educating Millennials”; Army University Press; December 2019; armyupress.army.mil/journals/military-review/english-edition-archives/november-december-2019/trent-educating-millennials/

8 Staff Writer. “Profile of Post 9/11 Veterans: 2016”; National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics; March 2018; va.gov/vetdata/docs/SpecialReports/Post_911_Veterans_Profile_2016.pdf

Posted in 2A, Guest Post, Industry | 8 Comments »

ZEV Technologies Announces Their Official Campaign Against The WA State Magazine Ban

Friday, June 24th, 2022

Zev Technologies announces their official campaign to fight the WA State Magazine Ban in partnership with the FPC (Firearms Policy Coalition). This collaboration will help fund the newly filed lawsuit “Sullivan v Ferguson”. Partial proceeds from every firearm sold by ZEV Technologies will go directly to help fund the FPC in their efforts to restore liberty and freedom.

“ZEV Technologies is extremely disappointed in the WA State Legislature for passing such an unjust law. This law greatly inhibits our unalienable rights, ability to perform business in a normal manner and service our customers without infringement. ZEV will continue to stand and fight anti 2A legislation. We are embedded for the duration of these legal battles. ” – Dan Groce, Director of Brand Engagement

Read more about Sullivan v Ferguson here:

www.firearmspolicy.org/sullivan

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NSSF Statement on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

Thursday, June 23rd, 2022

NEWTOWN, Conn.— NSSF®, the firearm industry trade association, has carefully examined the proposed Bipartisan Safer Communities Act legislation. NSSF appreciates the good faith effort by U.S. Senate negotiators to arrive at a proposal that would meaningfully address criminal violence all too frequently occurring in our communities. NSSF is encouraged by portions of the proposal, but we have important concerns about other aspects of the bill that impact our industry and the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans.

We are thankful the Senate proposal provides significant resources for mental health treatment and services. Most of the horrendous tragedies that have befallen our communities have involved unaddressed mental health issues. We are also heartened the proposal provides necessary resources to help enhance school security to help protect the most vulnerable.

NSSF supports the effort to strengthen federal criminal law to address straw purchasing and firearms trafficking. We have led the effort to stop the illegal straw purchasing firearms and trafficking. For over two decades, NSSF has partnered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in the Don’t Lie for the Other Guy™ campaign that helps educate retailers on how to detect and prevent such transactions and to educate the public that it is a serious crime.

Through our #FixNICS® initiative and support for the Cornyn-Murphy bipartisan FixNICS Act named after our program, NSSF has been the leading voice working to ensure our background check system provides timely and accurate information to retailers to ensure they do not sell firearms to prohibited persons. We strongly encourage all states to provide disqualifying juvenile records into the system so that it works as intended.

We support requiring those who are in the business of selling firearms for profit be licensed under federal law. However, the proposed legislation fails to provide clear and needed guidance to our industry – particularly those who would be newly licensed – as to what conduct constitutes a willful violation warranting a revocation of their license. This is especially important given the Department of Justice’s “zero tolerance” policy and the over 500 percent increase in license revocation proceedings that have occurred under this administration.

While NSSF understands the need for law enforcement to intervene in circumstances when someone is an imminent threat to themselves or others, we have steadfastly maintained that if that intervention involves removing a person’s firearms there must be strong Due Process protections in place. Current “extreme risk protective orders” that exist in 19 states do not come close to providing adequate due process protections when the government deprives someone of their fundamental Constitutional rights. We cannot support the use of taxpayer funds to implement more such unconstitutional laws without specific and iron clad assurances Due Process rights will be protected.

“There are several provisions of this legislative package that NSSF could support including providing more resources for mental health services and school security. However, the ambiguity over state records, the lack of clear definitions, and unaddressed due process concerns prevent us from supporting this legislative package as presented,” said Joseph Bartozzi, NSSF President and Chief Executive Officer.

NSSF encourages the Senate to continue its negotiations to arrive at a package that will provide real solutions to make our communities safer.

Posted in 2A, Industry, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Gun Safes Excluded from Military Household Goods Weight Allowance

Monday, May 9th, 2022

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

As of May 2022, the Joint Travel Regulations for service members were updated to exclude the weight of gun safes from the total weight allowance of household goods in a permanent change of station.

As the number of accidental child injuries and deaths continue to rise, more and more incidents are attributed to unsecured, loaded guns. Defense leaders are confident this update will help improve overall gun safety in homes, while also helping to decrease service member suicides.

“We will continue to prioritize the health, safety, and welfare of our Airmen, Guardians, and their families,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall. “We want to ensure our service members have a safe home.”

The weight allowance for household goods falls between 5,000 and 18,000 pounds, based on rank and whether or not a service member has dependents.

With the weight of gun safes typically ranging from 200 to over 1,000 pounds, some service members may have experienced a conflict when choosing between safety and convenience. Now, service members are allowed to ship empty guns safes, not to exceed 500 pounds, in addition to respective household goods weight allowances.

Leaving loaded guns in unsecured areas of the home, such as bedside tables, closet storage rooms and unlocked gun cabinets, creates an opportunity for children to gain access to weapons, putting themselves or others in danger.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that firearms were the leading cause of death among U.S. children and adolescents in 2020.

Beyond the impact unsecured guns have on child safety, the Department of Defense has recognized the significant rise in service member suicide rates and established the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee in March to address and prevent suicide in the military.

The Department of the Air Force Suicide Prevention Program, Integrated Resilience, Security Forces and the Safety Office combined to promote an effort focused on putting time and space between distressed individuals and the means to harm themselves named “Time-Based Prevention,” which became a part of the Department of the Air Force’s comprehensive suicide prevention strategy.

“We know that increasing the time between one’s suicide ideation and one’s access to a firearm can play a critical role in preventing a suicide. If this policy change prevents just one suicide, it’ll be a success in my eyes,” said Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones.

The concept was presented to Total Force Airmen who shared that the cost of going over their household goods limits is a barrier to using weapon safes in the home, leading the Department of the Air Force to pursue this change to the JTR. The DoD went on to adopt the “Time-Based Prevention” approach as a part of the DoD suicide prevention strategy.

In addition to the JTR update, the Department of the Air Force implemented a cable gun lock safety program in 2020, sending 150,000 cable gun locks to every installation in the United States for distribution to service members on a first-come, first-served basis.

“The bottom line is our first obligation is to the Airmen, Guardians, and families who were courageous enough to raise their right hand to serve this country,” Kendall said. “Everything we do is with them in mind, and this regulation update is no different.”

By SSgt Elora J. McCutcheon, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

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