Monday, November 28, 2016
Reminds Me Of Plinking In My Youth
I saw this YouTube video by Ron Spomer that he released just yesterday. He compares shooting water filled milk jugs with a .375 H&H and a .22-250 Ackley Improved. You have to watch the video to see which cartridge wins.
Shooting water filled milk jugs reminds me of my late teens when my friend Robert and I would go to the range and shoot them with everything from a .22 to a .30-06. The overfilled ones were the best as they reacted more violently when hit by the .30-06 bullet. Call it plinking or call it a penetration test, it just fun.
Just Like Clockwork
The saying that the only two sure things in this world are death and taxes needs a revision. The revision would be to add that in a (purported) campus active shooter situation where little or nothing is known, Shannon Watts of Mommies Demanding Illegal Mayors will be tweeting about it and asking for more gun control.
For school shooting victims it's not too soon to discuss our nation's lax gun laws - it's too late— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) November 28, 2016
Ohio State University pic.twitter.com/oWzYmf4wbf
The first report of an active shooter at Ohio State came in just before 10am EST. The above tweet was made at just a bit after 11am EST. I'd like to be able to say it was her first tweet but it wasn't. Shannon was tweeting within minutes of the first report.
Reports in the Columbus Dispatch about the incident are relatively sketchy. Some people are in the hospital reportedly with non-life threatening injuries. One of the attackers is reported dead. There is not identification of the attacker. There is no word on whether police killed the attacker or whether it was self-inflicted. There is no word on motive. There is no word on what type of weapon. The list goes on.
The bottom line is that Shannon Watts will use any attack or incident as a reason to push gun control regardless of the circumstances. Her blood dancing is really getting rather old.
UPDATE: More details of this "mass shooting" are coming out. The "shooter" actually hit a number of pedestrians with his car and then started stabbing them with a butcher knife. There were no firearms involved other than that of the OSU police officer who shot and killed the attacker approximately a minute after the attack began. The unnamed attacker is reported in another story to be a Somali refugee with permanent legal residence who was a student. Unlike earlier reports, there appears to have only been this one attacker. The motive for the attack is unknown at this time.
Cyber Monday Triggering Events
Triggering events are all the rage among the special snowflakes on college campuses. However, I don't think they mean these kind of triggers.
ALG Defense is selling their Advanced Combat Trigger (ACT) for 35% off. Normally these triggers sell for $69 but they are $44.85 today with free shipping. This sale is for today only and lasts until midnight or until they are sold out whichever comes first.
The other "triggering event" for Cyber Monday is from Geissele which is selling their G2S two-stage trigger for $115. This OEM trigger normally sells for $165. It also comes with free shipping.
I can highly recommend either of these triggers. I have the ACT trigger in at least one or two of my AR15s, and I have the G2S in what I call my Charlie Foxtrot Memorial DMR Special. If I hadn't inventoried and consolidated all my boxes of AR parts this weekend, I'd otherwise be participating in this sale.
To be clear, I'm just a very satisfied customer of ALG and Geissele. I have no vested or monetary interest in this sale other than wanting my readers to be able to get good triggers at good prices. A trigger upgrade is, in my opinion, one of the best upgrades you can make to a stock AR.
For something I do have a vested interest in, Amazon is having their Cyber Monday sale. The 8 GB Kindle Fire remains on sale for $33.33 until the end of the day. I use mine all the time as the Complementary Spouse has all but taken over use of my iPad. As a reminder, I donate 100% of all commissions earned to gun rights organizations.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Doing My Part To Stimulate The (Gun) Economy - 2016 Edition
This is my annual listing of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals in guns, ammo, parts, knives, and other outdoor or 2A related items. Looking at the recent stock prices of Ruger and Smith & Wesson, it looks like the stock market is assuming the win by Donald Trump is negative for gun sales. That said, the stocks prices of Vista Outdoors and Olin have soared. We shall see.
Unlike in past years where I had tons and tons of links, this year I am sending readers to some excellent compilations. I really see no need to reinvent the wheel especially when they are doing such a fine job of it.
The first place I'd suggest going is to the Black Friday page of Slickguns.com. They have links to all the major outdoor and firearm retailers along with other gun deals. If you don't have an AR-15, this is the year to buy one. I saw a number of them in the $500 range. Brownells has the Aero Precision (not a low end brand!) OEM model for $524.99. All you need to is add a stock, handguards, and whatever kind of optics or iron sights that you want.
The second place I'd suggest going to Reddit for their /gundeal subreddit page. I was turned on to this (fortunately or unfortunately) by PDB. They do have a Black Friday thread. One deal I found that I couldn't pass up was for a CZ P-09 for under $400. The CZ P-07 was the same price.
Arfcom has multiple threads going on Black Friday deals. The official one is here. A secondary one dealing with reloading tools and components can be found here. If you are a member of Arfcom, then here is the official thread dedicated to team members.
If you are just looking for regular Black Friday circulars of all the major retailers, then I'd suggest this website.
Soldiersystems.net has a Black Friday page of more tactical items. The page was down
Finally, I'd like to remind everyone that No Lawyers - Only Guns and Money is an Amazon affiliate. All commissions that I earn from your purchases go to non-profit gun rights organizations like the Second Amendment Foundation and the NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund.
One think you might want to look at is the Fire Tablet. I bought one last year and it functions as my alternative iPad. While it isn't as powerful as an iPad, it works for email, web browsing, Facebook, Reddit, and Kindle reading. For $33.33, you can't beat it. See the link below.
Shop Amazon Devices - Fire tablet only $33.33
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Gun Control Never Sleeps
While President Obama is taking a valedictory tour of Europe, his minions in the Justice Department are still hard at work trying to establish his gun control legacy. The National Institute of Justice released their final baseline specifications that outline the minimums required for a "smart gun" (sic) if it is to be used by law enforcement. Their efforts on this were in response to a Presidential Memorandum that President Obama issued to the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Justice in January 2016 ordering them to promote "smart gun" technology.
The new release from DOJ is below:
The final 25 page report can be found here.November 16, 2016
Take this as a reminder that we need to remain hypervigilant in the waning days of the Obama Administration. The only reason that this popped up on my radar is that I got an email from the Brady Campaign applauding this move (and asking for money).
Come the afternoon of January 20, 2017, this is one of the many Executive Orders and Memorandum that needs to be discarded. Let the market forces decide whether or not to proceed with so-called smart gun technology and get government out of it. Moreover, we need to work in the states to repeal those laws that mandate the sale of such firearms.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
The Fine Print: A History of Camouflage, Episode 1
I have been a fan of Professor Roy Behrens and his blog Camoupedia since I first stumbled across it. He has been researching the links between camouflage and art for the last 45 years. Some of that work is highlighted in this recently released video which features interviews with him and with LTC Tim O'Neill who is considered the father of digital camo.
His studies on the dazzle camo first found on ships during World War One can be found in his book Ship Shape, a Dazzle Camouflage Sourcebook: An Anthology of Writings About Ship Camouflage During World War I.
Quote Of The Day
The quote of the day is actually a Letter to the Editor that appeared in today's Wall Street Journal. I agree with the writer of the letter. I think Mr. Hull captured what many of us feel and think about the violence going on since Mr. Trump was elected.
As I watch the riots around the nation, I wonder who is “deplorable” now?Don HullCannon Beach, Ore.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Wayne LaPierre On Trump's Win
The NRA released this video yesterday. Wayne LaPierre congratulates the 5 million men and women members of the NRA and outlines some of the things they intend to push President-elect Trump to sign once he is in office.
Here is the transcript of the video:
Transcript
On November 8, you—the 5 million men and women of the National Rifle Association of America, along with the tens of millions of gun owners all over this country who followed your lead—achieved a truly extraordinary, historic, even heroic, accomplishment. In northern Florida and Pennsylvania, throughout Ohio, Wisconsin and Michigan, in small towns and communities all across America, you were the special forces that swung this election and sent Donald Trump and Mike Pence to the White House.
You did this. Don't let anybody else tell you otherwise.
In the wake of this historic event, the same disgraced group of so-called experts, talking heads, pundits and pollsters that got everything wrong before the election are trying to deceive you once again. So let me remove all doubt: gun owners made this election happen. Hillary Clinton made her hatred for the Second Amendment a central issue of this campaign and as a result of that fatal mistake, she's on permanent political vacation.
Your determination to defend individual freedom, joined with the other issues at the very heart of this race, ensured that only one candidate could receive the approval of the American people: Donald Trump.
The disgraceful media attempted to manipulate your emotions. They tried to suppress your enthusiasm, your speech, your vote. But you would not be distracted from the core freedom that was truly at stake—and for that, you deserve the gratitude of the entire nation. You proved the founders right: that the ultimate check and balance in this country is the American people.
I joined this quest to restore Second Amendment freedom almost 40 years ago. Many of you were there with me. Together, we have restored, expanded and protected the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution—and are prepared to pass it forward to the generations of Americans who will take up this cause.
Our victory in this election is a monumental step toward securing the future of this freedom. Soon, President Trump will nominate a constitutionally sound justice to replace Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court. Make no mistake: that will be a generational victory for Second Amendment freedom—and you made it happen.
But we must also face the reality that still confronts us. For eight straight years, Barack Obama flooded the appellate courts and the federal judiciary with judges who truly despise Second Amendment freedom. More than 300 Obama-appointed anti-gun judges represent an infection for which there is no cure, other than time and vigilance. They will pose a threat to our gun rights for decades to come.
We also face a growing group of anti-Second Amendment elitist billionaires, led by George Soros and Michael Bloomberg. By pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into state and local elections, they have succeeded in confusing many voters into believing clever labeling like "universal background checks" and so-called "common sense" schemes will make a difference in the safety and security of our communities.
The truth is, the anti-gun billionaires have only one goal: the absolute eradication of the Second Amendment freedom for the average American citizen. Not for their security forces, their families and themselves. But for you: the everyday American who stormed the polls in an act of ultimate defiance of the elites. They will continue to enjoy the support of an openly dishonest media that truly hates your right to speak, your right to worship and your right to vote. And most of all, your right to keep and bear arms.
In the face of the bitter hatred and elitist condemnation, this is our historic moment to go on offense and defeat the forces that have aligned against our freedom once and for all. The individual right to carry a firearm in defense of our lives and our families does not, and should not, end at any state line. I call on Congress and the president-elect to pass National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity as quickly as it can be written and signed.
And it is time, once and for all, to end the absolute fallacy of gun-free zones. Not one more American serviceman or woman should be murdered on a military base because the government denied their right to defend themselves with a firearm. We revere the men and women in uniform who defend our freedom, and their rights must be restored immediately.
I also call for protections that stop the tyrannical erosion of gun rights in states and cities where corrupt leaders use their political power to abuse the rights of American citizens. I'm talking about a deceitful web of gun bans, ammo bans, magazine bans, exorbitant fees and taxes, and registration schemes—all designed to undermine the meaning of the Second Amendment and the Supreme Court decisions that uphold it.
The Court's Heller decision recognized the right of Washington, D.C. citizens to own a firearm in their home for personal protection. But eight years later, it is still almost impossible to legally buy a firearm in that city. If the anti-gun forces can get away with sanctuary city-type exclusions where they unilaterally defy the rights of American citizens, then your Second Amendment protections only exists if your local government recognizes them. It must be illegal for corrupt, bureaucratic elites to deny law-abiding Americans their full measure of Second Amendment freedom.
These goals and more are now possible because of the historic work that you have done. It is only because of your sacrifices that we have this unique opportunity to defend the one freedom that protects all the others: our Second Amendment. But before we can say that it has been secured and is intact for us to pass on to the next generation, we must face these very real challenges with the strength, courage and purpose you have proven to possess.
Our time is now. We must approach the coming fights with the same urgency and determined action that ended the political future of Hillary Rodham Clinton. That's why I need you to renew your membership, upgrade your membership, join this organization and be part of the hard work and the victories that are yet to come. You have proven to be ready for the challenge.
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Saturday, Saturday, Saturday Night's Alright, Ooh
The Complementary Spouse and I went out to dinner on Saturday night. This is one of our dinner guests. Olivia Grace enjoys ranch dressing just as much as her mommy. She just eats it a different way.
Friday, November 11, 2016
He Beat Us To It
Many in the gun rights community have been coming up with our wish lists now that Donald Trump has been elected President. Given the support from the NRA, other gun rights organizations, and the gun culture was critical in his win, it's payback time.
Among the things I've been hoping for is national concealed carry reciprocity, removal of suppressors from the NFA through passage of the Hearing Protection Act, overturning previous executive orders by Presidents George H. W. Bush and Barack Obama, and the elimination of the sporting use test from the Gun Control Act of 1968. This is in addition to appointing judges and justices that will will uphold and expand Heller and McDonald. Of course that is just a start.
Well it looks like President-elect Trump (has a nice ring to it!) has beat us to the punch on national reciprocity and the elimination of gun free zones on military bases.
From a position paper released today:
GUN AND MAGAZINE BANS. Gun and magazine bans are a total failure. That’s been proven every time it’s been tried. Opponents of gun rights try to come up with scary sounding phrases like “assault weapons”, “military-style weapons” and “high capacity magazines” to confuse people. What they’re really talking about are popular semiautomatic rifles and standard magazines that are owned by tens of millions of Americans. Law-abiding people should be allowed to own the firearm of their choice. The government has no business dictating what types of firearms good, honest people are allowed to own.The position paper also notes that Trump himself has a concealed carry permit.
BACKGROUND CHECKS. There has been a national background check system in place since 1998. Every time a person buys a gun from a federally licensed gun dealer – which is the overwhelming majority of all gun purchases – they go through a federal background check. Study after study has shown that very few criminals are stupid enough to try and pass a background check – they get their guns from friends/family members or by stealing them. So the overwhelming majority of people who go through background checks are law-abiding gun owners. When the system was created, gun owners were promised that it would be instant, accurate and fair. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case today. Too many states are failing to put criminal and mental health records into the system – and it should go without saying that a system’s only going to be as effective as the records that are put into it. What we need to do is fix the system we have and make it work as intended. What we don’t need to do is expand a broken system.
NATIONAL RIGHT TO CARRY. The right of self-defense doesn’t stop at the end of your driveway. That’s why I have a concealed carry permit and why tens of millions of Americans do too. That permit should be valid in all 50 states. A driver’s license works in every state, so it’s common sense that a concealed carry permit should work in every state. If we can do that for driving – which is a privilege, not a right – then surely we can do that for concealed carry, which is a right, not a privilege.
MILITARY BASES AND RECRUITING CENTERS. Banning our military from carrying firearms on bases and at recruiting centers is ridiculous. We train our military how to safely and responsibly use firearms, but our current policies leave them defenseless. To make America great again, we need a strong military. To have a strong military, we need to allow them to defend themselves.
This is a great way to end the week!
I, Whiskey: The Human Spirit
The Competitive Enterprise Institute produced a wonderful short film called I, Whiskey: The Human Spirit. The film shows how the commerce of whiskey creates human connection.
“I, Whiskey is about freedom, the freedom to connect and create,” said I, Whiskey Executive Producer Richard Morrison. “It tells the story of entrepreneurs, scientists, and bootleggers and celebrates their rebel spirit and colorful history. The Competitive Enterprise Institute loves to show how commerce helps build a flourishing civil society, and telling the story of whiskey is a fun, approachable way to do that.”They have now released the film on YouTube and I have embedded it here. It is worth eight minutes of your time to watch.
“Whiskey is science, chance, time, risk, ingenuity, love, intensity—it’s all in a glass when it’s done right,” said Rick Wasmund, owner of Copper Fox Distillery, the featured interviewee in the movie. “My name’s on the bottle, but I’m not the inventor of whiskey. I’m just a little guy trying to bring something new to the world that people will enjoy. It takes a lot of people and systems to make this work– bottle makers, the label people, the whole sales process, the retail operators - I love the connections that I have all over the country and the world.”
To find out more about the film and those who brought it together, follow this link.
I enjoyed whiskey tonight in a very Carolina meets Kentucky way - I mixed bourbon (Very Old Barton) with Cheerwine. To me, it is much better than bourbon and Coke.
Recognizing Those Who Recognize Those Who Don't Come Home
The 3rd Infantry Regiment, the Old Guard, provides the funeral details for Arlington Nation Cemetery among other things. They recognize those who didn't come home. On this Veteran's Day, I want to recognize them.
Kudos To Brownells
Many companies are offering discounts on this Veterans Day. However, in my opinion, Brownells and these companies are doing something even better. They are donating a portion of their sales from today to an organization that helps those from the Special Operations community that have been wounded. While all of our military veterans deserve help, few have been called upon as much over the last two decades as those in special operations.
Brownells & 11 Industry Partners Join Forces to Support Veterans
GRINNELL, Iowa (November 10, 2016) – Brownells is proud to announce it has formed a coalition of industry partners to donate sales dollars on Veterans Day – Friday, November 11, 2016 – to Special Operations Wounded Warriors(SOWW).
On Veteran’s Day 2016, Brownells will donate five percent of its total sales to SOWW. In addition, the following companies have agreed to donate five percent of their Veterans Day sales at Brownells to SOWW:
- Magpul
- DoubleStar
- Faxon Firearms
- JP Enterprises
- Midwest Industries
- Wilson Combat®
- Leupold
- Trijicon®
- Otis Technology
- LifeStraw®
- XS Sight Systems®
Earlier this year, Brownells partnered with Magpul to donate a percentage of sales on Memorial Day to SOWW. The Veterans Day donation event, with 11 industry partners participating, represents a significant increase in support for SOWW.
“We could not be more appreciative and grateful for the outstanding and continued support of Brownells, its Senior Management, its employees, and its customers,” said SOWW Vice President Joel Pellicci. “As a Tier One level sponsor, our highest level of support, Brownells is a major contributor and supporter of our mission to provide thanks, fellowship, and therapeutic retreats to wounded members of the U.S. Special Operations Communities. Brownells' aggressive support of SOWW has positively affected the lives of many people in need over the last five years.”
Customers can learn more about the Veteran’s Day promotion by visiting the Brownells/SOWW Veterans Day page.
About SOWWSpecial Operations Wounded Warriors (SOWW) is a not-for-profit group that provides outdoor experiences and therapeutic retreats, as well as assistance with medical, physical and mental therapies for both veterans and active-duty members of the Unites States Special Operations Forces who have been wounded in action. For more information, visit www.sowwcharity.com.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Happy 241st, USMC!
I want to wish a happy 241st birthday to the United State Marine Corps.
Since "virtue signaling" is all the rage with millennials, I want to recognize that group of millennials who get it done day after day in the harshest of conditions. If you think about the definition of millennial - those born after 1980 - then the bulk of the US Marine Corps, both enlisted and officers are indeed millennials. I just wish we had more like them.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Already Begging For Money
I'll bet you thought it was the NRA-ILA asking for money after what they spent on this election. No, it's not them but throw them a few bucks anyway.
Actually, the Brady Campaign who sent out an email soliciting donations early this afternoon.
Dear (fill in the blank)They included a picture of Hillary Clinton from her concession speech and her exhortation to keep fighting for what you believe in. This is America and you should continue to fight for your beliefs. However, as President Obama said at the White House today, the election was like an intramural game and now that it is over we are all Americans. That message has not sunk into the Brady Campaign.,
This is a hard day for so many of us, for our movement and for our nation.
Although we are incredibly disappointed that a candidate who ran his campaign on a message of hate, violence, intimidation, and fear will be the next President of the United States, that won’t stop us from fighting with everything we’ve got for the safer America we all want and deserve. Trump's election isn’t the end of that fight. It's just the beginning.
Of course, we can’t ignore the victories our movement experienced in this election. We made progress in states where we put the issue to the people, and in some key races across the country where candidates ran on a platform of stopping gun violence -- but we’ve got a lot of work to do together.
By donating today, you can send Donald Trump and the new Republican Congress a message that their opposition to lifesaving gun reform won’t fly. Your donation of just $5 today is an investment in the future of our movement, and will ensure we don’t lose ground over the next four years.
Thanks for all you do,
Dan Gross
President
The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence
I guess if I were them I'd be a little disappointed, too. I mean the Second Amendment will be protected and a new justice or two (or three) on the Supreme Court might actually force the lower courts to stop blowing off the Heller and McDonald decisions.
Alan Gottlieb Of SAF/CCRKBA On Trump Win
Alan Gottlieb of the Second Amendment Foundation and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms released this statement congratulating Donald Trump and Mike Pence on their win.
BELLEVUE, WA — In a joint statement, the Second Amendment Foundation and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms congratulated the nation’s gun owners for making possible Tuesday’s victory that will send Donald J. Trump to the White House in 2017.
SAF and CCRKBA also offer their sincere congratulations to President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence for their historic and stunning victory, and especially for Mr. Trump’s gracious call for unity among all Americans.
“What happened Tuesday night was a reaffirmation that Americans can make the system work, and that this nation’s gun owners are a cornerstone of that system,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “It cannot be ignored that this nation’s tens of millions of honest firearms owners turned out to protect their constitutional rights. From the outset, Mr. Trump made it clear that the Second Amendment will be safe on his watch.
“While America’s hard-working gun owners can celebrate the victory they helped make possible,” added Gottlieb, who also chairs the CCRKBA, “we must remain mindful that the gun prohibition lobby, which is largely funded by elitist billionaires like Michael Bloomberg, will almost certainly double down on their efforts to erode our Second Amendment rights at the state level, whenever and wherever they can.
“Every gun owner owes a huge ‘Thank You’ to our good friends at the National Rifle Association for their efforts and expenditures to educate and guide voters,” Gottlieb noted.
Having talked with Alan at the Gun Rights Policy Conference and listened to all the speakers there, I think there was a sense then that we were going to have to work very hard to preserve our gun rights and, even then, we might fail. That was September and this is November. My how things have shifted.
I would like to point out Alan's thanks to the NRA for their immense efforts in this election. Alan is not only the Executive Director of SAF but also a Life Member of the NRA.
As to the NRA's efforts, see this clip with NBC's Chuck Todd and Tom Brokaw.
NSSF On The Election Outcome
The National Shooting Sports Foundation released both a statement and a video message regarding President-elect Trump's win. As to their #Gunvote campaign, I did see one of the billboards here in Asheville. I was actually a bit surprised.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry, today congratulates President-Elect Donald Trump on his historic victory.
The American people have spoken. We have elected a president who has pledged to protect our Constitutional rights and a majority of both houses of Congress that will work to ensure that our individual right to keep and bear arms will be preserved.
The work of those who love liberty and our nation’s hunting and shooting traditions is never over. Americans need to remain involved to help ensure that the defense of our Second Amendment remains strong and the lawful commerce in firearms is protected at all levels of government.
We thank all those Americans who supported NSSF’s 2016 #GUNVOTE voter education and registration initiative. We know that we can count on you. You should know that we remain steadfast in our mission to help promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports.
From their video featuring their General Counsel Larry Keane.
Interesting Observation
I tend to take anything out of the mouth or pen of Paul Krugman with a grain of salt and then some. In an opinion piece written in the New York Times last night after it became apparent that Donald Trump was going to win the presidency, he made an observation with which I have to agree wholeheartedly .
We still don’t know who will win the electoral college, although as I write this it looks — incredibly, horribly — as if the odds now favor Donald J. Trump. What we do know is that people like me, and probably like most readers of The New York Times, truly didn’t understand the country we live in.
The rest of the piece was how we uneducated boobs didn't value democratic values or the rule of law and that we voted to make America a failed state. Blah, blah, blah, yada, yada, yada.
Krugman is absolutely correct in that he doesn't understand America. Living in the rarefied air of Princeton and New York City means that you live in a bubble. The best analogy I can give is that it is a real life Truman Show where the biggest worry of parents is not how they are going to make the mortgage or put food on the table but whether their 2.2 (or less) kids get into an Ivy League college. When you don't produce a tangible product or when you aren't compensated by your output, then the lingering downturn in the economy really doesn't impact you. Those people can then go along in their merry delusions about those of us in the South or in flyover country.
My suggestion to Professor Krugman is to do a Steinbeck-esque road trip across America. Get off the main roads. Stay in small motels. Eat at the diner and the mom & pop restaurants. Visit small businesses. Indeed, go to a gun store and take a shooting class. Go to coal country or places in eastern Kentucky where the best job available is in the local nursing home. If Professor Krugman were to do such a trip and honestly report what he saw and felt, then I would have more respect for him.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Funniest Tweet Of The Night
I just saw this tweet from the supposed Democratic People's Republic of Korea news service. Supposed is the operative word.
Still.
Call for secession in US Massachusetts province hampered by lack of arms and military training, over-abundance of critical theory professors— DPRK News Service (@DPRK_News) November 9, 2016
Big News Out Of Nevada On Question 1
One of the biggest supporters of the universal background check initiative, Question 1, in Nevada has changed his mind. Casino owner Steve Wynn had given $50,000 to Nevadans for Background Checks. This is the Bloomberg front group that was pushing the universal background check initiative in the state.
As you can hear in the video below, Wynn changed his mind after two of his executives explained all the ramifications of the law.
The NRA released this statement in response.
"This stunning reversal by Steve Wynn – a member of Michael Bloomberg’s gun control advisory board -- could be a game changer,” said Robert Uithoven, Nevadans for Freedom campaign director. “Like many unsuspecting Nevadans, Mr. Wynn believed the Bloomberg campaign’s false claims that Question 1 would keep guns out of the hands of criminals and make Nevadans safer. After taking a closer look at the poorly worded initiative, Mr. Wynn told Fox News he now opposes Question 1, along with Governor Sandoval, Congressman Heck, Attorney General Laxalt and 16 of the 17 elected sheriffs in Nevada. ‘I don't think anyone knows the extent of the overreach that [Question 1] would allow.’ Wynn went on to concede that the NRA Nevadans for Freedom is right when we say that this measure will criminalize the commonplace activities of Nevada’s law-abiding gun owners. The truth is Question 1 will not make Nevadans any safer. It will instead cost law-abiding citizens time, money, and freedom.”Coming as it did just before Election Day, I am unsure of the real impact of this change of heart given the extent of early voting in Nevada.
My friend J.D. Smith of the AR-15 Podcast told me last week that he thought that despite Bloomberg's multi-million dollar ad campaign the outcome was looking better for Question 1 failing. J.D. attributed this to a strong grassroots effort. Let's keep our fingers crossed that he is correct.
UPDATE: Steve Wynn's conversion on the road to Damascus was too little and too late. Question 1 passed in Nevada by 50.45% to 49.55%. In real terms, the vote was 558,586 yes and 548,685 no.
I have real qualms about whether the SHOT Show should be continued to be held in Las Vegas. The Orange County Convention Center in Orlando is larger and the area has approximately the same number of hotel rooms.
Wauser! Let's Talk Guns
So we don't end up talking politics all day long, Ian McCollum examines Chinese copies of the C96 Mauser broomhandle pistol. The one he examines is marked a "Wauser" which helps explain my headline. It shows you what someone can do even if he or she doesn't have modern machine tools. I'm just not sure if I'd try firing it.
For When It All Goes To Hell
I don't know how the vote today will turn out. However, I do believe in being prepared for whatever may come from natural disasters to WROL/SHTF/TEOTWAWKI. Food is one of those critical items that sometimes gets forgotten as we accumulate all the cool toys.
I saw this in the deals section of Amazon today and it is a very (very!) good price at $54.86 and Amazon Prime eligible. Sam's Club is approximately $25 more and full retail is about $35 more.
This stuff has a 30-year shelf life so it might not hurt to order a bucket or two. While I have a case or two of MREs sitting around, they don't have nearly the shelf life of something like this. I plan to order a couple of these today.
If you order through this link, the commissions go to 2A organizations. They may really need it after today.
Monday, November 7, 2016
Just A Reminder For North Carolinians
This is just a reminder for North Carolinians. In addition to being a battleground state, we will have some extremely close and important statewide elections.
After the presidential, senate, and Governor's races, I would put the election of an attorney general to succeed Roy (#ReadyForRay) Cooper (D) as the most important. State Sen. Buck Newton (R) has been a great friend to gun owners since he has been in the State Senate. His opponent, State Sen. Josh Stein (D), voted with gun owners only about 1/3 of the time.
The races for NC Supreme Court and Court of Appeals are also important. One thing I've noticed in these six races that just struck me as really odd is the racial composition. In the race for Supreme Court and in four of the five Court of Appeals races, you have a white Republican facing off against an African-American Democrat or Independent. This is not to say that there aren't a number of good African-American attorneys in North Carolina which there are or to say that all white lawyers tend to be Republicans which they most certainly aren't. It just defies the odds to be merely happenstance and I don't have a good explanation for it.
Here again are GRNC-PVF's recommendations for pro-gun candidates in national, statewide, and state legislative races.
2016 GRNC-PVF General Election
Candidate Recommendations
Candidate recommendations versus evaluations: Below are recommendations for effective voting strategies by the Grass Roots North Carolina Political Victory Fund. Candidate recommendations, which are more limited than blanket “endorsements,” are not made in all races, only in races where a clear pro-gun candidate stands out or where strategic voting is necessary to keep anti-gun candidates out of office.
Recommendations differ from GRNC candidate evaluations. While the evaluations are intended to provide an objective measure of where candidates stand on Second Amendment issues, GRNC–PVF recommendations are analytical and therefore subject to interpretation. For a full explanation of GRNC’s objective star evaluations, go to: http://www.grnc.org/remember-in-november/grnc-candidate-evaluations-2016
Important note: Candidates who lack voting records or other history on Second Amendment issues and who fail to return GRNC’s candidate survey automatically receive a zero star evaluation (0) on the assumption that they are hiding their position from gun voters. Every election year, we receive complaints about ostensibly pro-gun candidates who receive zero star evaluations due to failure to return the survey. Each candidate is mailed a survey to the address he or she registered with the State Board of Elections. If they fail to return the survey, we cannot help candidates who will not help themselves.
Voting instructions: General election One Stop Early Voting begins on October 20 and ends on November 5 at 1:00 PM. Absentee ballots must be received by 5:00 PM on November 8. Election day is November 8 between 6:30 AM and 7:30 PM. Click here to find your polling place on election day, or click here to find your One Stop Early Voting place.
Important changes to voting laws: Due to ongoing litigation, same-day registration will still be permitted during One Stop Early Voting. Straight party voting is no longer permitted, so GRNC strongly suggests you investigate individual candidates. Please click here to find out about identification requirements.
GRNC CANDIDATE RECOMMENDATIONS
Key to listings: Included in listings below are scores on GRNC’s candidate survey, pro-gun voting percentage, and GRNC star evaluation (0-star, *, **, ***, or ****, depending on how closely a candidate can be expected to agree with a control group of conservative gun owners). “NR” means the candidate failed to return GRNC’s survey which, for candidates without voting records, gives the candidate a 0-star (0) evaluation.
US PRESIDENT
Thanks to his change in position on key Second Amendment issues, DONALD TRUMP now holds a GRNC 3-star (***) evaluation. He may or may not be your first choice, but make no mistake: The election of Hillary Clinton to POTUS absolutely will allow her to make at least one (and probably more than one) Supreme Court appointment – this from a candidate who is on record as saying the SCOTUS decisions affirming an individual right to arms are “wrong.” Without doubt, such a Clinton Supreme Court would reverse both the Heller and McDonald decisions and pave the way for massive gun bans. Beyond Clinton’s fundamental and pervasive corruption, she is on record as supporting semi-auto bans, universal gun registration (a/k/a/ “universal background checks”), and Australia-style gun confiscation. If Democrats also gain control of the US Senate (see below), the Senate Majority Leader will be Sen. Charles Schumer – a dedicated, long-term opponent of gun rights. Do not for a moment think you can “sit this one out” simply because you don’t like either candidate. It is your duty to keep Hillary Clinton out of the Oval Office.
US SENATE
In this closely contested race which could be key to control of the US Senate, GRNC-PVF recommends Republican RICHARD BURR. With a 91%* pro-gun voting record, Burr holds GRNC’s highest 4-star (****) evaluation. Opponent Deborah Ross has a long history of antagonism toward both gun rights and traditional American values. Beyond her abysmal 21% voting record, as NC House Judiciary Chair, Ross was responsible for killing one of GRNC’s first Castle Doctrine bills, despite the fact that it had cleared the Senate and was sponsored by a fellow Democrat. In fairness, with a 94% survey, Libertarian Sean Haugh also earned a GRNC 4-star evaluation. Because he will likely garner less than 5% of the vote, however, a vote for Haugh is a vote to put anti-gun Deborah Ross in the Senate and to potentially give Hillary Clinton the votes needed to pass gun control.
US HOUSE
District 1: With only a 33% voting record, incumbent GK Butterfield earned only GRNC’s lowest 0-star evaluation. Unfortunately, Republican challenger H. Powell Dew, Jr. failed to return GRNC’s survey, also earning a 0-star evaluation. GRNC-PVF recommends Libertarian J. J. SUMMERELL (survey 95%, GRNC ****).
District 2: GRNC-PVF recommends Republican GEORGE HOLDING. Holding scored 95% on GRNC’s survey, earning four stars (****), while challenger John McNeil refused to return the survey, netting a 0-star evaluation.
District 3: With a 100% survey score and a 97% pro-gun voting average, earning a GRNC four-star evaluation (****), GRNC–PVF continues to recommend incumbent WALTER JONES. Challenger Ernest Reeves refused to return the survey, netting a 0-star evaluation.
District 4: Against longtime anti-gun Democrat David Price (0% voting record, GRNC 0), GRNC–PVF recommends SUE GOOGE, who returned GRNC’s candidate survey with a score of 81%, earning three stars (***).
District 5: With a 100% GRNC survey score and 100% pro-gun voting record earning GRNC’s highest four-star evaluation (****), GRNC–PVF continues to recommend incumbent VIRGINIA FOXX over Democrat challenger Josh Brannon, who refused to return GRNC’s survey, netting a 0-star evaluation.
District 6: Although the US House has not had any gun votes in the 114th Congress, on the basis of his 99% survey score and GRNC four-star evaluation (****), GRNC–PVF recommends MARK WALKER over Democrat challenger Pete Glidewell, who refused to return GRNC’s survey, netting a 0-star evaluation.
District 7: Due to his 100% pro-gun voting record, earning GRNC’s four-star evaluation (****), GRNC–PVF recommends DAVID ROUZER over Libertarian challenger J. Wesley Casteen (82% survey, ***).
District 8: Although the US House has not had any gun votes in the 14th Congress, on the basis of his 100% survey score and GRNC four-star evaluation (****), GRNC–PVF recommends RICHARD HUDSON over Democrat challenger Thomas Mills, who refused to return GRNC’s survey, netting a 0-star evaluation.
District 9: Due to his 100% pro-gun voting record, earning GRNC’s four-star (****) evaluation, GRNC–PVF recommends ROBERT PITTENGER over Democrat challenger Christian Cano, who refused to return GRNC’s survey, netting a 0-star evaluation.
District 10: With a 98% GRNC survey score and 100% pro-gun voting record earning GRNC’s highest four-star evaluation (****), GRNC–PVF continues to recommend long term gun rights supporter PATRICK McHENRY over Democrat challenger Andy Millard, who refused to return GRNC’s survey, netting a 0-star evaluation.
District 11: Although the US House has not had any gun votes in the 14th Congress, on the basis of his 100% survey score, leadership in defending gun owners against federal abuses, and GRNC four-star evaluation (****), GRNC–PVF recommends MARK MEADOWS over Democrat challenger Rick Bryson, who refused to return GRNC’s survey, netting a 0-star evaluation.
District 12: Against longtime anti-gun Democrat Alma Adams (11% voting record, GRNC 0), GRNC–PVF recommends LEON THREATT, who returned GRNC’s candidate survey with a score of 85%, earning three stars (***).
District 13: This district represents a rare opportunity for gun owners to elect a gun rights supporter who has not only talked the talk, but walked the walk. GRNC-PVF strongly recommends Republican TED BUDD (survey 100%, GRNC **) over Democrat Bruce Davis (survey: NR, GRNC 0). Beyond running for Congress, Budd owns a gun shop. Frankly, we should have recommended him in the Republican primary election, but underestimated his ability to beat no fewer than 16 Republican challengers.
STATEWIDE RACES
North Carolina Governor: In this critical and tightly contested race, GRNC-PVF recommends PAT McCRORY (GRNC ***) over longtime anti-gun Democrat Roy Cooper (58% voting record, GRNC 0). Having, in years past, killed pro-gun legislation as NC Senate Judiciary Chairman, Cooper will most certainly veto any pro-gun legislation GRNC could get passed by the legislature. Although Libertarian Lon Cecil scored 99% on GRNC’s survey, earning four stars (****), he will draw only a few percent of the vote, potentially helping Cooper get elected. Cooper must be kept out of the governor’s mansion at all costs.
North Carolina Lt. Governor: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent DAN FOREST, who scored 95% on GRNC’s survey, earning four stars (****). Challenger Leslie Coleman, during her tenure in the NC Senate, voted with gun owners only 67% of the time, earning a low one-star (*) evaluation.
North Carolina Treasurer: GRNC-PVF recommends DALE FOLWELL (****) who earned a perfect 100% pro-gun voting record while in the NC House.
North Carolina Attorney General: For the open seat vacated by Roy Cooper, GRNC – PVF recommends BUCK NEWTON for Attorney General. In the NC Senate, Newton has been a leader for gun rights, cementing passage of three omnibus pro-gun bills. With his 100% survey score and 100% pro-gun voting record, Newton earned GRNC’s highest (****) four-star evaluation. By contrast, Newton’s opponent, anti-gun Sen. Josh Stein voted with gun owners only 38% of the time, netting him a 0-star evaluation.
Judicial races: GRNC-PVF recommends you vote for all of the following:
BOB EDMUNDS for NC Supreme Court
PHIL BERGER, JR. for Court of Appeals (Stephens seat)
RICHARD DIETZ for Court of Appeals (Dietz seat)
BOB HUNTER for Court of Appeals (Hunter seat)
HUNTER MURPHY Court of Appeals (Geer seat)
VALERIE J. ZACHARY for Court of Appeals (Zachary seat)
NC SENATE
Note: Only contested races are covered.
District 1: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent BILL COOK (100% voting record, GRNC ****) over Democrat challenger Brownie Futrell (survey: NR, GRNC 0-star).
District 2: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent NORMAN SANDERSON (100% voting record, GRNC ****) over Democrat challenger Dorothea White (survey: 68%, GRNC *).
District 4: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger RICHARD SCOTT (survey: 95%, GRNC ****) over Democrat incumbent Angela Bryant (voting record: 22%, GRNC 0).
District 11: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends RICK HORNER (survey: 97%, GRNC ****) over Albert Pacer (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 12: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent RONALD RABIN (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Democrat challenger Susan Byerly (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 15: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent JOHN ALEXANDER (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Libertarian Brad Hessel (survey: 94%, GRNC ****) and Democrat Laurel Deegan-Fricke (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 16: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent ERIC WEAVER (survey: 100%, GRNC ****) over Democrat Jay Chaudhuri (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 17: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent TAMARA BARRINGER (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Libertarian Susan Hogarth (survey: NR, GRNC 0) and Democrat Susan Evans (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 18: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent CHAD BAREFOOT (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Democrat challenger Gil Johnson (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 19: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent WESLEY MEREDITH (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Democrat challenger Toni Morris (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 20: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger BARBARA HOWE (survey: 99%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Floyd B. McKissick, Jr. (voting record: 50%, GRNC 0).
District 21: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger DAN TRAVIESO (survey: 99%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Ben Clark (voting record: 25%, GRNC 0).
District 22: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger T. GREG DOUCETTE (survey: 99%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Mike Woodard (voting record: 0%, GRNC 0).
District 24: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent RICK GUNN (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Democrat challenger John Thorpe (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 25: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent TOM McINNIS (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Democrat challenger Dannie M. Montgomery (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 27: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent TRUDY WADE (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Democrat challenger Michael Garrett (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 28: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger DEVIN R. KING (survey: 100%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Gladys A. Robinson (voting record: 0%, GRNC 0).
District 30: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent SHIRLEY BLACKBURN RANDLEMAN (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Democrat challenger Michael W. Holleman (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 33: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends CATHY DUNN (survey: 100%, GRNC ****) over Jim Beall Graham (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 36: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends PAUL R. NEWTON (survey: 100%, GRNC ****) over Robert Brown (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 37: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger BOB DIAMOND (survey: 96%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Jeff Jackson (voting record: 0%, GRNC 0).
District 38: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger RICHARD RIVETTE (survey: 99%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Joel Ford (voting record: 25%, GRNC 0).
District 39: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends DAN BISHOP (NC House voting record: 94%, GRNC ****) over Lloyd Scher (survey: 47%, GRNC 0).
District 41: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent JEFF TARTE (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****), who has sponsored pro-gun legislation and been a leader for your rights in the Senate, over Libertarian Chris Cole (survey: 95%, GRNC ****) and Democrat Jonathan Hudson (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 44: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent DAVID L. CURTIS (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over challenger Nic Haag (survey: 97%, GRNC ****).
District 45: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends DEANNA BALLARD (survey: 100%, GRNC ****) over Art Sherwood (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 46: GRNC-PVF recommends WARREN DANIEL (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****), who has been a leader for your rights in the Senate, over Anne Fischer (survey: 49%, GRNC 0).
District 47: GRNC-PVF recommends RALPH HISE (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Mary Jane Boyd (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 49: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger WILLIAM MEREDITH (survey: 100%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Terry Van Duyn (voting record: 0%, GRNC 0).
District 50: GRNC-PVF recommends JIM DAVIS (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Jane Hipps (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
NC HOUSE
As above, only contested races are covered.
A large number of open seats plus a number of RINOs who voted against gun owners on omnibus pro-gun bill HB 562 make NC House race is critical in 2016.
Please note that GRNC-PVF is withholding recommendations for any incumbent who voted against gun owners more than twice in the 18 floor votes for omnibus pro-gun House Bill 562 in the last session.
District 3: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent MICHAEL SPECIALE (recent voting record: 94%, GRNC ***) over Marva Fisher Baldwin (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 6: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends BEVERLY BOSWELL (survey: 88%, GRNC ***) over Warren Judge (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 7: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger WILLIAM DUKE HANCOCK II (survey: 81%, GRNC ***) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Bobbie J. Richardson (voting record: 9%, GRNC 0).
District 9: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends GREG MURPHY (survey: 94%, GRNC ****) over Brian Farcas (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 10: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent JOHN R. BELL (recent voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Evelyn Paul (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 11: GRNC-PVF recommends Republican challenger RAY MARTIN (survey: 85%, GRNC ***) over Libertarian Brian Lewis (survey: 90%, GRNC ****) and anti-gun incumbent Democrat Duane Hall (voting record: 9%, GRNC 0). (Yes, Lewis had a better survey score by 5%, but is unlikely to have the resources to win.)
District 15: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent PHILLIP SHEPARD (voting record: 93%, GRNC ****) over Dan Whitten (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 16: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent CHRIS W. MILLIS (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Steve Unger (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 18: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger GERALD (JERRY) BENTON (survey: 96%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Susi Hamilton (voting record: 5%, GRNC 0).
District 25: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent JEFF COLLINS (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over James D. Gailliard (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 34: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger BILL MORRIS (survey: 95%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Grier Martin (voting record: 24%, GRNC 0).
District 37: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends Republican LINDA HUNT-WILLIAMS (survey: 92%, GRNC ****) over Libertarian Robert Rose (survey: 95%, GRNC ****) and Democrat Randy Barrow (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 38: GRNC-PVF recommends Libertarian challenger OLEN WATSON III (survey: 96%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Yvonne Lewis Holley (voting record: 9%, GRNC 0).
District 46: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends Republican BRENDEN JONES (survey: 92%, GRNC ****) over Libertarian Thomas (Tom) Howell, Jr. (survey: 98%, GRNC ****) and Democrat Tim Benton (survey: NR, GRNC 0). (Yes, Howell had a better survey score by 6%, but is unlikely to have the resources to win.)
District 50: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger ROD CHANEY (survey: 100%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Graig R. Meyer (voting record: 17%, GRNC 0).
District 51: GRNC-PVF recommends Libertarian challenger JOHN SAULS (previous NC House voting record: 83%, GRNC ***) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Brad Salmon (voting record: 44%, GRNC 0).
District 55: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent MARK BRODY (voting record: 97%, GRNC ****) over Kim Hargett (survey: 54%, GRNC 0).
District 59: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent JON HARDISTER (voting record: 97%, GRNC ****) over Scott A. Jones (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 67: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent JUSTIN P. BURR (voting record: 96%, GRNC ****) over Carson Roger Snyder (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 69: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent DEAN ARP (voting record: 94%, GRNC ****) over Gordon B. Daniels (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 74: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent DEBRA CONRAD (voting record: 97%, GRNC ****) over Marilynn Baker (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 82: GRNC-PVF strongly recommends incumbent LARRY G. PITTMAN (voting record: 97%, GRNC ****), who frequently sponsors pro-gun legislation and is a leader for your rights, over Earle Schecter (survey: 63%, GRNC *).
District 92: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends Republican BETH DANAE CAULFIELD (survey: 98%, GRNC ****) over Democrat Chaz Beasley (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 93: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent JONATHAN C. JORDAN (voting record: 98%, GRNC ****) over Sue Counts (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 94: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent JEFFREY ELMORE (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Michael T. Lentz (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 98: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent JOHN R. BRADFORD III (voting record: 94%, GRNC ****) over Jane Campbell (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 104: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends Republican ANDY DULIN (survey: 100%, GRNC ****) over
Democrat Peter Noris (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 105: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends Republican SCOTT STONE (survey: 90%, GRNC ****) over Democrat Connie Green-Johnson (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 109: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent DANA BUMGARDNER (voting record: 97%, GRNC ****) over Susan Maxon (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 113: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends Republican CODY HENSON (survey: 92%, GRNC ****) over Democrat Maureen Mahan Copelof (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 118: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent MICHELE D. PRESNELL (voting record: 97%, GRNC ****) over Rhonda Cole Schandevel (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 119: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger MIKE CLAMPITT (survey: 100%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun incumbent Joe Sam Queen (voting record: 25%, GRNC 0).
District 120: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends KEVIN CORBIN (survey: 95%, GRNC ****) over Randy Hogsed (survey: 70%, GRNC **).
This message, supporting the candidates listed above, is authorized and paid for solely by the Grass Roots North Carolina Political Victory Fund. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.
This Election, Make Your Vote a #GUNVOTE!
To extend Larry Keane's argument even further, even if you do live in a state that will go overwhelmingly for either Hillary or Trump, you still may be able to impact gun rights.
Take for example both California and Washington State. There is no way in hell that Trump will win either state. However, both have ballot initiatives that will restrict gun rights. In California, it is Prop 63 which outlaws standard cap magazines, requires a background check for ammo purchases, and creates an ammo registry. In Washington State, it is Initiative 1491 which would allow the police, family, or household members to get a court order to take your firearms if " the person poses a significant danger, including danger as a result of a dangerous mental health crisis or violent behavior."
If you live in either Nevada or Maine, then you know you have ballot initiatives that would mandate universal background checks. These are both being paid for by Bloomberg and his money.
S&W Wants To Change It Corporate Name
Smith & Wesson Holding Company filed a Sec. 14A Proxy Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission today. It was to issue a notice of a special stockholders meeting on December 13th. This meeting is to have the stockholders approve a corporate name change from Smith & Wesson Holding Company to American Outdoor Brands Corporation.
WTF?
You can see the proposal that has been approved by the Board of Directors below. I fully realize that they have bought companies like Crimson Trace and Battenfield Technologies in recent years. While they will be keeping the Smith & Wesson name for their firearms subsidiary, this smacks too much of the Freedom Group aka Remington Outdoor Company.
As a shareholder of SWHC stock, my intention is to vote no on this proposal. This is a personal decision and has nothing to do with my day job. You might have a different opinion on this and, if so, I'd love to hear it in the comments.
PROPOSAL ONEOur Board of Directors has approved the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to change our corporate name from Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation to American Outdoor Brands Corporation. We now seek stockholder approval of the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to accomplish the name change. We believe that the proposed name change will better reflect our increasingly diverse business and stated vision to become the leading provider of quality products for the shooting, hunting, and rugged outdoor enthusiast. As such, the proposed name change will better convey to existing and potential investors the nature of our expanding business around a number of individual but synergistic companies. We also believe that the proposed name change will better differentiate our identity, as a holding company, from the identity of our firearm subsidiary, both of which currently carry the name “Smith & Wesson.”Currently, we are a holding company that owns, directly and indirectly, a family of consumer product companies addressing the shooting, hunting, and rugged outdoor markets, including Smith & Wesson Corp., Battenfeld Technologies, Inc., Crimson Trace Corporation, Deep River Plastics, LLC, and BTI Tools, LLC. Those subsidiary companies operate in four divisions and manage multiple brands, including the following:BOG–POD ® – Tripods, Bipods, Monopods, and AccessoriesCaldwell ® – Shooting SuppliesCrimson Trace ® – Electro OpticsDeep River Plastics™ – Precision Plastic Injection MoldingFrankford Arsenal ® – Reloading ToolsGolden Rod ® – Moisture ControlHooyman ® – Outdoor Saws and AccessoriesLockdown ® – Vault and Safety AccessoriesM&P ® – Firearms and Outdoor Accessories such as Bags, Knives, Specialty Tools, and FlashlightsNon–Typical™ – Wildlife SolutionsOld Timer ® – Knives and Specialty ToolsPerformance Center ® – High Performance, Specialty, and Custom FirearmsSchrade ® – Knives and Specialty ToolsSmith & Wesson ® – Firearms and Outdoor Accessories such as Bags, Knives, Specialty Tools, and FlashlightsThompson/Center™ – Hunting Firearms and AccessoriesTipton ® – Firearm Cleaning SuppliesUncle Henry ® – Knives and Specialty ToolsWheeler ® Engineering – Gunsmithing SuppliesEach of our subsidiary company’s brands has tremendous value and meaning to its loyal customer base, and each subsidiary company will retain its current name under this proposal so that it can continue to benefit from the brand equity that has been built over the years. Our existing firearms business subsidiary will continue to operate as, and be named, Smith & Wesson Corp. This subsidiary owns the 164 year old Smith & Wesson brand – a brand that is one of our strongest assets and a brand that must be preserved, supported, and protected so that we may continue to benefit from its iconic nature. Thus, changing our name is not intended to diminish the importance of the Smith & Wesson brand in our portfolio. Rather, our new name will represent a broader and more inclusive platform from which to expand into the shooting, hunting, and rugged outdoor markets.We believe that changing our corporate name to American Outdoor Brands Corporation will better reflect our strategic focus on the shooting, hunting, and rugged outdoor markets. Changing our name will not result in any change in the name of any subsidiary company or any branded product marketed by any of those subsidiary companies, and, if the proposal is approved, our corporate structure would remain the same.
4 Special Proxy Statement
Table of Contents
PROPOSAL ONE If approved by the stockholders, the proposed Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation will become effective upon the filing of the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the state of Nevada, which we anticipate will occur on or about January 1, 2017. At the same time, we also anticipate we will adopt the symbol “AOBC” for our stock exchange listing, as it will be more closely aligned with our new name.A copy of the proposed Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation that would be filed with the Secretary of State of the state of Nevada to effect the name change is attached hereto as Appendix A and is hereby incorporated by reference into this proxy statement; provided, however, that such Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation are subject to change or modification to include any technical changes as may be required by the office of the Secretary of State of the state of Nevada.On the date of this proxy statement, we issued a press release regarding our proposed corporate name change. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Appendix B and is hereby incorporated by reference into this proxy statement.OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO CHANGE OUR CORPORATE NAME FROM SMITH & WESSON HOLDING CORPORATION TO AMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS CORPORATION.
