Wednesday, July 29, 2009

More good news for SC shooters

National Shooting Sports Foundation Awards $245,000 in Grants to Shooting Facilities


NEWTOWN, Conn.-To encourage the development of new marketing strategies that will motivate people to go target shooting and hunting, the National Shooting Sports Foundation has awarded grants totaling $245,531 to 12 shooting facilities around the country. This is the second year that NSSF has distributed funding to qualifying target ranges through its Range Partnership Grant Program.

"Research tells us that millions of Americans would like to try target shooting and hunting, and the place to get started is at one of the thousands of shooting ranges across the country," said Steve Sanetti, president of NSSF, trade association for the firearms industry. "These grants will help shooting range managers implement creative marketing strategies that will introduce newcomers and reactivate former shooters so they can enjoy lifetime activities that are fun and can be shared with family and friends. Time and again we see that when newcomers go target shooting, they like it-a lot. We just need to help get them started."

Said Melissa Schilling, NSSF's manager of recruitment and retention, "These grants will help to test measurable projects that, if successful, will be shared with shooting facilities around the country."

Thirty-eight proposals in all were submitted by shooting facilities nationwide. Some of this year's grant recipients proposed projects in partnership with organizations and agencies associated with recreational shooting and hunting.

The 2009 Range Partnership Grant Program recipients are as follows . . .


Mid-Carolina Rifle Club, Rocky Creek, Harris Springs Sportsman's Preserve and Little Mountain Gun & Supply, Inc. (partnering with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources), Columbia, S.C.--$67,000

Project: Develop model methods for improving public awareness of, and accessibility to, shooting ranges in South Carolina.


There you go.

NRA awards $75,000 to South Carolina—funds that unlocked an additional $225,000 from the DNR’s share of federal Pittman-Robertson funds.

Great news for SC shooters - (especially those in the Upstate)

The NRA awarded $75,000 to South Carolina—funds that unlocked an additional $225,000 from the DNR’s share of federal Pittman-Robertson funds. The Pittman-Robertson Act, which levies an excise tax on the sale of firearms and ammunition and then returns that money to the states each year for habitat and range projects, requires matching funds at a 3:1 ratio. Thus, each $25,000 grant from NRA will be matched in kind with $75,000 from South Carolina’s Pittman-Robertson appropriations, for a total of $100,000 per range project, or $300,000 in all.
(snip)
One of those grants will be used to build a 50- and 100-yard rifle and pistol range at Woodbury WMA in Marion County, with the possibility of extending the range to 200 yards. The other grant will be used to build three new trap and skeet fields for youth programs at Marsh WMA, also in Marion County, although adults can also use the fields if they make prior arrangements with the DNR.

I need some matching funds from the DNR to help me afford enough gas to get over to the Leeds Range outside of Clover. Man that's a haul!

More links here

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Judiciary Committee Approves Sotomayor for Supreme Court

From Foxnews:

The Senate Judiciary Committee has voted to approve Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor to be the first Hispanic justice.

The committee voted 13-6 Tuesday morning to send Sotomayor's nomination to the full Senate, where she's expected to be confirmed easily next week.

Just one Republican, South Carolina's Lindsey Graham, joined Democrats in voting for President Barack Obama's first high court nominee. The panel's chairman, Vermont Democrat Patrick Leahy, called Sotomayor a restrained, fair and impartial judge who has not favored any one group of people over another. But the top Republican, Alabama's Jeff Sessions, said her speeches and some rulings revealed beliefs that conflict with the idea of blind justice and fidelity to the law.

I hope SC voters are paying attention.

Dark Arts for Good Guys continues...

An update to the "Dark Arts for Good Guys" series from Straight Forward in a Crooked World (which is made of Win).

Matthew's latest entry:

Dark Arts for Good Guys: Flight Plan


Dark Arts for Good Guys
Dark Arts for Good Guys:Bribery
Dark Arts for Good Guys: Bribery Part II
Dark Arts for Good Guys Series: Flight & Fight Part 1
Dark Arts for Good Guys Series: Fight & Flight pt II


Great information. Things you need to know, hope to never have to use, but probably will.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Snubby ammo choice

James @ www.Hellinahandbasket.net has a great post about snubby ammo selection http://www.hellinahandbasket.net/2009/07/quest-for-ammo.htm

I carry a S&W 642 as my CCW. I spend a lot of time in busy, populated places so I load it with 5 of the overpriced Blue Tip Glaser Safety Slugs (not +p). I've got a couple of Bianchi speed strips with Remington Golden Saber 125 grain +P JHP on and/or around my person for reloads.

I have not shot the requisite 100+ rounds of the Glasers, as I could easily purchase another pistol for what that would cost me. Doom on me. I am working my way towards 150 of the aforementioned 125 gr +P JHP, but they kick like the proverbial whipped mule and aren't any bargain to take to the range either.

The Glasers don't get a lot of positive comments on boards. Not at all. I am going to risk a smack-down over on Hellinahandbasket and ask the smart guys what they think about them.

Update: the more I read the more likely that there will be some Glasers for sale on GB soon.

Update 2: My question to James got a whole post as a reply. With polar bear pic goodness.

Fun with your elected official

Joe Huffman responds to his Senator Murray's "Legislation to regulate the use of firearms is and should remain primarily a state issue."

Since you are of the opinion that legislation to regulate the use of firearms is, and should remain, primarily a state issue I presume I can count on your support of efforts to remove firearm regulations at the Federal level. I would like to suggest you introduce legislation to undo the continuing infringement of our rights inflicted by the following Federal firearms laws:

• National Firearms Act of 1934
• Gun Control Act of 1968
• The Hughes Amendment
• The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act

Once those are infringements have been successfully resolved I will be glad to provide you with a list of other Federal firearms laws that need to be eliminated as well.


Read the whole thing.



A reply from Senator DeMint's office


From the Office of Senator DeMint

Dear Mr. and Mrs. M,

Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns over the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

As you may know, President Obama nominated Judge Sotomayor on May 26. It is now up to the U.S. Senate to determine her qualifications to serve on the Supreme Court. Every Senator swears an oath to support and defend the Constitution. Few things are more central to our duty than confirming Supreme Court justices who will uphold the law and apply it equally for all Americans, not rewrite it from the bench based on personal opinion.

After personally meeting with Judge Sotomayor, I didn't hear anything that eased my concerns about her judicial approach. She was unwilling to say the Second Amendment protects a fundamental right that applies to all Americans, which raises serious questions about her view of the Bill of Rights. Additionally, when I asked if an unborn child has any rights whatsoever, I was surprised that she said she had never thought about it. This is not just a question about abortion, but about the respect due to human life at all stages, and I hope this is cleared up in her confirmation hearings.

Those who serve on the highest court in America must have an unwavering commitment to the Constitution and equal justice for all Americans. Please rest assured, I will continue to review Judge Sotomayor's decisions and public statements and will watch her confirmation hearings closely.

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with me. Please feel free to contact me in the future about any issue important to you or your family. It is an honor to serve you and the people of South Carolina.


Sincerely,

Jim DeMint
United States Senator


Haven't heard anything back from Lindsey yet. Imagine that.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Found some .22LR at the Wal Mart by work today


4 Federal big box o' 550 22LR at Wal-mart. $17 a box. My new friend Todd at the sporting goods counter (I see him almost weekly, so we are practically friends...really) said that the 4 boxes had been there since...gasp...Monday! Could this be yet another sign that the ammo shortage has calmed down?

I bought 3.

Going plinking this weekend. Yep.


Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Wet pants happiness from our friend Josh Sugarmann

Wet pants happiness from our friend Josh Sugarmann at the VPC... we'll get the 2 votes next time pal.

To Violence Policy Center Action Network Members:

Thank you!

Earlier today, the U.S. Senate defeated a National Rifle Association-backed measure sponsored by South Dakota Senator John Thune that would have created a nationalized concealed handgun permitting system--and your calls helped make the difference!

Below, please find the press release issued by the VPC following this important victory.

Click here to see how your Senators voted:

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=1&vote=00237

Thank you again for helping make this victory possible.

Sincerely,

Josh Sugarmann
Executive Director


***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Violence Policy Center Statement on Defeat of Thune Amendment Creating National Concealed Handgun System

Washington, DC--Following today's Senate vote defeating the Thune Amendment, which would have created a nationalized concealed handgun permitting system, the Violence Policy Center issued the following statement by VPC Legislative Director Kristen Rand:

"Today's Senate vote is a victory for those who support a sane national gun policy.

"Concealed carry permit holders have already killed police officers, murdered innocent citizens, and committed mass shootings.

"The Thune Amendment would have nullified laws in states such as New York and California that have tough standards for the issuance of concealed handgun permits. Those states would have been forced to allow the carrying of concealed handguns within their borders by people with permits issued by states with the lowest standards, such as Idaho and Florida. The amendment would have also undermined state assault weapons bans because it would have allowed permit holders to carry concealed assault weapons into the seven states that currently ban these guns.

"The danger of the Thune amendment is demonstrated by the fact that proponents of a nationalized concealed carry system argue that lax concealed handgun laws are the answer to mass shootings, but the hard facts are that concealed handgun permit holders do not prevent mass shootings, they perpetrate them."

Earlier this week, the VPC released a new study (http://www.vpc.org/studies/ccw2009.pdf) showing that concealed handgun permit holders killed at least seven police officers and 44 private citizens in 31 incidents during the period May 2007 through April 2009. Among the study's findings--

o Over the two-year period May 2007 through April 2009, concealed handgun permit holders have slain seven law enforcement officers resulting in criminal charges or the suicide of the shooter. All of the killings were committed with guns. An additional three law enforcement officers were injured in these incidents.

o Over the two-year period May 2007 through April 2009, concealed handgun permit holders have slain at least 44 private citizens resulting in criminal charges or the suicide of the shooter. All but one of the killings were committed with guns. An additional six private citizens were injured in these incidents.

o In six of the 31 incidents (19 percent), the concealed handgun permit holder killed himself, bringing the total fatality count to 57.

o Five of the incidents were mass shootings resulting in the deaths of 23 victims.

***

The Violence Policy Center (www.vpc.org) is a national educational organization working to stop gun death and injury.

--END-

***

If you no longer wish to receive Action Network e-mails from the VPC, please reply to this e-mail with the word "unsubcribe" in the subject line.

For more information on the VPC, please visit www.vpc.org.

No NC provision for briefcases, handbags, purses in the car.

There is no NC provision for CCW in briefcases, handbags, or purses in your vehicle. Apparently having my pistol concealed in my briefcase on the seat next to me makes it more accessible than having it concealed on my person in a shoulder rig, crossdraw or ankle holster.

However, I can legally leave it in plain view on the seat or the dash. Goofy.

Emphasis is mine.

NORTH CAROLINA FIREARMS LAWS

This publication is only represented to be current as of the revision date on this cover page. Material in this publication may have been altered, added, or deleted since the revision date. Information contained in this publication should not be relied upon as legal advise in a particular scenario. This information is designed as a reference guide only.

ROY COOPER

ATTORNEY GENERAL

JOHN J. ALDRIDGE, III

SPECIAL DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL

NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

LAW ENFORCEMENT LIAISON SECTION

REVISED DECEMBER 2007

Publication Website: http://www.ncdoj.com

Once into the site, click on “Crime & Law Enforcement,” located in the top center of the page;

then click on “Concealed Handguns,” located on the bottom left of the page.

-snip-

III. POSSESSING AND CARRYING FIREARMS

-snip-

D. Transporting Weapons

Given this general prohibition of carrying concealed weapons, individuals must be ever vigilant to ensure their particular situation cannot be construed as concealing a weapon, either on or about them, without being properly authorized to do so with a valid North Carolina, or recognized out-of state concealed handgun permit. Therefore, the permittee's accessibility to the weapon is of prime importance. It is for these reasons, that when transporting a weapon in a vehicle, even greater care must be exercised to ensure that the weapon is not concealed, and within the ready access to an occupant of the vehicle. North Carolina law does not specifically address how to transport a weapon in an automobile. Therefore, the central question becomes: when is the weapon concealed and readily accessible to an occupant of an automobile? Obviously, a weapon would be concealed and readily accessible, and therefore in violation of North Carolina law, if it were placed in such areas of a vehicle as under the seat of the automobile; in a bag in the back seat; or in some other manner is covered or hidden within the easy reach of an occupant of the vehicle. It is our recommendation that firearms should not be carried in a glove compartment regardless of whether the compartment is locked or not.

While a weapon carried openly in an automobile would not be concealed, there are other problems specific to this method of carrying a weapon. The principal drawback, of course, is in the event of an individual being stopped by a law enforcement official, the officer may not readily know that individual's purpose and intent for carrying a weapon. As such, it is imperative that an individual immediately notify an officer of the presence of any weapon in the automobile, for the officer's and the vehicle's occupants' safety. Another obvious drawback is that a valuable weapon may be in plain view for potential thieves to see. The prohibition to carrying concealed weapons applies not only to handguns and other weapons commonly thought of as being easily hidden, but also to "long guns" as well. Therefore, shotguns and rifles concealed behind the seat of pickup trucks, and elsewhere in other vehicles, could similarly violate North Carolina law.

As to those vehicles with no easily discernible trunk area (i.e., vans, etc.), the question arises on a factual determination of when the weapon is within ready and easy access to an occupant of the vehicle. If the weapon is concealed near, in close proximity to, or within the convenient control and access of an occupant, which would allow him/her to use the weapon quickly, then a fair probability exists that the occupant is in violation of the law. Therefore, care must be exercised by any occupant of any vehicle to ensure that weapons are securely locked away in as remote an area as possible, in relation to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. It is important to emphasize that these prohibitions apply to passengers, as well as drivers of any vehicle.

I suppose I shouldn't be bitching too much. At least NC has reciprocity with SC (where I can pretty much put my gun wherever the hell I want to - on my person or in my car - as long as it IS concealed - no open carry in SC - also goofy.)

foil hat alert - GM will be able to turn off your vehicle remotely

at Endgadget

OnStar's already rolled out a method for slowing down stolen vehicles once the cops have 'em in sight, and it looks like it's now come up with a solution for the ones that get away as well. Dubbed Remote Ignition Block, the new sevice does just what it promises and uses GPS to prevent the vehicle from starting again once the ignition has been turned off. As with most of these systems, however, the police will first have to confirm that the vehicle is in fact stolen before OnStar flips the switch, so you'll have to come up with something else for your next grand workplace prank. No word on specifics just, but OnStar says it'll be making the service available on over two million GM 2009 and 2010 model year vehicles.

(puts foil hat on)

Government owns GM, GM owns Onstar, you buy a Camaro instead of a Volt Hybrid Plug In. At some point in the future it is decided that your car is using too much gas/isn't efficient enough/doesn't meet the next round of new CAFE standards. They turn it off. You can't turn it back on.

(takes foil hat off)


Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Dear Senator Demint

Senator Demint:

Thank you for not voting to confirm Judge Sotamayor. In the 2004 case United States v. Sanchez-Villar, Judge Sotomayor stated "the right to possess a gun is clearly not a fundamental right." That's enough for me and my friends, family and co-workers.

Let's see who he can come up with next.

Also -thank you for supporting the Thune-Vitter amendment. CCW licensees are among the most law abiding segments of society. By very nature of the application process, compliance with the law is a prerequisite for obtaining a license. Individuals with a criminal history couldn't get one even if they were so inclined to do so. Revocation rates are very low, and crime rates in general (not just firearms violations) are extremely low. CCW permit holders are not now, have never been, and will never be the problem. However, they can be part of the solution to the problem.

I enjoyed your comments on the WBT morning show with Al & Stacy this morning. Thank you for your candor. I do not always agree with you , but you get it right on the things that matter most to me and my friends and family.
Thank you.
Brian M.
Constituent

Dear Senator Graham



Please do not vote to confirm Judge Sonya Sotamayor. In the 2004 case United States v. Sanchez-Villar, Judge Sotomayor stated "the right to possess a gun is clearly not a fundamental right." That's enough for me and my friends, family and co-workers.

Let's see who he can come up with next.

Also - thank you for supporting the Thune-Vitter amendment. CCW licensees are among the most law abiding segments of society. By very nature of the application process, compliance with the law is a prerequisite for obtaining a license. Individuals with a criminal history couldn't get one even if they were so inclined to do so. Revocation rates are very low, and crime rates in general (not just firearms violations) are extremely low. CCW permit holders are not now, have never been, and will never be the problem. However, they can be part of the solution to the problem.

Thank you.
Brian M
Constituent

Why do I go to MSNBC.com?


For laughs, I guess. What a ridiculous headline.

I don't think kids should hunt unsupervised. When mine are old enough to hunt, and if they want to, we'll go together until I decide they can go on their own. That will not be before they're 16. Your mileage may vary, but I'd rather deal with a teenager bitching about being stuck in the blind with dad than having to deal with guilt over mistaking some lady for a bear.

Gun Show This Weekend in Columbia, SC

Heading to Colatown this weekend for gun show at the Jamil Temple. It's the only "local" one for months and months that coincides with a free weekend for me. Win.

Jamil Shrine Center
206 Jamil Road
Columbia, SC 29210


Map to Show
July 25 & 26, 2009


from Gunshows-usa and SCACA

Shopping list:
ammo

A harrowing account of a CCW holder's run in with an overzealous PD

Bryan's had a long summer.

That story sets my teeth on edge.

via the always excellent Breda.

More pants-wetting from Josh Sugarmann @ the VPC

In the inbox today...

To Violence Policy Center Action Network Members:

TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, the U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on an amendment sponsored by South Dakota Senator John Thune to the defense reathorization bill (S. 1390) that would force our communities to allow dangerous individuals from other states to carry loaded, hidden handguns in public.

ACTION STEP

Call your two U.S. Senators today! Call 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to your Senators' offices.

Tell your U.S. Senators to vote NO on the Thune gun amendment.


A new VPC study (http://www.vpc.org/studies/ccw2009.pdf) released yesterday and cited in a New York Times editorial (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/21/opinion/21tue2.html?_r=1&ref=opinion) today shows that in a recent two-year period in only 31 incidents, concealed handgun permit holders killed at least seven law enforcement officers and 44 private citizens. These incidents include five mass shootings resulting in the deaths of 23 victims. Because of the secretive nature of state concealed carry systems, the VPC was forced to rely on news clippings for its research. The actual number of unjustified killings by concealed handgun permit holders is most likely far, far higher.

States currently have the authority to make their own rules about who can carry a concealed weapon (CCW). But the gun lobby's friends in Congress want to dramatically undermine each state's authority to determine who can possess handguns by allowing individuals with concealed carry permits issued by virtually any other state to cross state lines with their deadly weapons and carry loaded guns in public--a policy that will also increase gun trafficking, as well as gun deaths and injuries. This proposal is particularly dangerous for states like California that have tough permitting standards.

o The Thune amendment would dramatically increase the number of individuals carrying concealed handguns in public in your state.

o The Thune amendment would require states to recognize concealed carry permits that are issued by other states. The practical effect of this change would be to establish the lowest common denominator as the general rule for carrying a concealed handgun.

Call your senators NOW and tell them to vote NO on the Thune amendment.

Thank you, as always, for your time and energy to help stop gun violence.

Sincerely,

Josh Sugarmann
Executive Director

I think Uncle has dismantled the "study" that Sugarmann and the time cite as the usual junk we can expect from these people...er this person (is there anyone else at the VPC except Sugarmann?).

The "Irrefutable" is refuted...

Kevin at The Smallest Minority provides 10,000 or so words that I would commit to memory in order to properly prepared for any conversation concerning the 2nd Amendment.

Seriously. I am going to print this out and carry it in my wallet.

Robb at Sharp As a Marble found the original op-ed. My favorite comment from the original is from a guy named Ed who states:

"Propagandist! Parrot! Fool!"


While I hope that some day I will be able to provide a Kevin-Level Dismantling, my attempts at discourse are more like Ed.

Found another great blog...

via James at Hellinahandbasket. This one is Straight Forward in a Crooked World and it is made of Win. Matthew is currently writing a series called 'Dark Arts for Good Guys" and links are below:

Dark Arts for Good Guys
Dark Arts for Good Guys:Bribery
Dark Arts for Good Guys: Bribery Part II
Dark Arts for Good Guys Series: Flight & Fight Part 1
Dark Arts for Good Guys Series: Fight & Flight pt II


Great information. I'd characterize the posts as things you need to know, hope to never have to use, but probably will.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Facebookers Firearms Friendly?

91.9% of Facebook users polled would not support "a nationwide handgun ban".

Grabbed this off of FB this morning after taking the poll. After working up a good smirk waiting for the results, I was suprised and delighted to see that a crushing majority of those Facebookers who took the poll would NOT support"a nationwide handgun ban".


I look at this as either hope for the future, proof that we're winning or both.  

Of course, I am not certain that anyone is specifically calling for "a nationwide handgun ban" right now, but it's nice to know that when/if such a call went out there are +300K folks on Facebook that would NOT support it.

Click here to see the current results and comment thread. You'll need to be logged in to FB to see it.

I'd like to run an "assault weapons" - any ideas on how to word it...anyone?

Messing around with rss2twitter...

based off of a tweet from Uncle. If I get this right, my 1 reader will enjoy regular updates.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Obey Obama

Insty has a post linking to an article written by someone who has never heard of Shepard Fairey - the guy who came up with those "Andre the Giant has a posse" stickers back in the day. He created the now (in)famous "HOPE" poster for Obama and is famous or something.

I hate to link to the guy - but if you've never heard of him and want to know more - here is a link.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Rebranding the site a bit

So, realizing that I post more about firearm issues more than survival issues...here's the new blog name: Another Gun Guy. Good luck trying to find me.