Small Arms Review
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
        • V1N1 (Oct 1997)
        • V1N2 (Nov 1997)
        • V1N3 (Dec 1997)
        • V1N4 (Jan 1998)
        • V1N5 (Feb 1998)
        • V1N6 (Mar 1998)
        • V1N7 (Apr 1998)
        • V1N8 (May 1998)
        • V1N9 (Jun 1998)
        • V1N10 (Jul 1998)
        • V1N11 (Aug 1998)
        • V1N12 (Sep 1998)
      • Volume 2
        • V2N1 (Oct 1998)
        • V2N2 (Nov 1998)
        • V2N3 (Dec 1998)
        • V2N4 (Jan 1999)
        • V2N5 (Feb 1999)
        • V2N6 (Mar 1999)
        • V2N7 (Apr 1999)
        • V2N8 (May 1999)
        • V2N9 (Jun 1999)
        • V2N10 (Jul 1999)
        • V2N11 (Aug 1999)
        • V2N12 (Sep 1999)
      • Volume 3
        • V3N1 (Oct 1999)
        • V3N2 (Nov 1999)
        • V3N3 (Dec 1999)
        • V3N4 (Jan 2000)
        • V3N5 (Feb 2000)
        • V3N6 (Mar 2000)
        • V3N7 (Apr 2000)
        • V3N8 (May 2000)
        • V3N9 (Jun 2000)
        • V3N10 (Jul 2000)
        • V3N11 (Aug 2000)
        • V3N12 (Sep 2000)
      • Volume 4
        • V4N1 (Oct 2000)
        • V4N2 (Nov 2000)
        • V4N3 (Dec 2000)
        • V4N4 (Jan 2001)
        • V4N5 (Feb 2001)
        • V4N6 (Mar 2001)
        • V4N7 (Apr 2001)
        • V4N8 (May 2001)
        • V4N9 (Jun 2001)
        • V4N10 (Jul 2001)
        • V4N11 (Aug 2001)
        • V4N12 (Sep 2001)
      • Volume 5
        • V5N1 (Oct 2001)
        • V5N2 (Nov 2001)
        • V5N3 (Dec 2001)
        • V5N4 (Jan 2002)
        • V5N5 (Feb 2002)
        • V5N6 (Mar 2002)
        • V5N7 (Apr 2002)
        • V5N8 (May 2002)
        • V5N9 (Jun 2002)
        • V5N10 (Jul 2002)
        • V5N11 (Aug 2002)
        • V5N12 (Sep 2002)
      • Volume 6
        • V6N1 (Oct 2002)
        • V6N2 (Nov 2002)
        • V6N3 (Dec 2002)
        • V6N4 (Jan 2003)
        • V6N5 (Feb 2003)
        • V6N6 (Mar 2003)
        • V6N7 (Apr 2003)
        • V6N8 (May 2003)
        • V6N9 (Jun 2003)
        • V6N10 (Jul 2003)
        • V6N11 (Aug 2003)
        • V6N12 (Sep 2003)
      • Volume 7
        • V7N1 (Oct 2003)
        • V7N2 (Nov 2003)
        • V7N3 (Dec 2003)
        • V7N4 (Jan 2004)
        • V7N5 (Feb 2004)
        • V7N6 (Mar 2004)
        • V7N7 (Apr 2004)
        • V7N8 (May 2004)
        • V7N9 (Jun 2004)
        • V7N10 (Jul 2004)
        • V7N11 (Aug 2004)
        • V7N12 (Sep 2004)
      • Volume 8
        • V8N1 (Oct 2004)
        • V8N2 (Nov 2004)
        • V8N3 (Dec 2004)
        • V8N4 (Jan 2005)
        • V8N5 (Feb 2005)
        • V8N6 (Mar 2005)
        • V8N7 (Apr 2005)
        • V8N8 (May 2005)
        • V8N9 (Jun 2005)
        • V8N10 (Jul 2005)
        • V8N11 (Aug 2005)
        • V8N12 (Sep 2005)
      • Volume 9
        • V9N1 (Oct 2005)
        • V9N2 (Nov 2005)
        • V9N3 (Dec 2005)
        • V9N4 (Jan 2006)
        • V9N5 (Feb 2006)
        • V9N6 (Mar 2006)
        • V9N7 (Apr 2006)
        • V9N8 (May 2006)
        • V9N9 (Jun 2006)
        • V9N10 (Jul 2006)
        • V9N11 (Aug 2006)
        • V9N12 (Sep 2006)
      • Volume 10
        • V10N1 (Oct 2006)
        • V10N2 (Nov 2006)
        • V10N3 (Dec 2006)
        • V10N4 (Jan 2007)
        • V10N5 (Feb 2007)
        • V10N6 (Mar 2007)
        • V10N7 (Apr 2007)
        • V10N8 (May 2007)
        • V10N9 (Jun 2007)
        • V10N10 (Jul 2007)
        • V10N11 (Aug 2007)
        • V10N12 (Sep 2007)
      • Volume 11
        • V11N1 (Oct 2007)
        • V11N2 (Nov 2007)
        • V11N3 (Dec 2007)
        • V11N4 (Jan 2008)
        • V11N5 (Feb 2008)
        • V11N6 (Mar 2008)
        • V11N7 (Apr 2008)
        • V11N8 (May 2008)
        • V11N9 (Jun 2008)
        • V11N10 (Jul 2008)
        • V11N11 (Aug 2008)
        • V11N12 (Sep 2008)
      • Volume 12
        • V12N1 (Oct 2008)
        • V12N2 (Nov 2008)
        • V12N3 (Dec 2008)
        • V12N4 (Jan 2009)
        • V12N5 (Feb 2009)
        • V12N6 (Mar 2009)
        • V12N7 (Apr 2009)
        • V12N8 (May 2009)
        • V12N9 (Jun 2009)
        • V12N10 (Jul 2009)
        • V12N11 (Aug 2009)
        • V12N12 (Sep 2009)
      • Volume 13
        • V13N1 (Oct 2009)
        • V13N2 (Nov 2009)
        • V13N3 (Dec 2009)
        • V13N4 (Jan 2010)
        • V13N5 (Feb 2010)
        • V13N6 (Mar 2010)
        • V13N7 (Apr 2010)
        • V13N8 (May 2010)
        • V13N9 (Jun 2010)
        • V13N10 (Jul 2010)
        • V13N11 (Aug 2010)
        • V13N12 (Sep 2010)
      • Volume 14
        • V14N1 (Oct 2010)
        • V14N2 (Nov 2010)
        • V14N3 (Dec 2010)
          • Ammunition
        • V14N4 (Jan 2011)
        • V14N5 (Feb 2011)
        • V14N6 (Mar 2011)
        • V14N7 (Apr 2011)
        • V14N8 (May 2011)
        • V14N9 (Jun 2011)
        • V14N10 (Jul 2011)
        • V14N11 (Aug 2011)
        • V14N12 (Sep 2011)
      • Volume 15
        • V15N1 (Oct 2011)
        • V15N2 (Nov 2011)
        • V15N4 (Jan 2012)
        • V15N5 (Feb 2012)
      • Volume 16
        • V16N1 (1st Quarter 2012)
        • V16N2 (2nd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N3 (3rd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N4 (4th Quarter 2012)
      • Volume 17
        • V17N1 (1st Quarter 2013)
        • V17N2 (2nd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N3 (3rd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N4 (4th Quarter 2013)
      • Volume 18
        • V18N1 (Jan Feb 2014)
        • V18N2 (Mar Apr 2014)
        • V18N3 (May Jun 2014)
        • V18N4 (Jul Aug 2014)
        • V18N5 (Sep Oct 2014)
        • V18N6 (Nov Dec 2014)
      • Volume 19
        • V19N1 (Jan 2015)
        • V19N2 (Feb Mar 2015)
        • V19N3 (Apr 2015)
        • V19N4 (May 2015)
        • V19N5 (Jun 2015)
        • V19N6 (Jul 2015)
        • V19N7 (Aug Sep 2015)
        • V19N8 (Oct 2015)
        • V19N9 (Nov 2015)
        • V19N10 (Dec 2015)
      • Volume 20
        • V20N1 (Jan 2016)
        • V20N2 (Feb Mar 2016)
        • V20N3 (Apr 2016)
        • V20N4 (May 2016)
        • V20N5 (Jun 2016)
        • V20N6 (Jul 2016)
        • V20N7 (Aug Sep 2016)
        • V20N8 (Oct 2016)
        • V20N9 (Nov 2016)
        • V20N10 (Dec 2016)
      • Volume 21
        • V21N1 (Jan 2017)
        • V21N2 (Feb Mar 2017)
        • V21N3 (Apr 2017)
        • V21N4 (May 2017)
        • V21N5 (Jun 2017)
        • V21N6 (Jul 2017)
        • V21N7 (Aug Sep 2017)
        • V21N8 (Oct 2017)
        • V21N9 (Nov 2017)
        • V21N10 (Dec 2017)
      • Volume 22
        • V22N1 (Jan 2018)
        • V22N2 (Feb 2018)
        • V22N3 (March 2018)
        • V22N4 (Apr 2018)
        • V22N5 (May 2018)
        • V22N6 (Jun Jul 2018)
        • V22N7 (Aug Sep 2018)
        • V22N8 (Oct 2018)
        • V22N9 (Nov 2018)
        • V22N10 (Dec 2018)
      • Volume 23
        • V23N1 (Jan 2019)
        • V23N2 (Feb 2019)
        • V23N3 (Mar 2019)
        • V23N4 (Apr 2019)
        • V23N5 (May 2019)
        • V23N6 (Jun Jul 2019)
        • V23N7 (Aug Sep 2019)
        • V23N8 (Oct 2019)
        • V23N9 (Nov 2019)
        • V23N10 (Dec 2019)
      • Volume 24
        • V24N1 (Jan 2020)
        • V24N2 (Feb 2020)
        • V24N3 (Mar 2020)
        • V24N4 (Apr 2020)
        • V24N5 (May 2020)
        • V24N6 (Jun Jul 2020)
        • V24N7 (Aug Sep 2020)
        • V24N8 (Oct 2020)
        • V24N9 (Nov 2020)
        • V24N10 (Dec 2020)
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Events
  • FrankenGun Challenge
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
        • V1N1 (Oct 1997)
        • V1N2 (Nov 1997)
        • V1N3 (Dec 1997)
        • V1N4 (Jan 1998)
        • V1N5 (Feb 1998)
        • V1N6 (Mar 1998)
        • V1N7 (Apr 1998)
        • V1N8 (May 1998)
        • V1N9 (Jun 1998)
        • V1N10 (Jul 1998)
        • V1N11 (Aug 1998)
        • V1N12 (Sep 1998)
      • Volume 2
        • V2N1 (Oct 1998)
        • V2N2 (Nov 1998)
        • V2N3 (Dec 1998)
        • V2N4 (Jan 1999)
        • V2N5 (Feb 1999)
        • V2N6 (Mar 1999)
        • V2N7 (Apr 1999)
        • V2N8 (May 1999)
        • V2N9 (Jun 1999)
        • V2N10 (Jul 1999)
        • V2N11 (Aug 1999)
        • V2N12 (Sep 1999)
      • Volume 3
        • V3N1 (Oct 1999)
        • V3N2 (Nov 1999)
        • V3N3 (Dec 1999)
        • V3N4 (Jan 2000)
        • V3N5 (Feb 2000)
        • V3N6 (Mar 2000)
        • V3N7 (Apr 2000)
        • V3N8 (May 2000)
        • V3N9 (Jun 2000)
        • V3N10 (Jul 2000)
        • V3N11 (Aug 2000)
        • V3N12 (Sep 2000)
      • Volume 4
        • V4N1 (Oct 2000)
        • V4N2 (Nov 2000)
        • V4N3 (Dec 2000)
        • V4N4 (Jan 2001)
        • V4N5 (Feb 2001)
        • V4N6 (Mar 2001)
        • V4N7 (Apr 2001)
        • V4N8 (May 2001)
        • V4N9 (Jun 2001)
        • V4N10 (Jul 2001)
        • V4N11 (Aug 2001)
        • V4N12 (Sep 2001)
      • Volume 5
        • V5N1 (Oct 2001)
        • V5N2 (Nov 2001)
        • V5N3 (Dec 2001)
        • V5N4 (Jan 2002)
        • V5N5 (Feb 2002)
        • V5N6 (Mar 2002)
        • V5N7 (Apr 2002)
        • V5N8 (May 2002)
        • V5N9 (Jun 2002)
        • V5N10 (Jul 2002)
        • V5N11 (Aug 2002)
        • V5N12 (Sep 2002)
      • Volume 6
        • V6N1 (Oct 2002)
        • V6N2 (Nov 2002)
        • V6N3 (Dec 2002)
        • V6N4 (Jan 2003)
        • V6N5 (Feb 2003)
        • V6N6 (Mar 2003)
        • V6N7 (Apr 2003)
        • V6N8 (May 2003)
        • V6N9 (Jun 2003)
        • V6N10 (Jul 2003)
        • V6N11 (Aug 2003)
        • V6N12 (Sep 2003)
      • Volume 7
        • V7N1 (Oct 2003)
        • V7N2 (Nov 2003)
        • V7N3 (Dec 2003)
        • V7N4 (Jan 2004)
        • V7N5 (Feb 2004)
        • V7N6 (Mar 2004)
        • V7N7 (Apr 2004)
        • V7N8 (May 2004)
        • V7N9 (Jun 2004)
        • V7N10 (Jul 2004)
        • V7N11 (Aug 2004)
        • V7N12 (Sep 2004)
      • Volume 8
        • V8N1 (Oct 2004)
        • V8N2 (Nov 2004)
        • V8N3 (Dec 2004)
        • V8N4 (Jan 2005)
        • V8N5 (Feb 2005)
        • V8N6 (Mar 2005)
        • V8N7 (Apr 2005)
        • V8N8 (May 2005)
        • V8N9 (Jun 2005)
        • V8N10 (Jul 2005)
        • V8N11 (Aug 2005)
        • V8N12 (Sep 2005)
      • Volume 9
        • V9N1 (Oct 2005)
        • V9N2 (Nov 2005)
        • V9N3 (Dec 2005)
        • V9N4 (Jan 2006)
        • V9N5 (Feb 2006)
        • V9N6 (Mar 2006)
        • V9N7 (Apr 2006)
        • V9N8 (May 2006)
        • V9N9 (Jun 2006)
        • V9N10 (Jul 2006)
        • V9N11 (Aug 2006)
        • V9N12 (Sep 2006)
      • Volume 10
        • V10N1 (Oct 2006)
        • V10N2 (Nov 2006)
        • V10N3 (Dec 2006)
        • V10N4 (Jan 2007)
        • V10N5 (Feb 2007)
        • V10N6 (Mar 2007)
        • V10N7 (Apr 2007)
        • V10N8 (May 2007)
        • V10N9 (Jun 2007)
        • V10N10 (Jul 2007)
        • V10N11 (Aug 2007)
        • V10N12 (Sep 2007)
      • Volume 11
        • V11N1 (Oct 2007)
        • V11N2 (Nov 2007)
        • V11N3 (Dec 2007)
        • V11N4 (Jan 2008)
        • V11N5 (Feb 2008)
        • V11N6 (Mar 2008)
        • V11N7 (Apr 2008)
        • V11N8 (May 2008)
        • V11N9 (Jun 2008)
        • V11N10 (Jul 2008)
        • V11N11 (Aug 2008)
        • V11N12 (Sep 2008)
      • Volume 12
        • V12N1 (Oct 2008)
        • V12N2 (Nov 2008)
        • V12N3 (Dec 2008)
        • V12N4 (Jan 2009)
        • V12N5 (Feb 2009)
        • V12N6 (Mar 2009)
        • V12N7 (Apr 2009)
        • V12N8 (May 2009)
        • V12N9 (Jun 2009)
        • V12N10 (Jul 2009)
        • V12N11 (Aug 2009)
        • V12N12 (Sep 2009)
      • Volume 13
        • V13N1 (Oct 2009)
        • V13N2 (Nov 2009)
        • V13N3 (Dec 2009)
        • V13N4 (Jan 2010)
        • V13N5 (Feb 2010)
        • V13N6 (Mar 2010)
        • V13N7 (Apr 2010)
        • V13N8 (May 2010)
        • V13N9 (Jun 2010)
        • V13N10 (Jul 2010)
        • V13N11 (Aug 2010)
        • V13N12 (Sep 2010)
      • Volume 14
        • V14N1 (Oct 2010)
        • V14N2 (Nov 2010)
        • V14N3 (Dec 2010)
          • Ammunition
        • V14N4 (Jan 2011)
        • V14N5 (Feb 2011)
        • V14N6 (Mar 2011)
        • V14N7 (Apr 2011)
        • V14N8 (May 2011)
        • V14N9 (Jun 2011)
        • V14N10 (Jul 2011)
        • V14N11 (Aug 2011)
        • V14N12 (Sep 2011)
      • Volume 15
        • V15N1 (Oct 2011)
        • V15N2 (Nov 2011)
        • V15N4 (Jan 2012)
        • V15N5 (Feb 2012)
      • Volume 16
        • V16N1 (1st Quarter 2012)
        • V16N2 (2nd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N3 (3rd Quarter 2012)
        • V16N4 (4th Quarter 2012)
      • Volume 17
        • V17N1 (1st Quarter 2013)
        • V17N2 (2nd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N3 (3rd Quarter 2013)
        • V17N4 (4th Quarter 2013)
      • Volume 18
        • V18N1 (Jan Feb 2014)
        • V18N2 (Mar Apr 2014)
        • V18N3 (May Jun 2014)
        • V18N4 (Jul Aug 2014)
        • V18N5 (Sep Oct 2014)
        • V18N6 (Nov Dec 2014)
      • Volume 19
        • V19N1 (Jan 2015)
        • V19N2 (Feb Mar 2015)
        • V19N3 (Apr 2015)
        • V19N4 (May 2015)
        • V19N5 (Jun 2015)
        • V19N6 (Jul 2015)
        • V19N7 (Aug Sep 2015)
        • V19N8 (Oct 2015)
        • V19N9 (Nov 2015)
        • V19N10 (Dec 2015)
      • Volume 20
        • V20N1 (Jan 2016)
        • V20N2 (Feb Mar 2016)
        • V20N3 (Apr 2016)
        • V20N4 (May 2016)
        • V20N5 (Jun 2016)
        • V20N6 (Jul 2016)
        • V20N7 (Aug Sep 2016)
        • V20N8 (Oct 2016)
        • V20N9 (Nov 2016)
        • V20N10 (Dec 2016)
      • Volume 21
        • V21N1 (Jan 2017)
        • V21N2 (Feb Mar 2017)
        • V21N3 (Apr 2017)
        • V21N4 (May 2017)
        • V21N5 (Jun 2017)
        • V21N6 (Jul 2017)
        • V21N7 (Aug Sep 2017)
        • V21N8 (Oct 2017)
        • V21N9 (Nov 2017)
        • V21N10 (Dec 2017)
      • Volume 22
        • V22N1 (Jan 2018)
        • V22N2 (Feb 2018)
        • V22N3 (March 2018)
        • V22N4 (Apr 2018)
        • V22N5 (May 2018)
        • V22N6 (Jun Jul 2018)
        • V22N7 (Aug Sep 2018)
        • V22N8 (Oct 2018)
        • V22N9 (Nov 2018)
        • V22N10 (Dec 2018)
      • Volume 23
        • V23N1 (Jan 2019)
        • V23N2 (Feb 2019)
        • V23N3 (Mar 2019)
        • V23N4 (Apr 2019)
        • V23N5 (May 2019)
        • V23N6 (Jun Jul 2019)
        • V23N7 (Aug Sep 2019)
        • V23N8 (Oct 2019)
        • V23N9 (Nov 2019)
        • V23N10 (Dec 2019)
      • Volume 24
        • V24N1 (Jan 2020)
        • V24N2 (Feb 2020)
        • V24N3 (Mar 2020)
        • V24N4 (Apr 2020)
        • V24N5 (May 2020)
        • V24N6 (Jun Jul 2020)
        • V24N7 (Aug Sep 2020)
        • V24N8 (Oct 2020)
        • V24N9 (Nov 2020)
        • V24N10 (Dec 2020)
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Events
  • FrankenGun Challenge
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal
No Result
View All Result
Small Arms Review
No Result
View All Result
Home Articles

INDUSTRY NEWS: JUNE 2003

SAR Staff by SAR Staff
August 2, 2022
in Articles
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

By Robert M. Hausman

While ATF Won’t Restore Gun Rights, it will Restore Explosive Privileges

For over ten years, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms has been prohibited by Congress from processing requests of convicted felons and certain others for the restoration of their firearms rights. However, the agency is actively processing requests for relief from disabilities for explosives privileges.

A four-page form, ATF F 5400.29 (12-2002), which asks for such information as conviction and arrest records, names of character references, and medical records, is offered by ATF for those seeking to have their explosives privileges restored.

In a 9-0 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court, in U.S. v. Bean, recently ruled that prohibited persons must go through ATF to have their gun rights restored, even though ATF is prohibited from processing such requests. The case involves former Texas firearms retailer, Thomas Lamar Bean, who inadvertently entered Mexico with some shotshells in his vehicle. Caught by Mexican border guards, Bean was convicted in Mexico of what was then a felony (the offense has since been reduced to a misdemeanor).

The decision, written by Justice Clarence Thomas, said the Supreme Court would only hear Bean’s case if ATF “denied” his processing request. ATF never actually “denied” Bean’s request and did not process it, as ATF has neither funding nor authority to do so. In a 1999 letter to Bean’s attorney, ATF wrote that since October 1992, the agency’s funding appropriation has “prohibited the expending of any funds to investigate or act upon applications for relief from federal firearms disabilities.” The letter further advised Bean’s attorney to “contact our office about obtaining restoration of federal firearms privileges for your client if and when Congress acts to remove the restriction currently imposed.” Bean had argued that ATF’s inability to act constituted a denial, but the Supreme Court rejected that argument. Attorneys believe that a permanent restriction on processing gun rights restoration requests, such as currently exists, should be rewritten by Congress into law to constitute a denial, to effect a remedy.

De Facto Handgun Ban in Maryland

Maryland’s new gun law is bringing the industry woes. The law, requiring all new handguns sold in the state to have an “integrated mechanical safety” is causing a handgun shortage. The mandate assigns responsibility for compliance mainly with the state’s retailers. A de facto handgun ban is expected to begin January 1, as all handguns sold in the state of Maryland are required to contain an “integrated mechanical safety,” capable of preventing the firearm from being discharged unless deactivated.

“Many popular handgun models are no longer available for sale due to this new law,” comments Sanford Abrams, vice president of the Maryland Licensed Firearms Dealers Association. “We fully understand the need for safety, but these handguns were already approved, with respect to safety, by the Maryland Handgun Roster Board. Many of the affected models were approved by the Board as far back as 1988 (the year of the Board’s inception).

Some manufacturers have notified Abrams that they are working on integrated safety systems, but in most cases there is no word as to when these new systems will become available. Although retailers are allowed to install approved aftermarket devices, many handgun models are not compatible with these devices. In addition, consumers can expect to pay between $50 and $100 additionally for retailer installed safety systems, effectively raising the price of new handguns by 15% to 20%.

Thus, far, the Handgun Roster Board has approved the “integrated mechanical safety device” systems of: Taurus, Springfield Armory, Heckler & Koch, Saf-T-Trigger, Ghost Block (for Glock), and Aldo Uberti (one model only). The Board refused to approve the safety system contained in Bond Arms derringers. Thus, newly made Bond Arms handguns are banned from sale in Maryland, even though they were adjudged safe enough to be approved by the Board nearly four years ago. “Maryland’s consumers are mostly unaware that many of the handgun models they plan to purchase are no longer available,” Abrams commented. “We are seeing many surprised customers.”

As is usual with most anti-gun laws, police are exempted from the need to have “integrated mechanical safety devices” in the handguns they purchase, which gives rise to some food for thought, Abrams points out. “Why don’t the police want these safety devices on their service firearms? Do the police know something we do not?”

The total effect of the new law will not be felt for several months, as current dealer inventories run out and shortages of certain handgun models become evident. Abrams sees little chance of relief from the Maryland General Assembly, though he thinks that “historical reproduction” handguns stand a chance of being exempted from the new law. To aid beleaguered retailers, wholesaler RSR Group, will note on the invoice for handgun shipments to Maryland the date RSR received the handgun from the factory so that retailers will know whether or not they have to install an aftermarket safety device, according to Abrams.

Ruger’s Sales, Income Drop in 3rd Quarter

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. reports third quarter net sales of $38 million compared to $41.1 million in the third quarter of 2001. Net income for the quarter ended 30 September 2002 totaled $1.4 million or 5 cents per share versus $2.7 million or 10 cents per share in the comparable quarter of 2001. For the nine months ended 30 September 2002, net sales were $126.3 million and net income was $8.8 million or 33 cents per share. For the corresponding period in 2001, net sales were $122.7 million and net income was $8.6 million or 32 cents per share.

In commenting on the firearms business, chairman William B. Ruger, Jr., said, “The 15% decline in third quarter shipments reflects both a demand softness in that quarter and unusually strong demand in the third quarter of 2001. For the nine months ending September 30th, however, shipments are 5% ahead of last year. Shipment of several of our “classic” models, such as the 10/22 rifles, single-action revolvers, rimfire pistols, and centerfire pistols have increased over the prior year. Demand for our new Ruger Model 77/17 bolt-action rifle in .17 HMR remains strong and our new Gold Label side-by-side shotgun has been the subject of much interest. A fall hunting rebate program was put into effect August 1st.”

Turning to the castings segment, Ruger acknowledged facing stiff competition from abroad while explaining the disappointing results from this segment. “Although quarterly castings sales increased by 5%, the investment castings segment continues to suffer from sluggish economic conditions, as evidenced by the year-to-date sales decline of 17%. While these short-term results are clearly unacceptable, we are thoroughly revamping this once flourishing segment. I am confident we have the expertise and ability to successfully challenge foreign competition in the American market,” Ruger disclosed.

The gunmaker’s success in the courtroom continues as on 20 September 2002, the Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed the 12 January 2001 dismissal of the City of Gary’s complaint as to all firearms manufacturers on all counts. Senior executive vp/general counsel Stephen L. Sanetti commented, “We continue to steadily make progress in the remaining lawsuits. As again evidenced by this latest decision in Indiana, when established law is appropriately applied and politics is removed from the equation, we are vindicated.”

For the three months ended 30 September, firearms sales came to $32, 210,000 or 84.7% of total sales, compared to $35,609,000 or 86.6% of sales in the same quarter in 2001. For the nine months ending 30 September firearms sales totaled $108,366,000 or 85.8% of sales, compared to $100,989,000 or 82.3% of sales in the corresponding period in 2001.

In the castings segment, sales were $5,830,000 (15.3%) in 2002’s third quarter, versus $5,529,000 (13.4%) in 2001’s third quarter. For 2002’s first nine months, castings lent $17,898,000 (14.2%) to the sales total, versus $21,681,000 or 17.7% of the total, for the same nine months in 2001.

Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson Holding Corp., parent of Smith & Wesson Corp., has reported revenues for the quarter ending 31 October 2002 of $23.5 million and net income of $252,000 resulting in an earnings-per-share of 1 cent. In the same period last year, the firm reported revenues of $19.9 million with a net loss of $426,000 resulting in a loss-per-share of 2 cents. The results reflect an 18% increase in net sales along with a 159% increase in net profit.

Mitchell Saltz, S&W’s chairman and CEO, said, “We are very pleased with the financial progress being made as we regain leadership status from the growth of our firearms sector. We are expanding our product portfolio, increasing our licensing fee revenue and maximizing the S&W brand. All of these efforts, reflected in our strategic plan set in May 2001, are successfully contributing to our planned financial growth.”

Revenues for the six months ending 31 October 2002 were $44 million reflecting a 41.3% increase over the comparable period last year. S&W achieved operating income of $625,000 for the six months, which represents a strong increase from an operating loss of $3.9 million for the same period in 2001. EBITDA for the six months of the fiscal year was $1.8 million compared to a loss of $2.7 million for the corresponding period last year. EBITDA is revenue minus expenses (excluding tax, interest, depreciation and amortization). EBITDA is often used to analyze a company’s relative profitability within an industry as it eliminates the effects of financing.

Damian Larson, CFO noted, “The sales growth and realization of profitability this quarter results from the execution of our growth strategies, a focus on minimizing discretionary expenses, and the reallocation of cash flow to opportunities that better position the company for improved returns on investment.”

The company continues to capitalize on opportunities associated with the S&W brand. S&W has introduced new products including binoculars, spotting scopes, and rifle and handgun scopes intended for the law enforcement, domestic consumer and international markets. During the first six months of its fiscal year, the company awarded five new exclusive licensing agreements for armored vests, gun vaults and safes, personal/home security products, and bicycles as well as golf clubs. The gunmaker’s stock began trading on the AMEX in November under the stock symbol SWB.

S&W Holding Corp. has retained Christensen, a capital markets advisory firm, to spearhead S&W’s development of relations with investors. Christensen combines investor relations, financial public relations and capital market intelligence to help global clients achieve and maintain fair valuation for their stock.

American Ammo Issues Debenture

On 4 October 2002, American Ammunition, Inc. issued an 8% convertible debenture in the face amount of $250,000 and a warrant to La Jolla Cove Investors, which allows La Jolla to purchase shares of common stock equal to ten times the number of shares of common stock issued to La Jolla on conversion of the debenture.

The debenture bears interest at 8% and matures two years from the date of issuance. The debenture is convertible into common stock at the option of La Jolla, at the lesser of $1.00 per share or 80% of the average of the five lowest volume weighted average price days during the twenty trading days before the date of La Jolla’s election to convert. The warrant is exercisable at the same price.

Powders Exempt From HSA Law

Black and smokeless powder are exempt from purchase license requirements contained within the Safe Explosive Act portion of the Homeland Security Act when purchased in small quantities. Smokeless powder is considered an “ammunition component” rather than an “explosive” and black powder is not considered an explosive when sold in quantities less than 50 pounds.

Mississippi Gets Tort Reform

Mississippi has become the 30th state to enact tort liability reform, which prohibits frivolous municipal lawsuits, according to the National Rifle Association, which lobbied for the measure. The state Senate passed the bill (HB-19) in early December and it was quickly signed into law by Gov. Ronnie Musgrove.

Business Notes

S.G.S. Importers International, Inc. is appointed the exclusive representative for Houston Products in North America. The line includes holsters and accessories for law enforcement, security, concealed carry and the sporting market. Quality, price and profitability make the line of interest to stocking retailers.

Safer America is a new retail concept that has opened a few blocks from the former site of the World Trade Center in New York City offering emergency-preparedness gear. The idea originated with co-founder Frederic Samama, who wanted to purchase a gas mask to keep at his Manhattan apartment. “I couldn’t find a reliable source – it’s good to speak to someone, to ask how it works,” said Samama who left his job as a bond trader to start the store. He plans two additional Manhattan stores.

Hodgdon’s Annual Manual is a new newsstand publication that is expected to reach more enthusiasts, as it will be offered for a fraction of the cost of the usual hardbound reloading book. The publication contains 42 new rifle and pistol cartridges such as the Remington Ultra Mags and Short Action Mags as well as Winchester’s new .270 and .300 Short Magnums. Included are wildcat and historical cartridges such as 22-K Hornet, and the 6.5mm-06, as well as shotshell data. The manual will also be available for sale by firearms retailers.

The author publishes two of the small arms industry’s most widely read trade newsletters. The International Firearms Trade covers the world firearms scene, and The New Firearms Business covers the domestic market. Visit www.FirearmsGroup.com. He may be reached at: FirearmsB@aol.com.

This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V6N9 (June 2003)

Author

  • SAR Staff
    SAR Staff

    View all posts

Tags: 2003
Previous Post

BOOK REVIEWS: JUNE 2003

Next Post

SITREP: JUNE 2003

Next Post

SITREP: JUNE 2003

TRENDING STORIES

  • U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

    U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Recreational Use Of 40MM Grenade Launchers

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Customizing the Already Custom SIG P320 Spectre Comp

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Col. Rex Applegate: The Knife Designs of a Close-Combat Legend

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Firearm Review: Pioneer Arms Classic AK in 7.62×39

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

U.S. NAVY MK18 MOD O CUSTOM CLOSE QUARTER COMBAT WEAPON FOR THE SEAFARING SERVICE

Recreational Use Of 40MM Grenade Launchers

Recreational Use Of 40MM Grenade Launchers

SIG Spectre Comp with AXG Grip Module

Customizing the Already Custom SIG P320 Spectre Comp

Col. Rex Applegate: The Knife Designs of a Close-Combat Legend

Col. Rex Applegate: The Knife Designs of a Close-Combat Legend

New Review: V19N1

New Review: V23N3

SAR|Special

SAR|Special

The Grand Power Q100

The Grand Power Q100

A Fading Star: The star S135 Submachine Gun, That is

A Fading Star: The star S135 Submachine Gun, That is

The Luger Rifle

Where in the world is the Luger rifle?

Book Reviews: September 2016

BOOK REVIEW: Two Great MP40 Books 

Henk Visser Interview: SAR Talks Stoners, CETME, HK with One of the Founders of the Modern Small Arms Industry

Henk Visser Interview: SAR Talks Stoners, CETME, HK with One of the Founders of the Modern Small Arms Industry

The SCCY DVG-1—The Changer of Games

The SCCY DVG-1—The Changer of Games

QUICK LINKS

  • About Chipotle Publishing
  • About Small Arms Review
  • Advertise with Us
  • Write for Us

CONTACT DETAILS

  • Phone: +1 (702) 565-0746
  • E-mail: office@smallarmsreview.com
  • Web: www.chipotlepublishing.com
  • Chipotle Publishing, LLC 631 N. Stephanie St., No. 282, Henderson, NV 89014
Small Arms Review

FOLLOW US

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

© 2022 Chipotle Publishing | All Rights Reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Articles
    • Guns & Parts
    • Suppressors
    • Optics & Thermals
    • Ammunition
    • Gear
    • News & Opinion
    • Columns
    • Museums & Factory Tours
    • ID Guides
    • Interviews
    • Event Coverage
    • Articles by Issue
      • Volume 1
      • Volume 2
      • Volume 3
      • Volume 4
      • Volume 5
      • Volume 6
      • Volume 7
      • Volume 8
      • Volume 9
      • Volume 10
      • Volume 11
      • Volume 12
      • Volume 13
      • Volume 14
      • Volume 15
      • Volume 16
      • Volume 17
      • Volume 18
      • Volume 19
      • Volume 20
      • Volume 21
      • Volume 22
      • Volume 23
      • Volume 24
  • The Archive
    • Search The Archive
  • Store
    • Books
    • Back Issues
    • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Events
  • FrankenGun Challenge
  • About
    • About Small Arms Review
    • About Chipotle Publishing
    • Contact Us
    • Other Publications
      • Small Arms Defense Journal

© 2022 Chipotle Publishing | All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Are you in the know?
Stay up to date with the latest articles.

Facebook-f Linkedin Instagram

Redirecting to External Website

You are leaving the Small Arms Review website and will be redirected to an external link in a 5 Seconds.
VISIT NOW!