The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act proved the basis for dismissal of the notorious lawsuit by the City of New York against the firearms industry. This suit by the city and its mayor, billionaire Michael Bloomberg, sought to hold manufacturers responsible for the criminal misuse of firearms.

“The dismissal of this bogus lawsuit against America’s firearm industry is an important victory,” declared Chris W. Cox, executive director for the National Rifle Association (NRA). “New York City’s lawsuit was a politically motivated attack by an anti-gun mayor to bankrupt a lawful industry.”

The Manhattan-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled that the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which NRA helped pass into law in 2005, is constitutional and that Judge Jack B. Weinstein erroneously interpreted that law in his district court ruling allowing the suit to proceed. Similar suits have been dismissed in the Seventh Circuit, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, and in other courts throughout the country.

“We think Congress clearly intended to protect from vicarious liability members of the firearms industry who engage in the ‘lawful design, manufacture, marketing, distribution, importation, or sale’ of firearms,” noted Judge Robert J. Miner, writing for the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in dismissing the suit.

This decision represents another setback to Mayor Bloomberg, who has also been publicly rebuked by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for his unlawful “sting” operations against firearm retailers in several states.

Retailer Stands Alone Against NYC

While the suit filed by New York City against firearms manufacturers has been dismissed, the city is still suing individual retailers. With the brokering of a settlement between two Georgia firearms retailers and New York City in Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s 2006 suit against them, there now remains a single defendant in a lawsuit resulting from the infamous and spurious sting operations conducted by the city against so-called “rogue gun dealers.”

That defendant is Smyrna, Georgia based Adventure Outdoors, which has not only refused to enter into a settlement agreement (which would entail allowing a representative of New York City to monitor its sales) but has filed a defamation suit against Bloomberg.

The city had sent out private investigators several years ago to a variety of firearms retailers (both in New York and other states) and deliberately attempted to induce them through trickery to complete firearms sales to the investigators which could be construed as being so-called “strawman transactions.” The “investigations” resulted in the city filing two federal lawsuits against some 27 gun shops in 2006.

The city claimed it had identified the owners of the 27 shops as “rogues” who cared more about making money than public safety and alleged that firearms sold by these shops were a frequent source of guns that were used to commit crimes in New York City. The lawsuit claims 21 guns sold at Adventure Outdoors were used during the commission of a crime in New York City between 1994 and 2001.

The lawyer for Adventure Outdoors’ co-owner, Jay Wallace, says his client will not settle with Bloomberg. He told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that his client “will go as far as to hock his car and his shop and all the guns in it to see this case through.”

“This guy has complete moral conviction that he did not do anything wrong,” the lawyer continued. “He feels he has been wronged, and he’s going to show the jury that New York City is wrong. They sued the wrong guy.” At SAR presstime, the case was scheduled to go to trial last spring. The city has pulled strings to steer the trial to be heard in the courtroom of the notorious anti-gun activist, Judge Jack B. Weinstein.

A gun shop in Virginia and another in South Carolina, who are also contesting the city’s claims, are slated to have their cases heard in federal court this fall when the second case is scheduled for trial.

The cases are embarrassing to ATF as New York City attempts to appropriate its regulatory authority – and it does so in a Draconian manner, much worse than ATF’s now well-known “zero tolerance policy” for record-keeping errors by licensees.

The gun shops that settled with the city (even those in states other than New York) had to agree to have their store operations monitored for three years by a “special master” appointed to the position and paid by New York City. The “master” reviews records and inventory, is permitted to videotape sales activities and to send in “undercover customers” to attempt straw purchases. Store employees are given enhanced training on making legal firearms sales, and identifying straw purchasers.

In a side note, soon after Bloomberg filed his original series of suits against the retailers in 2006, ATF said it would investigate the legality of his sting investigation, which was conducted by non-law enforcement personnel. To date, nothing has been forthcoming from ATF on the issue.

Those retailers who have settled their cases were said to have done so for financial reasons as they didn’t have the financial resources to match those of the New York City government.

Two months after the city filed its first lawsuit, Adventure Outdoors filed a $400 million defamation suit in federal court in Atlanta against the city and Bloomberg. The store’s attorney, former Georgia Congressman Bob Barr, took issue with the city’s allegation that his client is a “rogue gun dealer.” Barr commented, “These are outrageous statements, they are false, they are defamatory and they are slanderous and that is what we have alleged in our lawsuit.”

A judge has cleared the way for Adventure Outdoors tortuous interference with business claim and the case is pending. Lawyers for Bloomberg unsuccessfully attempted to have the case heard in New York City (where it probably would have been steered into Weinberg’s courtroom). It will be heard in Georgia.

Wallace estimates that he will incur legal costs of at least $400,000 in defending and prosecuting the two actions. He has received a $5,000 contribution from the Second Amendment Foundation, $1,000 from the National Rifle Association and $2,500 from a fellow Georgia firearms retailer, Chuck’s Gun & Pawn of Warner Robins, GA.

A fund has been started to help finance the actions. Non-tax deductible contributions may be sent to: Bloomberg Fight Back Fund, 630 Windy Hill Road, Smyrna, GA 30080.

Wal-Mart to Video Tape Gun Buyers

Wal-Mart recently joined New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg at a gathering of Bloomberg’s anti-gun group, Mayors Against Illegal Guns, to announce a series of changes to the way in which Wal-Mart handles firearm transactions.

At the press event, J.P. Suarez, chief compliance officer for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., said: “The costs are, we think, part of what it takes to be responsible.” Suarez also added, “This is not a signal that we’re getting out of firearms.”

Once these changes are up and running, firearm purchases at Wal-Mart will involve a video record of the sale, which the store will keep on file – effectively creating a video database of gun purchasers. In addition, Wal-Mart announced that its employees will be given discretion to deny firearms purchases to anyone who has had a firearm traced by BATFE for any reason – including those who have had a firearm stolen and later used in criminal activity.

Wayne LaPierre, NRA Executive Vice President, said, “I view it as a public relations stunt that stigmatizes law-abiding firearms purchasers exercising their constitutional freedoms. I honestly think it’s a corporation trying to curry favor with politicians as opposed to doing anything meaningful about stopping crime.”

RZM Imports Employee Admits Stealing $816,129 from Company

A former employee of RZM Imports, Inc., the large Southbury, Connecticut-based marketer of World War Two military and firearms books, magazines, videos, etc., has pled guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of income tax evasion.

According to documents filed with the U.S. District Court and statements made in court, Leslie Tavolacci, 56, a part-time employee of RZM Imports, as part of her duties opened and sorted incoming mail, and then deposited checks received by RZM from customers into the company’s bank account. In pleading guilty, Tavolacci admitted that she unlawfully took a large number of checks payable to her employer and deposited them into other checking accounts she had opened under the RZM Imports, Inc. name. She then withdrew the money from these accounts, usually using bank debit cards, and used the funds for her own use and enrichment. Through this scheme, she was alleged to have embezzled approximately $816,129 between 1997 and 2004.

As a result of her guilty plea, Tavolacci faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years and a fine of up to $350,000.

FNH Doubles Web Site Traffic

Traffic to the FNH USA website (www.FNHUSA.com) doubled recently after enhancements were made, the firm says. These include an interactive dealer locator, downloadable wallpapers and logos, a photo gallery, product reviews and video content.

Sturm, Ruger Wins Prisons Contract

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. announces that it has been awarded a 5-year requirements contract for the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

The contract is for 1,750 9mm pistols, with the potential to replace up to 3,000 pistols for the federal prison system. The pistols to be supplied are based on the Ruger KP95 models. The pistols are double-action only, incorporate a stainless steel slide, and feature a custom polymer composite frame with a Picatinny rail.

The Ruger pistols to be supplied under this contract will be manufactured in the company’s Prescott, Arizona manufacturing facility over the next five years.

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.

By Jim Schatz

Each year, as the air turns cool in the Washington, DC metro area and the trees that line the banks of the Potomac River begin to turn to color, the Army rallies for the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition held in 2007 from October 8-10 at the Washington Convention Center. This year’s event was larger than any before it and is, as always, an excellent opportunity to see the latest military equipment on display from around the world; not to mention the small arms – the real focus of this report

Protestors

As one arrived at the site of the show, the AUSA banners flew high and proudly from the tall buildings in downtown DC. The day was clear and sunny, a perfect day for such an event and folks were in high spirits as they made their way to the convention center by taxi, the Metro and on foot. However, this feeling of slight elation was dampened by the chanting and insulting signs of anti-war/anti-America protestors roaming outside of the center and harassing the visitors and denigrating the soldiers and contractors entering the facility. Waving their “blood” stained hands in the faces of the attendees and harassing our brave men and women warriors making their way inside, one could not help but wonder if they realize that their very right to protest, to spout their anti-freedom rantings, has and was paid for with the blood of so many courageous military men and women who have sacrificed so unselfishly and so dearly for our freedoms. To their great credit, the proud and disciplined soldiers in uniform were seemingly not enraged by the actions and mindless rantings of the protestors.

Quietly and Professionally

The mood inside the building was positive, electric in a way and yet reserved. The “surge” in Iraq is clearly working. Civilian and U.S. military deaths are down and insurgent deaths are up. The Army has once again, as it has always done quietly and professionally, performed at its very best for America and for the Iraqi citizens who maybe do not yet realize fully what freedom, independence and a true self governing country is.

The Army gathers each year at the annual AUSA Meeting to celebrate its successes, recognize its heroes and in many quiet ways morn its irreplaceable loses. In 2007, there was much work to be done in all these areas.

The big news on the show floor, besides the hum about troop withdrawals and the success of the surge and the meeting and greeting of old friends and comrades in arms, was the then very recent announcement of the sizable contract awards for new armored vehicles called MRAP. The MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protection) translates to highly mobile but equally protected wheeled vehicles to provide improved protection against IEDs and RPGs. More than 6,400 RG31 MK5 MRAPs have been ordered thus far for the Army alone from just one of numerous vendor teams, BAE Systems through its partnership with General Dynamics Land Systems, while another 600 MK5Es, an extended version of the RG31, have been ordered on a separate $135 million dollar contract for the U.S. Marine Corps. These are huge contracts with the biggest defense contractors in the world. The show floor was awash with armored vehicles of all shapes, sizes and even colors (yes, there was one in British SAS desert “pink” as well). The MRAPs have proven highly effective in countering modern ballistics threats with U.S. and coalition forces. They have and will continue to save lives on the battlefields wherever they are deployed. Most countries involved in OEF/OIF are buying into them at the moment.

AAI
(www.aaicorp.com)

The U.S. Army’s LSAT (Lightweight Small Arms Technology) demonstrator program continues with further success with both its Cased Telescoped (CT) and Caseless Telescoped (CL) ammunition types. AAI reps reported that to date 6,000 rounds of CT ammunition have been fired in the LSAT LMG prototype 001 with prototype 002 testing to begin shortly. Various successful live-fire demonstrations had been conducted for U.S. Army officials at Fort Benning and elsewhere. The caseless ammunition firing weapon is further behind and is challenging the designers to solve the tough-nut chamber sealing issue that haunts all auto-loading caseless ammunition firing small arms. Reportedly, the firing mechanism is in final development with a two-part expanding chamber design similar to that of the ill-fated H&K G11 Rifle.

Thus far, 100 rounds of the rectangular DNAG G11-style ammunition, the basis for the LSAT caseless ammunition, have been fired on test fixtures only. The first cylindrical LSAT caseless ammunition was expected to be completed by end of CY07.

While still clearly in the early R&D stages of development, the LSAT program offers scalable technology that can be applied to other types of small arms such as 7.62mm rifles and machine guns. LSAT offers 35-50% system (weapon, links, ammo) weight savings, but only if system durability and soldier ruggedness can be assured. Watch this program carefully. Put your money on the CT ammo.

Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc.
(www.barrettrifles.com)

The big news at the Barrett booth this year was their 240LW, an in-house development to reduce the overall weight of the U.S. M240 GPMG. The Barrett 240LW (LW for Light Weight) employs a fluted barrel and one-piece CNC machined steel receiver. Offering a weight reduction of 5.5 pounds, this brings the outstanding reliability of the otherwise heavy M240 machine gun into a more portable, maneuverable weight range of 21.5 pounds, and along the lines of lighter GPMGs like the M60 and HK21E, without the need to employ more exotic materials with questionable durability. While there is no official program for this Barrett-funded creation, one can only wonder, “Why not?” Barrett also announced at AUSA that the “BORS” (Barrett Optical Ranging System) is now available for commercial sale at $1,500 each with mount; $2,700 with the L&S MKIV telescopic sight.

Beretta Law Enforcement and Defense Group
(www.BerettaLE.com)

Beretta Firearms Company may be the longest running small arms exhibitor at the AUSA event, continuously supporting the U.S. Army Annual Meeting for more than 23 years. The newest product on display at the Beretta booth this year was the new Px4 Storm Subcompact Pistol. Available in calibers 9x19mm Luger and .40 S&W, the Px4 Subcompact, with 3-inch barrel, weighs only 26 ounces and holds an impressive number of cartridges (thirteen 9mm rounds or ten .40 S&W rounds) for such adiminutive pistol.

Colt Defense, LLC
(www.colt.com)

This year Colt came to the AUSA Show to impress the attendees with new and long awaited developments in the M4 family of weapons. This includes the open public display (and even disassembly) of thehighly secretive M5 Advanced Military Carbine with piston operated gas system, Colt’s new patented aluminum rail system offering 100% return to zero capability and redesigned front sight assembly. Other unique features include barrel heat sink and airflow grooves to help cool a hot barrel and reduce the occurrence of cook off. Colt claims the new op rod M4 has fired over 12,000 rounds without cleaning or stoppages. It is even fitted with proprietary drain system to allow for over-thebeach use wherein the operator can safely fire the weapon without the need to first fully drain water from the interior of the weapon.

In addition to the Colt LE1020 Law Enforcement Carbine with piston operated gas system, Colt representatives were also showing SLA models of various prototype folding stocks for use with the M4 and M5 Carbines to reduce the overall length of the weapon to compact PDW size. The Colt 5.56mm PDW, as it was being referred to, sports a 10.3-inch barrel, new buffer and spring built into the back of the bolt carrier, 3-position QD sling attachment points and LaserMax vertical foregrip with green aiming laser. Firing at 700-900 rounds per minute, the Colt 5.56mm PDW stands ready for the release of the long rumored requirement from the U.S. Army for a rifle-caliber Personal Defense Weapon. At the time of writing, little additional information was available on any such release by the U.S. Army for such a weapon. However, according to sources within PEO Soldier, this requirement is still being written by the user proponent.

FNH U.S.A, LLC
(www.fnhusa.com)

The big news at the FN booth was, of course, SCAR. If reports from both company representatives and from U.S. officials are correct, the SCAR Light and Heavy models and the 40mm EGLM grenade launcher could enter series production as early as March 2008. Reportedly production, fielding and logistical funds have been programmed for full SCAR (12-16 thousand units) and EGLM fielding within USSOCOM once the full production Milestone C decision is made. This is expected to come after the final Operational Test (OT) report is completed and reviewed. At the time of writing, the USSOCOM was finishing up the last of the OT phases with U.S. Army Rangers and Special Forces, U.S. Navy SEALs and U.S. Marine Corps MARSOC personnel. One interesting note was that the BOI (Basis of Issue), which was originally heavy on the SCAR-L (5.56x45mm NATO) side, has now been revamped and it shifted to the SCAR-H (7.62x51mm NATO) variants at the request of the user community. Maybe someone in the SOF world knows something we don’t? An 85% commonality of parts between the SCAR-L and SCAR-H certainly will help to reduce the logistical burden on the organization, especially when one considers just how many different weapons the SCAR family will eventually replace.

The SCAR-L was also involved in the congressionally mandated Extreme Sand/Dust Tests at Aberdeen in 2007 wherein it competed against its potential rivals in the U.S. DoD rifle market. This included the XM8, HK416 and Colt M4. Reportedly, the SCAR-L completed the test with good results but not before a change in the lubrication cycle was required to insure reliable function and test completion. The op rod SCAR-L did reportedly finish ahead of the direct gas operated M4 along with the other two operating rod carbines tested.

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products
(www.gdatp.com)

(GD) announced that the .50 caliber XM312 is now a separate effort split from the Army’s Future Combat System program and has received some close attention from the U.S. Army and USSOCOM recently for potential replacement of the venerable M2HB heavy machine gun. The XM312 has been modified to accept the standard U.S. M9 disintegrating metal link belt common to the U.S. M2HB. Due to the light weight and reduced recoil of the XM312, it can be mounted and employed anywhere a 7.62x51mm M240 GPMG can be used. Under the current schedule, Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of the XM312 is anticipated to begin in 2010 with full production to begin in 2011.

GD representatives also stated that M2HB and MK19 production is “maxed out” at the moment with series production ramped up to meet U.S. and foreign friendly requirements. Approximately 1,800 to over 2,000 of each will have been procured during CY07.

NAMMO
(www.nammo.com)

If you want to witness ammunition and ordnance perfection and innovation, the NAMMO booth at AUSA is the one to visit. Makers of some of the finest high performance small arms ammunition in the world, to include the armor piercing M995 (5.56x45mm NATO) and M993 (7.62x51mm NATO) rounds, they also have an IR Tracer round now in final U.S. Navy qualification testing for use with passive night vision devices. Most notably the progress of the preprogrammed air bursting 40x53mm HV ammunition for the U.S. MK47 Striker ALGL (Advanced Lightweight Grenade Launder) is now in final type classification in the U.S. 90,000 rounds will have been delivered to the USSOCOM by December 2007 for combat evaluations by USSOCOM and other U.S. Army units.

Night Vision Systems
(www.nightvisionsystems.com)

NVS had on display the clip-on Knight’s Armament Company Universal Night Scope Thermal (UNST), or model M890. The maker claims this small 23-ounce device, mounted forward of a variety of optical and reflex sights, can provide human target detection up to 1,000 meters. The UNST can be quickly detached via the throw lever mount, fits on most any rifle or scope and can even be used in a hand held mode when detached.

ST Kinetics
(www.stengg.com)

Singapore based ST Kinetics had on display in their booth a series production sample of their new Air Bursting Modular System (ABMS) for any 40x53mm grenade machine guns. This bolt-on system can be added to the weapon in minutes by the operator and allows for the use of preprogrammed air bursting ammunition to attack targets hidden behind cover, in the defilade, using their quick attach Fire Control System. Using time-of-flight technology, the ABMS ammunition contains 300 tungsten balls within its warhead and costs approximately $350-400 each. Each round has a self-destruct feature and when programmed for air burst will detonate 2 meters above the target and at any location before or after a barrier as determined by the gunner. The ammunition programming “coil” attaches to the muzzle of the grenade launcher and therefore requires no permanent modification to the host weapon. The entire system costs $50,000 at this time. ST Kinetics is also currently working on a 40x46mm LV air burst system as well.

Part 2 of the 2007 AU.S.A Show Report appears in the next issue of SAR and covers current U.S. Army small arms programs and the results of the recent U.S. Army Extreme Carbine Sand/Dust Tests.

Colt Defense Plans Public Stock Offering

Colt Defense Inc., the heretofore private, closely-held defense contractor, plans to go public.

On June 3rd, the gunmaker filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission related to a proposed initial public offering of its common stock. The shares are being offered by Colt Defense Inc.

Banc of America Securities LLC is acting as the sole book-running manager, SG Cowen & Co., LLC is acting as the joint lead manager for the offering and Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. is acting as the senior co-manager.

Colt Defense Inc. is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of small arms and weapons systems for the U.S. military, its allies and federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Its products include military rifles, such as the M4 carbine/rifle and its predecessor, the M16 rifle, auxiliary weapon systems and rifles for law enforcement agencies around the world. Colt’s Manufacturing, a separate entity, manufactures commercial products for the consumer firearms enthusiast market.

While Colt has kept a somewhat low profile in the industry during the last several years, it has become quite active with several recent announcements of note.

On May 20th, the company announced the completion of its acquisition of the Logistics & Defense Division, Diemaco, from Heroux-Devtek, Inc. The Diemaco business will now be operated as Colt Canada Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Colt.

Colt Canada is that country’s sole contractor for the manufacture of C7 and C8 rifles and carbines under license from Colt. These arms are versions of M16 and M4 arms that use technical data owned by Colt. Weapons manufactured by Colt Canada supply military troops of NATO countries, as well as Canadian forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Heroux-Devtek, Inc., a Canadian company, specializes in the design, development, manufacture and repair of aerospace and industrial products. The company’s head office is in Longueuil, Quebec. Heroux-Devtek operates eight business units grouped under three divisions: the Landing Gear; Aerostructure; Gas Turbine Components; and, the Logistics and Defense divisions. Some 75% of sales are made outside Canada, mainly in the U.S. Heroux-Devtek’s shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol: HRX.

The “Greaseless Gun”

Colt Defense has also formed an alliance with UCT Coatings, Inc. of Stuart, Florida, resulting in the introduction of a revolutionary coating allowing small arms to operate lubrication-free. UCT’s patented nickel boron coatings have potential to change the way firearms are built and maintained. As part of this alliance, UCT has granted Colt a long-term, exclusive use license.

“UCT’s innovative thinking and applied technology will allow us to introduce a new generation of easily maintained weapons for all elements of the small arms market while reducing the maintenance required on existing arms as they are upgraded,” said Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William M. Keys, Colt’s president and CEO.

UCT Coatings, Inc. has developed and patented a family of performance coatings under the trade name of UltraChem that can be applied to most metal surfaces including lighter weight metals like aluminum and titanium. The technology is applicable to defense, aerospace, automotive, oil, gas and other industrial markets. UCT has received a patent for the use of modular nickel boron coatings as a permanent lubricant on firearms and has trademarked the term “Greaseless Gun.”

Though there has been a great deal of activity on the defense side, Colt’s commercial end of the business has not seen much new activity. Production of the Single Action Army revolver continues as well as a variety of 1911-style pistols, including a replica of the World War One U.S. service pistol.

Taser Gets Four Orders Worth $1 Million

Taser International Inc., the world’s largest maker of electric stun guns, has received four orders for the weapons valued at a total of about $1 million and said revenue this quarter will exceed the preceding period.

Orders for the company’s X26 models were placed by the police departments of Calgary, Honolulu and Houston as well as an unnamed law-enforcement agency, Taser said. These latest orders come on the heels of a $1.4 million order placed by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Taser’s first-quarter sales fell 22 percent to $10.2 million after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said in January it was conducting an informal inquiry into claims on Taser units’ safety, and the timing of an order from wholesaler Davidson’s, Inc. at the end of last year. Taser is seeing a “stabilization in revenue” and second-quarter sales will be “slightly higher” than the first quarter, the firm believes.

Bill Would Clarify ATF’s MG Determinations

Of interest to those firms importing/selling machine gun parts kits or those involved in the process of destroying machine guns for their parts, a bill was recently introduced in the U.S. Congress that would clarify the process by which ATF determines whether a deactivated arm is readily restorable into a machine gun.

The legislation, H.R. 1603 introduced by Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA), would require ATF’s Firearms Technology Branch to videotape all testing of firearms it conducts when making a determination of whether or not the firearm in question falls under the purview of the National Firearms Act.

In addition, the proposed legislation would prohibit ATF from entering into evidence (at a criminal trial) any item that has been determined to be a firearm (meaning one controlled by the NFA i.e. a machine gun) unless the documentary evidence of the determination (the videotape) is provided at trial as well.

Gingrey’s bill was introduced in response to complaints that ATF’s determinations in this area in the past have been arbitrary or unverifiable when attempts were made to reenact ATF’s method of testing.

The legislation seems to stand a better than average chance for passage due to the unique way it has been presented.

Taking a cue from other bills seeking a variety of objectives, under the guise of “homeland security,” Gingrey’s legislation has been cloaked as a tool for the U.S. government to use in securing convictions against terrorists by supposedly strengthening the prosecution’s case with verifiable evidence. While it is true that the bill, if signed into law, would work favorably for government in the prosecution of such cases, it would also bring a measure of relief to those firearms firms dealing in the part kits arena, as it would force ATF to prove something is really what it says it is.

House Rejects .50 Cal. Export Ban

The U.S. House of Representatives, in mid-June, overwhelmingly rejected an amendment to a spending bill that would have banned the export of .50-caliber rifles.

The amendment, by Rep. James Moran (D-VA), would have blocked export of the rifles to “non-governmental entities” (meaning consumers). The vote was 278-149.

New Marketing Consortium Formed

A group of marketing professionals have formed a unique product marketing consortium to oversee product launches and the revamp of existing campaigns for outdoor firms both in the American and European markets.

The persons involved are said to have proven track records in the industry and are able to assist not only American firms desiring to take advantage of the present currency exchange rates in exporting to Europe, but can help European companies in establishing a presence and increasing market share in the U.S. The new consortium has retained a roster of outside consultants with expertise in specific areas that can be accessed. More information is available by calling: (802) 249-3880.

FNH Stocking Dealer Program

FNH USA’s “Stock 6 FN Firearms, Get the 7th FREE” (being the FN Five-Seven USG) offer, launched at the 2005 SHOT Show ran until August 31st and received a very good response, according to the company.

“In 2005, we are witnessing a tremendous increase in dealer response through our distributors,” says Rick DeMilt, director of sales and marketing. “With the strength of the FN brand in military, law enforcement and commercial markets, a unique and diverse product offering and an aggressive stocking program, dealers are responding to the best kept secret in the firearms business,” DeMilt added.

Retailers qualified for the program by purchasing one FN SPR (Special Police Rifle), one FN PBR (Patrol Bolt Rifle), one FN Tactical Police Shotgun, plus any other three FN firearms between January 1, 2005 and Aug. 31, 2005. All dealer purchases must have been made through an authorized FNH USA distributor. Qualifying dealers then took advantage of the promotional gun by forwarding copies of their distributor invoices and an FFL to the FNH USA sales office in McLean, Virginia. Once received, an FN Five-Seven USG model was shipped from FNH USA, Inc. inventory to the dealer.

FNH USA, Inc. of McLean, Virginia, is a sales and marketing arm of FN Herstal, S.A., Belgium whose corporate mission is to become a global leader in the areas of defense, law enforcement and associated commercial markets.

Bushmaster Summer Dealer Promotion Successful

Brought back by popular demand, Bushmaster’s Dealer Appreciation promotion once again this past summer offered a fresh, two-pound Maine lobster for every Bushmaster rifle sold by FFL dealers between July 18th and August 15, 2005.

To qualify, the FFL dealer must have sold a Bushmaster rifle, including the .308 rifles and carbines and the Carbon 15 rifles and pistols, to a retail customer from July 18 to Aug. 15. Bushmaster must have received the warranty card for that product by September 12, 2005.

Designed as a “taste of Maine” (the location of Bushmaster’s headquarters) pull-through program to support both dealers and distributors, this promotion has proved so popular in past years that Bushmaster repeated it once again. The program is Bushmaster’s way of showing appreciation directly to all the dealers who support and promote Bushmaster’s products. In 2004, the gunmaker shipped almost 1,000 lobsters to dealers across the country who participated in the promotion.

Smith & Wesson Opens Company Museum

Smith & Wesson opened a company history museum at its Springfield, MA, headquarters in mid-June. The museum houses a variety of artifacts and photographs gathered from collections owned by the company and on loan from the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum, a unit of the Springfield Museums; Cinema Weaponry; private collectors; and former and current employees. Several items belong to the Smith & Wesson Historic Preservation Charitable Trust, which was created by S&W to insure the preservation of its collection.

“The creation of the Trust and the establishment of the museum will preserve our heritage for our employees, our Club 1852 members and the public,” said S&W president and CEO, Michael Golden. “It will also serve as an important account of the company’s history and its contributions to our community and our country.” Highlights from the museum collection include:

• Rifles manufactured by D.B. Wesson prior to the company’s creation.
• A collection of Smith & Wesson’s first firearms.
• Several historic, prototype firearms, designed in the mid-to-late 1800’s.
• Revolvers engraved by Tiffany & Co. for global exhibitions circa 1893-1900.
• A series of “top-break” firearms developed prior to the Civil War.
• A variety of S&W revolvers from World Wars I and II.
• The .44 Magnum used by actor Clint Eastwood in the famed “Dirty Harry” films.
• A step-by-step model showing construction of the company’s new Model 500 Magnum revolver.

The museum is available for group tours scheduled in advance, by appointment only. For more information, call: (800) 331-0852, Ext. 259

S&W Long Guns Planned

Smith & Wesson recently hired a long gun product manager, indicating the company intends to offer a long gun product line in the near future. Some years ago, the company had offered a shotgun line which has since been discontinued. No information was available at press-time regarding what type of long guns will be offered in the future.

SHOT Show Trademark Action Settled

The National Shooting Sports Foundation and Canadian exhibition organizer Mountain Expo have reached a settlement agreement regarding unauthorized use of NSSF’s “SHOT Show” name and trademark.

On May 11, NSSF filed a trademark infringement complaint in Canadian Federal Court to halt Mountain Expo’s unauthorized use of the SHOT Show name and trademark in promoting its own “Shot Show Canada” exhibition and other international fairs.

“Mountain Expo’s use of the well-known name and mark creates significant confusion among the public – particularly our exhibitors and attendees who have been solicited by Mountain Expo,” said Doug Painter, NSSF president. “During the past 25-plus years, the SHOT Show has grown to become the world’s premier shooting, hunting and outdoor tradeshow. To protect the show’s image and reputation, NSSF will aggressively pursue anyone who infringes upon the SHOT Show’s good name. NSSF’s trademarks are valuable assets that will be protected vigorously.”

Ammo Load, Inc. Under New Ownership

Ammo Load, Inc., a pistol reloading machine producing company has been purchased by Howell Machine, Inc. The new company, now known as Ammo Load Worldwide, Inc., moved the assets from Santa Ana, California to Lewiston, Idaho. Parts and accessories to the ammo load equipment were being manufactured in Lewiston by Howell Machine.

The author publishes two of the small arms industry’s most widely read trade newsletters, The International Firearms Trade which covers the world firearms scene, and The New Firearms Business which covers the domestic market. He also offers FFL-mailing lists to firms interested in direct marketing efforts to the industry. He may be reached at: FirearmsB@aol.com.

NEW LASERMAX INTERNAL LASER SIGHT FOR BERETTA VERTEC

Owners of new Beretta 92/96 VERTEC handguns can now enjoy the benefits of LaserMax totally integrated laser sights. According to LaserMax, its LMS-1441 is a perfect fit in the new gun model, which has a shorter trigger reach and a thinner, slimmer grip, which is useful for shooters with small hands. The laser sight adds less than a quarter-ounce to the weight of the gun, and with no external parts, your favorite grips as well as a standard holster can be used. The LaserMax sight is inside the gun, close to the barrel, to ensure accurate sighting. Unlike external lasers, the LaserMax cannot be bumped or jarred out of alignment. Surefire or other accessory lights can still be mounted on the VERTEC rail and removed as the situation dictates. A removable light and the robust internal LaserMax sight make a perfect combination for low-light tactical situations. The pulsating laser beam increases accuracy and improves aiming speed by revealing the point of aim, which is in line with the gun barrel. As a law enforcement tool, the laser’s red dot has been proven to reduce assailant aggression. The LaserMax sight can be user installed in five minutes or less simply by field stripping the gun and dropping the laser sight in, in place of the original recoil spring guide assembly. After installing the new takedown lever with its integral on-off switch, the gun is reassembled and then sight is ready to use. No gunsmithing is needed. The new LaserMax sight has an ambidextrous switch that is easily and comfortably activated with either hand. This activates the highly visible, pulsating laser beam that is emitted directly below the gun barrel. Each LaserMax sight is factory aligned and carries a three-year warranty on all but its expendable parts. For more information contact LaserMax, Inc., Dept. SAR, 3495 Winton Place, Bldg. B, Rochester, NY 14623. Telephone: 1-800-527-3703. Fax: 1-585-272-5427. Their web address is www.lasermax-inc.com.

FNH USA INTRODUCES THE F2000 COMBAT RIFLE

Extending its reputation as a worldwide leader in small arms design and manufacturing, FNH USA, Inc., a subsidiary of FN Herstal, S.A., Belgium, has now officially introduced the next generation of integrated weapons systems, the F2000(. The unique design of the F2000 is based on the concept of interchangeable modules that enable the operator to meet the varied, and often demanding, requirements of different military missions as well as law enforcement requirements. Ergonomically designed, the F2000 allows accessories and modules to be added while keeping its balance and smooth design lines. Chambered in 5.56 X 45 mm, the F2000 is the only ambidextrous “bull pup” rifle with a full-length barrel, yet is fully balanced, lightweight and compact. The F2000 can be comfortably used left-handed without any modifications, and because the weapon features forward ejection, the left-handed operator is not at risk from empty cases, gases or debris. Additionally, the safety and firing selector as well as the magazine catch are all easy to manipulate left-handed. Unlike traditional rifles, the unique design of the F2000 pistol grip allows firing of the rifle or grenade launcher with minimal movement of the firing hand. The grenade launcher is one of the several integrated accessories for the new rifle. The F2000 weapon system also boasts add-on features such as the integrated light and laser or fire control systems. The F2000 weighs less than 8 pounds and has an overall length of just over 27 inches. The gun features a 15.75 inch barrel and uses M-16 type magazines. For more information on this revolutionary new rifle contact FNH USA Inc., Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 697, McLean, VA 22101. Phone: 1-703-288-1297. Fax: 1-703-288-1730. Website: www.fnherstal.com.

BLACK HILLS GOLD AMMUNITION

Black Hills Ammunition has introduced a new line of premium performance rifle ammunition. Calibers available in the Black Hills Gold Line are .243, .270, .308, .30-06 and .300 Win Mag. This new line of ammo is designed for top performance in a wide range of hunting situations. Bullets used in this new ammunition are the Barnes X-Bullet with XLC coating and the highly accurate Nosler Ballistic-Tip(. The Gold Line is packaged 20 rounds per box, 10 boxes per case. For more information contact Black Hills Ammunition, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 3090, Rapid City, SD 57709. Phone: 1-605-348-5150. Fax: 1-605-348-9827. Their website is www.black-hills.com.