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Modern Sporting Rifle Owners Are Most Active Shooters, Says NSSF/Responsive Management Survey
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The first comprehensive survey to look at ownership and use of modern sporting rifles reveals that 8.9 million Americans went target shooting with AR-style rifles in 2009 and that participants using this type of rifle were the most active among all types of sport shooters."

"'These findings underscore that modern sporting rifles are becoming commonplace in America and are among the most desired firearms by sport shooters,' said Steve Sanetti, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation ... 'Those who want to ban these civilian sporting rifles simply because they look like military rifles must acknowledge after seeing this study that AR-style rifles are exceedingly popular with millions of Americans. ...'"

Armed civil rights leader Hicks dead at 81 Submitted by: David Codrea Website: http://www.examiner.com/x-1417-Gun-Rights-Examiner	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
... "Here's to the the day when the media can extend such treatment to all seeking justice and defense, regardless of race, instead of conflating those of us who believe in that with haters." ...

'Bring Your Pieces to Church' Sunday
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Imagine the following scenario: At church this Sunday, while reviewing the list of announcements and upcoming events for your church, your pastor added, 'Oh, and dont forget: on Sundays we have our regular target practice. Make sure to bring your rifles. ...'"

"Absurd, right? Not so. It used to be the American way. For example, a 1631 law in Virginia required citizens to own firearms, to engage in practice with them, and to do so publicly on holy days. It demanded that the people 'bring their pieces to the church.' Somewhere along the line we have lost this mindset. Today the ideas of church and arms are assumed to be at odds, as if loving your neighbor has nothing to do with the preservation and defense of life and property." ...

Lambs to the slaughter, Part 1
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Right now, Washington is scheming and scamming to erode then erase the Second Amendment from our Constitution. And it will accomplish it through the signing of international treaties on gun control, bypassing the normal legislative process in Congress, tightening regulations upon firearm and ammunition manufacturers, using the antigun financing of tycoons and ultimately confiscating all firearms under the guise of terrorism patrol and enforcement. Without public debate and cloaked in secrecy, gun control will covertly come upon us like a thief in the night. One day, we will wake up to discover that the U.S. has signed a global treaty that will ... eventually eradicate the planet of guns for law-abiding citizens. ..." ...

They call it a 'ruckus' but it is a symptom of a plague
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Late Saturday night in Seattle shots were fired and a 15-year-old boy was hit in the leg." ...

"The Seattle Post-Intelligencer on-line edition called it a 'ruckus.' The Seattle Times called it a 'disturbance.' How about 'brawl?' How about 'small riot?' A kid was shot, people with outstanding warrants were in attendance. ..."

"In the anti-gun community, this is merely classified as one more incident that proves tighter gun controls should be adopted, but that's disingenuous at best. Why impose sanctions that restrict the rights of a guy living in Soap Lake or Ellensburg because some moron in Seattle can't behave himself? It's because gun prohibitionists are not and never have been interested in public safety ..." ...

Can gun rights advocates and marijuana advocates unite for state sovereignty?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Gun rights advocates and marijuana legalization advocates are not often considered likely allies. Efforts to impose more onerous gun laws are overwhelmingly associated with liberal politics ..."

"On the other side of the coin, those who would don the 'conservative' mantle tend to cast a gimlet eye on the idea of loosening drug laws ..." ...

A couple recent developments could bring a gun rights/marijuana refom coalition to the mainstream, though. The first of those developments is one we have discussed frequently here--the Firearms Freedom Act ..." ...

"Another interserction of interests for the two camps of gun rights and marijuana law reform advocacy comes in the form of medical marijuana users/providers who are denied the right to buy a gun. ..." ...

Gun enthusiasts criticize NM's ban on Utah gun permits
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"New Mexico will no longer accept Utah's gun permits because officials there think Utah's training is inadequate."

"State Public Safety Secretary John Denko says Utah licenses require significantly less training than New Mexico's. But Clark Aposhian with the Utah Shooting Sports Council says Utah has the best training in the country."

"'I'll put up our training and our stats to show that it is as good if not better than any other state,' he says." ...

Raising Arizona
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "It would be funnier if it didn't seem that Arizona was suffering some kind of state-wide nervous breakdown. It began with the strangely permissive new gun law, which Gov. Jan Brewer signed into law earlier this month, allowing citizens to carry concealed, loaded firearms without a permit or background check. This is the same governor who in 2008 legalized the right to carry loaded guns into bars and restaurants, as long as the person brandishing the weapon wasn't drinking alcohol -- which makes you wonder why they were in a bar to begin with, right? Or who was supposed to verify that the person drinking at the bar had a concealed loaded gun or not? Oops -- there goes that pesky logic again." ...
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Submitter's Note: Speaking of 'pesky logic' under the previous, no guns in bars/restaurants law, "who was supposed to verify that the person drinking at the bar had a concealed loaded gun or not?" As for what I would be doing in a bar/restaurant and not drinking, two words: Designated Driver.

Shopping with guns Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
FULL TEXT BELOW: Armed yet courteous, Nik Clark and his girlfriend, Kim Garny are a poster couple for Americans now openly carrying weapons as they go about their daily chores. ------- H/t to David Codrea.

ME: Dueling Rallies Target Gun Ownership Rules
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The two opposing sides of the gun control debate squared off yesterday in Maine's largest city, where an 'open carry' event organized by gun rights activists prompted a counter-demonstration by gun control advocates."

"For USM freshman Shane Belanger, Sunday's 'open carry' event was about one thing - exercising his constitutional rights.
'The aim is to show that typical, everyday, law-abiding citizens are here and we're just exercising our right and there shouldn't be any fear, there shouldn't be, really, any opposition, because it's our right.'"

"... about 75 gun owners turned up on Sunday afternoon with their firearms on display to eat barbecue food and swap stories. ..." ...

MI: Guns topic of 'open-carry' event
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Hamburgers, hot dogs and baked beans weren't the only items on hand at a Sunday afternoon picnic in Vandercook Lake."

"The rainy weather didn't prevent more than 20 gun-rights supporters from gathering in Vandercook Lake County Park for an 'open-carry' gathering."

"The picnic was sponsored by the nonprofit organization Michigan Open Carry. Organizers said they aimed to educate people of the legality of openly carrying a handgun in Michigan. A similar event was last summer at Sparks Foundation County Park."

"'I believe any gun control law is unconstitutional,' said Jackson resident and Michigan Open Carry member Gordon Cannon, who carried a 9 mm handgun." ...

MI: Gun owners meet in Westland for an open carry picnic
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Cold weather and overcast skies didn't keep about 30 Michigan gun owners from attending today's 'Open carry picnic' at Tattan Park in Westland."

"Michigan law allows citizens who can legally own firearms to carry them openly in public. Almost all the people at today's event were openly carrying handguns. A Michigan Concealed Pistol License is only required if the pistol is to be hidden from view under clothing or if the person is in a vehicle."

"Kevin Perry of Wayne said he organized the event because, 'I just want to help educate people out there that open carry is legal in Michigan. Open carry is part of our right under the Second Amendment of the Constitution.'" ...

ME: Gun Advocates Wear Holstered Weapons In Maine Park
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"About 75 gun rights supporters most of them wearing side arms gathered in a public park to exercise their Second Amendment rights Sunday, enjoying hamburgers and hot dogs as joggers trotted by and a small group of demonstrators gathered nearby."

"Shane Belanger, a University of Southern Maine student who organized the display of guns, which included a machine gun mounted on a jeep, said the aim wasn't to frighten anyone. Instead, he said, the goal was simply to show that people have a constitutional right to bear arms."

"'A right unexercised is a right lost,' Belanger said as the gas grill warmed up on a sunny afternoon. 'We're law-abiding citizens, just having a barbecue.'" ...

VA: Gun lobby believes it can gain more ground for owners
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Philip Van Cleave wants every Virginian who has a permit to carry a concealed handgun into a bar to be able to have a drink - or he wants no gun carrier to be able to drink."

"That's the choice that Van Cleave, the leader of the pro-gun Virginia Citizens Defense League, wants to offer state lawmakers next year when the General Assembly reconvenes."

"He said he is going to find a legislator to submit two bills to the body representing both positions."

"His aim is to force lawmakers to expand the rights of concealed-handgun owners in bars or rescind the current exception that allows law-enforcement officers and commonwealth's attorneys to carry concealed weapons and consume alcohol." ...

IN: Former Indianapolis deputy constable sentenced to 14 months for conspiring to commit bribery
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A former Indianapolis deputy township constable has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for conspiring to commit bribery."

"Michael S. Sherfick pleaded guilty to the federal charges Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis."

"The U.S. Justice Department says the former Perry Township deputy constable acknowledged accepting more than $30,000 worth of bribes in return for deputy constable badges and other credentials. Sherfick allegedly told people who bought the credentials that they would be able to avoid parking tickets, park in restricted areas and reap other benefits." ...
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Submitter's Note: Now why would anyone think they could 'badge out' of tickets, DWIs, etc.?

NC: Recordings: Officers suspected trooper was driving drunk
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Information made public Friday ... offers some details about a state investigation involving a Highway Patrol captain." ...

"But a Butner police incident report and police-radio traffic recordings indicate that an officer stopped Williams at 1:50 a.m. on April 3 for suspected drunken driving."

"'I need you to call Maj. (A. W.) Moss's home number,' the officer tells the radio dispatcher in the recording. 'Advise him that I have a trooper stopped. He is a captain with the Highway Patrol, and he is extremely 10-55.'"

"The code 10-55, according to the report, indicates an intoxicated driver. No action was taken against the driver." ...
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H/t to David Codrea.

TN: Compromise bill on guns in restaurants now in doubt
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A compromise to allow guns in restaurants, but not bars, is in doubt amid questions from lawmakers and Second Amendment advocates as the measure moves to full votes in the state House and Senate."

"A House committee last week approved Rep. Harry Tindell's amendment to a guns-in-bars measure that would allow permit holders to carry guns into establishments that serve alcohol, but force any establishment with less than 50 percent food sales to post signs banning firearms."

"Tindell said legislators should keep their word from a year ago, when they said they would deliver a bill that would allow guns in restaurants, but not bars." ...

OR: Wyden Joins Anti-Gun Fanatic Michael Bloomberg
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"New York's 'Mayor for Life' Michael Bloomberg, is on a personal crusade against gun ownership. But not just in the paradise he runs. He wants to attack gun ownership nationwide."

"In his ... screed against gun rights, he expresses his support for Senate Bill 843, a bill to end private sales at gun shows nationwide."

"But Bloomberg has no problem with guns for himself. In a New York Times article we learn;"

"The mayor also takes along a police detail when he travels, flying two officers on his private plane and paying as much as $400 a night to put them up at a hotel near his house ... Guns are largely forbidden in Bermuda ... but the mayor's guards have special permission to carry weapons."

IA: Culver says he will sign measure overhauling process for issuing concealed weapon permits
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Gov. Chet Culver has told The Associated Press he will sign into law a measure overhauling the way concealed weapon permits are issued." ...

"He says he's always been a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, which protects the right to keep and bear arms. Culver also says telephone calls and e-mails to his office have run heavily in favor of the measure."

"Currently, those seeking a permit to carry a concealed weapon must apply with their local sheriff, who has broad discretion to make the decision about whether to grant the permit."

"The new law would require sheriffs to issue permits to applicants who meet a set standard and allows sheriffs to deny an application only for a specific set of reasons."

FL: NRA rallies for pro-gun amendment
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The NRA is rallying its members behind a one-sentence bill amendment that would protect motorists who carry guns in their vehicles."

"Sen. Durell Peaden, a term-limited Panhandle Republican, is suggesting this one-sentence amendment to an agriculture bill (SB2074) on the Senate special order calendar: 'However, a (firearm) licensee may not be prevented from transporting or storing a lawful firearm in a private vehicle for lawful purposes if the vehicle is otherwise lawfully present.'"

"The Senate is expected to discuss the bill this afternoon."

"The Florida Chamber of Commerce threw the first punch, linking the amendment to gun lobbyists." ...
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Submitter's Note: Guns in parking lots law.

OH: Keeping guns with permit holders keeps them away from criminals
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"This Wednesday ... the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee will hold the final hearing for Senate Bill 239, the bill that would allow concealed handgun licensees to carry their handguns into locations which serve alcoholic beverages as long as they don't drink any themselves. ..."

"Many opponent are promoting this as 'drunks in bars' legislation, which of course could not be further from the truth. Approximately 40 states ... has similar legislation on the books and these wild-eyed prediction do not happen ... Like all the other fear-mongering, these predictions will also fail to come true."

"However, one very real effect will happen, and that is the fact that there will be fewer guns left vulnerable to theft." ...

IL: IL gun control back on the move tomorrow?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The NRA's representative in Illinois, Todd Vandermyde, told members of the right-to-carry group IllinoisCarry's forum on Friday that several gun control bills previously thought to be on hold are now rumored to be moving again. 'There have been some meetings among legislators to try and see if there was a package of guns issues that could be worked out. It's not going very well. They don't like the answer NO to most of their ideas,' Vandermyde reported. 'Then today I was informed that the Chicago gun bills would be moved back to the floor for votes next week. I dont know if it's one bill or all of them." ...

GA: Bill to allow guns in bars stirs debate
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"If the state Legislature passes a gun bill under consideration this week, it will be legal to enter a bar or restaurant with a licensed concealed weapon and get drunk."

"It will still be illegal, though, to fire that weapon while drinking, thanks to a blanket prohibition against discharging weapons while intoxicated that's already in state law."

"At issue is Senate Bill 308, which strikes down the current state prohibition that keeps even licensed gun owners from legally carrying their weapons into bars. The bill would allow bar owners to decide whether to allow concealed weapons in their establishments, as well as change other things in an effort to clarify the states confusing tapestry of gun laws." ...

NJ: Jersey City cop who beat wife faces up to 10 years in prison
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A Jersey City cop faces up to 10 years in prison and the loss of his job when sentenced Friday for domestic violence triggered when his wife did not return home from work and he then found her in a parked car with a man in Bayonne ..."

"On March 12 a jury convicted Officer Juan Torres Jr., 29, of Jersey City, on charges including multiple counts of domestic violence, possession of his service weapon for an unlawful purpose, and endangering the welfare of the couple's 18-month-old child."

"On the night of the crime in December 2008 the victim did not come home for several hours after getting off work. Torres left their 18-month-child home alone, went to his wife's workplace, and found her in the car ..." ...
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Submitter's Note: And as a member of Bloomie's MAIG, Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy want Torres and his ilk to be the "Only Ones" in the country with guns.

NJ: Second victim of drunk driving Jersey City cop dies
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Complications have claimed the life of the woman left in a nearly vegetative state the vehicle she rode in was struck by a drunk, off-duty Jersey City police officer in a Pulaski Skyway crash that claimed the life of her 2-year-old son, officials confirmed today."

"Ruth Zelaya, 40, of Jersey City and San Pedro Sula, Honduras, died on March 24 as a result of 'complications from the motor vehicle collision,' said Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Michael D'Andrea this morning."

"Zelaya's death is not expected to result in additional charges against former Jersey City Police Officer Kevin Freibott, 42, of Red Bank, who is serving an 11-year sentence for the Jan. 23, 2007 crash that killed young Jose Carlos Zelaya." ...

FL: Despite suicide threats, Port Richey police sergeant remains armed, on duty
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "Kern's suicide threats, described in three memos from Velsor, Lee and Nocera, were relayed to police brass over the last three weeks. The officers wrote that Kern seemed very 'frustrated,' that the threats were 'very serious,' that they feared 'for the safety of Sgt. Kern's life.'"

"Yet with the chief's approval, Kern continues to work the streets as the department's third in command. His duty and authority over officers has not changed. He still carries his service pistol."

"'Sgt. Kern is one of our officers. He is working for us in a full-service capacity,' Brown said. 'I've spoken to Sgt. Kern. He has my trust.'" ...

OK: Oklahoma City police officer shot by another aiming at charging dog
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

An Oklahoma City police officer was accidentally shot in the leg by a fellow officer Friday night, a police spokeswoman said.

Just before 7 p.m., officers were responding to a burglary call in the 2700 block of SW 30, Sgt. Jennifer Wardlow said. A dog charged the officers, she said, and one of the officers discharged his weapon in the direction of the animal. The bullet hit a fellow officer in the leg.

The officer has been treated and released from Integris Southwest Medical Center, she said. The dog escaped the scene. Two burglary suspects have been arrested, but their identities were not released by police.

The identities of the officers involved also were not released.

MD: Dont Film a Cop Pointing a Gun at You
Submitted by: Larry

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... "... Graber was enjoying the weather on his bike, admittedly speeding and popping wheelies, all the time recording his exploits via a helmet cam. When he slowed for a stoplight, a car pulled in front of the bike, and the driver exited the vehicle with a gun drawn, demanding Graber get off of his motorcycle."

"... the gun-wielding individual was a Maryland state trooper, though he took his sweet time letting Graber know ... Graber gets his citation and heads home, only to have the state police show up a few days later with a warrant for four computers, two laptops and his camera. Why? Turns out there's a law against audibly recording someone without their consent. It's a felony." ...

TX: Dallas officers have disabled man's car towed
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Dallas police have launched an internal affairs investigation after officers towed the vehicle of a disabled man, leaving him, his wife and their young boy stranded ... for nearly a half-hour."

"On Thursday evening, Dallas police officers pulled Jesus Martinez over ... Martinez, who uses a wheelchair but can drive, was behind the wheel but could not produce proof of insurance."

"A Dallas city ordinance allows police to tow vehicles of uninsured motorists, and the officers called for a wrecker. Before it arrived, the family called Martinez's brother, who arrived with a valid insurance card."

"'We showed him the current insurance, and he said, 'No, it's too late, the tow truck is on the way,' ..." ...

PA: Feds Think Sentence for Phila. Cop in Drug Case is Too Light
Submitted by: jac

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"A Philadelphia police detective who tipped off a notorious drug gang to impending police raids has gotten a huge break at sentencing. And the government has indicated it may appeal."

"Federal guidelines called for a sentence of at least 10 years in prison. The government wanted even more. But the judge lowered the guideline range to about four years in prison, and then sentenced former detective Rickie Durham to two years in prison." ...

"The defense now contends that it was just poor judgement ... and did not intend to tip off the drug gang -- although that was the result." ...

"Durham broke down and cried in court, as he told the judge he loved being a police officer and would never endanger his fellow officers."

TX: Guns in parks not a concern to officials
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Local officials say a new federal law that allows people to bring firearms into national parks and onto federal land isn't expected to have a big effect in the Texas Panhandle."

"But gun rights advocates said the new rules will offer visitors an extra measure of personal safety."

"The federal law ... allows those legally permitted to carry concealed firearms to bring them into national parks. ..."

"'It doesn't really change how we do business because we allow hunting here,' said Paul Jones, chief ranger at Lake Meredith."

"Jones said the only effect is to carrying concealed handguns inside park limits, which had previously been prohibited." ...

OH: Ohio's Spring Turkey Hunting Season Underway
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Ohio hunters harvested a preliminary total of 2,874 bearded wild turkeys on the first day of the spring turkey-hunting season, which is open statewide through May 16. Last year's opening day harvest number was 1,712 turkeys, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife."

"Top counties for wild turkeys killed were: Ashtabula-115, Guernsey and Meigs-94, Tuscarawas-93, Gallia-86, Harrison-83, Coshocton-82, Clermont-81, Adams-77, and Jackson-74."

"The ODNR Division of Wildlife estimates that more than 70,000 people will hunt turkeys during the four-week season. Legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until noon from April 19 to May 2 2010. ..." ...