Keep and Bear Arms - Gun Owners Home Page

The Right to Self-Defense
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"On June 27, in the case of Castle Rock v. Gonzales, the Supreme Court found that Jessica Gonzales did not have a constitutional right to police protection even in the presence of a restraining order." ...

"The post-mortem discussion on Gonzales has been fiery but it has missed an obvious point. If the government won't protect you, then you have to take responsibility for your own self-defense and that of your family. The court's ruling is a sad decision, but one that every victim and/or potential victim of violence must note: calling the police is not enough. You must also be ready to defend yourself." ...

"... Given the court's position that the police are not obliged to protect us, responsible adults need the ability to defend themselves. Thus, no law or policy should impede the access to gun ownership." ...

Winchester-sponsored trapshooter finally sets world record
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"Professional exhibition shooter Patrick Flanigan finally set a world record in his hometown of Oshkosh, by gosh."

"Flanigan set the record July 6 in Wisconsin when he became the first person ever documented to throw 11 clay targets into the air simultaneously and break each one with an individual shot from his Winchester Super X2 shotgun before they could hit the ground. He is the first exhibition shooter to be sponsored by Olin Corp.s Winchester firearm division since the legendary Herb Parsons." ...

The New Assault Rifles Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Website: http://www.nysrpa.org	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"New infantry rifles are entering service. Some of these weapons are replacing classics, like the M-16. The fact is, rifle designs get old, and need to be replaced. While the basics have not changed, there is always new technology to use." ...

The Singles Club
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"Through the centuries, the one-shot rifle has proven to be all the gun some guys ever need--or want."

"'I hope you've got your insurance paid up,' chortled the customs agent at the Johannesburg airport as he looked at my Shiloh 1874 Sharps. The year was 1981, and I was en route to a safari in Zimbabwe. As the agent placed my .45-70 buffalo rifle back into its aluminum traveling case, he exchanged a sympathetic glance with my professional hunter, Alec Strauss, who had come to meet me at the airport." ...

Following Are Summaries Of Statements Made Today To The Meeting On Illicit Small Arms
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Participants in the first panel addressed the concerns of trade associations and legitimate arms owners, including hunters and sport shooters around the world. Speakers highlighted the hunters contribution to wildlife conservation efforts and their positive impact on national economies. Cooperation between governments and non-governmental organizations, under the Programme of Action, should be as broad as possible and include non-governmental organizations from the hunting and shooting community." ...

"Regarding self-defence, a panellist said that people who kept guns for self-defence were not really safer than people without guns. In El Salvador, for example, research had shown that people were four times more likely to be killed if they had a gun to defend themselves, than if they did not. ..." ...
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Submitter's Note: Thus brushing aside any suggestion that 'legitimate arms owners' should include those who own guns for self-defense . . .

UN: Key report on illicit weapons gives guidelines on tracing and information exchange
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The draft text of an international instrument to help United Nations Member States identify, trace and eliminate illicit trading in small arms and light weapons has been prepared for formal submission to the next General Assembly, starting in September."

"States would choose their own methods, but, according to the draft, would mark weapons during manufacture and at importation 'on an exposed surface, conspicuous without technical aids or tools, easily recognizable, readable, durable and, as far as technically possible, recoverable.'" ...

"Governments would also maintain accurate and comprehensive records of all marked small arms and light weapons in their territory ..." ...
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Submitter's Note: Yes, because this exact scheme has completely stopped gun crime in the US and is so inexpensive and easy to implement!

TX: East Side Shooting Involved Earlier Assault, Vandalism
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A shooting in East El Paso may not have been self-defense. ..."

"Around 12:30 Tuesday morning, about ten people returned to the home a third time, breaking several windows on parked cars and a window at the home."

"According to Police, 18 year-old Ty Easter allegedly fired several shots from a rifle into the air and then fired several shots at the alleged vandals."

"... As a result of the shooting, Mr. Easter was charged with Aggravated Assault. Police officials say in this particular case, the parties are rival gang members." ...

"However, because Mr. Easter waited and actually sat on the roof of his home and waited for the alleged group of gang members to come back, his self defense comes into question." ...

FL: Intruder Shot To Death After Breaking Into Home
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"An 18-year-old was shot to death early Wednesday morning after apparently breaking into a home in western Davie."

"Davie police said a man and young woman -- possibly father and daughter, according to neighbors -- were sleeping inside the home when an intruder came in and startled them. The man took protective action and shot the intruder twice, striking him once in the face."

"When police arrived, they found the intruder dead in the front doorway of the home."

"'At some point while this young man between the age of 18 and 20 was inside the home, several gunshots rang out,' Lt. Bill Bamford said. 'The young man was struck twice and he fell dead in the front foyer area of the home. ...'" ...

MS: Schools no place for firearms
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The DeSoto County School District is letting parents and students know that firearms are not be allowed on school property at any time."

"'We have a zero tolerance policy as to firearms at schools,' said Katherine Nelson, the school districts coordinator of community relations."

"Any student found to have a firearm in their possession, their locker or a vehicle on school property will be subject to a 12-month suspension." ...

"The 12-month suspension will be implemented regardless of how the weapon gets onto school property. That would include a hunting rifle or shotgun that might have inadvertently been left in a trunk after a hunting trip. It would include a pistol left in a vehicle by a parent that the student was unaware of." ...
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Submitter's Note: So much for the whole concept of mens rea.

OH: Final Text of Columbus Gun Ban Ordinance
Submitted by: Peoples Rights Organization
Website: http://www.peoplesrights.org

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"'Below is the final version of the gun ban ordinance passed by Columbus City Council on July 11, 2005. Council added language to the 'whereas' forward section of the ordinance, trying with great pains to define one of the many problems they face with this vague ordinance -- the definition of 'conspicuous' pistol grip."

"The ordinance becomes law 30 days after the July 11 passage. City residents then have 90 days to either get rid of any firearms they suspect might fall under the new law, move them out of the city or register them with Columbus officials. PRO is advising that firearms be moved and stored outside of the city until this matter is resolved. We do NOT recommend registering your lawfully owned firearms with city officials since doing so will prevent you from selling them to others or willing them to your heirs, under the terms of the new law." ...

OH: Columbus council hopes 3rd time is legal charm for weapons ban
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"The Columbus City Council has for the third time passed an assault weapons ban that it hopes will survive a likely federal court challenge."

"A pro-gun group that successfully challenged the legislation twice before said it is contemplating another lawsuit."

"The ordinance outlaws the sale or possession of semiautomatic rifles with pistol grips and detachable magazines."

"In an attempt to pass federal court muster, it tries to distinguish between legitimate sporting weapons and military-style assault weapons."

"After Aug. 11, the sale of guns fitting the city's description of an assault weapon will be outlawed."

"Residents who own an assault weapon will have 90 days from Monday night to register the firearm ..." ...
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KABA Note: Of course under existing case law, felons and other 'prohibited persons' will be exempt, since requiring them to register firearms would violate their right against self-incrimination.

NY: County Legislature withdraws rifle hunting resolution
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"The only two legislators who voted against withdrawing a resolution calling for an exclusionary amendment to a proposal to allow rifle hunting for big game (such as deer) in Tioga County at Tuesday's regular Tioga County legislative session were Richard Huttleston of Campville and Richard Harrington of Richford."

"The amendment to bill S918A, which is slated to be signed into law by New York state Gov. George Pataki Friday, requests that lands within Tioga County be excluded."

"Tioga County Legislative Chairman Martin Borko of Waverly noted that the proposal now before the governor is multi-county in nature and includes Tioga County, where shotgun-hunting-only for big game is permitted." ...

AZ: Commentary: Concealed carry law
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "Significant progress was made during the session, but there are some issues that remain unresolved. Some of the initiatives ended with less than completely desirable results for concealed-carry advocates."

"We succeeded in getting the minimum age for concealed carry lowered from 25 to 21. This is a big step forward, but still we need to recognize that this minimum age fails to address our military personnel in the 18-to-20 age group. They are trained for combat and expected to use firearms, putting their lives on the line to defend their country. Yet they are not trusted to carry a concealed firearm to defend themselves or their families here in New Mexico." ...

PA: Zoners reject request by owner of deer hunting business
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A West Penn Township man says a zoning decision that could shut down his deer hunting business will cost him more than $1 million in investments into the business and violates his civil rights."

"Michael Comisac's request for a special exception to township zoning laws to keep Big Oak Whitetail Ranch in business was unanimously rejected Monday by the township Zoning Hearing Board."

"'Hunters beware,' Comisac said. 'It's only another step until you're not allowed to fire a rifle.'" ...

"Comisac raises deer on more than 100 acres on Mush Dahl Road and charges hunters to hunt them. He says that is an agricultural use of the land, but the zoning board ruled it's animal husbandry and a violation of the zoning code." ...

ME: Brewer councilors ponder changes to firearms discharge ordinance
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Whether City Hall should be moved and whether the firearms ordinance should be changed to restrict rifle use in certain areas topped the list of items discussed at Tuesday's Brewer City Council meeting." ...

"Increased residential development in the city's outlying areas over the years has led to a proposal to change Brewer's discharge of firearms ordinance to restrict rifle use in about half the areas of the city that still allow use of guns." ...

"Use of shotguns, pistols, black powder or muzzleloader rifles and bows and arrows would continue in the proposed rifle-restricted zone. In addition, landowners and their immediate family would be allowed to continue to use rifles on their own land." ...

NY: 'Rifles in Tier' bills in trouble
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"Tioga County's objection to being included in the newly legislated territory where rifles will be allowed for big game hunting sort of throws a wrench into the works."

"The county legislature formed a resolution asking to be withdrawn from the new rifle area, as it is described in bills that passed both houses last month. The bills haven't reached the governor's desk yet, but should soon. Governor Pataki will have 10 days to sign, ignore or veto the bill." ...

WA: Shooting OK for now; county wants permits
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"A 'stop work' order posted by county officials last week could trip up business at Fort Discovery, the hotly contested firing range center operated by Security Services Northwest on Discovery Bay, the company's president said."

"The order pertains to three buildings onsite that are without permits: a classroom building, the bunkhouse and a sound barrier under construction, Jefferson County Code Compliance Officer Molly Pearson said." ...

OH: Gun-toting Hackett still can't win NRA endorsement
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"Democrat Paul Hackett can be forgiven if he doesn't renew his membership in the National Rifle Association next year."

"The NRA's Political Victory Fund has given its endorsement to Jean Schmidt, Hackett's Republican opponent in the 2nd Congressional District's Aug. 2 special election, despite the fact that the Democratic candidate is an avid hunter, serious gun collector, holder of a concealed-carry permit and a card-carrying member of the NRA." ...

TX: Bulverde council outlaws shooting of guns
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"Bulverde citizens will soon have to reduce target practice to their own back yards."

"Bulverde City Council members voted unanimously to prohibit discharge of firearms within the city limits. The ordinance makes an exception for the discharge of airguns, such as BB and paintball guns, and bow and arrows and crossbows, which may be shot on a persons private property."

"Mayor Pro Tem Sarah Stevick said the city did not make a gun ordinance sooner because irresponsible firearm use has not been an issue." ...

NY: Another big change: Rifle hunting for deer in Allegany County in upcoming '05 season
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"With a satisfying clunk, the bolt shoved the brass rifle round into the chamber."

"The safety snapped off."

And all that's left to do is for Governor George Pataki to squeeze the trigger and there will be rifle hunting for deer in the Southern Tier counties of Western New York state."

"And the law as written goes into effect immediately. That means, for the upcoming 2005 deer season."

"The governor has 10 days to sign it." ...

String of weapons mishaps sends sailors back to school
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"There is no such thing as an accidental shooting, said Capt. Todd R. Miller, who commands the amphibious assault ship Wasp, where any one of his 1,200 sailors might be ordered to grab a 9 mm pistol or M-16 automatic rifle to defend the vessel."

"'There are negligent discharges, and they occur because of improper procedures,' he insisted."

"But accidents? No. Don't call them that, he said."

"A recent string of shooting mishaps aboard ships has been enough for the Navy to demand its sailors review small-arms handling. The service last month ordered a training stand down that's being completed this week." ...

FL: Orange stiffens stun-gun policy
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A slightly tougher stun-gun policy takes effect later this week for Orange County deputies, following a yearlong study on appropriate use of the popular yet controversial weapons."

"Suspects must now display active resistance to deputies' commands, rather than the old standard of merely refusing to comply, before they can be incapacitated with 50,000-volt shocks."

"The new policy still allows deputies to use their Taser side arms when they think they are in danger of being assaulted, but they must be prepared to document and defend their actions in minute detail." ...

TX: All 4 shots hit deputy from behind, report says
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A reserve deputy constable who was killed last week had his back turned to the sheriff's deputy who shot him four times during a foot chase through an apartment complex, according to an independent autopsy."

"All of the bullets that struck Nehemiah Pickens, who was working an off-duty security job early July 6 when the deputy mistook him for a suspect, came from behind, pathologist Dr. Paul Radelat reported."

"A witness also has told police that, contrary to deputies' account of the incident, Pickens was not warned before the deputy opened fire." ...

DC: Special police officer charged
Submitted by: Anonymous

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"An armed special police officer for the company that protects city government buildings and public schools has been charged with using his service weapon to rob two persons in Georgetown last weekend."

"Xavier Brooks, 34, who works for D.C.-based Hawk One Security Inc., and his uncle Antwane Brooks, 33, robbed two persons Saturday in the 2800 block of Dumbarton Street NW, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office." ...

NY: Peekskill man's guns seized, not missing, in rape case
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Three handguns that authorities insisted were missing from the home of a 67-year-old Peekskill gun collector accused of raping a 10-year-old girl were actually among those seized by police when they searched his home, the District Attorney's Office has acknowledged."

"The mystery surrounding the guns and another handgun still unaccounted for kept Richard Bell in jail an extra four days in late May and his lawyer yesterday said the case was one of overzealousness among prosecutors who wanted Bell incarcerated as long as possible." ...

"Chief Assistant District Attorney Richard Weill said the discovery of the three weapons was an indication that there was no police misconduct in the original search of Bell's home." ...

Philippines: Cop nabbed for selling illegal drugs
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A drug syndicate, led by a Malabon City police officer, was busted during a raid Sunday in Mabalacat, Pampanga, said a report reaching Camp Crame Wednesday."

"The report by Pampanga police director, Senior Supt. Leonardo Espina, identified the ringleader of the 'Bong Parak Gang' as Insp. Fernando Sampang II." ...

"The report said Sampang's group has been under surveillance for several months following information that they have been peddling illegal drugs."

"Recovered during the raid were 54.3641 grams of shabu in 12 plastic sachets with street value of P108,728.20, a Glock .9 mm pistol with 14 live bullets and a Toyota Revo van." ...

CO: 4-H'er hits national rifle mark Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Website: http://www.nysrpa.org	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"At first glance Roni Borgen may appear to be a traditional high school junior. Much of her summer is spent working, hanging out with friends and dreaming about her upcoming driver's license. She's also an avid reader, currently chewing through a vampire novel." "'I want to be an English teacher,' Borgen said." "Unlike some teenagers, when she sets down a book, she picks up her rifle." ...

TX: FBI Trains 7 Texans In Weapons Safety
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"If the Houston Texans can't win on the field, maybe they can challenge their opponents to a shootout."

"The FBI trained seven members of the NFL team Tuesday in weapons safety, SWAT assault, sniper shooting, handguns and automatic weapons in a public-relations move to help the bureau recruit new members." ...

"The players listened but also squirmed like small children while agents reviewed gun safety and played a short video about the SWAT team before giving the players a chance to shoot."

"Their patience was rewarded when they all got to shoot at targets from 15 yards away with a pistol and two different automatic weapons at the FBI firearms training center." ...

UK: Police in swoop over street gun drama
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Armed police sealed off a street near Cannock town centre following reports of a man brandishing a gun."

"Part of Mill Street was closed and officers from Staffordshire Police's armed response unit were drafted in during Monday's incident."

"The drama began shortly after 1pm when police received reports that a man had been seen carrying a pistol outside a house." ...

"The armed officers positioned themselves across the road from the house."

"Officers demanded that the people inside the house give themselves up." ...

"[Inspector Ian Haigh of Cannock police] also confirmed that a weapon had been recovered from the property. It is believed that the weapon may be a ball bearing gun." [emphasis added]...

Papua New Guinea: Total ban on arms will not work Submitted by: Haddock Website: http://www.servicerifle.com.au/qmrcabout.htm	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"A TOTAL ban on firearms will not work in PNG, Opposition leader Peter ONeill has said." "Mr ONeill told the Guns Summit in Goroka a total ban is not a policy option the Opposition would support." "'It has not worked elsewhere, even in societies where the capacity to enforce a total ban or substantial ban is far greater that ours,' Mr ONeill said when closing the weeklong summit." ...

Thailand: Soldiers, police to replace teachers in Thailand's south
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Thailand plans to replace 3,600 civilian teachers in the country's violent south with graduate soldiers and police."

"Deputy Education Minister Rung Kaewdaeng says only 1,000 of the mostly Buddhist teachers, who have requested transfers, will actually leave the region."

"The rest will move to town schools in remote areas." ...

"Education Ministry data shows about 1,000 teachers have already left the region, where schools have been frequent militant targets as symbols of the government."

"As incentives to stay, the Education Ministry is offering 3,000 free flak jackets and faster licences for 1,700 teachers waiting to buy pistols." ...