Keep and Bear Arms - Gun Owners Home Page

DC: Federal Judge Tosses Lawsuit Opposing Concealed-Carry Ban on D.C. Metro, Finding Challengers Did Not Show Any Threat of Prosecution
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
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A federal judge threw out a challenge to D.C.s concealed pistol law after four D.C.-area residents failed to include a basic part of their case. Although the challengers made multiple arguments about the use of guns in 1600s New England, they included nothing to show that they were or ever would be personally affected by the statute.

Ed.: DC is unique in that it requires law-abiding guns owners to actually commit crimes in order to challenge an unconstitutional law.

How effective is gun control?
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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The Trace mentions that defensive gun uses occur in only around 70,000 cases annually, while cases of firearm victimization occur at over seven times the rate of defensive gun uses. Reducing the amount of firearms in circulation would limit the ability to purchase firearms for self-defense, but it would also reduce the amount of gun violence caused by such ease of access to firearms. Thus, the benefits of gun control laws would far outweigh the negative consequences.

NY: Federal Judge Rules New York Church Gun Ban Unconstitutional Yet Again
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
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A federal has once more found the states ban on carrying a gun in church, even by those with permits, violates New Yorkers rights.

Judge John Sinatra of the Western District of New York, a Trump appointee, again found the states ban unconstitutional on Thursday. The judge sided with the pastor of a church in his challenge against the states Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA) in Spencer v. Nigrelli. He ruled the ban violated worshipers gun rights and infringed on the free exercise of their religious beliefs.

Youre being lied to by the media. Proof NBC chooses one-sided reporting on Americans gun beliefs.
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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Media outlets often peddle reports on firearm issues through a biased antigun lens. NBC News is out with a report detailing the major wins by the gun control movement over the past decade and completely ignores numerous countertrends in favor of lawful gun ownership during the same period, arguably more impactful and protective of Constitutional rights.

Surprising no one in the gun owning or supportive community, NBC makes their case by almost exclusively citing a report it first obtained by Giffords, the gun control group founded by former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.).

FL: Floridians could soon carry guns without permit or training
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
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Every place that has restrictive gun laws, criminals dont follow it, said Valdes, Florida director of Gun Owners of America. So the idea that permitting stops criminals is ludicrous because only the law-abiding follow the laws. So why restrict the law-abiding from an inalienable right?

Permitless carry legislation appears poised to pass in Florida next year, erasing a state law that has been in place for more than 30 years. Gov. Ron DeSantis is backing the idea, and House Speaker Paul Renner is promising to act.

Second Amendment Results: Over 1,600 Dead American Kids in 2022
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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I love the smell of freedom in the morning. The smell of the Second Amendment, however, is the smell of dead children:

With only three days remaining in 2022, the Gun Violence Archive has counted 6,054 gun-related injuries and deaths among U.S. children aged 17 and younger this year so far. The count includes gun assault deaths, suicide deaths by firearm, deaths due to accidental firearm discharge, legal intervention leading to firearm death, and firearm deaths from undetermined causes.

As of Wednesday, 307 children under age 12 were killed by guns and 670 were injured nationwide this year. Among children ages 12-17, 1,331 were killed and 3,734 were injured this year.

PA: Great American Outdoor Show Returns in February
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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The NRAs Great American Outdoor Show, the worlds largest outdoor show, will take place at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA, Feb. 4 to 12. The annual celebration of outdoor traditions will feature more than 1,000 exhibitors on 650,000 sq.-ft. of exhibit space. Attendees will be able to meet firearm and shooting-sport manufacturers, outfitters, boat and RV dealers, hunting and fishing retailers, and much more.

Foiled: Five times armed citizens fought back against attackers in 2022
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
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Americans have frequently used legal guns to thwart crimes, defend themselves or their homes and even stop mass shootings. Some estimates suggest instances of firearms being used in self-defense stretch into the millions yearly.

"Having a gun is by far the safest course of action when people are facing a criminal by themselves," Dr. John Lott, an economist and president of the Crime Prevention Research Center, told Fox News Digital earlier this year.

KS: As end of 2022 nears, homicide total up slightly over 2021 in Topeka
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
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As the end of 2022 approaches this coming weekend, the city of Topeka has recorded 17 homicides and three officer-involved shooting deaths as of Thursday morning, according to WIBW records.

Three of the citys 17 homicides so far this year occurred in a period of about 24 hours on Sept. 29 and 30.

Ed: 3 of the 17 homicides were, or are suspected, lawful self-defense cases. Another 2 of the 17 yielded no arrests or charges, but aren't listed as potential self-defense.

What to Expect on Guns in 2023
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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The Supreme Courts ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen opened the floodgates on legal challenges to all kinds of gun restrictions. Animated by the Courts new test for gun cases, gun-rights groups filed a bevy of lawsuits across the country in 2022. Expect that trend to continue in 2023.

While it would be nearly impossible to document the several dozen cases expected to arise in the new year, there are certainly some big ones to watch. Those include the ongoing challenges to New York and New Jerseys Bruen-response bills.

NY: Litigation Over New York Gun-Carry Restrictions Accelerates as 2022 Ends
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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As the final days of 2022 tick away, the impact of that Supreme Court ruling is being felt in the state where it was decided. A federal judge has once again ruled New Yorks attempt to ban gun carry in places of worship is unconstitutional under the Bruen standard. At the same time, Justice Sonya Sotomayor told the state it has to respond to an emergency request to block enforcement of the rest of its post-Bruen gun-carry restrictions.

We also got a final view of how spending by the gun groups shook out in the midterms. The NRA managed to outspend the gun-control groups after falling behind in the 2018 midterms. But that money couldnt forestall the collapse of the fabled red wave on election day.

AZ: Suspect claims self-defense after fatal shooting at Phoenix apartments
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
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West was in a verbal argument with a woman when the other man intervened, police said.

The two men then argued, which led to the shooting.

The suspect made statements consistent with self-defense, and no arrest was made, Sgt. Brian Bower said in the release.

The case will be submitted to the Maricopa County Attorneys Office for review after the investigation has been completed.

No other details were made available.

Taurus Public Defender: The Most Powerful Self Defense Revolver? Submitted by: Mark A. Taff Website: www.marktaff.com	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
Tailor-made for concealed carry, the Public Defender is often referred to as the Taurus Judges baby brother. Just like the Judge, this five-shot revolver is built to shoot .410 shotshell or .45 Colt rounds. However, the Public Defender packs that punch with only a 2 barrel and a polymer frame

MO: Celebratory gunfire at New Years is stupid. Missouri should make it a felony, too
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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The new year is always a time for celebration, but that should never include shooting a firearm into the air. Unfortunately, celebratory gunfire has marred New Years in Kansas City for decades a deadly dangerous practice that needs to stop.

A new bill pre-filed ahead of the 2023 Missouri legislative session would make discharging a firearm within or into city limits a felony offense. It has exemptions for shooting weapons in self defense or at gun ranges.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle should ensure that this irresponsible and criminal behavior is met with harsh penalties. This is not a partisan issue it is a lifesaving one.

Shopping for Your First Knife: How to Pick the Perfect Blade
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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I remember mine an Old Timer Stockman purchased from the gift shop at Paul Bunyans Cook Shanty. Makers and materials have changed since then, and Id argue significantly for the better.

But with so many choices now available, shopping for a knife can be hard. This is especially true if youre trying to pick out something memorable, that First Knife for a friend, child, or relative. Fear not! GearJunkie is here to simplify the process because darn it, thats just what we do.

WA: Though Not Discussed Often, Guns Remain a Top Issue for Spokane Bishop, Priests
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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On June 3, Bishop Daly of Spokane co-signed a letter on gun violence to Congress, alongside Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore. The letter came a week and a half after a gunman shot and killed 19 elementary school students and two of their teachers injuring 17 others in Uvalde, Texas. The bishops letter spoke on the need to protect life, urging Congress to enact stronger measures to prevent firearm deaths, such as universal background checks for gun purchases, the total ban of assault weapons and an end to civilian use of high-capacity weapons and ammunition magazines.

NY: Justice Sotomayor Orders New York to Answer Emergency Request to Block Gun-Carry Law
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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New York will have to tell the Supreme Court why it should be able to keep enforcing its latest gun-carry law after the Court struck down the previous one.

Justice Sonya Sotomayor requested the state respond to an emergency request from plaintiffs in one of the Second Circuit cases against its law. Sotomayor oversees the Second Circuit, which recently issued a temporary stay in Antonyuk v. Nigrelli that allows the state to keep enforcing its law as it is litigated. A lower court judge had ruled much of the states new law violates the Second Amendment under the test established by the Court earlier this year in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA) v. Bruen.

Lying mayors all writing in to support gun control letter have one big thing in common and its not good
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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The letter was sent by The United States Conference of Mayors and was signed by 74 mayors. They made two demands of U.S. Sens. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). First, they want the Senate to pass S. 736, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022, which would ban an entire class of firearms Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs) that are commonly-owned and commonly-used. Industry data estimates there are more than 24.4 million in circulation since 1990, with ownership exploding in recent years.

NJ: Second Amendment Advocates Take Aim at New Jerseys Strict New Gun Laws Submitted by: Mark A. Taff Website: www.marktaff.com	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
Second Amendment advocates say New Jersey's new gun law is even stricter than one passed earlier this year in neighboring New York that has already been declared by federal judges to be unconstitutional.

IL: DeWitt County opposes Protect Illinois Communities Act
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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On Thursday night, the Dewitt County Board passed a motion to adopt a resolution to oppose the Illinois General House Assembly's Protect Illinois Communities Act, with a unanimous vote.

The act, also known as House Bill 5855, is supported by state Democrats to ban assault-style weapons and magazines that hold over 10 bullets in Illinois, as well as raise the age to legally buy and own a firearm. Fox Illinois Marlena Lang spoke with the Dewitt County Sheriff, Mike Walker, on why he believes the act should not be passed.

AL: Permit-less gun carry could make law enforcements job more difficult in Alabama
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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You're just days away from no longer needing to purchase a gun permit to carry your weapon. Permit-less carry begins as soon as the Moonpie drops January 1st. Over the past few days, we've spoken with local law enforcement leaders about no longer needing a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Chief Prine and Sheriff Elect Burch say bad guys usually don't carry permits anyway. Burch says the upcoming change could make law enforcement's job harder.

ME: Maine Crime Fell Following 2015 Repeal of Gun Control Law Submitted by: Mark A. Taff Website: www.marktaff.com	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
When Maine began allowing eligible residents to carry concealed firearms without a government license in 2015, gun control advocates warned that Wild West-style gun violence would erupt across the state. Instead, the opposite has happened. In fact, property crime and violent crime have fallen in Maine since the 2015 reform, according to crime data tracked by the FBI.

CA: Californias AG Rob Bonta joins 19 states in support of ATF 'ghost gun' rule
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
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Nineteen attorneys general including Rob Bonta, attorney General for the state of California, have joined together and filed an amicus brief in the Fifth Circuit in support of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' Final Rule. Enforcement of the rule was disrupted by a preliminary injunction granted by a Texas northern district court until a decision is reached in the VanDerStok v. Garland case. The court found that the longstanding definition of a firearm in federal law was drastically changed by ATF Final Rule in granting the injunction.

CA: San Jose Gun Insurance Law to Take Effect at Start of New Year
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
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In an effort to crack down on gun violence, San Jose gun owners will soon be required to have proof of insurance covering accidents involving their firearms.

The new ordinance goes into effect Jan. 1.

"This is simply about ensuring that gun ownership is safer," Mayor Sam Liccardo said.

Liccardo compared the gun ordinance to auto insurance, suggesting that insured gun owners would be more likely to have and use trigger locks or gun safes in their homes, cutting down on accidental shootings.

Renewed Interest in Sub-Caliber Mouse Guns: Why?
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: www.marktaff.com

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There is, in fact, a renewed interest in small-caliber, tiny handguns for self-defense among some very experienced and knowledgeable people. I am not referring to the sizable segment of the concealed carry market that has always bought a lot of pocket pistols. Rather, I am referencing many among the dedicated gun culture that now are embracing small pistols chambered in cartridges that have always been deemed sub-optimal for defensive purposes.

Polymer80 Statement Regarding Recent ATF Letter to FFLs
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
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I want to make three things VERY clear.

1. Polymer80 is not and I am not taking the bait. While Polymer80 vehemently disagrees with the open letter, we will take appropriate steps to ensure we continue to remain in compliance with applicable laws or regulations.

2. In addition to continuing to produce quality products and innovate, we are also modifying existing product lines taking into careful consideration as best we can given ATFs constantly changing interpretations of its own rules ATFs various positions, statements, and guidance, as well as the Final Rule and challenges to it across the country.