Keep and Bear Arms - Gun Owners Home Page

Million Gun Owner March
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Today, the website for the Million Gun Owner March went online."

"Our Mission...

"The mission of the Million Gun Owner March is to galvanize the courage and resolve of American gun owners; to petition our elected officials against establishing anti-gun legislation; and to remind America that the Second Amendment is necessary to maintain our right to self defense."

"It is the one right that protects all others."

"We will accomplish our mission by a centralized, peaceful march on the United States Capitol, supported by satellite marches to State Capitols and smaller cities all across America."

Whom Would the State Arm?
Submitted by: Larry

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"As expected, the Republican Senate leadership sold supporters of the Second Amendment down the river in a, you cover my crimes against the Constitution, Ill cover yours, agreement to confirm Eric Holder as Attorney General. The agreement was reportedly reached when Holder agreed to not seek criminal charges against agents of the state (CIA etc.) who participated in the torture of suspected terrorists at Gitmo."

"Holder has a long history of opposition to the Second Amendment; he supports federal licensing of handgun owners, rationing gun sales, national gun registration, notifying the BATFE of every firearms purchase, and denying firearms purchases to anyone who might find their way on to any secret government 'watch list.'" ...

Interpreting the Second Amendment
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"It has been famously said and often repeated that the Constitution means what the Supreme Court says it means. While this statement is generally true, it is incomplete. Regardless of what the Supreme Court says, the Constitution ultimately means what the People believe it to mean."

"So far in our history the Supreme Court has refrained from any interpretation of the Constitution that was so flagrantly at odds with the beliefs of the People that a serious, violent uprising ensued. But they may have come perilously close in last year's decision in DC v. Heller. ..." ...

Rhodes: The Clinton Era Proposal to Use Military Tribunals on McVeigh and the Militias
Submitted by: Mike Vanderboegh
Website: http://sipseystreetirregulars.blogspot.com

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Stewart Rhodes is a recent commenter here at Sipsey Street. He is also an ex-paratrooper, disabled vet, ex-firearms instructor, former Ron Paul staff member, Yale Law grad/Research Scholar, & Montana/Nevada lawyer. Stewart has written for Gerry Spence's The Warrior, for moreliberty.org, writes the Enemy at the Gate column for S.W.A.T. Magazine.

I would like to draw your attention to a piece he wrote in haste back in 2006. He has promised to update it to reflect the new reality that we find ourselves in, but the original is sobering enough. Please read.

Gangs behind up to 80% of U.S. crime, yet gun ban lobby focuses on the law-abiding
Submitted by: jghilty

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"Recently, USA Today reported that a gang threat assessment compiled by federal officials estimates that criminal gangs in the United States have swelled to an estimated 1 million members responsible for up to 80% of crimes in communities across the nation."

"Meanwhile, the Brady Campaign ... has released its 2008 State Scorecards, which grade states on how they are regulating law-abiding citizens' Second Amendment rights, rather than criminals'."

"The FBI's gang population estimate is up 200,000 since 2005. But Bruce Ferrell, chairman of the Midwest Gang Investigators Association, whose group monitors gang activity in 10 states, tells USA Today the number of gang members may be even higher than the report's estimate." ...

A Gun In My Hand
Submitted by: The Liberty Sphere
Website: http://www.thelibertysphere.blogspot.com

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My last article on guns focused on concealed carry entitled 'A Gun in My Pocket.' Now I wish to discuss the general subject of having a gun in my hand, that is, developing the ability to feel comfortable handling a firearm while at the same time having a healthy respect for your weapon."

"In many ways I was very fortunate to be raised in a family of gun owners. I first learned about guns from my grandfather, who never reached a stage in life where he felt practice shooting was unnecessary."

Praxis: Global Guerrillas -- "Money Garden"
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"John Robb at Global Guerrillas has this piece on subsistence agriculture. Be sure and read all the links and comments." ...

"RC JOURNAL: Money Garden?"

"Burpee is selling a new frugal package called the Money Garden. Sales pitch: $10 in selected seeds can 'potentially' yield $650 in produce."

"'Victory gardens' are smart way to hedge against short term system failure and as a cost cutting measure. However, a longer term solution for decentralized agriculture needs to be much, much more productive than traditional gardening. ..." ...

Guns in California: California has strongest laws in America
Submitted by: jghilty

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"California has the nation's strongest gun laws that help combat the illegal gun market, prevent the sale of guns without background checks and reduce risks to children, according to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. In the organization´s 2008 state scorecards released today for all 50 states, California earned 79 points out of a total of 100."

"California has in place key laws to prevent gun trafficking such as mandatory background checks on all firearm purchases, a 'one-handgun-a-month'... and other important laws to regulate gun dealers. In 2007, California continued to strengthen its laws by enacting legislation to help law enforcement identify crime guns using new 'Microstamping' technology ..." ...

NJ: Corzine calls for tougher gun laws
Submitted by: jghilty

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"Gov. Corzine called yesterday for tougher gun laws at the state and national levels, citing the recent discovery of 259 firearms at a man's Gloucester County home as a reason to bring back a federal ban on assault weapons."

"Corzine also called on the state Senate to give final legislative approval to a plan to limit New Jersey handgun buyers to one purchase every 30 days - putting public pressure on lawmakers to pass a bill that appears stalled."

"'There is no reason why anyone needs more than one gun a month,' Corzine said. 'It is time for the Senate to take this bill up and pass it.'"

"The Assembly has approved the measure."

"Corzine made the calls for tougher laws before a roomful of gun-control advocates ..." ...

NY: Pridgen upset by violent message on Obama T-shirt
Submitted by: jghilty

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"When the Rev. Darius Pridgen first heard about the T-shirt, he thought: 'Not a big deal.'"

"Then, he saw it."

"The long-sleeved shirt ... depicts President Obama as James Bond, complete with a steely stare, a tuxedo and holding a microphone that is also a handgun."

"Below him, first lady Michelle Obama is shown in a skimpy red dress lying seductively in a Bond Girl-esque pose."

"'We have free speech in the United States of America,' Pridgen told church members ... '... You can make any kind of cartoon. But in a neighborhood in which for many of these young people this is the first time they have seen a black man rise to where [Obama] has . . . to sell this in our neighborhoods, we ought to be outraged.'" ...

TX: Intruder shot at Kaufman County business
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"Investigators said an alleged intruder at a Kaufman County business was in stable condition Friday morning after the owner shot him."

"According to Assistant Chief Deputy Troy Graham, the owner reported hearing someone inside his storage facility in the 1000 block of Everett Drive around 2:30 a.m. Robert Sanders grabbed his loaded rifle, walked to the front and confronted the suspected burglar."

"He opened fire and struck the suspect, several times. Deputies found the wounded man lying just outside the door."

"Sanders leases a storage unit at the location, and lives in the back of that unit."

"At this time, no arrests have been made. Police say there are no plans to charge Sanders." ...

VA: Fatal shooting in Richmond was self-defense, police say
Submitted by: jghilty

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"A fatal shooting Wednesday night in North Richmond was a case of selfdefense, police said yesterday."

"Darrell Jerome Ross, 38, shot and killed Edward Mitchell Perry Jr., 29, after Perry came into Ross' home with a gun, looking for someone with whom he had had a disagreement, police said."

"Also during the ordeal, Perry shot an 18-year-old man in the hand, police said. The shooting took place at 10:15 p.m. in the 3100 block of Griffin Avenue. The residence is near the intersection with West Ladies Mile Road, north of Brookland Park Boulevard."

"Ross was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, but police said they do not anticipate additional charges." ...

Concealed carry is bulletproof -- Facts are clear, concealed carry laws necessary to allow citizens to protect themselves.
Submitted by: jghilty

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"The courts have deliberated over the Second Amendment for some time and it has been confirmed that individual gun ownership rights are indeed provided for in the amendment. Americans' right to own firearms is no longer in question. Today, the bigger issue is what to make of concealed carry laws." ...

"Concealed carry laws prove their worth all the time, such as when citizens defend themselves from criminals. Just January, in Houston, two citizens used their legally concealed weapons to defend their office against a would-be attacker. Similar situations occur all the time that serve to further justify concealed carry laws." ...

WI: Beaver Dam Teacher Poses with Gun on Facebook
Submitted by: jghilty

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"A Beaver Dam Middle School teacher is on administrative leave after school officials discovered a photo of her with a gun on Facebook."

"In the photo, Betsy Ramsdale was training a rifle at the camera."

"In an e-mail to WKOW-TV in Madison, Ramsdale said she removed the photo immediately and that she is not '"interested in any controversy.'"

"Schools superintendent Donald Childs says a concerned staff member brought the photo to the district's attention."

"Childs says the use of the photo 'appears to be poor judgment" and is unaware of any sinister intent." ...

The New Blacklist Submitted by: David Codrea Website: http://waronguns.blogspot.com	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"A Wisconsin middle school teacher has been suspended. Her grave offense against acceptable norms? "'[S]chool officials discovered a photo of her with a gun on Facebook.'"

The New Blacklist--Part Two Submitted by: David Codrea Website: http://waronguns.blogspot.com	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
This follow-up to the story I filed this morning includes the Facebook photo in question, a video, and the news that the ACLU is siding with the teacher.

Phony gun groups: Fool me twice?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The strangest thing happened, last November, when my organization ran a campaign of automated phone scripts to gun-owning voters outlining Barrack Obama's long history of antipathy to gun rights: People called me a liar. ..."

"Some [e-mails] were principled, such as: 'There are issues more important the gun rights in this election.' ... But most were along the lines of: 'You fear-mongering @#$%*#@s don't scare me. I'm gonna' %@%#ing vote for Obama and keep my %@%#ing guns.'"

"Perhaps you heard the nationwide radio spots for Obama done by the deceptively named [AHSA], or saw the YouTube video by 'Sportsmen for Obama,' both of which have been called front groups for the Democratic Party." ...

Can you effectively defend your beliefs?
Submitted by: Daniel White
Website: http://www.OhioCCW.org

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"One of the things I always tell my students, whether in a concealed carry training course or an NRA certified instructor training course, is that when you become known to be a gun owner you assume the mantle of being an ambassador for gun rights."

"Some people prefer to keep the fact that they own firearms to themselves, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, many of us choose to be open about our pro-gun views and wear pro-gun shirts or hats, put bumper stickers on our cars, set an OFCC mug on our desk at work, or openly talk about hunting, shooting, or gun rights. Sooner or later, we all will come across someone who wants to know why we own or carry firearms." ...
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Submitter's Note: What you say isn't as important as how you say it.

When is it good to fail?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"ANSWER: When it is the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence (formerly Handgun Control, Inc.) who is grading you!"

"The Brady Campaign has just released their 2008 state scorecards and I am proud to say that Minnesota has failed miserably! Scoring a mere 11 points out of a possible 100, Minnesota has once again failed to infringe enough of their citizens' rights to satisfy the extremists at the Brady Campaign."

"You see the way it works is this. The Brady Campaign awards points for each infringement that a state has enacted such as banning certain classes of firearms altogether, outlawing private sales and requiring as-yet non-existent personalization technology on firearms. ..." ...

'Imagining gun control in America': Why the idea is imaginary, Part III
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Today's article will be the third and final installment of the series ... Today, continuing to draw on the work of Professor Nicholas J. Johnson (pdf) we'll expand on those difficulties, particularly in light of the uniquely American 'gun culture.'"

"Three hundred million guns is more than a logistical problem. If it were just a matter of saying 'please turn them in,' the only issue would be having enough trucks and personnel to haul them to the crusher. But this problem is deeper. Many Americans believe guns are important tools for protecting their lives and liberty and have a deep cultural attachment to them."

"Indeed. Being one of those 'many Americans,' I can attest to the veracity of that statement." ...

Children safest population group around guns (Part 1)
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Women, particularly mothers, often express anxiety over keeping a gun in the home. They have heard reports that firearms in the home are more likely to kill a family member than a criminal attacker, or have seen a news report of a child who shot himself or another because an irresponsible adult left a gun lying around. But conclusions can be manufactured when the political agenda is strong enough. In this and future articles in this series, fatal injury data from the Centers for Disease Control [CDC] will help you assess risk/return of assuming responsibility to defend your children and yourself." ...

Nationwide concealed carry: more law enforcement supports it
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"In my previous two pieces, I expanded on how immaterial it is for someone to be 'uncomfortable' with another's carrying a concealed handgun and how being 'uncomfortable' is never reason enough to object to another's rights. In contrast, I had mentioned how many beat police officers and even Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police in fact support the armed citizen as an ally in fighting crime while the discussion centered around one who cancels CCW permits and demands citizens to show cause. Any time such lawmen or lawwomen speak out in support of constituents and clearly known to their colleagues, they are to be thanked and welcomed. ..." ...

NJ: Corzine signs harsher gun law
Submitted by: jghilty

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"People caught with machine guns or other illegal assault weapons will face harsher penalties under a bill signed into law today by Gov. Jon Corzine ..." ...

"The measure was hailed by gun-control advocates like Bryan Miller, executive director of Ceasefire NJ, who said those weapons have no legitimate purpose."

"'They're meant to kill as many people as possible, as quickly as possible,' Miller said. 'They endanger all of us in the state of New Jersey.'" ...
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KABA Note: So Bri-Bri answer me this: a few years ago the Cloquet, MN PD purchased AR-15s for all of their patrol cars. Can you explain to me the circumstances under which they would need to "kill as many people as possible, as quickly as possible?" Haven't met an anti yet who can answer that, but I keep hoping . . .

KS: Judges throw book at conceal-carry bill
Submitted by: jghilty

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"A panel of Kansas judges expressed opposition today to a proposed law that would allow prosecuting attorneys to carry concealed weapons in courtrooms."

"... the judicial branch takes a dim view of a Senate-passed bill exempting state and federal prosecutors from a prohibition on possession of concealed handguns in courthouses."

"'The thought of prosecutors having a concealed gun in our courthouse is not comforting, regardless of training,' said Stephen Tatum, chief judge in Johnson County. 'Our courtrooms are places for court proceedings without intimidation by either side. A prosecutor with a concealed weapon and open suit coat would soon be known to ... jurors, litigants, attorneys. A fair trial?'" ...

MI: Citizens pack meeting for gun-control item
Submitted by: jghilty

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"Despite the fact that a gun control resolution was pulled from the agenda before the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners' meeting, it was standing room only in the 200-capacity board chambers on Thursday night, with more than 60 additional people flooding the hallway."

"A thunderous Pledge of Allegiance preceded a series of speeches on upholding the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which received applause and some standing ovations."

"While Chairman Mike Rae, D-Pennfield Township, told the crowd before the public comment period that the item was mistakenly placed on the agenda, veterans, sportsmen, hunters and other residents spoke out against the item, pleading with the board to commit to keeping it off future agendas ..." ...

TX: Texas lawmakers want conceal and carry laws on state campuses
Submitted by: jghilty

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"Texas lawmakers are trying to make it easier for students and faculty to carry guns on college campuses ..."

"The first proposal would allow licensed gun holders to carry their weapons on campuses like the University of Texas at Austin. A second proposal would allow them to openly carry their firearms. ..."

"As of this writing, only 11 U.S universities allow students and faculty to carry concealed weapons. Since the devastating fatal shootings of 32 students at Virginia Tech nearly two years ago, 17 states have introduced legislation to permit faculty and students to carry guns on campus but all have failed to pass." ...

MD: Legislators propose law to ban guns on the campus
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Two local legislators are among the sponsors of a proposed state law that would ban guns, knives and other deadly weapons from college campuses."

"The Weapon-Free Higher Education Zones bill would expand on existing state laws that ban such weapons from the grounds of K-12 public schools." ...

"University Police spokesman Paul Dillon said the proposed law would likely improve on-campus safety, but College Republicans president Chris Banerjee said the restrictions would prevent students from protecting themselves against armed criminals."

"'People who are going to violate the law are not going to abide by a sign that says weapons are banned on campus,' Banerjee said. 'The good people will ... be unarmed and defenseless.'" ...

IL: Illinois should allow concealed handguns
Submitted by: Foo Bar

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"If you're in a minority of 48 to 2 on an issue, you may be seeing truths that other people miss. Or you may be refusing to admit reality. In the case of Illinois' refusal to allow citizens to get permits to carry concealed handguns, it's the latter. It's the only state but Wisconsin that doesn't allow it. But there is a glimmer of hope of change: The Illinois Sheriffs' Association has endorsed a law to afford Illinoisans this type of protection."

"There is not much risk in allowing such permits to law-abiding people. When Florida pioneered the idea in the 1980s, critics warned of a surge in gun battles among those granted this privilege. But it never came to pass, there or elsewhere." ...

LA agrees to pay $13 million to demonstrators beaten by police
Submitted by: jghilty

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"The Los Angeles City Council today agreed to pay almost $13 million to people beaten by police in MacArthur Park during an immigrant rights rally two years ago. ..."

"... On May Day of 2007, riot officers from the LAPD elite Metropolitan Division swarmed MacArthur Park after a few demonstrators threw rocks and bottles at police. Video of the incident shows officers firing rubber bullets into a peaceful crowd and striking passive protesters with their batons. More than 200 people filed claims alleging that police injured them."

"Afterward, Police Chief Bill Bratton apologized for what his officers did. He called it his worst day in law enforcement, and ordered new crowd control training for all officers. ..." ...

MI: Detroit news briefs: Ads focus on costs of illegal gun buys
Submitted by: jghilty

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

"The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has launched a campaign to discourage people from buying guns for others who aren't legally permitted to have them."

"The Don't Lie for the Other Guy campaign is designed to make Michigan residents more aware of the penalties for making illegal gun purchases, including serving as so-called straw buyers ..."

"The campaign also is designed to alert gun retailers how to spot straw buyers."

"Violators are subject to a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison."

"Billboards, posters and other ads promoting the program will be placed in Detroit, Pontiac, Flint and Saginaw." ...

FL: Police arrest one of their own for sharing information
Submitted by: jghilty

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"Police Chief Sean Baldwin equates it to treason."

"Ebony Baret, a community service aide with Ft. Pierce Police, was arrested Thursday for sharing police information with known gang members."

"Baret is not a sworn officer, but she has access to all of the department's confidential information."

"Investigators say she shared that information with Ned Childress, a known gang member."

"Police believe Baret told Childress when and where officers would be working special details, what they would be driving and what type of uniforms they would be wearing." ...

"Baret is being held in the St. Lucie County Jail on four felony charges including Obstruction of Justice and Official Misconduct. "

MA: BPD investigates alleged police escort provided to strippers
Submitted by: jghilty

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"A Boston police officer is facing an allegation that two strippers received a police escort for a night on the town."

"The alleged police misconduct is being pinned to a picture that was supposedly taken by two male strippers from California. The photo appears to show flashing lights in front of the windshield of the car in one of Boston's tunnels."

"... Sources tell 7News that a Boston patrol car and a patrolman escorted the two strippers to the Roxy Nightclub."

"On the stripper's Web site, it mentions a man named Scott getting them a police escort."

"... the alleged friend of the officer is Scott Birchall."

"According to a business Web site, Birchall does administrative work for a strip club ..." ...

UK: Police Community Support Officers boredom causing misconduct
Submitted by: jghilty

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"Boredom and a lack of motivation is causing some police community support officers (PCSOs) in London to commit criminal offences, a report has said."

"PCSOs were responsible for most cases of gross misconduct among Metropolitan Police staff in 2008, despite making up only 20% of the workforce."

"Some felt akin to 'glorified security guards', the force's HR director said."

"The role was created to put more uniformed police on streets and to take some duties away from other officers."

"The Police Federation has described the introduction of PCSOs as 'policing on the cheap', while other critics have expressed concern that PCSOs have no power to arrest suspected criminals." ...

UK: No. 10 adviser 'forced' release of bogus knife-crime statistics
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A political adviser in 10 Downing Street overruled the objections of government statisticans to force the publication of 'selective' knife-crime figures, MPs were told today."

"The unnamed adviser was 'adamant' that the numbers should be released despite the objections of the NHS's chief statistician."

"The unchecked raw figures, which appeared to show a fall in the number of young people being treated in hospitals for stab wounds, were put out by the Home Office in December as part of publicity to highlight the departments action to tackle knife crime." ...

Run on gun sales: Fear of Second Amendment constraints spurs gun-buying
Submitted by: jghilty

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"Gun shop owners, firearm manufacturers and distributors are on target these days."

"Some consumers - fearing that some firearms like AR-15 rifles will soon become illegal to buy - are flocking to stores."

"And that concern is giving gun businesses a shot in the arm."

"Bryan Tucker, chief executive officer and owner of wholesale gun distributor Davidson's Inc., said sales began climbing around mid-October to early November 2008. Demand for the firearms with 10-round magazine capacity and greater, along with handguns and rifles was so dramatic that Tucker added 20 employees late this past year." ...