The Legion

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/alito-dissent-gun-supreme-court The Supreme Court on Monday refused to decide on the constitutionality of a controversial New York City gun law that has since changed, ruling in an unsigned opinion that the case is now "moot" because of the changes in the law. The court's move to even hear the gun rights case despite a perceived procedural issue previously drew veiled threats from Democratic senators who filed a brief in the case, saying "[t]he Supreme Court is not well. And the people know it. Perhaps the Court can heal itself before the public demands it be 'restructured in order to reduce the influence of politics.'" The statute in question initially restricted the transportation of firearms outside city limits -- even when licensed, locked and unloaded. The city's statute was later amended after the Supreme Court agreed to review it and New York state passed a law overruling the original version of the city's law. The court heard arguments over the original measure anyway. "After we granted certiorari, the State of New York amended its firearm licensing statute, and the City amended the rule so that petitioners may now transport firearms to a second home or shooting range outside of the city, which is the precise relief that petitioners requested in the prayer for relief in their complaint," the unsigned opinion read. "Petitioners’ claim for declaratory and injunctive relief with respect to the City’s old rule is therefore moot," it continued. The Supreme Court sent the case back down to lower courts for undefined further action. But Justice Samuel Alito issued a lengthy dissent in which he not only disputed whether the case is moot, but tore into the original New York City law as clearly unconstitutional. Alito argued that the New York gun owners who sued over the original law didn't get "all the prospective relief they seek" because there was still a lack of clarity in the new version of the law on what travel restrictions actually apply to gun owners. Gun owners under the new law are told they have to bring their guns directly between their homes and gun ranges they wish to practice at with only "reasonably necessary" stops. "But the meaning of a 'reasonably necessary' stop is hardly clear," Alito wrote. "What about a stop to buy groceries just before coming home? Or a stop to pick up a friend who also wants to practice at a range outside the City? Or a quick visit to a sick relative or friend who lives near a range? The City does not know the answer to such questions." Alito also noted that if the Supreme Court ruled the original law was unconstitutional, then the gun owners on the case could seek damages from the city for the violation of their rights. On the actual merits of New York City's now-replaced law, Alito made clear he thinks it violates the Second Amendment. "This is not a close question," he wrote. "If history is not sufficient to show that the New York City ordinance is unconstitutional, any doubt is dispelled by the weakness of the City’s showing that its travel restriction significantly promoted public safety. Although the courts below claimed to apply heightened scrutiny, there was nothing heightened about what they did," Alito said. Alito continued, scolding the city over its arguments. "In sum, the City’s travel restriction burdened the very right recognized in Heller," Alito said, referring to the landmark gun rights case. "History provides no support for a restriction of this type. The City’s public safety arguments were weak on their face, were not substantiated in any way, and were accepted below with no serious probing. And once we granted review in this case, the City’s public safety concerns evaporated." Alito's dissent was joined in its entirety by Justice Neil Gorsuch and in part by Justice Clarence Thomas. Justice Brett Kavanaugh issued his own opinion, straddling the fence between the unsigned opinion that refused to rule on the merits of the New York City law while also agreeing with Alito that lower courts are not sufficiently protecting the Second Amendment. "I agree with the per curiam opinion’s resolution of the procedural issues before us—namely, that petitioners’ claim for injunctive relief against New York City’s old rule is moot," Kavanaugh wrote. "And I share JUSTICE ALITO’s concern that some federal and state courts may not be properly applying Heller and McDonald. The Court should address that issue soon, perhaps in one of the several Second Amendment cases with petitions for certiorari now pending before the Court." While the case is a defeat for gun rights advocates, there may be a silver lining for those who wish to see the Supreme Court reinforce Second Amendment rights in the near future. With Kavanaugh, Alito, Thomas and Gorsuch all putting their names on opinions raising concerns about infringement of gun rights, there appears to be a large enough contingent of justices with a desire to boost such rights to force the court to hear future cases on the issue -- likely without the messy procedural issues in the New York case. The Supreme Court agrees to hear cases under the "rule of four," meaning that if just four justices want the court to accept a case, the court will hear it. The dissenting and concurring opinions from conservative justices got the attention of at least one gun-control group. "We remain concerned that a number of Justices appear to have an appetite to expand gun rights at the risk of Americans’ rights to enact the gun laws they want and need," Brady United President Kris Brown said in a statement. "Brady remains determined and vigilant in our fight for Americans’ right to live, and self-determination on public safety issues, a fight which is far from over." But other gun-control advocates saw the case as a victory, pure and simple. "Today’s decision to dismiss the case as moot is a victory for the rule of law and common-sense, constitutional gun safety laws. It’s yet another loss for an NRA and gun lobby that are in disarray and at odds with the majority of Americans who want the government to keep them safe," Hannah Shearer, the litigation director at the Giffords Law Center, said in a statement. "This case is not moot," Alito concluded. "The City violated petitioners’ Second Amendment right, and we should so hold."

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This happened in May 5, 2019, but the footage was released today. On May 5, 2019, the plane was en route su1492 from Moscow to Murmansk. 27 minutes after take-off he was forced to return to Sheremetyevo airport due to technical problems on board. During the landing, the airliner suffered damage that caused a fire, which caused the plane to partially burn down. As a result, 41 people out of 78 aboard were killed.

https://www.guns.com/news/2020/04/13/priorities-virginia-governor-signs-5-anti-gun-bills-into-law 04/13/20 2:58 AM | by Chris Eger Virginia Governor Ralph Northam on Friday signed the vanguard of a phalanx of gun control legislation into law, to the cheers of anti-gun advocates. Northam, a Democrat who ran for office with the endorsement and support of gun control groups backed by billionaire former New York Michael Bloomberg, took advantage of a narrowly shifted blue polarity in the state legislature to get the package of bills to his desk. The measures include a so-called “red flag” gun seizure law, expanded background checks on all gun sales, a law penalizing gun owners who had their firearms stolen, and rationing handgun sales to one per month. Although the bills were muscled through Richmond on largely party-line votes against grass-roots efforts by thousands of gun owners, Northam said he was, “proud to work with legislators and advocates on these measures, and I am proud to sign them into law.” The new laws include: Senate Bill 70 and House Bill 2 expand background checks to include firearm transfers between individuals. As noted by the NRA, “Under this extreme legislation, even lending a brother your rifle for a deer hunt or letting your daughter borrow a handgun for self-defense could land otherwise law-abiding Virginians with a felony conviction and up to 5 years in jail.” Senate Bill 240 and House Bill 674 establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders, the sort of “red flag” law adopted in 17 other states that allow police to request guns be removed from individuals thought to be a danger. The order, which could last for as much as 180 days, would require the individual to petition the court to have their gun rights restored. Senate Bill 69 and House Bill 812 restricts handgun purchases to one a month. Violators could face as much as 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. House Bill 9 requires lost or stolen firearms are reported to the police within 24 hours of discovery. Gun owners who fail to do this could face a civil penalty of up to $250. House Bill 1083 restricts access to firearms to youth under 18, with the punishment being up to a Class 6 felony under Virginia law. Northam’s signature on the bills was acclaimed by national anti-gun groups such as the Brady Campaign, the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, Everytown, Giffords and Moms Demand Action. “We fought hard with local lawmakers and advocates to get this done,” noted Giffords. “On July 1, these bills become law. This is why elections matter.” At least two other bills sent to Northam were forwarded back to state lawmakers for proposed changes. While a ban on most semi-auto firearms and federally-registered suppressors was only narrowly defeated by lawmakers after some Democrats crossed the aisle to oppose it, Northam said on a press call last week that the measure would return. “I will not stop and that piece of legislation will be introduced again to ban assault weapons [from] our streets,” promised the Governor. Meanwhile, the Commonwealth has seen a huge jump in gun and ammo sales over the past several months. This, said House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert in a statement, proved that the bills were not popular among Virginia residents, and Northam’s joy at their passage defied common sense. “To take a victory lap on such a controversial issue at a time when Virginians are buying firearms at a record pace to protect themselves and their families is counterintuitive,” said Gilbert. “To do so at a time when we need all Virginians unified in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic is counterproductive. It was clear from the moment these bills were introduced that they would impact law-abiding gun owners far more than criminals. It’s an unfortunate last chapter in the story of Michael Bloomberg’s efforts to reshape Virginia.”

That is the first thing that came to my mind also.

Here is the latest update on the GlockStore coming to Nashville.

It looks like MSSA in Arlington, TN is open. This is the message on their web page. Please note that the MSSA will be open for business at 8:00 AM as of April 6th, 2020.

I saw that happen on several occasions during Marine Corps boot camp.

"Can You Find the Pug in the Picture"

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Two Guys With A Plan???

https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2020/04/02/gov-reeves-reveals-why-gun-stores-are-considered-essential-business-miss/ JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - In a press conference Thursday, Gov. Reeves explained why he has classified gun stores as essential businesses in the state of Mississippi. “I think when you see what’s going in the entire country, the fact that we have a constitutional right, a second amendment right to bear arms, most every governor, republican and democrat alike, have worked to keep those shops open,” Gov. Reeves said. He would continue, saying that he has seen the number of firearms being sold go up significantly in the month of March. In fact, Americans purchased two million guns last month alone, the second highest month for gun sales ever, according to The New York Times. Retailers say the buying frenzy is fueled by those who are worried that people will becoming increasingly desperate and unpredictable in the midst of the pandemic. While gun stores shall remain open, Reeves said he hopes the owners of the stores will heed the call and abide by social distancing guidelines.

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/dhs-includes-gun-industry-in-critical-infrastructure-advisory-list-during-coronavirus-crisis?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=msn_feed The Trump administration issued a guidance that said the firearm industry should be allowed to remain open during the coronavirus pandemic. A memo released Saturday by the Homeland Security Department said workers supporting the operation of firearm or ammunition product manufacturers, retailers, importers, distributors, and shooting ranges are part of its "essential critical infrastructure workforce" advisory list during the COVID-19 response effort. Besides the section for law enforcement, public, safety and other first responders under which the firearm industry fell, the long advisory list also included sections for healthcare/public health, food and agriculture, energy, water and wastewater, transportation and logistics, and many others. DHS developed the list in collaboration with other federal agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector. Several states including California, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts have deemed gun stores to be “non-essential” businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, forcing the shops to shutter. The National Rifle Association and several other gun rights groups filed a lawsuit against the state of California, alleging such closures violate the Second Amendment rights of the state's citizens. Other states such as Ohio, Illinois and Michigan have classified these businesses as essential and allowed the stores to remain open under the “stay at home” state-wide orders. Several states, including California, had seen a surge in gun purchases since the outbreak began. The memo from Christopher Krebs, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, said the list is "advisory in nature. It is not, nor should it be considered, a federal directive or standard." Still, the National Shooting Sports Foundation applauded the move. “We are deeply appreciative to the Trump Administration and Department of Homeland Security for recognizing the vital role our industry fulfills in our nation,” Lawrence Keane, senior vice president and general counsel for the firearm industry trade association, said in a statement. “We have seen over the past week hundreds of thousands, even millions of Americans choosing to exercise their right to keep and bear arms to ensure their safety and the safety of loved ones during these uncertain times. Americans must not be denied the ability to exercise that right to lawfully purchase and acquire firearms during times of emergency," he added. In his memo, Krebs stressed: "Decisions informed by this list should also take into consideration additional public health considerations based on the specific COVID-19-related concerns of particular jurisdictions." “This list is advisory in nature. It is not, nor should it be considered, a federal directive or standard. Additionally, this advisory list is not intended to be the exclusive list of critical infrastructure sectors, workers, and functions that should continue during the COVID-19 response across all jurisdictions," he added. “Individual jurisdictions should add or subtract essential workforce categories based on their own requirements and discretion.”

The 2020 Razorback Shootout Match in Little Rock has been moved to July 18th. CASA-IDPA 2020 Razorback Shootout Tier 3 With ongoing health concerns associated with the Covid-19 virus, CASA has rescheduled the 2020 Razorback Shootout for July 17th for Staff and July 18th for competitors. We are updating Practiscore and everyone will be in the match in the same squad you requested. There is no need for you to register for the rescheduled date. Anyone not able to attend the match will receive a full refund. With this rescheduling of the match, we hope this will allow time for you to adjust your travel plans and join us in July. On behalf of the entire CASA membership, we wish you and your families health and safety during these difficult times! Respectfully, Craig Robbins CASA IDPA Match Director

The next few days were going to be pretty nice in Memphis and I was going to go to MSSA to practice and chronograph some new loads, but that is not going to happen. I guess I will mow the lawn for the first time this year.

Received this email from Top Gun in Memphis TopGun's showroom is still open to sell guns and ammunition. The indoor shooting ranges have been temporary closed until further notice. During this time we ask our customers to continue practicing in safe and healthy protocols. Our customer's health is our highest priority. New Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10:00am-6:00pm Sunday: Closed

I just received an email that the Memphis Sport Shooting Association will be closed as of 3/25/20.

I am planning on getting out to the range Monday to do a little chronograph work myself.

I just received the message also. Here is the message. Guys and Gals, after discussing the current situation with Walt Sawher, our VP of Action Pistol, we have decide that for multiple reasons, it would be prudent to cancel this month's MSSA IDPA match scheduled for tomorrow, March 21st, 2020. There is no way to maintain a 6 ft distance and successfully run the match as an SO, and due to the delayed onset of symptoms of the coronavirus, we don't want to risk anyone infecting the rest of the group. It is unfortunate that this decision has to be made, but we'd rather be safe than sorry. Enjoy your weekend! Chris Jamison MSSA IDPA Match Director

I just went to the IDPA webpage and this is their statement on holding IDPA matches. The International Defensive Pistol Association is closely monitoring the Covid-19 situation. It is our position that members, club contacts, and match directors should monitor this situation and stay in touch with their host ranges. We are not going to make any formal policy or recommendations as to whether matches should be held or canceled. We feel that it is up to the individual to decide whether or not they wish to compete in any match, sanctioned or local. We also hope that our membership is courteous enough to stay at home and away from match environments if they have any symptoms or feel like they may have been exposed. It is up to match directors to decide whether or not to hold their matches. Members should continually monitor their preferred sources of information. We at Headquarters hope that all our members are safe, healthy and prepared.

I shoot both USPSA and IDPA. So far the only matches that have been canceled in the Memphis area are the evening IDPA indoor matches at TWRA. Weekend matches at Memphis Sports Shooting Association are still on for this weekend at this time. I was on Brains Forum and see that Kentucky Low Cap Sectional USPSA Championship and the Hawaii State USPSA matched have been rescheduled or postponed. The next national match I am scheduled to shoot is the Razorback Shootout April 25 at CASA in Little Rock. So far no rescheduling or cancellation at this time.

I do know someone who would like to get this set.

This is an email I received from Sig Sauer this morning on P320 handguns. Dear Valued Customer, Although plaintiffs have not proven their claims, SIG SAUER has reached an agreement to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging that P320 pistols manufactured prior to August 8, 2017, have the ability to fire when the pistol’s slide and barrel are in an unlocked condition. The plaintiffs in this lawsuit claim that the inclusion of a mechanical disconnector in the design of the P320 pistol after August 8, 2017, a feature which is also included in the free Voluntary Upgrade Program (VUP) provided to all owners of P320 pistols manufactured prior to August 8, 2017, prevents the P320 pistol from firing in this condition. SIG SAUER denies plaintiffs’ claims. By entering into this agreement, SIG SAUER is not admitting that any of plaintiffs’ allegations have merit, and plaintiffs have not proven their claims. In fact, it is SIG SAUER’s position that the design of the P320 pistol – both pre-upgrade and post-upgrade – prevents the P320 pistol from firing in an unlocked condition. SIG SAUER has conducted extensive testing of both the pre-upgrade and post-upgrade P320 pistols to confirm its position that the pistol will not fire with the slide and barrel in an unlocked condition. In late 2017, SIG SAUER implemented an upgraded design of the P320 pistol to enhance the safety and performance of its P320 model pistol. All P320 owners who purchased a pistol prior to the design change are able to have their P320 pistols upgraded through the P320 Voluntary Upgrade Program (VUP). The upgraded design and implementation of the VUP was designed to further enhance the drop safety of the P320 model pistol. Although the P320 pistol met and exceeded all U.S. safety standards, it was discovered during additional testing beyond those standards that in some cases, under very specific conditions, the P320 pistol could discharge if dropped at a specific angle. Additionally, as part of this design upgrade, a mechanical disconnector was added to the P320 pistol to enhance trigger feel and consistency, as well as to prevent a “dead trigger” condition when the trigger has been pulled with the slide retracted. Although this disconnector serves as a redundant safety against the pistol firing in an unlocked condition, it is not its primary function and is not necessary to prevent such occurrences. The SIG SAUER P320 pistol continues to meet and exceed all industry safety standards, and it is safe to carry and use in both the pre- and post-upgrade versions, when handled in accordance with the operator’s manual. However, to avoid the uncertainty and high costs of further litigation, SIG SAUER has reached an agreement to resolve this case. The forms attached below describe the rights which current and past P320 pistol owners may have under the terms of this agreement. If this agreement is finally approved by the court, these individuals may be entitled to certain benefits, including continued availability of the P320 VUP free of charge, a lifetime warranty against specific kinds of damage to the firearms, and a potential refund of amounts previously charged to repair firearms or replacement of unrepairable pistols. Please review these documents carefully to determine whether you may be eligible to submit a claim for such benefits. NOTE: IF YOU CURRENTLY OWN A P320 PISTOL THAT WAS MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO AUGUST 8, 2017, AND WHICH HAS NOT GONE THROUGH THE VOLUNTARY UPGRADE PROGRAM, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUBMIT A CLAIM FORM TO HAVE AN UPGRADE PERFORMED. SIG SAUER ENCOURAGES YOU TO VISIT THE VOLUNTARY UPGRADE PAGE TO DETERMINE WHETHER YOUR FIREARM IS ELIGIBLE FOR UPGRADE, AND TO INITIATE THE UPGRADE PROCESS. Completed claim forms can be submitted to: hartleyagreement@sigsauer.com. ·

I purchase most of my reloading materials from Powder Valley.

https://www.foxnews.com/great-outdoors/dicks-sporting-goods-pulling-hunting-gear-440-stores Dick’s Sporting Goods has announced plans to remove the hunting departments from “approximately” 440 additional locations, following a similar — albeit much smaller — effort last year. In a press release issued Tuesday along with the company’s fourth-quarter earnings report, Dick’s confirmed that it would be removing the hunting departments sometime “in fiscal 2020,” though there was no specific time frame announced. Dick’s also declined to say which stores, in particular, would be affected. The company had previously removed guns and ammunition from 125 of its locations roughly one year ago, after Dick’s first announced it would no longer be selling assault-style weapons — at any of its locations — in the wake of the tragic Parkland school shooting. The stores also raised the age requirement for gun purchases to 21. At the time, gun and ammunition manufacturers including O.F. Mossberg and Sons, Inc., and MKS Supply, announced they would no longer be doing business with Dick’s. These moves apparently had little effect on the company’s sales, however, as Dick’s chairman and CEO reported “strong fourth quarter results” in the latest earnings report, as well as “growth across each of our three primary categories of hardlines, apparel and footwear.” The company’s shares also jumped 12.2 percent in Tuesday premarket trading, Fox Business reported. "During 2019, we made meaningful changes across our business, which fueled our strongest annual comp sales gain since 2012 and a 14-percent increase in non-GAAP earnings per diluted share over 2018,” said Dick’s chairman and CEO Edward W. Stack. “I'd like to thank all our teammates for their hard work and commitment to DICK'S Sporting Goods, which made this performance possible." A representative for Dick’s Sporting Goods was not immediately available to comment.