The Legion

https://www.guns.com/news/2019/11/14/smith-wesson-to-split-off-into-its-own-firearm-company American Outdoor Brands Corporation announced Wednesday that they intend to split their operation and let S&W stand on its own again. The historic firearms company, originally founded by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson in 1852, changed its name to AOBC in 2016 after a suggestion from board members that was approved by stockholders. Now, as noted by the company in a press release this week, the current Board of Directors has unanimously approved splitting the company into separate AOBC and S&W entities with the latter focused on firearms. This will allow AOBC to focus on outdoor products and accessories. Brands under AOBC will include Caldwell, Crimson Trace, Wheeler, Tipton, Frankford Arsenal, Lockdown, BOG, Hooyman, Schrade, Old Timer, Uncle Henry, Imperial, BUBBA, UST, and LaserLyte. Meanwhile, S&W will license brand their accessories through the company as well. James Debney, current President, and CEO of AOBC, will continue in that role. As for the rebooted S&W, they will include the iconic 167-year old Smith & Wesson and its associated M&P and Performance Center brands as well as Thompson/Center Arms, and Gemtech. Mark Smith, currently the President of the Manufacturing Services Division of AOBC, will become CEO of the newly independent Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. According to statistics from federal regulators, S&W produced 1,032,450 pistols, 207,384 revolvers, and 265,356 rifles at their Springfield, Massachusetts facility in 2017, the most current data available. This puts Big Blue as one of the largest gun makers in the world. The split is expected to be completed in the second half of the calendar 2020, subject to final approval by AOBC’s Board of Directors as well as customer regulatory and legal review. The move is intended to allow each company to have a distinct focus and open up investment opportunities based on a wider investor type.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/california-expands-gun-seizure-law California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed 15 gun-related bills into law Friday, tightening the state's already-stringent Second Amendment restrictions. One of the bills, which expands a so-called "red flag" law to allow co-workers, employers and educators to seek gun violence restraining orders against firearms owners they fear are a danger to themselves and others, was vetoed twice by Newsom's predecessor, Jerry Brown. Newsom also signed a companion bill allowing the gun violence restraining orders to last one and five years, although the gun owners could petition to end those restrictions earlier. The bill also allows judges to issue search warrants at the same time as they grant the orders. The warrants can be used immediately if the gun owners are served with the relinquishment orders but fail to turn over the firearms or ammunition. "California has outperformed the rest of the nation, because of our gun safety laws, in reducing the gun murder rate substantially compared to the national reduction," Newsom said as he signed the measures surrounded by state lawmakers. "No state does it as well or comprehensively as the state of California, and we still have a long way to go." Between 1993 and 2017, the latest available, there was a 62 percent decline in the gun murder rate in California, nearly double the 34 percent nationally, Newsom said. Co-workers who want to request a gun violence restraining order will have to have "substantial and regular interactions" with gun owners, and co-workers and school employees will need to get approval from their employers or school administrators before seeking a restraining order. Those seeking the orders will be required to file sworn statements detailing their reasons for doing so. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) opposed the bill, saying it "poses a significant threat to civil liberties" because a restraining order can be sought before a gun owner has an opportunity to dispute the request. Additionally, those making a request under the new law may "lack the relationship or skills required to make an appropriate assessment," the ACLU said. The bill's author, Democratic Assemblyman Phil Ting of San Francisco, cited a recent study finding that gun restraining order laws may have helped prevent 21 mass shootings, though the University of California, Davis, researchers cautioned that "it is impossible to know whether violence would have occurred." The National Rifle Association (NRA) and its state affiliate, the California Rifle and Pistol Association, opposed the new restrictions, according to the Los Angeles Times. The laws will take effect Jan. 1, 2020. The Democratic governor also signed a law that will limit Californians to purchasing one long rifle per month, according to The Sacramento Bee. This law expands the current legislation that applies to handguns, and it will prevent people under 21 from purchasing semi-automatic rifles and other similar firearms. The collective measures "tweak" the state's current laws and "improve implementation," according to Amanda Wilcox, spokeswoman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Ting also has a companion bill that would allow gun owners starting next September who are the subjects of restraining order requests to file a form with the court saying they won't contest the requests and are surrendering their firearms. Under current law, even those who agree to give up their guns must go through a court hearing, which Ting says wastes time and resources.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/houston-man-first-to-be-indicted-for-bump-stock-possession-since-ban A Houston man was indicted Wednesday on federal charges of possessing a rifle with a bump stock attached to it, in what is believed to be the first such case since the Trump administration banned the device earlier this year. Prosecutors said Ajay Dhingra, 43, is charged with possessing a machine gun, two counts of making false statements to acquire a firearm and possessing a firearm after having been judged a mental defective or being committed to a mental institution. Authorities were tipped off about Dhingra last month when he called the George W. Bush Foundation and left a "concerning message." The Associated Press, citing court records, reported that Dhingra also sent an email to the foundation asking the former president to "send one of your boys to come and murder me." Officers then obtained a search warrant for Dhingra's home where they found 277 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, a Colt rifle with a bump stock attached, and a Glock pistol. Dhingra told Secret Service agents who showed up at his house that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. If convicted of any of the charges, Dhingra could face 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The nationwide bump stock ban took effect in March of this year, under the same federal law that prohibits possessing machine guns. The devices became a focal point of the national gun control debate after the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, in which a gunman opened fire on a music festival, killing 58 people and wounding hundreds more. Investigators found that the gunman used a bump stock to fire 1,100 rounds of ammunition from the 32nd-floor suite of his hotel. Dhingra is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 12.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/san-francisco-board-brands-nra-a-domestic-terrorist-organization The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution declaring the National Rifle Association a “domestic terrorist organization” and urged the federal government to do the same – the latest escalation in the heated rhetoric from Democrats regarding the NRA in the wake of several deadly mass shootings. The resolution, which passed Tuesday and says the U.S. is “plagued by an epidemic of gun violence,” accuses the NRA of using “its considerable wealth and organization strength to promote gun ownership and incite gun owners to acts of violence.” “All countries have violent and hateful people, but only in America do we give them ready access to assault weapons and large-capacity magazines thanks, in large part, to the National Rifle Association’s influence,” the resolution says. The document resolves to assess the relationships that those who do business with the city have with the group and says “the City and County of San Francisco should take every reasonable step to limit those entities who do business with the City and County of San Francisco from doing business with this domestic terrorist organization.” The resolution cites the July mass shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, in which three people were killed. KTVU reports that the resolution’s author wrote the text after that shooting. The NRA responded by calling the resolution a stunt that was distracting from the city’s myriad of social problems. "This ludicrous stunt by the Board of Supervisors is an effort to distract from the real problems facing San Francisco, such as rampant homelessness, drug abuse and skyrocketing petty crime, to name a few,” the statement said, according to KTVU. “The NRA will continue working to protect the constitutional rights of all freedom-loving Americans." The measure comes as Democrats across the country are ramping up calls to crack down on gun ownership, in response to deadly mass shootings in Dayton, Ohio, and western Texas. Some presidential candidates have proposed mandatory buyback programs, notably Beto O'Rourke who bluntly told reporters that would be the plan. “I want to be really clear that that’s exactly what we are going to do,” O’Rourke said. “Americans who own AR-15s, AK-47s, will have to sell them to the government.” Republicans, however, have noted that gun violence is still rampant in major cities like Chicago that have strict gun laws in place. “Gun control doesn’t work. Look at Chicago. Disarming law-abiding citizens isn’t the answer,” Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, tweeted Monday.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/walmart-to-stop-alaska-handgun-sales-end-sales-of-short-barrel-rifle-and-handgun-ammo-nationwide Walmart is set to end sales of handguns in Alaska and will discontinue the sale of short-barrel rifle and handgun ammunition in stores nationwide, the super chain's president and CEO announced Tuesday afternoon. The store said it will gear its focus toward long barrel deer rifles and shotguns, supply much of the ammunition they require and provide hunting and sporting accessories and apparel, Doug McMillon wrote in a memo. "We have a long heritage as a company of serving responsible hunters and sportsmen and women, and we're going to continue doing so," McMillon said. Walmart also asked that customers no longer openly carry firearms into their stores or Sam’s Clubs in states where open carry is permitted unless authorized by law enforcement. The chain also called for enhanced background checks. “We encourage our nation’s leaders to move forward and strengthen background checks and to remove weapons from those who have been determined to pose an imminent danger,” the statement said. The announcement comes just days after a mass shooting claimed seven lives in Odessa, Texas and follows two other back-to-back shootings last month, one of them at a Walmart store.

https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2019/06/25/new-law-allows-online-course-conceal-carry-permit/ ASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Shane Kerwin just retired from the military. As a fire arms instructor at Royal Range, he's a big fan of people having guns. "Yeay, I would say I'm pro second amendment, absolutely," said Kerwin. Hes not, however, a fan of Tennessee's newest gun law. Backed by the NRA, the new law allows people to get their conceal carry permits online, meaning they could get their permit with out ever having shot a gun. All they have to do is take a 90 minute online course instead of taking the previously required eight hour in person, hands on course. "I think, probably, our biggest concern is that people will just take the online class and then not seek out any additional training and think that, 'well, I've done that so now I'm actually qualified to do this,'" said Kerwin. Representative Andy Holt sponsored the bill and said it's about saving people money and time. "You know, if we're talking about having to take a class that requires eight hours of classroom instruction, then that means I'm going to have to be away from my family, away for an entire day," said Holt. Holt also said he wants to see guns in the hands of as many law abiding citizens as possible. "In my opinion, more guns does actually create less crime," said Holt. The law passed. It goes into effect January 1st. So instructors like Kerwin said all they can do now is hope people act responsibly and seek out hands on training instead of relying soley on the online video. “There’s a lot more to it than that. Having professional instruction by somebody that is qualified and knows what they’re doing goes a very long way to teaching you what you need to do, but also what not to do and what could be dangerous and unsafe,” said Kerwin.

https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2019/05/12/kamala-harris-if-elected-i-will-take-gun-dealers-licenses-away-with-executive-action/ Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union,” 2020 presidential hopeful Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) said if she is elected president, she will use executive action to take away gun dealers’ licenses “who fail to follow the law.” When asked if she would support a federal gun license, Harris said, “I like the idea. Jake, I’ll tell you, on this issue of the need for gun safety losses, we’re not at any loss for good ideas. People have been having good ideas for decades on this issue. What we’re at a loss is people in Congress have the courage to do something. I’m going to tell you on this subject, we’re not waiting for the worst tragedy because we’ve seen the worst of tragedies including what happened this week and seeing the heroism of a child who we now mourn his loss, his parents’ only child. We’re not waiting for tragedies and great ideas. Universal background check? Good idea. You might want to know if someone has been proven to be a danger for themselves or others before they can buy a lethal weapon.” Harris said, “Let me tell you what I’m proposing. I’m proposing, one, if by my 100th day in office when elected president of the United States, the United States Congress fails to put a bill on my desk to sign with all of the good ideas or any of the good ideas that I’m prepared to take executive action because that’s what’s needed.” She continued, “For anyone who sells more than five guns a year, they will be required to perform background checks on the people they sell them to. This will be the most comprehensive background check policy that has ever been had in our country thus far.” She added, “I’m also prepared to say and to direct the ATF to remove and take away the licenses of gun dealers who fail to follow the law. 90% of the guns that are associated with crime have been sold by 5% of the gun dealers. We need to take their licenses away.”

I missed that. Here is the note on the door.

Does anyone know if the Jackson Tennessee Range USA is closed on also.

Range USA is just around the corner from my house and I did all my transfers there. Plus I know quite a few of their employees. I didn’t hear of any indication of their doors closing. The owner does a one hour show on AM 600 on Saturday talking about Second Amendment and guns.

You’ve got to be kidding me.

More than 25 counties in Colorado have taken a page from the left's playbook, declaring themselves pro-gun zones akin to immigration sanctuary cities. https://thefederalist.com/2019/03/29/colorado-counties-declare-second-amendment-sanctuaries-face-gun-grabbing-bill/

Professional shooter uses 'gun therapy' to lessen symptoms of Parkinson's Disease https://www.foxnews.com/health/professional-shooter-uses-gun-therapy-to-mitigate-the-tremors-from-parkinsons-disease

Dick's Sporting Goods Inc., the largest sporting goods retailer in the U.S., will stop selling firearms at 125 of its stores in a move that has nothing to do with its famous anti-gun activism. https://www.ibtimes.com/dicks-sporting-goods-stops-gun-sales-125-stores-more-stores-soon-2774694

There were eight Republicans that also voted for this bill.

https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2019-02-27/democratic-house-passes-bill-mandating-universal-background-checks-on-gun-purchases The Democratic-led House on Wednesday passed a bill mandating universal background checks in a historic vote on the most significant piece of gun control legislation in years. The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019, sponsored by Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., and Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., passed largely along party lines, 240-190. The bill now faces a steep uphill battle as it heads to the GOP-controlled Senate. Eight Republicans joined Democrats in voting for the bill. Along with King, four other Republicans are co-sponsors, including Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Fred Upton of Michigan, Brian Mast of Florida and Chris Smith of New Jersey. Meanwhile, two Democrats defected to oppose the bill. The bill would require universal background checks for all firearm sales, including private transactions. Current federal law only mandates background checks for purchases from licensed gun dealers. "Gun violence is a true national emergency," said Thompson, who noted that he's an avid hunter. "If this bill did anything to erode gun rights … I wouldn't support it and have my name on it." The gun-control measure has been met by opposition from most Republicans and the National Rifle Association. President Donald Trump has already indicated that he'd veto the legislation if it made it to his desk. But a Republican amendment was adopted to the chagrin of Democratic leadership, which would require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be notified when a person in the country illegally attempts to buy a firearm. In a surprising move, 26 Democrats joined Republicans to adopt it. Most Republicans have said that expanded background checks wouldn't have prevented a 2018 mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida, noting that the shooter cleared a background check. The NRA argued that the bill "criminalizes the private transfer of firearms and targets law-abiding gun owners for persecution," including those who loan guns to family or friends. But the measure includes exemptions to permit transfers that are loans or gifts between family members in addition to allowing temporary transfers for guns used for hunting or on shooting ranges. Now that they serve in the majority, Democrats have been trying to flex their muscle on a number of campaign promises from the 2018 midterms, which include pledges to address gun control amid a series of mass shootings. While the bill faces a big hurdle in the Senate, the legislation is symbolic for the Democratic Party, which a few years ago would shy away from taking up gun control. It's been more than two decades since a vote on a standalone gun-control measure in the House. "No one's political survival here is more important than the survival of the American people, especially our children," Pelosi said prior to the vote. Ahead of the vote, a number of Republicans took to the floor in opposition to the background checks bill. Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo, ticked through a number of the bill's exemptions, arguing that they "mislead people to believe a gun transfer is legal when it is not." And freshman Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., lambasted Democrats in committee hearings for rejecting his and several Republicans' amendments to the bill. Plus, Senate Republicans have made their opposition to the bill clear. Senate Majority Whip John Thune told CNN on Tuesday that the upper chamber is "unlikely" to debate the bill in the near future. The House will also vote on Thursday on another gun-control measure that would close the "Charleston loophole" and lengthen the window of time for a background check to be completed from three days to 20 days. The Enhanced Background Checks Act addresses, authored by Rep. James Clyburn, R-S.C., addresses the process that allowed the shooter in a 2015 South Carolina mass shooting at a black church to purchase a firearm. King is the only Republican co-sponsor on that bill.

The 2019 Walking in Memphis Regional IDPA Shootout will be held Sunday September 1 at Memphis Sports Shooting Association in Lakeland, Tn. Registration for the match will open February 16, 2019 @ 6:00am on PractiScore. Match Fee is $105.00. Link to Registration: https://practiscore.com/2019-walking-in-memphis-regional-idpa-shootout/register

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https://wreg.com/2019/02/05/george-klein-legendary-dj-and-friend-to-elvis-presley-passes-away/ MEMPHIS, Tenn. — George Klein, the legendary Memphis DJ and best friend to Elvis Presley, has died at 83-years-old. Klein was a friend of Elvis Presley since they met at Humes High School at age 13. He was a groomsman in Elvis’ wedding and a pall bearer at his 1977 funeral. Klein died Tuesday evening. Priscilla Presley tweeted her condolences after learning of his death. Congressman Steve Cohen released a statement saying, “George Klein was a friend of Elvis, a friend to many and a friend of mine. A member of the Memphis Mafia and always TCB, George kept Elvis’ music at the forefront from the days of “Jailhouse Rock” to “Elvis Time” on SiriusXM satellite radio. He was always a nice guy and we were mutual friends of the late Irvin Salky. His was a life well lived and he will be missed.”

I feel his pain!!!

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I do not believe I would do this. Just saying!!!

https://thecelebdiary.com/2019/01/18/full-metal-jacket-star-r-lee-ermey-buried-at-arlington-national-cemetery/ R. Lee Ermey Buried at Arlington National Cemetery Ermey, the former Marine who rose to fame by playing the sadistic Gunnery Sgt. Hartman in “Full Metal Jacket,” was laid to rest Friday at Arlington National Cemetery. A former Marine drill instructor turned successful actor, Ermey, had his cremated remains buried with full military honors. There was a casket team, firing party and bugler, plus a folding and presentation of the American flag. military honor comes 9 months after his death last April from pneumonia. He was 74. The actor enlisted in the Marine Corp when he was 17 years old, and he served in Okinawa and in Vietnam. Ermey gained worldwide fame following his role in Stanley Kubrick‘s “Full Metal Jacket” in 1987, delivering his famous line, “What is your major malfunction?!” Ermey said he used his experience as a drill instructor to bring his character to life. Ermey appeared in dozens of films, though in his later years he said he had been blackballed from Hollywood because of his political views.