Holiday Gift Guide: Must-Have Gear for Every Shooter’s Range Bag

By

-

December 8, 2024

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to snag the best range gear at unbeatable prices. Whether you’re shopping for the shooter in your life or looking to upgrade your own gear, this guide is packed with essentials that make range days safer, more productive and downright enjoyable. With holiday sales in full swing, now’s the time to grab these must-have items and stuff those stockings.

Break Free CLP: The Trusted One-Step Gun Care Solution – Starting at $5

If you’re looking for a reliable gun oil that gets the job done without the gimmicks, Break Free CLP is the gold standard. Trusted by the U.S. Military and battle-tested in extreme conditions, this all-in-one formula cleans, lubricates and preserves your firearms. Its powerful cleaning action loosens dirt, residue, and corrosion, while superior lubrication reduces friction, prevents wear, and keeps parts operating smoothly.

Check Price (Safariland)

As a former Marine, I’ve used it on everything from M16A2 rifles to M60 machine guns, M249 SAWs, and even 81mm mortar tubes—never once had an issue. Today, it remains my go-to for keeping my firearms humming. Skip the snake oil products and roll with this proven solution; your range day gear deserves nothing less.

Self-Adhesive Target Pasters – $10

Target pasters are a must-have for range days, offering a quick and convenient way to patch targets and keep the focus on improving your skills. These adhesive dots stick securely to a variety of surfaces—glass, paper, plastic—even in fluctuating temperatures, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor shooting. The compact roll design fits easily into your dump pouch or range bag.

Check Price (OpticsPlanet)

Check Price (KYGUNCO)

Check Price (GrabAGun)

Check Price (GritrSports)

Hoppe’s BoreSnake: The Ultimate On-the-Go Barrel Cleaner – $10

For quick and efficient firearm cleaning at the range, Hoppe’s BoreSnake is a must-have in any shooter’s gear. Compactly stored in the innovative BoreSnake Den, it’s easy to pack in your range bag or backpack. This one-pass solution features an integrated bronze brush to scrub away carbon fouling, while the tail’s large cleaning surface clears loose debris 160x more effectively than a standard patch.

Check Price (Shooters Choice)

Check Price (Natchez)

Check Price (OpticsPlanet)

Check Price (KYGUNCO)

Check Price (GrabAGun)

I’ve learned to keep my range bag simple—gun oil and a BoreSnake are all I need. A few drops of oil on the BoreSnake and a couple of pulls through the barrel, and your firearm is ready to go. Lightweight, effective, and portable, it’s an essential tool for hassle-free maintenance.

3M Super 77 Multipurpose Spray Adhesive – $11

Setting up targets at the range has never been easier than with 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Spray Adhesive. This versatile, quick-drying spray creates a strong, permanent bond on various surfaces while leaving a clean, transparent finish.

Check Price (Amazon)

Inspired by a tip from Pat McNamara, it’s the perfect alternative to rolls of tape or staple guns for attaching B8 repair center targets. Just spray your cardboard backer, press on a new target, and you’re good to go. A small can in your range bag can save you time on the range.

Small Arms Cleaning Rod – $18

Every range bag should include a reliable cleaning rod, and this military-issue Cleaning Rod Small Arms Kit (NSN #1005-00-089-3994) is a compact, rugged option designed for M16/AR-15 rifles. Built with steel components and a parkerized finish, this four-section rod assembles to a total length of 29 inches, making it ideal for clearing stuck cases or conducting maintenance. The folding handle ensures easy stowage in your rifle stock or range bag, while the included adapter adds versatility for other threaded attachments. With its durable 8-36 military threading and .204″ rod diameter, it’s the perfect just-in-case tool to keep your firearm operational during a range session or hunting trip.

Check Price (Brownells)

Official NRA Target Repair Center, B8, Pack of 100 – $19

Designed for the 25-yard timed and rapid-fire pistol target, these replacement centers let you patch up the middle of your target when it’s full of holes, saving time and resources. Printed on light paper and sold in packs of 100, they’re perfect for pairing with a cardboard backer for effective range practice without steel targets.

Check Price (Gun.deals)

Check Price (Amazon)

Hunter Freeland from HF Shooting has a great drill using the B8—check it out for inspiration to elevate your training sessions!

Shooting Gloves – $28

While shooting gloves may not always be necessary, having a pair like the 5.11 Competition Shooting 2.0 Gloves in your range bag can be a game-changer when conditions demand it. Made with breathable four-way stretch nylon ribspan and tough synthetic suede palms, these gloves offer flexibility and durability for handling hot firearms or enduring cold, wet weather. The touchscreen-compatible design, taper-wrap fingertips, and ring-cut trigger finger ensure precision without sacrificing dexterity. Added features like padded knuckles, a sweat-wipe thumb panel, and lightweight comfort make these gloves perfect for all-day use at the range or during shooting competitions.

Check Price (OpticsPlanet)

Check Price (Sportsman’s Warehouse)

Bulk Ammo Can Bundles – Starting at $51

Bulk Ammo Can Bundles are the perfect solution for shooters who want to stock up on ammunition while staying organized. Starting at just $51, these bundles combine high-quality ammo with a durable ammo can for secure storage and transport. With a variety of calibers and quantities available, these bundles provide both convenience and value, ensuring you’re ready for your next shooting session without the hassle of repackaging or organizing loose ammo.

Check Price (Ammunition Depot)

Check Price (Palmetto State Armory)

REAL AVID Gun Tool Max – $79

The REAL AVID Gun Tool Max is the ultimate multitool designed specifically for hunters, shooters, and firearm enthusiasts. Packed with over 30 precision-made, mission-specific tools, it simplifies repairs, customizations, and disassembly, whether at the range, in the field, or on a cleaning mat. Key features include needle-nose pliers with a carbide cutter, a universal choke tube wrench, a 3-position locking bit driver with 12 bits, a 3.25″ stainless steel drop-point blade, and tools for scope adjustments, carbon scraping, and pin punches. Its durable stainless steel frame with G10 non-slip grips ensures reliability, while the ballistic nylon sheath keeps everything organized. Built to tackle any challenge, this multitool is an essential addition to any range bag.

Check Price (Brownells)

Check Price (Palmetto State Armory)

Check Price (OpticsPlanet)

Check Price (Sportsman’s Warehouse)

RTAC Large Range Bag w/ Pistol Retention System – $119

The RTAC Large Range Bag is built for shooters who need durability, versatility, and organized storage. Featuring a thickly padded main compartment, it ensures your firearms and accessories stay protected, even if dropped. Inside, you’ll find walled-off pockets, elastic retention bands, and a soft velcro panel that works seamlessly with the included pistol retention system or other velcro-based gear. MOLLE webbing on the front and sides offers additional customization, with a detachable pouch included for added flexibility. The adjustable shoulder strap with padding and velcro-joined carrying handles make transport to and from the range effortless.

Check Price (Ammunition Depot)

Trauma First Aid Kit – $127

Every range bag should include a Trauma First Aid Kit, a compact and comprehensive solution designed by medical and firearm professionals. Packed with over 35 high-quality supplies—including 15 trauma essentials like chest seals and a tourniquet—this kit ensures you’re prepared to handle emergencies, whether at the range, in your car, or on a hunting trip. Approved for HSA/FSA use, it’s easy to carry and designed for rapid response in critical situations. Plus, your purchase includes a free life-saving training course, giving you the knowledge to act confidently when it matters most. Don’t head to the range without this must-have gear.

Check Price (MyMedic)

Check Price (Survival Frog)

Shellshock Tactical Starter Pack – $129

The Shellshock Tactical Starter Pack is an all-in-one kit designed to equip beginners with everything needed for a safe and successful range trip. This comprehensive pack includes essential hearing protection, ballistic sunglasses for eye safety, reactive targets for engaging practice, and a universal cleaning kit to keep your firearms in top condition. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a convenient range-day bundle, this starter pack has you covered with quality gear to ensure safety, precision, and preparedness.

Check Price (ShellShock Tactical)

PACT Club Timer III Shot Timer – $129

If you’re serious about improving your shooting skills, the P ACT Club Timer III is a must-have for your range bag. This rugged and ergonomic shot timer measures the elapsed time for your drills, making it indispensable for tracking progress. Whether you’re running live-fire drills at the range or working on draw times during dry-fire practice at home, this timer helps you refine your performance. Its lightweight design features an easy-to-read digital display, stainless steel belt clip, and a delayed or instant buzzer activation mode for solo training. Simple to program and use, the PACT Club Timer is one of the most trusted options among shooters. After all, what gets measured gets improved!

Check Price (OpticsPlanet)

Check Price (BattleHawk Armory)

Check Price (Gun.deals)

Canada Bans 324 More Types Of Firearms, Plans To Give The Guns To Ukraine

By

Darwin Nercesian

-

December 8, 2024

117

Toronto,-,November,2,:prime,Minister,Justin,Trudeau,Speaking,To — TORONTO - NOVEMBER 2 :Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaking to a crowd during a fund raising event organized by the Liberal Party of Canada on November 2, 2017 in Toronto, Canada.

The fascist Canadian government, under the “leadership” of fürer, Justin Trudeau, said Thursday, December 5 that it is outlawing another 324 varieties of firearms. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc says these guns belong on the battlefield, not in the hands of hunters or sport shooters.

This follows the May 2020 ban on 1,500 firearm makes and models that grew to more than 2,000 by November 2024 as new variants were identified, with determinations made through what LeBlanc describes as a “robust” consultation with RCMP firearms “experts.” Not to be satisfied without total subjugation, the move also follows expressions of concern from liberal gun-control advocates who believe that not enough assault-style firearms were included in the 2020 ban.

“This means these firearms can no longer be used,” LeBlanc said.

Defense Minister Bill Blair said Canada has approached Ukrainian authorities about working with their government to see how the guns can be donated to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia. Ukraine has expressed interest in some of the guns, a move that could see them receive more supplies in the short term while it will definitely cause them continued loss of support from conservatives.

“Every bit of assistance we can offer to the Ukrainians is one step toward their victory,” Blair said, unable to see the forest through the trees.

The Canadian federal government says it is working with provinces, territories, and police on a planned buyback of prohibited weapons from individual owners, but don’t let the language fool you. Just as an amnesty order followed the May 2020 prohibition, a similar order is now in place until October 30, 2025, allowing licensed firearms owners time to relinquish their firearms. Only firearms disposed of through the government’s Assault-style Firearms Compensation Program, however, will be eligible for compensation. Those firearms deactivated or turned over to police during the amnesty period will not be.

Let’s call it what it is, a confiscation. Make it easy on us and we’ll throw you pennies on the dollar. Make us wait and we’ll just take your property. Fascism.

While mass shootings are relatively rare in Canada, these newly announced measures coincide with the eve of the 35th anniversary of the shooting at École Polytechnique in Montreal, where a gunman killed 14 women before turning the gun on himself. Included in the 2020 ban was the Ruger Mini-14 used by that gunman, Marc Lepine, a ranch rifle and hardly a “weapon of war,” but history tells us this isn’t about war or what is used on the battlefield. Criminals intent on killing will always have the means, one way or another, and the government is aware. History tells us definitively that this is purely about subjugation, and we know where that leads.

“These are just killing weapons, war weapons, military weapons, so I’m proud we are doing something,” said Nathalie Provost, a survivor wounded in the Montreal attack, blocking any semblance of sympathy I may have had to offer.

Interestingly, the SKS, having been used in several shootings, remains legal due to many Indigenous people using the rifle for hunting, however, a decision on the firearm is expected to come by February before the next phase of the “buyback” program.

“We want to reflect on this over the coming weeks,” said LeBlanc.

Pierre Poilievre, the opposition conservative leader, called the announcement a “stunt” by Trudeau’s government that attacks “licensed & law-abiding hunters and sport shooters.”

Tracey Wilson of the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights (CCFR) says that liberals have learned nothing over their eight-year-long attempt to confiscate guns.

“This is typical Liberal Party divide-and-conquer politics, they know they are out of time and Canadians are out of money… They know the Tories will repeal it all in less than 10 months. They haven’t used an Order in Council to deal with the daily violence plaguing Canada, no action on repeat violent offenders, no response to the pleas of law enforcement. Nothing.”

She continued, criticizing the government for summarily banning guns via orders-in-council rather than legislation.

“The liberals have normalized the subversion of Canada’s democratic process for their own political maneuvering,” said Wilson.

But what does Wilson mean when she says “they are out of time?” The amnesty period for the new measures ending on October 30, 2025, falls 10 days after the mandated day for the next federal election, and conservatives believe that Canadians have had enough of the liberal government.

Nicolas Johnson, a policy analyst and thegunblog.ca editor says he’s not aware of a single gun owner who has any intention to hand over their legally purchased firearms.

“The liberals have no idea how to execute their confiscation fantasy, no money to pay for it, and no way to enforce it … The liberals are appearing increasingly weak, desperate, and extreme with this latest measure,” Johnson told the Toronto Sun.

Johnson’s sentiment echoes the unpopularity of previous attempts by the Trudeau liberals to apply blanket bans on firearms. In 2022, Canadian liberals quietly tabled a pair of amendments to their gun control bill that would have outlawed legal rifles used daily by hunters and sport shooters after massive blowback from those groups and First Nations, a move described by the opposition Tories as a “humiliating climb-down” for Trudeau.

Ultimately the Canadian left is much like their counterparts here in America. They will throw spaghetti at the walls to see if they can get anything to stick, with reckless abandon for wasting taxpayer resources and shifting focus away from the best interests of their constituents. Perhaps Canada is headed for a reckoning similar to what we experienced in America’s 2024 presidential election. One thing is for certain. All the government saber-rattling is losing its teeth as the people seem increasingly fed up.

Why Sen. Schumer Is Rushing Judges Through Senate Confirmation

By

Mark Chesnut

-

December 8, 2024

15

Charles Chuck Schumer New York Senator — (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

During his first term, President Donald Trump appointed 234 federal judges to the bench, including three U.S. Supreme Court justices, 54 judges to U.S. courts of appeals and 174 judges to U.S. district courts throughout the country. In essence, he reformed the makeup of the federal judiciary in four years.

With Trump’s recent election and Democrats fearing more of the same, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, is making no attempt to hide his effort to rush as many new judges nominated by President Joe Biden through the confirmation process before Trump takes back the reins.

President Biden has already tried to turn many courts toward a more liberal mindset, having appointed 218 federal judges during his term. But that’s not good enough for Schumer, who is actively shaking hands and making deals to confirm more Biden judges over the next several weeks.

In late November, Schumer promised Democrats would, “keep prioritizing judicial and administrative confirmations this week, this month, and for the rest of this year.”

As of the end of November, 15 of Biden’s judicial nominees were pending and 45 vacancies remained.

Republicans in the Senate have used a number of procedural tactics to slow down the confirmation process. However, on November 20, Schumer announced a late-night deal with Republicans that would speed up the process for voting on some remaining judicial nominees, at the same time agreeing not to hold votes on others.

The deal means Schumer plans to seek votes on nine Biden district court nominees this week as Congress returns from its Thanksgiving recess. According to numerous media reports, Republican Senators agreed not to impose delays on those nine nominees, and on December 3, two district judge nominees were confirmed.

In addition to those nine, five other district court nominees have already been reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. If Schumer manages to push through the 16 judges many political observers expect him to, Biden will have appointed 236 federal judges to lifetime posts, surpassing Trump’s number by two.

Part of the deal, however, was that Schumer agreed not to hold confirmation votes for two nominees to federal appeals courts. Two other appeals court nominees face such an uphill battle that a vote also won’t be held for them. That will leave President-elect Trump with the opportunity to fill those four critical judicial seats, raising the total to 58 appeals court judges appointed by him with four more years left to fill other seats.

Of course, the confirmation or rejection of these judges is important to all gun owners since judges nominated by Republicans tend to read the Constitution more literally than those appointed by Democrats. Republican-appointed federal judges have also better followed the standards set for determining Second Amendment cases in the 2022 ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.

For his part, President Trump has urged Senate Republicans to block the nominees if possible, saying that Senators should “show up and hold the line.”

“The Democrats are trying to stack the Courts with Radical Left Judges on their way out the door,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Republican Senators need to Show Up and Hold the Line—No more Judges confirmed before Inauguration Day!”

As most readers likely know, outgoing presidents have long attempted to have judicial nominees approved before they leave office. Depending on the makeup of the U.S. Senate at the time, those efforts can be successful or fruitless.

During the lame-duck session at the end of President Trump’s first term, after his loss to President Biden, the Republican-led Senate confirmed 18 of the president’s judicial nominees. With Republicans recapturing the Senate majority in last month’s election, it’s likely President Trump won’t have much trouble getting judicial nominees approved when the new Congressional session begins on January 3.

Daniel Penny and the Attempted Murder of Courage: The Dangerous Precedent of Prosecuting Heroes

By

Doug Howlett

-

December 7, 2024

70

Screenshot of Daniel Penny subduing a violent Jordan Neely.

Though the Daniel Penny trial is deadlocked with the judge urging jurors to continue deliberating, should they reach a decision, the verdict may ultimately be on something far bigger than the actions of one Marine on a New York City subway. It could be about what kind of country we want to be—a nation of men and women willing to step up in the face of danger, or a nation of cowards who film chaos on their phones and do nothing to stop it.

Penny, a Marine veteran, was riding the subway when Jordan Neely—a man with a long history of mental health issues and violent outbursts—began threatening passengers. Witnesses described Neely’s behavior as erratic and frightening. Penny acted decisively, restraining him in a chokehold to prevent what he and others clearly believed was a potential attack. Tragically, Neely died.

What followed wasn’t a nuanced look at a tragic situation, but an immediate rush to blame Penny, in part or in whole, because Penny is white and Neely was black. Neely also had a history of mental illness…and violence. His death was tragic, but the threat he posed to passengers on the F train that day was real. Despite that, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg wasted no time charging Penny with second-degree manslaughter. Bragg, known for his soft-on-crime policies, seemed determined to make an example of Penny—a man who, unlike the violent criminals Bragg often releases with a slap on the wrist, tried to protect people. How dare he?!? That’s Bragg’s providence.

Make no mistake, the prosecution of Penny sends a chilling message to all Americans: if you step up to stop violence, you might become the next defendant. At the very least it tells us that in Bragg’s New York, the safest course of action is to do nothing. Let the chaos unfold, keep your hands to yourself and pray the police arrive before anyone gets seriously hurt (and in Bragg’s New York as well as other cities with liberal district attorneys, even the police may wind up getting charged.) Better yet, pull out your phone and get it all on video. At least you won’t end up behind bars. Dead or seriously wounded maybe, but not behind bars.

The irony is almost unbearable. In a time when violent crime is rising and public safety feels more fragile than ever, Penny’s actions represented exactly the kind of courage we need. He saw people in danger and acted, not out of malice but out of a sense of duty to protect those around him. He didn’t wake up that morning or board that subway training thinking, “I want to hurt or kill somebody today.” His sense of duty—the willingness to defend others even at personal risk—is at the core of what makes a society function. Without it, we’re just bystanders to our own demise.

And let’s not kid ourselves about what happens next if this precedent sticks. Imagine the next subway, the next mall, the next street corner where someone decides to lash out. Will anyone step in? Or will they hesitate, thinking about the potential criminal charges that might await them? Alvin Bragg might not care, he’s sitting safely in his ivory tower, far from the danger spawned by his choices, but the rest of us will be living with the consequences of his decisions for a long time.

It’s worth noting that the jury couldn’t reach a unanimous decision in Penny’s trial—at least not yet, and maybe the won’t. That’s no surprise. The case was never black and white, and it shouldn’t have been brought to court in the first place. Prosecuting Penny wasn’t about justice—it was about politics. It was about sending a message that the powers-that-be are more interested in virtue-signaling than protecting their citizens.

But here’s the real question: What kind of country do we want to live in? Do we want to raise our kids in a world where good men like Daniel Penny are punished for doing the right thing, or do we want to stand behind them? Do we want to reward courage or cultivate a culture of fear? Part of that answer arrived during last month’s elections where a majoirty of Americans voted “enough” on the weakness of our country under the wan leadership of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and the Democrats and decided they wanted a strong leader, the type who can take a bullet and stand back up undaunted.

Penny’s case isn’t over yet, but the debate it has sparked will echo far beyond an eventual jury verdict. And for those of us who believe in self-defense, courage and the right to protect ourselves and others, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Let’s hope the next good Samaritan isn’t afraid to act—because the alternative is a nation that stands by as chaos reigns.

7th Circuit Extends Stay; Gun Owners Stuck with Gun Ban Through State’s Appeal

By

John Boch

-

December 6, 2024

20

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Governor J.B. Pritzker’s gun and magazine ban will remain in effect through the appeals process. Last month, US District Court Judge Stephen McGlynn ruled the so-called “Protect Illinois Communities Act” gun and magazine ban largely unconstitutional. However, he issued a 30-day stay, which allowed the Land of Lincoln’s Attorney General Kwame Raoul a chance to appeal, which Raoul promptly did.

Without getting too deep in the weeds, we on the pro-gun side (I’m the Executive Director of Guns Save Life, one of the many organizational plaintiffs) had hoped that the Seventh Circuit would put an end to this charade and allow the stay to lapse during the appeal. However, given the subject matter, it is understandable that the Seventh Circuit judges would stay the decision striking down most of the law while it’s appealed.

There are several rays of good light though.

First and foremost, the good guy plaintiffs drew a Trump-appointee judge to replace the rabidly anti-gun Diane Wood who retired earlier this year. In 2023, Diane Wood authored the 2-1 decision overturning a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the law. Wood invented a whole new two-part test that clearly ran afoul of Bruen. The mental gymnastics of these gun-hating judges continues to astound those of us who can read the law—and follow it.

Amy St. Eve has replaced Diane Wood, so at least (it would seem) we’ll have a chance for an appellate court decision that follows the rule of law instead of gun-hating judicial activism.

What else? For those who have watched, the Blue-State government lawyers have been playing a hard game of “DELAY DELAY DELAY” on these cases. Their goal? To have the cases outlive the current conservative justices on the U.S. Supreme Court. Their long-term plan involved replacing the Clarence Thomases and Sam Alitos with Satomayors and Brown-Jacksons.

Speaking of Thomas and Alito, word has it that they are hiring clerks. From David Lat’s Original Jurisdiction Substack:

Although it’s not infallible, clerk hiring can offer clues to a justice’s retirement plans—and hiring a full complement of four clerks generally means that the justice plans to stick around for the Term in question. So I’m guessing that Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Thomas, Kagan, and Kavanaugh aren’t going anywhere, at least through the end of OT 2025 (which will conclude in June or July of 2026).

However, this last election put Republicans in charge of the U.S. Senate and Donald Trump in the White House. For at least the next two years, and quite possibly four years, Donald Trump will make Supreme Court nominations, not Kamala Harris. Moreover, there’s certainly a non-zero chance that J.D. Vance will win the 2028 Presidential Sweepstakes, and he’ll continue the trend of appointing those who will respect and defend the Constitution and not “reshape” it.

In other words, that “delay” defense the gun haters have played for the last four years may well bite them on the ass as the federal courts are likely to become more solidly supportive of gun rights, and not filled with more partisan gun-control activists.

S&W’s Strange On-Again, Off-Again Facebook Suspension

By

Mark Chesnut

-

December 6, 2024

26

If you haven’t been following the story of social media giant Facebook suspending popular gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson’s page on its platform, suffice it to say that things continue to get weirder.

According to Smith & Wesson, their Facebook page, with some 1.6 million followers, was abruptly on November 22. The suspension was allegedly due to the company violating the platform’s ever-evolving, hard-to-navigate firearms policy—a policy that has pushed many gun-related companies to other social media platforms over the past few years.

“Despite our extensive efforts and resources spent on trying to adhere to Facebook’s ever-changing community guidelines on firearms, our account was suspended indefinitely on Friday, November 22nd, 15 years after its original creation,” S&W posted November 27 on X, formerly Twitter.

In the post, the manufacturer also encouraged its followers to move away from Facebook and embrace X, which has polices that are far more gun-friendly.

“In an era where free speech and the right to bear arms are under constant attack, we want to thank @elonmusk and @X for supporting free speech and our constitutional rights guaranteed by the 1st and 2nd Amendments,” the post continued. “While we work to reinstate our account, we encourage our 1.6 million Facebook followers and fans to seek out platforms that represent these shared values.”

The Twitter post proved S&W’s point about X, as it drew more than 3.1 million views and even a response from Musk himself, saying, “We restored the gun emoji and believe in the Constitution.”

As if by magic, on the same day as the X post, Smith & Wesson’s Facebook account was reinstated. However, a S&W representative told Fox News that the company still can’t get an answer to why it was suspended in the first place.

“Despite multiple attempts to reach Facebook to discuss the matter, to date we have not had direct communications with any of their staff members,” the S&W representative said. “No rationale was given for the reinstatement beyond a comment on social media from a Facebook representative stating that the suspension had been ‘in error.’”

The representative told Fox News that in the suspension notice, Facebook referenced five posts dating back to December 2023 that they “suggest did not follow their community guidelines.”

“The posts in question included consumer promotional campaigns, charitable auctions. and product release announcements,” the representative explained. “While Facebook’s policies are ever-changing, which creates a burden for users to comply with, we do not believe this content violated any of Facebook’s policies or community guidelines, and similar posts have been published in the past without issue.”

In the end, Smith & Wesson will likely never know why their page was targeted and suspended, since Facebook doesn’t have to reveal such information. But the suspension reinforced the importance of other, more gun-friendly social media platforms.

“While we were encouraged by the reinstatement of our account, we were similarly disappointed by the number of other users reacting to our statement on X that commented that they have had very similar experiences with their accounts being de-platformed without warning,” the representative said. “While we obviously do not know the details of those instances, we encourage Meta to continue working towards a more inclusive platform which allows the freedom for respectful dialogue from all viewpoints, which is a hallmark of American society.”

Michigan Man Mistakes Special Needs Granddaughter for Burglar and Shoots Her

By

Darwin Nercesian

-

December 6, 2024

31

how to prepare home defense training — Bigstock

A Michigan woman with special needs has been hospitalized and is fighting for her life after she was mistaken for a burglar and shot by her grandfather in his home, MLive in Michigan is reporting.

The incident occurred on November 29 in Buena Vista Township at around 7:55 PM. Police responded to reports of a shooting in the 5000 block of Cabot Street to find a 26-year-old woman in the living room with a gunshot wound to her stomach. According to Buena Vista Township Police Detective Russ Pahssen, the woman had accompanied her grandmother home at around 7:15 PM and was watching television in the kitchen while her grandparents were lying on their bed.

Shortly after, her 63-year-old grandfather heard a noise and saw what appeared to be a shadow moving across a mirror through the open doorway of his bedroom. Having forgotten his granddaughter was present in the home and alarmed by the thought of an intruder, the grandfather went full Dirty Harry, pulling a .44 Magnum from under his pillow and making his way to the end of the hall.

According to authorities, that’s when he saw a silhouette in the living room and failed to recognize it as that of his granddaughter. He fired a single shot which struck the young woman in the stomach.

Upon realizing his error, the man rushed to his granddaughter’s aid, applying pressure to the wound as his wife called 911, Pahssen said.

The wounded woman was transported to a local hospital where she underwent surgery that same evening to stop internal bleeding but required additional surgery the following day to reconstruct internal organs. She remains in critical condition as of Dec. 2 according to detectives.

Brought to police headquarters for questioning, the grandfather was ultimately released as the .44 was legally owned by and registered to him with all signs pointing to a bad accident for which the grandfather was understandably shaken.

“He was really upset… He couldn’t believe he did it. He was very remorseful, but you gotta have better gun safety,” said Detective Pahssen who encourages gun owners not to keep firearms under pillows, and never to pull the trigger without being sure what you’re shooting at.

Upon completion of the investigation, Pahssen says his findings will be sent to the Saginaw County Prosecutor’s Office for review, however, I doubt we will see charges brought in this horrible accident.

As a proponent of keeping a light near or attached to any firearm that may be used to neutralize that which goes bump in the night, I feel this incident could have been avoided. At the end of the day, split-second decisions can go either way and while I hesitate to chastise the grandfather in this incident, it is monumentally important to know your target and what lies beyond.

Why Are Gun-Ban Groups Embracing The Radical Trans Agenda?

By

Mark Chesnut

-

December 6, 2024

62

Supreme Court equal justice under law — Bigstock

As the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday began oral arguments in a challenge to a Tennessee law banning trans treatments such as puberty blockers and hormones for people under age 18, various pro-transgender groups have weighed in on the matter.

Interestingly, while it seems way out of their wheelhouse, three gun-ban groups have also become involved in the case, filing an amicus brief in support of the federal government’s challenge to a lower court ruling affirming the law. Brady, Giffords Law Center and March for Our Lives—all groups usually focused on imposing stricter gun laws on Americans—jumped into the transgender fray on Wednesday, distributing a news release explaining their activism.

Notably, while all three groups have long held a blame-the-gun view of mass murder and criminal violence—what they call “gun violence”—they’re now scrambling to point out the importance of mental health as it relates to gun violence and suicide.

“As Justice Sotomayor highlighted at today’s oral argument, this case is a grim reminder of the devastating impacts this heinous piece of legislation would have on the mental and physical wellbeing of transgender youth—heightening the risk of gun violence for young people in Tennessee,” Shira Feldman, Brady’s director of constitutional litigation, said in the release. “Brady is committed to addressing the core drivers of gun violence through a public health approach. That starts with protecting the dignity, freedom, and mental well-being of Tennessee’s young people—a simple act that we know can reduce the risk of gun violence—just as much as other policies like enhanced background checks and extreme risk laws.”

Billy Clark, senior litigation attorney at Giffords Law Center, chimed in with some similar reasoning.

“Laws that deny gender-affirming medical care endanger youth and put them at risk of suffering from gun violence, including suicide,” Clark said. “At oral argument today, Justice Sotomayor highlighted this suffering with examples of the harm children may suffer when denied this medical care. We urge the Justices to support trans youth and to strike down bans on gender-affirming medical care.”

Sarayu Bethamcherla, judicial advocacy associate for March for Our Lives, also made a similar point.

“The Supreme Court is hearing today a case on whether to withhold lifesaving medical care to children,” Bethamcherla said. “It’s that simple. When people receive gender-affirming care, the likelihood that they attempt suicide drops dramatically.”

Opponents of the law before the Supreme Court like to describe it as banning life-saving medical care, yet the law actually only bans transition-related treatments for children who are not yet legal adults. Neither the Tennessee law—nor the impending Supreme Court decision—have anything to do with such treatments for legal adults 18 years of age and older.

While the real reason the gun-ban groups have suddenly weighed in so heavily on the trans issue is not certain (I conjecture it has to do with future funding and appearance of wokeness), one thing is very interesting about Wednesday’s input from the groups. Apparently, they are finally in agreement with our side of the Second Amendment debate on the fact that guns don’t cause criminal violence and suicide—mental illness plays a role. It will be interesting to see if that reshapes their anti-gun arguments in any way moving forward.

CRPA Legal Update: Oral Arguments Heard in Rhode v. Bonta Case

By

Doug Howlett

-

December 6, 2024

14

The ongoing legal battle over California’s strict ammunition purchase and transportation laws reached a critical milestone this week as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Pasadena heard oral arguments in Rhode v. Bonta, Dec. 4. The case challenges provisions of California’s Proposition 63, which imposes some of the nation’s most restrictive regulations on ammunition buyers.

The case, originally filed by the California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA) and lead plaintiff, Olympic champion Kim Rhode, gained momentum earlier this year when U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez ruled the law unconstitutional. However, the Ninth Circuit promptly stayed the decision following the state’s appeal, keeping the regulations in place while the case proceeds.

An Unprecedented Law

Attorneys representing the plaintiffs argued that California’s restrictions on ammunition purchases are unprecedented, noting that such laws have no historical equivalent as required by the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision. That ruling established the necessity for modern firearms regulations to align with historical traditions of the Second Amendment.

“Not once in this country’s history has the government required background checks for securing ammunition under a scheme as restrictive as California’s,” CRPA attorneys emphasized, pointing out that the state’s approach lacks a historical analog.

CRPA President & General Counsel Chuck Michel reiterated the importance of today’s hearing:

“The Supreme Court remanded this case back to the Ninth Circuit so that it could follow the directive laid out in Bruen. Our arguments today forcefully demonstrate that ammunition is, of course, covered by the Second Amendment and that the restrictions put in place by the state simply don’t hold up to the standard established in Bruen.”

Broad Support

The case has garnered support from numerous Second Amendment organizations, including Gun Owners of California, Gun Owners of America, the Gun Owners Foundation and the National Rifle Association. Several amicus briefs have been filed, including from 24 states and major ammunition retailers like Able’s Sporting Goods, Ammunition Depot and Sam’s Shooters Emporium.

Eight Years of Legal Struggle

Proposition 63, passed in 2016, introduced requirements such as background checks for ammunition purchases, prohibitions on bringing lawfully purchased ammunition across state lines and additional restrictions deemed burdensome by critics. Over the past eight years, CRPA and its allies have worked tirelessly to challenge the law, citing its infringement on fundamental Second Amendment rights.

Call to Action

As the case progresses, CRPA is urging supporters to remain vigilant and support the organization in its fight.

The Ninth Circuit’s decision in Rhode v. Bonta could have far-reaching implications for California and the nation, setting the stage for another potential Supreme Court showdown over Second Amendment rights.

Skilled Assassin or Lucky Killer? LE and Experienced Shooters Aren’t Sure

By

Doug Howlett

-

December 5, 2024

78

Brian Thompson Killer NYC — Security camera footage released by the NYPD of the shooter taking aim at Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthCare.

The assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in the early morning hours of December 4, 2024, has sparked debate among law enforcement and firearms experts regarding the assailant’s proficiency.

The shooter, described as a white male approximately 6’1″ tall, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, long pants, a gray backpack and a black face mask, approached Thompson near the New York Hilton Midtown hotel around 6:45 a.m. and fired multiple shots from approximately 20 feet away, striking him in the back and right calf.

Secuirty footage showing the face of Brian Thompson’s alleged assassin.

Notably, the gun appeared to malfunction with each shot, if it was a semi-auto, requiring the assailant to manually cycle the weapon—but the actions he took are also a characteristic of certain bolt-action pistols with integrated suppressors, such as the B&T Station Six based off the WWII English Welrod pistol (see video of one being fired here), which are rare and typically used by specialized military units. Some social media commenters suggested it was a semi-auto with a suppressor too heavy for the gun and without a booster, so it was likely failing to cycle each shot. Such a scenario would suggest incompetence on the part of the shooter, particularly if he appeared to plan the hit out without testing his weapon first.

On the other hand, if it was a bolt-action pistol, manaully cycling each shot would be par for the course with such a gun. Those who see the actions as a result of a malfunction question the shooter’s expertise, suggesting a lack of familiarity with the weapon.

However, the assailant’s deliberate actions—waiting outside the hotel for several minutes, wearing a mask to obscure his identity and fleeing the scene without leaving significant evidence—indicate a level of planning and operational awareness. The suspect appears to have been in New York City since November 24, having traveled by Greyhound bus originating from Atlanta, Georgia. He checked into the HI New York City Hostel on November 30 using a fake New Jersey driver’s license and paid in cash.

However, former NYPD inspector Paul Mauro cautioned against hastily labeling the shooter as a professional hitman, noting that such figures are more common in fiction than reality. The combination of tactical behavior and weapon handling has left experts divided on whether the shooter was a skilled assassin or an inexperienced individual attempting to appear like a professional killer.

Regardless of his shooting skills, he tragically succeeded in his efforts and a manhunt for the killer is underway. At the same time a group of doctor’s have urged the deregulation of suppressors for the benefit of shooters’ hearing, no doubt this crime will strike up the drum beat from anti-gun politicians to clamp down on the already severely regulated devices.

Doctors’ Voices Could Be Loudest Ones Yet in Move to Deregulate Suppressors

By

Lee Williams

-

December 5, 2024

30

Doctor Timothy W. Wheeler and six fellow ear surgeons recently submitted a proposal to their national specialist society, the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).

The seven ear doctors wanted their academy to support their new policy endorsing firearm suppressors for hearing protection.

The docs had tried it before but failed. Some of their members called them “gun nuts.” However, the seven coauthors are a powerful group – ear, nose and throat surgeons with more than a century of combined practice experience.

“Four of us are even further specialized in ear problems and are fellowship-trained neurotologists, who operate only on the ear and base of skull,” Wheeler pointed out in an email. “We are all shooters and avid Second Amendment supporters.”

The seven-member group believes that their proposal could be powerful new evidence in the fight to deregulate sound suppressors and make them far easier to purchase.

Last week, the group was notified that their Academy, the AAO-HNS, formally adopted their position statement endorsing firearm suppressors as a public health tool for hearing preservation.

“They accepted it. It’s official policy,” Wheeler said last week. “The Academy will enforce it!”

Wheeler said he has contacted the NRA, National Shooting Sports Foundation and other pro-gun groups, telling them about the news.

The group’s position is short and simple:

“Sound suppressors are mechanical devices attached to the barrel of a firearm designed to reduce harmful impulse noise of firearms at its source. CDC research has shown that the only potentially effective noise control method to reduce [shooters’] noise exposure from gunfire is through the use of noise suppressors that can be attached to the end of the gun barrel. Suppressors reduce muzzle blast noise by up to 30 decibels. Their benefit is additive when used with ear-level hearing protection devices such as circumaural muffs or ear plugs. The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery endorses the use of firearm suppressors as an effective method of reducing the risk of hearing loss, especially when used in conjunction with conventional hearing protective measures.”

The seven coauthors include: Mark G. Bell, MD; Matthew P. Branch, MD; Roberto A. Cueva, MD, FACS; Gerard J. Gianoli, MD, FACS; Bradford Ress, MD, FANS; Hayes H. Wanamaker, MD and Wheeler. All seven are board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.

“It was a fantastic decision,” Wheeler said. “We intend to be available to assist NRA and other interested parties in the effort to make firearm suppressors just another widely available, consumer-friendly firearm accessory.”

This story is courtesy of the Second Amendment Foundation’s Investigative Journalism Project. Click here to make a tax-deductible donation or for more information on the project.

New Jersey Police May Be Required To Alert Feds When Illegal Immigrants Apply For Gun Permits

By

Darwin Nercesian

-

December 5, 2024

11

ocean city — Ocean City, New Jersey boardwalk

New Jersey lawmakers have proposed a bill that would require local law enforcement agencies and state police to notify federal immigration authorities any time an illegal immigrant applies for a firearms purchaser identification card (FPIC) or handgun purchase permit (PPH). Passing the bill in legislation would align the state’s firearm application procedures with federal immigration laws.

The proposed measure will require law enforcement across the state to notify and cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and additional federal authorities whenever a firearms applicant is determined to be unlawfully present within the United States. Under Federal law 18 U.S.C. § 922(d)(5), it is currently prohibited to sell or transfer firearms to illegal immigrants. This bill formalizes state-level compliance with that standard however absurd it may sound that a law must be created to compel a state to comply with existing federal law. Such are the shenanigans when you’re dealing with a “sanctuary state,” as has been New Jersey’s designation since 2019.

New Jersey already requires potential firearm owners to submit extensive personal information including criminal background checks, mental health records and fingerprints to apply for an FPIC or PPH, ostensibly due to lack of literacy as the permit was already issued in the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. Criticism of New Jersey firearm laws and discussion as to whether or not the state even qualifies as a member of the Union aside, the newly proposed bill is one of the first pieces of firearm legislation I’ve agreed with the state on in quite a while.

Unchecked illegal immigrants, a number of whom bring with them a long criminal history, have poured over the border in record numbers throughout the Biden administration. Murders of Americans by migrants have put American communities on edge, including high-profile cases like Laken Riley, Lizbeth Medina, Jocelyn Nungaray and Rachel Morin. We’ve also seen armed migrant gangs take over apartment complexes in places like Aurora, Colorado, trapping and terrorizing American citizens (and even other illegals) in their own homes.

Lawmakers and proponents argue that the bill enhances public safety, applying additional oversight on firearm access.

“This legislation reinforces federal laws already in place and ensures that firearms do not end up in the hands of individuals who are not legally present in the country,” lawmakers said in a statement accompanying the bill.

Critics of the measure are concerned about potential overreach, which makes me wonder if they also voiced concern regarding the potential for overreach with red flag laws. Somehow I doubt it. Advocacy groups say the law may discourage immigrants from interacting with law enforcement for fear of deportation. But isn’t this like saying you are concerned about law enforcement finding out you have committed a crime for fear of consequence? Why is it that some crimes are socially acceptable and even protected? They argue that the measure might undermine trust between immigrant communities and local authorities, however, this has nothing to do with immigrant communities and everything to do with enforcing the law, that is, if we are all equally subject to it.

I often hear the words “common sense gun law” and wonder if the people speaking about this understand common sense. In this case, preventing those here illegally and who may be a danger to the public from being able to obtain firearms sounds a lot like common sense to me, but it is not enough to save lives. Ultimately, it has long since been proven that criminals will obtain firearms to commit crimes regardless of our laws, one of the very facts that makes them criminals. While enforcing current federal law on the matter may help a little, respecting the rights of Americans to arm themselves and protect their families is the only real way forward. This concept was understood by Constitutional Convention delegates in 1787 but has been conveniently forgotten by power-hungry politicians and globalists who would seek a more uncontested means of subjugating their constituents.