SHOT show update: a huge gathering of law-abiding gun owners
I apologize for the delay in reporting from the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in Las Vegas. It’s been all work and no play since I hit the ground. Well, maybe a little play, but no gambling.
I had OWAA-related business until about 2 p.m. yesterday, then finally got to hit the floor. Trying to describe the SHOT Show in writing is kind of like trying to describe the Grand Canyon. Words just can’t do it justice. I tell people to imagine the biggest Bass Pro Shops, then multiply the size by 50. And then add a crowd that makes Black Friday look child’s play. This is not a good place if you have claustrophobia or agoraphobia.
I hit just a few vendors yesterday. Today is the busy day.
Last night I attended the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s State of the Industry dinner, where Elvis on stilts hung out during the reception. It wasn’t all “They are coming for our guns!” fire and brimstone. NSSF president Steve Sanetti had a super speech during which he addressed the challenges ahead as our country’s leaders seek to address gun ownership. The concern is that there is a lot of fear and misunderstanding about guns among non-gun owners and politicians, and that media coverage doesn’t exactly help.
There is no way I can capture everything he said in this brief entry. The summary is that the gun industry supports meaningful and sensible rules that keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them while those of us who own and use firearms responsibly shouldn’t be penalized. I feel the same way, of course.
All for now. Off to the show.
January 16, 2013 - 2:20 PM
Mark, your heading is a rather audacious postulation, don’t you think?
The only sureness was the gathering seemed huge to you. The entire crowd may own guns, but there is no way you could be sure. And you certainly have no idea if the whole gathering was law-abiding. Busting you chops a bit Mark – no offense intended. I found your opening peculiar, but I am as weird as a football bat, so no worries.
Now could you provide further details on the concern of NSSF (“…misunderstanding about guns among non-gun owners and politicians….”)?
Stephen,
I would guess with a lot of people thinking…
- semi-auto rifles being full auto.
-That the .223rem is some kind of magical “high power” cartridge.
-That some guns actually were made to hold 15, 17, 20 rounds and that they are actually not “high capacity” that is their normal capacity.
-That a pistol grip is somehow evil and should not be used.
-That certain guns are not used for hunting purposes so should be illegal, even though the second amendment has nothing to do with hunting.
-That people should only one or two guns, not considering that a .223 might be used for coyote but not powerful enough for deer in this state or might be used for sporting purposes or self defense.
-etc…. etc… etc…
Stephen: Your opening comment is in its own, an expression of a misunderstanding. That every gathering of gun owners must include some criminals. And here are a few more for the list.
That responsible gun owners leave guns and ammunition unsecured and in every drawer or closet in the house.
That gun owners are simple minded children just wanting to play cops and army.
That guns serve no purpose in civilized society.
That to a gun owner, “everything looks like a target”.
That shotguns are better suited to home defense more so than rifles or hand guns.
That since we no longer maintain a “militia” there is no need for the right to own firearms.
That guns are cheap.
That gun owners live in fear.
That sport shooting with a 22 is the same as sport shooting with a Kimber or a 45-70 Sharps.
That “AR” actually stands for “assault rifle”.
That a 10 round magazine is OK but 15 or 30 are not.
That Jesse Jackson was correct in saying “you can shoot down an aircraft with a 223.” (I would submit that at the right altitude, range and size a real marksman might also do it with a 22.)
That sport shooting is not a “real” recreational activity.
That gun owners can be humiliated at being owners if someone publishes their name in the news paper.
That had the writers of the 2nd foreseen the development of weapons as we have today they would have been “more reasonable” in or possible not even included, such a freedom.
And here is one that is not a misconception but is not understood by probably 95% of the general population outside of active sport shooting organizations. The federal government has a chartered program to support private gun ownership, promote safety and rifle marksmanship with an emphasis on the YOUTH of this nation. And through this program citizens are able to purchase surplus military rifles and ammunition directly without the need of a “licensed” gun dealer.
Hummmm, are there others? Probably MANY others.
Well said, Bubba and TScottW. There is a lot of misinformation being spread by the anti-gun crowd. Lots of emotional arguing rather than considering what will actually be effective. And a lot of not considering The Law of Unintended Consequences (i.e. how does gun ban Chicago have so many murders and a murder rate that is rapidly climbing further?).
Just dusted off another rarely known factoid and want to correct one minor misstatement from the above. The commonwealth actually DOES have a “militia”, currently known as the Virginia Defense Force. You can read about it at the link below but just for the record it is the back up state military organization that can be formally called into action to support civil authorities when the Va National Guard my not be able to do so. I do not know if other states have similar organizations. I think this, IMO, forever silences critics who say claim that since we no longer have a militia, the 2nd is no longer applicable.
http://www.vdf.virginia.gov/vsdfhistory.html
Mark, I must agree with Stephen on the headline. I guarantee you that if there were that many people in one place, regarless if it’s a gun show or a church meeting, some of them were not “law abiding” folks. Ownership of a firearm doesn’t confer special “law abiding” status. I know enough people with guns to know that was unlikely. Not trying to bust your chops, you know I support you and your writing, but it seemed an odd heading to me, as well.
Bubba, nice to hear from you again. How do you and yours feel about a universal system of background checks? Closing the “gun show” loophole?
As for the second amendment goes, it has been interpreted to significantly broaden it’s scope by the SCOTUS. It was not written to address modern weapons. Not to say I disagree with the interpretation, but let’s not pretend the second stands perfect as written or we’ll all be joining the militia just to have a gun.
Back from two days of travel — yesterday spent in the air from Vegas to Virginia Beach, today on the ground from Virginia Beach back here — and trying to catch up.
On the headline above, it’s accurate. It was a huge gathering — 60,000 qualifies as huge, doesn’t it? I agree that not all of them were entirely law-abiding to some degree. Heck, I personally broke the law a couple weeks ago when I forgot to renew my truck registration and drove around for a couple days before someone pointed out my tags were inspired. There might have been some characters in there who are less law-abiding than that, though the NSSF does a pretty amazing job vetting attendees. But, you all get my point!
That said, I welcome the ribbing.
Well, hi there Perch! Gun show loophole. Gotta get into that a little deeper. If I carry a gun into the show and sell it to anyone, there is NO loophole to close. Sales between to people who are of age and residents of VA should not in any way be regulated does not matter if it happens in a gun show or on my back pourch or on Main Street. HOWEVER, at some point when individuals rent a table, display and offer for sale a hundred perfectly functional modern hand guns we have a problem. And naturally I see NO problem offering a variety of weapons which would be classified as C&R’s. BUT, last time I was at the Civic Center there was a fella there, said to be from Christiansburg, who was clearly functioning as a dealer based on the “private collection” he was offering. Had to be 200 hand guns. I spoke to several legit dealers and all opposed this activity. They were probably more concerned about him from the competitive side of the question but none the less, they feel at some point the number of firearms offered DOES move from unregulated to needing to be regulated. Maybe the number is 5 or 10 or maybe even 2. Now, as to “universal” system of checks, what exactly does that mean. Virginia has a system of checks and I see nothing wrong with it. Does it mean that every state use the exact same forms? Does it mean every state charge the same fees? Does it out of necessity need to create a “universal” data source for all states to tap? Does it come with a lot of federal red tape? Does it involve significant funding to operate? Would it establish some “universal” standard to qualify? If so, what are the requirements? Will it involve waiting time as some states currently have? Will it impose limits on types of purchases as to numbers of firearms? How about ages to purchase? Will some states offer their system as a model, such as the newly enacted laws of NY? What EXACTLY is wrong with our Virginia system now? And all that said, the only positive I could see, and I DO NOT FEEL it is worth the negatives, is that it might enable a person from one state to make a direct purchase of any and all legally available firearms while in another state.
NO we don’t need a universal system. States that currently don’t have systems should put one in place as their citizens feel may be appropriate and necessary.
Americas gun heritage will never be lost.This scurry on the `left` is nothing more than the typical knee-jerk reaction, and it too will fall on its face, HARD.
Personally, I am struggling with what seems to be a love affair with firearms in this great country. I’ve owned guns most of my life. My granddad gave me the family’s “farm” firearm when I was 6 or 7, a small rolling block single shot .22 used to kill the pigs for butchering. Since then I have acquired many more, all suitable for hunting some kind of Appalachian game. Yes, I am a gun owner. I enjoy the firearms I have. They allow me to bring home some tasty morsels for the table and enjoy the hunting season. But I am not a proud gun owner; I do not cherish them. I am no more proud of my guns than the washing machine or garbage disposal that I own.
Mark stated, “It wasn’t all ‘They are coming for our guns!’ fire and brimstone.” It wasn’t “all”, so we can assume there were at least tidbits of paranoia displayed? Again, I must be missing something. I have never entertained the thought that someone was coming for my guns.
On a lighter note, I bet that the Elvis on stilts does not own a gun and he was at your meeting. And anyone that mimics a skinny tall Elvis certainly can be accused of criminal activity.
Peace.
Mark, glad you made it back ok. Yeah, I got the “huge” part from your description, just thought breathing all that gun oil and solvent might have affected your verbiage on the “law abiding” part…just seemed a strange choice of words.
Bubba, you done good, man. Just wondered how you felt about background checks and you definitely answered my question. Thanks.
Could one reasonably infer, from your questions above, that you would rather have guns more easily sold to the “bad guys” than to make it a bit more difficult for a “regular guy” to purchase a weapon, even IF it would make it harder for the “baddies” to get firearms? Big IF, I know, just wondering.
One can infer anything they want. I hardly support “selling guns to bad guys” and I see no reason for making it any more difficult for regular guys to acquire them. Someone needs to explain the details of a universal system. I’d be OK if the Virginia system would be universally used in all 49 other states AND that it imposed no hardships on Va residents. But some how that’s not the way it would work out. However the bigger issue with “checks” is that criminals will find a way to get their guns no matter how many controls are in place. Fact is that criminals already possess so many guns they hardly need to be concerned about buying more and I promise they are probably not concerned at all about whatever new laws are passed. As a matter of fact, I tend to think criminals would very much favor much tighter regulations for two reasone. First, they already have what they need and second, it would add a measure of safety to their line of work.
And well said, Stephen. That’s my dilemna. I don’t fit in with the anti-gun crowd, but I honestly don’t understand the rabid pro-gun crowd. I keep looking for an easily defendable middle (read common) ground that seems reasonable to me. I’m a lifelong hunter and fisherman, I have firearms for hunting, one strictly for self defense, but like Stephen, they are tools for a purpose, not an end unto themselves or objects of pride. Just another tool in the belt, don’t need more than enough to do the job.
Well, we KNOW that when Bloomberg’s gun control group, Mayors against illegal guns has a meeting, they have allot of “felons” in attendance…
Coaldale, Pa. Mayor faces pornography charges
The Times News, Carbon County, N.Y., September 9, 2011
http://www.tnonline.com/2011/sep/20/corkery-behind-bars
The Mayor of Coaldale, Richard Corkery is in jail following a violation of his bail conditions stemming from charges by Carbon County prosecutors that he downloaded child pornography.
Brownsville Mayor has third DWI arrest
The Monitor, McAllen, Texas, May 11, 2010
http://www.themonitor.com/news/span-38434-style-font.html
The Brownsville Herald, Brownsville, Texas, Jun. 21, 2011
http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/articles/-127960–.html
Mayor Pat M. Ahumeda Jr. was arrested after police pulled him over for driving erratically and he refused to take a breathalyzer. The mayor plead guilty to reckless driving and was sentenced to two years’ probation. Ahumeda was arrested for DWI in 1987 and 2003.
Monticello, N.Y. Mayor pleads guilty
The Times Herald-Record, Middletown, N.Y., Jun. 10, 2010
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100610/NEWS/6100319/-1/NEWS
The Sullivan County Democrat, Callicoon, N.Y., Apr. 19, 2011
http://www.sc-democrat.com/news/2011April/19/news3.htm
Mayor Gordon Jenkins plead guilty to five counts of trademark counterfeiting after he and his wife were caught selling knockoff Nikes to undercover police at the store the couple own. A search of their home also turned up marijuana.
Mayor of Tamarac, Fla. turns herself in
The Florida Sun-Sentinel, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., March 9, 2011
http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/broward/blog/2011/03/tamarac_mayor_beth_talabisco_t.html
Mayor Beth Flansbaum-Talabisco faces charges of bribery and official misconduct stemming from dealings with two unscrupulous developers.
Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez sentenced to three years in prison
The Hartford Courant, Sept. 15, 2010
http://articles.courant.com/2010-09-15/news/hc-web-perez-sentencing-0915-20100914_1_abraham-giles-judge-julia-d-dewey-eddie-alberto-perez
Mayor Eddie Perez has been sentenced to three years in prison and three years of probation after being convicted on five felony corruption charges, including extortio
Embattled Racine mayor resigns
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, March 3, 2010
http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/86273007.html
Mayor of Racine, Wis. and member of Mayors against Illegal Guns Gary Becker resigned after facing charges in an internet sex sting. Becker was later convicted and received a three year prison term.
White Plains, NY: After arrest, mayor denies injuring wife
LoHud.com, March 1, 2010
http://www.lohud.com/article/20103010346
http://www.lohud.com/article/20100401/NEWS02/4010405/-1/newsfront/5-new-domestic-charges-against-Mayor-Bradley
Mayor Adam Bradley was arrested for third degree misdemeanor assault. Wife Fumiko Bradley acquired a temporary protective order against him. The mayor was sentenced to three years probation.
Inglewood mayor resigns before pleading guilty to misdemeanor conflict of interest charge
The L.A. Times, Jan. 25, 2010
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/01/inglewood-mayor-resigns-after-pleading-guilty-to-misdemeanor-conflict-of-interest-charge.html
Mayor of Inglewood resigns ahead of pleading guilty to conflict of interest charges. He also faced charges of embezzlement.
Baltimore Mayor resigns after pleading guilty to stealing from the poor
The Christian Science Monitor, Jan. 6, 2010
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0106/Baltimore-Mayor-Sheila-Dixon-resigns-as-part-of-plea-deal
Mayor of Baltimore, Md. Sheila Dixon and member of Mayors against Illegal Guns was indicted on theft and perjury charges. Dixon was ultimately convicted of taking from a program intended to help disadvantaged children. Dixon had to resign as part of her plea deal.
Larry Langford found guilty on all 60 counts
The Birmingham News, Birmingham, Ala., Oct. 28, 2009
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2009/10/larry_langford_found_guilty.html
Larry Langford, Birmingham’s mayor and a former Jefferson County commissioner, has been found guilty in his federal bribery trial.
Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick sentenced to four months
CNN, Oct. 28, 2008
http://articles.cnn.com/2008-10-28/justice/detroit.mayor.sentenced_1_kilpatrick-and-beatty-justice-and-misconduct-judge-david-groner?_s=PM:CRIME
Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was sentenced to four months in prison after pleading to two felony charges of obstruction of justice. In addition, the mayor pled to a charge of assaulting a police officer.
New Jersey Mayor and wife sentenced for extortion
The Jersey Journal, Oct. 3, 2008
http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/guttenberg/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1224916016161280.xml&coll=3
Mayor David Delle Donna, 49, of Guttenberg, was sentenced to four years, 3 months for tax evasion and the extortion of a local business owner.
Mayor with a past has a future in prison
The New York Times, Aug. 22, 2008
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/24passaicnj.html?_r=1
When a federal judge sentenced former Mayor Samuel Rivera to 21 months in federal prison on Aug. 15, an era ended in this tattered city of nearly 70,000, leaving many here debating Mr. Rivera’s tumultuous past and wondering what is to come.
Will Wynn pleads guilty to assault
The Austin Chronicle, Mar. 3, 2008
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/News/Blogs/index.html/objID599595/blogID/
Mayor Will Wynn formally pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor assault charge Tuesday, stemming from a 2006 incident where he physically ejected purported party crasher Luke Johnson from his Downtown condo; in a signed statement, Johnson described the “contact as offensive and provocative.”
The Mayor of Jersey City is convicted over a scuffle
The New York Times, Jun. 6, 2007
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/23/nyregion/23mayor.html?_r=2&oref=slogin
A municipal court judge in this shore town found the mayor of Jersey City guilty of obstructing justice and resisting arrest in a clash with a police officer a little more than a year ago, leading the mayor’s wife, Maureen, to hiss, “It’s a disgrace.”
The mayor, Jerramiah T. Healy, said in a news conference after the verdict that he had no intention of resigning his office, and would most likely appeal the decision, rendered by a municipal court judge, John G. Colannino, who ordered Mayor Healy to pay $828 in fees and fines and then imposed a stay of 20 days.
A Bloomberg anti-gun mayor is charged with carrying weapon
New York Sun, Nov. 22, 2006
http://www.nysun.com/new-york/bloomberg-anti-gun-mayor-is-charged-with-carrying/43999/
The mayor of Jackson, Miss., Frank Melton—who, according to news reports, carries firearms at all times and has a reputation for being tough on crime—pleaded no contest to carrying a concealed gun on the campus of Mississippi College School of Law. He also pleaded guilty to carrying a gun into a church and into a park, also illegal under state law. The first was reduced from a felony charge to a misdemeanor; the latter two were misdemeanors.
Gosh Andy, quite a long post. Looks interesting, however. But on another matter I must admit to a love affair….with classic cars. Things of beauty. Graceful, high style. Powerful, and exceptional examples of the automotive art form. Guess there must be something wrong with me. Or wait, could it be a perfectly normal admiration of the progress made from the days of motor vehicles featuring tillers through the classics of the 20′s and 30′ and on to the modern day classic sportsters? How can one possible “love” something which is just a way to go from point A to point B? But then I stroll down the field full of Lincolns, Packards, Cords, Auburns and then the “Duzzies”. Yes, vehicular traffic has killed thousands over the years, mostly accidental but some intentional. But then as a child I never had a car. In fact, my family of Mom, Dad, and two sisters along with myself had to manage getting around in a 1932 Ford Pick-up. Great fun, esp in the summer when the manifold heater could not be “turned off”. So now that I have arrived at this stage of life am I sick for the love of my classics? I drive them from time to time. Keep them clean and very much enjoy having folks over who what to see them. Sure sounds like the mind of someone who is mentally ill. BTW, my wife LOVES her washer and dryer too.