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Another one bits the dust feds and ATFE, South Dakota Legislature Passes Firearms Freedom Bill! Good News for all

Well good news to second amendment, guns, ammo, and hunting fans. Looks like South Dakota may be joining the ranks of states that pass a firearm Freedom Bill.
A bill that declares “exempt from federal regulation any firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition manufactured and retained in South Dakota” passed in the South Dakota House of Representatives today.

SB 89 was approved by a 49-19 vote. The bill had already passed the state Senate on Feb. 18 with a 29-4 vote.

The bill states it would “exempt from federal regulation any firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition manufactured and retained in South Dakota.” The spirit of the bill hearkens to the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which says

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

The Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution gives the federal government the power to regulate interstate commerce, but the firearms and ammunition covered by this bill would not be involved in interstate commerce; it specifies guns and ammo that are manufactured and kept within the state of South Dakota.

A number of states across the country have been working on “Firearms Freedom Acts” which seek to rein in our out-of-control federal government. South Dakota is joining this effort to restore federalism and strengthen our American freedoms.

Utah joins the growing list of state telling feds hands off our guns and ammo

On Friday, Utah Governor Gary Herbert finally signed into law SB11, the Utah State-Made Firearms Protection Act. The bill passed both the House and the Senate, then sat on Herbert’s desk for 10 days while the governor debated whether he would sign or veto the bill. Had the governor neither signed nor vetoed the bill by Saturday, it would have automatically gone into effect as law. Herbert said the decision to sign came after careful review of the potential fallout from the controversial legislation.

“There are times when the state needs to push back against continued encroachment from the federal government. Sending the message that we will stand up for a proper balance between the state and federal government is a good thing,” the governor said. “But in these challenging economic times, when Utah families continue to struggle and our Legislature must account for every dollar it spends, we must also be thoughtful about the cost of that message.”

SB11 creates statute that allows guns and ammunition manufactured and sold in Utah to be regulated by the state of Utah, not by the federal government. At its heart, SB11 is a states’ rights bill, not a weapons bill. It lashes out at the federal government and attempts to regain some of the control and power the federal government has usurped from the states through overreaching use of the Interstate Commerce Clause.

Senator Margaret Dayton, the bill’s sponsor, said the bill is all about control. But asserting control will likely come with a constitutional challenge. The bill was modeled after Montana’s Firearms Freedom Act, which passed last year, and has since gone into litigation. Litigation was brought against the federal government by a private group who asserts that current interpretation of constitutional law, as it regards to the Interstate Commerce Clause, is incorrect. The federal government has filed a motion to dismiss the matter, which is awaiting a hearing. Tennessee is the only other state that has adopted a similar law.

Governor Herbert has consulted with the state Attorney General and other legal advisers, who assured him that the state can take a stand on this issue of controlling intrastate commerce without incurring onerous legal expenses.

“The attorney general has assured me that, should a legal challenge be filed against the state, his office can take a variety of actions to ensure the defense of this legislation will have a minimal cost to the people of Utah,” said Herbert. “I am satisfied that Utah can stand confidently with other states that are taking a stand against the federal government’s overreach in this area.”

an Idaho lawmaker wants Washington D.C. to keep its mitts – and its laws – off guns and ammunition manufactured in his state

In yet another shot from Idaho over the federal government’s bow, an Idaho lawmaker wants Washington D.C. to keep its mitts – and its laws – off guns and ammunition manufactured in his state.

Rep. Dick Harwood, from St. Maries, introduced the “Idaho Firearms Freedom Act” Thursday in the House State Affairs Committee.
Montana passed a similar bill last year, saying guns made and kept within its borders are exempt from national gun laws. Gun advocates sued in federal court to validate the law, while U.S. attorneys want the case to be dismissed.

Meanwhile, Tennessee passed the same law and legislators in a couple dozen other states are considering following suit.
Harwood, who comes from rural northern Idaho where suspicions of federal agents runs high among some, called this a “sovereignty issue.”

Isn’t this just a kick in the ass. The NRA has supported a ban on ammunition. Look here

The NRA issued a release today saying that it supports a ban on ammunition sales in the U.S..”It’s a fact”, said a spokesman, “guns don’t kill people, bullets do”. The NRA has long been of the opinion that any restrictions on gun ownership would violate the constitutional right to bear arms. “Nowhere in the constitution does it give the right to bear ammo, so we’re fine with a ban on bullets”, said Arnold “Pop gun” Gunnarson, at an NRA conference.” We still get to keep our weapons, which is all we really wanted in the first place.”. Some of the membership were a little reluctant to endorse the NRA’s stance. These are generally considered to be fringe elements. ” Those guys are kind of crazy anyway. Who would want a bunch of people running around with loaded guns? They might shoot somebody”, said Gunnarson.

A revolutionary new design in hollow point bullets. Ammo news you can believe in

Having a valid understanding of the problem, the solution is relatively basic.

The aforementioned issue of the “trapped air” scenario is readily rectified, if provision was made within the bullets base design that would allow the air to escape or otherwise be allowed to be replaced by the target mass.

The adding of “channels” along the base of the projectile, more or less laterally to intersect with the base of the inner cavity, will provide an evacuation path for the ambient gases.

This can be accomplished by adding “vents”, or “ports” in a radial pattern in such a way as to 1., not interfere with the designed aerodynamic flight characteristics of a given projectile, and 2., not weaken the overall expansion process.

Variations of the actual port designs will be relative to the multitude of bullets designs, weights, shapes, velocities and a host of other factors.

The results of this Ported Bullet design are significant; By eliminating the “air factor”, the bullet reacts/opens much sooner on contact with the target, with a resultant exponential increase in reliability and performance.
While it’s obvious that the entire spectrum of physics involved in the projectile to target interactions are very complex, there are two basic assumptions that are accepted as “culpable factors” in hollow point bullet FTO’s;

One is an effect of “plugging”. This is where the hollow point cavity itself becomes filled with foreign materials, i.e. clothing, etc., thus preventing the cavity from “filling” with intended target material (i.e. animal or human tissue(s))

The second issue, and far more viable, is that FTO’s are mostly a result of the bullet not having enough “energy” or “velocity” to facilitate the amount of internal force needed to cause the bullet to expand as intended. In other words, by the time the bullet enters the target, travels enough distance to fill and pressurize the hollow point cavity; the bullet has lost the “critical mass” moment, and fails to open altogether.

Happy NEW Year Guns and Ammo Enthusiast’s

Here to the new year. May it be damn side better then the old. And may we all have more rights, guns, and ammo before she through. Happy New Year to you and yours from me and mine. Have a safe, happy, and prosperous 2010.

Some Kentucky state representatives are working on adding Kentucky to the growing list of states that tell the ATFE and the feds to kiss off in 2010

Three Kentucky lawmakers have pre-filed legislation to be considered in the 2010 regular session that would strengthen the gun rights of Kentucky citizens.

Kentucky State Rep. Stan Lee (R-Lexington) pre-filed a bill in the House on Nov. 6 that would exempt firearms and ammunition made and used in Kentucky from federal law.

BR348, (HB87 when the session begins) named the Kentucky Firearms Freedom Act, would, “Create new sections of KRS Chapter 237, relating to firearms, firearm accessories and ammunition that are made in Kentucky, marked made in Kentucky, and used in Kentucky, to specify that these items are exempt from federal law; provide that the exemption does not include machine guns, silencers, exploding ammunition, or firearms with a bore over one and one-half inches.”

The bill builds upon the foundation of state’s rights under the Ninth and Tenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. The first section of BR348 opens:

The General Assembly declares that the authority for Sections 1 to 6 of this Act is the following:
(1) The tenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees to the states and their people all powers not granted to the federal government elsewhere in the constitution and reserves to the state and people of Kentucky certain powers as they were understood at the time that Kentucky was admitted to statehood on June 1, 1792. The guaranty of those powers is a matter of contract between the Commonwealth and people of Kentucky and the United States as of the time that the Kentucky was admitted as a state of the United States on June 1, 1792;
(2) The ninth amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees to the people rights not granted in the constitution and reserves to the people of Kentucky certain rights as they were understood at the time Kentucky was admitted as a state of the United States on June 1, 1792.

The legislation makes up part of a national movement known as the Firearms Freedom Act. Montana was the first state to propose this type of legislation, declaring that any firearms made and retained in-state are beyond the authority of Congress under its Constitutional power to regulate commerce among the states. The Montana legislature passed its bill Oct. 1, 2009.

The Tennessee legislature passed a similar bill in July of 2009. The Tennessee Senate passed the Tennessee Firearms Freedom Act by a 22-7 vote. The House approved the bill 87-1. The legislation became law without Gov. Phil Bredesen’s signature.

Lawmakers in Alaska, Texas, South Carolina, Minnesota and Florida have introduced similar legislation.

Two other Kentucky representatives have proposed a bill reaffirming gun rights.

Last August, Rep. Bill Farmer (R-Lexington) and Rep. David Floyd (R-Bardstown) pre-filed a Concurrent Resolution that affirms Kentucky citizens’ gun rights under the Second Amendment.

BR124 urges support for the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution and urges Congress not to enact any law that would infringe on the right to bear arms under the Constitution of Kentucky.

Winchester Ammunition Announces New Personal Defense Ammunition in 12 and 410 Gauge for Release in 2010

Winchester® Ammunition launches the most innovative line of personal defense shotshell ammunition in 2010 with two new products: the Supreme Elite® PDX1™ shotshells in 410 and 12 gauge. Both loads deliver threat-stopping power and offer customers more ammunition choices for personal defense.

“Winchester is a leader in technology and these two new personal defense rounds are the most innovative shotshell products available today,” said Brett Flaugher, Winchester Ammunition vice president of sales and marketing. “Both shotshell loads achieved excellent results in our test facility and we are extremely excited to offer them to our customers.”

PDX1 in 410 Gauge
Highly effective in both shotguns and 410 compatible handguns, the PDX1 in 410 gauge features a distinctive black hull and black oxide high-base head and combines three plated Defense Disc™ projectiles and 12 pellets of plated BB shot. The result is the ideal personal protection load for short range engagement with the performance needed to stop threats. This load is also suitable for varmint hunting and pest control. Designed for use in the Taurus Judge, this new personal defense round provides maximum protection at close range.

• 410 ga. 2 1/2”, 3 Defense Disc™ projectiles with 12 BBs
• 10 rd box
• Availability: February 2010

PDX1 in 12 Gauge
The 12-gauge Supreme Elite® PDX1 features a distinctive black hull, black oxide high-base head and 3 pellets of Grex® buffered 00 plated buckshot nested on top of a 1 oz rifled slug.

The result is the ideal, tight patterning personal defense load. The slug/buckshot combination provides optimum performance at short and longer ranges while compensating for aim error.

• 12 ga. Slug/Buck combo
• Load: 12 gauge 2-3/4” 1 oz rifled slug with 3 pellets 00 Buck- buffered
• 10 rd box
• Availability: March 2010

For more information about Winchester and its complete line of products, visit www.winchester.com.

Idaho State lawmakers to introduce bill to ATF and the federal government to go stick it

Idaho has been a strong supporter of the right to bear arms — even attracting firearms manufacturers from other states to spur its economy.

But is it willing to take on the federal government to defend that right?

Rep. R.J. “Dick” Harwood, R-St. Maries, will ask that question when he introduces a bill to the Idaho Legislature in January that could make it cheaper and easier to buy a firearm that’s made and sold in Idaho.

The bill, which is circulating among a small group of Republican lawmakers, will mirror the Montana Firearms Freedom Act — the now famous bill that pit Montana against the federal government in a pending legal battle.

Harwood said the bill is a shot across the bow of the federal government.

“This is a way that we can tell the federal government that they can’t take away states’ rights,”he said. “I know the feds are going to have a problem with it — they already say we would be superceding their authority.”

He said the bill would mirror one that was passed in Montana in 2009.

Montana was the first state to pass a bill that slapped the federal government’s hands off of in-state firearms sales.

Montana House Bill 426 — also dubbed the Montana Firearms Freedom Act — says all firearms, firearm accessories and ammunition made and sold within Montana is exempt from federal regulation.

The Montana Shooting Sports Association filed a complaint against U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder in federal court in October to validate the bill’s passage.

The case is pending in court and officials say they don’t know how long — or how costly — the case may be.

But there is more behind the act than its title conveys. And it has more to do with dollars and cents than states’ rights.

Manufacturers and state lawmakers say Montana’s Firearms Freedom Act is also a valuable tool to attract gun makers from states that are imposing more rigid gun laws.

Something that hasn’t been lost on Idaho lawmakers.

“This is an opportunity to create jobs and help spur the economy by bringing manufactures to Idaho,” said Representative Marc Gibbs, a Republican legislator from Grace. “I’m a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, but right now our state’s economy is my biggest concern.”

Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter announced an initiative earlier this year that markets Idaho to firearms manufacturers in other states that are looking to move or expand.

The initiative, known as Project 60, has already seen some success when Advanced Precision, which makes shotguns for Legacy Sports, opened manufacturing facility in Meridian.

However, Gibbs said Idaho should wait to see what the outcome will be of the case between Montana and the federal government.

Even firearms manufacturers in Idaho — those who would benefit the most from the bill — say it’s not a fight they want to pick right now.

“As a freedom loving American, I think the bill is a great idea,” said Jay Quilligan, who manufactures firearm accessories in south-central Idaho. “But as a business owner, it doesn’t really change anything.”

Quilligan said he would still be required to pay all federal taxes and fees because he is licensed by the federal government — something he needs to continue doing business with military and law enforcement.

“Most manufacturers in Idaho and other states are not going to take that risk of losing their business,” said Matt Dogali, Idaho liaison with the National Rifle Association. “The bill sounds good, but in practice these guys would be spending a ton of capital just to make a statement.”

And some Idaho lawmakers aren’t willing to put the state’s firearms and ammunition manufacturers in the federal government’s crosshairs.

Idaho is home to ATK CCISpears, one of the largest manufacturers of ammunition for law enforcement and civilian use. The state also fosters small businesses such as Tactical Solutions, Primary Weapons Systems, CheyTac and several others that build high-grade firearms and accessories for military and civilians.

Representative Marv Hagedorn, R-Meridian, said the cost and risk would be placed primarily on the manufacturers.

“The state can pass the Firearms Freedom Act, but ultimately it will have to be tested in court,”he said. “That means one of (the manufacturers) would have to be the guinea pig.”

Harwood said he still plans to submit the bill in January, and lawmakers appear poised to support it.

However, whether it will receive support from those who would have to risk their businesses to test the validity of the bill remains to be seen.

Battle Field and Rifle Basics for All of Us to Study and Learn

While anyone with an elementary knowledge of firearms recognizes the advantages of a handgun for concealed and close quarters defense use, the time where a battle rifle could be used for self-defense is rapidly approaching. The size and weight of a handgun provides many advantages but these factors also become a liability if one is forced to defend themselves at a distance of more than a few yards. While there exist handguns used for hunting and target shooting, those are not usually carried or used for self-defense and their effective range is still limited, especially when compared to a battle rifle.

Everyone, with the possible exception of those who still believe answers to our financial woes can be found within the democrat or republican paradigm, know that eventually those economic issues will lead to chaos in this country. When that happens, some 40 million plus who have been told by politicians that they are “entitled” to the property of others will use whatever means available to forcibly take that which they want. The logical scenario will see these folks banding together, most likely in roving bands. They will use numbers and force to steal what others who have seen this coming have set aside for themselves and their loved ones. This criminal activity very possibly could happen with the blessing of the government, for those who are stockpiling food, water, guns and ammunition are already being demonized. The Lever Act of 1917 gave government control over food and fuel storage amounts; it can and will happen again.

Using the events that occurred after Hurricane Katrina as a template, one can see that those who were armed were able to secure themselves and their property on several occasions by simply displaying a firearm when confronted by these roving bands of criminals. Of course after this happened the government moved to forcibly disarm law-abiding citizens. Simply stated, the criminals in government moved to protect their brotherhood among the street gangs and criminal element by disarming law-abiding citizens. This explains in vivid detail why the government continually seeks to disarm the public: it is easier to steal from and enslave those who are unarmed. Considering the police in New Orleans became thieves themselves continues to blur the distinction between government employees and thieves.

Several factors should go into the selection of a battle rifle; there are many platforms and calibers available and strong consideration should be given to the environment in which one believes they will operate when events lead to chaos in this country. What is the maximum range one can actually see and determine if a possible target is a threat? Is one’s environment urban or rural? Is there a chance the environment could be fluid due to attempts to move about in both environs? What is the experience level with rifles and engaging targets at distance?

Bolt-action rifles are more inherently accurate at long-range than semi-autos, especially in the larger calibers. Semi-auto rifles offer greater firepower and magazine capacity as a rule. Lever action rifles are accurate and shoot well at short to medium range, (200 yards max) mainly due to caliber selection. If one were to determine the maximum range at which they believe they would encounter someone bent on mayhem at 300 yards or less, lever guns and smaller calibers could suffice. Consideration should also be given into the amount of time a person is willing or able to devote to practice. To master a battle rifle at distances over 400 yards requires a great deal of time, effort, and projectiles down range. I have been shooting long-range battle rifles for over 50 years and certainly do not consider myself a master.

For the great majority of people interested in a battle rifle I suggest the AR-15 platform for several reasons. The platform is extremely accurate for a semi-auto. Five shot groups at 100 yards measuring less than an inch are certainly not uncommon with this rifle with some quality time at the range. Extreme accuracy can be expected if one is willing to spring for an upper designed for that type shooting. If this tweaks your interest, check out White Oak Precision here. When one thinks of an AR-15, usually the immediate thought as to caliber is the 5.56 NATO round or the .223. What I consider to be the greatest advantage is the number of calibers available in this platform with the purchase of an “upper” in different calibers which can easily and simply be attached to your existing AR-15 lower. While I consider the .223 round to be marginal for a self-defense round, the firepower, accuracy and availability of ammo makes it a must-have. There are a wide variety of uppers in different calibers, many of which can be found here. This gives the shooter the capability of several calibers with the purchase of only the basic AR-15 lower assembly. My personal choice for the off-the-shelf AR platform is Rock River Arms. I have a Rock River lower with uppers in .223 and .458 SOCOM. As previously stated the .223 for accuracy and ammo availability and the .458 for sheer knockdown power out to 200 yards. Due to the availability and price of the ammo to feed the .458, I reload my own. I like this combination for I can use the same magazines for .458 that I use for the .223. For those who choose to have some longer range capabilities for their AR platform I recommend the 6.8X43 or 6.5 Grendel calibers, which provide longer-range capabilities. With the new available ammunition and for those who reload, the Grendel gets the nod in my estimation.

While the original platform for the AR was the AR-10 in .308, uppers and lowers for this weapon are not interchangeable with the AR-15 platform. The AR-10 is a fine choice for those who like the AR but desire the versatility of the 7.62X51/.308 round. Also available is the FN/FAL configuration. This too is a fantastic rifle with great dependability and accuracy.

My personal choice in a battle rifle in .308 caliber is the M1A made by Springfield. I own more than one with full size and carbine versions known as the M1A SOCOM, which has a 16″ barrel and composite stock. The .308 is a most effective round out to 800 yards and beyond with an accomplished rifleman. Again, this caliber and platform is harder to master than the AR platform in .223. While the ideal situation is to have a caliber and platform in which one could engage an adversary at a greater distance than they could engage you, being able to hit that target is of primary importance. Again, a couple of hits with a .223 are far superior to 8 misses with a .308.

If one is available, a M1 Garand is also a very effective battle rifle. While limited in firepower due to the 8-round “clip,” the 30-06 caliber is very effective at ranges up to 1000 yards and has been battle tested for almost a century. Owning an original M1 Garand allows one to own a piece of history and a fine battle rifle as well.

Of course there is the choice of the venerable AK-47. Packing more knockdown power than the AR-15 in .223 and at greater range, it is the favorite choice of many. At one time the cost of the firearm and the availability of cheap ammo made this a great choice. The increase in price of both the weapon and ammo over the past couple of years now brings this choice into the price range of the AR platform. The discussion of which weapons platform (AR/AK) is the best battle rifle began over 40 years ago and is still the subject of some great conversations.

Having the ability and the equipment to engage, at distance, roving bands of criminals who are bent on stealing, confiscating and imposing their will on others could prove an invaluable asset in the coming months. Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.

While this article should provide some basics on selection of equipment for long range shooting, the challenges are many if one seeks to become proficient with such equipment. To that end, I am teaming up with a friend and fellow long-range shooter, Mr. James Lawson, in a series of articles dealing with optics, ballistics, bullet trajectories, wind, temperature, relative humidity and shooting uphill and downhill for those who are interested. The first of these offerings should appear shortly.

This from lewrockwell.com