bearingarms--2020-12-11--Bloomberg Gun Group Wants Biden To Target "Ghost Guns"

Michael Bloomberg poured tens of millions of dollars from his personal fortune into efforts to place Joe Biden in the White House , and now he ’ s looking to make good on his investment .
On Thursday , Bloomberg ’ s Everytown for Gun Safety demanded that Biden use executive actions to impose a number of new restrictions on gun owners in the first 100 days of what ’ s likely to be a Joe Biden term beginning next month .
If you ’ re not afraid of getting anti-gun cooties on you , the Everytown for Gun Safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but here are some low-lights of their suggestions for Biden 1 ) shut down the no-questions-asked marketplace for ghost gun parts and kits by directing the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives ( ATF ) to ensure the background check system covers all firearms , including the core parts and kits used to build untraceable ghost guns ; 2 ) address the Charleston loophole , which enables illegal sales to go forward before a check is complete , by requiring all gun dealers to notify the Department of Justice ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prioritizing completing those background checks , and ensuring no background checks are deleted before completion ; 3 ) take action to stop people who shouldn ’ t have guns and may be looking to get armed by requiring the FBI to alert state and local law enforcement of all denied background checks in their jurisdiction ; 4 ) ensure the background check system has all of the prohibiting records it needs by having DOJ interpret the law to cover all prohibited purchasers and encouraging states and federal agencies to submit relevant records ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law for proactive enforcement by having DOJ clarify which sellers need to get a dealer license because they are “ engaged in the business ” and crack down on the online sales market .
Gun control activists have been going after unfinished frames and receivers for a couple of years now , and Biden ’ s pick for Health and Human Services , California AG Xavier Becerra , actually joined forces with gun control groups in a lawsuit against the ATF several months ago seeking to compel the agency to redefine unfinished frames @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gun control groups are seeking that same remedy , only through executive action on the part of Biden .
Everytown ’ s not just interested in background checks , however .
The anti-gun group also wants Biden to establish new “ Consumer Product Safety Commission standards for gun storage devices and lay the groundwork for smart guns and microstamping by funding and testing prototypes at the National Institute for Justice ” as well as use the Federal Trade Commission to start evaluating gun ads for false and misleading claims .
Biden himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push sweeping gun control changes via executive orders is limited , and complained in a private meeting with civil rights leaders that some on the Left were pushing for orders that are unconstitutional .
Biden cited gun control as an example , saying that if he signed an executive order banning assault weapons , a future Republican president could undo that ban and use it as a precedent to drastically expand gun rights .
“ We do that , next guy comes along and says , ‘ Well , guess what ?
By @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have machine guns again , ’ ” he said .
“ So we got ta be careful.
” Actually , if Biden signed an executive order banning so-called assault weapons that would immediately challenged in court , where I believe it would face steep odds of remaining in place .
Still , expectations are high on the side of anti-gun activists that Biden will target law-abiding gun owners and the firearms industry with executive actions of some kind , and as we ’ ve previously discussed , Biden could impose a ban on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ammunition via executive order without trying to ban all center-fire semi-automatic rifles .
Biden may be trying to tamp down expectations from the Left that he ’ ll be able to enact his gun ban plans via executive action , but clearly anti-gun groups are offering him a road map to restrict the Second Amendment without getting Congress involved .
Gun owners need to stay vigilant , informed , and engaged in the months ahead , because we ’ ve got plenty of fights ahead of us in the next few months @

Michael Bloomberg poured tens of millions of dollars from his personal fortune into efforts to place Joe Biden in the White House, and now he’s looking to make good on his investment. On Thursday, Bloomberg’s Everytown for Gun Safety demanded that Biden use executive actions to impose a number of new restrictions on gun owners in the first 100 days of what’s likely to be a Joe Biden term beginning next month.
If you’re not afraid of getting anti-gun cooties on you, the Everytown for Gun Safety memo is here for your persual, but here are some low-lights of their suggestions for Biden
The Biden-Harris administration can: 1) shut down the no-questions-asked marketplace for ghost gun parts and kits by directing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to ensure the background check system covers all firearms, including the core parts and kits used to build untraceable ghost guns; 2) address the Charleston loophole, which enables illegal sales to go forward before a check is complete, by requiring all gun dealers to notify the Department of Justice (DOJ) before such a sale, prioritizing completing those background checks, and ensuring no background checks are deleted before completion; 3) take action to stop people who shouldn’t have guns and may be looking to get armed by requiring the FBI to alert state and local law enforcement of all denied background checks in their jurisdiction; 4) ensure the background check system has all of the prohibiting records it needs by having DOJ interpret the law to cover all prohibited purchasers and encouraging states and federal agencies to submit relevant records; and 5)target gaps in the law for proactive enforcement by having DOJ clarify which sellers need to get a dealer license because they are “engaged in the business” and crack down on the online sales market.
Gun control activists have been going after unfinished frames and receivers for a couple of years now, and Biden’s pick for Health and Human Services, California AG Xavier Becerra, actually joined forces with gun control groups in a lawsuit against the ATF several months ago seeking to compel the agency to redefine unfinished frames and receivers as actual firearms. Now the gun control groups are seeking that same remedy, only through executive action on the part of Biden.
Everytown’s not just interested in background checks, however. The anti-gun group also wants Biden to establish new “Consumer Product Safety Commission standards for gun storage devices and lay the groundwork for smart guns and microstamping by funding and testing prototypes at the National Institute for Justice” as well as use the Federal Trade Commission to start evaluating gun ads for false and misleading claims.
Biden himself claimed on Thursday that his ability to push sweeping gun control changes via executive orders is limited, and complained in a private meeting with civil rights leaders that some on the Left were pushing for orders that are unconstitutional.
Biden cited gun control as an example, saying that if he signed an executive order banning assault weapons, a future Republican president could undo that ban and use it as a precedent to drastically expand gun rights. “We do that, next guy comes along and says, ‘Well, guess what? By executive order, I guess everybody can have machine guns again,’ ” he said. “So we gotta be careful.”
Actually, if Biden signed an executive order banning so-called assault weapons that would immediately challenged in court, where I believe it would face steep odds of remaining in place. Still, expectations are high on the side of anti-gun activists that Biden will target law-abiding gun owners and the firearms industry with executive actions of some kind, and as we’ve previously discussed, Biden could impose a ban on the importation of “non-sporting rifles” and ammunition via executive order without trying to ban all center-fire semi-automatic rifles.
Biden may be trying to tamp down expectations from the Left that he’ll be able to enact his gun ban plans via executive action, but clearly anti-gun groups are offering him a road map to restrict the Second Amendment without getting Congress involved. Gun owners need to stay vigilant, informed, and engaged in the months ahead, because we’ve got plenty of fights ahead of us in the next few months.


bearingarms--2020-12-11--Biden's Likely Domestic Policy Pick Wants Assault Weapon Ban

It ’ s no great mystery that Joe Biden intends for his administration to be the most anti-gun administration in history .
Considering history , that ’ s saying something .
Still , intentions are one thing , but actions are another .
So far , he ’ s made it a point to surround himself with people who are vehemently anti-gun .
Now , it looks like his likely pick to head up domestic policy is someone who wants a complete assault weapon ban .
Former national security adviser Susan Rice , President-elect Joe Biden ’ s reported pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council , called for a “ permanent ” ban on so-called assault weapons in a June appearance with two anti-gun groups .
Rice , who served in former president Barack Obama ’ s administration , appeared in a video with Moms Demand Action and Everytown For Gun Safety and concurred with Biden ’ s firearm plan that seeks to ban certain semi-automatic rifles , prohibit “ high-capacity magazines , ” and do away with liability protections for weapons manufacturers and sellers .
Rice has reportedly been chosen for the domestic policy role , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has ] taken on the NRA twice and won , ” Rice said in the interview with Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts .
“ When he served with President Obama in the Obama-Biden administration , we implemented over two dozen reforms that put curbs on access to guns , but we need legislation , we need leadership in Joe Biden that understands and is passionate about these issues.
” Rice advocated for laws including “ universal background checks , the enactment of a new violence against women act , with a permanent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a ban on ‘ high capacity magazines ’ that will work to buy back those assault weapons that are out there and ensure that those that remain are fully registered , ” she said .
Yeah , this is definitely someone we can trust .
Of course , the upside is that the role Rice is being considered for is an advisory role , rather than one that has any real authority .
She can tell Biden what she thinks he should do , but she doesn ’ t get a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not like we don ’ t already know that Biden is anti-gun .
Still , the potential for Rice to fill such a role makes it clear just how little Joe Biden cares about our Second Amendment rights .
Destroying them through his unconstitutional assault weapon ban proposal is a priority for him .
It ’ s as if that ’ s why he ran for president .
In the process , he may well spark a civil war .
After all , a lot of us have no interest in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping our lawfully-purchased property .
A lot of folks are going to fight to prevent that .
While such a thing will ideally be overturned by the courts , some aren ’ t going to be interested in taking that chance .
For all the fearmongering about the danger posed by men with guns , Biden ’ s choices of who he surrounds himself with just illustrates he doesn ’ t seem to care all that much about just what might happen .
Susan Rice is really just the latest name , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

It’s no great mystery that Joe Biden intends for his administration to be the most anti-gun administration in history. Considering history, that’s saying something.
Still, intentions are one thing, but actions are another.
So far, he’s made it a point to surround himself with people who are vehemently anti-gun. Now, it looks like his likely pick to head up domestic policy is someone who wants a complete assault weapon ban.
Former national security adviser Susan Rice, President-elect Joe Biden’s reported pick to lead the White House Domestic Policy Council, called for a “permanent” ban on so-called assault weapons in a June appearance with two anti-gun groups. Rice, who served in former president Barack Obama’s administration, appeared in a video with Moms Demand Action and Everytown For Gun Safety and concurred with Biden’s firearm plan that seeks to ban certain semi-automatic rifles, prohibit “high-capacity magazines,” and do away with liability protections for weapons manufacturers and sellers. Rice has reportedly been chosen for the domestic policy role, Politico reported Thursday. “[Biden has] taken on the NRA twice and won,” Rice said in the interview with Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts. “When he served with President Obama in the Obama-Biden administration, we implemented over two dozen reforms that put curbs on access to guns, but we need legislation, we need leadership in Joe Biden that understands and is passionate about these issues.” Rice advocated for laws including “universal background checks, the enactment of a new violence against women act, with a permanent and comprehensive ‘assault weapons’ ban, and a ban on ‘high capacity magazines’ that will work to buy back those assault weapons that are out there and ensure that those that remain are fully registered,” she said.
Yeah, this is definitely someone we can trust.
Of course, the upside is that the role Rice is being considered for is an advisory role, rather than one that has any real authority. She can tell Biden what she thinks he should do, but she doesn’t get a direct say in anything.
And it’s not like we don’t already know that Biden is anti-gun.
Still, the potential for Rice to fill such a role makes it clear just how little Joe Biden cares about our Second Amendment rights. Destroying them through his unconstitutional assault weapon ban proposal is a priority for him. It’s as if that’s why he ran for president.
In the process, he may well spark a civil war. After all, a lot of us have no interest in paying the government for the privilege of keeping our lawfully-purchased property. A lot of folks are going to fight to prevent that. While such a thing will ideally be overturned by the courts, some aren’t going to be interested in taking that chance.
For all the fearmongering about the danger posed by men with guns, Biden’s choices of who he surrounds himself with just illustrates he doesn’t seem to care all that much about just what might happen.
Susan Rice is really just the latest name, but she is unlikely to be the last.


bearingarms--2020-12-12--BA Gift Guide: Single-Gun Safes For Quick, Secure Access

I ’ m no fan of mandatory storage laws , but that doesn ’ t mean we shouldn ’ t keep our guns as secure as possible given our individual situations , and for most of us it makes sense to keep our guns in a safe .
At the same time , we want to be able to get to our guns quickly in case of an intruder , and these single-handgun safes make it easy to do both .
RPNB Gun Security Safe – You can get this safe with a biometric fingerprint reader or an RFID/keypad option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old-fashioned keys in case of a battery failure .
Personally , I ’ m not a fan of fingerprint readers , so I ’ ve linked to the RFID model , which comes with both a key fob and a card that allows instant access to the safe .
Additionally , a backlit keypad can be used to unlock the safe , which is actually large enough to hold two handguns if needed .
The safe opens instantly with a spring-assisted door , and is both the body and the housing of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Safe – This single-gun safe comes standard with a biometric fingerprint reader , but also features a manual keypad override and a physical key as well .
The pry-resistant door sits atop a body constructed from solid steel , and uses a gas strut that allows it to quickly and quietly open .
The 12-pound safe is powered by four AA batteries and comes with a bolt down kit that will allow you to attach the safe to a table , desk , or even the floor .
Vaultek 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No , the safe doesn ’ t actually use Bluetooth to allow you to open it with your phone , but the app does allow you to keep track of the battery life on the safe , which is a nice option .
The non-biometric safe uses an illuminated keypad for access , along with a physical key as a backup , and the interior is lit with an adjustable red LED light for visibility in the dark without impairing your vision .
The rechargeable battery should last 4-6 months , but can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via the included micro-USB cable .
SnapSafe Keyed Lock Box – If you ’ re looking for something simple without the biometric bells and whistles , SnapSafe ’ s lockbox is a perfect choice .
Big enough to hold a single handgun and TSA compliant , the simple lock box uses a physical key to open , and also comes with security cables to anchor to immobile objects .
At less than 4 pounds it ’ s the lightest safe on our list , which makes it a great option if you need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hornady 98210 Rapid Safe – Unlike the other options on our list , this safe isn ’ t designed for the home , but for your car .
Gun thefts from vehicles are a growing problem , but the Hornady Rapid Safe will keep your car gun secure .
The safe is designed to fit between the console and vehicle seat , and is secured with a commercial-grade steel cable .
The safe uses RFID technology so there ’ s no fumbling for a keypad in the dark or having to take your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get access to your gun , though there are keypad and physical keys as backups .

I’m no fan of mandatory storage laws, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep our guns as secure as possible given our individual situations, and for most of us it makes sense to keep our guns in a safe. At the same time, we want to be able to get to our guns quickly in case of an intruder, and these single-handgun safes make it easy to do both.
RPNB Gun Security Safe – You can get this safe with a biometric fingerprint reader or an RFID/keypad option, and both models do come with old-fashioned keys in case of a battery failure. Personally, I’m not a fan of fingerprint readers, so I’ve linked to the RFID model, which comes with both a key fob and a card that allows instant access to the safe. Additionally, a backlit keypad can be used to unlock the safe, which is actually large enough to hold two handguns if needed. The safe opens instantly with a spring-assisted door, and is both the body and the housing of the safe are made from dual-layer steel.
SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Safe – This single-gun safe comes standard with a biometric fingerprint reader, but also features a manual keypad override and a physical key as well. The pry-resistant door sits atop a body constructed from solid steel, and uses a gas strut that allows it to quickly and quietly open. The 12-pound safe is powered by four AA batteries and comes with a bolt down kit that will allow you to attach the safe to a table, desk, or even the floor.
Vaultek 10 Series Lightweight Handgun Bluetooth Smart Safe – No, the safe doesn’t actually use Bluetooth to allow you to open it with your phone, but the app does allow you to keep track of the battery life on the safe, which is a nice option. The non-biometric safe uses an illuminated keypad for access, along with a physical key as a backup, and the interior is lit with an adjustable red LED light for visibility in the dark without impairing your vision. The rechargeable battery should last 4-6 months, but can be recharged in a matter of hours via the included micro-USB cable.
SnapSafe Keyed Lock Box – If you’re looking for something simple without the biometric bells and whistles, SnapSafe’s lockbox is a perfect choice. Big enough to hold a single handgun and TSA compliant, the simple lock box uses a physical key to open, and also comes with security cables to anchor to immobile objects. At less than 4 pounds it’s the lightest safe on our list, which makes it a great option if you need a secure storage option while traveling.
Hornady 98210 Rapid Safe – Unlike the other options on our list, this safe isn’t designed for the home, but for your car. Gun thefts from vehicles are a growing problem, but the Hornady Rapid Safe will keep your car gun secure. The safe is designed to fit between the console and vehicle seat, and is secured with a commercial-grade steel cable. The safe uses RFID technology so there’s no fumbling for a keypad in the dark or having to take your eyes off of the threat to try to get access to your gun, though there are keypad and physical keys as backups.
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bearingarms--2020-12-12--CNN Puts Narrative Ahead Of Facts In Polymer80 "Ghost Gun" Case

Details about Thursday ’ s raid on Dayton , Nevada-based gun company Polymer80 are still trickling out through court documents and unnamed sources , but there are still a lot of unanswered questions surrounding the reasons for the raid itself .
According to CNN , the ATF “ recently determined that Polymer80 ’ s kits meet the definition of a firearm under the law , even if they are not yet assembled.
” Those kits , sold by Polymer80 under the brand “ Buy Build Shoot ” contain unfinished receivers and frames that the ATF had previously approved for sale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other components necessary to build out a complete handgun .
The ATF purchased multiple kits from the company ’ s website , and an agent used one to build a functioning firearm in about three hours , according to the affidavit .
A confidential informant working with the agency — a convicted felon with past experience with guns — was able to so in 21 minutes , the document states .
Following that scenario , a senior ATF agent determined that the kits fit the definition of a firearm which is described , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which will or is designed or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.
” It ’ s also important to note that from a legal perspective , the ATF considers a finished frame or receiver as a “ firearm , ” even if it doesn ’ t have a slide , barrel , or firing pin .
It shouldn ’ t matter what other gun parts are sold with Polymer80 ’ s kit , because the only thing that really matters is how readily the 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ converted to a fully finished one .
Since Polymer80 was already approved by the ATF to sell their 80 % frames and receivers , I ’ m having a very hard time understanding why this raid took place now .
Was there any determination letter sent by the ATF revoking their approval for the unfinished frames and receivers or did they just show up on Thursday morning with a warrant in hand ?
My suspicion is that this was meant as a shot across the bow , so to speak , from an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Joe Biden taking control of the ATF in a few weeks .
There ’ s a narrative that ’ s already being pushed by outlets like CNN that the ATF is helping to craft ; “ ghost guns ” are the new gun of choice for criminals , and therefore the crackdown must commence in earnest .
First , there was a home-invasion-style robbery in April 2019 that resulted in a triple homicide .
Three months ago , a pair of sheriff ’ s deputies were shot while sitting in their patrol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 29-year-old man was fatally shot outside his home , allegedly by members of a street gang .
The three seemingly unconnected attacks in Southern California have one thing in common , according to federal authorities : So-called ghost guns recovered by police during their investigations all trace back to the same company in Nevada… ATF officials , based on data from the agency ’ s National Tracing Center , estimate that approximately 10,000 ghost guns were recovered in the US last year , including about 2,700 in California .
Polymer80 guns were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States , ” and about 15 of the company ’ s weapons were recovered during homicide investigations in California , the document states .
Before we go any further , just a reminder that it ’ s still illegal for a prohibited person to possess a home-built firearm , just like it for them to possess a gun that was purchased illegally or stolen .
So , laws are being broken when a felon turns an 80 % frame into a handgun , but the crime is committed by the felon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ATF-approved unfinished frame itself .
The CNN report tells us that ATF officials estimate that 10,000 “ ghost guns ” were recovered in the U.S. last year , but it doesn ’ t tell us how many guns total the agency recovered and what percentage of those were home-built firearms .
As it turns out , the ATF recovered 269,250 guns in 2019 .
If 10,000 of them were so-called ghost guns , then that means that less than five percent of all guns recovered last year were believed to be home-built .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those were stolen from legal gun owners , or even used by a legal gun owner in the commission of a crime .
Some of them were undoubtably just “ found firearms ” that haven ’ t been connected to a crime at all .
CNN doesn ’ t explain any of that , however , and it certainly never informs its audience that more than 95 % of all guns recovered by the ATF were originally sold at retail as fully functioning firearms .
We ’ re just supposed to hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Polymer80 has done bad things and that “ something ” must be done about those awful ghost guns .
The narrative has been set , and the crackdown is just beginning .

Details about Thursday’s raid on Dayton, Nevada-based gun company Polymer80 are still trickling out through court documents and unnamed sources, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions surrounding the reasons for the raid itself.
According to CNN, the ATF “recently determined that Polymer80’s kits meet the definition of a firearm under the law, even if they are not yet assembled.” Those kits, sold by Polymer80 under the brand “Buy Build Shoot” contain unfinished receivers and frames that the ATF had previously approved for sale by the company, along with the other components necessary to build out a complete handgun.
The ATF purchased multiple kits from the company’s website, and an agent used one to build a functioning firearm in about three hours, according to the affidavit. A confidential informant working with the agency — a convicted felon with past experience with guns — was able to so in 21 minutes, the document states. Following that scenario, a senior ATF agent determined that the kits fit the definition of a firearm which is described, in part, as a weapon “which will or is designed or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.”
The ATF is treading into some uncharted legal waters here. As firearms attorney Ryan Cleckner has noted, there is no case law that addresses when an object may be considered may be considered to be “readily converted” into a frame or receiver, though there are several cases dealing with whether or not a semi-automatic firearm can readily be converted into a machine gun.
It’s also important to note that from a legal perspective, the ATF considers a finished frame or receiver as a “firearm,” even if it doesn’t have a slide, barrel, or firing pin. It shouldn’t matter what other gun parts are sold with Polymer80’s kit, because the only thing that really matters is how readily the 80% finished frame or receiver can be converted to a fully finished one. Since Polymer80 was already approved by the ATF to sell their 80% frames and receivers, I’m having a very hard time understanding why this raid took place now. Was there any determination letter sent by the ATF revoking their approval for the unfinished frames and receivers or did they just show up on Thursday morning with a warrant in hand?
My suspicion is that this was meant as a shot across the bow, so to speak, from an agency that feels emboldened by the likelihood of Joe Biden taking control of the ATF in a few weeks. There’s a narrative that’s already being pushed by outlets like CNN that the ATF is helping to craft; “ghost guns” are the new gun of choice for criminals, and therefore the crackdown must commence in earnest.
First, there was a home-invasion-style robbery in April 2019 that resulted in a triple homicide. Three months ago, a pair of sheriff’s deputies were shot while sitting in their patrol car. And just last month, a 29-year-old man was fatally shot outside his home, allegedly by members of a street gang. The three seemingly unconnected attacks in Southern California have one thing in common, according to federal authorities: So-called ghost guns recovered by police during their investigations all trace back to the same company in Nevada… ATF officials, based on data from the agency’s National Tracing Center, estimate that approximately 10,000 ghost guns were recovered in the US last year, including about 2,700 in California. Polymer80 guns were used in “hundreds of crimes throughout the United States,” and about 15 of the company’s weapons were recovered during homicide investigations in California, the document states.
Before we go any further, just a reminder that it’s still illegal for a prohibited person to possess a home-built firearm, just like it for them to possess a gun that was purchased illegally or stolen. So, laws are being broken when a felon turns an 80% frame into a handgun, but the crime is committed by the felon, not the company that manufactured the ATF-approved unfinished frame itself.
The CNN report tells us that ATF officials estimate that 10,000 “ghost guns” were recovered in the U.S. last year, but it doesn’t tell us how many guns total the agency recovered and what percentage of those were home-built firearms. As it turns out, the ATF recovered 269,250 guns in 2019. If 10,000 of them were so-called ghost guns, then that means that less than five percent of all guns recovered last year were believed to be home-built.
We also have no idea how many of those were stolen from legal gun owners, or even used by a legal gun owner in the commission of a crime. Some of them were undoubtably just “found firearms” that haven’t been connected to a crime at all.
CNN doesn’t explain any of that, however, and it certainly never informs its audience that more than 95% of all guns recovered by the ATF were originally sold at retail as fully functioning firearms. We’re just supposed to hear the figures and jump to the conclusion that Polymer80 has done bad things and that “something” must be done about those awful ghost guns. The narrative has been set, and the crackdown is just beginning.


bearingarms--2020-12-12--Lil Wayne Deserves A Pardon From President Trump

When rapper Lil Wayne was arrested a few weeks ago and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm , his attorney went out of his way to bring up Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett and her opinion in Kanter vs. Barr that not all felony convictions should come with a lifetime prohibition on gun ownership .
To me , that signaled that Wayne was prepared to fight the charges , but on Friday the 38-year old , whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter , decided to plead guilty to having a gold-plated .45 in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on December 23rd , 2019 , despite facing the potential for spending the next ten years behind bars .
Carter ’ s attorney Howard Srebnick told reporters that he believed Wayne could likely have had the search of his plane suppressed , but his client wanted to accept responsibility for his crime .
‘ I must say I thought it was a very viable motion .
He has decided not to pursue a motion to suppress , ’ Srebnick said .
Srebnick previously argued that the circumstances were fit for Supreme Court review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possessing a gun hadn ’ t been decided as a constitutional question under the Second Amendment .
He noted an opinion from Justice Amy Coney Barrett , prior to her being confirmed to the Supreme Court last month , in which she argued that only dangerous felons should be stripped of their rights to bear arms under the Second Amendment .
‘ Although the Supreme Court has not yet decided the constitutional question , Justice Amy Coney Barrett recently wrote an appellate dissenting opinion in which she stated that ‘ absent evidence that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or bears individual markers of risk , permanently disqualifying [ a convicted felon ] from possessing a gun violates the Second Amendment ’ .
’ What if Lil Wayne decided to take a chance on Donald Trump rather than Amy Coney Barrett ?
The rapper endorsed Trump weeks before the election , and there ’ ve been reports that the president is offering pardons “ like Christmas presents ” at the moment .
By pleading guilty now the rapper can be pardoned by the president before his sentencing in January , and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and would serve the interest of justice .
Dwayne Carter has a felony record because he pled guilty back in 2009 to possessing a gun without a license in New York City .
Two years earlier , after Lil Wayne ’ s first headlining concert in New York , police searched his tour bus after claiming to have smelled marijuana .
Inside , they found a .40 caliber handgun that they eventually connected via DNA to Carter .
There was no charge connected to a crime of violence ; just a simple non-violent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the middle of Michael Bloomberg ’ s time as mayor , when the number of stops-and-frisks were soaring into the hundreds of thousands and dubious searches like this were taking place on a daily basis , in the name of “ gun safety.
” Carter ended up serving eight months in Riker ’ s Island for something that isn ’ t even a crime in many states , and is a misdemeanor in many others .
Beyond his incarceration , Carter also lost his right to keep and bear arms for the rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York City ’ s gun control laws that treat the Second Amendment as a second class right .
Under the Barrett standard , Dwayne Carter doesn ’ t seem to meet the definition of dangerous to me .
Since his release from prison in 2010 , Carter hasn ’ t had any more arrests or convictions for violent charges , and he ’ s accepted responsibility for possessing the gun in this most recent offense .
The idea of Carter spending ten years in a federal prison for possessing a gun as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that original felony , is repugnant to the idea of justice in a nation where we possess the right to keep and bear arms .
President Donald Trump has the power to pardon Dwayne Carter and spare him the indignity of going to prison for possessing a gun that he never should have been prohibited from owning in the first place .
A pardon would restore all of Carter ’ s rights in the process , including his Second Amendment rights .
For those of us who view New York City ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right of the People to keep and bear arms , a full pardon would be the only truly just outcome for the artist known as Lil Wayne .

When rapper Lil Wayne was arrested a few weeks ago and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, his attorney went out of his way to bring up Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett and her opinion in Kanter vs. Barr that not all felony convictions should come with a lifetime prohibition on gun ownership.
To me, that signaled that Wayne was prepared to fight the charges, but on Friday the 38-year old, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter, decided to plead guilty to having a gold-plated .45 in his private jet when it landed in Miami on December 23rd, 2019, despite facing the potential for spending the next ten years behind bars.
Carter’s attorney Howard Srebnick told reporters that he believed Wayne could likely have had the search of his plane suppressed, but his client wanted to accept responsibility for his crime.
‘I must say I thought it was a very viable motion. He has decided not to pursue a motion to suppress,’ Srebnick said. Srebnick previously argued that the circumstances were fit for Supreme Court review because the issue of a convicted felon possessing a gun hadn’t been decided as a constitutional question under the Second Amendment. He noted an opinion from Justice Amy Coney Barrett, prior to her being confirmed to the Supreme Court last month, in which she argued that only dangerous felons should be stripped of their rights to bear arms under the Second Amendment. ‘Although the Supreme Court has not yet decided the constitutional question, Justice Amy Coney Barrett recently wrote an appellate dissenting opinion in which she stated that ‘absent evidence that he either belongs to a dangerous category or bears individual markers of risk, permanently disqualifying [a convicted felon] from possessing a gun violates the Second Amendment’.’
What if Lil Wayne decided to take a chance on Donald Trump rather than Amy Coney Barrett? The rapper endorsed Trump weeks before the election, and there’ve been reports that the president is offering pardons “like Christmas presents” at the moment. By pleading guilty now the rapper can be pardoned by the president before his sentencing in January, and in my opinion the pardon is absolutely warranted and would serve the interest of justice.
Dwayne Carter has a felony record because he pled guilty back in 2009 to possessing a gun without a license in New York City. Two years earlier, after Lil Wayne’s first headlining concert in New York, police searched his tour bus after claiming to have smelled marijuana. Inside, they found a .40 caliber handgun that they eventually connected via DNA to Carter.
There was no charge connected to a crime of violence; just a simple non-violent possessory offense, but this was in the middle of Michael Bloomberg’s time as mayor, when the number of stops-and-frisks were soaring into the hundreds of thousands and dubious searches like this were taking place on a daily basis, in the name of “gun safety.” Carter ended up serving eight months in Riker’s Island for something that isn’t even a crime in many states, and is a misdemeanor in many others. Beyond his incarceration, Carter also lost his right to keep and bear arms for the rest of his life, all thanks to New York City’s gun control laws that treat the Second Amendment as a second class right.
Under the Barrett standard, Dwayne Carter doesn’t seem to meet the definition of dangerous to me. Since his release from prison in 2010, Carter hasn’t had any more arrests or convictions for violent charges, and he’s accepted responsibility for possessing the gun in this most recent offense. The idea of Carter spending ten years in a federal prison for possessing a gun as a felon, given the circumstances of that original felony, is repugnant to the idea of justice in a nation where we possess the right to keep and bear arms.
President Donald Trump has the power to pardon Dwayne Carter and spare him the indignity of going to prison for possessing a gun that he never should have been prohibited from owning in the first place. A pardon would restore all of Carter’s rights in the process, including his Second Amendment rights It’s unclear whether the presidential pardon would restore his Second Amendment rights, given the fact that his original conviction was for a state-level offense, but for those of us who view New York City’s gun possession laws as unconstitutional infringements on the right of the People to keep and bear arms, a full pardon would be, at the very least, an incredibly important step towards the only truly just outcome; a full restoration of his rights.


bearingarms--2020-12-13--BA Gift Guide- Show Where You Stand With These Pro-2A Shirts

Looking for some creative , fun , and funky ways to show off your support for the Second Amendment ?
Need that perfect piece of 2A swag as a gift for the gun owners in your life ?
We ’ ve got you covered with these 2A tees that range from serious to silly , but are all sure to start conversations and have folks asking “ where did you get that shirt ” the next time you ’ re at the range .
Shall Not Be Infringed shirt – Simple and understated , this tee still lets folks know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the right to keep and bear arms .
AR-15 Statue of Liberty – Lady Liberty isn ’ t holding her torch up high in the graphic on this tee .
Instead , she ’ s raising her AR-15 above her head , almost like she ’ s daring Joe Biden to come and get it .
Updated Gonzales Flag – There ’ s no “ almost ” with this shirt .
The updated Gonzales flag design replaces the cannon on the original flag with a more modern twist .
The shirt also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sleeve and is made right here in the U.S.A. Retro AK-47 shirt – This funky tee has a vintage design that hearkens back to the 1970s .
Available in a variety of colors , but the manufacturer notes that the shirts do run a little small in the men ’ s design , so order up a size for a looser fit .
Right to Arm Bears – For those hardcore Second Amendment supporters who don ’ t just believe that the right to bear arms is a human right , but a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Or , you know , you just like to get a chuckle from your friends at the range when you show up sporting this tee .
Oops , I Lost It – According to a statistic I just made up , boating accidents involving gun collections are expected to increase by 965 % over the next four years .
Personally , I ’ m more of a “ Come and Take It ” guy , but if your firearms have been involved in a tragic canoeing incident and are now lost forever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sam is concerned ) , this shirt ’ s for you .
Pop Threads Gonzales Flag – This 3/4 sleeve jersey-style tee offers some throwback flair with the original “ Come and Take It ” challenge of the Gonzales Flag flown by rebels in the first military engagement of the Texas Revolution in 1835 .
This shirt is made from 100 % American cotton and is designed and printed in the heart of the Lone Star State .

Looking for some creative, fun, and funky ways to show off your support for the Second Amendment? Need that perfect piece of 2A swag as a gift for the gun owners in your life? We’ve got you covered with these 2A tees that range from serious to silly, but are all sure to start conversations and have folks asking “where did you get that shirt” the next time you’re at the range.
Shall Not Be Infringed shirt – Simple and understated, this tee still lets folks know exactly where you stand when it comes to the right to keep and bear arms.
AR-15 Statue of Liberty – Lady Liberty isn’t holding her torch up high in the graphic on this tee. Instead, she’s raising her AR-15 above her head, almost like she’s daring Joe Biden to come and get it.
Updated Gonzales Flag – There’s no “almost” with this shirt. The updated Gonzales flag design replaces the cannon on the original flag with a more modern twist. The shirt also features an American flag on the right sleeve and is made right here in the U.S.A.
Retro AK-47 shirt – This funky tee has a vintage design that hearkens back to the 1970s. Available in a variety of colors, but the manufacturer notes that the shirts do run a little small in the men’s design, so order up a size for a looser fit.
Right to Arm Bears – For those hardcore Second Amendment supporters who don’t just believe that the right to bear arms is a human right, but a right of our ursine friends as well. Or, you know, you just like to get a chuckle from your friends at the range when you show up sporting this tee.
Oops, I Lost It – According to a statistic I just made up, boating accidents involving gun collections are expected to increase by 965% over the next four years. Personally, I’m more of a “Come and Take It” guy, but if your firearms have been involved in a tragic canoeing incident and are now lost forever (at least as far as Uncle Sam is concerned), this shirt’s for you.
Pop Threads Gonzales Flag – This 3/4 sleeve jersey-style tee offers some throwback flair with the original “Come and Take It” challenge of the Gonzales Flag flown by rebels in the first military engagement of the Texas Revolution in 1835. This shirt is made from 100% American cotton and is designed and printed in the heart of the Lone Star State.
When you make a purchase, Townhall Media receives a revenue share from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate.


bearingarms--2020-12-13--Former Marine Convicted For Attempted Gun Smuggling

The Marine Corps has a lot of noble past members .
While I ’ ll tease Marines incessantly–that means a lot , for you Marines–I really do have a lot of respect for them .
My own maternal grandfather was a Marine , after all .
However , no group of people exists that can ’ t be tainted by the actions of another .
My own Navy Hospital Corps isn ’ t immune and neither is anyone else .
Everyone gets someone who tries to do something stupid , dangerous , evil , or some combination of the three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around , they got this guy .
A former Marine sergeant has been found guilty of trying to smuggle guns into his native Haiti to train the Haitian Army so they could engage in a foreign armed conflict .
Jacques Duroseau was a Marine sergeant living in Onslow County when federal prosecutors say he got onto an American Airlines flight at the New Bern airport with eight guns , some of which were bought in Jacksonville .
The U.S. Attorney ’ s Office says the firearms included a Ruger model Precision Rifle 300WIN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ model ST15 , as well as a large amount of ammunition , riflescopes , and body armor .
Duroseau pretended to be a military officer on official business .
He was not successful .
While in a perfect world , Duroseau ’ s actions–except pretending to be an officer on government business , anyway–would have been fine , we don ’ t live in a perfect world .
We ’ re stuck with this one , and such an act violates both American law and Haitian law .
Arms can ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the government .
Permission Duroseau didn ’ t have .
Further , only specific arms can be imported even with that permission .
Many of the guns Duroseau tried to take to Haiti were not permissible .
Honestly , I can ’ t help but think the dumbest part of this is who sloppy he was in trying to smuggle them into the country .
I mean , it ’ s not like Haiti has super-secure borders that can only be accessible at certain points .
It can ’ t be all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the country if you want to , but probably not on a commercial airliner with Lord only knows how many other people on board .
It ’ s the stupidity of this that boggles my mind .
It boggled it when I first read about this last year and it ’ s still boggling it .
I mean , I know we tease Marines about being stupid , but they ’ re not .
Well , not all of them are , anyway .
Clearly , some aren ’ t all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and did it in a very stupid way .
At this point , he ’ s pretty much asking to get the book thrown at him when it comes to sentencing .
While gun laws shouldn ’ t exist anywhere , they do .
If you try to smuggle guns in spite of those , I ’ m not going to feel much in the way of sympathy if you get caught and get hammered by the courts .
There are right ways and wrong ways to challenge laws , and ending up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t the right way .

The Marine Corps has a lot of noble past members. While I’ll tease Marines incessantly–that means a lot, for you Marines–I really do have a lot of respect for them. My own maternal grandfather was a Marine, after all.
However, no group of people exists that can’t be tainted by the actions of another. My own Navy Hospital Corps isn’t immune and neither is anyone else. Everyone gets someone who tries to do something stupid, dangerous, evil, or some combination of the three.
For the Corps, this time around, they got this guy.
A former Marine sergeant has been found guilty of trying to smuggle guns into his native Haiti to train the Haitian Army so they could engage in a foreign armed conflict. Jacques Duroseau was a Marine sergeant living in Onslow County when federal prosecutors say he got onto an American Airlines flight at the New Bern airport with eight guns, some of which were bought in Jacksonville. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says the firearms included a Ruger model Precision Rifle 300WIN MAG and a Spike’s Tactical model ST15, as well as a large amount of ammunition, riflescopes, and body armor.
Duroseau pretended to be a military officer on official business.
He was not successful.
While in a perfect world, Duroseau’s actions–except pretending to be an officer on government business, anyway–would have been fine, we don’t live in a perfect world. We’re stuck with this one, and such an act violates both American law and Haitian law. Arms can’t be imported into the country without special permission from the government. Permission Duroseau didn’t have. Further, only specific arms can be imported even with that permission.
Many of the guns Duroseau tried to take to Haiti were not permissible.
Honestly, I can’t help but think the dumbest part of this is who sloppy he was in trying to smuggle them into the country. I mean, it’s not like Haiti has super-secure borders that can only be accessible at certain points. It can’t be all that difficult to smuggle things into or out of the country if you want to, but probably not on a commercial airliner with Lord only knows how many other people on board.
It’s the stupidity of this that boggles my mind. It boggled it when I first read about this last year and it’s still boggling it.
I mean, I know we tease Marines about being stupid, but they’re not. Well, not all of them are, anyway. Clearly, some aren’t all that bright.
Duroseau broke the law and did it in a very stupid way. At this point, he’s pretty much asking to get the book thrown at him when it comes to sentencing.
While gun laws shouldn’t exist anywhere, they do. If you try to smuggle guns in spite of those, I’m not going to feel much in the way of sympathy if you get caught and get hammered by the courts. There are right ways and wrong ways to challenge laws, and ending up in prison sure as hell ain’t the right way.


bearingarms--2020-12-13--Stolen Guns Recovered, Armed Robbery Suspects Arrested

It ’ s hard not to feel like a broken record sometimes , but it ’ s kind of unavoidable .
After all , when you ’ re dealing with people who believe that restricting gun rights for law-abiding citizens will somehow prevent criminals from obtaining guns , you ’ re going to say the same stuff over and over again .
See , what gun control advocates don ’ t seem to understand is that so long as guns are around , criminals are going to get them , no matter how much you try to restrict who can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Well , it ’ s because criminals don ’ t go through legal channels to buy guns , as this particular incident reminds us .
Close to 30 handguns stolen on Nov. 16 from a Cassat Avenue business have been found near Atlanta as two men sought in that armed robbery are behind bars , Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said Thursday .
But 14 more weapons taken at gunpoint from the Treasure Chest Jewelry and Pawn in Jacksonville are still being sought , as are two other suspects believed involved in the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headed to New York when the U.S.
Marshal ’ s Service caught one suspect near Atlanta , with some of the weapons found in his mother ’ s home in Lawrenceville , Williams said .
“ This is a unique case where these were clearly career criminals and they were profiting off of stolen handguns , ” the sheriff said .
More than $ 100,000 in jewelry and cash was taken with 40 handguns , and the employee ’ s car was stolen as well , the sheriff said .
The employee was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted security camera images of the men on social media .
These guys were rolling in the cash and they were stealing guns for transport to places where they could likely get the best price .
They didn ’ t fill out 4473s with the gun dealer .
They didn ’ t undergo a NICS check .
They didn ’ t do any of the things we ’ re told are necessary to keep guns from falling into criminal hands .
And yet , they fell into criminal hands none the less .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ t it ?
Criminals don ’ t follow the law .
I ’ m not sure how many times I have to say it , because the anti-gunners still aren ’ t comprehending it .
They steal guns .
They get others to buy in their stead .
They buy them from people who have stolen them in the first place .
They do whatever they want and they don ’ t care about the legality .
It ’ s kind of the very definition of “ criminal , ” after all .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun collectors in another state .
This isn ’ t a case of some well-intentioned soul running afoul of regulations without realizing it .
This was a criminal enterprise that existed just to arm criminals .
Is anyone really surprised that they opted to steal a pile of guns to fuel that enterprise ?
Now , these two men will answer for their crimes .
Further , these guns won ’ t get into the kinds of hands that will eventually commit acts that are used to justify gun control laws .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may sound like a broken record on these things , it ’ s not like the anti-gunners will listen .

It’s hard not to feel like a broken record sometimes, but it’s kind of unavoidable. After all, when you’re dealing with people who believe that restricting gun rights for law-abiding citizens will somehow prevent criminals from obtaining guns, you’re going to say the same stuff over and over again.
See, what gun control advocates don’t seem to understand is that so long as guns are around, criminals are going to get them, no matter how much you try to restrict who can buy them.
Why is that? Well, it’s because criminals don’t go through legal channels to buy guns, as this particular incident reminds us.
Close to 30 handguns stolen on Nov. 16 from a Cassat Avenue business have been found near Atlanta as two men sought in that armed robbery are behind bars, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said Thursday. But 14 more weapons taken at gunpoint from the Treasure Chest Jewelry and Pawn in Jacksonville are still being sought, as are two other suspects believed involved in the case, Williams said. The guns were headed to New York when the U.S. Marshal’s Service caught one suspect near Atlanta, with some of the weapons found in his mother’s home in Lawrenceville, Williams said. “This is a unique case where these were clearly career criminals and they were profiting off of stolen handguns,” the sheriff said. … More than $100,000 in jewelry and cash was taken with 40 handguns, and the employee’s car was stolen as well, the sheriff said. The employee was able to call 911, and police posted security camera images of the men on social media.
These guys were rolling in the cash and they were stealing guns for transport to places where they could likely get the best price. They didn’t fill out 4473s with the gun dealer. They didn’t undergo a NICS check. They didn’t do any of the things we’re told are necessary to keep guns from falling into criminal hands.
And yet, they fell into criminal hands none the less. Funny how that works, isn’t it?
Criminals don’t follow the law. I’m not sure how many times I have to say it, because the anti-gunners still aren’t comprehending it. They steal guns. They get others to buy in their stead. They buy them from people who have stolen them in the first place. They do whatever they want and they don’t care about the legality.
It’s kind of the very definition of “criminal,” after all.
These guns weren’t intended for gun collectors in another state. This isn’t a case of some well-intentioned soul running afoul of regulations without realizing it. This was a criminal enterprise that existed just to arm criminals. Is anyone really surprised that they opted to steal a pile of guns to fuel that enterprise?
Now, these two men will answer for their crimes. Further, these guns won’t get into the kinds of hands that will eventually commit acts that are used to justify gun control laws. After all, no matter how much I may sound like a broken record on these things, it’s not like the anti-gunners will listen.


bearingarms--2020-12-14--BA Gift Guide- Five Fantastic Concealed Carry Purses

Concealed carry purses are a popular option for many women who choose to carry a gun in self-defense ( not to mention a popular gift for those married or dating women who carry ) .
We ’ ve picked out a variety of handbags in styles and sizes , but all of the purses we ’ ve selected below have one thing in common : they can be carried cross-body style , which is critically important for a more secured firearm .
You don ’ t want to suddenly be disarmed if your bag is ripped out of your hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carry minimizes those risks .
Browning Sierra Cross-Body Concealed Carry Handbag – This purse comes with a lockable zipper for increased security , as well as a hidden key ring so you can easily store and find the key if need be .
An internal holster can be fitted on the right or left side of the bag , and can also rotate and adjust for your personal fit .
As noted , the purse can be worn across the body , which makes it much harder for thieves to pull off a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow for plenty of extra storage .
Ella Tote by Lady Conceal – This tote-style bag features a lockable YYK zipper and four keys , along with a braided adjustable crossbody strap ( though you can carry the bag using the handles as well ) .
Inside the fully-lined compartment you ’ ll find two open slip pockets for your cell phone , as well as a large zippered pocket , and a universal holster that ’ s held in the concealment pocket with double-sided Velcro .
The ambidextrous locking concealed carry compartment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” H and can easily hold a large frame handgun .
Montana West Hobo Purse – This genuine leather purse is smaller than the first two on our list , so if you ’ re walking around with a full size or large frame handgun , this probably isn ’ t the purse for you .
If your every day carry gun is something more compact , on the other hand , this hobo purse by Montana West will suit you just fine , and you ’ ll still have plenty of room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keys , and other necessities .
There ’ s a double-zippered center compartment that allows for ambidextrous holster placement , while the main compartment has two open pockets and a zippered pouch as well .
You can carry the bag using removable handles or a crossbody strap , the bag stays closed thanks to a top zipper closure in addition to a magnetic flap .
MoonStruck Leather Butternut Crocodile Leather Concealed Carry Purse – This beautiful purse is handcrafted in the Lone Star State , and each purse and holster are meticulously hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ craftsmen with years of experience .
This purse is the smallest of all that we ’ re highlighting however , at 4″ wide , 10″ high , and 9″ long .
Again , this isn ’ t the carry purse if you ’ re walking around with a 1911 , but a compact or micro-compact pistol will fit comfortably inside the bag .
The purse comes with a zippered concealment pocket and an included adjustable holster ; interior pockets for additional magazines if necessary ; and a zippered back pocket for phone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Top Handle Handbag – From the smallest of our purses to the largest .
This top-handled handbag from Jessie & James is 13.5″ wide , 10.5″ tall , and 4.5″ deep , with a 10″W x 7″H concealed carry pocket that ’ s large enough for a full-size handgun .
The two-zippered opening allows for easy access no matter your dominant hand , though the carry compartment itself has been designed for right-handed gun owners and lefties may prefer another option .
The bag comes with both a matching wallet and an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the zippered and lockable carry compartment .
There are several sizable zippered pockets in the interior of the handbag as well , and the crossbody strap allows for greater security for those who want it .
There are obviously hundreds of choices for concealed carry purses , but look for those bags that allow for cross-body wear , are ambidextrous in design , and can be locked to ensure inquisitive kids and other unwanted attempts to access your purse will still allow you to keep your gun secured .

Concealed carry purses are a popular option for many women who choose to carry a gun in self-defense (not to mention a popular gift for those married or dating women who carry). We’ve picked out a variety of handbags in styles and sizes, but all of the purses we’ve selected below have one thing in common: they can be carried cross-body style, which is critically important for a more secured firearm. You don’t want to suddenly be disarmed if your bag is ripped out of your hands or off your shoulder, but cross-body carry minimizes those risks.
Browning Sierra Cross-Body Concealed Carry Handbag – This purse comes with a lockable zipper for increased security, as well as a hidden key ring so you can easily store and find the key if need be. An internal holster can be fitted on the right or left side of the bag, and can also rotate and adjust for your personal fit. As noted, the purse can be worn across the body, which makes it much harder for thieves to pull off a snatch-and-grab, and the internal organized pockets allow for plenty of extra storage.
Ella Tote by Lady Conceal – This tote-style bag features a lockable YYK zipper and four keys, along with a braided adjustable crossbody strap (though you can carry the bag using the handles as well). Inside the fully-lined compartment you’ll find two open slip pockets for your cell phone, as well as a large zippered pocket, and a universal holster that’s held in the concealment pocket with double-sided Velcro. The ambidextrous locking concealed carry compartment measures approximately 9” W x 6.25” H and can easily hold a large frame handgun.
Montana West Hobo Purse – This genuine leather purse is smaller than the first two on our list, so if you’re walking around with a full size or large frame handgun, this probably isn’t the purse for you. If your every day carry gun is something more compact, on the other hand, this hobo purse by Montana West will suit you just fine, and you’ll still have plenty of room left over for your cell phone, keys, and other necessities. There’s a double-zippered center compartment that allows for ambidextrous holster placement, while the main compartment has two open pockets and a zippered pouch as well. You can carry the bag using removable handles or a crossbody strap, the bag stays closed thanks to a top zipper closure in addition to a magnetic flap.
MoonStruck Leather Butternut Crocodile Leather Concealed Carry Purse – This beautiful purse is handcrafted in the Lone Star State, and each purse and holster are meticulously hand cut, sewn and constructed by leather craftsmen with years of experience. This purse is the smallest of all that we’re highlighting however, at 4″ wide, 10″ high, and 9″ long. Again, this isn’t the carry purse if you’re walking around with a 1911, but a compact or micro-compact pistol will fit comfortably inside the bag.
The purse comes with a zippered concealment pocket and an included adjustable holster; interior pockets for additional magazines if necessary; and a zippered back pocket for phone, keys and other essentials.
Jessie & James Top Handle Handbag – From the smallest of our purses to the largest. This top-handled handbag from Jessie & James is 13.5″ wide, 10.5″ tall, and 4.5″ deep, with a 10″W x 7″H concealed carry pocket that’s large enough for a full-size handgun. The two-zippered opening allows for easy access no matter your dominant hand, though the carry compartment itself has been designed for right-handed gun owners and lefties may prefer another option. The bag comes with both a matching wallet and an adjustable holster that can be secured in the zippered and lockable carry compartment. There are several sizable zippered pockets in the interior of the handbag as well, and the crossbody strap allows for greater security for those who want it.
There are obviously hundreds of choices for concealed carry purses, but look for those bags that allow for cross-body wear, are ambidextrous in design, and can be locked to ensure inquisitive kids and other unwanted attempts to access your purse will still allow you to keep your gun secured.
When you make a purchase, Townhall Media receives a revenue share from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate.


bearingarms--2020-12-14--San Francisco Buyback An Absolute Joke

San Francisco Buyback An Absolute Joke

The City of San Francisco is one of the most notoriously anti-gun communities in one of the most anti-gun states in the nation .
It ’ s not a place you ’ re going to be comfortable in if you ’ re a gun person .
Nor will you enjoy it if you dislike human fecal matter on the sidewalks , but hey , what can you do ?
San Francisco , like so many other anti-gun cities , recently had a gun buyback .
More than 225 guns were returned Saturday during an annual gun buyback program in San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the San Francisco Mayor ’ s Office of Violence Prevention Services , the San Francisco Police Department and the United Playaz , a San Francisco-based violence prevention and youth development organization .
United Playaz founder Rudy Corpuz said people turned in 228 guns , including 8 assault rifles during the four-hour event Saturday .
Those who brought in handguns got $ 100 and those who turned in “ assault weapons ” got $ 100 .
I ’ m sure people feel so much safer now .
San Francisco has a population of over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 228 firearms ?
Seriously ?
This is supposed to count as some kind of a big win ?
See , those guns–including the eight “ assault weapons ” turned in–came from lawful gun owners who simply didn ’ t want their firearms anymore and didn ’ t know how to sell them otherwise .
That ’ s about it .
After all , if people knew they could take them to a gun store and have them sold on consignment and thus make a lot more , I suspect people would be all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though , and thanks to California ’ s laws , they couldn ’ t sell them directly to individuals who they knew to be responsible gun owners , they may not have known there were any other choices .
But the number of guns is pathetically small when you think of the size of the city of San Francisco .
How many people will actually delude themselves to believe that the buyback made their community safer ?
How many actually think that those guns made any bit of a difference ?
Far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t begrudge people getting rid of guns they don ’ t want .
What I begrudge are communities doing this kind of thing in order to look like they ’ re making some kind of an effort to combat violent crime without having to actually address violent crime .
That ’ s all this is .
It ’ s theater , a dramatic presentation to make people feel better about their city and the elected officials who need them for reelection .
At no point will this benefit anyone else , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s some unmitigated good .
They didn ’ t take guns off the street , they took them from people who represented absolutely no threat whatsoever .
The criminals , however , aren ’ t going to give their guns up nearly so easily , especially for such paltry sums .
No , they ’ ll keep their guns and make as much money from a single holdup as they would turning their guns in .
Please , as a society , can we stop kidding ourselves about what we ’ re doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just to shake things up .

The City of San Francisco is one of the most notoriously anti-gun communities in one of the most anti-gun states in the nation. It’s not a place you’re going to be comfortable in if you’re a gun person. Nor will you enjoy it if you dislike human fecal matter on the sidewalks, but hey, what can you do?
San Francisco, like so many other anti-gun cities, recently had a gun buyback.
More than 225 guns were returned Saturday during an annual gun buyback program in San Francisco. The event was organized by the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Violence Prevention Services, the San Francisco Police Department and the United Playaz, a San Francisco-based violence prevention and youth development organization. United Playaz founder Rudy Corpuz said people turned in 228 guns, including 8 assault rifles during the four-hour event Saturday.
Those who brought in handguns got $100 and those who turned in “assault weapons” got $100. I’m sure people feel so much safer now.
San Francisco has a population of over 883,000 people, and they only got 228 firearms? Seriously? This is supposed to count as some kind of a big win?
Well, it’s not.
See, those guns–including the eight “assault weapons” turned in–came from lawful gun owners who simply didn’t want their firearms anymore and didn’t know how to sell them otherwise. That’s about it.
After all, if people knew they could take them to a gun store and have them sold on consignment and thus make a lot more, I suspect people would be all over it. They didn’t, though, and thanks to California’s laws, they couldn’t sell them directly to individuals who they knew to be responsible gun owners, they may not have known there were any other choices.
But the number of guns is pathetically small when you think of the size of the city of San Francisco.
How many people will actually delude themselves to believe that the buyback made their community safer? How many actually think that those guns made any bit of a difference?
Far too many.
Look, I don’t begrudge people getting rid of guns they don’t want. What I begrudge are communities doing this kind of thing in order to look like they’re making some kind of an effort to combat violent crime without having to actually address violent crime. That’s all this is. It’s theater, a dramatic presentation to make people feel better about their city and the elected officials who need them for reelection.
At no point will this benefit anyone else, so let’s not pretend it’s some unmitigated good. They didn’t take guns off the street, they took them from people who represented absolutely no threat whatsoever. The criminals, however, aren’t going to give their guns up nearly so easily, especially for such paltry sums.
No, they’ll keep their guns and make as much money from a single holdup as they would turning their guns in.
Please, as a society, can we stop kidding ourselves about what we’re doing with these buybacks? You know, just to shake things up.


bearingarms--2020-12-14--SCOTUS Turns Away Felon Gun Possession Case

The Supreme Court rejected an appeal without comment on Monday in the case of Israel Torres , an Arizona man who was hoping that he ’ d find at least four justices willing to hear his challenge to the federal prohibition on gun ownership for those convicted of felony offenses .
Not even Justice Amy Coney Barrett weighed in with a written dissent objecting to the Court ’ s decision not to accept Torres vs. United States , which the Court considered in conference on Friday .
On today ’ s Bearing Arms ’ Cam & Co. we not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pass on the Torres case , as well as take a closer look at three other challenges from prohibited persons that the Court will have a chance to consider in the coming weeks .
You ’ ll remember that Barrett has argued that a felony conviction alone shouldn ’ t automatically come with a lifetime loss of gun rights .
Instead , she argued that the historical record and tradition of the right to keep and bear arms limits those bans to individuals who ’ ve been found to be “ dangerous.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case that Barrett and other justices viewed Torres ’ case as an unwieldy vehicle to take on current federal law , given that his two felony convictions both involve DUI offenses .
There ’ s also a DUI involved in the prohibited person case that the Court will weigh in on next , but in that case we ’ re dealing with a misdemeanor DUI conviction that dates back to 2005 .
Under Pennsylvania state law Raymond Holloway didn ’ t forfeit his right to keep and bear arms after that conviction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his Second Amendment rights all the same .
Holloway has stayed out of trouble ever since , and the Firearms Policy Coalition , which is representing Holloway in his case , argues that the case “ presents an excellent vehicle to clarify whether and how prohibited persons can bring successful as-applied challenges to laws forever denying their fundamental right to keep and bear arms , ” since the Pennsylvania man is neither a felon nor should be considered “ dangerous.
” SCOTUS is scheduled to take up Holloway at its January 7th conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re set to consider granting cert in a case called McGinnis vs. Barr .
I ’ d honestly be surprised if the Court decides to take up McGinnis , which deals with an individual who was convicted not only of possessing a firearm and ammunition after a protective order had been taken out against him , but was also convicted of possessing a short-barreled rifle that wasn ’ t registered under the National Firearms Act .
The circumstances in McGinniss are more complicated than what justices will find in Holloway , and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear cut question in taking up a case that addresses the loss of Second Amendment rights .
The easiest case of all , at least in terms of ruling on the dangerousness of the prohibited person , could soon be scheduled for a future conference date .
Last Friday , the FPC filed a cert petition in the case of Folajtar vs. Barr , yet another challenge to the lifetime loss of gun rights upon a felony conviction .
In this case a woman named Lisa Folajtar was convicted of making a false @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her right to keep and bear arms as a result .
It ’ s hard to argue that Folajtar is dangerous , and legal scholars like Jonathan Turley have said that the case seems almost tailor-made for Justice Amy Coney Barrett given the circumstances of the case and the question posed .
I ’ d look for Folajtar to be considered in conference in late January or sometime in February , and by then several additional Second Amendment cases could also be pending review by the Court , including a challenge to New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that can hold more than ten rounds and the Young case taking on the state of Hawaii ’ s ban on openly carried firearms without a license .
2020 will be remembered by gun owners as the year that the Supreme Court punted on a gun control case out of New York , but 2021 looks far more promising for those hoping to find legal relief from unconstitutional infringements on our right to keep and bear arms .

The Supreme Court rejected an appeal without comment on Monday in the case of Israel Torres, an Arizona man who was hoping that he’d find at least four justices willing to hear his challenge to the federal prohibition on gun ownership for those convicted of felony offenses.
Not even Justice Amy Coney Barrett weighed in with a written dissent objecting to the Court’s decision not to accept Torres vs. United States, which the Court considered in conference on Friday. On today’s Bearing Arms’ Cam & Co. we not only discuss the potential reasons why SCOTUS decided to pass on the Torres case, as well as take a closer look at three other challenges from prohibited persons that the Court will have a chance to consider in the coming weeks.
You’ll remember that Barrett has argued that a felony conviction alone shouldn’t automatically come with a lifetime loss of gun rights. Instead, she argued that the historical record and tradition of the right to keep and bear arms limits those bans to individuals who’ve been found to be “dangerous.” It may very well have been the case that Barrett and other justices viewed Torres’ case as an unwieldy vehicle to take on current federal law, given that his two felony convictions both involve DUI offenses.
There’s also a DUI involved in the prohibited person case that the Court will weigh in on next, but in that case we’re dealing with a misdemeanor DUI conviction that dates back to 2005. Under Pennsylvania state law Raymond Holloway didn’t forfeit his right to keep and bear arms after that conviction, but under federal law he lost his Second Amendment rights all the same.
Holloway has stayed out of trouble ever since, and the Firearms Policy Coalition, which is representing Holloway in his case, argues that the case “presents an excellent vehicle to clarify whether and how prohibited persons can bring successful as-applied challenges to laws forever denying their fundamental right to keep and bear arms,” since the Pennsylvania man is neither a felon nor should be considered “dangerous.”
SCOTUS is scheduled to take up Holloway at its January 7th conference, and a week later they’re set to consider granting cert in a case called McGinnis vs. Barr. I’d honestly be surprised if the Court decides to take up McGinnis, which deals with an individual who was convicted not only of possessing a firearm and ammunition after a protective order had been taken out against him, but was also convicted of possessing a short-barreled rifle that wasn’t registered under the National Firearms Act.
The circumstances in McGinniss are more complicated than what justices will find in Holloway, and they’re likely to look for a clear cut question in taking up a case that addresses the loss of Second Amendment rights.
The easiest case of all, at least in terms of ruling on the dangerousness of the prohibited person, could soon be scheduled for a future conference date. Last Friday, the FPC filed a cert petition in the case of Folajtar vs. Barr, yet another challenge to the lifetime loss of gun rights upon a felony conviction.
In this case a woman named Lisa Folajtar was convicted of making a false statement on her tax return and lost her right to keep and bear arms as a result. It’s hard to argue that Folajtar is dangerous, and legal scholars like Jonathan Turley have said that the case seems almost tailor-made for Justice Amy Coney Barrett given the circumstances of the case and the question posed.
I’d look for Folajtar to be considered in conference in late January or sometime in February, and by then several additional Second Amendment cases could also be pending review by the Court, including a challenge to New Jersey’s ban on ammunition magazines that can hold more than ten rounds and the Young case taking on the state of Hawaii’s ban on openly carried firearms without a license.
2020 will be remembered by gun owners as the year that the Supreme Court punted on a gun control case out of New York, but 2021 looks far more promising for those hoping to find legal relief from unconstitutional infringements on our right to keep and bear arms.


bearingarms--2020-12-14--This Is How Media Tries To Shape Gun Narrative

Once , the media at least tried to look like they weren ’ t taking sides in any kind of debate .
They presented news and , for the most part , let people come to conclusions for themselves .
Sure , the media leaned left , but they at least made an effort to appear neutral .
These days , they make no such pretenses .
When it comes to guns , they seemingly trip over themselves to shape a narrative that is decidedly anti-gun , including by asking non-experts what to do about gun violence in Chicago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to dip into what happened with the child in question because I haven ’ t followed that story .
However , I will address the suggestion that the increase in firearm sales is somehow responsible for the increase in violence in Chicago .
It ain ’ t .
While Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is notorious for blaming Chicago ’ s violence problem on states like Indiana , the truth of the matter is that very few of those increased gun sales had anything to do with criminals trying to get guns .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves during particularly uncertain times .
Since these folks also clearly are part of the “ defund the police ” crowd–it ’ s a topic of discussion later on where they try to justify it–they ’ re part of the reason gun sales remain high .
No one wants to trust a defunded police department .
You can say you want those funds reallocated so they ’ ll work better , but none of the programs being considered will yield instant results , meaning crime will likely increase as there will be fewer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a situation , do you really think people aren ’ t going to want guns ?
Criminals , on the other hand , get their guns off the black market .
There ’ s been no evidence of an increase in black market sales , though .
Why is that ?
Well , it ’ s likely because the criminals already had their guns .
However , the folks Lisa Ling spoke with wouldn ’ t really know much about that .
They ’ re activists , not experts .
They found a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is giving them all the amplification it can .
Yet there is a solution to crime in Chicago , though I don ’ t expect CNN to cover it .
That answer is making it easier for people to defend themselves .
In Illinois , House Republicans are trying to reform the FOID system that is plagued by delays these days .
Four GOP state House lawmakers on Wednesday voiced complaints from their central and southern Illinois constituents who say they have waited months after applying for new or renewed gun ownership licenses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police amid an unprecedented volume of applications this year .
Reps. Avery Bourne , R-Morrisonville , CD Davidsmeyer , R-Jacksonville , Patrick Windhorst , R-Metropolis and Mike Marron , R-Fithian , repeated their criticisms of the Firearm Ownership Identification card and concealed carry license systems during a virtual news conference .
The group discussed reforms they have suggested in the past which have stalled in the General Assembly .
In theory , the FOID is supposed to prevent criminals from buying guns .
If it works as advertised , then reforms that speed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit to the citizens of Chicago .
If it doesn ’ t work , then it ’ s time to scrap it .
( Spoiler : It doesn ’ t work as advertised , as we can see from Chicago ’ s history . )
Regardless , it ’ s past time for CNN to quit asking activists how to solve problems when they don ’ t have a clue what they hell they ’ re talking about .

Once, the media at least tried to look like they weren’t taking sides in any kind of debate. They presented news and, for the most part, let people come to conclusions for themselves. Sure, the media leaned left, but they at least made an effort to appear neutral.
These days, they make no such pretenses.
When it comes to guns, they seemingly trip over themselves to shape a narrative that is decidedly anti-gun, including by asking non-experts what to do about gun violence in Chicago.
Now, I’m not going to dip into what happened with the child in question because I haven’t followed that story.
However, I will address the suggestion that the increase in firearm sales is somehow responsible for the increase in violence in Chicago. It ain’t.
While Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is notorious for blaming Chicago’s violence problem on states like Indiana, the truth of the matter is that very few of those increased gun sales had anything to do with criminals trying to get guns. Those are law-abiding citizens buying firearms to protect themselves during particularly uncertain times.
Since these folks also clearly are part of the “defund the police” crowd–it’s a topic of discussion later on where they try to justify it–they’re part of the reason gun sales remain high. No one wants to trust a defunded police department. You can say you want those funds reallocated so they’ll work better, but none of the programs being considered will yield instant results, meaning crime will likely increase as there will be fewer cops on the streets. In such a situation, do you really think people aren’t going to want guns?
Criminals, on the other hand, get their guns off the black market. There’s been no evidence of an increase in black market sales, though. Why is that? Well, it’s likely because the criminals already had their guns.
However, the folks Lisa Ling spoke with wouldn’t really know much about that. They’re activists, not experts. They found a narrative that works for them and CNN is giving them all the amplification it can.
Yet there is a solution to crime in Chicago, though I don’t expect CNN to cover it. That answer is making it easier for people to defend themselves. In Illinois, House Republicans are trying to reform the FOID system that is plagued by delays these days.
Four GOP state House lawmakers on Wednesday voiced complaints from their central and southern Illinois constituents who say they have waited months after applying for new or renewed gun ownership licenses without an update from the Illinois State Police amid an unprecedented volume of applications this year. Reps. Avery Bourne, R-Morrisonville, CD Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, Patrick Windhorst, R-Metropolis and Mike Marron, R-Fithian, repeated their criticisms of the Firearm Ownership Identification card and concealed carry license systems during a virtual news conference. The group discussed reforms they have suggested in the past which have stalled in the General Assembly.
In theory, the FOID is supposed to prevent criminals from buying guns. If it works as advertised, then reforms that speed up the process should be a net benefit to the citizens of Chicago.
If it doesn’t work, then it’s time to scrap it. (Spoiler: It doesn’t work as advertised, as we can see from Chicago’s history.)
Regardless, it’s past time for CNN to quit asking activists how to solve problems when they don’t have a clue what they hell they’re talking about.


bearingarms--2020-12-14--NYC Woman Facing Felony Charge Over Fake, Inoperable Guns

Elizaveta Zlatkis doesn ’ t own any working firearms , but the Queens , New York woman is still facing a felony-level gun charge after the NYPD raided her home last December and confiscated what appeared to be 22 different long guns and hand guns from her home .
As it turns out , all of the supposed firearms but one were actually airsoft gun or starter pistols , and the one actual firearm had been rendered inoperable because the trigger , hand grips , and internal parts had all been removed .
Despite the fact that none of Zlatkis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D.A .
Melinda Katz has not only refused to drop the charges but has declined to offer Zlatkis a plea deal .
The case has made her life hell , she said .
A quick Google search of her uncommon name reveals why .
The first six results are news articles about her arrest .
Friends from high school have posted those articles on Facebook and she decided to turn down an initial job offer after she learned about the company ’ s intensive background checks , Zlatkis said .
She and her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rappers and producers to use in music videos , she said .
Zltakis even appears in the background of at least one of the videos for a song by the artist Tay Spades .
“ We do videos with them as props , ” said Rosedale rapper Crucial , who has become friends with Zlatkis and Selimi .
“ I didn ’ t know you could actually get in trouble with all that .
That ’ s wild .
They ’ re fake.
” Zlatkis is also charged with eight misdemeanors for possessing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge related to the alleged weapons offenses .
Semini has been charged with a handful of misdemeanors .
After spending a night in the 112th Precinct following her arrest last year , Zltakis was released on her own recognizance at arraignment .
The judge recognized the absurdity of the charges even then , said her attorney Joe Murray .
“ Not a single gun was real , ” said Murray , who ran for Queens DA in 2019 .
“ I want to clear her name .
She ’ s not a gangster.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but in the eyes of the law Zlatkis may very well be a gun owner , since a firearm is defined federally to include a finished frame or receiver for a gun , even if it doesn ’ t have a trigger attached to it .
Even starter pistols meet the definition of a firearm under federal law because the ATF says they can be “ readily converted ” into a real firearm .
Zlatkis is facing first degree criminal weapons charges , which in New York state is reserved for cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As far as prosecutors are concerned , it doesn ’ t make any difference that none of the guns were actually capable of firing live ammunition .
If Zlatkis possessed at least ten starter pistols or inoperable guns , that ’ s enough to charge her with a crime punishable by up to 25 years in prison .
What gives this case an extra dose of lunacy is the fact that , while Zlatkis is looking at decades behind bars for possessing non-functional firearms , those arrested in New York City for actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streets .
Among those accused of committing another crime after an initial gun charge is Tremayne Silvia , 41 , who cops say shot a man in the head just weeks after he was let out of jail following his arrest in another shooting .
Silvia allegedly fired a bullet at a woman ’ s fence while the two argued at 164th Street and 107th Avenue in Jamaica , Queens , on July 26 , according to a criminal complaint .
He was arrested a week later , on Aug. 4 , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same corner , and found him carrying a loaded gun and eight glassine envelopes of heroin .
But Silvia paid his $ 30,000 bail bond three days after his arrest , leaving him free to terrorize the same corner again on Sept. 13 , as a wake for a Marine vet was happening nearby , police said .
In that incident , Silvia allegedly shot Jemay Pollard while he was standing with a group outside a home .
Police are currently looking to arrest Pollard in that case .
The New York Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possessing a gun this year have been accused of new crimes within just 60 days of their first arrest , and only 32 of them are currently behind bars .
The rest have all been let loose even as the number of shootings in the city continues to rise at rates unseen for a decade or more .
New York City continues to get its approach to guns completely backwards .
Law abiding citizens face immense difficulties in legally purchasing and keeping a gun in their home , and it ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obtain a carry license .
Meanwhile , those accused of illegally possessing a gun and using it in a violent crime are given a slap on the wrist and sent on their way in the hopes that they ’ ll return for their trial .
Elizaveta Zlatki doesn ’ t deserve decades behind bars for possession of inoperable firearms and airsoft guns , but then again , no New Yorker deserves to live under rules that fail to recognize their Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms .
Unfortunately , millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have to come from the courts thanks to officials from the mayor to local prosecutors who have no desire to see the Second Amendment enforced in New York City .

Elizaveta Zlatkis doesn’t own any working firearms, but the Queens, New York woman is still facing a felony-level gun charge after the NYPD raided her home last December and confiscated what appeared to be 22 different long guns and hand guns from her home.
As it turns out, all of the supposed firearms but one were actually airsoft gun or starter pistols, and the one actual firearm had been rendered inoperable because the trigger, hand grips, and internal parts had all been removed. Despite the fact that none of Zlatkis’ guns were actually guns, Queens D.A. Melinda Katz has not only refused to drop the charges but has declined to offer Zlatkis a plea deal.
The case has made her life hell, she said. A quick Google search of her uncommon name reveals why. The first six results are news articles about her arrest. Friends from high school have posted those articles on Facebook and she decided to turn down an initial job offer after she learned about the company’s intensive background checks, Zlatkis said. “I look completely crazy,” Zltakis told the Eagle. “It’s humiliating.” She and her husband Elvis Selimi loan the guns to rappers and producers to use in music videos, she said. Zltakis even appears in the background of at least one of the videos for a song by the artist Tay Spades. “We do videos with them as props,” said Rosedale rapper Crucial, who has become friends with Zlatkis and Selimi. “I didn’t know you could actually get in trouble with all that. That’s wild. They’re fake.” Zlatkis is also charged with eight misdemeanors for possessing ammunition and endangering a child, a charge related to the alleged weapons offenses. Semini has been charged with a handful of misdemeanors. After spending a night in the 112th Precinct following her arrest last year, Zltakis was released on her own recognizance at arraignment. The judge recognized the absurdity of the charges even then, said her attorney Joe Murray. “Not a single gun was real,” said Murray, who ran for Queens DA in 2019. “I want to clear her name. She’s not a gangster.”
She’s not a gangster, but in the eyes of the law Zlatkis may very well be a gun owner, since a firearm is defined federally to include a finished frame or receiver for a gun, even if it doesn’t have a trigger attached to it. Even starter pistols meet the definition of a firearm under federal law because the ATF says they can be “readily converted” into a real firearm.
Zlatkis is facing first degree criminal weapons charges, which in New York state is reserved for cases that involve ten or more firearms. As far as prosecutors are concerned, it doesn’t make any difference that none of the guns were actually capable of firing live ammunition. If Zlatkis possessed at least ten starter pistols or inoperable guns, that’s enough to charge her with a crime punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
What gives this case an extra dose of lunacy is the fact that, while Zlatkis is looking at decades behind bars for possessing non-functional firearms, those arrested in New York City for actually shooting someone are quickly returning to the streets.
Among those accused of committing another crime after an initial gun charge is Tremayne Silvia, 41, who cops say shot a man in the head just weeks after he was let out of jail following his arrest in another shooting. Silvia allegedly fired a bullet at a woman’s fence while the two argued at 164th Street and 107th Avenue in Jamaica, Queens, on July 26, according to a criminal complaint. He was arrested a week later, on Aug. 4, after cops say they spotted him near that same corner, and found him carrying a loaded gun and eight glassine envelopes of heroin. But Silvia paid his $30,000 bail bond three days after his arrest, leaving him free to terrorize the same corner again on Sept. 13, as a wake for a Marine vet was happening nearby, police said. In that incident, Silvia allegedly shot Jemay Pollard while he was standing with a group outside a home. Police are currently looking to arrest Pollard in that case.
The New York Post reports that 247 people arrested for illegally possessing a gun this year have been accused of new crimes within just 60 days of their first arrest, and only 32 of them are currently behind bars. The rest have all been let loose even as the number of shootings in the city continues to rise at rates unseen for a decade or more.
New York City continues to get its approach to guns completely backwards. Law abiding citizens face immense difficulties in legally purchasing and keeping a gun in their home, and it’s a near impossibility for the average citizen to obtain a carry license. Meanwhile, those accused of illegally possessing a gun and using it in a violent crime are given a slap on the wrist and sent on their way in the hopes that they’ll return for their trial.
Elizaveta Zlatki doesn’t deserve decades behind bars for possession of inoperable firearms and airsoft guns, but then again, no New Yorker deserves to live under rules that fail to recognize their Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms. Unfortunately, millions of them do, and relief is going to have to come from the courts thanks to officials from the mayor to local prosecutors who have no desire to see the Second Amendment enforced in New York City.