bearingarms--2020-03-19--NSSF: NICS Background Checks Spiked 300% This Week

The National Shooting Sports Foundation ’ s Larry Keane reports that the National Instant Check System saw a 300 % spike in background checks on March 16th compared to the same date in 2019 , and that the average daily sales volume is running about double compared to sales in March of last year .
In a new post at the NSSF ’ s blog , Keane says the surge in sales of firearms is the clearest sign yet that Americans concerned for their safety are far more interested in buying guns than banning them .
Unfortunately the run on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the ability of the instant check system to provide instant results .
FBI ’ s National Instant Criminal Background Check System ( NICS ) told NSSF background check traffic saw a 300 percent increase on Monday , March 16 , compared to the same day in 2019 .
Daily volumes are roughly double what they were a year ago .
Coupled with measures to protect health , including having state-run background check authorities working from home or possibly closing offices , this is testing the limits of NICS .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retailers that most checks will get an immediate determination ( “ proceed ” or “ deny ” ) , although it might take longer to process a check due to the volume .
The “ immediate ” part will require some patience .
For checks that get a “ delay ” notification it ’ s important to keep in mind that NICS investigations might be slightly delayed and the three business days mandated by the Brady Act doesn ’ t include days when state offices are closed .
FBI NICS has assured NSSF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unprecedented backlog .
I ’ ve seen rumors online that background checks have stopped until mid-April , but that is NOT the case .
Washington State ’ s background checks may be delayed by up to a couple of weeks at the moment , however , because of how the state conducts them .
While the state uses the NICS system , it also runs checks using several other databases , including the Washington State Patrol electronic database and the Department of Social and Health Services ’ electronic database .
Keane says even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans were already buying firearms at an increasing rate .
Gun sales were already trending higher before widespread health concerns .
Since April 2019 , each month of NSSF ’ s adjusted NICS Reports has been higher than the year previous .
Much of that can be attributed to the near-constant hammering by gun control presidential candidates who have made threats of outright confiscation to Vice President Joe Biden ’ s threats to allow frivolous lawsuits against the firearm industry to send it into bankruptcy by overturning the bipartisan Protection of Lawful Commerce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is showing Americans want to know they can provide for their own safety , especially when those vying to run the government vow to take that ability away .
I think it ’ s safe to say that when the NICS background check figures for March are released in a couple of weeks , we ’ ll see a new record number .
December of 2015 was the busiest month for background checks since the NICS system was put in place in 1998 , with 3.3-million checks performed .
Last month , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wouldn ’ t shock me at all if the March numbers surpass 4-million checks .
As Keane says , Americans want to know they can provide for their own safety , and they ’ re proving it in record numbers .

The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Larry Keane reports that the National Instant Check System saw a 300% spike in background checks on March 16th compared to the same date in 2019, and that the average daily sales volume is running about double compared to sales in March of last year.
In a new post at the NSSF’s blog, Keane says the surge in sales of firearms is the clearest sign yet that Americans concerned for their safety are far more interested in buying guns than banning them. Unfortunately the run on firearms and ammunition is putting some strain on the ability of the instant check system to provide instant results.
FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) told NSSF background check traffic saw a 300 percent increase on Monday, March 16, compared to the same day in 2019. Daily volumes are roughly double what they were a year ago. Coupled with measures to protect health, including having state-run background check authorities working from home or possibly closing offices, this is testing the limits of NICS. That’s why NSSF and the FBI is alerting retailers that most checks will get an immediate determination (“proceed” or “deny”), although it might take longer to process a check due to the volume. The “immediate” part will require some patience. For checks that get a “delay” notification it’s important to keep in mind that NICS investigations might be slightly delayed and the three business days mandated by the Brady Act doesn’t include days when state offices are closed. FBI NICS has assured NSSF they are working overtime to clear the unprecedented backlog.
I’ve seen rumors online that background checks have stopped until mid-April, but that is NOT the case. Washington State’s background checks may be delayed by up to a couple of weeks at the moment, however, because of how the state conducts them. While the state uses the NICS system, it also runs checks using several other databases, including the Washington State Patrol electronic database and the Department of Social and Health Services’ electronic database.
Keane says even before the current spike in sales, Americans were already buying firearms at an increasing rate.
Gun sales were already trending higher before widespread health concerns. Since April 2019, each month of NSSF’s adjusted NICS Reports has been higher than the year previous. Much of that can be attributed to the near-constant hammering by gun control presidential candidates who have made threats of outright confiscation to Vice President Joe Biden’s threats to allow frivolous lawsuits against the firearm industry to send it into bankruptcy by overturning the bipartisan Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. The latest drive is showing Americans want to know they can provide for their own safety, especially when those vying to run the government vow to take that ability away.
I think it’s safe to say that when the NICS background check figures for March are released in a couple of weeks, we’ll see a new record number. December of 2015 was the busiest month for background checks since the NICS system was put in place in 1998, with 3.3-million checks performed.
Last month, there were 2.8-million checks conducted, and it wouldn’t shock me at all if the March numbers surpass 4-million checks. As Keane says, Americans want to know they can provide for their own safety, and they’re proving it in record numbers.


bearingarms--2020-03-19--San Jose Shuts Down Gun Store, Calls It "Non-Essential" Business

The long lines of customers that have been seen outside the Bullseye Bishop gun store in San Jose , California won ’ t be around today , after authorities in San Jose , California , including anti-gun mayor Sam Liccardo , declared gun stores in the city to be “ non-essential businesses ” on Wednesday , forcing the stores to close under the city ’ s shelter-in-place order .
“ We are having panic buying right now for food , ” Liccardo said Wednesday .
“ The one thing we can not have is panic buying of guns.
” Law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the Bullseye Bishop with little fanfare , in one of the first enforcement actions taken in San Jose on the initial day of the shelter-in-place order .
“ We went out there and closed it , ” San Jose police Chief Eddie Garcia said , adding that the owner was cooperative .
Two people who picked up the phone at Bullseye Bishop declined to answer questions from a reporter , repeating that the store is “ closed to the public for the next three weeks.
” While the store owner may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understandably upset and concerned by the closure .
Outside the shop , San Jose painting contractor Joshua Wolfe , 37 , who was buying ammo , said he believed the gun store had every right to remain open .
“ Essential ?
It ’ s our right to arm ourselves , ” Wolfe said .
“ Toilet paper is essential , right ?
People are going nuts for that , right ?
” Everyone is “ on edge , ” he said , “ because people don ’ t know the truth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re short on supplies , they ’ ll come after people who are prepared.
” J.V .
Sumabat , 31 , of San Jose said he was worried about the same thing .
“ I ’ ve seen people fighting over toilet paper .
I ’ m worried what they will do out of desperation , ” he said .
“ When people start looting stores and they don ’ t have access to food , they could come into the homes of those they feel are vulnerable .
I ’ d rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stores are essential businesses and should remain open during this current crisis .
Mayor Liccard can talk about “ panic buying ” all he wants , but under California law anybody purchasing a firearm is limited to one handgun per month , subject to a ten-day waiting period .
The state is already rationing the purchase of firearms in non-emergency situations , in other words .
For San Jose to shutter gun stores now is an absolute infringement of our right to keep and bear arms , but it ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun owner to fight these orders in court if we ’ re going to see any change in the next three weeks .
The decision by San Joe authorities to close gun stores is going to add to the fear and concern in the community , not alleviate it .
People are understandably freaked out right now , and while we haven ’ t seen any reports of a rise in crime , including looting or break-ins , it is not unreasonable to worry about that being a possibility in the not-too-distant future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only gun store that I ’ m aware of that ’ s been forced to close because of the shelter-in-place order in the Bay area , but we may very well see more of this in the days ahead , and not just in California .
My hope is that gun owners and gun store owners will legally challenge any and all future attempts to declare gun stores “ non-essential ” businesses during this state of emergency to help insure that the right of the people to keep and bear arms is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The long lines of customers that have been seen outside the Bullseye Bishop gun store in San Jose, California won’t be around today, after authorities in San Jose, California, including anti-gun mayor Sam Liccardo, declared gun stores in the city to be “non-essential businesses” on Wednesday, forcing the stores to close under the city’s shelter-in-place order.
“We are having panic buying right now for food,” Liccardo said Wednesday. “The one thing we cannot have is panic buying of guns.” Law enforcement officials confirmed Wednesday that they shut down the Bullseye Bishop with little fanfare, in one of the first enforcement actions taken in San Jose on the initial day of the shelter-in-place order. “We went out there and closed it,” San Jose police Chief Eddie Garcia said, adding that the owner was cooperative. Two people who picked up the phone at Bullseye Bishop declined to answer questions from a reporter, repeating that the store is “closed to the public for the next three weeks.”
While the store owner may have been cooperative, many potential customers are understandably upset and concerned by the closure.
Outside the shop, San Jose painting contractor Joshua Wolfe, 37, who was buying ammo, said he believed the gun store had every right to remain open. “Essential? It’s our right to arm ourselves,” Wolfe said. “Toilet paper is essential, right? People are going nuts for that, right?” Everyone is “on edge,” he said, “because people don’t know the truth of this whole situation. If they’re short on supplies, they’ll come after people who are prepared.” J.V. Sumabat, 31, of San Jose said he was worried about the same thing. “I’ve seen people fighting over toilet paper. I’m worried what they will do out of desperation,” he said. “When people start looting stores and they don’t have access to food, they could come into the homes of those they feel are vulnerable. I’d rather be prepared.”
I agree that gun stores are essential businesses and should remain open during this current crisis. Mayor Liccard can talk about “panic buying” all he wants, but under California law anybody purchasing a firearm is limited to one handgun per month, subject to a ten-day waiting period. The state is already rationing the purchase of firearms in non-emergency situations, in other words. For San Jose to shutter gun stores now is an absolute infringement of our right to keep and bear arms, but it’s going to take a gun store or perhaps a gun owner to fight these orders in court if we’re going to see any change in the next three weeks.
The decision by San Joe authorities to close gun stores is going to add to the fear and concern in the community, not alleviate it. People are understandably freaked out right now, and while we haven’t seen any reports of a rise in crime, including looting or break-ins, it is not unreasonable to worry about that being a possibility in the not-too-distant future.
So far, Bullseye Bishop is the only gun store that I’m aware of that’s been forced to close because of the shelter-in-place order in the Bay area, but we may very well see more of this in the days ahead, and not just in California. My hope is that gun owners and gun store owners will legally challenge any and all future attempts to declare gun stores “non-essential” businesses during this state of emergency to help insure that the right of the people to keep and bear arms is not infringed when it is needed most.


bearingarms--2020-03-19--Dispatches From A Deep South Outbreak

Dispatches From A Deep South Outbreak

As you read this , the COVID-19 pandemic continues to do what it wants to do .
For many people , it ’ s a bit of a non-factor .
It was for me for some time .
After all , I actually wrote that I didn ’ t see the virus being likely to be that big of a deal .
You see , my hometown is the epicenter of one of Georgia ’ s outbreaks , and that made me rethink a lot of things .
Our outbreak isn ’ t huge .
It ’ s not like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the imagination , but our county coroner believes at least three people have died from the disease here .
Here , the cases stem from a single case .
Our own version of Patient Zero attended a couple of funerals .
There , people were infected .
They , in turn , spread it without realizing they had the pandemic virus .
We also have at least 65 confirmed cases here in town .
It ’ s bad enough that the local hospital is running through essential supplies at a scary rate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ told CNN that equipment at the healthcare provider ’ s flagship hospital in Albany , southwest Georgia , has been severely impacted by an increase in coronavirus cases .
The total number of recorded cases of Covid-19 in Georgia is now at 121 .
Of those , 65 patients are reported to be at the flagship Phoebe Putney hospital .
At the same time , at least 115 others await test results .
According to the CNN report , Mr Putney believes that the Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany , Georgia , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being prepared with six month ’ s worth of equipment , such as protective gear , before the coronavirus epidemic .
“ We might have thought we were overprepared , ” said Mr Putney .
“ But you just can ’ t believe what we went through from a supply standpoint.
” Unfortunately , since that report was filed , the number of potential cases has gone up , with as many as 380 others still awaiting test results .
One of those tested , however , is an old friend .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see that she was quarantined .
It seems she was feeling flu-like symptoms and went to get checked .
They did a flu test and it came back negative , so they did the test for COVID-19 .
She ’ s still waiting for those results .
This is someone who was a major part of my childhood .
Her father and my father were police officers together .
Our families spent a lot of time together over those early years of our lives .
While that didn ’ t hold up forever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve known for my entire life .
The idea of someone I ’ ve known for so long having this virus… all of this kind of made the whole thing slam into me .
This is my home , for crying out loud !
Then I went to the grocery store yesterday .
Now , the worst day seems to have been this past Friday .
I ’ ve heard stories of the insanity , but it was a Wednesday around 10:00 in the morning .
How bad could it really be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with my phone .
Now , to be fair , this particular Publix was also busy stocking .
A stock clerk told me that despite having limited inventory , they were very busy .
In other words , they didn ’ t have a lot of stuff , but they were putting stuff on the shelf as fast as they could .
There were also a lot of aisles that hadn ’ t been picked clean .
Yet that last pic is the toilet paper aisle .
Well , in theory .
Technically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of toilet paper to be considered a toilet paper aisle , right ?
There ain ’ t any .
All of this comes after two previous years with significant natural disasters .
First , we had tornados that hammered the city–two separate storms just days apart–followed the next year by Hurricane Michael .
Now , this .
So , if things are so bad at the store , why was I there ?
Because we weren ’ t nearly as stocked up as we needed to be .
I ’ d buy up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but then money would get tight .
My wife would cut back on groceries because , well , that ’ s kind of what those preps were for , right ?
Unfortunately , it eventually got to feel like beating my head against the wall .
Why stock up on food when it would disappear before we could really grow it to be enough for a real emergency ?
Well , now we ’ re in a real emergency and it ’ s not there .
Folks , don ’ t make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t feel like dying on that particular hill .
I now wish I had .
When this is over and sanity returns to the world , the first thing we ’ re doing is buying extra .
We ’ ll be buying more ammo and first aid supplies .
We ’ ll be buying up all the goodies we need .
We ’ ll start digging in for the next disaster because , at this rate , there will be a next disaster .
If you ’ re like me on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do what I ’ ll be doing .
While I do think sanity will return to the world sooner or later , there are a lot of other potentialities that may spin off from the pandemic .
Economic disruptions , for example .
Regardless , there ’ s no reason to be stupid .

As you read this, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to do what it wants to do. For many people, it’s a bit of a non-factor. It was for me for some time. After all, I actually wrote that I didn’t see the virus being likely to be that big of a deal.
I don’t think that anymore.
You see, my hometown is the epicenter of one of Georgia’s outbreaks, and that made me rethink a lot of things.
Our outbreak isn’t huge. It’s not like Seattle or Italy by any stretch of the imagination, but our county coroner believes at least three people have died from the disease here.
Here, the cases stem from a single case. Our own version of Patient Zero attended a couple of funerals. There, people were infected. They, in turn, spread it without realizing they had the pandemic virus.
We also have at least 65 confirmed cases here in town. It’s bad enough that the local hospital is running through essential supplies at a scary rate.
Phoebe Putney Health System CEO Scott Steiner told CNN that equipment at the healthcare provider’s flagship hospital in Albany, southwest Georgia, has been severely impacted by an increase in coronavirus cases. The total number of recorded cases of Covid-19 in Georgia is now at 121. Of those, 65 patients are reported to be at the flagship Phoebe Putney hospital. At the same time, at least 115 others await test results. According to the CNN report, Mr Putney believes that the Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia, has five more days worth of supplies despite being prepared with six month’s worth of equipment, such as protective gear, before the coronavirus epidemic. “We might have thought we were overprepared,” said Mr Putney. “But you just can’t believe what we went through from a supply standpoint.”
Unfortunately, since that report was filed, the number of potential cases has gone up, with as many as 380 others still awaiting test results.
One of those tested, however, is an old friend. I scrolled through my Facebook feed only to see that she was quarantined. It seems she was feeling flu-like symptoms and went to get checked. They did a flu test and it came back negative, so they did the test for COVID-19. She’s still waiting for those results.
This is someone who was a major part of my childhood. Her father and my father were police officers together. Our families spent a lot of time together over those early years of our lives. While that didn’t hold up forever, she’s still someone I’ve known for my entire life. The idea of someone I’ve known for so long having this virus…
all of this kind of made the whole thing slam into me. This is my home, for crying out loud!
Then I went to the grocery store yesterday.
Now, the worst day seems to have been this past Friday. I’ve heard stories of the insanity, but it was a Wednesday around 10:00 in the morning. How bad could it really be?
Well, bad enough.
Here are some pics I took with my phone.
Now, to be fair, this particular Publix was also busy stocking. A stock clerk told me that despite having limited inventory, they were very busy. In other words, they didn’t have a lot of stuff, but they were putting stuff on the shelf as fast as they could.
There were also a lot of aisles that hadn’t been picked clean. Yet that last pic is the toilet paper aisle.
Well, in theory. Technically, it needs at least one roll of toilet paper to be considered a toilet paper aisle, right? There ain’t any.
All of this comes after two previous years with significant natural disasters. First, we had tornados that hammered the city–two separate storms just days apart–followed the next year by Hurricane Michael. Now, this.
So, if things are so bad at the store, why was I there? Because we weren’t nearly as stocked up as we needed to be. I’d buy up a couple of months worth of supplies, but then money would get tight. My wife would cut back on groceries because, well, that’s kind of what those preps were for, right?
Unfortunately, it eventually got to feel like beating my head against the wall. Why stock up on food when it would disappear before we could really grow it to be enough for a real emergency?
Well, now we’re in a real emergency and it’s not there.
Folks, don’t make that mistake. I knew better but didn’t feel like dying on that particular hill. I now wish I had.
When this is over and sanity returns to the world, the first thing we’re doing is buying extra. We’ll be buying more ammo and first aid supplies. We’ll be buying up all the goodies we need. We’ll start digging in for the next disaster because, at this rate, there will be a next disaster.
If you’re like me on any level, though, you should do what I’ll be doing.
While I do think sanity will return to the world sooner or later, there are a lot of other potentialities that may spin off from the pandemic. Economic disruptions, for example. Regardless, there’s no reason to be stupid.


bearingarms--2020-03-20--PA Sheriffs Are Violating Law By Refusing To Process Carry Permits

All over the nation , a lot of sheriff ’ s departments are refusing to carry out some of their duties .
In particular , they ’ re not interested in conducting the fingerprinting required for concealed carry permits .
This has led to a great deal of discussion as to whether they can even do it .
Well , the laws vary in each state , obviously .
As such , it ’ s difficult for anyone to keep up with the legalities everywhere .
However , a practicing attorney who also works with Pennsylvania ’ s Firearm Owners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sheriff ’ s departments who aren ’ t processing permits aren ’ t going to like it .
Recently , due to COVID-19 , a number of Pennsylvania Sheriff Departments , in violation of the law and their oaths , have notified residents that they will no longer process license to carry firearm ( LTCF ) applications , including renewals ; thereby , preventing individuals who do not have an LTCF from being able to defend themselves in a time of need and subjecting those who do have an LTCF , but whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But you don ’ t have to worry about the above because you have your LTCF , right ?
Well , that ’ s true unless your LTCF is set to expire , while your county sheriff is refusing to process LTCF applications .
But Josh , my sheriff told me that there is a 6 month grace period , so I ’ m fine !
If only it were that simple… Although 18 Pa.C.S .
§ 6106 ( b ) ( 12 ) provides an “ exception , ” the Superior Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ defense.
” Specifically , Section 6106 ( b ) ( 12 ) provides : ( b ) Exceptions.–The provisions of subsection ( a ) shall not apply to : … ( 12 ) A person who has a lawfully issued license to carry a firearm pursuant to section 6109 ( relating to licenses ) and that said license expired within six months prior to the date of arrest and that the individual is otherwise eligible for renewal of the license .
Unfortunately , the Superior Court in Commonwealth v. Anderson held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” to prosecution – meaning the Commonwealth can prosecute you and during trial , you can raise an “ exception ” as a defense to prosecution .
As I detailed in my blog article Devastating En Banc Decision Regarding Act 235 Security Guards , However , in a mind-boggling evisceration of the statutory language , the court goes on to say that the “ exceptions ” found in Section 6106 ( b ) , even though the statutory text states that subsection ( a ) shall not apply , are defenses that must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truly a manifest injustice , as the General Assembly is acutely aware of how to draft provisions that are “ defenses , ” as evidenced by 18 Pa.C.S .
912 ( c ) , and those that are immunities or exceptions .
Based on the absurdity of this decision , for example , now law enforcement officers , who are found in a courthouse possessing a firearm , are to be prosecuted and have to prove , as a defense , that the firearm was possessed in “ lawful performance of official duties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes such possession an “ exception.
” Even more obscene , the same would be true of “ constables , sheriffs , prison or jail wardens , or their deputies , policemen of this Commonwealth or its political subdivisions , or other law-enforcement officers , ” since this is an “ exception ” found in Section 6106 ( b ) .
Thus , sheriffs who are refusing to issue renewals to residents whose LTCF is set to expire are subjecting those individuals to criminal prosecution .
That was written by attorney Joshua Prince @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and read the whole thing .
Clearly , this is a problem .
However , in a conversation with FOAC ’ s Kim Stolfer this morning , the organization is meeting with at least a couple of the sheriff ’ s to try and find a way forward that will mitigate risk for sheriff department staff while still allowing people to get their permits .
Of course , the legislature could make this a non-issue .
HB 1412 is a constitutional carry bill already introduced in the state House .
Pass that and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matters anymore .
Then people can carry guns as they feel they need to and the state won ’ t have anything to say about it one way or another .
In the meantime , I hope Stolfer and these sheriffs can come to an agreement about how to proceed and that other sheriffs follow that lead .
People are probably going to need their guns .
Those don ’ t do them any good unless they ’ re available when they need them .
That means carrying them on their own person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t reached and the sheriffs continue with this nonsense , people will die and not just from the disease .

All over the nation, a lot of sheriff’s departments are refusing to carry out some of their duties. In particular, they’re not interested in conducting the fingerprinting required for concealed carry permits. This has led to a great deal of discussion as to whether they can even do it.
Well, the laws vary in each state, obviously. As such, it’s difficult for anyone to keep up with the legalities everywhere.
However, a practicing attorney who also works with Pennsylvania’s Firearm Owners Against Crime offered his thoughts, and sheriff’s departments who aren’t processing permits aren’t going to like it.
Recently, due to COVID-19, a number of Pennsylvania Sheriff Departments, in violation of the law and their oaths, have notified residents that they will no longer process license to carry firearm (LTCF) applications, including renewals; thereby, preventing individuals who do not have an LTCF from being able to defend themselves in a time of need and subjecting those who do have an LTCF, but whose LTCF lapses, to criminal prosecution. … But you don’t have to worry about the above because you have your LTCF, right? Well, that’s true unless your LTCF is set to expire, while your county sheriff is refusing to process LTCF applications. But Josh, my sheriff told me that there is a 6 month grace period, so I’m fine! If only it were that simple… Although 18 Pa.C.S. § 6106(b)(12) provides an “exception,” the Superior Court has turned that “exception” into a “defense.” Specifically, Section 6106(b)(12) provides: (b) Exceptions.–The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to: … (12) A person who has a lawfully issued license to carry a firearm pursuant to section 6109 (relating to licenses) and that said license expired within six months prior to the date of arrest and that the individual is otherwise eligible for renewal of the license. Unfortunately, the Superior Court in Commonwealth v. Anderson held that “exceptions” were “defenses” to prosecution – meaning the Commonwealth can prosecute you and during trial, you can raise an “exception” as a defense to prosecution. As I detailed in my blog article Devastating En Banc Decision Regarding Act 235 Security Guards, However, in a mind-boggling evisceration of the statutory language, the court goes on to say that the “exceptions” found in Section 6106(b), even though the statutory text states that subsection (a) shall not apply, are defenses that must be proven at trial. This is truly a manifest injustice, as the General Assembly is acutely aware of how to draft provisions that are “defenses,” as evidenced by 18 Pa.C.S. 912(c), and those that are immunities or exceptions. Based on the absurdity of this decision, for example, now law enforcement officers, who are found in a courthouse possessing a firearm, are to be prosecuted and have to prove, as a defense, that the firearm was possessed in “lawful performance of official duties” because Section 913(c) makes such possession an “exception.” Even more obscene, the same would be true of “constables, sheriffs, prison or jail wardens, or their deputies, policemen of this Commonwealth or its political subdivisions, or other law-enforcement officers,” since this is an “exception” found in Section 6106(b). Thus, sheriffs who are refusing to issue renewals to residents whose LTCF is set to expire are subjecting those individuals to criminal prosecution.
That was written by attorney Joshua Prince, and I urge you to go and read the whole thing.
Clearly, this is a problem.
However, in a conversation with FOAC’s Kim Stolfer this morning, the organization is meeting with at least a couple of the sheriff’s to try and find a way forward that will mitigate risk for sheriff department staff while still allowing people to get their permits.
Of course, the legislature could make this a non-issue. HB 1412 is a constitutional carry bill already introduced in the state House. Pass that and get it signed and none of this matters anymore. Then people can carry guns as they feel they need to and the state won’t have anything to say about it one way or another.
In the meantime, I hope Stolfer and these sheriffs can come to an agreement about how to proceed and that other sheriffs follow that lead. People are probably going to need their guns. Those don’t do them any good unless they’re available when they need them. That means carrying them on their own person.
If such an agreement isn’t reached and the sheriffs continue with this nonsense, people will die and not just from the disease.


bearingarms--2020-03-20--When Do The Lawsuits Begin Over Gun Store Closures?

As a growing number of governors issue orders to shut down all “ non-essential ” businesses , firearm retailers and Americans hoping to pick up a firearm or ammunition to protect themselves and their families from any potential unrest are increasingly being told that gun stores must close their doors for an unspecified period of time .
California , Pennsylvania , and New York have all now issued what amounts to “ shelter in place ” orders for the vast majority of residents , and elected officials are vowing to ensure compliance .
When will we see lawsuits filed challenging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve had with attorneys and individuals in the 2A community , the disappointing answer seems to be “ not very soon.
” None of the individuals I spoke to on background sounded eager to institute litigation at the moment , though I heard a number of different reasons why .
Some feel that any lawsuit filed now would be either doomed to failure or would languish in the courts during the outbreak , while others are concerned about not being able to adequately fund the litigation while a global recession is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most courts around the country are now operating under emergency rules of their own , and I suspect that federal judges would likely give broad leeway to governors that have declared gun stores aren ’ t essential businesses .
The three states most vulnerable to a challenge at the moment are California , New York , and Pennsylvania , and unfortunately we ’ ve seen some pretty bad decisions come out of the circuit courts of appeals for all three states ; the 9th , 2nd , and 3rd Circuit Courts have all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right to keep and bear arms in the past .
That ’ s not to say that individuals and organizations are doing nothing .
Many are reaching out to local law enforcement to stress the need to keep gun stores open , and we could see some law enforcement in more rural areas of these states either expressly allow for gun stores to keep their doors open , or turn a blind eye as long as stores are engaging in social distancing and other behaviors to limit the spread of the coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ t think there ’ ll be a uniform response to any of these orders to close .
If President Trump were to issue an order for a nationwide shutdown , that would almost certainly produce a backlash , along with attempted court challenges and acts of civil disobedience .
Of course , if firearm and ammunition manufacturers are forced to close as well , we wouldn ’ t expect gun stores to remain open for long .
Right now the supply chain is intact , though it ’ s not able to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the chain , however , and it ’ s going to quickly become nearly impossible to acquire a new firearm or a box of ammunition even if your local stores are open .
As much as I ’ d love to see a lawsuit filed over what ’ s happening in states like California , New York , and Pennsylvania , the sad truth is that in a few days we may have a much stronger case .
Right now we have a handful of states that are suspending commercial sales of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however see action taken nationwide to hit the pause button on gun sales , and if that happens not only would the constitutional stakes be raised significantly , but plaintiffs would have their choice of venue to file suit , instead of hoping that a hostile court like the 9th Circuit would throw the Second Amendment a lifeline .
It ’ s also important to note that none of the restrictions have said anything about firearms that are currently possessed .
Even in California , if you have a concealed carry license and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your home , you can carry .
A restriction that implicates the actual keeping and bearing of currently possessed arms would also be a stronger case at the moment than one dealing with the right to acquire a firearm , though morally I think they ’ re of equal importance .
So , stay tuned , because while it looks like we might not see any lawsuits filed over the current restrictions in California , New York , and Pennsylvania , the rapidly changing events on the ground could lead to some rapidly-filed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are changing so rapidly , as it turns out , that seconds after I hit publish on this story attorney Joshua Prince in Pennsylvania announced a lawsuit against Pennsylvania Gov .
Tom Wolf and his order regarding the closure of “ non-life sustaining ” businesses .
We ’ ll have more on this lawsuit later today .

As a growing number of governors issue orders to shut down all “non-essential” businesses, firearm retailers and Americans hoping to pick up a firearm or ammunition to protect themselves and their families from any potential unrest are increasingly being told that gun stores must close their doors for an unspecified period of time. California, Pennsylvania, and New York have all now issued what amounts to “shelter in place” orders for the vast majority of residents, and elected officials are vowing to ensure compliance.
When will we see lawsuits filed challenging these orders? Based on several conversations I’ve had with attorneys and individuals in the 2A community, the disappointing answer seems to be “not very soon.” None of the individuals I spoke to on background sounded eager to institute litigation at the moment, though I heard a number of different reasons why.
Some feel that any lawsuit filed now would be either doomed to failure or would languish in the courts during the outbreak, while others are concerned about not being able to adequately fund the litigation while a global recession is breaking out.
It is true that most courts around the country are now operating under emergency rules of their own, and I suspect that federal judges would likely give broad leeway to governors that have declared gun stores aren’t essential businesses. The three states most vulnerable to a challenge at the moment are California, New York, and Pennsylvania, and unfortunately we’ve seen some pretty bad decisions come out of the circuit courts of appeals for all three states; the 9th, 2nd, and 3rd Circuit Courts have all upheld some pretty egregious violations of our right to keep and bear arms in the past.
That’s not to say that individuals and organizations are doing nothing. Many are reaching out to local law enforcement to stress the need to keep gun stores open, and we could see some law enforcement in more rural areas of these states either expressly allow for gun stores to keep their doors open, or turn a blind eye as long as stores are engaging in social distancing and other behaviors to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
In other words, I don’t think there’ll be a uniform response to any of these orders to close. If President Trump were to issue an order for a nationwide shutdown, that would almost certainly produce a backlash, along with attempted court challenges and acts of civil disobedience.
Of course, if firearm and ammunition manufacturers are forced to close as well, we wouldn’t expect gun stores to remain open for long. Right now the supply chain is intact, though it’s not able to meet the incredible consumer demand. Any break in the chain, however, and it’s going to quickly become nearly impossible to acquire a new firearm or a box of ammunition even if your local stores are open.
As much as I’d love to see a lawsuit filed over what’s happening in states like California, New York, and Pennsylvania, the sad truth is that in a few days we may have a much stronger case. Right now we have a handful of states that are suspending commercial sales of firearms and ammunition. We could, however see action taken nationwide to hit the pause button on gun sales, and if that happens not only would the constitutional stakes be raised significantly, but plaintiffs would have their choice of venue to file suit, instead of hoping that a hostile court like the 9th Circuit would throw the Second Amendment a lifeline.
It’s also important to note that none of the restrictions have said anything about firearms that are currently possessed. Even in California, if you have a concealed carry license and you have a valid reason to leave your home, you can carry. A restriction that implicates the actual keeping and bearing of currently possessed arms would also be a stronger case at the moment than one dealing with the right to acquire a firearm, though morally I think they’re of equal importance.
So, stay tuned, because while it looks like we might not see any lawsuits filed over the current restrictions in California, New York, and Pennsylvania, the rapidly changing events on the ground could lead to some rapidly-filed litigation if these restrictions spread.
**UPDATE**
Events are changing so rapidly, as it turns out, that seconds after I hit publish on this story attorney Joshua Prince in Pennsylvania announced a lawsuit against Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and his order regarding the closure of “non-life sustaining” businesses.
Emergency, Ex Parte Injunction Sought Against Pennsylvania Governor Wolf Regarding COVID-19 Order https://t.co/mzCOcN4mak pic.twitter.com/5gA4ioo8nC — Joshua Prince (@SigForLife) March 20, 2020
We’ll have more on this lawsuit later today.


bearingarms--2020-03-20--Columnist Thinks Virus Will Be More Deadly Due To Gun Buying

We ’ ve written a lot of stories about people buying guns over the last week .
That ’ s really unsurprising since it ’ s been such a significant amount .
There doesn ’ t seem to be a gun store in the country–nay , North America–isn ’ t being hammered with customers during this terrifying time .
However , as our sister site Red State reported earlier this week , some seem to believe that the gun buying is going to somehow make the virus more deadly .
Never miss an opportunity to stroke one ’ s partisan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who is a long time op-ed writer for The New York Times .
If you are trying to put a face with the name , he ’ s the same guy who went on a propaganda hop in North Korea some years ago and came back praising their “ fun ” and pizza to try to own President Trump .
Kristof is fretting that increased gun sales in the U.S. will lead to more murders , thereby being a major repercussion of the Wuhan virus .
One way in which the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is leading to a rush to buy guns , which will lead to more murders , suicides and accidents : https : //t.co/cxPcvjk6X0 This comes after numerous reports that gun buying is up right now as people seek to protect themselves from any worst case scenario .
As Bonchie notes , though , the people who aren ’ t buying guns are actual criminals .
Well , not any more than normal , anyway , and they ’ re not buying them from law-abiding gun stores either .
They ’ re getting them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So what is Kristof ’ s malfunction , anyway .
The answer is simple .
Kristof is the kind of hoplophobe who can ’ t imagine an increase in guns existing without a corresponding increase in crime .
This despite evidence showing that simply to not be the case .
Gun ownership often leads to a decrease in criminal activity as bad guys have a tendency to prefer not getting shot .
In other cases , though , there ’ s little correlation either way .
Regardless of which is true , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that more guns don ’ t correspond to more people being shot .
Kristof is really just upset that while anti-gun sentiment was pretty high before the Covid-19 outbreak , that went out the window the moment people felt threatened .
That ’ s because few people ever want gun control to apply to them .
They want laws to impact others , not them .
So , while they supported universal background checks and red flag laws , they didn ’ t want those laws to stop them from buying a gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Right now , a lot of people feel the need .
What we won ’ t see , however , are a corresponding spike in murders .
I won ’ t say we won ’ t see a spike in suicides , but any such spike has more to do with the doom and gloom people see in the media than whether they have a gun handy .
As we ’ ve noted numerous times , there ’ s more than one way to kill yourself .
A gun isn ’ t a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news is far more likely to feed the kind of depression that may lead someone to take their own life .
That ’ s especially true as many such people may not even know if a counselor is available to speak to them and help them .
It won ’ t be because of guns .
As for accidents , gun sales went through most of a decade of increased sales and guess what ?
Accidents with firearms actually decreased during that period .
There ’ s little reason to expect anything different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all , Kristof is shaking in his boots not because of rational fears but because of his own phobia about guns in general .
For that , he should be mocked .

We’ve written a lot of stories about people buying guns over the last week. That’s really unsurprising since it’s been such a significant amount. There doesn’t seem to be a gun store in the country–nay, North America–isn’t being hammered with customers during this terrifying time.
However, as our sister site Red State reported earlier this week, some seem to believe that the gun buying is going to somehow make the virus more deadly.
Never miss an opportunity to stroke one’s partisan wants, right? Enter Nicholas Kristof, who is a long time op-ed writer for The New York Times. If you are trying to put a face with the name, he’s the same guy who went on a propaganda hop in North Korea some years ago and came back praising their “fun” and pizza to try to own President Trump. Kristof is fretting that increased gun sales in the U.S. will lead to more murders, thereby being a major repercussion of the Wuhan virus. One way in which the coronavirus will lead to more deaths: It is leading to a rush to buy guns, which will lead to more murders, suicides and accidents: https://t.co/cxPcvjk6X0 — Nicholas Kristof (@NickKristof) March 16, 2020 This comes after numerous reports that gun buying is up right now as people seek to protect themselves from any worst case scenario.
As Bonchie notes, though, the people who aren’t buying guns are actual criminals.
Well, not any more than normal, anyway, and they’re not buying them from law-abiding gun stores either. They’re getting them from black-market dealers or stealing them themselves.
So what is Kristof’s malfunction, anyway.
The answer is simple. Kristof is the kind of hoplophobe who can’t imagine an increase in guns existing without a corresponding increase in crime. This despite evidence showing that simply to not be the case. Gun ownership often leads to a decrease in criminal activity as bad guys have a tendency to prefer not getting shot.
They’re funny that way.
In other cases, though, there’s little correlation either way. Regardless of which is true, what we know to be accurate it that more guns don’t correspond to more people being shot.
Kristof is really just upset that while anti-gun sentiment was pretty high before the Covid-19 outbreak, that went out the window the moment people felt threatened. That’s because few people ever want gun control to apply to them. They want laws to impact others, not them. So, while they supported universal background checks and red flag laws, they didn’t want those laws to stop them from buying a gun if they suddenly felt the need.
Right now, a lot of people feel the need.
What we won’t see, however, are a corresponding spike in murders.
I won’t say we won’t see a spike in suicides, but any such spike has more to do with the doom and gloom people see in the media than whether they have a gun handy. As we’ve noted numerous times, there’s more than one way to kill yourself. A gun isn’t a requirement for that. Yet constantly depressing news is far more likely to feed the kind of depression that may lead someone to take their own life.
That’s especially true as many such people may not even know if a counselor is available to speak to them and help them.
It won’t be because of guns.
As for accidents, gun sales went through most of a decade of increased sales and guess what? Accidents with firearms actually decreased during that period. There’s little reason to expect anything different this time around.
So, all in all, Kristof is shaking in his boots not because of rational fears but because of his own phobia about guns in general. For that, he should be mocked.
Endlessly.


bearingarms--2020-03-20--Reno Gun Store Offering Curbside Pickup For Customers

A Nevada gun store and range is getting creative in order to maintain social distancing and still provide service for Nevadans who want to purchase firearms and ammunition .
Reno Guns & Range is now offering curbside pickup for some items , and limiting the number of people who can be inside the store at any one time .
“ We ’ ve taken steps to reduce our group classes , our group events and our rental firearms portion of what we have because that would fall under the entertainment portion of our business , ” Jay Hawkins , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re buying a gun , you ’ ll fill out all required paperwork and then be escorted into the store one at a time .
This is all to maintain social distancing and to limit contact .
“ If somebody has already picked out a firearm and they were waiting on a background check and that check has come back approved , then we ’ re doing similar to the ammo , simply making contact .
We ’ re coming in getting that item , completing the paperwork outside and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the facility , ” Hawkins said .
It ’ s a smart idea , and Hawkins says it will allow for the store to maintain its normal operating hours .
It sounds like the range portion of the gun store is still open as well , but folks are having to use their own firearms instead of renting them .
Hawkins says classes have been “ reduced ” at the range , but he didn ’ t say that they ’ ve been cancelled completely , so hopefully some of the new customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to take a basic pistol course or the required training for their concealed carry license .
Obviously Hawkins wants to protect the health of his employees and customers , while also ensuring that people who want to be able to exercise their right to keep and bear arms in this national emergency can do so .
This seems like a pretty creative way to remain open and practice social distancing , and I can ’ t help but wonder if we ’ ll see more gun stores around the country adopt similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re ordered to close .
In Alameda County , California , Solar Tactical is vowing to remain open despite Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s “ shelter-in-place ” order , telling customers via their Facebook page that the store is open by appointment only and urging them to contact local government to protest the order to shut down .
Alamada County Sheriff ’ s Ray Kelley says deputies have asked the store to close , but if they don ’ t , law enforcement will be back to post a notice to close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County has long been hostile to the Second Amendment .
In fact , just a couple of years ago the county changed its zoning laws to prohibit any new gun stores from opening within the county limits , so it ’ s no big surprise that the county is doing everything it can to try to prevent residents from exercising their right to keep and bear arms .
A far better solution for the county would be to allow stores like Solar Tactical to remain open but practice social distancing measures like Reno @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s becoming increasingly clear that some anti-gun jurisdictions are using the coronavirus emergency to target gun stores with closure rather than recognize the right of the people to keep and bear arms .

A Nevada gun store and range is getting creative in order to maintain social distancing and still provide service for Nevadans who want to purchase firearms and ammunition. Reno Guns & Range is now offering curbside pickup for some items, and limiting the number of people who can be inside the store at any one time.
“We’ve taken steps to reduce our group classes, our group events and our rental firearms portion of what we have because that would fall under the entertainment portion of our business,” Jay Hawkins, of Reno Guns & Range said. If you’re buying a gun, you’ll fill out all required paperwork and then be escorted into the store one at a time. This is all to maintain social distancing and to limit contact. “If somebody has already picked out a firearm and they were waiting on a background check and that check has come back approved, then we’re doing similar to the ammo, simply making contact. We’re coming in getting that item, completing the paperwork outside and that way we are reducing the contact inside the facility,” Hawkins said.
It’s a smart idea, and Hawkins says it will allow for the store to maintain its normal operating hours. It sounds like the range portion of the gun store is still open as well, but folks are having to use their own firearms instead of renting them.
Hawkins says classes have been “reduced” at the range, but he didn’t say that they’ve been cancelled completely, so hopefully some of the new customers at Reno Guns & Range will be able to take a basic pistol course or the required training for their concealed carry license.
Obviously Hawkins wants to protect the health of his employees and customers, while also ensuring that people who want to be able to exercise their right to keep and bear arms in this national emergency can do so. This seems like a pretty creative way to remain open and practice social distancing, and I can’t help but wonder if we’ll see more gun stores around the country adopt similar tactics, at least until they’re ordered to close.
In Alameda County, California, Solar Tactical is vowing to remain open despite Gov. Gavin Newsom’s “shelter-in-place” order, telling customers via their Facebook page that the store is open by appointment only and urging them to contact local government to protest the order to shut down.
“Your 2nd Amendment right is no longer considered essential during forced shelter in place,” the shop said. “Please share and get the word out. Call your local officials, news stations, and Alameda County Sheriffs office to let them know how you feel about your 2nd Amendment rights being taken away.”
Alamada County Sheriff’s Ray Kelley says deputies have asked the store to close, but if they don’t, law enforcement will be back to post a notice to close before they “take enforcement.”
Alameda County has long been hostile to the Second Amendment. In fact, just a couple of years ago the county changed its zoning laws to prohibit any new gun stores from opening within the county limits, so it’s no big surprise that the county is doing everything it can to try to prevent residents from exercising their right to keep and bear arms. A far better solution for the county would be to allow stores like Solar Tactical to remain open but practice social distancing measures like Reno Guns & Range, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that some anti-gun jurisdictions are using the coronavirus emergency to target gun stores with closure rather than recognize the right of the people to keep and bear arms.


bearingarms--2020-03-20--PA Governor Orders "Non-Life Sustaining Businesses" Closed

Gov .
Tom Wolf has ordered all “ non-life sustaining ” businesses in the state closed in order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus , but the emergency declaration doesn ’ t specifically address the issue of gun stores .
Wolf ’ s order specifies which industries will be allowed to continue to operate and which are ordered closed , but “ gun stores ” doesn ’ t appear on either side of the governor ’ s ledger .
According to the governor ’ s list , “ Sporting goods , hobby and musical instrument stores ” are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while plenty of sporting goods stores sell firearms and ammunition , not every store that sells firearms and ammunition is a sporting goods store .
Adding to the confusion , “ fishing , hunting and trapping ” are considered life-sustaining industries , so they will be allowed to operate .
If Pennsylvanians are still allowed to hunt and trap under the governor ’ s order , they ’ re going to need access to firearms and ammunition .
Needless to say , there ’ s a lot of confusion and anger over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority under the state ’ s disaster declaration law , Wolf , a Democrat , ordered more than 150 types of businesses to close their physical locations , warning that enforcement against violators would begin Saturday .
It was among the toughest measures yet taken by a U.S. governor in response to the virus pandemic .
It also drew fierce condemnation from majority Republicans in the Legislature .
“ I had hoped for voluntary compliance so our public safety officials could focus on assisting with the crisis , ” Wolf said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not seen full compliance .
We have no time to lose.
” Wolf said his order would be enforced by state troopers , local officials , the state Health and Agriculture departments and the Liquor Control Board .
The two-term governor had previously said he would not use police for enforcement .
Businesses that fail to comply risk citations , fines or license suspensions , and “ forfeit their ability to receive any applicable disaster relief and/or may be subject to other appropriate administrative action , ” Wolf ’ s office said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a possibility , with violators subject to fines or imprisonment , Wolf ’ s office said .
I suspect that Wolf will claim gun stores fall under the “ sporting goods ” or “ miscellaneous retail ” categories , and are non-essential , and it sounds like pushback may be coming today .
According to US News & World Report , Republicans in the statehouse are weighing their response .
Several House members are talking about filing a lawsuit and challenging the order in court , while their Senate counterparts are demanding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity for business owners to appeal ” in his order .
I ’ m all in favor of filing a lawsuit challenging the governor ’ s order , particularly if we see it applied to any of the state ’ s gun stores .
Firearms retailers across the state are reporting long lines and lots of first-time gun buyers , and as we reported yesterday , some gun store owners in Philadelphia were vowing to remain open because of the essential nature of their business .
The right to keep and bear arms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time of an emergency , and if Wolf does try to enforce his order against gun stores there are going to be thousands of Pennsylvanians who will be deprived of their right to keep and bear arms and their human right of self-defense .
The governor has allowed beer and wine retailers to continue to operate as essential businesses , but he wants to close gun stores ?
It is absolutely asinine to claim that Pennsylvanians have a right to imbibe , but not a right to protect themselves .

Gov. Tom Wolf has ordered all “non-life sustaining” businesses in the state closed in order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, but the emergency declaration doesn’t specifically address the issue of gun stores. Wolf’s order specifies which industries will be allowed to continue to operate and which are ordered closed, but “gun stores” doesn’t appear on either side of the governor’s ledger.
According to the governor’s list, “Sporting goods, hobby and musical instrument stores” are not allowed to remain open, and while plenty of sporting goods stores sell firearms and ammunition, not every store that sells firearms and ammunition is a sporting goods store. Adding to the confusion, “fishing, hunting and trapping” are considered life-sustaining industries, so they will be allowed to operate. If Pennsylvanians are still allowed to hunt and trap under the governor’s order, they’re going to need access to firearms and ammunition.
Needless to say, there’s a lot of confusion and anger over the governor’s order.
Citing his authority under the state’s disaster declaration law, Wolf, a Democrat, ordered more than 150 types of businesses to close their physical locations, warning that enforcement against violators would begin Saturday. It was among the toughest measures yet taken by a U.S. governor in response to the virus pandemic. It also drew fierce condemnation from majority Republicans in the Legislature. “I had hoped for voluntary compliance so our public safety officials could focus on assisting with the crisis,” Wolf said in a video statement. “Unfortunately we have not seen full compliance. We have no time to lose.” Wolf said his order would be enforced by state troopers, local officials, the state Health and Agriculture departments and the Liquor Control Board. The two-term governor had previously said he would not use police for enforcement. Businesses that fail to comply risk citations, fines or license suspensions, and “forfeit their ability to receive any applicable disaster relief and/or may be subject to other appropriate administrative action,” Wolf’s office said in a statement. Criminal prosecution is also a possibility, with violators subject to fines or imprisonment, Wolf’s office said.
I suspect that Wolf will claim gun stores fall under the “sporting goods” or “miscellaneous retail” categories, and are non-essential, and it sounds like pushback may be coming today.
According to US News & World Report, Republicans in the statehouse are weighing their response. Several House members are talking about filing a lawsuit and challenging the order in court, while their Senate counterparts are demanding the governor add “more transparency and the opportunity for business owners to appeal” in his order.
I’m all in favor of filing a lawsuit challenging the governor’s order, particularly if we see it applied to any of the state’s gun stores. Firearms retailers across the state are reporting long lines and lots of first-time gun buyers, and as we reported yesterday, some gun store owners in Philadelphia were vowing to remain open because of the essential nature of their business.
The right to keep and bear arms is never more essential than during a time of an emergency, and if Wolf does try to enforce his order against gun stores there are going to be thousands of Pennsylvanians who will be deprived of their right to keep and bear arms and their human right of self-defense. The governor has allowed beer and wine retailers to continue to operate as essential businesses, but he wants to close gun stores? It is absolutely asinine to claim that Pennsylvanians have a right to imbibe, but not a right to protect themselves.


bearingarms--2020-03-20--More Illinois City Officials Seek Power To Ban Gun Sales

While the Covid-19 virus is ugly all on its own , the worst impact may still be the stupidity sweeping the nation .
It ’ s also giving local and state-level tin-pot dictators all the justification they need to start shutting down businesses that have nothing at all to do with anything .
You see , it ’ s questionable at best for them to shut down bars , restaurants , and theaters , but at least a case can be made that such places make it easier for the disease to spread .
Those have no impact on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s possible to get the disease at any of those places , it ’ s just as possible to get it at your local grocery store on chatting with your neighbor over the backyard fence .
Yet simply facts won ’ t stop some city leaders in Illinois from trying to shut all three of those down .
Municipal officials throughout the state are considering measures to grant local leaders emergency powers to ban the sale of things such as guns , gasoline and liquor as concerns over the spread of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump wrote in a letter : “ I have determined that the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) pandemic is of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant an emergency determination under … the ‘ Stafford Act ’ .
” The move allows local and state governments to get assistance from the federal government .
It also gives more powers to the federal government to manage declared emergencies .
Also last week , Champaign city officials unanimously approved a resolution giving the city the ability to , among other things , halt the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close businesses including liquor establishments , ration supplies , compel evacuations and cut off utilities .
“ You don ’ t have to wait for the train to run over you before you get out of the way , ” Champaign City Attorney Fred Stavins said .
“ It ’ s important that this is an effort to get ahead of this rather than wait for the worst situation in the community.
” Now , we ’ ve already covered Champaign ’ s nonsense .
And yes , it ’ s just that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for people in Champaign , it ’ s also the law .
It ’ s wrong and unconstitutional , but there are penalties for violating that law .
They ’ re not alone , either .
In Springfield , officials introduced a measure this week to allow the mayor to declare an emergency and establish a curfew .
“ The Champaign ordinance goes quite a bit farther , but we can go through this , ” Springfield corporation counsel Jim Zerkle said .
“ This sets the framework … because our current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation of a local state of emergency.
” Springfield aldermen will take up the proposed ordinance to allow the mayor to establish a curfew and suspend gas , weapons and liquor sales at an emergency meeting Tuesday .
We ’ re likely to see far more of this in the coming days and weeks , at least until the disease ’ s spread is halted .
That ’ s bad because we just don ’ t know how long that will be .
China claims they ’ ve basically halted the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything China tells you , I ’ ve got a bridge to sell you .
Italy has been at this for more than a month but there ’ s absolutely no sign of the disease slowing down .
Of course , Italy is different than the United States .
Their healthcare system is jacked up and their culture doesn ’ t have the personal boundaries American culture does .
We also don ’ t know how much of the rise in cases in Italy is because of an increased spread of the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being tested .
So , we don ’ t know how long this is going to go on .
That means these communities looking to halt gun sales may keep gun stores shut down for months , potentially .
That ’ s likely to be enough to kill many gun stores .
If there ’ s a saving grace , though , it ’ s that most had a massive influx of cash in recent days from the buying sprees .
That might be enough to hold them over .
Regardless , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this like it ’ s a necessary step in this particular emergency .
It ’ s no such thing .
They ’ re just using the virus as an excuse and nothing else .

While the Covid-19 virus is ugly all on its own, the worst impact may still be the stupidity sweeping the nation. It’s also giving local and state-level tin-pot dictators all the justification they need to start shutting down businesses that have nothing at all to do with anything.
You see, it’s questionable at best for them to shut down bars, restaurants, and theaters, but at least a case can be made that such places make it easier for the disease to spread.
But gun stores? Gas stations? Liquor stores?
Those have no impact on the virus to speak of. While it’s possible to get the disease at any of those places, it’s just as possible to get it at your local grocery store on chatting with your neighbor over the backyard fence.
Yet simply facts won’t stop some city leaders in Illinois from trying to shut all three of those down.
Municipal officials throughout the state are considering measures to grant local leaders emergency powers to ban the sale of things such as guns, gasoline and liquor as concerns over the spread of COVID-19 mount. Last week, President Donald Trump wrote in a letter: “I have determined that the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant an emergency determination under … the ‘Stafford Act’.” The move allows local and state governments to get assistance from the federal government. It also gives more powers to the federal government to manage declared emergencies. … Also last week, Champaign city officials unanimously approved a resolution giving the city the ability to, among other things, halt the sale of weapons and gasoline, and close businesses including liquor establishments, ration supplies, compel evacuations and cut off utilities. “You don’t have to wait for the train to run over you before you get out of the way,” Champaign City Attorney Fred Stavins said. “It’s important that this is an effort to get ahead of this rather than wait for the worst situation in the community.”
Now, we’ve already covered Champaign’s nonsense. And yes, it’s just that. It’s nonsense.
However, for people in Champaign, it’s also the law. It’s wrong and unconstitutional, but there are penalties for violating that law.
They’re not alone, either.
In Springfield, officials introduced a measure this week to allow the mayor to declare an emergency and establish a curfew. “The Champaign ordinance goes quite a bit farther, but we can go through this,” Springfield corporation counsel Jim Zerkle said. “This sets the framework … because our current code of ordinances does not address the situation of a local state of emergency.” Springfield aldermen will take up the proposed ordinance to allow the mayor to establish a curfew and suspend gas, weapons and liquor sales at an emergency meeting Tuesday.
We’re likely to see far more of this in the coming days and weeks, at least until the disease’s spread is halted. That’s bad because we just don’t know how long that will be.
China claims they’ve basically halted the spread of the disease, but if you believe anything China tells you, I’ve got a bridge to sell you. Italy has been at this for more than a month but there’s absolutely no sign of the disease slowing down. Of course, Italy is different than the United States. Their healthcare system is jacked up and their culture doesn’t have the personal boundaries American culture does.
We also don’t know how much of the rise in cases in Italy is because of an increased spread of the disease and how much is simply more people being tested.
So, we don’t know how long this is going to go on.
That means these communities looking to halt gun sales may keep gun stores shut down for months, potentially. That’s likely to be enough to kill many gun stores. If there’s a saving grace, though, it’s that most had a massive influx of cash in recent days from the buying sprees. That might be enough to hold them over.
Regardless, though, these communities are trying to spin this like it’s a necessary step in this particular emergency. It’s no such thing. They’re just using the virus as an excuse and nothing else.


bearingarms--2020-03-21--Bloomberg's Damaging His Brand And Influence On The Left

We haven ’ t heard much from Michael Bloomberg since he dropped out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination after a not-so-Super Tuesday for the anti-gun billionaire .
This week , however , Bloomberg is suddenly back in the news , but for all the wrong reasons .
First , we learned that Bloomberg is donating $ 40-million to help fund efforts to fight the coronavirus around the world .
That ’ s not nothing , but it ’ s a pretty paltry amount compared to what he spent trying to become president .
In fact , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more money on his campaign than we realized .
New FEC filings indicate the anti-gun billionaire spent more than $ 900-million in his attempt to become president .
The filings show that the Bloomberg campaign spent more than $ 500 million on television advertising alone , as well as more than $ 100 million on digital ads .
It also dropped more than $ 15 million on polling .
The unprecedented spending fueled a Bloomberg surge in the polls after his entry to the primary field and helped cast him as a serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Joe Biden , another centrist .
Bloomberg , in an apparent recognition of his late entry into the race , skipped the first four nominating contests in Iowa , New Hampshire , Nevada and South Carolina and appeared set to head into Super Tuesday with the wind at his back .
However , a devastating debate performance in which he was savaged over his past support of stop and frisk and comments about women , and a 30-point rout by Biden in South Carolina derailed his once-promising bid .
Bloomberg ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly how he tried to position himself during his campaign .
When that campaign ended , Bloomberg said he was going to keep his campaign operation in place and pay all of his staff through November to help elect Joe Biden .
This week , we learned that Bloomberg is actually laying off hundredsof staffers and ending their insurance even as the coronavirus pandemic is sweeping across the country .
Many of the Bloomberg aides — including those purged in an initial round of dismissals—were holding out hope he would deliver on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through November , particularly with the coronavirus baring down .
But those hopes were also dashed Friday when the staffers were told in frank conference calls that Bloomberg would not move ahead with his planned super PAC , and instead would cede his state operation to the DNC , including an $ 18 million infusion to help presumptive nominee Joe Biden .
Instead of keeping his campaign operation in place as an independent spending group , Bloomberg ’ s simply closing up shop and handing $ 18-million to the DNC .
Bloomberg ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be just as bogus as his promise that we can ban our way to safety when it comes to firearms .
“ I guess it ’ s cheaper to give the DNC $ 18 million than keep promises because @ MikeBloomberg just fired his whole campaign staff — including those of us promised jobs though November on his IE , ” Amol Jethwani , a former aide , wrote in a tweet .
“ Disappointed I don ’ t have a job .
Not surprised that a billionaire is cheating scum.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the news comes as a massive blow amid the tanking economy .
They believe the campaign has repeatedly strung them along while misrepresenting future opportunities .
“ I am disgusted by Mike Bloomberg and his staff , ” one of the Bloomberg aides , who like several others spoke on the condition of anonymity , told POLITICO on Friday .
“ He has left us with no health insurance during this pandemic .
I have a family and do not know what we will do at the end of the month.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ layoffs of hundreds of his staffers , the Bloomberg campaign let workers in his New York campaign headquarters know that they may have been exposed to COVID-19 .
Actually , this is exactly how Bloomberg treats people who work for him .
Remember his last debate performance , where he ignored the actual members of Moms Demand Action and simply talked about “ his ” gun control groups ?
Michael Bloomberg is all about Michael Bloomberg , and the Left is now starting to realize what gun owners have known for years ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what he says .
I suspect that Bloomberg is going to have a much harder time attracting activists to his anti-gun efforts in the future , given the self-inflicted damage to his brand over the past few months .
Many Democrat activists now hold Bloomberg in as much contempt as gun owners do , and that ’ s very good news for Second Amendment supporters .

We haven’t heard much from Michael Bloomberg since he dropped out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination after a not-so-Super Tuesday for the anti-gun billionaire. This week, however, Bloomberg is suddenly back in the news, but for all the wrong reasons.
First, we learned that Bloomberg is donating $40-million to help fund efforts to fight the coronavirus around the world. That’s not nothing, but it’s a pretty paltry amount compared to what he spent trying to become president. In fact, as it turns out Bloomberg spent a lot more money on his campaign than we realized. New FEC filings indicate the anti-gun billionaire spent more than $900-million in his attempt to become president.
From The Hill:
The filings show that the Bloomberg campaign spent more than $500 million on television advertising alone, as well as more than $100 million on digital ads. It also dropped more than $15 million on polling. The unprecedented spending fueled a Bloomberg surge in the polls after his entry to the primary field and helped cast him as a serious contender and potential rival to former Vice President Joe Biden, another centrist. Bloomberg, in an apparent recognition of his late entry into the race, skipped the first four nominating contests in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina and appeared set to head into Super Tuesday with the wind at his back. However, a devastating debate performance in which he was savaged over his past support of stop and frisk and comments about women, and a 30-point rout by Biden in South Carolina derailed his once-promising bid.
Bloomberg’s no centrist, though that’s certainly how he tried to position himself during his campaign. When that campaign ended, Bloomberg said he was going to keep his campaign operation in place and pay all of his staff through November to help elect Joe Biden. This week, we learned that Bloomberg is actually laying off hundredsof staffers and ending their insurance even as the coronavirus pandemic is sweeping across the country.
Many of the Bloomberg aides — including those purged in an initial round of dismissals—were holding out hope he would deliver on a promise to keep them on his payroll through November, particularly with the coronavirus baring down. But those hopes were also dashed Friday when the staffers were told in frank conference calls that Bloomberg would not move ahead with his planned super PAC, and instead would cede his state operation to the DNC, including an $18 million infusion to help presumptive nominee Joe Biden.
Instead of keeping his campaign operation in place as an independent spending group, Bloomberg’s simply closing up shop and handing $18-million to the DNC. Bloomberg’s promise to his staffers turned out to be just as bogus as his promise that we can ban our way to safety when it comes to firearms.
“I guess it’s cheaper to give the DNC $18 million than keep promises because @MikeBloomberg just fired his whole campaign staff — including those of us promised jobs though November on his IE,” Amol Jethwani, a former aide, wrote in a tweet. “Disappointed I don’t have a job. Not surprised that a billionaire is cheating scum.” Several other former aides said in interviews that the news comes as a massive blow amid the tanking economy. They believe the campaign has repeatedly strung them along while misrepresenting future opportunities. “I am disgusted by Mike Bloomberg and his staff,” one of the Bloomberg aides, who like several others spoke on the condition of anonymity, told POLITICO on Friday. “He has left us with no health insurance during this pandemic. I have a family and do not know what we will do at the end of the month.”
Making matters worse, hours before the layoffs of hundreds of his staffers, the Bloomberg campaign let workers in his New York campaign headquarters know that they may have been exposed to COVID-19.
In an email sent at 11:03 pm Thursday, with the mundane subject line “Building Update – 229 West 43rd Street,” the campaign’s human resources department wrote: “We’ve just become aware of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the office at 229 West 43rd Street impacting the 5th and 8th floor.” The campaign wrote that the individual was last in the office on Monday, March 16. The campaign recommended employees work from home for the next two weeks, spurring panic among some staffers given their health insurance will end in just 11 days. “Think about the potential of someone getting hospitalized on April 1, without coverage, fighting for their life and now being strapped with massive medical debt,” said a staffer in headquarters who fears they were exposed and shared the email with POLITICO. “The campaign’s refusal to extend health care benefits is unconscionable and putting people at grave risk. This is not how you treat people who sacrificed a lot to work for you.”
Actually, this is exactly how Bloomberg treats people who work for him. Remember his last debate performance, where he ignored the actual members of Moms Demand Action and simply talked about “his” gun control groups? Michael Bloomberg is all about Michael Bloomberg, and the Left is now starting to realize what gun owners have known for years; you can’t believe a word of what he says.
I suspect that Bloomberg is going to have a much harder time attracting activists to his anti-gun efforts in the future, given the self-inflicted damage to his brand over the past few months. Many Democrat activists now hold Bloomberg in as much contempt as gun owners do, and that’s very good news for Second Amendment supporters.


bearingarms--2020-03-21--California Gun Store Closes Its Doors After Threats Of Prosecution

Alameda County gun store Solar Tactical has closed its doors for the time being , after remaining open for several days despite a “ shelter-in-place ” order in the county .
Owner Mike Addis reluctantly made the decision after being threatened with prosecution for keeping the doors open , but says he still believes his store and others are essential businesses that need to be operating during the state of emergency .
“ A gun store is an essential business because it ’ s a Second-Amendment right , ” explained Solar Tactical owner Mike Addis .
“ A lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re concerned about looting or they ’ re concerned about their personal safety in the house , ” Addis added .
Addis said business has been going through the roof and most customers are first-time buyers .
He felt unfairly targeted and singled out by the sheriff .
“ Definitely a mixed message .
Up and down California , some shops are open , some are not open .
Big 5 can sell guns right now .
Walmart can sell guns right now , ” Addis said .
KPIX-TV spoke to one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who backed up the gun store owner ’ s argument .
“ There ’ s been a home invasion two doors down from where I lived , ” said Joshua Boothby , who stopped by Solar Tactical to pick up a handgun .
Boothby had purchased the gun 10 days ago .
And it was ready for pickup after the required cooling-off period and background check .
He arrived at the store Friday afternoon to find it closed .
Boothby said guns and ammo are essential in these uncertain times .
He already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handgun would better protect his family if someone breaks in to his Castro Valley home .
“ It ’ s kind of concerning that , like , you ’ re hearing about martial law might go into effect and then you hear about prisoners being released , ” said Boothby .
It is concerning , and it ’ s even more concerning that someone who bought a firearm , went through the background check and the mandatory 10-day waiting period now can ’ t pick up the gun that he purchased .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sheriff ’ s Office isn ’ t doing himself or his office any favors with his argument in favor of shutting down the gun store .
“ This was never an argument over the Second Amendment .
This was an argument about essential versus non-essential in the fight against COVID-19 , ” said Sgt .
Ray Kelly , spokesman for Alameda County Sheriff ’ s Office .
The sheriff ’ s office says that , in a health crisis , they have to make tough decisions .
“ People that are buying weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that were not weapons owners prior , what type of training and experience do they have in handling those weapons ?
That ’ s a concern , ” Sgt .
Kelly said .
It may be a concern , but it ’ s not a valid reason to deprive those people of their constitutional rights .
Many gun owners and Second Amendment organizations are stepping up to point out videos and other online resources for new gun owners to at least get some basic knowledge of firearms handling and safety until they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for instruction .
Addis says he ’ s talking with his attorney and would like to reopen , but for now the doors to Solar Tactical remain locked while he tries to convince local officials of the obvious ; the right to keep and bear arms is never more essential than during emergencies .
No , you can ’ t shoot the coronavirus , but you can protect and defend yourself and your family from any criminals who decide to take advantage of the fact that many law enforcement agencies will be stretched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
By declaring gun stores to be non-essential businesses , California politicians are declaring that the right to keep and bear arms isn ’ t essential either .
The U.S. Constitution and millions of California gun owners disagree .

Alameda County gun store Solar Tactical has closed its doors for the time being, after remaining open for several days despite a “shelter-in-place” order in the county. Owner Mike Addis reluctantly made the decision after being threatened with prosecution for keeping the doors open, but says he still believes his store and others are essential businesses that need to be operating during the state of emergency.
“A gun store is an essential business because it’s a Second-Amendment right,” explained Solar Tactical owner Mike Addis. “A lot of our customers are business owners and they’re concerned about looting or they’re concerned about their personal safety in the house,” Addis added. Addis said business has been going through the roof and most customers are first-time buyers. He felt unfairly targeted and singled out by the sheriff. “Definitely a mixed message. Up and down California, some shops are open, some are not open. Big 5 can sell guns right now. Walmart can sell guns right now,” Addis said.
KPIX-TV spoke to one of Addis’s customers on Friday who backed up the gun store owner’s argument.
“There’s been a home invasion two doors down from where I lived,” said Joshua Boothby, who stopped by Solar Tactical to pick up a handgun. Boothby had purchased the gun 10 days ago. And it was ready for pickup after the required cooling-off period and background check. He arrived at the store Friday afternoon to find it closed. Boothby said guns and ammo are essential in these uncertain times. He already owns a shotgun but he thought a handgun would better protect his family if someone breaks in to his Castro Valley home. “It’s kind of concerning that, like, you’re hearing about martial law might go into effect and then you hear about prisoners being released,” said Boothby.
It is concerning, and it’s even more concerning that someone who bought a firearm, went through the background check and the mandatory 10-day waiting period now can’t pick up the gun that he purchased. Meanwhile, the spokesman for the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office isn’t doing himself or his office any favors with his argument in favor of shutting down the gun store.
“This was never an argument over the Second Amendment. This was an argument about essential versus non-essential in the fight against COVID-19,” said Sgt. Ray Kelly, spokesman for Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office says that, in a health crisis, they have to make tough decisions. “People that are buying weapons now — all of a sudden — that were not weapons owners prior, what type of training and experience do they have in handling those weapons? That’s a concern,” Sgt. Kelly said.
It may be a concern, but it’s not a valid reason to deprive those people of their constitutional rights. Many gun owners and Second Amendment organizations are stepping up to point out videos and other online resources for new gun owners to at least get some basic knowledge of firearms handling and safety until they can get to a range or a classroom for instruction.
Tag!! You’re it! Pass it on . . . If you or someone you know needs a little help with the basics of firearm ownership, follow the link below 👇https://t.co/hmsOeeo1p7 pic.twitter.com/k0YS4XN07X — American Rifleman (@NRA_Rifleman) March 20, 2020
Addis says he’s talking with his attorney and would like to reopen, but for now the doors to Solar Tactical remain locked while he tries to convince local officials of the obvious; the right to keep and bear arms is never more essential than during emergencies. No, you can’t shoot the coronavirus, but you can protect and defend yourself and your family from any criminals who decide to take advantage of the fact that many law enforcement agencies will be stretched thin as officers become exposed to COVID-19 virus. By declaring gun stores to be non-essential businesses, California politicians are declaring that the right to keep and bear arms isn’t essential either. The U.S. Constitution and millions of California gun owners disagree.


bearingarms--2020-03-21--So Just Who Are Buying All These Guns?

So Just Who Are Buying All These Guns?

Despite the record sales during the Obama administration , it seems the number of gun-owning households continued to drop during that same time .
As a result , we have a lot of guns in this country , but they ’ re in relatively few hands .
Most people who have guns own several while most don ’ t own any .
Yet over the last week , fears of the Covid-19 virus sparked a gun-buying surge the likes of which we ’ ve never seen before .
One report from California suggested they were all Asians concerned with being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figured it was the paranoid gun owners buying more before they couldn ’ t anymore .
However , it seems that it ’ s broader than just one ethnic group and it ain ’ t the usual suspects .
First it was the toilet paper and now it ’ s guns .
Sales are surging across the nation and it ’ s no different in Arkansas .
The owner of Arkansas Armory , Nathan House , told KATV he ’ s seeing a surge in first-time gun buyers who say coronavirus is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they should purchase protection .
“ People are concerned , they ’ re seeing people at stores that are acting in ways that are less civil and then they become worried about their own family ’ s safety and security , ” House said .
With the demand increasing , House added , the gun industry is barely able to keep up .
“ It ’ s been very limited , this isn ’ t just impacting central Arkansas , this is impacting the entire nation , ” House explained .
“ When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Nevada and they can ’ t resupply , and it means that we can ’ t get resupply either .
because it ’ s all coming from the same distribution center.
” House said that while many are just impulse buying , many more are simply preparing for whatever may happen .
For what it ’ s worth , this matches what we ’ ve seen elsewhere and what I ’ ve heard from talking to folks in various gun stores all over the nation .
These are new gun owners .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ when all of this blows over ?
Well , that remains to be seen .
Some folks in California may well remember how difficult it was to buy a gun when they needed one and start bucking against new regulations .
That may pan out across the board , actually .
People who buy guns during tense times like this may well become some of the most vocal defenders of the Second Amendment out there .
It ’ s important , though , that we welcome these news gun owners into our ranks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politics and focusing on the things that unite us , that means trusting our Second Amendment rights to protect us when the government clearly can ’ t .
Rally them as our allies and help those interested to become staunch advocates of our right to keep and bear arms .
We have all these new gun owners .
It would be a damn shame not to recruit their help in preserving our gun rights so the next emergency won ’ t be the final nail in the old Second Amendment ’ s coffin @

Despite the record sales during the Obama administration, it seems the number of gun-owning households continued to drop during that same time. As a result, we have a lot of guns in this country, but they’re in relatively few hands. Most people who have guns own several while most don’t own any.
Yet over the last week, fears of the Covid-19 virus sparked a gun-buying surge the likes of which we’ve never seen before. One report from California suggested they were all Asians concerned with being blamed for the disease. Other folks figured it was the paranoid gun owners buying more before they couldn’t anymore.
However, it seems that it’s broader than just one ethnic group and it ain’t the usual suspects.
First it was the toilet paper and now it’s guns. Sales are surging across the nation and it’s no different in Arkansas. The owner of Arkansas Armory, Nathan House, told KATV he’s seeing a surge in first-time gun buyers who say is the leading cause on why they now feel they should purchase protection. “People are concerned, they’re seeing people at stores that are acting in ways that are less civil and then they become worried about their own family’s safety and security,” House said. With the demand increasing, House added, the gun industry is barely able to keep up. “It’s been very limited, this isn’t just impacting central Arkansas, this is impacting the entire nation,” House explained. “When people go buy out a gun store in Nevada and they can’t resupply, and it means that we can’t get resupply either. because it’s all coming from the same distribution center.”
House said that while many are just impulse buying, many more are simply preparing for whatever may happen.
For what it’s worth, this matches what we’ve seen elsewhere and what I’ve heard from talking to folks in various gun stores all over the nation. These are new gun owners.
What does that mean for gun rights when all of this blows over?
Well, that remains to be seen. Some folks in California may well remember how difficult it was to buy a gun when they needed one and start bucking against new regulations. That may pan out across the board, actually. People who buy guns during tense times like this may well become some of the most vocal defenders of the Second Amendment out there.
It’s important, though, that we welcome these news gun owners into our ranks. That means leaving aside all non-gun politics and focusing on the things that unite us, that means trusting our Second Amendment rights to protect us when the government clearly can’t. Rally them as our allies and help those interested to become staunch advocates of our right to keep and bear arms.
We have all these new gun owners. It would be a damn shame not to recruit their help in preserving our gun rights so the next emergency won’t be the final nail in the old Second Amendment’s coffin.