The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute, Inc., or SAAMI, recently announced the acceptance of a new caliber into its ranks. Joining the ever-growing list of industry standards is the 5.7 x 28 FN cartridge for centerfire pistols and revolvers.
Since 1926, SAAMI has been the clearinghouse for industry standards, providing much-needed safety and consistency across manufacturers. Since that time, SAAMI has accepted standards for ammunition cartridges and chamber requirements to ensure user safety. Additionally, the standards accepted by SAAMI help improve the reliability and interchangeability of firearms, ammunition, and the corresponding components.
SAAMI has accepted the new 5.7×28 FN cartridge into its standards at the request of Fiocchi of America. The cartridge will help set safety standards across manufacturers and weapons. This is a small portion of the technical drawings for the cartridge. [Photo: SAAMI]
The new 5.7 x 28 FN cartridge was proposed by SAAMI Voting Member Fiocchi of America in collaboration with FN American. Originally created by FN, the 5.7 x 28 FN round has seen growth in recent years in niche markets. The cartridge in question has a 40-grain projectile and a velocity of 1,750 fps when fired from a 5-inch test barrel. Its maximum Average Pressure, or MAP, is 48,500 psi.
More information and technical drawings of the cartridge can be found on SAAMI’s website, along with other cartridge technical drawings.
In December, the Kalashnikov Concern announced that it had completed a three-year contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense while it also claimed to have doubled the supplies of the AK-12 assault rifle in 2023.
Chambered for the 5.45mm cartridge, the AK-12 will eventually replace the Russian AK-74 rifles, which have been used since the Cold War. Some Russian sources have suggested that the 5.45mm AK-12 has higher ergonomics compared to the AK-74 and AKM, while the Kremlin had previously highlighted the AK-12’s increased accuracy, the unique survivability of its barrel, and the new production technology that went into making it. The Kalashnikov Concern has now announced plans to further upgrade the military assault rifle.
The AK-12 was designed to be a component of Russia’s Ratnik “Soldier of the Future” program.
“A group of Kalashnikov managers, designers, and specialists has returned from the zone of the special military operation with the latest feedback on combat engagement of company products. Together with servicemen of the West battlegroup they serviced and restored some faulty units. The collected materials will be used to formulate proposals on adjusting the composition of spare parts for AK-12 and draft the overhaul documentation,” the company told Russian state media.
The AK-12 was designed in the framework of Russia’s Ratnik “Soldier of the Future” program and it was accepted into service in late 2018. The heart of the new AK-12 is practically unchanged from the first AKs that rolled off the production line in the 1940s, and it features largely the same fire control group, long-stroke gas operation, and “rotating two-lugged bolt.” This new weapon features three firing modes: single shot, three-shot burst, and automatic fire.
The ongoing “special military operation” in Ukraine reportedly confirmed the reliability of the rifle, the company said. However, it was decided to improve maintenance and restoration of the rifle in field conditions. That could be Russian doublespeak that suggests problems were encountered with the AK-12 in the war that began two years ago this month.
There have been reports of Russian soldiers complaining that much of the military hardware hasn’t exactly performed as advertised, and that has included the small arms. In addition, due to shortages, some Russian units have been equipped with helmets, body armor, and even weapons dating back to the Cold War.
Knowing the distance to your target isn’t just for bragging rights or fun, it’s to ensure precision. After all, you can’t simply wing it and hope for the best, especially when it comes to longer distances. Having a quality rangefinder on hand is a must for any dedicated precision shooter or hunter, and it’s even better when it has a variety of features that make it superior to most. That’s why Vortex designed the Razor HD 4000 GB Ballistic Laser Rangefinder: because this is a piece of quality gear you can count on.
The Vortex Razor HD 4000 GB Ballistic Laser Rangefinder is designed for superior performance in the field. (Photo credit: Vortex)
According to Vortex, the Razor HD 4000 GB is made for shot-calling precision. Using this rangefinder means there’s less juggling of devices, too, thanks to its features that deliver range, ballistic, and environmental data, all in one piece of gear. The team at Vortex understands that when the opportunity for a shot presents itself, you need precision, meaning you need a high-quality rangefinder.
The rangefinder tells you more than distance, it also delivers environmental details. (Photo credit: Vortex)
At the range and especially in the mountains, keeping your pack-out simple is huge. Opportunities to fill your tag can come quickly, but advanced ballistic solutions often require a lot of scrambling between pieces of gear. Vortex states that this is their top-tier laser rangefinder that’s had an onboard GeoBallistics app added to it (among other things). The ballistic app allows users to create custom rifle profiles and includes features such as a heads-up display, ballistic reference charts, interactive mapping, and a Comp tab to create and save range cards. That means you can create accurate shooting solutions with simply and with relative speed. The Razor HD 4000 GB also has Bluetooth connection capability with Kestrel devices with the use of the GeoBallistics app. These features work together to give shooters stellar capabilities in a single, well-made device.
The rangefinder utilizes the GeoBallistics app for even broader capabilities and greater precision. (Photo credit: Vortex)
The rangefinder is lightweight at just 10.1 ounces but is still rugged enough to stand up to heavy use. It’s fully loaded with the user’s choice of four target modes (Normal, First, Last, and ELR) and two range modes (Horizontal Component Distance (HCD) and Ballistics Mode (BAL)). Built-in environmental sensors for temperature, pressure, and humidity work with the app solver, two wind modes, patented Vortex Wind Bearing Capture Mode, and Full Crosswind Mode to make the best of whatever shooting situation arises. This rangefinder is tripod adaptable, and water, fog, and shockproof.
Compact, lightweight, rugged, and capable of giving you what you need for greater precision on target. What’s not to love? (Photo credit: Vortex)
MSRP for the Vortex Razor HD 4000 GB Ballistic Laser Rangefinder is set at $1199.99.
When Russia initially invaded Ukraine, it was daily news, almost incessant. As we move along, it’s not in the news as much as it had been. The media’s attention span with most subjects is about one week. Sometimes it gets drawn out longer, but their rabid coverage often wanes, even with protracted events such as the war.
We often hear about the aid that the US is supplying to Ukraine. But what, exactly, have we sent as far as weapons are concerned?
January, 2023
In January of 2023, the US Department Of Defense (DOD) announced that it would be sending 50 M2-A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles to Ukraine as part of an aid package to help drive Russian forces from the country. These vehicles will come with 500 TOW (Tube-Launched, Optically Tracked, Wire-Guided) anti-tank missiles, along with 250,000 rounds of 25mm ammunition for the vehicles’ main guns.
M2A2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles have been sent to Ukraine, along with a lot of ammunition. (Photo: US DOD)
This is part of a package worth a few billion dollars. The water gets muddy because it’s difficult to ascertain how much the vehicles and weapons cost and what portion of the billions of dollars they represent. We would assume that there are other weapons and assets included within the billions of dollars, but the announcements are rather ambiguous, which leaves a lot of guessing room.
Some of this nearly $3 billion is earmarked for “foreign military financing to contribute to the long-term capacity and modernization of Ukraine’s military,” according to the DOD. We’ll assume it’s for “beans, bullets, and bombs”, but who really knows?
In addition to the Bradley vehicles, there are also 100 M113 armored personnel carriers and 50 mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles. Also, 138 Humvees will be in this package.
Aside from the US, Germany, France, and the Netherlands are sending military vehicles to Ukraine.
Since artillery is necessary, 18 Paladin self-propelled 155mm howitzers and 36 105mm towed howitzers will be included. And because those guns are useless without ammunition, thousands of rounds will be included with the guns.
To bolster Ukraine’s air defense, RIM-7 missiles will be sent, as well as 4,000 Zuni rockets.
Also on the list are: “Night vision devices, sniper rifles, machine guns, spare parts, clothing, and more.” However, the list does not specifically state which small arms will be shipped to Ukraine.
Training
The DOD also mentioned “expanded US-led training” beginning in January. Naturally, they did not say which unit(s) would be training Ukrainian forces. Although we can take a wild guess at which US Military forces go behind enemy lines to train people in guerilla/unconventional warfare. Now I’m not saying that any of those units are or aren’t involved, but you do the math. It’s a little ironic because before I began researching earnestly for this article, I had wondered if we had any units over there training Ukrainians.
Ukrainian troops, including Special Forces, are reportedly being trained by US military personnel. (Photo: SOFREP)
March 2023
Thus far, the US has sent a total of approximately $30 billion worth of gear to Ukraine.
This package includes additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, more 155 and 105mm artillery rounds, and additional 25mm ammunition.
Bridges that can be launched from armored vehicles are also being included to bolster the ability to cross streams, ditches, trenches, and other obstacles.
Equipment for obstacle clearing and demolition munitions is being sent as well. To help the Ukrainians in sustained combat, there is equipment for vehicle maintenance and repair in addition to spare parts and other equipment. It takes a lot of support gear to keep armored vehicles operating, especially in combat.
Small Arms
Aside from huge, expensive missile systems, armored vehicles, and artillery, the US has also supplied small arms to Ukrainian defenders.
M240 GPMGs, M2 Heavy Machineguns, 60mm mortars, MK-19 automatic grenade launchers, and Barrett M82 sniper rifles, among others, have been sent to help the cause.
Grenade Launchers
I read an account of Ukrainians using an MK19 automatic grenade launcher mounted on a truck as a “shoot and scoot” weapon. They’d dart into position, let loose an entire belt of 40mm ammo on full auto against the Russians, and then scoot. After they were gone, mortars would begin to fall on the position that they had just occupied. It was an effective way to engage the enemy while minimizing danger to themselves.
The MK19 40mm automatic grenade launcher offers wicked firepower. It is being used by Ukrainian forces. (Photo: Marines.Mil)
The MK19 weighs 77 pounds and is often mounted on vehicles because of the weight. The practical rate of fire is approximately 60 rounds per minute. It is fed by belts of 32 or 48 rounds. Muzzle velocity is 241 meters per second. The M383 high-explosive shell has a blast radius of 10-15 meters. There is also the M430 dual-purpose round, which can penetrate up to three inches of armor plate but has a smaller blast radius of five meters.
The Soviet AGS-17 30mm automatic grenade launcher is also being used by Ukrainian forces.
Mortars
Ukrainians are also using the 60mm mortar to good effect. Despite it not being as powerful as medium or heavy mortars, it is very portable. It can provide pinpoint, indirect fire for infantry units and allows users to change positions quickly. What makes them even more valuable is the fact that Ukraine doesn’t have a lot of heavier artillery, so mortars being organic to infantry formations is even more important.
The M224 60mm mortar has been supplied by the US and weighs 47 pounds (the M224A1 weighs 37.5 pounds). It has a range of 2.1 miles and a rate of fire of 20 to 30 rounds per minute.
Mortars of various types are being used in Ukraine. The 60mm mortar, seen here, offers a great balance of mobility and firepower. (Photo: Skynews)
Other models of mortars are being used in Ukraine, including the LM60D and LMP2017 commando mortars from Poland. Some other models in use are Croatian M84 mortars, Bulgarian M60CMA, and Chinese Type 63, which are all 60mm mortars. Ammunition for these mortars appears to be coming from China, Japan, Albania, Iran, Croatia, and the US.
Aside from all of those, Ukraine developed its own mortars. The KBA-118, which weighs 27.5 pounds. There is also the M-60A Kamerton, which weighs 44 pounds and has a range of up to 3.4 miles.
All of this is not to say that heavier mortars are not being used, because they are. It’s just that the 60mm is more plentiful and portable.
April 2023
In April, 2023, the Biden administration announced another package for Ukraine, worth around $500 million.
Included in the package is ammunition for: Patriot air defense systems, 105mm and 155mm artillery, 120mm mortars, 120mm and 105mm tanks, 25mm ammunition, TOW missiles, and more.
In addition, there are 400 grenade launchers and 200,000 rounds of ammunition, 11 tactical vehicles to recover equipment, 61 heavy fuel tankers, 10 trucks and trailers to transport heavy equipment, and equipment for vehicle maintenance and repair.
Other items from the DOD include:
Additional munitions for National Advanced Surface-To-Air Missile Systems.
Nine Counter-Unmanned Aerial System 30mm gun trucks.
10 mobile c-UAS laser-guided rocket systems.
Three air surveillance radars.
23mm and 30mm anti-aircraft ammunition.
122mm and 130mm artillery rounds.
Javelin anti-armor systems.
120mm, 81mm, and 60mm mortar systems.
Approximately 3,600 small arms with 23 million rounds of ammunition.
A massive amount of additional gear.
The Latest
The US Department Of Defense has announced that there have not been any recent shifts in territory as this is written, with the front lines being rather static. At this stage, there are “significant exchanges of artillery,” according to the DOD.
Artillery has played a prominent role lately in Ukraine, and is used extensively by both sides. The US is sending a large volume of artillery shells to the embattled country. (Photo: AP News)
The US is hoping that the additional weapons and equipment will help turn the tide in favor of the Ukrainians for a Ukrainian counteroffensive.
Currently, the US has expanded the training of Ukraine’s forces to focus on combined arms and joint-maneuver operations. The DOD also mentioned that maintenance and support are being provided. All that equipment is nice, but if it can’t be maintained, it becomes worthless very quickly.
Worldwide
According to the US DOD, 54 countries worldwide have pledged more than 1,000 tanks and other armored vehicles, over 800 artillery systems, and more than two million rounds of artillery ammunition. Also, more than 50 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems have been given.
The Bottom Line
At this juncture, it’s difficult to even arrive at a bottom line because things in the region are still somewhat fluid. There’s no telling at which point the lines could shift. Russia is persistent and Ukrainians are doggedly hanging on. It’s anyone’s guess how this entire thing is going to pan out.
Many in the US are of the opinion that we should completely stay out of the fracas, advancing an agenda of isolationism. Apparently, they hope the problem will go away and that Putin will be mollified with a victory.
As a counterpoint, I’ll point out that the very same attitude of isolationism is precisely what allowed Europe to boil over and what got us into World War II. It seems that Hitler was not mollified by victories and power grabs. And I don’t believe Putin will either. In both cases, the problem will either be dealt with in the early stages or after it is allowed to fester at length. We know how the former war turned out.
That’s just my opinion, though, and I could be wrong.
Suffice it to say that the US and other countries are pouring billions of dollars into the Ukraine. Weapons, equipment, and training may turn the tide, or they may merely prolong the inevitable.
Recently, the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Trade Association of the Firearm Industry paid homage to three new members of its Hall of Fame for their contributions to the firearms industry and the shooting sports.
The 2023 inductees to the NSSF Hall of Fame. (photo credit: nssf.org)
Robert Behn was a mainstay in the Marlin Firearms Company for decades, first joining the firm in 1969 and serving as the president from 1997 to 2007. In 2007, Remington purchased Marlin, at which point Behn retired as president and CEO to become a senior advisor to Remington. Behn was previously the Vice Chairman of the NSSF’s Board of Governors and a board member of SAAMI.
Richard Lipsey came into the firearm business at an early age. His father, Joe Lipsey, Sr. started S&S Wholesale Sporting Goods in 1953. The name has changed, but the family remained, and the business grew Lipsey’s, one of the largest firearm distributors in the United States. Richard Lipsey has been at the helm since the 1970s. Although he is a national supporter of hunting and shooting sports through his support for NSSF, Lipsey is noted in his home state of Louisiana for his philanthropy for the protection of the wetlands and the fight against coastal erosion.
The late William “Bill” Ruger, Sr. was perhaps the most prolific firearms designer in the twentieth century, save for John Browning himself. Ruger founded Sturm, Ruger & Company after successfully introducing the Ruger Mk. I Standard .22 target pistol in 1949. Ruger’s engineering know-how saw the rise of a company that punched above its weight against most-established competition and delivering affordable, quality firearms to the masses. If the proliferation of his designs were not enough, Ruger became a founding member of the NSSF and advocated for the shooting sports that he, himself had made accessible for millions.
Terril is an economic historian with a penchant for all things firearm related. Originally a pot hunter hailing from south Louisiana, he currently covers firearms and reloading topics in print and on his All Outdoors YouTube page. When he isn’t delving into rimfire ballistics, pocket pistols, and colonial arms, Terril can be found perfecting his fire-starting techniques, photographing wildlife, and getting lost in the archives.
Most gun people know that Italy is justly famous for high-end shotguns. And possibly the best-known Italian shotgun maker is Beretta, which is also the world’s oldest firearms company, selling its first batch of barrels in 1526. So, who else would the “Italian Stallion” call when he wanted a special “Rocky” edition shotgun? And Beretta delivered with a one-off creation built on their ultra-exclusive SOSparviere (Sparrowhawk) line. The gun was created by the Pietro Beretta Custom Atelier using walnut briarwood and Boehler Antinit steel. Beretta artisans reportedly spent 800 to 900 man hours just on the engraving.
(Beretta Photo)
The result is nothing less than spectacular, especially if you’re a fan of Philadelphia’s favorite fictional son. Beretta’s press release on the gun noted that “Our engravers, carrying on a centuries-old tradition, employed a number of different techniques to bring to life this masterpiece. These include deep hammer and chisel, to reproduce two of the most memorable scenes from the Rocky movie saga; gold inlays are there, to recreate Sylvester Stallone’s signature on the stock; colored enamels were employed to recreate the USA flag and add other details, such as Rocky signature boxing gloves.”
(Beretta Photo)
Beretta Factory Managing Director Franco Gussalli Beretta said that “I have had the pleasure of knowing Sly for more than 30 years…In 2021…Sly contacted us again with the great opportunity to make him a unique piece to be able to return to the platform reminding him of his incredible story full of successes. After months of work, in the last days of 2022 we delivered this unique piece into his hands.”
(Beretta Photo)
Featured Engravings
Beretta went all in on the Rocky references, and it looks like Stallone got his money’s worth. The more notable features include:
Enameled American flags on both sides of the receiver with engraved scenes of Stallone as Rocky.
Medallion-style engravings on both sides with boxing gloves on the left and the Italian Stallion motif on the right.
Roman numeral references to all six “Rocky” movies.
The receiver’s underside features a full body engraving of Rocky Balboa in his trademark fighting stance, complete with red-enameled boxing gloves, below a gold-inlaid “ROCKY.”
The name “SLY” is gold inlaid on the trigger guard.
A gold-inlaid Oscar trophy adorns the handguard’s underside, commemorating Rocky winning the Academy Award for Best Picture of 1976.
Sylvester Stallone’s gold-inlaid signature on the stock.
A custom leather-bound case with an American flag and scenes from the movie.
(Beretta Photo)
You can have one too!
Seriously, if you have the dough, Beretta will make a gun just for you. Just keep in mind that an SO Sparviere Shotgun has a base price of around $89,000.00. The engraving is extra. Just write a check. I’m sure it will be alright.
Not many movie stars would commission a firearm to commemorate their achievements, but Sylvester Stallone sure looks happy with this one. (Beretta Photo)
All kidding aside, though, this is a beautiful gun. And being a Stallone fan, especially as Rocky, it’s cool seeing him do this. Not many Hollywood types would choose a firearm to commemorate their achievements. Just one more reason to like Stallone.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program has scheduled their GSMM Master Instructor and CMP Range Officer training courses for 2023. These courses are designed to offer learning opportunities on how to teach marksmanship, match regulations, and safety in a competition environment.
The CMP announced new training opportunities for 2023. (Photo credit: CMP)
The GSMM Master Instructor training course teaches the fundamentals of marksmanship and match regulations in order for the student to become certified as a “master instructor” for the CMP’s sanctioned Garand, Springfield, Modern/Vintage military rifle, and rimfire rifle events. The cost of this one-day workshop is $135 and includes a notebook, thumb drive, sling, a CMP scorebook, and twenty dummy rounds of ammunition.
CMP-affiliated clubs are highly encouraged to send instructors for this additional training. The ideal candidate should be associated with clubs that need sanctioned rifle clinics, have marksmanship teaching experience, and experience in competing in the Grand, Springfield, Vintage/Modern rifle, or rimfire rifle events.
The CMP Range Officer training course is offered in a Level I and Level II stage. The Level I online course costs $75 but provides holistic training for all shooting categories. The student who successfully completes Level I can opt to move on to the Level II in-person one-day course for an additional $40. Level II is specialized around disciplines including high-powered rifle, bullseye pistol, and small-bore rifle. Topics include the firearms and equipment used, courses of fire, as well as event and safety regulation.
The course dates and locations are as follows:
GSMM Master Instructor Course
Butner, NC – April 28
Talladega, AL – June 7
Camp Perry, OH – July 21
Jericho, VT – September 16
CMP Range Officer Course (by discipline)
Phoenix, AZ – March 10 (HP rifle and Pistol)
Camp Butner, NC – April 28 (HP rifle and Pistol)
Talladega, AL – June 7 (HP rifle and Pistol)
Camp Perry, OH – July 7 (Smallbore/Rimfire)
Camp Perry, OH – July 9 (Pistol)
Camp Perry, OH – July 22 (HP Rifle)
Jericho, VT – September 17 (HP rifle and Pistol)
Talladega, AL – TBA (HP Rifle and Pistol)
For more information on the GSMM Master Instructor or Range Officer training courses visit thecmp.org or contact Kim Filipiak at [email protected].
Entry-level 1911 lovers rejoice! Tisas, the name of the game in affordable 1911-style pistols announced the new Night Stalker 1911 over SHOT Show 2023.
The new Tisas Night Stalker 1911 is only available in a grey/black Cerakote, but other varieties are sure to follow. (Photo credit: tisas-usa.com)
The new Night Stalker takes a few modern 2011 nods, but is still a slim, all-steel single-stack 1911 based on the Colt 70 Series lock work. As Browning himself intended, the Night Stalker holds eight rounds of 45 ACP.
The Night Stalker is an all-forged pistol available in a dull grey Night Stalker Cerakote finish paired with stark, black aluminum grips. The skeletonized hammer, barrel, ambidextrous safety, magazine release, and slide stop are finished in black Cerakote; as are the extended beavertail, squared trigger, and grip safety.
The Night Stalker operates and disassembles like an old GI or Series 70 1911. All you need is a thumb and a little patience to take it down. (Photo credit: tisas-usa.com)
To take aim, the pistol comes with a luminescent tritium front sight and a black-serrated rear sight. The forged carbon steel slide has angular cocking serrations at the rear and is scalloped through toward the muzzle. The frame has a traditional rounded trigger guard but there is a Picatinny rail milled into the dustcover for all your light needs.
The Night Stalker is packaged with two magazines in a hard case. It has an MSRP of $749.99. At the time of this writing, this model will begin to ship during the second quarter of 2023.
Tisas Trabzon Silah Sanayi has been producing firearms in Turkey since 1993. In the United States, Tisas is known for their polymer PX9 pistol as well as a variety of 1911 and Browning Hi Power clones. In 2022, Tisas USA of Knoxville, Tennessee became the exclusive importer of Tisas products.
Rock Island Auction Company, or RIAC, recently offered up a myriad of historical firearms for auction, including the Smith & Wesson Model No. 3 Single Action Revolver owned by President Theodore Roosevelt, among other famous firearms. The S&W No. 3 revolver sold at the auction for just over $900,000.
The Smith & Wesson No. 3 revolver sent to then Lt. Colonel Theodore Roosevelt in 1895, recently came up for auction at Rock Island Auction Company. The revolver is in remarkable shape having not been used by Roosevelt during the Spanish American War but instead was used as a nightstand gun in the White House. (Photo credit: Rock Island Auction Company)
According to Kevin Hogan, President of Rock Island Auction Company, “Theodore Roosevelt was one of the most beloved and influential men in American history, and having documentation of the shipment makes this gun something incredibly extraordinary and valuable. This is a crown jewel in fine arms collecting. Not only is it a rare chance to own a presidential firearm, but of a president who embodied the spirit of a nation. You don’t need to look further than Mt. Rushmore to understand his significance.”
The revolver was shipped to then Lt. Colonel Theodore Roosevelt on May 12, 1898, the same day he was set to leave to join the famed Rough Riders. Chambered in .38 Long Colt, which was the service cartridge at the time, the revolver has a distinct combat target rear sight, that together indicates that the revolver was meant to be carried in the war against Spain. But that wasn’t to be as Roosevelt favored the double-action Colt revolver instead.
Quick Specs on Revolver
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: New Model No 3
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 38 Long Colt
Barrel: 6 1/2 inch solid rib
Finish: Blue
Grip: Walnut
The Smith & Wesson No. 3 revolver also had documentation with it that shows the line of handling, from the President to James E. Amos, who was the President’s bodyguard and valet. In part because of his close relationship with the President, Amos was given the revolver after his death by Roosevelt’s wife.
Amos had stated previously that “…while president, he often went armed. I have in my home now a large revolver that Mr. Roosevelt placed at the side of his bed every night while in the White House. It was given to me by Mrs. Roosevelt after his death.”
The revolver is rated as being in Exceptionally Fine condition. This means that it has 85% plus of the original blue finish and 80% bright original case colors visible on the hammer, with more subdued colors on the trigger guard. With Amos’s statement of the revolver being a nightstand gun, the wear is very minimal and limited to the muzzle, cylinder, and back strap. The engraving remains mostly unmarred while the grips’ checkered pattern shows only minimal wear from handling.
The S&W No. 3 has been on display by museums previously as well as being featured in magazines. The revolver was purchased at auction for $910,625 and is truly a national treasure.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, joined by 17 other state Attorneys General, has expressed his concern over new firearms shipping policies implemented by FedEx and UPS. If you haven’t heard, the two shipping companies have changed their terms of service relating to gun manufacturers and retailers. Knudsen says that several Montana FFLs have reached out to his office out of concern that those new terms could be used to create a backdoor firearms registry.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen wants answers from FedEx and UPS. (krtv.com)
Remarkably Similar Terms of Service
FedEx and UPS now require FFL holders to create three separate shipping accounts: one for firearms, one for firearm parts, and one for all other firearm-related products. Dealers are not allowed to mix shipments. That means FedEx and UPS know when a gun a shipped, and to whom. It can also reveal who might be building or accessorizing a firearm.
Both companies also require FFLs to keep documentation regarding those shipments and turn them over upon request. So, not only will the shippers know who is getting a firearm or firearm-related product, but they can also get detailed invoices regarding those purchases. Put the two together and voila! There’s your gun registry, dating back to when the policy took effect.
That’s Not Even the Worst Part…
The FedEx terms of service, mirrored closely by UPS, allow the company to “comply with…requests from applicable law enforcement or other governmental authorities, even if such requests are “inconsistent or contrary to any applicable law, rule, regulation, or order.” In other words, FedEx and UPS will share that information even if it’s not expressly legal to do so. All the ATF, FBI, DEA, DHS, or three-letter agency of your choice has to do is ask. No warrant required. Does anyone else think that’s a bad thing?
Is FedEx conspiring with the feds to create a backdoor firearms registry? (news.yahoo.com)
AG Knudsen notes that this policy provides these agencies with a way around federal law, which currently prohibits a federal firearms registry. But if the feds aren’t compiling the data themselves and only getting it from shipping companies, it probably doesn’t break the law. Anyone think they will do just that? I do.
We already know that ATF has an illegal registry since they installed a searchable database for the FFL files they keep on hand. They have a record of every FFL transaction going back 20 years or so. Before the search capability, those records didn’t amount to much because there were so many. Not anymore. Now, thanks to FedEx and UPS, they can add to it without even going to the FFLs.
Knudsen also notes that he has received reports that the new terms of service include a gag clause. The companies reportedly told FFLs that the agreement is “confidential and shall be held in strict confidence by both parties and may not be disclosed unless required by law.” Of course, that contradicts the earlier statement that government agencies can access the information whenever they want, even if not required by law. So, which is it? It probably means that the companies don’t want the FFLs saying anything, but if the feds come calling, well, all bets are off.
Hard Questions
Knudsen included a series of questions for the shippers and requested copies of the new terms of service to be reviewed by his office. The questions to FedEx are as follows. The same questions were sent to UPS:
Did FedEx enact these policies with the goal of information sharing with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) or any other federal agency?
Did FedEx enact these policies at the request of officials in ATF, a different federal agency, or on its own initiative?
If FedEx implemented these policies at the request of a federal agency, please identify that agency, the officials who made that request, the nature of that communication, and any legal authorization cited by those officials.
If FedEx changed its policies on its own initiative, please explain why it made those changes.
Did FedEx communicate or coordinate with United Parcel Service (UPS) in making these changes?
Did ATF or other federal agency employees help draft the updated shipping agreements?
If your shipping agreement does contain a gag clause, please explain the purpose of that clause and whether you intended it to prevent an investigation into the legality of the agreement.
FedEx and UPS have 30 days from the November 29 letter to respond.
17 other state attorneys general joined Montana AG Austin Knudsen’s inquiry.
Other Possible Influences
ATF and the other feds may or may not be behind all this. You might recall that back in August, five Democrat Senators wrote to 28 carriers, including FedEx and UPS, essentially accusing them of contributing to the “gun violence epidemic” because they ship perfectly legal firearms and accessories. The letter supposedly dealt with so-called “ghost guns,” but it asked many searching questions about shipping policies regarding firearms in general, as well as parts and accessories.
When I first saw this story, it seemed to me that these Senators’ implied threats could be behind it. It would not surprise me if that August letter had something to do with this. It will be interesting to see how they respond to AG Knudsen.
Is your state attorney general on board?
This is a Bad Thing
This revelation seems particularly poignant given the recent information coming from Twitter regarding the FBI flagging speech they want suppressed. I won’t go into all that since this is a gun blog, but if you haven’t seen it, you should look it up.
We’ve known that federal agencies have been overstepping their bounds for a long time and this just seems a little too lax to be FedEx’s idea alone. Or UPS. Why put in the part about sharing the info, even if it contradicts legality, if you don’t plan to do it? Something stinks. Let’s hope AG Knudsen makes some headway. This looks illegal and should not be allowed to stand.
