I think the California is a much larger firearm market then most of the non-Cali residents give credit. In fact, while I can't find much about it on the Internet, I remember reading that California might be the largest firearm market in the US. It would jive with the largely conservative nature of SD, OC, and the Inland Empire, the population, and the income here. Not to mention what naturally happens when you tell someone they can't have something - they want it more.
I did find this, which shows more firearm transfer applications in California then any other state that recorded such data. Page 77.
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/ssprfsm03.pdf
I know several very active gun owners in California, but you are right due to media hysteria from other states problems (Columbine, Virginia tech, that Amish killing, the last college killing, etc. etc.) we are a somewhat private bunch. In fact I blame other states lack of good parenting for these killings and MY states ridiculous gun laws!
It also seems that many of the top competitive shooters in near every class live in California - certainly several of the top ISPC/IPDA/3 gun guys are in So Cal and shoot at a local range. I think a lot of technique and technology comes from competition and these shooters. We are a pretty voracious and gutsy group - look at the inroads we've made with off list lowers - albeit a lame excuse for the ban we live with, but it's still spits in the face of our DOJ.
The NRA is also concerned with the downstream affects if you read their site they have some news links about Microstamping.
I think other states should boycott our products - when you've all starved from lack of fruits and vegetables because your climate doesn't grow them well - I can buy cheap ranch land out of state
I'm a California native and I admit I'm considering moving more and more recently, and perhaps one day I will. I do think other states have problems, most of them being the weather, but the lack of Constitutional rights in this state regarding firearms is staggering. Please don't complain when I buy a house in your neighborhood for full price with a portion of my equity money - I don't complain when you move into my neighborhood because your job market sucks or it's too cold in your state.
We all should be concerned that a method proven to NOT work could become a major issue for firearm makers. I think once Glock, S&W, etc. tool up for MS that all of you will have to purchase them – unless someone figures out a cheap way to keep two lines running in a factory. As far as companies cowing to our laws think of the BS that Ruger pulled with magazines and also S&W with their internal locks – imagine a company as proud and “strong” as S&W cowing to lawmakers and ruining their guns!
While Arnie may not be a traitor he is most certainly a hypocrite. How can a person make a living off of the promotion and glamorization of violence and firearms be anti-gun - it's absurd. He should focus on things he knows - like banning performance-enhancing drugs from sports - since he is a former roid guy he'd be an expert.