Latest GOA ALERTS...This thread is for your information only; no comments/replies, please.

[old lady new shooter]

If They Can Ban Ammunition, They Won’t Need to Ban Guns​

Send comments to the Secretary of the Interior
telling the Federal Government that you don’t
support efforts to ban lead ammunition based
on weak science.​

Those who despise the Second Amendment never seem to stop. So far, they have been unable to completely ban firearms, so their latest attack on our Rights involves banning commonly used ammunition.

As GOA warned our members last year, the first step in this process involves the Biden Administration's plans to ban lead ammunition on eight National Wildlife Refuges in the eastern United States. This first round of bans will not take effect until 2026, but it is common knowledge in the nation’s capital that this Administration does not intend to stop with these eight areas.

It is important to note from the onset that this has nothing to do with the 30-year-old ban on the use of lead ammunition for hunting waterfowl, and no major pro-hunting or pro-Second Amendment groups are fighting to change that.

What is at stake now is a complete ban on all lead ammunition for both hunting and recreational shooting on federal lands!

This is at least the third attempt by politicians to ban lead ammunition in the last decade. During the Obama Administration, the Center for Biological Diversity and over 100 anti-hunting and anti-Second Amendment groups petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban lead ammunition, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled the agency lacked the authority to do so. Undeterred, the radical anti-gunners searched for other avenues to push their agenda.

Just before leaving office, Obama’s Interior Department tried to ban lead ammunition on lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (about 95 million land acres). However, Trump’s newly confirmed Interior Secretary, Ryan Zinke, quickly reversed that decision soon after taking office in March 2017.

The anti-gunners have learned from past, failed efforts, so this current effort is more discreet and begins on small acreages where most hunters and recreational shooters will not be impacted or take notice.

Specifically, what the Biden Administration is proposing is a total ban on lead ammunition on this first group of eight federal lands, which, when expanded in the future to other federal lands (about 650 million surface acres or 30% of the United States) will destroy hunting and recreational target shooting by making these sports too costly for the average American.

Proponents of lead ammunition bans claim this ammo harms human health and wildlife populations. However, studies by the Health Departments in a number of states have shown no conclusive evidence of serious illness or death of humans caused by eating game taken with lead ammunition. Most hunters know how to remove meat damaged by lead bullets or shot! In most studies, hunters and their families had lead levels similar to the average American.

When addressing wildlife concerns, lead ban proponents often point to the endangered California condor. California banned lead ammunition in 2007 to protect the condors, and while compliance with the ban was 99% according to the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife, follow-up research in recent years has shown lead levels in condors are the same or HIGHER than when the ban was implemented.

Results from the California condor saga tell us that condors are getting lead from sources besides bullets or shot. There are numerous non-ammunition sources of lead in our environment, and the reality is that no studies have proven ammunition-based lead has a population level impact on terrestrial wildlife species.

So, what is really going on here?

The real goal here is to price people out of participation in hunting and shooting sports! It is that simple!

Alternatives to lead ammunition are often 2-4 times more expensive, so banning lead ammo will drastically reduce participation for many Americans. An increased cost would be particularly harmful for women, single parents, and minorities – demographic groups with increasing shooting participation rates in many states.

While the federal government controls over 30% of the land in America, the size of these areas alone does not tell the whole story. Millions of Americans can only hunt or target shoot on federal lands and have no other place to pursue the sports they love. Without access to these federal lands, large percentages of hunters and shooters would be denied recreational opportunities under a costly lead ammo ban.

Moreover, if successful with these bans on federal lands, we can fully expect another effort from anti-Second Amendment forces to institute a lead ammunition ban on private lands at some point in the future! This will effectively send lead ammunition to the dustbin of history!

Gun Owners of America has been on the forefront of exposing this latest attack on hunting and recreational shooting and working with members of Congress to do something about it.

Recently, I wrote an Opinion Piece for the Washington Times explaining the lead ban scheme, the pseudo-science behind it, and telling hunters and recreational shooters how they can get involved (click here). In the piece, you can read more details about the scheme and how Senator Steve Daines [R-MT] has introduced legislation to block the ban. GOA will be bringing more to your attention about the Congressional effort to fight this in the very near future.

HOWEVER, THERE IS SOMETHING YOU CAN DO NOW TO HELP!

Until August 22, the Federal Government is required to take public comment on the lead ban proposal. Comments will be compiled, and GOA can use these comments to let members of Congress know that the American public does not support these efforts to infringe on our Rights.

All hunters, recreational shooters, and really anyone concerned about this infringement on our liberties can help by sending comments telling the Federal Government that you don’t support efforts to ban common ammunition based on weak science. Take Action Here!

While the current ban on eight federally-owned lands (mostly in the northeast) may not impact millions of Americans today, the banning of lead ammunition needs to be addressed head on before it takes steam and is expanded to impact us all.

ACT NOW by clicking the TAKE ACTION BUTTON and let the Biden Administration know you oppose efforts to ban common ammunition based on unsound science.

Gun Owners of America will keep you informed about the lead ammunition ban and how you can engage in the Congressional battle in the very near future.

Please act today to help protect hunting and shooting sports for us and our future generations!

Mark Jones
Certified Wildlife Biologist®
National Director, Hunter Outreach
Buffalo, Wyoming

P.S. Please act today to send a message to the Biden Administration and protect our ability to use common and affordable ammunition, and please be watching for updates about Second Amendment and Constitutional issues in the coming weeks and months as GOA fights to protect and/or advance our Rights!

To renew your GOA membership or to join for the first time, please click here.

 

[old lady new shooter]

​

Dear Member, In case you missed this important email from last week, I wanted to forward it to you again. The anti-gunners eventually want to ban ALL lead ammunition, to make shooting sports, hunting, and self-defense more expensive. This Biden regulation is their foot in the door to get this started. There is only one week left to comment on the lead ammo ban. If you have already taken action, thank you! If you have not, please read below and do so. This is very important. In Liberty, Erich Pratt Senior Vice President Gun Owners of America ​ Biden Administration Plans to Ban the Most Common Ammunition​ Send comments to the Secretary of the Interior telling the Federal Government that you don’t support efforts to ban lead ammunition based on weak science. Dear Ellen, Those who despise the Second Amendment never seem to stop. So far, they have been unable to completely ban firearms, so their latest attack on our Rights involves banning commonly used ammunition. As GOA warned our members last year, the first step in this process involves the Biden Administration's plans to ban lead ammunition on eight National Wildlife Refuges in the eastern United States. This first round of bans will not take effect until 2026, but it is common knowledge in the nation’s capital that this Administration does not intend to stop with these eight areas. It is important to note from the onset that this has nothing to do with the 30-year-old ban on the use of lead ammunition for hunting waterfowl, and no major pro-hunting or pro-Second Amendment groups are fighting to change that. What is at stake now is a complete ban on all lead ammunition for both hunting and recreational shooting on federal lands! This is at least the third attempt by politicians to ban lead ammunition in the last decade. During the Obama Administration, the Center for Biological Diversity and over 100 anti-hunting and anti-Second Amendment groups petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban lead ammunition, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled the agency lacked the authority to do so. Undeterred, the radical anti-gunners searched for other avenues to push their agenda. Just before leaving office, Obama’s Interior Department tried to ban lead ammunition on lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (about 95 million land acres). However, Trump’s newly confirmed Interior Secretary, Ryan Zinke, quickly reversed that decision soon after taking office in March 2017. The anti-gunners have learned from past, failed efforts, so this current effort is more discreet and begins on small acreages where most hunters and recreational shooters will not be impacted or take notice. Specifically, what the Biden Administration is proposing is a total ban on lead ammunition on this first group of eight federal lands, which, when expanded in the future to other federal lands (about 650 million surface acres or 30% of the United States) will destroy hunting and recreational target shooting by making these sports too costly for the average American. Proponents of lead ammunition bans claim this ammo harms human health and wildlife populations. However, studies by the Health Departments in a number of states have shown no conclusive evidence of serious illness or death of humans caused by eating game taken with lead ammunition. Most hunters know how to remove meat damaged by lead bullets or shot! In most studies, hunters and their families had lead levels similar to the average American. When addressing wildlife concerns, lead ban proponents often point to the endangered California condor. California banned lead ammunition in 2007 to protect the condors, and while compliance with the ban was 99% according to the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife, follow-up research in recent years has shown lead levels in condors are the same or HIGHER than when the ban was implemented. Results from the California condor saga tell us that condors are getting lead from sources besides bullets or shot. There are numerous non-ammunition sources of lead in our environment, and the reality is that no studies have proven ammunition-based lead has a population level impact on terrestrial wildlife species. So, what is really going on here? The real goal here is to price people out of participation in hunting and shooting sports! It is that simple! Alternatives to lead ammunition are often 2-4 times more expensive, so banning lead ammo will drastically reduce participation for many Americans. An increased cost would be particularly harmful for women, single parents, and minorities – demographic groups with increasing shooting participation rates in many states. While the federal government controls over 30% of the land in America, the size of these areas alone does not tell the whole story. Millions of Americans can only hunt or target shoot on federal lands and have no other place to pursue the sports they love. Without access to these federal lands, large percentages of hunters and shooters would be denied recreational opportunities under a costly lead ammo ban. Moreover, if successful with these bans on federal lands, we can fully expect another effort from anti-Second Amendment forces to institute a lead ammunition ban on private lands at some point in the future! This will effectively send lead ammunition to the dustbin of history! Gun Owners of America has been on the forefront of exposing this latest attack on hunting and recreational shooting and working with members of Congress to do something about it. Recently, I wrote an Opinion Piece for the Washington Times explaining the lead ban scheme, the pseudo-science behind it, and telling hunters and recreational shooters how they can get involved (click here). In the piece, you can read more details about the scheme and how Senator Steve Daines [R-MT] has introduced legislation to block the ban. GOA will be bringing more to your attention about the Congressional effort to fight this in the very near future. HOWEVER, THERE IS SOMETHING YOU CAN DO NOW TO HELP! Until August 22, the Federal Government is required to take public comment on the lead ban proposal. Comments will be compiled, and GOA can use these comments to let members of Congress know that the American public does not support these efforts to infringe on our Rights. All hunters, recreational shooters, and really anyone concerned about this infringement on our liberties can help by sending comments telling the Federal Government that you don’t support efforts to ban common ammunition based on weak science. Take Action Here! While the current ban on eight federally-owned lands (mostly in the northeast) may not impact millions of Americans today, the banning of lead ammunition needs to be addressed head on before it takes steam and is expanded to impact us all. ACT NOW by clicking the TAKE ACTION BUTTON and let the Biden Administration know you oppose efforts to ban common ammunition based on unsound science. Gun Owners of America will keep you informed about the lead ammunition ban and how you can engage in the Congressional battle in the very near future. Please act today to help protect hunting and shooting sports for us and our future generations! Mark Jones Certified Wildlife Biologist® National Director, Hunter Outreach Buffalo, Wyoming P.S. Please act today to send a message to the Biden Administration and protect our ability to use common and affordable ammunition, and please be watching for updates about Second Amendment and Constitutional issues in the coming weeks and months as GOA fights to protect and/or advance our Rights! To renew your GOA membership or to join for the first time, please click here.​

 

[old lady new shooter]

​

Biden’s Escalating War on Hunters: Blocking Funds for School Safety Programs​ Click here to contact your members of Congress and tell them to stop Biden's attack on hunting and shooting safety programs in America's schools. Dear Member, Fresh off his efforts to ban lead ammunition on public lands, Joe Biden is once again escalating his war on hunters, this time by withholding routine funds provided to our children’s schools that are used for hunter education, firearms safety classes, shooting teams, and even archery programs. This key federal funding has been historically earmarked for schools with hunting, shooting, and archery programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965. With this move, popular programs frequently offered in schools across rural, and sometimes even suburban America, may be coming to an end. The justification for this action comes from a sinister interpretation of the so-called Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which Congress passed last summer. While heralded as part of Biden’s promise of stricter gun control in the wake of a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Gun Owners of America led the opposition effort, warning that this hastily crafted legislation would not only infringe on Constitutional rights but would also yield other serious unintended consequences. Just as GOA had predicted, the antigun Biden administration has taken the BSCA to its furthest interpretation and is going after the next generation of hunters, recreational shooters, and even archers. Architects of the BSCA, like Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), have written to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona advising him that his agency is misinterpreting the law. Amazingly, their own negligence in crafting this language, like so many provisions in this so-called "compromise" bill, has resulted in our children being the first in several generations to not have access to these popular programs. Over the last 58 years, hunter education programs in schools have taught millions of American children about hunter safety, ethical hunting practices, wildlife management and history, safe firearms practices, and archery. While in some communities these programs are administered by private entities and local community partnerships outside our schools, even many of those programs depend on schools to recruit participants. Furthermore, large numbers of American children only have access to these programs directly and entirely through school. Often viewed as part of physical education and sometimes implemented as after-school activities, these programs have proven to be wholesome and popular, while also providing alternative opportunities to build self-esteem. Many children who cannot compete in more traditional sports, like football or basketball, can excel in other forms of competition, such as shooting sports and archery. Just look at the long tradition of American hunting and shooting excellence in both college and Olympic competition. Plus, the exponential growth in popularity of these sports has not gone unnoticed. Today, clay pigeon shooting is the fastest growing individual sport in American schools, and school archery programs boast 1.3 million members nationwide. Before you think of this as an attempt to reduce government spending, rest assured that the Biden Administration is not cutting these programs for that reason. It’s likely they actually cannot avoid spending the school funds in some way. Rather, instead of directing these funds towards traditional hunting and shooting programs, they’ll instead go towards other “less traditional” activities, such as more of the questionable curricula that have yielded understandable backlash from parents in school board meetings over the last several years. It is past time for America’s hunters and recreational shooters to wake up and realize our very way of life is under attack by this president. The writing is on the wall, and it is clear that the Biden Administration’s ultimate goal is to reduce participation in hunting and shooting sports, both by halting the use of cheap traditional ammo on public lands and by cutting education funding for our own local schools. Make your voices heard in Congress and tell them that Biden's excuse for this latest attack is a weaponized interpretation of 20 U.S.C. 7906(7) as enacted by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and this statute has got to go away! Hunters and gun owners will not accept a weak legislative fix. We need the problem addressed and the statute repealed or entirely defunded! Demand that your members of Congress do everything they can to ensure this Administration doesn’t destroy America’s great hunting and shooting tradition for the next generation. Contact your members of Congress by clicking here! Mark Jones Certified Wildlife Biologist® National Director, Hunter Outreach Buffalo, Wyoming P.S. Please act today to send a message to your members of Congress telling them to stop the Biden Administration from destroying school programs designed to teach children hunter education, firearms safety, and archery! To renew your GOA membership or to join for the first time, please click here.​

 

[old lady new shooter]

GOA, GOF FILE SUIT AGAINST NEW MEXICO GOVERNOR’S TYRANNICAL GUN BAN VIA “PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER”​

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Written by Walter Smoloski Published: 10 September 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2023
Washington, D.C. — Late Saturday evening, Gun Owners of America (GOA) and the Gun Owners Foundation (GOF) filed a federal lawsuit challenging New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s gross and egregious violation of the U.S. Constitution through her “public health order” to unlawfully ban the carrying of firearms in Albuquerque.
The suit, and an immediate request for a temporary restraining order/preliminary injunction, were filed in U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico.
Erich Pratt, GOA’s Senior Vice President, issued the following statement:
“This is the most dangerous type of government wielded tyranny—the claim by politicians that there are supposedly ‘exceptions to the Second Amendment.’ But, they are quite wrong, and tyrants like Michelle Lujan Grisham can’t trash the Constitution whenever they see fit. Gun Owners of America will stand firm and not rest until all those in New Mexico who played a role in this action are held accountable for this gross assault on our rights and our very system of self-government.”
Sam Paredes, on behalf of the board for GOF, added:
“The thought of elected leaders claiming they have the authority to unilaterally suspend rights guaranteed under the Constitution during a designated ‘emergency’ is truly terrifying, and the very reason we the people are guaranteed the right to bear arms. We’ve been saying for quite some time now that we will not rest until politicians fall in line with the law, but in this case, we would certainly hope that the people and lawmakers of New Mexico think long and hard about permanently removing this tyrant from office.”
GOA spokesmen are available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center.

-GOA-​

 

[old lady new shooter]

This week, Gun Owners of America (GOA) and the Gun Owners Foundation (GOF) filed an appeal to the 5th Federal Circuit in our lawsuit challenging de facto waiting periods for NICS background checks on gun buyers under the age of 21. This new policy is a result of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, also known as the Cornyn-Murphy-Biden gun control package, which passed last summer. There are several gun control provisions that went into effect with the passage of this law, which Republican Senator John Cornyn—along with 14 other Republicans—pushed hard to help get passed. These provisions include a ban on using funds to train teachers in the use of firearms … funding for Red Flag gun confiscation orders … limitations on private gun sellers that have enabled Biden to impose universal background registration checks … and much more. GOA brought a lawsuit challenging parts of this law in Cornyn’s home state of Texas. And in this brief, GOA is challenging the unconstitutional waiting periods this law imposes upon young adults who seek to purchase long guns. Of course, the anti-gun Left does not want to just impose waiting periods on young adults. They are feverishly working to enact lengthy waiting periods on all firearms purchasers—as seen in certain blue states like California, New Jersey and others. That’s why GOA is throwing down the gauntlet and working to strike down this waiting period provision which was put into federal law by Sen. Cornyn and others. As our brief states, firearms restrictions and “delays based solely on an adult citizen’s age would [have been] repugnant to the pre-existing right the Second Amendment preserved.” People can read the GOA brief here.

GOA Files Brief Before the U.S. Supreme Court​ GOA has filed a brief in a case that will be heard by the Supreme Court this term. The case involves the question: Can the federal government disarm men and women who are under a civil protective order? This is a significant matter because many judges often issue mutual restraining orders which disarm victims and abusers alike. Those who would like more information on this important case can view GOF’s “Bullet Points with Dan Wos” episode here. And people can read our amicus brief before the Supreme Court here.

GOA Reining in ATF’s Plan to Shut Down Gun Dealers​ You might remember that in a previous email, we alerted you to our victory over the ATF in North Dakota. With this win, we curbed ATF’s Zero Tolerance policy and stopped them from putting a successful and well-established gun dealer out of business. This Zero Tolerance policy is a direct attack on FFLs and has forced hundreds upon hundreds of gun dealers to close their doors around the country. Not only that, Biden’s policy has reduced the options that law-abiding gun owners have to acquire firearms and to exercise their right to keep and bear arms. Recently, GOA and GOF teamed up with the FFL Coalition to prevent the ATF from shuttering yet another gun dealer—Kiloton Tactical, in the state of Florida. People can read that brief here. With our lawsuits in both North Dakota and Florida, we are seeking relief for all gun dealers in the nation and pursuing an end to ATF’s Zero Tolerance policy.

GOA in the News and on the Airwaves​ Thanks to your loyal support, GOA representatives have been all over the news in recent weeks and months. Here are just a sampling of these stories and interviews.

Click on the picture to watch the video! ATF Attempts to Silence Gun Owners of America The ATF is furious with Gun Owners of America for exposing our federal government’s use of the NICS background check system to illegally monitor innocent Americans. The ATF is now trying to silence GOA.

GOA: Israel Needs a Second Amendment In this Daily Caller exclusive, GOA’s federal director shows how Israel and Ukraine prove the relevance of the Second Amendment in the 21st Century: the individual right to keep and bear arms is critical to the security of a free nation. GOA to Fight Attempts at Enacting UN Gun Control Inside U.S. With discussions underway on the UN arms treaty, Gun Owners of America is preparing to rally opposition to the gun control treaty in Congress. Remembering 9/11: Never forget means never again The Minute Man Moment is GOA’s longest running show—now at over 120 episodes! In this video, GOA remembers one of the most significant victories we’ve achieved out of the hundreds we’ve attained over the past two decades. A Tutorial for Answering the ‘Karens’ in your life GOA recently launched a new show, One in the Chamber, focused on activism and making sure the common gun owner is prepared to fight the anti-gun nonsense from the Karens of the world. This particular video dives into why it’s important for gun owners to get involved against ATF’s new rule by opposing their Universal Background Registration Checks proposal. Gun Confiscation, A Rogue Government Agency, plus Guns and Youtube? The State of the Second is a relatively new podcast that GOA launched this year, to bring the firearms industry into the conversation about politics and the path forward to protect and restore our gun rights. In this episode, we are joined by Clint “Mag Dump” Morgan of Classic Firearms to discuss the ATF’s war on guns and gun owners, and how educated gun rights activists can make a difference.

In Liberty, Erich Pratt Senior Vice President Gun Owners of America P.S. GOA’s legal team is fueled by the generous support of our members. We could not do it without your help. If you'd like to continue to help support our efforts to strike down gun control, you can click here.

 

[old lady new shooter]

Biden is Banning Your Right to Sell a Firearm​

TAKE ACTION and formally participate in ATF’s notice and comment period to tell Biden’s ATF exactly why its backdoor Universal Registration Check rule is unconstitutional and illegal.

ATF Has Initiated Backdoor Universal Registration Checks and Warrantless Searches for Guns!​ Dear Ellen, President Biden recently initiated the next massive attack on your gun rights. Without Congress even passing a new law, the president’s cronies at ATF are initiating backdoor Universal Registration Checks and warrantless searches for your firearms, if you choose to sell even one firearm for profit. Of course, Gun Owners of America stands ready to file a lawsuit as soon as any final rule takes effect, but this rule won’t be final until the ATF has completed the rulemaking process. Right now, we’re in the public comment phase. GOA’s attorneys are drafting comments that GOA will submit—and we will reference our members’ comments if we are forced to file a lawsuit. So taking action today will be extremely helpful to winning in court! That’s why we’re asking all gun owners to participate in this public comment period. Please, TAKE ACTION and comment against the latest ATF gun control rule. According to this new proposed rule, “even a single firearm transaction, or offer to engage in a transaction… may be sufficient to require a license” from the ATF. You read that right, ATF might lock you up for being “engaged in the business of dealing in firearms” if you merely offer to sell a single firearm! Don’t like the way the gun you ordered feels in your hand? Shouldn’t have purchased that new firearm on an impulse? Need cash more than the safe queen collecting dust? Wife tell you to sell a gun before you can buy that new one? Well, before you can sell your own personal property, you’ll now need a “federal firearms license”—A.K.A. permission from ATF to engage in protected Second Amendment activity. And of course, what would a new ATF rule be without criminal consequences for you, the law-abiding gun owner? Dealing in firearms without a license can get you five years in a federal prison and a $250,000 fine. And be careful around holidays and birthdays. ATF won’t rule out the possibility of charging you with a federal crime even if you sell a single heirloom firearm to an immediate family member! This is just a backdoor way to require Universal Registration Checks on all firearms. We need as many gun owners as possible to comment on the ATF rule. So please add your name to our pre-written letter and submit your comment now! This rule change is truly an attack on your Second Amendment rights. You cannot exercise your right to keep and bear arms if you cannot buy and sell firearms. Spending numerous hours and hundreds of dollars to receive a federal license and, after that, engaging in overbearing recordkeeping just to sell grandad’s shotgun, is not what the Founders had in mind. That’s why the Second Amendment necessarily protects your right to purchase and sell firearms free from infringement (like oversight, registration paperwork, and monitoring) by the federal government. Of course, that isn’t stopping Joe Biden or the ATF! Now, ATF wants every virtually every gun owner who sells a firearm to: register with the federal government; submit a photo; submit your fingerprints; notify your local police chief; comply with local zoning laws (which may be impossible); get approved for your may-issue license; maintain regular business hours; submit to warrantless ATF inspections, without notice; pay $90-$3,000 in licensing fees every three years; fill out a Firearm Transaction Record (Form 4473) for each transfer; call the FBI or the state police before transferring a firearm; keep a registry of every gun in your inventory; and ultimately, turn over the registry you are forced to create to ATF’s billion-record database. Even after you get the government’s permission to exercise your Second Amendment right to buy and sell firearms, you’ll be subject to extreme and continuing scrutiny by federal agents. If you forget to dot one “i” or cross a single “t” then the Biden Administration will “Zero Tolerance” you with their newly minted “zero tolerance” license revocation policy! You can be sure they will revoke your license in a heartbeat for even a single mistake. And guess what? By going through the licensing process to become a “dealer,” you will have to open your home to ATF agents and be subjected to warrantless searches as often as once a year. You also risk losing your license or even jail time if you fail to: keep your guns in inventory secured; keep PERFECT registration records; ‍ ️ let ATF inspect your gun registration records; or answer ATF phone calls about gun records within 24 hours. The obvious goal of this new plan hatched by the Biden Administration is to make the exercise of your Second Amendment right to sell a firearm as difficult as possible. And Biden knows that, if he can make millions of gun owners become federally licensed and then revoke those licenses, you won’t be allowed to exercise that freedom ever again! Please add your name to our prewritten letter and tell ATF that this gun control is an infringement on your gun rights! On the flip side, ATF’s new proposed rule also affects your ability to purchase a firearm without any registration paperwork, because there will be few if any private sales in which to acquire firearms without Big Brother looking over your shoulder. That’s why GOA rightly calls this Universal Registration Checks, and not just backdoor Universal Background Checks. There are many valid reasons that a law-abiding citizen might wish to avoid a background check or visiting a commercialized gun store when purchasing a new firearm. But it doesn’t matter why a gun owner might want to purchase a firearm without a background check. We have a Bill of Rights, not a Bill of Needs. All these ATF bureaucrats and politicians need to realize is that it is your RIGHT to purchase (and sell) firearms, and that Americans don’t need to ask the government for permission to exercise their rights. Tell ATF that your firearm purchases and sales are NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS! Thank you for commenting against this tyrannical rule by the ATF. Your public comment could help GOA’s case when we file our lawsuit. We’ll keep you updated on ATF’s backdoor Universal Registration Check rule as it progresses. In Liberty, Aidan Johnston Director of Federal Affairs P.S. Please distribute this alert to your pro-gun family and friends, and encourage them to submit comments against these tremendous infringements. To renew your GOA membership or to join for the first time, please click here.

 

[old lady new shooter]

LEAKED: Nashville Shooter’s Manifesto​ Dear Member, The Covenant School Mass Murderer’s manifesto has been leaked. Gun owners can and should speculate why authorities refused to release the document. However, it’s clear by examining the three public pages that this deranged individual — entrenched in woke ideologies — sought to attack Christians. (Guns & Gadgets has a good breakdown of the manifesto here.) In the document, the murderer chillingly wrote, “Can’t believe I’m doing this, but I’m ready… I hope my victims aren’t.” GOA is urging you to get ready. Here are five simple actions you can take to possibly prevent the next mass shooting, defending yourself and your family. Buy a handgun. Gun owners currently live in the golden age of concealed carry handguns. With so many quality options from the major manufacturers, it’s hard to go wrong. Also, get a quality holster that allows a full firing grip on the handgun and completely covers the trigger. Don’t forget to carry defensive hollow point ammunition and test fire it in your gun. If you have a red dot on your handgun, be sure it’s zeroed as well. Buy an AR-15. An AR-15 is a force multiplier over a handgun, and it is arguably the best choice to defend your home. Again, the market is full of great options. And while AR-15s can be accessorized without end, be sure to have a light on your carbine, so you can positively identify your target. Get training and carry, everywhere! First off, GOA is not advocating for any government training requirements or breaking any laws. But as a firearms instructor and church security team leader, I know that carrying a gun is a huge responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Safely and quickly drawing a firearm is a skill that must be practiced, often. For example, a competent gun owner should be able to draw from concealment and make a center mass hit from 6 yards in two seconds. (This is a basic standard. If you can achieve this, push yourself to go faster.) Once you feel competent with a gun, carry it everywhere you go, without exception. Concealed carry means concealed. Stop the Bleed. It’s great to know how to poke holes, but you may also need to know how to plug them. Thankfully, “Stop the Bleed” and Emergency First Aid Fundamental classes have become wildly popular and affordable. Plus, it’s always a good idea to carry a quality tourniquet and chest seal on your person or in your vehicle. Your quick response may give a wounded person the stopgap treatment needed before the emergency services arrive. Get involved. Gun owners in Tennessee just fought off a Red Flag Special Session from Governor Bill “Lousy Lee” this past summer. We know that the anti-gunners will be back to continue their push for gun control. Gun owners must be prepared to stop these tyrannical proposals again. In the meantime, sign up for GOA’s free alerts to stay involved and tell your pro-gun friends and family. GOA will again be advocating for true Constitutional Carry and ending gun-free zones, and we need every voice with us in the fight. If you find any of this information helpful, then please share it with a family member or friend who may need to know this as well. Stay armed and stay free! Jordan Stein Certified Firearms Instructor Southeast Region Director Gun Owners of America

 

[old lady new shooter]

Register by clicking the picture to attend National Women’s Range Day on Saturday, March 9, 2024!

National Women's Range Day 2024!​ Dear Member, ​ ***Do you know of a woman or girl who would benefit from going to this event? Please forward this email to them.*** Gun Owners of America (GOA) is excited to announce a new way to celebrate women’s empowerment on this upcoming International Women’s Day weekend. On Saturday, March 9th, GOA and Empowered 2A will launch our inaugural National Women’s Range Day in Grapevine, Texas. Register Here! This event will be celebrated at Texas Gun Experience – a 35,000 sq. ft range that boasts a massive retail and firearm rental selection, high-tech shooting stalls, and a robust selection of machine guns for rent. Attendees will have full access to fifteen 25-yard lanes and six 50-yard lanes for target practice and training, and plenty of time to sample the plethora of handgun and rifle rentals available. Tickets for this Women’s-Only range day are only $20 and will include an all-access day pass at Texas Gun Experience including firearm rentals, ammunition, and range time. Ladies in attendance will have the opportunity to meet with female advocates and leaders in the Second Amendment community and seek advice on best practices in their concealed carry journey. Additionally, each woman will receive a complimentary GOA one year membership with their ticket. The event will allow women to shoot the firearms of their choice and celebrate our Empowered 2A motto: “Gun rights are women’s rights!” Join other empowered women for International Women’s Day and help us show the world what truly empowered women look like. Attendees will also learn how to be an effective advocate for the Second Amendment via small seminars on the GOA “No-Compromise” mission. Register Here Frequently Asked Questions​ 1 What’s the minimum age that can participate in the event? Based on the recommendation of the range, we suggest no younger than 10 years of age. They must have their own ticket. And must be with their parent or guardian at all times. 2 Is Parking Free? Yes. 3 What if I am already a member, do I still need to get a ticket? First: Thank you so much for being a GOA member! We appreciate our members so much! It is because of you, that we are able to have events like this! But the answer is yes, you will still need a ticket. Your ticket goes toward a current membership. So your membership can go towards your 2025 membership if you already have one for 2024. 4 When does the event start and end? 10am and ends at 3pm. (Saturday, March 9) 5 Will my ticket allow me to stay the entire time? What all does the ticket include? Yes. Your ticket covers all 5 hours of the event. All semiautomatic handguns and rifles rentals and their respective ammunition and range time during those 5 hours are covered under the ticket price. 6 Is childcare available or covered? As part of the Empowered 2A experience, we at GOA are committed to breaking down barriers to women who want to train but cannot due to lack of childcare. GOA offers reimbursement costs up to the standard childcare costs for each state. Bring a receipt of your childcare costs and we will reimburse you via check. Please email [email protected] to coordinate the reimbursement process before the event. It must be approved before the event date and you must attend the event for it to be valid.

 

[Doc Samson]

A 2A organization that's in the news for all the right reasons! Hope all those disgusted with the NRA decide to join this amazing group!

 

[Miami_JBT]

GOA, GOF FILE LAWSUIT ON BEHALF OF NEWSMAX’S CARL HIGBIE AND OTHER PLAINTIFF’S SEEKING NY CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS​

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 5, 2024

Washington, D.C. — Today, Gun Owners of America (GOA) and the Gun Owners Foundation (GOF) filed a federal lawsuit in the Northern District of New York, challenging the state’s blanket ban on out-of-state residents being able to obtain a concealed carry permit or to have New York honor out-of-state permits.

GOA and GOF are representing several individual plaintiffs who reside in neighboring states and hold their own state’s license to carry concealed weapons. TV Host and Second Amendment Advocate Carl Higbie is one of the individual plaintiffs.

Under current New York law, only New York residents may apply for and obtain permits to carry concealed weapons, and the state does not grant any form of reciprocity for individuals who hold a similar permit from another state.

As a result, those who hold out of state driver’s licenses may drive in New York, but the exercising of one’s constitutional right to bear arms in New York State is wholly inaccessibly to the 94% of Americans who are not state residents. New York is the only known state where nonresidents are not allowed to exercise their Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms.

Erich Pratt, GOA’s Senior Vice President, issued the following statement:

“The State of New York and its cadre of anti-gun politicians have done everything in their power to weaken and outright ban the Second Amendment within their borders. The Supreme Court has made clear that the right to bear arms extends to the public square, and this right is for all Americans, not just those who are residents of individual states.”

Sam Paredes, on behalf of the board for GOF, added:

“This is the only example nationwide that we can find where an out-of-state resident is completely barred from exercising their right to keep and bear arms, and there’s no doubt the anti-gun legislature in Albany purposely designed it this way. We’ve warned these politicians before and we’ll do it again, fall in line on the Second Amendment, or we will make you.”

GOA, GOF File Lawsuit on Behalf of Newsmax’s Carl Higbie and Other Plaintiff’s Seeking NY Concealed Carry Permits | GOA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 5, 2024 Washington, D.C. — Today, Gun Owners of America (GOA) and the Gun Owners Foundation (GOF) filed a federal lawsuit in the Northern District of New York, challenging the state’s blanket ban on out-of-state residents being able to obtain a concealed carry...

www.gunowners.org

 

[Miami_JBT]

We’re over the half-way mark for Florida’s 60-day legislative session. Here’s what’s happened so far.​

The Florida Republican supermajority has shown what they truly think of gun owners in the “Gunshine State.”

And it’s clear that they think the protection and restoration of your Second Amendment rights don’t matter.

Throughout 2023, Gun Owners of America worked with Rep. Mike Beltran to draft HB 1619, a solid open carry and university campus carry bill.

And what did the Republican House Speaker do within the first week of session? He stood on the steps of our capitol and proudly crowed that he was pro-gun, and then said his Republican colleagues “didn’t have an appetite” to debate and vote on HB 1619.


Has that stopped GOA from fighting the good fight?

Heck no! GOA took to the public airwaves and the newspapers to call out the Republicans and their failures to uphold their promises to voters.

In USA Today, GOA stated the following:

“Republican lawmakers constantly campaign that they’re pro-gun and the only bulwark to stop Democrats from eviscerating Floridians’ gun rights. But the truth is, the actions of Florida’s top Republicans is that they don’t care about Second Amendment rights,” GOA’s FL Director Luis Valdes said.

And on 97.3 WSKY, GOA has been a guest on the Bob Rose Show and has discussed how Republicans are anti-gun in their collective actions.



GOA isn’t pulling its punches either.

Where is Governor Ron DeSantis on this issue? Last year, GOA got him on record to say he “absolutely” supports open carry. Yet he has been silent on the issue. We’ve called him out on that silence too.



The Florida Phoenix even recently reported on how GOA called out Republicans, including the Governor, for being lackluster on the Second Amendment:

“You have a Republican House Speaker state that he and his Republican colleagues don’t have an ‘appetite’ to debate and vote on open carry. You have a Republican Senate President state that repealing the under-21 purchase ban is a ‘non-starter’ Yet both have the nerve to campaign that they’re pro-gun,” says Luis Valdes, Florida state director of Gun Owners of America (GOA)..

Valdes and other Second Amendment aficionados are also steamed at DeSantis for failing to push for an open carry law which he said he supported a year ago. That measure (HB 1619) was introduced at the beginning of the 2024 session by Hillsborough GOP Rep. Mike Beltran but was immediately dismissed by Republican leadership last month.

“GOA got him on record where he said he ‘absolutely’ supports open carry,” Valdes says. “Well, actions speak louder than words and the governor’s inaction is deafening.”

And with all that happening, GOA still went to the capitol to fight for Floridians’ gun rights.

We fought for SB 1286 (Return of Weapons by Police), HB 1223 (Repeal of Under-21-Purchase Ban), HB 365 (Representation by Counsel in Hearings on Petitions for Risk Protection Orders), and HB 17 (Expiration of the Mandatory Waiting Period for Firearm Purchases).

All four pro-gun bills passed through their committees with GOA’s testimony and hard work.

Luis Valdes (GOA’s FL Director) testifying before the Senate in support of SB 1286’s passage.

GOA also fought against gun control, specifically SB 270 (Further Restrictions of Shooting on One’s Own Private Property) which was heard in the Senate’s Criminal Justice committee.

Jed Carroll (GOA’s FL Deputy Director) testified on why SB 270 is an assault against Floridians’ Second Amendment rights. Sadly, Republican committee chair, Sen. Jeff Martin, sided with Democrats and passed SB 270 out of committee.

The good news is, due to GOA’s hard work, it appears that the next committee will not bring the bill up for debate. But that doesn’t mean GOA will sit on the sidelines. We’re going to keep you up to date on what’s happening with SB 270.

So, with that news. What else is happening in Florida?

GOA will be at Florida’s 2A Freedom Fest on February 24, 2024!​

The event will be at 7700 SE 129th Place, Summerfield, FL.

Who from GOA will be attending?

• Erich Pratt, GOA’s Senior Vice President
• Stephen “The Barefoot Bandit” Willeford, hero of Sutherland Springs, TX
• Luis Valdes, GOA’s FL Director
• Jed Carroll, GOA’s FL Deputy Director
• Maria Dockery, GOA’s Empowered 2A FL Director and owner of Femme Fatale Arms & Training

Come check it out and meet your GOA team! Both Erich and Stephen will be having book signings and Maria will of course be educating women about the Second Amendment. Lastly, Luis and Jed will be discussing the current issues that Florida’s gun owners are facing in the legislature.

We hope to see you there.

In Liberty,

Luis Valdes
FL State Director
Gun Owners of America

PS – Please share this alert to all your friends and family. Please, donate to GOA. Every penny helps fight the good fight.

FL: Legislative Session Update | GOA

We’re over the half-way mark for Florida’s 60-day legislative session. Here’s what’s happened so far. The Florida Republican supermajority has shown what they truly think of gun owners in the “Gunshine State.” And it’s clear that they think the protection and restoration of your Second...

www.gunowners.org

 

[Miami_JBT]

View attachment 1195936
February 22, 2024

Washington, D.C. — Gun Owners of America (GOA) is excited to announce their inaugural Gun Owners Advocacy and Leadership Summit (GOALS), which will be held in mid-August in Knoxville, Tennessee.

This two-day weekend event is expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees and will feature speeches from leaders in the gun rights movement, educational panels, meet and greet sessions, and musical performances from major artists. Additionally, the convention’s festivities will kick off on Friday August 16th with an exclusive industry expo for manufacturers, retailers, and other firearms businesses.
GOA is also excited to share that all attendees will be able to lawfully carry while in attendance.

Erich Pratt, GOA’s Senior Vice President, issued the following statement:

“With gun owners, manufacturers, and dealers facing ever growing pressure and outright hostility from so many anti-gun forces today, this election is without a doubt going to be the most critical in history for Second Amendment rights.
“With that in mind, our goal is to make this the premiere event bringing together Second Amendment enthusiasts and advocates as we prepare for the political fight of our lives this November. I can’t wait to reveal more details as we lock in speakers and other guests of honor.”

Kailey Nieman, GOA’s Director of Devlopment, added:

“We’re thrilled to be putting on this event for our valued members and strategic industry partners. Between the educational panels and keynote speakers, the invigorating musical performances, and our large industry expo, this will be a can’t miss Second Amendment celebration.
“Our greater GOA community is battle tested and laser focused on our no-compromise mission, and attendees can expect to leave G.O.A.L.S. energized and ready to make an impact on the serious challenges facing our Second Amendment. This conference will be a major springboard for our organization and the greater community as we head into November.”

Admission to the summit will be free for GOA members, and those interested in joining GOA or confirming their membership is up to date can do so here.

Companies interested in attending the industry expo can learn more here.

Gun Owners of America Announces Inaugural Convention | GOA

February 22, 2024 Washington, D.C. — Gun Owners of America (GOA) is excited to announce their inaugural Gun Owners Advocacy and Leadership Summit (GOALS), which will be held in mid-August in Knoxville, Tennessee. This two-day weekend event is expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees and...

www.gunowners.org

 

[old lady new shooter]

Click here to tell your Representative and Senators to repeal the veteran gun ban!

Help us repeal a gun control law that’s disarmed 250,000 Americans.​ Dear Member, What you do right now could make a difference for millions of future veterans, and maybe millions of civilian gun owners. But time is running out for you to act. Please go here right now to tell your Congressman and Senators to vote AGAINST any funding bill or continuing resolution that does not repeal the Veteran Gun Ban. Right now there are hundreds of thousands of veterans struggling with their health, or who might just need someone to manage their finances. But the Veterans Administration is making lists of those veterans and turning them over to the federal government, who flags these brave men and women as people banned from owing firearms. We must be clear to you – these American service members are not threats to anyone! In fact, banning people from owning guns without due process or even an accusation is so abusive that mental health professionals and even the liberal ACLU has spoken out against the Veteran Gun Ban. And if they can do this to veterans, it’s only a matter of time before any American who talked to a therapist or designated someone to manage finances is disarmed and stripped of their constitutional rights! In fact, GOA defeated President Obama’s attempts to expand this gun ban to cover Social Security beneficiaries several years ago! It’s time for Congress to stop this massive gun ban before it disarms another innocent veteran or is expanded. So please, we need you to go here right now to tell your Congressman and Senators to vote AGAINST any funding bill or continuing resolution that does not fully repeal the Veteran Gun Ban. As you may recall, both the House and Senate passed bipartisan amendments to repeal the Veteran Gun Ban after an intense lobbying campaign by GOA and our members. This language is reportedly being negotiated right now. Since GOA-backed language already passed the House and Senate, there shouldn’t be anything to negotiate unless weak-kneed legislators are trying to water down the repeal language and turn it into something worse. Time is running out because this week, Congress will try to pass an omnibus spending bill or continuing resolution in order to prevent the federal government from shutting down. You and I have a chance, but only for the next day or so, to knock gun grabbers back on their heels by insisting upon the original bipartisan language to repeal the Veteran Gun Ban. You and I must demand that Congress include language which fully repeals the Veteran Guns Ban because m.anything else other than a complete repeal is a betrayal of veterans and the Second Amendment. Anything else other than a complete repeal of the Veteran Gun Ban is a betrayal of veterans and the Second Amendment. You and I must make it clear to Congress there are NO excuses for compromise. Congress has until Friday to fund or shut down most of the federal government. What you do right now could make a difference for millions of future veterans, and maybe millions of civilian gun owners. So please, we need you to go here right now to tell your Congressman and Senators to vote AGAINST any funding bill or continuing resolution that does not fully repeal the Veteran Gun Ban. In Liberty, Erich Pratt Senior Vice President Gun Owners of America P.S. Please Take Action and then distribute this alert to every pro-gun person you know. To renew your GOA membership or to join for the first time, please click here.

 

[old lady new shooter]

GOA has not sent me an email about this and I can't find it on their website, but I got to this GOA twitter post from something I saw elsewhere and it's disturbing. Hiding in the $1.2 trillion new budget passed is a bunch of gun control stuff. The video at the twitter post has a list of all the R's who voted for it, in both the senate and the house, pause the video to screenshot. Check it out, and if your senator(s) and/or representative voted for it, give them a piece of your mind. (And conversely, if they opposed it, send them a thank you!):

https://twitter.com/GunOwners/status/1771706757800137214