Zumbo: Gun rag writer trashes "Assault Weapons"

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In the last day or so I posted the following regarding giving Jim Zumbo another chance:

On a purely visceral level my answer is a resounding No! I was (with no regrets) one of the hoard who went after his head.

But on a logical level, I now say maybe...depends on him.

After being disappointed with his initial posts on Ted Nugent's forum I posted this after one sm posts:

In my first post in this thread I said I didn't vote yet, because I was undecided and wanted to see what Jim Zumbo had to say on the Nugent forum.

Well the jury is still out....but they're filing back into the court room.

After his posts today, and with some thought provoking commentary by many here on both sides, of the arguement....I WILL give the man another shot (pun intended). He'll hit the bullseye or he won't. If he does this could well be a positve thing, if doesn't, well.....'nuff said.

Thanks to pax, taliv, hso, sm, 1911Tuner, Mongo, and everyone else for the well reasoned and passionate dialogue/debate.

Kudo's to Ted Nugent, Denny Hansen, and hso for their efforts to make it right as it's going to get. Time wil tell.

My opinion, and as always, YMMV.
 
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I agree taliv. I don't care if Zumbo learns to appreciate black rifles or not. I don't care if he attends some AR camp and shoots a bunch of ammo and shouts "Yeah Baby!" to the heavens. that demonstrates nothing.

All I care about is whether he, and other mainstream gun writers get the picture that this is not about division, but rather about coming together. It's about all of us protecting everyone's rights to keep and bear arms. It looks like Jim zumbo has finally "gotten" it.

It would be interesting to see him write about his learning experiences and see him take the helm in educating other hunter only types of shooters. He doesn't have to though. The recognition of all of our rights to own and shoot whatever we darned well please is good enough.
 
Another nugget from Dave Petzal - black guns were not nearly as important a part of s

"As has been pointed out by those of you with long memories, I wrote a piece 13 years ago about the then-looming assault rifle ban. The story was unpopular with a lot of people, but nowhere in it did I endorse the ban, as some are claiming. I note that none of you have seen fit to haul up the many, many times I’ve said critical things about Senators Clinton, Schumer, Feinstein, and of course our beloved former President Bubba. But then it seems that most of you who are visiting here don't read this blog, or Field & Stream, or what I've written to defend the Second Amendment over the years.

Here’s some other relevant information: When I wrote it, black guns were not nearly as important a part of shooting as they are now. We can’t afford to sacrifice them, just as we can’t afford to sacrifice .50-caliber rifles (which I wrote about positively a couple of issues ago in a story called “Way Out There”).

In case you’re wondering, I’ve been using black rifles since 1965, when I hunted woodchucks with one of the very first AR-15s sold commercially by Colt. I’ve worked over many a prairie dog town with one AR variant or another, and if Les Baer were to send me one of his rifles (a heavy barrel flattop in .223, please), I would not send it back. I currently own an M1A. I don’t know if that qualifies or not.

Most important, you shouldn’t construe any of this as an apology. It isn’t. But it is the last thing I’m going to say in this space about the Zumbo matter."

This is the crux of his thinking, "black guns were not nearly as important a part of shooting as they are now."

There it is. Black guns were not important then so it was ok to throw them away. Now they are important. I hope I never start shooting something that he thinks is unimportant. He probably is much better off if he doesn't say anything else about it.
 
Too many folks out there think that the AR/AK rifles are MORE POWERFUL than "normal" deer hunting rifles like, oh, a .30-06...

I've heard, on more than one instance "Well, I'd really like to make sure I have some of the deer left to put in freezer."

It's going to be a slow battle. Take a Fudd plinking.
 
Zumbo, Black Rifles, Fudds, Politics, and People

I’ll make the assumption that if you’re reading this and you don’t know about Jim Zumbo, then you really don’t belong here...or…just let me say, welcome back to the world…do some searching on Zumbo.
I think a lot of us are asking ourselves what the hell really happened last weekend.
A naïve, older, hunting writer wrote a blog that included a diatribe against so called assault rifles being used for hunting purposes, and he actually referred to them as terrorist weapons and called for the banning of those rifles. Personally, I was outraged and fired off a reply to Mr. Zumbo’s blog - unfortunately, my reply was attributed to another name and E-mail address while my name was assigned to a reply that called him a weenie or worse….oh well, just another peripheral casualty of electronic warfare.
Then the riff began – featuring the “true believers of 2nd amendment rights” vs. “The Fudds”. Hmmm…this is where the whole deal gets complicated for me.
I’ve owned most of the popular types of military rifles. The AR15 is the one that I now feel is the best choice for my needs…although I’ve enjoyed owning and shooting them all. Looking back, I guess I was pretty much destined to be a “Fudd” until George Bush the 1st and Bill Clinton came along and threatened to deny me the opportunity to own one.
Then I went a little gonzo and loaded up on SKSs, AKs , ARs, high cap mags, and anything else they said I couldn’t own. But up until then, I was pretty content with my semi-auto pistols, S&W revolvers, bolt action rifles and pump shotguns. I became much more politically aware and active at that time. I began to realize just how often those in power (and particularly those in the media) lied to us and how strongly they desired to control us…even if it meant distorting the truth and demonizing the innocent...or worse. I also began to realize that there were two distinct camps in the gun world - those who owned rifles like mine, and those who didn’t - and the latter group very often bought into the lies they were told by the talking heads and politicos. I had plenty of friends who enjoyed rifles like mine - but I also had gun owning friends and family who thought I was “nutty” and didn’t need “those things”.
Now, to get to he point. I still am a “Fudd” of sorts…just one who also appreciates ALL types of firearms. I love the look and feel of fine wood and a deep blued finish, but I also like the utility of a composite stock, an anodized finish, and the ability to carry 20-30 rounds IN the rifle…not in my backpack or pockets. But I’m still the same ol’ me…I’m not a criminal, I’m not a poacher, I’m not violent, and I’m not a freaking terrorist. I’m a law abiding citizen, devoted husband and father, voter, and concerned citizen.
Jim Zumbo betrayed the trust I had in my fellow hunter and sportsman with his words.
He reaped what he sowed…and maybe a little more. But I hope and pray that the firestorm generated by his betrayal leads to a better understanding between all of us who value the heritage that we have been trusted with. We should not be vindictive, or divisive, we should be resolute in our common goal of maintaining our birthright. It is a unique one that only we understand. There’s a lot one can learn from an old “Fudd”…and there’s a lot you can teach him or her as well. We’re family –discuss, cuss, fight – then unite.
 
Bogie,

I can't count how many people I have taken shooting, or how many I have given ammo and one of my guns to and said "have a nice time and don't get arrested". I'm moving from California to Michigan in a little over a month and I had to build a big box to hold it all so I can bring it in my truck since the movers won't take it for me. That is after all the shooting I have been doing since I got my orders! Maybe I can take Zumbo and Petzal and let them hang out with a regular guy instead of company reps from Remington, Ruger, etc.
 
I am not convinced he has any idea of the responsibility he has.

"OK, guys. I've now accepted to go to two training schools. No more for awhile. I got some turkey and bear hunts to go on this spring."

http://nugeboard.tednugent.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/287127-2.html

And:"I believe that within America's gun owners, we can be classed into three groups: hunters, hunters/shooters, and shooters."

In contrast there is also:Intelligent life:
dryvalleyboy
posted 02-22-2007 12:42 PM
Take the AR you're going to buy this week to the NRA convention,stand up and demand that they quit selling out gun owners who happen to believe the 2nd means ALL firearms,not just the ones you've seen in your hunting camps the last 50 years and you might regain some respect.I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take this kind of crap from "friends of gun owners" any more.Either you are for the ownership of all firearms,which is guaranteed to us by the 2nd,or you are the enemy.Make your choice.Perry


I love Ted's enthusiasm. More of us need something like it.
If he is in repair mode and some groveling on the side wouldn't he expect a change of schedule? The bear and turkeys can take care of theme selves.

And this distraction is over for me. I will have to do my part when I see the fudd in front of me. Now onto Oleg's thread AWB2.
 
dm1333, please do not invite Mr. Zumbo to Michigan. We do not want him here. You however are more than welcome. Come to an ACTS match, and shoot with us.
 
Can I share what I've learned this week?

I've learned that I represent the 2nd Amendment on the web, I need to to post accordingly. I've learned rage is a powerful energy source that needs to be nourished, managed and focused. I've learned from Petzal's blog that there are still alot of ignorant gun owners in America but people don't listen to you if you keep insulting them.

Thinking about clueless hunters made me think of my dad. He taught me how to shoot and hunt and I taught him how to surf the web. I remember how impatient I got trying to teach him trivial, computer keystoke crap after he taught me...so much.

Opportunities abound.

r
 
His sponsers are departing in droves and he still refuses to "get-it". As a reasonable man it is my belief that everyone is entitled to a senior moment, regardless of their chronological age and would gladly stop denouncing the man were he to truly apologize to the people he slandered as terrorists, and agree that his comments were fuel for those who would seperate us from our Constitutional rights. His words became bigger than life and he must address this, or continue to slide down the path to certified pariah.
 
I'd love to see the mods on the various freedom oriented sites work together to call out "fire missions" to bring the sort of heat that Zumbo felt to other deserving souls.

Target: Diane Fienstein
Bearing:CBSNEWS @ CBSNEW.COM
Subject: Anti Constitution, Anti American, Favors providing criminals unarmed victims.

Fire for effect!

Wooo, Boy!
 
Mudpuppy... That ain't gonna work.

You need a _shootable_ target. Not one that keeps flitting around. Remember the rules of firearms safety... We're _sure_ not too sure about her background...

We need one we can hit.

Zumbo was a slam dunk. He did it to himself. And I, for one, wouldn't mind shooting with him.

Take a Fudd shooting.
 
Fudds, like Zumbo and Petzal, have the "only straight-stocked Mauser-style rifles are legitimate" mindset.

Petzal claims to be a "gunnut" but he doesn't understand that the original Mauser 1898 action was designed from a MAIN BATTLE RIFLE. It was intended to KILL at long range whatever living thing it was shot at. Whatever living thing - wabbits, deer, coyotes, and PEOPLE. Yup, your precious "deer rifle" comes from a family of weapons designed to kill human beings.

How about that, Elmer?

Bolt action Mauser "hunting rifle" being used as designed.
3399193671
 
Petzal claims to be a "gunnut" but he doesn't understand that the original Mauser 1898 action was designed from a MAIN BATTLE RIFLE. It was intended to KILL at long range whatever living thing it was shot at. Whatever living thing - wabbits, deer, coyotes, and PEOPLE. Yup, your precious "deer rifle" comes from a family of weapons designed to kill human beings.

Considering that he wrote the following, I would say he knows:

The Model 98 was the culmination of five preceding models and is, to quote The Encyclopedia of Small Arms, "the most successful bolt-action design ever produced." Made in the millions, it was used by most of the world's armies throughout the 20th century. If there is such a thing as an unstoppable machine, the Model 98 comes as close as anything.
 
Considering that he wrote the following, I would say he knows:

That makes his 1994 and recent comments even WORSE!

He just wants to keep HIS rifle for his recreation. Selfish bas**rd.
 
moot

All this doesn't really matter anymore. Zumbo is officially done, forever. Interesting that one can kill one's decades-long career in approximately 2 weeks with one snarfy blog post.

I'm thrilled that the NRA and the US gun folks still have some 'nads. At times I must admit I wonder... Keep it up.
 
Interesting that one can kill one's decades-long career in approximately 2 weeks with one snarfy blog post.

It was not even 48 hours - and that was over a weekend.

-He posted on Friday, Feb. 16 - late at night.
-By Sunday, February 18 at 5pm, he had received messages consisting of more than 257,000 words.
-Before 48 hours had passed. Tommy Millner - CEO and President of Remington - had posted that Reming was terminating their Zumbo relationship.
-On Feb. 19 (President's Day holiday), his dismissal from Remington was official

As sad as it is to see someone lose their job, how many of us could publicly call our employer's customer base "terrorists", call for governments to ban our employer's product and then expect to keep our job?
 
Quote: "one can kill one's decades-long career in approximately 2 weeks with one snarfy blog post."

Methinks the blog post was just last weekend - and he was toast with at least Remington by noon Monday.
 
At the same time the story is going up on the mainstream media with:
From his home near Cody, Wyo., Zumbo declined repeated telephone requests for comment.

Zumbo was posting in the safety of Ted Nugent's site saying:
I will do everything I can, within my power as a journalist and public speaker, to protect the 2nd Amendment and America's gun owners.
timestamped:posted 02-23-2007 03:33 PM
 
Why Zumbo cannot be forgiven.

After following this over the past week I have come to some conclusions. I need to first clarify what I mean by forgiven. I am a firm believer if someone wrongs me and repents that he should be forgiven. However this is not what I am talking about.

I think that Mr. Zumbo should take up any genuine offers to educate himself in the use of tactical rifles. I would also welcome him if he chose to join me on a shoot, however I would have nothing to teach him on these AR types of rifles, as I do not own one.

With that out of the way, we can now get to the heart of what I am writing; Zumbo's unforgiveness. You see; I am a 2nd Amendment Supporter first, a collector of Curio and Relics and other military style firearms second, a shooter third and a hunter (if thats what you call occasionally freezing your butt off in the woods) last. One thing is that no matter how we place our priorities we all should have the same number one priority: the 2nd Amendment, without it the others matter not.

The article posted by Mr Zumbo was not: 1) a precision comparison of bolt action to AR type rifles, 2) a ballistics comparrison of various ammo capabilities 3) a dependability comparison based on functionality and number of moving parts. It was in its truest form GUN SNOBBERY and a complete lack of respect for someone else's 2nd amendment rights.

I would never, no matter how much I dislike a gun, no matter how much I dislike a certain genre that uses a certain gun, NEVER tell someone that their gun choice does not belong, has no place, and should be banned. If I were to do this then my choice of gun has no relevance and would be undeserving of ownership as I would have condemned another's choice. And I certainly would never describe a gun with the term "Terrorist". Someone who has been in the NRA for 40 years and as well respected hunter should have known this! For this Jim Zumbo should NEVER be forgiven.

Jim Zumbo should never make another dime off his name. He should never write, or publish for that matter, any opinions on firearms or firearms skills. He should never endorse, or be endorsed, by any name or label no matter how big or small. He should never recieve another free promotional item to be tried out or tested. He should just simply fade away only to be rolled out as an example of what true 2nd amendment support is all about.
 
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