NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT: Vol. 20, No. 4 01/25/2013

Feinstein Introduces Massive Semi-Auto Firearm and Magazine Ban

On Jan. 24, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) introduced S. 150, her long-anticipated bill to ban "assault weapons" and "large" magazines. Contrary to media claims that Feinstein wants to "reinstate" the 1994 ban, the bill will go much further toward her stated long-term goal of gun confiscation, imposing a host of absurdly broad definitions and onerous restrictions.

Statement from Chris W. Cox Regarding "Universal" Background Checks

An article appearing on TheHill.com yesterday asserted that Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) is working on a bill with the NRA that would implement universal background checks.

NRA does NOT support universal background checks and is not working with Manchin to implement this type of legislation. NRA opposes, and will continue to oppose, universal background checks and registration schemes

Watch the Latest Grassroots News Minute

Survey Finds NRA Members United

90% or More Support NRA Positions

To rebut bogus surveys by pollsters on the payroll of antigun groups, NRA-ILA conducted a national scientific poll of NRA members and found near unanimity among NRA members on a wide range of issues involving mental health reform and firearm rights.

Gun control advocates including New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, as well as various media outlets, have released data claiming to represent the views of NRA members, despite the fact that none of those surveys had access to the NRA's membership list. The NRA survey of 1,000 randomly-selected NRA members across the country is the only legitimate survey of NRA members on these issues.

NRA Withdraws from Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show Due to Reed Exhibitions Decision to Ban Popular Semi-Autos

NRA strongly disagreed with Reed Exhibitions' decision to ban popular semi-automatic rifles from the Eastern Sports Show in Harrisburg, PA, and encouraged the show management company to reconsider their position.

Due to Reed Exhibitions' refusal to reconsider their decision NRA decided to withdraw from the show entirely. We had called on Reed Exhibitions to reconsider their decision; unfortunately they steadfastly refused to do so. As a result, NRA will not be participating in the upcoming show in Harrisburg or in any other shows hosted by Reed Exhibitions that maintain this policy. We are disappointed that Reed Exhibitions has ignored the concerns expressed by attendees, the outdoor industry and NRA in not reconsidering their position to ban the display of these guns.

"Universal Background Checks" - Absolutely Not

By Marion P. Hammer

Imagine a grandfather who wants to give a family shotgun to his 12-year-old grandson having to do a background check on his grandson before giving him the shotgun.

Or a friend having to do a background check on his lifetime best buddy before lending him a hunting rifle.

Or, if your mother had a prowler at her home, having to do a background check on your own mom before you could give her one of your guns for protection.

That's what "universal background checks" do. They turn traditional innocent conduct into a criminal offense. They target you, law-abiding gun owners.

Effectively Targeting Your Grassroots Activism

In recent weeks, NRA-ILA has been inundated with phone calls and emails from passionate supporters voicing their appreciation for our stalwart defense of the Second Amendment and passing along many productive observations and recommendations.

Among them have been precisely the key points NRA has been making; namely that we need to steer Congress's efforts away from gun control and gun bans toward a more productive discussion on things like enhancing school security; improving our nation's mental health system; examining the consequences of a grotesque level of violence our children are exposed to by Hollywood and our pop culture, and enforcement of existing laws against criminals.