Great Satan, Inc.

Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association (ASRPA) held their annual meeting and dinner Saturday, May 7th, in Phoenix and featured Mr. Otis McDonald, of McDonald v. Chicago Supreme Court case fame, as the keynote speaker. ASRPA is the Arizona affiliate of the NRA, (essentially the Arizona arm of NRA) overseeing competitive shooting, training of juniors, and other firearms related issues in Arizona since 1909.

Motivational Speaker Beth Terry was an exemplary emcee for the evening, along with ASRPA President, Noble Hathaway. Noble’s lovely daughters, Ashley, Andrea, and Payne graciously assisted with the event and the fundraising raffles that were held throughout the evening.

 

Sandy Froman presents NRA 100 Years of Excellence Award

During the dinner, past NRA President Sandy Froman formally presented ASRPA with the 100 Years of Excellence award from the NRA. Mr. Hathaway was joined on stage by several past presidents of ASRPA to receive the award from Ms. Froman.

 

One of a kind Colt Single Action Army Pistol.

ASPRA President Noble Hathaway thanked the state legislators in attendance at the dinner for their part in making the Colt Single Action Army pattern pistol the official State Firearm of Arizona. He also apologized for the minor controversy they endured, and explained that the intent of the state firearm was only to help celebrate Arizona’s statehood Centennial in 2012.

 

Colt SAA Presentation to the lucky raffle winner by Rep. Judy Burges, Gary Christiansen, Rep. Carl Seel, Rep. Steve Court, Rep. Jerry Weiers, and Todd Rathner.

The highlight of the evening was Mr. Otis McDonald’s very heartfelt and humble explanation of his journey to the Supreme Court. His story is one of a man who tried to make a positive difference in his neighborhood. He worked to get kids off the street and away from crime, but as his neighborhood declined and some of neighborhood kids turned to crime, Chicago banned handgun ownership. The Chicago ban left law-abiding citizens defenseless and vulnerable to criminals who defied the gun bans and terrorized the innocent. Mr. McDonald explained how he wasn’t trying to change the world, he was just standing up for what he felt was right.

I once heard Ken Blackwell say something to the effect that the Declaration of Independence states, ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident’ as the Founders way of saying, ‘Any knucklehead should be able to understand this.’

Unfortunately, the knuckleheads in Chicago did not understand these truths. In passing the handgun ban in 1982, Chicago enabled the jewelry theft ring run by Chicago Police chief of detectives William Hanhardt, and the mob, ensuring the safety of the thieves. Hanhardt’s jewelry ring stole millions in the 1980s and 1990s, unopposed by their disarmed victims. The gun ban should have been named the Occupational Safety for Criminals Gun Ban. Mr. McDonald’s case was supported by an amicus curiae brief signed by 58 senators and 251 representatives, with more members of Congress signing than any amicus curiae brief in history.

 

Otis McDonald at the 102nd Annual ASRPA Dinner

He appeared surprised that people in a state with a Brady Campaign score of Zero would be so grateful for his efforts, but we understand how much he has done for securing our right to bear arms. The Supreme Court’s ruling will have a positive affect on gun laws and legislation for decades. Mr. McDonald appears to still be processing the full significance of his victory at the Supreme Court, where the court ruled that the Second Amendment protects the right of the individual to keep and bear arms.

Mr. McDonald acknowledged that this was just the beginning in the battle to restore even the most basic gun rights in the Chicago area, but he emphasized the role of the individual in determining the future. Throughout his talk, he spoke highly of his lawyer Alan Gura and of Alan Gottlieb, both of the Second Amendment Foundation and the enduring support of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

 

Otis McDonald Master Sponsors

It is amazing that ASRPA could persuade Mr. McDonald to speak to our group, and it was an honor for everyone in attendance to hear his story. It is rare to hear a victorious story of a hard fought battle to win such an important case. A case that signifies the first major national gun rights case the Supreme Court has heard since 1939’s United States v. Miller. Mr. McDonald’s message was clear – ordinary people can accomplish the extraordinary, just by following through on their beliefs and trying to make their part of the world a better place.

Otis McDonald Master Donor Medal – 102nd Annual Meeting of ASRPA 2011

 

Visit the ASRPA website to see more photos from the banquet, check out current shooting events, and to join ASRPA today.

 

I would also like to express my appreciation to the many members of AZCDL and the Arizona Game and Fish Department for their tireless support of the shooting sports in Arizona.

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A bill to make the Colt Single Action Army revolver the symbolic state firearm of Arizona has stalled in the Arizona House of Representatives. Naming a state firearm won’t cost the state a dime, but it is an important element of Arizona’s history as it relates to the Arizona Centennial celebration. This is a one time only opportunity to celebrate our first 100 years of statehood. As noted by the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission, the Arizona’s Centennial provides Arizona and its citizens an opportunity to showcase the “state’s beauty, history and future”.

How was the Colt SAA Selected?

The Colt Single Action Army revolver (Colt SAA), also known as the
Peacemaker, was suggested by the Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association (ASRPA), after a survey of more than 3,000 respondents chose the Colt SAA as the gun most representative of Arizona’s history. ASRPA’s Arizona lobbyist, Todd Rathner, then contacted Colt to see if they would support and help achieve the official designation.

What Is ASRPA?

The Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association was founded in 1909 to oversee competitive shooting and firearms training in the state. ASRPA has played a crucial role in Arizona’s history, that continues to this day:

• In 1910, The Arizona Rifle Team designed and used a flag when they attended the National Matches at Camp Perry. This flag was adopted as the state flag in 1917. (source ASRPA presentation)

Does This Firearm Represent Arizona?

One of two guns widely acclaimed for winning the West, the Colt Single Action Army revolver was widely used by settlers, farmers, ranchers, miners, and the Arizona Rangers for self-defense and law enforcement. It was also carried by the Arizona Rough Riders*. It has been suggested that a Ruger product would be appropriate, since Ruger has a significant manufacturing presence in Prescott. However, Ruger’s Old West style guns began production in the 1950s and are actually based on the Colt Single Action Army design, which leads us back to having the Colt Single Action Army revolver designated as the state firearm.

What Will It Cost the State?

It won’t cost Arizona a single copper penny. It’s really hard to imagine how passing a no-cost bill like SB1610 would be too much for some lawmakers, when you consider the controversial bills that have been passed this year. Speaker of the House Kirk Adams pushed through a structurally balanced budget, a rollback of the state’s excessively spendy health insurance program (ACCCHS), as well as major pension reform. The House tackled contentious issues that desperately needed to be addressed, led by someone willing to take the heat.

What Now?

The Arizona House has worked many late nights this session, tackling difficult, contentious, and controversial issues for the State.  Hopefully, with the busy schedule, they just haven’t had time to update the voting calendar with the date SB1610 will be heard on the House floor.

We’re hoping they will pass this bill on Monday, so the passage can be applauded at Senator Sylvia Allen’s Patriot’s Day celebration at the Arizona Capitol on Tuesday.

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The folks in Northern Arizona and Arizona Game and Fish have been working their tails off for fifteen years to build a proper range in Northern Arizona, and with the purchase of the private 160-acre Foster Ranch in Coconino County (about 30 minutes outside of Flagstaff), Northern Arizona is closer than ever to having a safe, modern shooting facility, where the public and law enforcement can safely shoot and train.

Unfortunately, a few people with ties to left-leaning and anti-gun organizations*, are making an 11th hour attempt to block the development of the Foster Ranch shooting range by voicing their opposition to the Coconino County Board of Supervisors.  If we don’t speak up in support of the range, it is quite possible the Board will assist the opposition and try and bring a halt to the development of this much needed range.

Northern Arizona needs the development of this range to continue without further delay, so we are asking everyone in support of the range (ESPECIALLY those that live in Northern Arizona) to please contact the members of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors and kindly let them know that you support the development of a shooting range on the Foster Ranch property and do not want to see any further delays.

Here are the Supervisors phone numbers.  You can also use the Coconino County Board of Supervisors Contact form, and select “Board of Supervisors” from the drop down menu to send your message through the web.

District 1 – Carl Taylor (928) 679-7151
District 2 – Liz Archuleta (928) 679-7152
District 3 – Matt Ryan (928) 679-7163
District 4 – Mandy Metzger (928) 679-7154
District 5 – Lena Fowler (928) 679-7751

*The Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of Flagstaff’s Future and the National Parks Conservation Association are the “big” backers of the very small opposition group, Friends of Walnut Canyon.

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From the Friends of NRA website:

Former MLB baseball player and current television personality of the wildly-popular Buck Commander series, Matt Duff, teams up with world-class shooter and all-American girl, Jessie Abbate, for a brand new series unlike any other on the air waves. Traveling coast to coast, Duff and Abbate unveil one of NRA’s best kept secrets— the multi-million dollar, grassroots fundraising movement making up the heart of the shooting world— Friends of NRA.

The show will air at 10:30 pm EST, and you can find more information about the show on the Outdoor Channel website.

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The Melon Head gang needs to find a new line of work. We’ve got a new Judge that abhors melon heads.

Click the images to enlarge

Taurus Judge Public Defender won at Central Arizona Friends of NRA dinner.

I’m very happy to report that my first Friends of NRA dinner was quite enjoyable and was even better when I found out I was going home with a Judge. It only took a $20 raffle ticket at the Central Arizona Friends of NRA dinner last night to win a new stainless Taurus Judge “Public Defender”.

Taurus Judge Cylinder

Barrel Burr on Taurus Judge

It’s always nice to have a Judge on your side, especially when the Judge shoots .45 Long Colt and .410 shotgun rounds. 🙂

If you’d like to support gun safety education, marksmanship training, and shooting range improvements, go to a Friends of NRA dinner. You’ll have a great dinner, meet people with similar interests, support good causes, bid on auction items, and have chances to win some great prizes. Did I mention anything about tax deductions? You just might end up with new friends too.

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Day 2 of the 2010 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Charlotte proved to be a packed day, just like the first day of the NRA convention. Staying in the center of town made for a short walk to Charlotte Convention Center and the few panhandlers I saw didn’t pester me. I should note that Charlotte’s panhandlers did have the newest and cleanest clothes I’ve seen on beggars anywhere, the Charlotte Observer should be proud.

Honored American Veterans Afield, also known as HAVA, has a booth in the main lobby area. We’ve written about the great work HAVA does, backed by the outdoor industry, to help injured and disabled soldiers transition back to civilian life. I participated in their fund raising raffle and happily departed with a few HAVA branded Smith & Wesson lockback knives. We hope you’ll support their efforts too. Despite the large attendance at the show, I was able to get a photo of the HAVA booth in main lobby area.

(Click on the pics for a larger version)

Honored American Veterans Afield

Even though the lobby was fairly easy to navigate, the show floor was very active and crowded around the popular booths.

NRA Meeting & Exhibits floor on Saturday.

Lauer Weaponry, maker of Duracote gun paints, had a display of custom painted firearms. I looked at the graffiti laden Manhattan paint scheme momentarily before this brightly painted AR-15 with a rail mounted .45 caught my eye, then apparently blinded me.

Lauer Weaponry displayed their Bloomberg edition gun paints, along with a Manhattan themed rifle, complete with graffiti.

But wait, there’s more, click here to see

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The NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits for 2010 was held in Charlotte, NC last weekend (5/14-5/16/2010). I took the trip out from 2nd Amendment friendly Arizona for this year’s NRA convention to see the festivities, attend the 2A Blog Bash, and experience the educational seminars.

The Charlotte Observer greeted attendees with an extremely offensive piece, begging attendees not to shoot the place up, calling NRA members “a highly partisan lobbying group” for extreme right-wing Republicans. Fortunately, the Observer is extremely out of touch with the good people of Charlotte who warmly welcomed me to their city, asked me about the annual meeting, life in Phoenix, and generously offered me help at every turn. Welcome signs for NRA members were posted throughout the city.

(Click the thumbnails for larger photos*)

Official Welcome Sign, a pin version was worn by hotel staff too.

Organic welcome sign at Matt’s Chicago Dog

NRA welcome sign at Ratcliffe on the Green in Charlotte, NC. Check out Zach Goodyear’s tasty game meat menu for the NRA Annual Meeting.

The NRA learned from last year’s Annual Meeting in Phoenix, implementing those lessons by opening event registration the day before the show, increasing the efficiency and quantity of registration lines to smoothly handle the significantly higher attendance of over 72,000 people.

Short registration lines were a great improvement over 2009.

But wait, there’s more! Click here to see the rest.

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