Bullet Points – Weekly Firearms Industry Newsletter 11-28-2017

News links from the NSSF covering the industry, the SHOT Show, Jobs, Governmental Relations, Retailers and Research. NSSF MEMBER TAKES ON FACEBOOK AD . . . Jessica Keffer, marketing manager for The Sportsman’s Shop in East Earl, Penn., was on Fox & Friends Sunday to talk about the recent experience of her family-owned business when they were told they could no longer advertise on Facebook because they sell firearms after initially being allowed to do so. The Daily Caller had earlier told the story of the NSSF retailer member.

HOUSE FIX NICS BILL INTRODUCED  . . . U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) and John Culberson (R-Texas) have introduced  NSSF-supported bipartisan H.R. 4434, the Fix NICS Act of 2017. The companion to an identically titled Senate bill introduced earlier would ensure federal and state authorities comply with existing law and accurately report relevant criminal history and mental health records to the NICS.

Other NSSF News

• The U.S. Supreme Court decided it will not hear the Kolbe v. Hogan challenge to Maryland’s assault weapon law.  As a result, the 4th Circuit U.S. Court’s ruling holding modern sporting rifles are not protected by the Second Amendment stands.
• The California DOJ has released proposed regulations related to “assault weapons,” which NSSF is analyzing. A public hearing is set for Jan. 8, 2018.
• Wisconsin’s nine-day gun deer hunting season saw 1,100 more mentored hunting licenses for opening weekend than 2016. The increase is attributable to NSSF-supported passage of legislation eliminating a minimum age for mentored hunts.​​​​​​
• U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has directed the FBI and ATF to conduct a thorough review of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) and determine what improvements could be made.
• Sooner or later, your FFL could be the focus of a news story questioning your business, your industry and how it relates to an ongoing crisis. Preparation is key in handling the media.
• A look at how other businesses in the firearms industry are succeeding at improving customer service can provide great insight to help your business. SHOT Show University will help you maintain retail relevancy.
• When it comes to SHOT Show, Neuse Sport Shop has a definite plan. With booths mapped out and appointments scheduled this retailer takes the industry-only trade show “live” to its customers.
• Seats for the 2018 SHOT Show Executive Management Seminar, the industry’s premier educational session for executives, are filling up quickly. Register soon to save your seat and learn from speakers like Steven Rinella and Lt. Col. Allen West.
• Haven’t booked your hotel room for SHOT Show? NSSF works with the Las Vegas hotels surrounding the show to offer hefty discounts through its travel partner, OnPeak! Check out the many hotels offering special SHOT Show room rates.
• Safety in your store goes beyond responsible firearms handling. For firearms retailers, there are many things to consider to keep your employees working safely and free of injuries.
• ATF Q&A: More great questions came in on our 24/7 NSSF member compliance hotline last week. One question asks, “How long is a marking variance good for?”
• The October 2017 edition (login required) of the NSSF Survey Tracker report has been released, featuring top-selling brands of firearms, optics, shotgun ammunition, balls, bullets and/or shot, as well as responses to questions about reloading.
• As USA Today reported, firearms sales were strong over the holiday weekend with the four day total for FBI NICS nearing 400,000. NSSF expects full November 2017 data early next week. Log in to the member portal for more info.

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