Sig Sauer has viewed an online video that presents a single CROSS Bolt-Action Rifle with a potential safety concern. This gun has been returned to Sig Sauer and upon evaluation it has been confirmed that the rifle exhibited a delayed discharge after the trigger was pulled. Sig Sauer has decided to issue a safety recall in order to implement a modification to the firing action to address this potential safety concern.

To register for the recall process please visit sigsauer.com/crossrecall or call Sig Sauer Customer Service at 603-610-3000, option 1. Following registration Sig Sauer will further communicate with you to arrange for the return of your rifle to Sig Sauer for the safety improvement. All shipment and replacement costs will be covered by Sig Sauer.

Sig Sauer is committed to providing the highest quality, industry leading firearms in the marketplace and is requesting that consumers take immediate action and follow the recall process as described.

The post Safety Recall Notice: Sig Sauer Cross Bolt-Action Rifles first appeared on GunLink Blog.

Smith & Wesson Inc. announced today that the Company has identified two M&P Shield EZ Pistols on which the hammers manufactured by our supplier were cracked. In those firearms, the hammer failed to fully engage the sear, causing the round to fire, cycling the slide, and potentially resulting in multiple discharges without depressing the trigger. In all cases, the firearm will NOT fire unless the grip safety is depressed. While this condition has been found only in two hammers, and our investigation suggests that these two incidents are very isolated, any unintended discharge of a firearm has the potential to cause injury. Therefore, we have established this Safety Recall as a precautionary measure to ensure that all M&P Shield EZ Pistols in service meet our design specifications, as any unintended discharge of a firearm has the potential to cause injury. This notice applies ONLY to M&P Shield EZ pistols (including Performance Center models) manufactured between March 1, 2020 and October 31, 2020, and only to a small percentage of that population. It does NOT apply to all SHIELD pistols.

Stop using your M&P Shield EZ pistol until you determine whether it is included in this safety recall, and if so, until it has been inspected and repaired by Smith & Wesson, if necessary.

We are asking consumers of all M&P9 Shield EZ, and M&P380 Shield EZ, including Performance Center models, to go to MPShieldEZrecall.com and input their serial number, or call 888-871-7114, to determine whether the hammer of their M&P Shield EZ Pistol was from a manufacturing lot that was potentially affected. This notice applies ONLY to certain M&P Shield EZ model pistols, and not all M&P Shield pistols.

If your M&P Shield EZ Pistol is included in this recall, as determined by the website link or telephone number above, please follow the instructions on the website link, or call 888-871-7114 and we will arrange for the return of your firearm to Smith & Wesson for inspection. After inspection, if the hammer from your firearm is affected, it will be replaced at no cost to you. We expect that this entire process will take no longer than 10 business days, and your pistol will be returned as quickly and efficiently as possible. All shipping and replacement costs will be covered by Smith & Wesson.

For M&P Shield EZ Pistol owners outside the United States, see our list of Authorized Warranty Centers available at smith-wesson.com/customer-service/warranty-stations, who will inspect your pistol and replace your hammer as necessary.

The post Smith & Wesson Issues Safety Recall on M&P Shield EZ first appeared on GunLink Blog.

Nearly 20 million Modern Sporting Rifles in Circulation

NSSF, the firearm industry’s trade association, released the 2020 edition of its Firearm Production Report to members.

The report compiles the most up to date information based on data sourced from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF’s) Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Reports (AFMER) as well as the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC).

Key findings for public release showed:

• In 2018, 11.4 million total firearms were produced or imported in the United States (less exported firearms).
• Approximately one-half (48%) of all rifles produced and imported (less exports) in 2018 were Modern Sporting Rifles.
• Since 1990, there are an estimated 19.8 million Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs) in circulation today.
• An interim 2019 estimate showed a total of 6 million total firearms were produced in the United States. Of those, 3.6 million were pistols and revolvers, 2 million were rifles and 480,000 were shotguns. Those are interim figures that will be updated when complete reports become available from the ATF.
• In 2019, there were approximately 3.3 million firearms imported into the United States which included 2.3 million pistols and revolvers, 301,000 rifles and 678,000 shotguns.
• From 1991 to 2019, nearly 214 million firearms have been made available to the U.S. market.
• According to reports such as: ATF Firearms Commerce in the United States, ATF AFMER and Congressional Research Service data, there are an estimated 434 million firearms in civilian possession in the United States.
• There are approximately 71.2 million pistol magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds, and 79.2 million rifle magazines capable of holding 30 or more rounds in circulation.
• Firearm and ammunition manufacturing accounted for nearly 12,000 employees producing over $3.9 billion in goods shipped in 2018. An estimated 8.7 billion rounds of all calibers and gauges were produced in 2018 for the U.S. market.

“These figures, combined with the record-breaking 17.2 million NSSF-adjusted background checks for the sale or transfer of a firearm in the first ten months of 2020, demonstrates that Americans have a strong desire to continue purchasing firearms for lawful purposes,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF’s President and CEO. “The Modern Sporting Rifle continues to be the most popular rifle sold in America today, and with nearly 20 million in circulation, is clearly a commonly-owned firearm that is being used for lawful purposes every day in America. The continued popularity of handguns demonstrates a strong interest by Americans to protect themselves, their family and homes, as well as to participate in the recreational shooting sports.”

Today’s report also shows that as lawful firearm ownership in America continues to grow, criminal and unintentional misuse of firearms is falling. During the 28-year period covered by this report (1991–2018) the violent crime rate has decreased by 51.3 percent and unintentional firearm-related fatalities have declined by 68.2 percent.

The post NSSF Releases Most Recent Firearm Production Figures first appeared on GunLink Blog.

Today Sig Sauer, Inc. announced the donation of $500,000 to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to support the important work the NSSF is doing on behalf of the entire shooting, hunting, and outdoor industry. During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NSSF was instrumental in defending the industry and insuring retailers and manufacturers alike were declared essential to personal safety and the defense of America and kept our respective businesses open.

“It’s disappointing that we will not be able to gather as an industry in 2021 at SHOT Show. However, given the recent rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the world we fully support the difficult decision of the National Shooting Sports Foundation to cancel SHOT Show,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “The NSSF, and its staff, are truly remarkable and all of us at Sig Sauer are thankful for their continued efforts. In the absence of SHOT Show, SIG is pleased to announce a $500,000 donation to support the NSSF’s ongoing work in education, safety initiatives, compliance and security resources, import/export guidance, consumer activation initiatives, government relations, and operational needs for 2021.”

To learn more about the National Shooting Sports Foundation visit nssf.org.

The post Sig Sauer to Donate $500,000 to NSSF for Industry Support first appeared on GunLink Blog.

Whether it was due to legitimate health concerns at the show itself, or vendor pull-out based on coronavirus worries, the 2021 gathering of the firearms industry in Las Vegas this January is no more.

Despite what NSSF President & CEO Joe Bartozzi called remarkable work by SHOT Show staff to “work around the clock to plan our largest show in history while keeping the health and safety of all involved” at the top of the list, he made the announcement this morning.   

While we were disappointed to hear the news, it was not surprising as we have dealt the cancellation of several other large shows this year. The GunLink Team was on standby with flights scheduled, accommodations booked, and exhibit hall and range day passes secured to cover the show as we have for the last decade. Exactly a decade, as it were.

SHOT Show 2021 – originally slated to run from January 19-21 – was to mark the 10 year anniversary of GunLink SHOT Show coverage and we had hoped to make it special with extra coverage, giveaways, and more. Hopefully, if all goes as planned, the special event can be moved to the 2022 show.

Bartozzi issued the following statement:

Due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the world, NSSF, the firearm industry trade association, today makes the difficult announcement that the 2021 SHOT Show has been cancelled.

 

NSSF has remained in constant communication with Nevada officials throughout the year in our planning for the 2021 show. While there has been a concerted effort to expand the allowable levels for large gatherings by the county and state, with positivity rates peaking during our key planning period we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 show. Sadly, these spikes are currently transpiring worldwide. Given the sheer complexities, diminishing timeline and immense logistical planning required to conduct a trade show as large as SHOT, NSSF simply could not move forward at this point with so many unknowns and variables. We truly appreciate the guidance of Nevada and Las Vegas officials in allowing us to communicate this news to our exhibitors and attendees well in advance of the show. We would also like to thank the Sands directly for their help and efforts to navigate this unprecedented situation.

 

The planning and work that has gone into the 2021 SHOT Show has been nothing short of remarkable. Since the pandemic began in early 2020, the NSSF staff and our show partners have been working around the clock to plan our largest show in history while keeping the health and safety of all involved as paramount.

 

The support of our show exhibitors this year has also been nothing short of remarkable. With three months to go until the show, floor space for both the Sands Expo Center and our expansion to the new Caesars Forum was nearly sold out, with more companies than ever before represented at the SHOT Show.

 

All of this positions us for a 2022 SHOT Show that will be undoubtably the best in our industry’s history, and we look forward to bringing our entire community together again at a show that will be one to remember.

 

During the coming year, NSSF asks for our industry’s unwavering support as we continue our fight to promote, protect and preserve our industry in these unsettling times.

 

Throughout this year, NSSF has remained at the forefront for our industry. As thousands of businesses across the country were shuttered as being “non-essential” during the pandemic, NSSF worked nonstop to have firearm retailers, ranges, manufacturers and distributors listed as “essential” which allowed them to remain open for business.

 

NSSF is your trade association. Everything we do—from education, safety initiatives, compliance and security resources, import/export guidance, consumer activation initiatives, government relations, and the SHOT Show—is aimed at helping businesses in our industry succeed. Now, more than ever, we need your continued support.

The post NSSF Announces 2021 SHOT Show is CANCELLED! first appeared on GunLink Blog.

Ah, the venerable BATFE Form 4473. That pesky bit of paperwork that we all have to fill out when purchasing a firearm. Sign here. Date there. One drop of virgin blood on line 96. Just when we’re getting used to the N/A box instead of just leaving the last line blank, gun purchasers are gearing up for the new and improved 2020 revision of our favorite bit of totally-not-a-registry busy work. The new form is required to be used starting 1 November, 2020.

Gone are the the days of “fill out the front page, sign the back, and the rest is for me.” In addition to increased options for personal information, the form is now a rousing game of pass-the-form-back-and-forth.

The new Section A is now the old page 3, now in a convenient, easy to reach top of page 1 – the details of the firearm or firearms being purchased – to be filled out by the seller before the purchaser gets to do their part. Something catches your eye and want to add it to your bill? I suppose you aren’t strictly following the instructions unless you fill out a second from. 

Section B (nee section A) is largely the same as the old form – all of your personal information, albeit now with expanded choices when the purchaser goes to mark what sex they are. Or as which they identify. To make matters clearer, since hardly anybody ever leaves 18a blank and only fills out 18b, they removed the reminder that both need to be filled out. On the plus side, the bureau did finally move the country of citizenship to a place that makes sense.

Once you’re done providing your info on the form, it’s the seller’s turn to take another whack at it by completing section C, which they normally would have done along with section B which is now section A because section A is now Section B.

All in all, the changes are not tremendous, but it is a bit of a pain for both sides of the counter. Based on the number of fouled up 4473s that I’ve seen go through the shredder on the forms that have been around since 2016 (and the ones that were around since 2012), I foresee a good amount of confusion and mistakes for a while.

If you haven’t already seen the new forms at your LGS, they are coming and will be mandatory in a couple of weeks.

The post Use of New ATF Form 4473 Becomes Mandatory November 1st first appeared on GunLink Blog.

“Gun owners new and old need to make sure their voice is heard at the ballot box in order to protect the Second Amendment,” said Federal, CCI, Speer Ammunition President Jason Vanderbrink. “There are more than five million new first-time gun owners who already decided to jump off the fence and exercise their right to purchase and possess a firearm. NSSF’s #GUNVOTE campaign will help these Americans be more informed, engaged and confident in protecting their Constitutional rights as they head to the polls. We whole-heartedly support the #GUNVOTE effort and is proud to make this contribution toward success in November.”  

“The firearm and ammunition industry is fortunate to have a leader like Jason Vanderbrink, whose dedication to protecting the Second Amendment and ensuring the growth and success of our industry is unquestioned,” stated Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “With their generous contribution to NSSF’s #GUNVOTE campaign, Federal, CCI, Speer Ammunition is going above and beyond to assist NSSF in registering, educating and activating voters ahead of November’s election. Their substantial contribution is vital now more than ever and is to be commended.”

Election Day is less than one month away when tens of millions of voters, including more than 5 million first-time gun buyers, will head to the polls to cast their ballot in the most consequential election for the Second Amendment.

#GUNVOTE is a campaign by the NSSF to encourage America’s gun owners, target shooters and hunters to register to vote, to become educated on where the candidates stand on the Second Amendment and, on election day, not to risk their rights and #GUNVOTE. The campaign’s website provides links to help voters register and find their polling place. NSSF strongly encourages all industry members to download the #GUNVOTE button to use on their websites and social media.

The post Federal, CCI and Speer Ammunition Contribute $100,000 to NSSF’s 2020 #GUNVOTE Voter Education Campaign first appeared on GunLink Blog.

The official award announcement from Outdoor Life noted that, “this new gun from SIG is the real deal. It’s not just a bolt-action thrown into a chassis with AR-15 dimensions. The Cross has attained the elusive goal of being a portable mountain rifle, with a hefty dose of battlefield DNA thrown in.”

“Knowing the rigorous testing protocols that the Editors of Outdoor Life put products through for these annual awards makes this an exciting achievement for SIG’s first bolt-action rifle,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “In their award, the Editor’s cited the excellent accuracy and adjustability of the CROSS, both of which were a direct result of our extensive field tests with a wide array of experts and end users throughout the development of this rifle, making it the ideal companion for any hunting excursion.”  

The Sig Sauer CROSS features a precision free-floating stainless-steel barrel fitted to a one-piece aluminum receiver, with no need for bedding or action screws, to deliver extreme accuracy; an aluminum M-LOK handguard for quick and easy attachment of bipods, rails, night-vision or thermal clip-on optics; familiar AR-15 styled controls for a seamless transition to the CROSS platform; a unique two-stage match-grade trigger that can be adjusted from 2 to 4.5lbs, and AICS pattern magazines for the ultimate compatibility across calibers, platforms, cartridges, and loads.

The unique folding and locking precision stock of the CROSS offers toolless adjustment that can be modified for any shooting position while in the field. With folded stock the CROSS measures as short as 25″ making it the ideal hunting rifle to fit in any backcountry backpack.

The Sig Sauer CROSS is available in .308 WIN and 6.5 Creedmoor with an 18″ barrel, and the all-new 277 SIG Fury Hybrid cartridge with a 16″ barrel.

This is the second Outdoor Life “Editor’s Choice” Awards given to Sig Sauer in 2020. The Sig Sauer Electro-Optics OSCAR8 Spotting Scope was recently awarded a 2020 “Editor’s Choice” Award for best new spotting scope.

The post Sig Sauer CROSS Bolt-Action Rifle Receives Outdoor Life “2020 Editor’s Choice” Award for Best New Rifle first appeared on GunLink Blog.

“In order to make sure Americans’ Second Amendment rights continue to exist, we need every gun owner, old and new, to cast their ballot in November for candidates who will uphold the Constitution and protect the individual right to keep and bear arms.” said Taurus USA CEO Bret Vorhees. “NSSF’s #GUNVOTE campaign is a critical resource to educate and activate millions of Second Amendment supporters across the country. At Taurus USA, we’re proud to make this contribution to help achieve these shared goals in November.”

“The firearm and ammunition industry is fortunate to have a leader like Bret Vorhees, whose dedication to protecting the Second Amendment and ensuring the growth and success of our industry is unquestioned,” stated Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “With their generous contribution to NSSF’s #GUNVOTE campaign, Taurus USA is going above and beyond to assist NSSF in registering, educating and activating voters ahead of November’s election. Taurus USA’s substantial contribution is vital now more than ever and is to be commended.”  

Election Day is less than six weeks away when tens of millions of voters, including more than 5 million first-time gun buyers, will head to the polls to cast their ballot in the most consequential election for the Second Amendment.

#GUNVOTE is a campaign by the NSSF to encourage America’s gun owners, target shooters and hunters to register to vote, to become educated on where the candidates stand on the Second Amendment and, on election day, not to risk their rights and #GUNVOTE. The campaign’s website provides links to help voters register and find their polling place. NSSF strongly encourages all industry members to download the #GUNVOTE button to use on their websites and social media.

The post Taurus USA Contributes $100,000 to NSSF’s 2020 #GUNVOTE Voter Education Campaign first appeared on GunLink Blog.

“This scorecard is of vital importance to voters as we head into November elections. This tells voters exactly where their lawmakers stand on issues they care about like recreational shooting and hunting and the right to keep and bear arms,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “The unparalleled firearm sales this year reflect the importance of ensuring lawmakers continue to protect and support the industry that makes it possible for Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights. This nonpartisan scorecard reflects the voting record of each legislator. These grades indicate their public voting record as well as the weight and importance of these lawmakers sponsoring and co-sponsoring key legislation, their work on committees, letters signed to support issues and leadership to stand for our industry.”  

NSSF awarded 17 U.S. Senators and 97 U.S. Representatives the highest rating of “A+.” This includes U.S. Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), David Perdue (R-Ga.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). Congressman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) was also among the lawmakers awarded the highest rating.

Grades are meant to analyze the level of support of each lawmaker during the 116th Congress and do not constitute an endorsement or opposition to a candidate’s election. The entire report, including the list of key legislation that comprised the scores, is available here.

The post NSSF Releases 2020 Congressional Report Card first appeared on GunLink Blog.