WA State Gov Inslee signs anti-gun bills into law (believe it or not the worst were defeated)
Written by reg mathuszI have received a lot of feedback about how WA State has become increasingly hostile to gun owners. I also ask if folks are contacting their legislators. I had decent luck with with mine. One even replied and followed up with questions to clarify my views.
I hope that if you are upset about what is happening you took the opportunity to do so, and if you didn't please do so next time.
So, a number of bills were passed. Gun owners were hit hard with a plethora of anti-gun bills - some of which even covered the same topic. Believe it or not, the MOST offending bills were defeated. There is no "assault weapons ban," no "magazine capacity limit" and no dismantling of State Preemption by allowing cities to arbitrarily and inconsistently declare "safe zones."
I think the NRA-ILA has the best and most concise summary of what passed (https://www.nraila.org/articles/20190509/washington-gov-inslee-signs-anti-gun-bills):
"On May 8th, Governor Jay Inslee signed into law a number of anti-gun bills that had been passed by the Legislature during the 2019 Legislative Session.
House Bill 1465, sponsored by Representative Roger Goodman (D-45), will require CPL holders to undergo a state background check on handgun purchases instead of the instant NICS check that is currently being conducted as a courtesy by the FBI. Unfortunately, beginning July 1st, the FBI will no longer be conducting these courtesy NICS checks for CPL holders.
House Bill 1786, sponsored by Representative Laurie Jinkins (D-27), will expand firearm seizures to a wider range of protective orders with little to no due process, and in some cases, will remove a judge’s discretion as to whether to impose firearm restrictions upon respondents of protective orders.
Senate Bill 5027, sponsored by Senator David Frockt (D-46), will expand Washington’s existing Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO) by affirming that the ERPO can be issued against minors while also infringing upon the self-defense rights of law-abiding parents or others in the household without due process.
Senate Bill 5181, sponsored by Senator Kuderer, will suspend Second Amendment rights without due process for six months from individuals who are admitted for a 72-hour mental health evaluation, but who are not subsequently involuntarily committed.
Fortunately, Gov. Inslee did sign House Bill 1934 into law. Sponsored by Representative Michelle Caldier (R-26), HB 1934 will allow military members who are stationed or assigned out-of-state to renew their CPL by mail."
WA State action needed! Quietly attempting to dismantle our rights!
Written by reg mathuszPlease contact your legislators now! (https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder)
The Senate Committee has moved forward several gun control bills to be considered!
If you are wondering about their intent:
SB5174 revises:
The applicant's constitutional right to bear arms shall not be denied
to:
An application for a concealed pistol license shall not be denied
A minor, but very telling, change as to what their goals are. Still seem common sense?
I1639 removed mentioning firearms preemption from the Wildlife brochure handed out. SB5174 that is being debated NOW actually removes that preemption:
The purchaser shall be given a copy of the department of fish and wildlife pamphlet on the legal limits of the use of firearms((,)) and firearms safety((, and the fact that local laws and ordinances on firearms are preempted by state law and must be consistent with state law)).
Make no mistake that this is clear chipping away of our rights in a systemic way - piece by piece!
Sorry if anyone has tried to contact me lately. I have no idea how long the contact form has been broken, but it is fixed now.
The email account I used had become compromised. :(
Act now! WA State magazine ban moving forward to House!!!
Written by reg mathuszIf you live in the State of Washington you need to contact your state representatives!!!
Attorney General Bob Ferguson's magazine ban is moving forward -- it has been APPROVED by Committee and will be presented to the House!
Please read the bill! You will NOT be able to even carry your magazines in your CCW pistol!
WA House Bill 1068
"(3) In order to continue to possess a large capacity magazine that was legally possessed on the effective date of this section, the person possessing the large capacity magazine shall possess the large capacity magazine only on property owned or immediately controlled by the person, or while engaged in the legal use of the large capacity magazine at a duly licensed firing range, or while engaged in a1 lawful outdoor recreational activity such as hunting, or while traveling to or from either of these locations for the purpose of engaging in the legal use of the large capacity magazine, provided that the large capacity magazine is stored unloaded and in a separate locked container during transport."
WA State Initiative 1639 - portions go into effect Jan 1, but that's just the beginning...
Written by reg mathuszI have largely been silent about WA State's recently passed anti-gun and anti-gun owner Initiative 1639.
I feel that much has been written on it already. Portions of it go into effect on Jan 1, 2019, mainly the parts restricting 18-20 year olds because they are not mentally "developed" yet.
Keep in mind that starting Jan 1, 2019 you can also now voluntarily give up your firearms rights in WA: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.41.352
There appears to be no remedy to reinstate them. Imagine if there was a mechanism where you could give up your 1st Amendment Rights! That's probably next. Pro-gun bloggers need to be stopped.
Anyway, the Initiative is terribly written, and for some reason, lacks capitalization of things. But, it speaks for itself. It clearly and anti-gun owner.
If you buy a handgun or a semi-auto rifle after July 1 you will no be re-background checked every year.
Wonder what will happen if they decide that either or no longer legal? You know - like a bumpstock which are forbidden.
And how would you implement such a thing...without a registry?
Mandatory waiting periods for everyone including law enforcement.
Police Chief/Sheriff notification and approval of your purchases (even though they can't be trusted not to wait either).
Or how about the provision where the Dept of Fish & Wildlife are no longer to inform the people of State Preemption even though it is still the law?
And I say this knowing full well that WA State Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a ban against magazines Christmas Eve.
The opening section "explanation" is very telling of the mindset and where this is going in the future.
Clearly I-1639 was only the beginning.
SHOT Show 2018 coverage that no one else covered yet lol
Written by reg mathuszSo, I was able to recover my SHOT Show 2018 pics - just in time for Christmas Holiday Season! I realize that 2019 is just around the corner but I went through them and picked out ones that you may have not seen in an attempt to keep it interesting. (Hopefully) better late than never!
Please excuse the pic angles/sizing/sideways. I seem to be photo challenged tonight with the software and I am trying to get it done in one shot! (Editing to come later!)
The Springfield 911. We haven't heard much buzz about this since introduction. It looks/felt like an unrefined Colt Mustang. The controls felt sharp and stiff. The slide blockier than the original Mustangs (cast perhaps).
I did ask the where it was made and they said that it was the U.S.
Definitely nicer sights than the original Mustang which lacked even dots!
Ok, now you have heard about the lack of new Browning HiPowers. You may have even heard that Browning and FN are still debating about their future. However, when I asked about them I was told that Browning was working on something new and would please BHP fans. I am hopeful that it is not something like a Pro9 or a rebranded FNP/FNS/FNX.
How about a striker-fire BDM? I am just throwing things out there, it could be anything/nothing. A sad day for HiPower fans though.
A couple of shots of the Ruger GP-100 7-shot. I really didn't expect much (it's been done) but I was really impressed with it. The fit/finish/balance and trigger was perfect. If anything this was a nice (smooth) as the old Security6 before the days of the lawyer triggers. I shot the GP100 Match Champion a few years back at SHOT and this had a nicer trigger!
Remember when all GP100 came with the nice mono-grips with wood inlays? These are even checkered!
Beretta was pretty intent on showing off their APX line. This was even before they had the big mag + rebate promo's. There were some 92's but they were sure to tell me that non-rail were on the way out as were the compacts. Seems they sell a lot more fullsize and Centurions.
=
The Walther PPQsc was one of my favorite new pistols. The trigger and amazing reset are definitely worthy of the PPQ name. It is VERY comparable spec wise to the HK VP9sk. At the time it was odd because it has a traditional American-style button release and HK had paddles. HK now offers them both ways.
HK had my favorite item this year. You had to specifically ask to see it because they kept it under the counter.
However....what's in the case?
Why, it's a thermal detonator!
Lone Wolf Dist has been clearing out their old barrel line and replacing it with U.S. made models. Notice that they have expanded from Glock and now make them for the High Power and Shields (not pictured). I was a fan of their prior inexpensive line, and these are definitely nicer.
I thought that Lone Wolf's prior generations of Glock frames felt and looked somewhat off. These looked great and give you some options. The booth was busy and I did not get the chance to talk to anyone from LWD.
They just simply give you way too many brochures. l think I need a beer.
Yes, there was beer. Not a lot, but it was there. There was a line to get some and this WileyX cup.
Behold! The HiPoint Carbine....in awesome 10mm!
I know I will get some jeers but it looked nice and the folks there were very friendly....and 10mm!
EAA had this additional line of CZ-style pistols made by Tanfoglio. They were all synthetic framed but had pretty heavy, rough triggers in comparison to their main Witness line (also by Tanfoglio). I did not think that they were as nice as the other CZ-style line- by Turkish SARSIMLAZ, that EAA previously carried. Incidentally, I did see that the SAR pistolsbeing marketed independently at their own booth SARARMS/SARUSA. The Pavonas were available in a plethora of different frame colors.
These are made by Canik in Turkey and imported by TriStar. It is somewhat confusing, because I have seen several different importers of Canik products (Canick USA, Century Arms).
However, these are CZ75 style pistols and appear to be very close to them. I was pleasantly surprised by how high quality they felt, including the triggers.
The FN booth is always fun. It's hard to top what you can bring when you are a World renown defense contractor.
The folks at BRCC kept everyone caffeinated at multiple booths! Just Black for me please.
I must have been impressed with the Kimber Eclipse Micro 9 Eclipse since I took a few pics of it. It was VERY well made with easy to use controls and a lot of features not normally found on a subcompact. I assume that it is on the more expensive side. The fit and finish was worthy of the Eclipse moniker.
Front strap checkering
Clever checkering the mainspring housing.
The Kimber Micro Covert 380
I am big fan of 3" revolvers. I was happy to see the Kimber K6s 3" out in real life. Very well down package.
You've probably seen the Colt Cobra in real life now, but did you notice how big the grips are?
And have you seen the Colt Night Cobra?
The Colt Gold Cup Trophy
Steyr pistols! They were hard to find as they were tucked in a corner. Sadly, nothing new in this under-rated line.
Guncraft was at the DSARMS booth, with none other than (FAL) Belgium Black Ale.
And of course (Tactical) American Pale Ale. Good stuff.
Oooohh! A TRP longslide in 10mm!
I want one!
I found the other Canik booth! As you can see this line is striker-fire with polymer frames
A couple of items from RCF that I had not seen before and thought they were a little different:
This was very foreign looking to me at the time, however, sadly we may be seeing more of these types of stocks.
And that's it! Thanks for reading and sorry for the wait!
More...
Entire domain blacklisted by FortiGuard "web filtering" because there are firearms on it?
Written by reg mathuszSo, I was at a restaurant the other day and connected to their WiFi (with VPN of course). I wanted to check my personal calendar (a PHP app) hosted on this domain Fortreg.com (I am too cheap and too poor to buy another domain).
To my surprise I found that it was blacklisted - as a weapons sales site! For those that know this Blog, there are no sales of ANYTHING on it or the entire domain.
I filled out the contact form provided by the provider FortiGaurd and said that the domain hosts multiple things.
It came back as "Weapons Sales."
I resubmitted saying that there are "NO SALES" of anything.
Well, at least I was then reclassified as just "Weapons."
Even my calendar. Which has no mention of anything firearms related.
I resubmitted for a manager "re-evaluation" which resulted in the same classification.
So, I guess in this modern day and age the company FortiGaurd does not know about things such as subdomains, or multiple site hosting.
In fact, they are apparently unable to separate their filtering based on individual URL. Or maybe they just didn't like my personal calendar or where I get my haircut.
One thing is clear - discrimination against firearms owners is alive and well.
Don't let this stand - if you haven't please join a pro-firearms organization - we have been through a hard year. Here in WA, we face some ridiculously convoluted legislation via initiative.
Oh, if you are bored feel free to let the folks at FortiGaurd.com know that a domain can actually host multiple things. ;)
(and yes, I just turned off WiFi and connected via cell data without any issue)
Holsters are a critical piece of equipment often taken for granted. The difference between a good holster is carrying your firearm or not. The first rule of a gun fight is to have a gun. For most of us, that means having a good holster (and belt, but that is a different story).
I started off my CCW-years using leather only. Leather is amazingly comfortable. But, in recent years, like a lot of people I moved away from leather for Kydex holsters. Kydex simply became more cost effective, thinner, lighter and for some reason the Kydex companies seemed able to add new models quicker. Over the years custom leather holster prices soared and seemed expensive. Kydex filled a category in between leather and inexpensive nylon. I even tried several less expensive custom leather companies, with mixed results. It was hit and miss.
Fast forward. I received an offer from Falco Holsters to try out one of their leather holsters. I had seen their holsters offered before on vendor sites and was curious. But, to be honest, I had never tried one before because I thought that their name was a play off of Galco Leather. It was time to give leather another try.
I was allowed to pick (from a list) of what I wanted and scrolled through the list of supported firearms (https://www.falcoholsters.com/list-of-available-guns). In particular, I was impressed by their CZ support. I have a CZ 75 Compact that is a tack driver. However, finding a good holster for it has been difficult. I have a few and none of them are satisfactory. The pistol's shape/weight is just hard for me to carry/conceal comfortably. I was pleased that Falco has a mold. Additionally, Falco has holsters for the traditional CZ75, the P01, the P07, and even the striker P10c. Impressive! CZ sells everything that they import, often with waiting lists, so I knew that CZ fans would be interested too.
Depending on what you are looking for you will like/dislike any holster maker. For newer firearms, I saw that Falco has a mold for the HK VP9 but not the VP9sk. Additionally, they have a mold for things like the Walther P99, the PPQ and even the PPX but not the PPQsc. Demand always dictates. There was nothing for the Ruger American Series while, not surprisingly, there are a number of options for the Sig P320.
Incidentally, a lot of revolvers are represented - but you may have to do your homework. For example, the only S&W 19 model they list is the 4", however, a lot of other K-frame lengths are available, but expressed in alternate model #'s (65/66, etc). I was pleased that 3"-ers are fairly well represented. I have an affinity for 3” revolvers and a quick view shows that Falco has holsters for the 3” SP101, K and L Frames. Nice!
I chose an IWB leather holster for my CZ75 Compact. I chose a model with snaps separate from the main body of the holster. In fact, the holster's configuration is due to the plethora of options available that I chose (sweat shield, cant, no retention screw, color, stitching, etc.)
The pistol itself (for those unfamiliar) is an all steel mid-size double-stack 9mm - fairly thick and heavy. It is a double-action with a hammer, kind of old school now:
Yes, it's empty:
I received the holster from Falco. Their website allows you to pick and choose the options you want, and there are a lot! It came from Slovakia and was professionally packaged:
The back, with some basic instructions on break in, usage and care:
The holster itself:
The Falco logo distinctly marks it. Everything about the holster is professionally done. No short-cuts here.
I instantly took it out and ended up wearing it for several days.
Actually, the fact that I was able to wear it that long speaks volumes. My last holster (Kydex) I gave up on after a few hours. It was not comfortable and printed – strangely the front top of slide.
I did NOT have any of these problems with the Falco. It concealed easily in just a t-shirt (that's good for a not super thin guy like me).
There was no break-in period as the instructions implied and is often expected from a leather holster. Perhaps it is from the boning being not being super deeply embossed, but it definitely enough to ensure good fit:
My CZ75 Compact fits in it perfectly. But, if you are looking for a holster where the pistol “snaps” into it with a positive retention – more than just by gravity you will want to order an holster with the retention screw option. Since I am not anticipating being upside down I did not order it with one (that's a joke). It's just what I prefer.
This falls somewhere in the middle (not loose or tight) which is a good thing IMO.
So for actual usage...
One thing that I have to do (and dislike) is frequently disarm when going to certain places. But, I often leave my holster on so that I can re-holster when possible.
I was pleasantly surprised at how well this worked with the Falco - the holster compacts ridiculously comfortably when the pistol is not it. It does not feel bulky like a Kydex holster which retains it shape. Putting the pistol back in it is no problem with the Falco’s reinforced mouth as shown in the pic above and below:
The construction of the holster is very well done. There is double-stitching for the main body:
Threads are very thick. You have the option of picking an alternate color.
I was a little bit disappointed that the snaps are not one-way - but they are very positive in snapping open/close and require quite a bit of force to undo. In fact, for the pics it took a bit of effort to snap/unsnap them without the pistol. These are not cheap snaps.
The Falco logo on them is a nice touch:
The sweat shield, even though from the pics looks a bit short, especially if you carry the pistol half-cock (which I do) or cocked and locked but I did not encounter any discomfort.
Hammer is actually fully covered:
I do not feel the hammer even in condition 1.
Sweat guard is rugged and is not flimsy:
Reinforced sweat guard from the back:
The muzzle is completely covered"
In short, this is a holster that has turned my CZ75 Compact into something that I would carry as an everyday CCW piece. A pretty good feat considering its almost 33oz weight.
Folks always ask for some shots of inside the holster, about the thickness, wear, etc. Here are a few:
Thickness/stiffness incidentally is nice. It is not a hard stiff like the new Galco holsters like the Concealable but not soft like the Don Hume.
Somewhere in between - I am not sure that helps.
From a slightly different angle, shows a little bit of rub marks (I am actually using it lol):
Slide top clears with no rubbing:
I have only been wearing it for 3 days now so the physical wear is minimal. No issue wearing it all day sitting with no pistol.
What is amazing is that I don't mind wearing this heavy pistol. This includes walking around or just hanging out at the house watching (and losing at fantasy) football.
I also have to mention that the finish is professionally done -- I have had a number of holster makers dye come off after a very short period of time which has always distinguished them from big brands like Galco.
This is not the case here, this holster has no signs of any of the finish/dye coming off. Oh, there is NO dye smell from the holster at all.
Incidentally, Falco Holsters also have a 5 year warranty.
If you are looking for a holster I highly recommend that you give Falco a try: https://falcoholsters.com - They are the real deal! I see some 3" revolver holsters in my future.
I do hope that they add some of the new striker compacts like the HK VP9sk and Walther PPQsc to their line in the future though.
King Co., WA Council mandated 10/1 ALL firearms (in unincorporated KC) to be locked up in the home (no exceptions)
Written by reg mathuszYeah, gun owners are just paranoid. *ROLLING EYES*
On today's King County Agenda (passed) - illegal* regulation that requires all firearms be locked up in YOUR home in unincorporated King County. And unlike Seattle's rule there are NO exceptions.
117 NEW SECTION. SECTION 3. It is unlawful for any person in King County,state of Washington, outside the boundaries of incorporated cities and towns within King
118 County, to keep a firearm, whether loaded or unloaded with ammunition, within any
119 premise unless the firearm is safely stored in or using a secure firearm storage or safety
120 device.
At least Seattle's Ordinance allows for a "legal authorized user":
Also fun is that reloading components, or even spent (fired) casings would be classified as "ammunition":
A. "Ammunition" means ammunition or cartridge cases, primers, bullets or 99 propellant powder, designed for use in any firearm.
* NOTE: This ord is illegal because it violates State Preemption and because it violates SCOTUS' Heller vs DC ruling.
The ruling says that requiring handguns to be locked or disassembled in the home is a de facto ban.
See for yourself - a
genda documents:
It has been a busy year on all fronts. I owe everyone a SHOT 2018 update, which I will have shortly. I was pleased to talk to the Walther Rep. and get their program information! Unfortunately, I was told that the Gemtech program I was working on (and very close) was nix'd by now parent company S&W.
I have inquired about S&W (regular program) but not received anything current yet (updated: 3/21 - Ruger is now available).
This year will be a challenge to us all I think, those involved in the industry, as instructors, and as enthusiasts. I want to thank everyone that has helped and passed on the instructor information and for everyone that is helping keep our sport alive and legal.
