Firearms Industry Remains Critical of Governor Following Press Conference on Ammunition Bill

Facing his lowest approval ratings (27 percent) in his six years as governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA) today attempted to mitigate fall-out from his decision to sign into law legislation (AB 962) he vetoed just five years earlier establishing ammunition registration in the Golden State. The governor claimed his flip-flopping on the issue was based on public safety, a far cry from his veto statement in 2004 when he called such burdensome regulations “simply unworkable” and of “no public benefit.”

The California Association of Firearms Retailers (CAFR) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) – the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry – have remained highly critical of the governor’s acquiescence to the gun-control lobby, using his own statistics against him.

NSSF has estimated that AB 962 would cost California at least $2.92 million annually in lost sales taxes and $629,000 in increased operating costs for state agencies. Lost retail sales in California were estimated at $35.7 million.

This will no doubt drive some retailers out of business. Hopefully, many of them will migrate to states that are more American in their outlook on freedom, privacy, and common sense.

Brass-cased FMJ but corrosive. Only $10 shipping.

At GunsAndHunting.com:

• .50 BMG Ammo
• .50 BMG Recoil Reduction
• .50 BMG BORS

9mm ball wins, but it takes extra innings.

Zel Custom's Tactilite .50 BMG

Press release:

Zel Custom Mfg. Releases Tactilite in .416 Barrett
Converts your standard AR rifle into a .416 Barrett bolt-action, is CA-legal

ODESSA, FL (August 9, 2009) – Due on the success of the Tacilite .50 BMG, Zel Custom Manufacturing has released, today, a new line of Tactilite that convert a standard AR-15 into a .416 Barrett bolt-action rifle.

The Tactilite, a complete upper assembly that allows a user to quickly convert an AR-15 rifle into a precision single-shot, bolt-action rifle, chambered in either .50 BMG or .416 Barrett, has been a big hit for Zel Custom. Since its release in June 2009, the Tactilite has been enthusiastically received by the shooting community and have caused sales to skyrocket for the new company.

“From casual shooters to the professional user to even the on-line gaming community, the Tactilite .50 BMG has received an incredibly positive response. Now, we’re proud to offer a version chambered in .416 Barrett, to meet the needs of both the California market and those who want to use this incredible new chambering,” said Michael Brendzel, president of Zel Custom Mfg. “The .416 Barrett is more powerful than the .50 BMG out to 1000 yards. We expect a lot of exciting news around this chambering in the coming years.”

The image is that of a .50 BMG model, but it is externally identical to the .416 Barrett model.

I’ve not shot the .416 Barrett, but I’m thinking that this offering is a great move for a couple of reasons. First, of course, is the California restriction on the .50 BMG. Secondly, the .416 Barrett could be a good option for delivering heavy power without needing to go all the way up to a .50 BMG.

UPDATE: Was in a hurry and forgot to link to Zel Custom’s Tactilite site.

Another new .223 offering from Extreme Shock Ammunition to go with the frangible 100-grain Short Range Tactical I posted yesterday:

Extreme Shock 'Green' CT-2 .223 Ammunition

Extreme Shock Ammunition, known for producing the world’s most advanced ammunition, has added the .223 55 grain CT-2 (Copper Training/Tactical) to its innovative line of lead free, environmentally friendly, or “green,” ammo. This round was engineered for tactical and training purposes.

The 223 55 CT-2 is specifically engineered to offer all the same desirable characteristics of Extreme Shock’s compressed Tungsten core ammunition. The CT-2 is the economical solution to a Firing Range’s lead nightmare. This round will allow ranges to operate on expensive target steel without fear of steel damage or injury from ricochet. The CT-2 projectile consists of a patented compressed copper powder blend of the highest quality. Each round is encased in a copper jacket and topped with a green ballistic tip to aid in fragmentation and identification. Loaded to safe SAAMI pressure specifications, the CT-2 is safer for use in firearms than other brands of frangible or training ammunition.

The 55 grain CT-2 is available in a 20 round box with an MSRP of $20.18 as well as a 6 round blister pack with an MSRP of $6.05.

I don’t have much of an opinion on “green” ammo, but I know that some shooters do and that it’s required in some areas.

Murdoc’s trying to get caught up. Here’s some heavy-duty short range AR ammo:

Extreme Shock 100-grain Short Range Tactical .223 Ammunition

CLINTWOOD, VA – Extreme Shock Ammunition, known for producing the world’s most advanced ammunition, has added the .223 100 grain Short Ranged Tactical (SRT) to its impressive line of hunting and tactical ammo. This specific round was engineered for Close Quarters Combat (CQB) applications and training purposes.

The SRT’s 100 grain projectile is a frangible, lead-free design that will fragment on harder surfaces that would typically cause a lead-core bullet to ricochet. This projectile consists of a compressed tungsten powder core that is encased in a high quality copper jacket, with a special DuPont coating to reduce the velocity. This all works to produce lower recoil and minimize muzzle flash, thus enhancing the ability to acquire second shot placement faster. The dense tungsten core allows it to penetrate less dense materials with ease, while still remaining frangible. The velocity of this design allows it to travel slow enough to penetrate windshields without deflection, yet fast enough to still fragment inside a soft target. With 745 ft. lbs. of energy combined with a 100% kinetic energy drop (which is an advantage over the over-penetration of lead-core munitions), this round is the safest yet most lethal CQB/Training round manufactured anywhere in the world today.

The 100 grain SRT has an MSRP of $41.27 for a 20 round box.

100 grains and frangible. Seems like this would make quite a mess.

Is this joker kidding?

Authorities have noticed an increase in high-caliber weapons in Los Angeles. One of the most startling incidents was when a Fabrique National 57, an assault pistol used to kill big game, was found in a victim’s car by detectives investigating a double-homicide last year in North Hollywood.

“You use it on large lions, tigers and bears,” said LAPD Deputy Chief Michel Moore, commander of the Valley Bureau.

Tell you what, chief. Next time you and Murdoc run into a hungry bear, you start shooting with a FiveseveN and Murdoc will start running. As we all know, Murdoc won’t have to out run the bear, he’ll just have to outrun the LAPD Deputy Chief.

Via Long Trance and Say Uncle.

Sebastian shot a match with it.

New ATI 5.56x45mm Ammo

ATI Press Release:

American Tactical Imports has launched a new line of high-quality ammunition; focusing on the demand for a quality product at an affordable price.

The new line of ammunition is available in both a 5.56 x 45 caliber and 7.62 x 51 caliber. This ammunition is available through ATI and is ready for dealer shipping.

“We are pleased to enter the ammunition market,” says Joe Calabro, ATI Marketing and Purchasing Director. “Dealers are facing a shortage of ammunition, so we feel we are entering the market at the perfect time. This ammo is designed for the everyday shooter with quality performance and value for the dollar taking first priority.”

All American Tactical ammunition is boxer-primed and fully-reloadable.

American Tactical Imports is a worldwide importer of firearms, ammunition and tactical equipment to the United States of America. While still a relative newcomer to the firearm industry, ATI is moving quickly to establish itself as a reputable and recognized importer of many high-quality products from around the world.