I neglected to point out this story over at Shooting Illustrated: Guns of the Enemy in Afghanistan

The whole ‘Khyber Pass Copy’ scenario has intrigued Murdoc for some time.

Plus, while digging for photos to accompany the story, I came across a cache with some PPSh-41s. One of them was a cut-down model with no shoulder stock.

Which is funny because it has no shoulder thing that goes up but it DOES have a barrel shroud.

Pro-Gun Dems May Get a Boost

With things looking a little less than sunny for the Democrats this fall, we’re probably going to see more pro-gun Dems than any time in recent memory. And some of them saying the right things are going to benefit:

According to the center for responsive politics, a non-partisan group that tracks political spending, during the 2002 election cycle the NRA put 8% of their federal campaign contributions toward Democrats. This election cycle, they’ve received 26% percent.

Though the NRA has yet to release many key endorsements heading into the fall elections some major races could be affected when the word comes down. In the midst of a tough re-election campaign, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid could get a boost as the NRA considers endorsing him.

In Indiana, Democratic Senate candidate Brad Ellsworth, a former sheriff, may win the organization’s endorsement over Republican Dan Coats.

I’ve got mixed feelings about this. While a staunch defender of gun rights should benefit regardless of his party, it’s tough to expect a Democrat majority to act in way that please most gun owners most of the time. And the Harry Reid thing is certain to tick off a lot of gun owners, this one included.

What do readers think of this?

Sebastian at Snowflakes in Hell:

There are an awful lot of folks out there questioning NRA’s position on the Kagan nomination, believing that they need to be up front and aggressive in going after her. I agree with them that Kagan is going to be a disaster for gun rights, and for the Constitution in general. I also don’t find the position to be implausible or irrational. I won’t tell you there haven’t been moves by NRA that haven’t puzzled me, and I disagreed with, but I have very seldom second guessed their strategy in public.

Go read.

Last week I noted that the Barrett 98B won an NRA Golden Bullseye, now company founder and CEO Ronnie Barret has won one as well.

Very well deserved.

THE BARRETT MODEL 98B® HAS BEEN SELECTED AS THE 2010 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN® RIFLE OF THE YEAR

Barrett, a company world known for providing high-end firearms, optics, ammunition and training is awarded with the NRA Publications 2010 Golden Bullseye® Award as the American Rifleman Rifle of the Year for their Model 98B bolt action .338 Lapua Magnum Rifle.

Now in their eighth year, the NRA Publications’ Golden Bullseye Awards acknowledge the finest products available in the shooting sports.

Barrett 98B

Carol Bambery, one of the founders of the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners (MCRGO), is running for re-election to the NRA Board of Directors, where she has served since 1998. She serves on six committees, chairing one and vice-chairing three others.

NRA board member to run for Ariz. governor

Gunsite owner going for the top spot in the Grand Canyon State:

A political unknown has thrown nearly $2.1 million of his own cash into his bid to become governor, a move that could change the landscape of the race.

Owen Buz Mills, a member of the National Rifle Association board of directors, filed a report with the Secretary of State’s Office this week detailing the funding.

Cool:

This spring the NRA Collegiate & Schools Program will be introducing a NRA Intercollegiate Rifle Club Championship that will be open to all levels of collegiate shooters.

This new championship will include NRA College Rifle Clubs, Varsity Rifle Teams, ROTC Teams, and independent shooters, for which there is currently no national championship.

“As a result of the new championship, we hope to see a boosted level of awareness toward collegiate shooting that will help foster rifle programs across the nation,” said Tori Croft, National Manager of NRA Collegiate & School Programs.

Purdue University will be the host of the 2010 NRA Intercollegiate Rifle Club Championship, which will be held April 8-11 at the Purdue University Armory.

138 years old today.

Pete Brownell

Brownells release:

Pete Brownell, President of the Iowa-based gunsmithing supply company, Brownells has announced that he is running for a seat on the NRA Board of Directors.

“Thanks to my dad, Frank, I’ve been a Life Member of National Rifle Association since I was a baby. I’ve grown up believing the NRA is the best way to protect our 2nd Amendment rights and our shooting and hunting heritage. I grew up in the industry and believe I can serve as an effective link between the people who built our traditions, and those that are enjoying them today,” said Brownell. “As President of Brownells, I’ve continued the family tradition – started by my granddad, Bob Brownell – of supporting the NRA with our contributions to a variety of programs. Now I want to apply my knowledge of the firearms industry and my business experience to help the NRA serve our members.”

Brownell was nominated by the petitions of members, far surpassing the required number of signatures, and by the NRA’s nominating committee.