Bank of America tells NSSF - No anti-gun policy

In response to recent allegations that the Bank of America has an anti-firearms industry policy, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) investigated the allegation including contacting the Bank of America to insist on a response from them to the allegations that it has a corporate policy of not doing business with members of the firearms industry. "We are aware that many members of our industry have had longstanding banking and business relationships with the Bank of America and had reported to us that they had not encountered any problems with the bank due to the fact that their business was in the firearms industry," Larry Keane, senior vice president, assistant secretary & general counsel to the NSSF, said. According to Keane, in a May 2^nd reply, the Bank of America said that though it could not comment on its relationship with customers the company has not made changes to its policies. "I want to assure you and your organization that we do not have a policy that would deny banking services to entities because they are in the firearms industry," Bank of America's Anne G. Pace, wrote. [Source: National Shooting Sports Foundation]

Republicans win "Top Gun" title at

Congressional shoot-out

The Republican team of marksmen outdueled their Democrat counterparts Tuesday at the Congressional Shoot-Out held at the Prince George's County Trap and Skeet Center in Glenn Dale, Maryland. A record turnout of Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (CSC) members, both Democrats and Republicans, put partisanship aside to enjoy a friendly competition shooting rounds of trap, skeet and sporting clays. Rep. Duncan Hunter (CA) won the Top Gun Member of Congress. The Top Gun from team Democrat was Rep. Mike Thompson (CA) and the Top Gun from team Republican was Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC). The Top Skeet shooter was Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI); Rep. Tom Rooney (FL) won the Trap competition and Rep. Collin Peterson (MN) won Top Sporting Clays. "The members of the CSC do a tremendous job of protecting and advancing our interests and traditions in the halls of Congress and we thank them for turning out in record numbers for this event," said Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) President Jeff Crane. "In addition to the members of Congress who showed their support for sportsmen, the outdoor industry and conservation leaders who care about hunting, fishing, shooting sports and conservation also helped make this a very successful shoot-out."

Taurus acquires Heritage Manufacturing

Heritage Manufacturing of Opa Locka, Fla has been acquired by Taurus. The terms of the deal were not specified. Founded in 1992, Heritage is known for their cowboy action reproductions including the Rough Rider 22LR and 22 Magnum combo revolver. "Heritage brings affordability to any outdoorsman who enjoys plinking, hunting, and family fun. Their competitive price points mirror the Taurus position of value leader in the marketplace," a Taurus spokesperson said. Jay Bernkrant, president/owner of Heritage Manufacturing, added, "Heritage and Taurus have always had a long, family-like relationship. We share the same family-based values and deep-rooted desire to bring the best products to the most people." The Heritage name and brand will continue to be marketed as a standalone while receiving the full support of the Taurus management efforts and distribution channels. "This acquisition is a great compliment to our Taurus and Rossi products; a perfect fit with our growth strategy to acquire and partner with companies that share our core competency of affordably priced firearms for all shooters," Mark Kresser, Taurus' president and CEO, said.

World's most extensive firearms guide

The 3rd edition of the Firearms Guide presents over 55,000 firearms and ammunition from 500 manufacturers around the world.

It contains 3,000 printable schematics, parts lists, full specifications and much more on everything from single shot handguns to machine guns. To use the guide insert the DVD into your computer and it starts automatically and because it is all on a DVD you can zoom in on what you want and even print it out. The Guide also contains 62,000 FFL gun dealers with contacts and 500 color and black-and-white printable targets. Additionally the Guide has a handy U.S. to European caliber and European to U.S. caliber conversion section. The information rich Guide allows the user to locate a firearm, the schematic, parts list and information on the gun in seconds and in high-resolution color. For example if you Google search: pistol, 9mm Luger, made in the U.S. you will bring up about 53,000 websites most of which will not be relevant to what you're looking for. The same search in the Guide will bring up 373 relevant pistols. A Mac version is expected this month. Price of $39.95 includes free shipping worldwide.