Hold that dull bit up to the light, then head for the grinder. Your eyes can detect problems as well as any gauge.

We have yet to meet a gunsmith who knows all there is to know about repairing, improving and servicing all kinds of firearms. Nor have we ever met one who’s discomfort level fails to rise when a gun he’s never worked on, or hasn’t seen in years, comes in. Unless you specialize—rifles only, pistols only, shotguns only, stocks, engraving—you can ill afford to turn down work unfamiliar to you, yet you can’t afford not to if performing it could create a dangerous situation. That’s why books take up much space in the best shops. They’re our safety net, and they have proven their value many times by showing a way to fill a customer’s needs.

From MonroeRising.com: Recently, a friend and I were lamenting the steady dissolution of our Constitution. It seemed to us that the further our politicians have strayed from the spirit, meaning and intent of the Constitution, the more enervated, disunited and dispirited our nation and its people have become. Discussing how best to remedy the nation’s decline and to restore Constitutional governance, we briefly alluded to the discredited doctrine of nullification about which neither of us knew very much at all. So, I decided to briefly revisit the subject to see what I could learn. In a nutshell, this is it. I hope it will be of some interest to you.

WASHINGTON, D.C.--The United States Senate recently approved the FY2010 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill Conference Report, which included an amendment to protect the use of pocketknives.

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News - Accessories

LaserMax to Add M&P Guide Rod Laser in mid-December

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- In December, LaserMax will add a full-size 40-caliber Smith & Wesson M&P guide rod laser to its lineup of guide-rod lasers.

Long-Range Tactical Binocular Receives Armor Upgrade

MOORESTOWN, N.J. — Steiner's 15x80mm Military binocular and the more powerful 20x80 Military have been upgraded with a new NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) armor coating.

GunPal Ramps Up as Replacement for PayPal on Firearms Transactions

PayPal's 'Acceptable Use Policy' prevents electronic transaction of firearms and many firearms accessories, but the GunPal money-transfer service is expanding its services to solve that problem.

Anti-Hunting Connecticut Couple Refuse Access, Allow Legally-Killed Deer to Rot

REDDING, Conn. -- This from the Connecticut Post: There is a dead deer lying about 40 yards beyond Lynn Gorfinkle's back deck.

Brownells Products Awarded Pistolsmith Guild Seal

MONTEZUMA, Iowa--Brownells, the gunsmith-supply business, announced that 21 of its products have received Seals of Approval from the American Pistolsmiths Guild.

Alliant Powder Offers New Power Pro Spherical Powders

RADFORD, Va. — Alliant Powder has introduced the Power Pro series of spherical powders for magnum pistol, light varmint and light/medium/magnum rifles.

New ATI Stock Adjusts for LOP

MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- Advanced Technology International (ATI) has announced a new adjustable hunting stock which telescopes in four positions from 12-3/8” to 14-3/8” in length of pull.

Leupold Introduces Mark 4 ER/T M3 Front Focal Riflescope

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Leupold’s line of Mark 4 Extended Range/Tactical (ER/T) riflescopes now includes a 4.5-14x50mm M3 Front Focal model.

LaserLyte Pairs Subcompact V2 Laser and New FlashLyte

COTTONWOOD, Ariz. -- LaserLyte has combined its Subcompact V2 laser and new FlashLyte to create a small laser/light package.

Optics Eye-Candy: Zeiss's New Victory NV 5.6x62 T* Night Vision Scope

CHESTER, Va. – Carl Zeiss's new Victory NV 5.6x62 T* Night Vision Scope features a 2+ generation image amplifier tube with 20,000x light amplification, making it an ideal device for observation at night.

Bushnell Introduces Sport 600 Laser Rangefinder

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Bushnell's new Sport 600 laser rangefinder has an operational range of 5 to 800 yards, a 20mm objective, fully-coated optics and a 4x magnification.

Tactical Rifle Maker UGSW Relocates to Montana

Mike Bush, president of Underground Skunkworks, LLC, said that his company has just re-located to Columbia Falls, Montana.

Trijicon's ACTS Sight Provides High-Definition Thermal Sight Technology

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Trijicon's Advanced Combat Thermal Sight (ACTS) is the world’s first system providing soldiers with high-definition uncooled thermal sighting with up to 4X magnification for long-distance nighttime operations.

Colt 1911 Handgrips with Magazine Funnel

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. -- The Mako Group's new polymer handgrips for the Colt 1911 incorporate a magazine funnel.

New Eliminator Cargo Blind (E.C.B.) Gives Hunters Mobility Afield

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- The new Eliminator Cargo Blind (E.C.B.) from Final Approach allows waterfowlers to easily move a ground blind, decoys, guns, and other gear.

Uncle Mike's Law Enforcement Adds New Conceal-and-Carry Products

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Uncle Mike's Law Enforcement has added three new products that are designed for concealed carry of handguns.

ATN 6015-WPT Night Vision Monocular Now NTOA Tested and Recommended

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – American Technologies Network Corp. (ATN) announced today that the National Tactical Officer’s Association (NTOA) has completed its review and testing of the ATN 6015-WPT Night Vision Monocular and has received an overall score of 4.9 out of a possible 5 in their Member Tested and Recommended Program ratings.

DeSantis Quick On-and-Off Holster for LE

AMITYVILLE, N.Y. -- Are you an on‐duty officer who must remove his firearm and holster upon entering any courthouse, or jail, prison, headquarters or similar facility? The DeSantis E‐Z Hanger Keeper U87, $30, might offer some help.

Nikon Rolls Out EDG Fieldscopes

MELVILLE, N.Y. -- The performance of Nikon's EDG binocular is now available in a new EDG Fieldscope spotting scope.

Extreme Shock Ammunition Offers Magwell, Lightwell Accessories for AR-15

Extreme Shock Ammunition has introduced two new products, the Extreme Shock Magwell and the Extreme Shock Lightwell. These two products are built for use with an M4 or AR-15 to offer better grip, allow for faster reloads, improve stance for CQB and protect the gun itself.

Do Travel Writers Who Hate the 2nd Amendment Disturb You? Then Consider Skipping ‘Frommer’ Destinations

The travel writer Arthur Frommer has authored dozens of Frommer’s Travel Guides, and he writes a blog called Arthur Frommer Online. Now he’s trying to organize a boycott of Arizona’s travel industry because he disagrees with its gun laws.

Carl Zeiss Expands Victory RF Rangefinder Binocular Line

New Victory 8x56 and 10x56 T* RF laser rangefinder binoculars join the previously introduced 8x45 and 10x45 models in Carl Zeiss’ RF binocular line. The RF binoculars include rangefinding capability, LED display and integrated BIS™ ballistic calculator.

Soldiers Take Time Out to Teach New Shooters

Every summer at Camp Perry, Ohio, prior to the National Rifle and Pistol Trophy Matches, soldiers from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit pass their shooting knowledge on to the next generation of American shooters at the Small Arms Firing School.

The school was instituted in 1918 by the Department of Defense and is conducted by the USAMU, along with assistance by members of the Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Army Reserve and National Guard.

Guns and Hummers in Missouri

Lynch Hummer, a $7.5 million Hummer facility in an upscale St. Louis suburb, has announced the opening of the world's first combined Hummer and firearms dealership.

Gun Tests Test Inventory Available for Purchase: August 24, 2009

Houston-based B.A. Brooks Sports is a Federal Firearms License dealer who supplies firearms for Gun Tests evaluations. B.A. Brooks Sports sometimes has guns acquired for Gun Tests evaluation that readers might want to purchase. The following list describes those firearms and accessories.

LaserLyte LT-PRO Offers Cheap Training Option

COTTONWOOD, Ariz. -- LaserLyte's new Laser Trainer Pro (LT-PRO) is a laser-training device that fits most popular pistol calibers, mounts inside the barrel and features a sound-activated switch, indicating bullet impact with a laser dot.

FNH USA Offers Polymer Holster with FDE-Finish Pistol Purchase

McLEAN, Va. -- Shooters who purchase an FNP 9 or FNP 40 handgun with a flat dark earth (FDE) finish between Sept 1 and Nov 30, 2009, can receive a specially designed FN Shooter’s Pack with a Blade-Tech FDE molded polymer belt holster and a double magazine pouch.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. Reports Second Quarter Earnings

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE-RGR) announced last week that for the second quarter of 2009, the Company reported net sales of $72.4 million and earnings of 46¢ per share, compared with sales of $38.7 million and earnings of 5¢ per share in the second quarter of 2008.

Quarterly Firearm and Ammunition Excise Taxes up 43%

The National Shooting Sports Foundation reports that according to the most recent Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax Collection Report released last week by the Department of the Treasury, firearm and ammunition manufacturers paid more than $109.8 million in the first calendar quarter of 2009; up 43% over the same time period reported in 2008.

See And Don't Be Seen

NIVISYS' TQP (Tactical Quick Peek) tri-fold periscope is a hand-held unit that can be deployed in 15 seconds from its compact carry take-down configuration. Price: $406.

Making the Case for Sporting Firearms at the United Nations

As president of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute, a Non-Governmental Organization member of the United Nations, Steve Sanetti addressed the U.N.'s  Open-Ended Working Group last week with the goal of explaining the legitimate uses of firearms and ammunition for sporting purposes and hunting by many millions of law-abiding persons worldwide, and urging that civilian firearms should be beyond the scope of any proposed U.N. consideration of fully automatic military firearms when its deliberations turn to small arms and light weapons as part of an International Arms Trade Treaty.

NICS Checks Up 18.1 Percent in June

Data released by the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) reported 968,145 checks in June 2009, up 18.1 percent from the 819,891 reported in June 2008.

CAA Rolls Out Bipod with Picatinny Rail

BENSALEM, Pa. -- Command Arms Accessories has released a redesigned and improved bipod that includes a 3' Picatinny rail added to the base of the mount. The feet and leg extension push buttons have also been redesigned.

Two New Tactical Scopes Join Bushnell's Elite 6500 Line

Bushnell has added two new tactical riflescopes to the Elite 6500 line. The new tactical scopes include a 2.5-16x42mm and a 4.5-30x50mm model.

Insight Tech-Gear Ships New MRDS

LONDONDERRY, NH — Insight Tech-Gear has begun shipping its new MRDS Mini Red Dot Sight.

Louisville Church and Guns: Weapons O.K. at Service

The congregating arsenal was all perfectly legal as well as perfectly acceptable to the leaders of New Bethel, an Assemblies of God church in Louisville, Kentucky, that invited people to bring their unloaded guns to this first-ever event.

Streamlight Launches TLR-3 Tactical Light For Compact Guns

EAGLEVILLE, Pa. – Streamlight's new TLR-3 is a compact, lightweight rail-mounted tactical light for compact and sub-compact guns used for home defense.

Brownells Begins Delivering On 30-Round Magazine Contract

MONTEZUMA, Iowa -- Brownells has just completed the first successful live-fire test of its military contract of building M4/M16 magazine with the latest follower design.

Insight Tech-Gear Introduces New Mini Red Dot Sight

LONDONDERRY, NH -- Insight Tech-Gear new MRDS Mini Red Dot Sight is a lightweight reflex sight that mounts to many existing optics as well as MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny and Weaver-style rails.

DoubleStar Introduces 12-Inch DS-420 Handguard for 20-Inch ARs

DoubleStar Corp. is selling the DS-420 Handguard, which is 12 inches of aircraft-grade 60-61 T6 aluminum.

XS Sight Systems' CSAT Combat Sight Replaces AR-15/M-16 Sight

FORT WORTH, Tex. -- The XS CSAT Combat Sight eliminates the guesswork shooters face when trying to accurately engage targets in close quarters with the aperture sight commonly used on AR style rifles.

LaserLyte Presents First Rear Sight Laser

COTTONWOOD, Ariz. -- LaserLyte's Rear Sight Laser (RSL) is a new laser design incorporated into the rear sight.

Brownells Offers QD Aimpoint Mount

Rainier Arms' heavy-duty mounts combine secure attachment of the popular Aimpoint Comp series red-dot sights to flattop receivers with a quick-release system for instant removal of sight from weapon.

Bushnell Offers New DOA Riflescope Reticle

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Bushnell's new DOA (Dead On Accurate) riflescope reticle provides both hold-over aiming points and trophy estimation of both whitetail and mule deer.

New Muzzle Brake From Brownells Reduces .223 Muzzle Rise

MONTEZUMA, Iowa -- Brownells new ½'-28 thread, .22 caliber, Tactical Muzzle Brake solves a problem for shooters using the AR-15: muzzle rise.

Leupold Introduces Three New Products

BEAVERTON, Ore. – Leupold has rolled out three new optical products.

ATN Rolls Omega 7x50RF Daytime Binocular

South San Francisco, CA – American Technologies Network has rolled out a new 7x50 daytime binocular.

NRA Competitions Division Staying Busy

The NRA Competitions Division recently announced four bits of news important to shooters:

Wilson Combat Quad Rail Offers Better Front-End Handling

Wilson’s new Quad Rail offers a more comfortable handhold on the fore end while maintaining four rails for accessories.

Frank Advice from Frank Brownell on Buying AR15s

Administrator's Note: We saw Frank Brownells' advice in the March 27 Brownells Web Bench e-letter and thought his comments about current AR15 market shortages were on point. We got permission to post them on GunReports.com.

LaserLyte’s New Universal Laser Trainer Hits the Spot

LaserLyte’s new Universal Laser Trainer is a hammer-activated (sound activated) laser that is temporarily installed in a firearm’s barrel and produces a laser dot on a target downrange, giving instant results.

Bushnell Introduces Sport 600 Laser Rangefinder

Bushnell’s new Sport 600 laser rangefinder from has an operational range of 5 to 800 yards. The Sport 600 can be operated with just one hand.

Trijicon Introduces RMR Red-Dot Sight

Trijicon has introduced its new Trijicon RMR Sight—a patent-pending new generation Ruggedized Miniature Reflex unit.

Brownells Gets New TACOM Magazine Contract

Montezuma, Iowa, (March 18, 2009)--Brownells, the Iowa gunsmithing tool and firearm accessory supplier, announced today that it has been awarded another contract for magazines by the U.S. Army TACOM, Rock Island, Illinois.

SOG Introduces Twitch XL Locking Folder Knife

SOG’s new Twitch XL is a locking folder knife made from AUS-8 stainless steel heat treated to a final Rockwell hardness of 57-58, then cryogenically treated for toughness and edge retention.

Bushnell Gets Multi-Year Army Contract For Elite 1500 Laser Rangefinder

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - The U.S. Army has awarded Bushnell Outdoor Products a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract for a special military version of the Elite 1500 Laser Rangefinder.

Birchwood Casey Adds Four New Styles of Shoot-N-C Targets

The new Shoot-N-C 8-inch Laser target comes with 8½-inch highly reflective Laser Spots with an adhesive backing to attach to the bull's-eye. The Laser Spot reflects light back to the shooter creating a highly visible aiming point. They are great for shooters using laser sights. Hits outside the bull's-eye are easily seen by the halo left around the bullet hole in the face of the target.

Trijicon Introduces Green Reticles To ACOG Scopes

Trijicon, Inc. has developed new optical variations to its ACOG models—compact telescopic sights with dual-illuminated reticle patterns for use in low light or at night.

Sightmark Introduces the Tactical 1.5-5x30 Riflescope for the AR

MANSFIELD, TX – Sightmark has introduced the new Tactical 1.5-5x30 Riflescope, which offers a wide field of view, compact size, a mil-dot reticle, and a first focal plane to make ranging targets as easy as possible.

Brady Campaign State Scorecards: California, NJ Restrict Freedom the Most

WASHINGTON, D.C.–The Brady Campaign has released its annual state scorecards, which the group claims 'rate each state on the strength of its gun laws.'

Government Awards Bushnell Spotting-Scope Contract

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - The U.S. Government has awarded Bushnell Outdoor Products a contract for a special military version of the Elite 15-45x60mm spotting scopes.

Crimson Trace Co-releases New Lasergrips for Ruger's LCR Light Compact Revolver

Wilsonville, OR - Crimson Trace has announced the co-release of new Lasergrips for Ruger's LCR light compact revolver. The new revolver from Ruger is the first polymer-framed revolver ever released in the U.S. market, and it comes fitted with Crimson Trace's Lasergrips equipped at the factory.

Mobile Hunting Technologies Laser Boresighter Available from Brownells

Our friends at Brownells are selling a helpful tool for anyone who wants to zero a new gun quickly. The Mobile Hunting Technologies laser boresighter is an easy-to-use, self-contained boresighting system that fits in the chamber of your rifle or pistol and projects a powerful red laser beam aligned with the bore axis for sighting to the point-of-aim without firing a shot.

Crimson Trace Files Lawsuit Against LaserMax

Crimson Trace announces suit for patent infringement against LaserMax's J-Max(TM), Sabre(TM), and Uni-Max(R) products. The company seeks injunctive relief and monetary damages.

Timney Replacement Trigger for Ruger 10/22 to be Unveiled at 2009 SHOT Show

PHOENIX - Timney will display its new replacement trigger for the Ruger 10/22 rimfire rifle at the 2009 SHOT Show. The trigger will retail for $150.

Aimpoint 2009 Product Introductions

Sweden-based Aimpoint has announced several new products for 2009:

Extreme Shock Ammunition Now Offers X-KOTE-C Dry Lubricant Cleaning Solution

CLINTWOOD, Va. – Extreme Shock Ammunition's new X-Coat “C” is a dry lubricant. It does not attract sand or dust, so any weapon is ready to use immediately after cleaning.

EOTAC’s New Operator Grade Field Jacket

EOTAC’s new Operator Grade Field Jacket is a retro look based on a fifties era European military issue jacket updated with contemporary materials and features.

FNH USA Announces Gun Promotions for 2009

Buy any new FNP-9 or FNP-40 auto loading pistol between January 1 and April 15, 2009 and receive a free Shooter's Pack.

GunSafe rolls Kid-Safe and Crook-Proof Gun Cabinet

ARTHUR, Ill. — GunSafe makes custom hardwood cabinets that let owners enjoy the beauty of their favorite guns while greatly reducing the fear that burglars and children will have access to them.

Anschütz recalls Pre-2005 Compressed Air Cylinders

ULM, Germany -- Anschütz has issued a recall of compressed air cylinders manufactured and delivered before December 2005. This recall only refers to the aluminum air cylinders and not to the complete target air rifle.

GunReports.com Links

A selection of firearms-industry website links provided by GunReports.com

Brownells' Gun-Specific Driver Set for Glock

MONTEZUMA, Iowa — While Glock pistols don't require many tools for disassembly, armorers and other pros use some special items to make the job easier. Brownells has combined them all into one compact, self-storing unit, the Screwdriver Set for Glock (#080-000-408).

Sightmark’s AAT5G Green Laser Designator Tested by NTOA

MANSFIELD, Texas — Sightmark’s AAT5G Green Laser Designator, a green laser with the same design concepts as the recently released AACT5R Red Laser Designator, was recently tested by a member of the National Tactical Officers Association's (NTOA) Member Tested and Recommended Program.

NASGW Announces Winners of 2008 Industry Achievement Awards

ATLANTA — The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers has announced the 2008 winners of its Industry Achievement Awards at the associations’ Annual Expo in Atlanta’s Mart Facility.

Firearms Industry Addresses Rising Gun Sales

As firearm sales continue to increase this year, at a rate of 10 percent over the same period last year and 15 percent in October alone, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) -- the trade association for the firearms industry -- is pointing to gun-owner concerns about an Obama Administration as reason for the boom.

Firearms Industry Sales Up in Second Quarter, But Long Guns Feel Economic Pinch

Sales by firearm and ammunition manufacturers were up 5.1 percent in the second quarter of 2008, led by a 14.2 percent increase in ammunition sales and a 9 percent rise in handgun sales, according to the firearm industry's best economic indicator.

Ruger Anticipates Capacity Restrictions, Announces Mini-14 Magazine Promotion

Sturm, Ruger & Company has announced an “Inaugural Special” for Mini-14 20-round magazines that runs through Inauguration Day.

U.N. General Assembly Endorses Treaty to Regulate Global Arms Trade

The U.N. General Assembly has overwhelmingly endorsed the idea of an unprecedented treaty regulating the global arms trade. Only the U.S. and Zimbabwe voted against it. U.S.-based gun groups point out that an Obama administration would likely not oppose such a treaty for the first time.

Obama Promises Supreme Court That Will Destroy Second Amendment

In Oregon magazine, Sandy Froman, former president of the National Rifle Association of America, writes of the election of Barack Obama as president: 'Senator Barack Obama says he will respect gun owners, but campaign talk is cheap. What gun owners must know … is that Obama promises to appoint a U.S. Supreme Court that will eradicate the Second Amendment from the Constitution.

2008 Election Results: Second Amendment Impact

Buckeye Firearms Association: Much has been said on www.buckeyefirearms.org about the shortcomings of John McCain on the gun issue, and it is clear that his weaknesses among this voting block had an effect on this election. Around 52% of American voters have selected a man the NRA has described as the most anti-gun candidate in history to be our next President.

Brady Campaign: NRA Failed to Deliver 'Gun Voters'

Barack Obama would be the most anti-gun president in American history. But according to the Brady Campaign, the NRA failed to deliver its “supposed block of single-issue voters” in Tuesday’s election. According to exit polls, the economy took precedence for many voters.