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Update on Washington, DC Handgun Issue
By Jim Shepherd
When Washington, D.C. residents open three of their local papers this morning, they'll see a statement - and an invitation - from the firearms industry.
The Full-page ad, running in the Washington Post, Washington Times and The Hill tells residents, media members and the ever-present politicians about a firearms training opportunity put together by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade organization described in the ad as representing a "responsible industry".
Click here to see the ad in full-resolution
The ad's not exactly the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, but it is an aggressive move from an industry organization I've occasionally accused of being passive when combating the anti-gun groups and their near-constant nattering against firearms.
This move, however, is neither passive nor aggressive -it's both responsive and responsible.
On Monday, I had the opportunity to speak with Steve Sanetti, President of the NSSF about the ad, the idea and the fact the industry's taking advantage of this opportunity to reach an entire citizenry with a positive message - and high-quality instruction.
As Sanetti's never had the reputation for initiating conflict, I asked him where the idea originated. Like most great ideas, it seems to have mysteriously appeared.
"It was a simple idea that came to us one day," he said, "we were looking at the fact that an entire city that would have their right to own a firearm restored, but had very little in the way of instruction or information to work from."
"With our First Shots program already proven and in-place, it was obvious that we needed to offer this instruction and training in safe, responsible firearms ownership to the residents of Washington."
"It was," he said, "a golden opportunity to offer this instruction and help the citizens exercise the rights the Supreme Court had affirmed in the Heller decision."
But the project wasn't without its challenges. There are, after all, no ranges in Washington.
So, a search of the area in a fifty mile radius of the district was initiated. This first seminar will be held at the Isaak Walton facilities there, and others will follow-on later.
The follow on, said Sanetti, is critical. "We don't want this to be a one-time deal," he says, "we want a full-push, to keep going around the country. We're going to fine-tune in Washington and then we'll move on to other major cities where administrations have been none-too-keen on firearms."
Although Sanetti didn't identify those cities, it may be safe to assume that First Shots will be visiting Chicago, Boston and some cities to the west. Should the logistical nightmares involving firearms inside the City of New York prove surmountable, it may be that even Mayor Michael Bloomberg finds himself invited to learn first-hand about the firearms he's demonized, but woefully ignorant about.
But the NSSF's not going to be content with a "one-shot" First Shot for Washington.
"We're looking at all the facilities within that 50-mile radius," he said, "we hoping dealers and ranges will want to get involved in the First Shots programs for Washington residents while they're also educating their residents."
Although it's far from a done deal, House Resolution 6691 may be another added incentive for dealers and ranges surrounding Washington to get involved. Should it pass in September, a special exception to the interstate transfer of handguns would be created for Washington residents, enabling them to buy handguns from Maryland or Virginia dealers.
While talking, Sanetti verbalized one of the interesting contradictions in Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty's position on firearms.
"All along," he said, "Washington officials have said that the citizens never needed firearms for personal protection. Now, what they're saying personal protection is the only reason a resident would need a firearm."
"We," Sanetti said, "don't take that position. If that administration says 'the only reason for owning a gun is personal protection' we're here to say 'that's not the case.'"
"There are plenty of reasons to have a firearm and we're going to use the First Shots program to help teach residents about the many ways they can safely and responsibly enjoy their firearms."
The First Shot sessions will be run using .22 caliber revolvers - and pistols - despite the current ban on virtually all semiautomatic pistols under current Washington requirements. It will also be staffed with certified firearms instructors.
Later today, there will be a Tele-Press Conference for members of the media to explain the details of this initial First Shot seminar for Washington residents. Media members can learn more about the MEDIA ALERT by clicking here.
We'll be listening in on that conference this afternoon.
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