By: Ricky Casner
Despite the few that wanted to use today’s inauguration as an opportunity for violence and vandalism, we have once again witnessed another overall peaceful transition of presidential power. This historic transition of power will quite possibly lead to renewed and expanded gun rights for America’s citizens for the next four years.
Since my last blog regarding Permitless Carry, New Hampshire’s senate passed Senate Bill 124, which brings the state one step closer to implementing Permitless Carry. Additionally, it is likely that the Republican held Senate and House will pass the Reciprocity Act of 2017, which would give legal citizens the right to carry concealed weapons throughout the United States and across state borders2. Moreover, in Washington D.C., Congress is trying to redefine the National Firearms Act’s (NFA’s) regulation on the possession of sound suppressors. If passed, sound suppressors would become as accessible as firearms, requiring only a check in the National Instant Background Check System (NICS). No more waiting period or $200 stamp fee1.
The boom that has been present in the firearms industry for the past two years is expected to subside under the presidency of President Trump. However, many in the firearms industry believe that this is good news as firearms sales are projected to become more predictable. They feel that firearms consumers will no longer be swayed by fear of government infringement3. Because of this, firearms companies are poised to focus their sales efforts instead on niche markets and products, such as sound suppressors.
Other possible niche markets include: a more extensive selection of carry equipment and firearms training for female shooters and firearms competitions and competition accessories. As stated before, we live during a remarkable time in the history of the United States and it is up to us to bear the responsibilities of freedom well so that we may preserve those freedoms for those that will come after us.
References
- Baumann, B. (2017, January 16). NRA, gun owners gear up for controversial firearms legislation. Retrieved from Bearing Arms: https://bearingarms.com/beth-b/2017/01/16/nra-gun-owners-gear-up-for-controversial-firearms-legislation/
- Friedman, D. (2017, January 6). New Bill Would Force States to Allow Visiting Gun Owners to Pack Heat Without a Permit. Retrieved 2017, from The Trace: https://www.thetrace.org/2017/01/new-bill-congress-states-concealed-constitutional-carry-reciprocity/
- McKay, H. (2017, January 20). Though champion of gun rights, President Trump could jam firearm sales. Retrieved 2017, from Fox News Politics: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/20/though-champion-gun-rights-president-trump-could-jam-firearm-sales.html
- Solomon, D. (2017, January 19). Senate OKs ‘concealed carry’ without a permit for firearms . Retrieved 2017, from State Government: http://www.unionleader.com/state-government/senate-oks-concealed-carry-without-a-permit-for-firearms-20170119
About Ricky Casner
In 2008, following a two year ecclesiastical mission, Ricky chose to focus his professional endeavors on firearms and firearms education. In 2010, Ricky graduated from the Colorado School of Trades with an associate degree in Gunsmithing. Since that time, Ricky has practiced as a gunsmith, built machine guns for foreign and domestic militaries, and owned and operated a Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) business in Colorado. Currently, Ricky is pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Idaho in Recreation, Tourism, and Sports Management and is the Marketing Director for Forward Movement Training Center in Meridian, Idaho.