Is Our Ammunition Being Bought Up By Homeland Security?

ammoI am certain that all of you, me included have experienced the shortage of ammo and if we are able to find it we need a loan to acquire it. Additionally, we have all heard the stories of where it is going, from hoarders and opportunists to the government, specifically the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) who has put out for open bid the acquisition of 1.6 billion rounds. This issue has raised so much debate and concern that even some of our elected officials are asking questions.

Well here at Azfirearms.com we are asked by our customers on a regular basis about what is fact and what is the rumor mill. Hopefully this blog can shed some light and this and from the horse’s mouth, ATK Sporting Group (ATK is Federal, CCI and Speer) on the current situation. In their memo to customers dated 04/11/13, they address this issue and dispell the misinformation that DHS is gobbling up all the ammo that would be going to civilian shooters. ATK explains that DHS makes up only a small part of their production with the majority of their ammunition going to the commercial market. They add that they are in round the clock production to meet the increased demand.

So where is the ammo? I suspect there are probably a number of factors affecting the current availability. I believe that due to the recent record numbers in sales of firearms combined with hoarders and those who have a general distrust in our federal elected officials, and of course opportunists trying to take advantage of the situation all have impacted the ammo supply.

Whom do we believe? Well for me I am choosing to look to the manufacturers themselves. I know that may not be the popular approach, but who has the most knowledge on the subject. My recommendations.  This is probably not the time to stockpile now but buy a box or two and go have fun shooting, things will get better.

To learn more check out the following links:

http://www.federalpremium.com/company/faq.aspx

http://www.cci-ammunition.com/education/faqs.aspx

http://www.speer-ammo.com/general/faq.aspx

The Single Action Revolver

P1850[1]A lot of Americans are on the hunt for those semi-auto pistols and rifles that can handle high capacity magazines. We have seen a marked increase in cost,  as if double or triple the price isn’t noticed. When you do find the products you can expect to pay a whole lot for them too. With the panic buying the way it is and no way to tell when it will end have you ever considered the old reliable single action revolver? They are still made and are some of the more collectible firearms today.These guns are proven as hunting, self defense and target shooting firearms. The best part…they don’t need a magazine!

The Colt Single Action Army (SAA) is still made today and comes in a wide range of calibers from .357 magnum to .45 Long Colt. This gun dates back to 1873 and has been carried by infamous outlaws, lawmen and soldiers, most notibly by General George S. Patton. At AZFirearms.com we have in stock several with the blued barrell and the handsome case hardened frame. We have other SAA clones like Ruger and Uberti on hand as well.

To see, or purchase these fine firearms visit out website http://www.azfirearms.com

To learn more about the storied Colt SAA visit, http://www.coltsmfg.com/catalog/coltrevolvers.aspx

Another Reason to be Happy Living in Arizona

thCAPIIQLSIt’s not just the warm weather that makes Arizona a great place to live, especialy if you are a hunter, sport shooter, or someone interested in a gun for personal protection. Recently, Guns and Ammo magazine conducted a state by state ranking system based on multiple criteria ranging from the gun culture of the state to its statutes and rights provided to lawful gun owners. I for one am pleased to say that my home state of Arizona topped this list. Consider the states at the bottom of this list that. The main reason I am pleased with this ranking is that whenever a tragedy involving a firearm occurs our political leaders look to making more laws as if these laws would eliminate the problem. Anti-gunners demonstrate no forethought in the laws they propose and I for one am glad that Arizona does not make a knee-jerk reaction when it comes to legislation that infringes on on the rights of lawful gun owners. I encourage each of you to contact your elected officials and let them hear your voice for the preservation of your Second Amendment Rights. Even better, come out to Arizona and when you do come by and visit us at Azfirearms.com.

To read the article or to learn where your state ranks visit, Guns and Ammo at http://www.gunsandammo.com/2013/03/14/ga-ranks-the-best-states-for-gun-owners-2013

Thank you Arizona and congratulations!

Follow Firearm Safety Rules; Everytime

s_safetyrules

With the current surge in the sales of firearms many people are becoming first time gun owners. Understanding the need to safely use and handle your firearms is of utmost importance and will contribute to a safe and enjoyable shooting experience. And, in doing your part in being a safe and responsible gun owner, it can only help to preserve and protect the rights of all gun owners.

Remember, shooting is a skill that can diminish, so practice and familiarity with your gun and it’s operating system is key to safe handling. Safely loading, unloading, holstering and unholstering or otherwise securing your gun are often the things that are most overlooked. I think many of you have experienced this at one time or another; a person at the range not practicing safe firearms handling. We have all seen and maybe have been the recipient of a muzzle sweep.

Every year accidental discharges occur and in almost all of those cases a finger has been on a trigger.  These reported accidental discharges are no accident and in the vast majority of cases a finger has been on a trigger. Never accept or hand off a loaded gun. If you are handed a gun and told it is unloaded, always verify.

Remember too that a firearm is a mechanical device that needs cleaning and maintenance. Using the proper ammunition can prevent gun mishaps as well.

Here are the four basic rules to firearm safety and regardless of your skill level they apply everytime you handle a gun:

1. All guns are always loaded.

2. Never point the gun at anything you are not willing to destroy.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger, out of the trigger guard, until you are pointed at the target and ready to shoot.

4. Be certain of your target and what is beyond it.

Follow these rules each and every time you pick up a weapon whether it is to inspect, load or unload, and clean and you will have many years of safe and enjoyable shooting.

Here are some excellent links to learn more on firearm safety.

http://policeone.com/police-products/firearms/articles/59674-handgun-safety-rules-and-procedures

http://thegunzone.com/therules.html

http://training.nra.org/nra-gun-safety-rules.aspx

 

 

Do you know the Laws on the Use of Deadly Force?

gun-lawsSo you are now a gun owner and have a desire to protect yourself. Part of being a gun owner is learning to be proficient with your firearm. As equally important is to understand the laws regarding the use of your gun when needed. I want to focus on that instance when, as a responsible gun owner you may be faced with having to use lethal force. While this may not be a pleasant topic, it is vital to know when your action is legal. Having a working knowledge of the laws on the threat to use, and the use itself, can make the difference between a justified shooting and a charge of aggravated assault or murder. Knowing when you can shoot can also assist you in not hesitating in a situation when seconds matter.

This message is not intended to scare you, rather I am hopeful to point you in the direction of either taking a class or do some reading on the laws in your home state. You don’t need to be a trained law enforcement officer or attorney to have a working knowledge of this subject. We have heard a lot lately from a case in Florida regarding the “stand your ground laws”, or the Castle Doctrine. Here in Arizona we have a stand your ground law, but what does it mean and what does it afford someone under the law? Fortunately, there are many resources available to you. If you reside in a state that has concealed weapons permits these courses can be very valuable in providing you with this instruction. If training is not what you are looking for then I recommend some informative and reasonably priced books from the author, Alan Korwin, who is “the largest publisher and distributor of gun-law books in America, nationally
recognized as an expert resource in this narrowly focused niche”. Below are some local Arizona resources that can provide this training.

www.blackwolfccw.com

www.azwcsl.com

 

You have a gun you want to sell, but you aren’t sure how to go about selling it…?

AZFirearms.com is federally licensed to purchase any firearm, and any ammo, from anyone, in any state across the nation!

AZFirearms.com is federally licensed to purchase any firearm, and any ammo, from anyone, in any state across the nation!

With all the fuss on the news lately about new laws, and new legislation proposals, where is a guy or a gal to turn?  How do you safely and legally sell a gun?

Well, the answer is…(at the risk of sounding like a commercial) CONTACT US!…and we’ll do the rest!  AZFirearms.com is federally licensed to purchase any firearm, and any ammo, from anyone, in any state across the nation!

We buy single firearms or entire collections!  We can purchase your items outright, or if you like the idea of consigning your items to auction and watching the bidding action, you can consign your items to our sister company Pot Of Gold Estate Auctions.

Simply call or email us at 623-925-2345 / sales@azfirearms.com and tell us what you have to sell!  It is quick, simple, safe, legal, and even a little bit fun to make some extra money to pay bills!  And best of all, we take all the worry and fear you may have out of the process!

You need extra spending money, and we need some extra inventory – it’s a match made in heaven!  So, contact us today and get some Cash for your cache!  (Sorry…that was cheesy, but I couldn’t resist!)

A Safe Investment

Gun-Safe-17882010769The main purpose for this blog is to hopefully impart a lesson learned if you are thinking about purchasing a gun safe. The inspiration came to me when a friend was helping me install a new gun safe. I was asked why I needed a second safe. I was a bit evasive in my response, as I didn’t want to admit I had not carefully thought out my initial purchase years earlier, and I needed more space.

I bought my first safe based on the number of long guns I owned and the fact that I wanted to protect my firearms from theft, unauthorized handling and fire. Seemed like a logical approach and I assumed I had all the bases covered. Well it didn’t take long to realize that I had other possessions to secure, such as important documents, jewelry and ammunition. The safe was full and was quite  obvious that I failed to take into consideration that some of my long guns had scopes, optics, slings and lights and this subtracted from the overall interior size. For example, a 22 gun safe can reasonably accomodate 12 rifles and their attached equipment. This left little room for any other valuables.

Other items to research are the size of the safe and the space that it will live in. Safes look nice in the store display, but you need to fit them into your house. The fire rating of the safe is important as well. Where fire services are within a quick response time (4 to 6 minutes) versus living in a rural environment where a response from the fire department could be more than 20 to 30 minutes. Locking mechanism, traditional tumbler to the electronic system. While the electronic approach is faster to access the mechancal locks do not have batteries to fail.

One last thing to contemplate is how many guns you plan to have. Safe manufacturers make a variety of sizes from the single firearm mini safe to the giant sized multi-gun models. Owning a safe for your guns can provide a sense of security and can greatly reduce your liability in preventing unauthorized access.

To learn more on selecting a safe please visit:

http://www.browning.com/library/infonews/detail.asp

http://www.6mmbr.com/gunsafes.html

 

The Ultimate Survival Rifle; AR-7

100% American made by Henry Repeating Rifles, the AR-7 Survival Rifle

100% American made by Henry Repeating Rifles, the AR-7 Survival Rifle

With AR-15′s and .223/5.56 ammunition in short supply, consider an alternative that is a tried and true survival firearm. The AR-7 Survival rifle. This unique rifle was originally developed for military pilots and crew to use in survival situations. This small and versatile rifle can be the perfect survival gun since it all packs into the hollow comparmentalized stock and can easily fit into a vehicle, backpack, or survival kit. It is capable of taking small game and it can provide a level of protection. It is chambered in the .22LR caliber so carrying it along with extra ammo won’t weigh you down.

This design was introduced by the Armalite Company to the civilian market in 1957, and these amazing rifles are still American made today. Charter Arms bought the design and produced their version from 1973 to 1990. The Henry Repeating Arms took over, making some practical improvements to the design. Most notibly, the waterproof stock which allows the AR-7 to float making it even more desireable to survival situations, especially in areas prone to flooding, or in costal locations. These survival rifles are still available, affordable and practical for today’s preppers and make a welcome addition to a bug out bag.

Learn more:

http://www.armalite.com

http://www.henryrepeating.com

http://www.charterarms.com

 

 

Armed Security At School

police officer at schoolOn December 14th of 2012, we were once again reminded of how vulnerable our children are when a disturbed and motivated person is bent on killing. In a response to the shooting, the NRA recommended that armed employees or other types of security be present at all of our Nation’s schools. Such a plan was supported by our State’s Attorney General too.  Many schools already have a police officer on campus, some of these programs and a few locally have experienced a decline in the number of police officers that are serving in this capacity. Still other schools have no such program. All budgets have been impacted by a slowed economy, and the cost for security should be shared with schools and law enforcement to ensure longterm success. The prioritization of these positions cannot be subject to cuts. They are protecting a precious resource. There are other options and alternatives, but this is a program that has and does work. Contact your local and state government and school districts to express your support for police officers in schools.

The attached article is an insightful and honest perspective from a parent and educator, Karen Kordon.
http://girlsjustwannahaveguns.com/2013/01/to-arm-or-to-hire-arms-that-is-the-question/

Assault Weapon v. Sporting Rifle

U.S. Gun Sales Reach Record Levels In 2012

This link has some great information done in a compare and contrast format. The video clarifies some misunderstandings between an assault weapon and a sporter rifle. It includes a demonstration of magazine capacity and is a solid example of how quickly a magazine, regardless of its capacity, can be shot and the weapon reloaded.

Click Here to view the video