Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) jumped into the slate of 2020 Democratic presidential candidates on Tuesday with an announcement on CBS’s The Late Show with Steven Colbert that she has formed a presidential exploratory committee.

On Thursday, January 17, the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider permitless carry legislation, Senate Bill 47.

If you’re worried about pesticides and want to make sure all the fruits and vegetables you eat are truly local and organic, the only way to be completely sure is to grow them yourself. It may be extra work, but the peace of mind it provides is worth it for many people. But how can you be completely sure the meat you’re eating is local and sustainable? For an increasing number of health-conscious individuals, especially younger people, the answer is hunting. 

The Democrat-controlled Oregon legislature would become the most restrictive state in the Union with a new raft of gun-control measures set to be considered in this year’s legislative session. Among other restrictions, SB 501 would require a permit to purchase any kind of firearm, cap magazine capacity at five rounds, limit ammo purchases to 20-rounds per month, and delay firearms transfer for 14 days.

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The Big Dot Shotgun Beads were created for home defense use. (Photo: XS Sights)

XS Sights offers new options for home defense shotgunners, launching the Big Dot Shotgun Beads for home defense available in tritium and non-tritium variants.

The XS Big Dot Tritium sights come in a pedestal mount configuration for Remington shotguns or in a plain-barrel model that works with most Mossberg shotgun models. The sights sport either an Optic Yellow or Optic Orange glow dot that absorbs light and glows in low light scenarios. The glow dot glows before it becomes dark enough for shooters to see the tritium.

The tritium sights allow shooters to see the front post in low light situations. (Photo: XS Sights)

The non-tritium Ember Big Dot Shotgun Beads also ship in Optic Yellow or Optic Orange. The non-tritium sights are also configured for either Remington shotguns or plain barrel models.

“The size and brightness of our new XS Big Dot Shotgun Beads allow the user to index the muzzle much faster, and this is critical in high-stress home defense situations when every second counts,” Zack Kinsley, Marketing Manager for XS Sights, said in a news release. “We incorporated our proprietary glow technology into these Big Dot Shotgun Beads to transform them into the brightest sights in any lighting condition.”

The Big Dot Shotgun Beads with tritium are priced at $66 while the non-tritium Ember sights retail for $39.

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The Black Mamba features a 1/2x28TPI threaded barrel with removable comp and somewhere under there is a Ruger MKIV 22/45, which allows push-button take-down. (Photos: Volquartsen)

Based on a Ruger MKIV 22/45 polymer frame with lots of upgrades, Iowa-based Volquartsen has a new take-down configuration .22LR that is ready to compete right out of the box.

The Black Mamba series runs across six variants, all based on the Ruger frame but with a host of Volquartsen and Tandemkross extras. Each variant uses Volquartsen’s LLV Competition Upper, with options between 4.5- and 6-inch stainless steel barrels, to include an aluminum shroud, top and bottom Pic rails, target sights, competition bolt, single-port compensator, and steel breech. Multiply this by three Cerakote options– black, FDE, and OD green — and prospective owners a half-dozen chances at being happy.

“Whether you are a backyard plinker, looking to win your local matches or hitting the national competition scene – this target pistol is for you,” said the company in a statement. As for the name choice, Volquartsen explains that a “Black Mamba’s instincts are to strike quickly and strike often with great speed and agility,” which they feel characterizes their new offering.

The Black Mamba comes in two barrel lengths, 4.5- and 6-inch, and three upper receiver schemes, black, FDE, and OD green.

While the Mamba’s frame may start off as a stock Ruger, the internals have been tweaked to include an accurizing kit that provides a 2.2-pound trigger pull, Volquartsen magazine release and mag base pads. A Tandemkross “hiveGrip” is standard.

Using the longer 6-inch upper, the Black Mamba runs 11.5-inches overall and weighs in at just over 2-pounds. The shorter 4.5-inch model tips the scales at 26-ounces. Made in the U.S., MSRP across the line is $1,400.

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The 1791 Tactical IWB Kydex holster brings a rigid structure to the leather holster maker’s lineup. (Photo: 1791 Gunleather)

1791 Gunleather, best known for its selection of leather-styled holsters, is breaking into the Kydex market, launching the new 1791 Tactical IWB Kydex holsters.

The inside-the-waistband holster is constructed from 0.080-inches Kydex 100 that is heated and then molded to an exact replica of each of the offered firearm models. The company says this process ensures a correct fit and precise retention. The holster provides a positive and audible click when the gun is seated into the holster and is an “easy-on, easy-off” design.

The 1791 Tactical IWB Kydex holster features an adjustable cant ranging from 0 to 15-degrees, allowing users to fine-tune their concealment. The holster, according to the company, can be worn in either the strong-side, IWB position or in the appendix position. A concealment wing is also secured to the holster, helping to angle the grip into the body for better concealment and less printing. The rig also sports a sweat-shield and stainless steel hardware to resist corrosion.

Made in the U.S., the 1791 Tactical IWB Kydex is outfitted with an RMR/optic cut for pistol optics as well as an enlarged opening for easier re-holstering.

1791 Gunleather realizes some consumers might be scratching their heads in confusion over the move to Kydex but the company says it’s a natural evolution in offering its consumers more options.

“Why would a leather holster company known for handcrafting beautiful steerhide delve into the world of Kydex?” 1791 Gunleather CEO Ramiro M. Romani said in a news release. “Because we don’t think you should carry with a holster that’s less than optimal, and we knew we could offer Kydex fans a better all-around holster. 1791 Tactical IWB holsters solve the performance limitations commonly found in traditional Kydex holsters. Retention, concealability, wear and tear on your gun, and everyday comfort are addressed in our thoughtful design and meticulous manufacturing process.”

The holster is available for popular pistol models included CZ, Glock, Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Springfield, and virtually all 1911s without a Picatinny rail. The 1791 Tactical IWB Kydex retails for $64.99.

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The California Rifle and Pistol Association (CRPA), with support from NRA, recently challenged Los Angeles City’s refusal to be transparent and disclose records related to secretly obtained disposition orders used by LAPD to justify the destruction of firearms in its possession.  

Jackson, Michigan’s own GSL Technology made a pen gun that mates to a suppressor and are exploring their options as to what to do with it.

Greg Latka, GSL’s founder, talks about the currently experimental GSL .380 Pen Gun. Originally designed back in the day for another suppressor company (*cough* Gemtech *cough*) the little single-shot popgun offers what they describe as a “last-ditch option in self-defense” and, as they show off, can be made hearing safe through the use of a suppressor, in this case, one of their Boss 9mm cans.

The bad news is that, as it doesn’t look like it folds to form a pistol grip– like the NFA-compliant Stinger  — GSL’s pen gun likely needs a stamp to transfer.

Since the NFA was adopted in 1934, federal regulators have generally characterized pen guns that can fire while still looking like a writing tool as “Any Other Weapons,” while those that fold to form a pistol grip are still Title I firearms.

Either way, it is still pretty cool, and depending on the feedback they get, they could add it to the catalog.

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The DichroTech in daylight, left, and at dusk, right. (Photo: Meopta USA)

Meopta USA announced its MeoStar 3-12×56 riflescope series will see the introduction of a new, patent-pending dichroic reticle technology.

The DichroTech coating allows reticles to sport multiple color configurations bringing the ability to automatically adjust color tone and intensity in various light conditions — all without the need for a battery.

The 4D DichroTech reticle offers a 4 MOA red dot with dot and crosshairs activated via ambient light. The light-sensitive coating turns bright red in daylight, slipping into a light green color in lower light for better contrast, according to Meopta.

“We are excited to bring this exceptional reticle technology to the hunting and shooting communities,” Randy Garrison, Director of Meopta USA Sport Optics, said in a news release. “Meopta DichroTech reticles feature a leading-edge coating that enhances contrast and improves aiming ability in varying light conditions. This reticle technology offers hunters and shooters a convenient alternative to battery-powered illuminated riflescopes.”

The various reticle options offered. (Photo: Meopta USA)

The DichroTech design also brings a colored reticle to shooters, which is more transparent and delivers a more “complete field of view.”

Meopta says the DichroTech 4D reticle will be initially available on the 30mm MeoStar R1 3-12×56 with a first focal plane reticle and MeoStar R1r 3-12×56 with a second focal plane reticle. The DichroTech will eventually make its way onto more Meopta scopes in the future.

The DichroTech 4D reticle equipped scopes start at $999, topping out at $1,199.

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With the .300 AAC Blackout growing in popularity, firearm manufacturers have stepped up to fill demand. Standing at the forefront is Wisconsin gun maker Midwest Industries. While the company may not be a household name, they will no doubt soon to be one with their taming the 300 BLK cartridge.

Since 300 BLK was designed for shorter barrels, I’m checking out the Midwest Industries Combat Rail Series pistol with a 10.5-inch barrel. While the gun operates like any standard AR platform, it’s loaded with features. Features include an adjustable SB Tactical pistol brace, a one piece M-Lok free floating handguard with five slots, an extended Picatinny rail for mounting sights or optics, and a Magpul MOE grip.

Light, reliable and compact the Midwest 300 Blackout pistol can do any job you put it as well or better than larger rifles. (Photo: Chase Welch/Guns.com)

At a little more than 5 pounds, the pistol felt balanced and seemed to float in my hands. Feeding the pistol factory Aguila ammo, I was able to hit a six-inch piece of steel at 300 yards in light wind with no trouble. Shooting up close was, dare I say, predictable — 1 to 2 MOA groups. While the trigger was about average, it breaks crisply and there’s no gritty feeling to the take up or reset like you might feel in other Mil-Spec triggers.

With the increasing amount of ammunition offerings and ballistic information available for the 300 BLK, the Midwest Industries Combat Rail Series pistol may actually fall into that “goldilocks zone” of a true multi role tool. It’s very well built, handles like a sports car and just a lot of fun to shoot. If you are in the market for a gun that can put in work up close or much farther than you might imagine, you can’t go wrong with the Midwest Industries 300 Blackout pistol. Retail prices range from $975 to $1,250 depending on features.

The post The Midwest Industries Combat Rail Series is a multi-tool pistol (VIDEO) appeared first on Guns.com.

The flat top Picatinny upper receiver and same-plane gas block is billed by Ruger as ideal for easy attachment of magnified optic, red dot or open sights. (Photos: Ruger)

The latest chapter in Ruger’s AR-556 series uses a milled gas block with an integral Picatinny rail in place of the more traditional front sight.

Essentially the same platform at their original AR-556, Ruger’s new Optics Carbine variant has both a flat top Picatinny upper and a same-plane railed gas block that allows end-users to easily attach accessories, open sights and/or the glass of their choice. The gas block is located at the carbine-length (M4) position on the 16.10-inch, 1:8-inch RH-twist, 4140 chrome-moly steel barrel.

The new Optics Carbine model, left, is the same as the standard AR-556, except for the sighting option on the top half, and comes in at a hair cheaper.

Like the rest of the series, the rifle uses a 7075-T6 aluminum receiver with forward assist, 9310 alloy steel bolt that is peened and proofed, 5.56 NATO chamber, chrome-plated and staked gas key, M4-style buttstock, and Mil-Spec buffer tube. Available in matte black, it ships with a single 30-round PMAG.

Retail is $789, which is sawbuck cheaper than the standard model, and actual prices at the dealer will likely be significantly lower.

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Christensen Arms continues churning out bolt action rifles for precision hunting fans, unleashing the newest in its inventory — the Traverse.

The Traverse brings with it a lightweight style, packed with carbon fiber and premium materials. Tacking consumer feedback into consideration during the design phase, Christensen Arms’ Traverse packs in some of its most requested features including a zero-MOA optic rail, adjustable match-grade trigger and oversized bolt knob. The Traverse also sports a stainless steel action, light target carbon fiber barrel and stainless steel side-baffle muzzle brake.

The Traverse combines carbon fiber and premium materials. (Photo: Christensen Arms)

The rifle is topped off with a Carbon Fiber Composite Monte Carlo Stock which delivers a raised comb in addition to a modified Beavertail forearm with a 4-inch bottom Picatinny rail.

Christensen Arms says the Traverse is the perfect set-up for backcountry outings.

“The Traverse elevates Christensen Arms’ backcountry rifle offerings with the time-honored styling and performance you would expect. Designed to be lightweight from the inside out—this firearm takes full advantage of the company’s expertise in carbon fiber and premium materials,” the company said in a news release. “Launching in more than a dozen chamberings, there is a Traverse available for every hunter and every experience.”

Traverse chamberings include:

• 22-250 Remington
• 243 Winchester
• 26 Nosler
• 6.5 Creedmoor
• 6.5 – 284 Norma
• 6.5 PRC
• 7MM-08 Remington
• 7MM Remington Magnum
• 28 Nosler
• 280 Ackley
• 270 WSM
• 270 Winchester
• 308 Winchester
• 30-06 Springfield
• 300 WSM
• 300 Winchester Magnum
• 300 PRC
• 30 Nosler
• 300 RUM

The Traverse features a price tag of $2,395.

(Photo: Christensen Arms)

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The M18 Volkswaffe is now chambered for the 6.5 Creedmoor’s “big brother” (Photo: Mauser Jagdwaffen)

With the model’s first year on the market now in the rear-view, the German “People’s rifle” is newly available in the increasingly popular 6.5mm PRC chambering.

The M18 was released last year in a wide array of calibers from .243, .270, and .308 to 30.06 along with 7mm Rem, .300 Win, and 6.5 Creedmoor to boot. The newest offering, to accommodate Hornady’s spicy new 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge — described as the “big brother” to the Creedmoor — is expected by Mauser execs to scratch a new itch for those wanting to push out beyond 1,000 yards.

“The Mauser 18 is a big seller here in the United States because of its ultimate reliability, durability, and accuracy at an unbeatable price point,” said Christian Socher, CEO of Blaser USA, who distributes the German-made bolt-gun in the states. “We wanted to add the 6.5 PRC chambering as an additional caliber option for those who hunt and shoot at longer ranges.”

The M18 was released last year in 7 calibers, with an 8th added this month (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)

Advertised as a no-frills $699 “People’s rifle” (Volkswaffe) or “People’s repeater” (Volksrepetierer), the M18 features a rugged black synthetic stock with a hidden compartment in the buttplate for storing the cleaning pull-through and oil. Equipped with a three-position safety in a steel receiver, the rifle features a cold-hammer-forged barrel.

Guns.com’s very own Kristin Alberts recently reviewed an M18 in 6.5 Creedmoor, topped with a Zeiss Terra 3-9×40 optic, in the below video.

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Last year, Mary Barzee Flores was backed by every large gun control group in the country, including Giffords and Moms Demand Action. This week she was appointed to head concealed carry licensing in Florida.

A one-time South Florida Congressional candidate who vowed to fight gun rights groups will now have oversight of the state’s massive concealed weapon license program.

Newly installed Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried, a Democrat, on Monday announced she had picked Mary Barzee Flores for the job of Deputy Commissioner for Consumer Affairs. As such, Barzee Flores would be in charge of several of the Department’s programs, including concealed weapons permitting.

“I’m honored to join an administration focused on protecting consumer rights and the interests, safety, and security of all Floridians,” said Barzee Flores in a statement.

An attorney and former state circuit court judge, Barzee Flores was nominated to the federal bench by President Obama in 2015 but her appointment never made it out of the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. She subsequently ran last year as a Democrat in an effort to move into Florida’s vacant 27th Congressional district seat but was trounced in the party primary.

However, during her failed bid for a spot on Capitol Hill, she was outspoken against the National Rifle Association, arguing that, “The NRA won’t be able to buy me and I’ll make sure that Congress listens to the American people and mandates universal background checks, closes dangerous loopholes and reinstates the federal assault weapons ban.”

As such, she earned an “F” rating from the NRA but picked up the solid endorsement of Giffords, the Brady Campaign, Mom’s Demand Action, and Everytown, the latter of which contributed monetarily to her campaign.

According to statistics from the state, Florida has well over 2.1 million carry licenses in circulation as of the end of 2018, with most of those being for concealed weapons, a figure that puts the Sunshine State at the top of the heap when it comes to “shall issue” permitting.

Gun rights advocates hold that, regardless of their stated views, state officials are obligated to safeguard Florida law.

“Despite all the bluster about their personal political positions, the fact remains, Commissioner Fried and Deputy Commissioner Barzee Flores must uphold the Constitution and the law, and can’t use their personal political philosophies to re-tool the licensing program,” Marion Hammer, former NRA president and the state’s primary pro-gun lobbyist, told Guns.com on Tuesday.

“The CW program is not a political football, it’s a program that facilitates the constitutional right to keep and bear arms and the constitutional right of self-defense and 1.9 million license holders will hold them accountable,” said Hammer.

I'm honored to receive this distinction – from the get-go, my campaign has been all-in for ending gun violence and getting the NRA OUT of our politics. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/GOOOyGtwub

— Mary Barzee Flores (@BarzeeFlores) May 10, 2018

Proud to accept the endorsement of @GiffordsCourage because #FL25 deserves someone who will fight for the safety of our families and communities. #VoteCourage https://t.co/7mpol21QjK pic.twitter.com/DhvRQHnAD2

— Mary Barzee Flores (@BarzeeFlores) July 25, 2018

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Bolsonaro, who picked up 55 percent of the vote in Brazil’s latest presidential election, has used his newfound power up repeal gun laws in the country. (Photo: Bolsonaro’s official social media)

The new president of the world’s fifth largest country by population is looking to combat Brazil’s high murder rate by cutting back regulations on personal gun ownership.

Jair Bolsonaro, 63, who assumed office as the 38th President of Brazil after winning election last year with the support of his conservative party, announced Tuesday he was relaxing the country’s strict gun regulations. Brazil has some of the most restrictive gun laws in the world, while the country of over 200 million inhabitants at the same time also has one of the highest murder rates.

“For a long time, it was up to the state to determine who had the right to defend himself, his family and his property,” said Bolsonaro in a statement on his popular social media accounts, followed by over 12 million supporters. “Today… we return to Brazilian citizens the freedom to decide.”

Although the country is home to one of the largest handgun makers in the world, Taurus, private ownership of legal pistols and revolvers is rare due to tight regulations. Indeed, as noted by the University of Sydney’s gun policy research, Brazil does not guarantee individual rights to own a firearm, and requires “may issue” style licensing and registration of rifles and shotguns in a program (SINARM) maintained by the federal police. Such licenses are restricted to one gun per person and have to be renewed every three years. Gun owners have to be at least 25 years old and both guns and ammo can only be transferred among those with licenses.

Many of the more odious restrictions were implemented during the administration of leftist President and union boss, Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva, who held power in the country from 2003 to 2010. De Silva was convicted last year of public corruption charges and is currently imprisoned.

Bolsonaro explained his changes to past “Lula” era laws include the ability to keep up to four guns per license, transitioning to a more “shall issue” type of firearms licensing which would eliminate the ability of police to refuse permits to gun owners for arbitrary reasons, and pushing back the renewal period on the licenses from 3 to 10 years, with more reforms promised.

As reported by Reuters, the new President’s decree would expire in 120 days if not approved by the 594-member National Congress of Brazil. While Bolsonaro’s party, the populist PSL, only controls 56 of those seats, it is the second largest group in the legislature due to the splintered nature of Brazil’s politics as nearly 30 parties have deputies in the chamber.

According to the Brazilian Forum of Public Security, Brazil suffered more than 63,000 murders in 2017, a rate about six times higher than in the U.S. The rate has soared over the past decade in large part due to well-armed drug gangs, with the BBC reporting that at least one Brazilian state saw an increase of some 250 percent in homicides.

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This week, committees in both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly will be hearing an array of bills that are part of Governor Ralph Northam’s agenda to impose sweeping gun control in the Commonwealth.  The Senate Committee on Courts of Justice will be holding hearings on January 16th and the House Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee – Subcommittee #1 will be holding hearings on January 17th.

On January 16th at 10:00AM, the Lake County Board of Commissioners will be voting on whether to approve the proposed amendment to Ordinance No. 1314B previously passed by the County Council to restrict the discharge of firearms in unincorporated areas of the county by increasing the current 200 foot minimum distance from residences for target shooting to 700 feet.

Allegheny County's top law enforcer is advising the City of Pittsburgh to put a halt to its gun-control efforts, but some city council members are not backing down.

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday signed a decree making it easier for many Brazilians to own firearms, the first of many expected changes by the nascent administration to overhaul gun laws in the nation that leads the world in total homicides.