Senators Oppose Ammo Bans in National Parks
NEWTOWN, Conn. – In a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, 13 senators detailed their concerns about the impact a ban on traditional ammunition would have on hunters, the economy and wildlife populations.

"At this time, the motives behind NPS actions addressing lead issues are very unclear. Especially in these difficult economic times, this action will discourage people from hunting and fishing and decrease revenue into the Pittman-Robertson fund that funds state conservation efforts," read the letter.

The firearms industry, sportsmen's groups and multiple conservation organizations criticized the ban in a press release, calling it "arbitrary, over-reactive and not based on science."

In concluding their letter to Secretary Salazar, the senators were very clear as to what they wanted to see: "We request that NPS cease all actions to prohibit the use of lead products on NPS lands by private citizens and NPS personnel."

Signatories on the letter include:

Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY)
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Sen. James E. Risch(R-ID)
Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY)
Sen. Roger F. Wicker (R-MS)
Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC)
Sen. Michael B. Enzi (R-WY)
Sen. Robert F. Bennett(R-UT)
Sen. John Thune (R-SD)
Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC)
Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE)
Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK)
Sen. David Vitter (R-LA)

SCOTUS to Hear Chicago Gun Ban Case
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Supreme Court announced recently that it will hear the case of McDonald v. City of Chicago

At issue is a 27-year-old Chicago law banning handguns, requiring the annual taxation of firearms, and otherwise interfering with the right of law-abiding individuals to keep guns at home for self-defense. The case was brought on behalf of four Chicago residents, the Second Amendment Foundation, and the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Last year, in the landmark case of District of Columbia v. Heller, the Supreme Court held that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to keep and bear arms.

However, as that case concerned the actions of the District of Columbia government, a federal entity, the high court was not called upon to decide whether the right bound states and local governments. Over the years, almost the entire Bill of Rights has been held to apply to state and local governments by operation of the Fourteenth Amendment.

"The freedoms we enjoy as Americans are secured to us against violation by all levels of government," noted Alan Gura, of Gura & Possessky, PLLC, lead counsel for the McDonald plaintiffs. "State and local politicians should be on notice: the Second Amendment is a normal part of the Bill of Rights, and it is coming to your town."

Otis McDonald, a Chicago resident since 1952 who led the fight to integrate his union local in the 1960s and is a plaintiff in the case, welcomed the news.

"I am grateful the Supreme Court has agreed to hear this case," McDonald said. "I now pray that the Court secures me and all other law-abiding citizens the right to defend ourselves and our families."

Pick up a Peacemaker
The Colt Model P, commonly called the Single Action Army or the Peacemaker regularly ranks among the hottest collector guns on the market. But there are great many variations and even some less than savory types out there who would pass off forgeries as authentic cowboy guns.

When buying old Colts for big money, get an independent appraisal and make sure the claims of provenance add up. Looking for a Colt? Type in Colt SAA on www.gunbroker.com and you'll find more than 700 auctions. A great place to start.