ISRA Thursday Bulletin – January 5, 2017

On January 9, 2017, the Illinois Legislature will go into session.  On Monday, the 99th General Assembly will finish unfinished business from the last two years.  While all of the gun bills, both good and bad, are still under consideration, the only one that might be called will be SB433, the suppressor bill.  Then, at noon on Wednesday, January 11, the 100th General Assembly will be seated.  There are a lot of changes among the representatives and senators.  It will take a while to figure it all out.  The real action will start in February.

It is going to be interesting to see what it’s going to be like nationally, under President-Elect Donald Trump.  In Illinois, we are not going to see any improvement unless it comes from Washington D.C.  For us, it will be the battle, as usual.  Many predicted that firearm sales would fall if Donald Trump was elected.  I have checked with a couple of firearm dealers and firearm sales have not slowed down.  I admit this is not a very good sample.

Of course, part of this continuation of sales comes from reduced prices for firearms and ammunition.  The optimistic future, increased availability of products and lower costs may increase the number of visits to the ranges, and more participation in shooting leagues and competitions.

The stock markets are looking at certain gun companies as being very good investments.  The top three of these include Smith & Wesson, Sturm Ruger and the Vista Outdoor Group (Savage Arms, Blackhawk and Bushnell).  Notably, Savage Arms is introducing a new Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR).  The competition among the firearm companies keeps improving every product, I have to say.  Colt is coming out with a new updated 1911, with a new double spring recoil system that looks interesting.

All gun owners need to be aware that Michael Bloomberg is pushing ahead full tilt with his anti-gun campaign.  It is my understanding that in some states he had established offices before the General Election, and he never closed them.  Those offices are still open, and undoubtedly, they are moving their anti-gun attacks to the state and local levels.  Please understand that Michael Bloomberg has billions of discretionary income to put into the campaign against law abiding gun owners.  This fight is not over; it is just beginning.

Thanks for being a member.

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