Screenshot from 2025-01-10 Rehovot, IsraelRehovot, Israel – An Israeli man turned over a cache of weapons, accumulated by his grandfather and father over decades, to Israeli authorities. The cache was discovered while the man was refurbishing his parent’s home.
Israel was born in military conquest three millennia ago, rebuilt after Babylonian destruction 2.5 millennia ago, destroyed by the Romans as a nation two millennia ago, and reborn as the homeland of the Jews 100 – 78 years ago. Jews have always “occupied” the land that we call Israel.
War, conquest, and military strife have been part of the nation of Israel throughout its history. Before the Israeli War of Independence in 1948, the Israelis had significant underground resistance forces against British rule, with shifting internal alliances, sometimes cooperating with the British, sometimes actively resisting and sabotaging the British rulers of the land. The ability to have and hide firearms was critical. Toward the end of WWII, the British issued a declaration of the death penalty if a person was found with a firearm.
The article/video from Israeli National News says the weapons were apparently collected by the man’s father and grandfather over a period of years.
This cache, with many WWII-era weapons, was likely started during that era. The owners risked everything to ensure they had weapons to defend against a world full of enemies. Consider the risks taken when the regime might kill you for having firearms. Consider keeping weapons whose presence might put you in prison for decades. These were serious survivors of intense strife.
It is an interesting collection. Watching the video, this correspondent determined these approximate numbers and video-level identifications:
- 7 SKS rifles
- 2 SMLE No. 1 MK III Lee-Enfield rifles
- 1 Beretta 38/42 submachine gun, 9mm, wood stock
- 1 Mauser 98K rifle
- 1 Break open shotgun
- 1 CZ .22 bolt gun, similar to 455 series
- 9 AK47/AKM rifles, 1 missing upper receiver
- 18-20 pen guns/ converter barrels?
- 2 Brass knuckles
- 2 German blank guns, semi-auto
- 4 Small revolvers, possible converted starter/blank guns
- 1 Rifle to pistol conversion
- 1 Spanish Destroyer .32 semi-auto pistol
- 2 Lugers + 1 Luger frame
- 1 Steyr M1912 pistol
- 5 Swedish K sub-machine guns
- 1 Sten sub-machine gun
- 1 Swedish Nagant revolver
- 1 S&W style double action revolver
- 1 Colt style double action revolver
- 2 CZ 27.32 pistols
- 1 Webley MK IV .38 revolver
- 1 Baby Browning type .25 semi-auto pistol
- 1 or 2 Beretta 92 pistol(s) (One pistol was either a Beretta or a Helwan)
- 1 or 2 Egyptian Helwan 1951 pistol(s)
- 1 Converted flare gun
- 1 FN 1922 .32 pistol
- 2 1911A1 Pistols
- 3 P-38 Pistols
- 3 Mauser C-96 pistols (broomhandle)
- 1 Enfield .38 revolver
- 16-17 grenades (Mills bombs) (detonators separate, but there)
- 30+ pistol magazines
- 24 sub-gun magazines
- 22 AK magazines
- 4 Galil magazines
- 1 30 mm explosive round
- some 12 gauge shotgun rounds
- 6 bayonets
Thousands of rifle and pistol rounds are reported to have been stored with the firearms.
What might the people who gathered this significant collection of weaponry feel or say about the voluntary turnover of these precious weapons to the police?
The father and grandfather are most likely dead. If they were alive, there would not be any need to speculate about who collected and stored this impressive arsenal.
Many of these firearms would be worth thousands of dollars if legally present inside the United States. A Beretta 38/42 sub-machine gun recently sold at auction for $19,550. It is unknown if any or all of the collection will be destroyed by the Israeli government.
It only takes a generation or two, where weapons are demonized and made illegal by a government and society, for future generations to choose to be disarmed and to trust the government for their security. Israel started as a socialist state. Israel did not include a Second Amendment in their vision of the future. The founders of Israel, in 1948, did not believe an armed society was a positive good.
These firearms would have been highly prized by the Israeli victims of the October 7 massacre on October 7, 2024, where even a few pistols were effective in saving dozens of lives.
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A Blued Ruger Redhawk in 44 Mag
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Another American Classic
FORT WORTH, Texas – Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and FPC Action Foundation (FPCAF) have filed an important new lawsuit challenging federal laws prohibiting licensed firearm dealers from selling handguns to out-of-state buyers.
Elite Precision Customs v. ATF Case Background
The new lawsuit titled “Elite Precision Customs LLC, et al. v. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, et al.” challenges the federal ban on interstate handgun sales. Filed by plaintiffs Elite Precision Customs LLC, Tim Herron, Freddie Blish, and the Firearms Policy Coalition, Inc., the lawsuit takes aim at regulations that prevent individuals from purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers located outside their state of residence. Here’s a breakdown of the key issues and elements involved in this legal challenge:
Parties Involved:
- Plaintiffs: Elite Precision Customs LLC, Tim Herron, Freddie Blish, and Firearms Policy Coalition, Inc.
- Defendants: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Acting Attorney General James R. McHenry III, and Acting Director of the ATF, Marvin G. Richardson.
Legal Background:
Under current federal law, individuals cannot purchase handguns across state lines directly from dealers unless the firearms are shipped to a dealer in the purchaser’s home state. This law, under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(3) and § 922(b)(3), is argued to impose undue hardship on buyers and sellers by adding unnecessary costs and delays.
Court’s Previous Rulings:
This issue was previously addressed in the case Mance v. Holder, where the District Court ruled the ban unconstitutional, a decision later reversed by the Fifth Circuit Court. The plaintiffs are leveraging the recent Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which rejected the use of means-end scrutiny for evaluating Second Amendment claims, as a new basis to challenge the interstate handgun sale ban.
Argument:
The plaintiffs argue that the ban violates the Second Amendment by preventing law-abiding citizens from purchasing handguns across state lines for lawful purposes. They contend that with modern background checks and digital records, the concerns that originally justified these restrictions are outdated.
Relief Sought:
The lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief against the enforcement of the federal ban, arguing it infringes on Second Amendment rights.
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This case represents a significant legal challenge to federal firearms regulations, highlighting the ongoing debate over gun rights and state versus federal powers in regulating firearm sales and ownership.
The case, Elite Precision Customs v. ATF, can be accessed at firearmspolicy.org/eliteprecision. This lawsuit is part of FPC and FPCAF’s high-impact strategic litigation program, FPC Law, which aims to eliminate unconstitutional laws and create a world of maximal liberty. FPC is joined in the litigation by two individual FPC members as well as Elite Precision Customs, a federally licensed firearm retailer in Texas. FPCAF is the counsel of record in this matter.
“This lawsuit challenges the federal ban on interstate transfers of handguns from federally licensed dealers to individuals who are otherwise eligible to purchase and possess a handgun for lawful purposes but cannot purchase directly from a dealer because they do not live in the same state as the dealer,” the complaint says. Because of that, the “ban violates the Second Amendment.” The plaintiffs are seeking a declaratory judgment, a permanent injunction, and other relief.
“FPC and our courageous co-plaintiffs are proud to take on the federal government and fight forward to bring this evil ban scheme to its end,” said FPC President Brandon Combs. “This important case is part of our broader strategic litigation efforts to eliminate laws that deny the right of peaceable people to exercise their right to acquire, possess, and carry arms while outside their state of residence. Through this case and others, we look forward to eliminating these immoral regulatory schemes once and for all.”
“The government’s ban preventing firearm dealers from selling handguns to people that reside in other states is unconstitutional. The ban has no historical support and cannot be justified under Supreme Court precedent. We look forward to demonstrating that in court,” said FPCAF President Cody J. Wisniewski, counsel for the plaintiffs.
Firearms Policy Coalition
Firearms Policy Coalition (firearmspolicy.org), a 501(c)4 nonprofit membership organization, exists to create a world of maximal human liberty, defend constitutional rights, advance individual liberty, and restore freedom. We work to achieve our strategic objectives through litigation, research, scholarly publications, amicus briefing, legislative and regulatory action, grassroots activism, education, outreach, and other programs. Our FPC Law program (FPCLaw.org) is the nation’s preeminent legal action initiative focused on restoring the right to keep and bear arms throughout the United States. Individuals who want to support FPC’s work to eliminate unconstitutional laws can join the FPC Grassroots Army at JoinFPC.org or make a donation at firearmspolicy.org/donate. For more on FPC’s lawsuits and other pro-Second Amendment initiatives, visit FPCLegal.org and follow FPC on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube.
FPC Action Foundation (FPCActionFoundation.org), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, exists to create a world of maximal human liberty through charitable legal action, public policy, education, and research programs. Individuals who want to support this and other cases can make a tax-deductible donation to the FPC Action Foundation.
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NEW 2024 Beretta DT11 DLC
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Visit To La Viña
When I was a kid growing up in southwest New Mexico, I was required to exercise my old pony every evening after school, which I didn’t really consider a chore, though the palomino tended to be a little salty at times.
It was a great plan. We were to spend the weekend in the heart of Webb County, Texas, at a rustic old spot called La Viña, located on the famous Shipp Ranch. I’d been to the place before and figured it would be perfect for a few days of hunting, fishing, and just hanging out with my dad. The Shipp was owned by Col. Evan Quiros, who’d graciously given us permission to set up camp at La Viña, which was just an old adobe line shack turned into a deer camp. To me, an outdoor-loving eight-year-old kid, it might as well have been a palace.
Friday after school, I had my gear packed. Dad had come home a little early and put together our needed accoutrement, which consisted of biscuit makings, some venison, and other odds and ends for a pot of stew; his Ruger Flattop .44 Magnum and ammo; and my old Winchester Model 62A and a brick of .22 ammo. Lastly, he threw in a couple of yellow legal pads. I stared at the pads a minute, then looked at him questioningly.
“Yep, I’m planning on getting a little writing done at La Viña,” he said. “At least there’ll be plenty of peace and quiet there. I’ve got a short deadline on a story for Shooting Times.”
One thing was for sure, when the old man was writing, he demanded peace and quiet. Around the house when his deadlines neared, it was required that my presence be limited to quiet excursions to the kitchen for a drink or snack followed by an immediate exit. TV was out of the question. At least I’d be able to get out and shoot and fish at La Viña.
We arrived at the remote little camp well after dark. Dad made a cursory check of the place to clear out any loitering rattlers, tarantulas, or vinegaroons, which were generally in abundance. We stowed our gear, had a bite to eat, and set in for a little reading before bed. I had a hard time sleeping, thinking of the small-game hunting and bass fishing in Col. Quiros’s well-stocked tanks the coming two days would bring about.
I woke up to the sound of a crackling fire that Dad had just stoked up. He was scraping up fixings for an omelet, which he was planning to make in a cast iron skillet over the fire. La Viña’s fireplace was about all there was for a kitchen. Along with the aromatic smell of the burning mesquite, there was another odor about. I lay in my bunk a moment before recognizing the smell of rain and the sound of the steady pour on the old tin roof. I jumped out of the bunk and ran to the door to look outside, hoping to see just a passing rain cloud. That wasn’t the case.
“Yep, pretty well socked in, I’m afraid,” Dad said without looking up from the omelet makings. “Looks like we’ll be stuck inside a while.”
Rain in South Texas is a precious commodity, and I’m sure Col. Quiros was ecstatic about having a good soaker, but my own mood was far from delightful. After breakfast I wandered out into the downpour for a moment. The caliche entrance to La Viña had turned into a slippery goo about 3 inches deep.
There wouldn’t be much hunting. Even if I’d elected to give it a go, the old man likely wouldn’t let me get my nice Winchester soaked. Part of the problem of course was the fact that Dad wasn’t going to like being cooped up in the adobe shack trying to write with me hanging around with nothing to do. I left my mud-caked boots at the door and went on in to dry off. He was sitting next to the fireplace, concentrating on his legal pad. I quietly grabbed a magazine and went to my bunk.
As we both knew would be the case, the situation didn’t work. After a while Dad tossed the yellow pad aside and picked up his old Rolleicord camera. If he couldn’t get his writing going with me lurking about, he figured to get some pictures taken for the article.
After the photography session, the rain let up slightly. Dad tossed me his old army poncho and pointed at a fishing rod.
“Take a walk on over to the tank and see if you can’t catch us a bass for lunch,” he said.
It had eased into a steady drizzle, which didn’t bother me a bit. Before arriving at the camp, Col. Quiros had outfitted me with one of his special bass lures, sure to land a lunker. He’d warned me sternly not to lose it since it was the last one he had. The fishing turned out to be pretty good, and I pulled in one pretty good large-mouth of perfect lunch size. After losing the lure, I headed on back to camp, the rain getting heavy again. Dad had written about two paragraphs in my absence.
After shedding my soggy clothes, we lunched on the bass, which Dad doused in cornmeal and fried in bacon grease.
“We may never get outta here if this keeps up,” Dad said after lunch. “Might as well pack your gear and we’ll head home.”
I was pretty disappointed as we got in the truck and slid our way out to the highway back to Laredo, but Dad assured me we’d return to La Viña in better weather. We stopped by the Shipp headquarters to see Col. Quiros on the way out. I was afraid he might not allow me back over the fishing lure, but thankfully he didn’t immediately remember it.
“Get your article finished Skeet?” the Colonel asked.
“Naw. That damned Shooting Times editor’ll just have to wait,” Dad replied.
“You’ve never paid any attention to deadlines anyway,” the Colonel added with a chuckle.
Editors and deadlines weren’t things I paid much attention to back in those days. I could have cared less about them, but I knew they were of importance to Dad. All I knew on the way back home was that even though our trip had pretty much been rained out, it was a great time.
These sort of memories contribute greatly to the honor of now having my own column at Shooting Times. It is a real privilege to follow in my dad’s footsteps, and I’m thankful to all the great folks, even the editors, who have allowed me to do so.
I’m a little nervous about having to follow great writers like my dad and Sheriff Jim Wilson, but hopefully I’ve found a good home. And yeah, I inherited the old man’s requirement of serenity while working.
(Bart died last month July 2023)