Category: All About Guns
U.S.A. — Cecil Trimble, a 35-year-old restaurant manager, took a fishing reel to Bass Pro Shop’s Tampa store last week to be spooled with new line. As he was waiting, he wandered over to the gun department and immediately spotted the object of his recent desire.
Trimble had been searching for a Sig P365 X Macro for weeks. The problem was, so had everybody else. Bass Pro wanted around $800 for the 9mm. Trimble didn’t hesitate. He told the salesperson he wanted it, completed a Form 4473, and handed over his Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License, which exempts him from a waiting period. Trimble had purchased numerous firearms from Bass Pro Shop in the past, so he expected to walk out of the store with his new pistol in minutes.
“The clerk came over and told me, ‘The ATF has approved you, but we’re denying the purchase,’” Trimble told the Second Amendment Foundation’s Investigative Journalism Project earlier this week.
Astonished, Trimble demanded to know what was going on. The salesperson said Trimble’s brother-in-law had tried to buy a firearm at the store a month ago but self-denied on the 4473, most likely because he misread a question. Unfortunately, Trimble’s brother-in-law, who had lived with him several years ago, moved out but never changed the address on his driver’s license.
“I asked the clerk how this had anything to do with me, and he said it was Bass Pro’s policy not to sell any firearms to anyone living at the same address as someone who has been denied,” Trimble said. “He hasn’t lived there for three or four years. I get the straw purchase thing, but he tried to buy a $200 revolver and I was trying to buy an $800 9mm.”
“The firearms manager agreed with me but could not get the GM of compliance on the phone to talk this out,” Trimble said. “As it stands now, I or anyone living at my address are barred from buying firearms from Bass Pro ever again.”
Trimble pointed out his brother-in-law is retired military, a Florida CWFL holder, and not a prohibited person. He must have misread a question on the Form 4473, Trimble said. The staff wouldn’t relent.
“My main gripe is this: what if I moved into an apartment and the previous tenant was denied. According to Bass Pro, I couldn’t disprove it’s not a straw purchase, and I can never buy a gun from them again,” Trimble said.
Bass Pro’s response
Neither Bass Pro Shop’s corporate communications staff nor Jarron Ritchie, general manager of the Tampa facility, responded to multiple calls or emails seeking their comments for this story.
Calls to Bass Pro’s firearm compliance directors were referred to their corporate communications staff, who did not respond.
Multiple calls to the Tampa store’s gun department finally produced a brief interview with “Joe,” who said he was one of the store’s managers. Joe did not provide his last name.
At first, he tried to blame the ATF, but he later admitted, “We do keep a data log on this.” However, he would not discuss or disclose their corporate background check policy.
“Again, sir, we are talking about things that I, at the store level, am not allowed to go into,” Joe said.
Takeaways
It’s important to remember that a gun dealer can refuse to transfer a firearm to anyone for any reason. In fact, they don’t need a reason to refuse a sale.
Also, the Biden-Harris administration has declared war on gun dealers. Federal Firearm License (FFL) revocations have increased by more than 500% since Biden took office. If the ATF was able to revoke the FFL of a big-box gun store like Bass Pro, the results would be cataclysmic for the store and its customers. Therefore, it is easy to understand why the sporting goods chain would want to be very careful when transferring firearms.
Still, Bass Pro’s straw purchase fears do not make much sense in this case. Straw purchases usually happen within 72 hours of a denial – not a month later – and nearly all of them involve the same gun – not a $200 revolver and then an $800 9mm.
Trimble was able to find and purchase a P365 from a local gun store the next day. The whole ordeal reminded him of another corporate mishap.
“Remember when Dick’s became anti-gun? This could be a slippery slope like Dick’s went through,” Trimble said. “They’re not preventing straw purchases. I answered that question on a federal form, which should be good enough. Bass Pro told me I’d get a call back from them the next day. I’m still waiting for that call.”
Legally, Bass Pro can concoct whatever policies they want, but they also should be willing to explain them when asked by the public. Even at the height of their lunacy, Dick’s still managed to do that.
This story is presented by the Second Amendment Foundation’s Investigative Journalism Project and wouldn’t be possible without you. Please click here to make a tax-deductible donation to support more pro-gun stories like this.
About Lee Williams
Lee Williams, who is also known as “The Gun Writer,” is the chief editor of the Second Amendment Foundation’s Investigative Journalism Project. Until recently, he was also an editor for a daily newspaper in Florida. Before becoming an editor, Lee was an investigative reporter at newspapers in three states and a U.S. Territory. Before becoming a journalist, he worked as a police officer. Before becoming a cop, Lee served in the Army. He’s earned more than a dozen national journalism awards as a reporter, and three medals of valor as a cop. Lee is an avid tactical shooter.
Categories
Biggest Gun You Have Ever Seen
Rimfire guns are popular with shooting enthusiasts. When it comes to .22-caliber rifles, many are fans of the higher velocity and additional applications the .22 WMR has over the .22 LR. Here are 10 .22 Mag bolt-action rifles to consider for your next purchase.
March 23, 2022
The late 1970s rise of hyper-velocity .22 Long Rifle loads and the later advent of various .17s threw a bit of shade on the .22 Magnum’s status as the muscle rimfire. But the fact remains that the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, introduced in 1960, is never a bad choice. A .22 Mag. rifle is capable of handling projectiles from 30 to 50 grains in weight and at velocities from 1,600 fps to nearly 2,300 fps. In a good scoped bolt-action specimen, you will have to step up to a centerfire .22 Hornet to beat it by much.
The .22 Magnum is, primarily, a hunting cartridge. As such, it outranges and outperforms the .22 Long Rifle on small game and varmints by a considerable margin. It is not really an optimum coyote load, but I have seen it do a respectable job on called-in coyotes out to 50 to 60 yards or so. And it tends to be an accurate cartridge. Over the years I have shot examples of modestly priced .22 Mag., and with loads they liked they would stay at an inch—often under—at 100 yards.
And speaking of hunting, in many areas rimfire hunters are close to civilization, and as such, suppressors are becoming ever more popular. Not only is it safer for the shooter’s hearing, suppressed gunshots are less likely to annoy landowners, livestock and neighbors. So today many .22 Mag. rifles are threaded for suppressors, and that is a great thing.
Let us look at some of the newest entries in the bolt action category. They are presented from least expensive to most expensive.
1. Rossi Rimfire
Rossi is best known for its lever actions, but the company also manufactures bolt guns, including a .22 Mag. The rifle comes with a stylish polymer stock, and the 21-inch matte black barrel is free-floated for accuracy. It is a nice, light 5.6 pounds, perfect for the hiking hunter, and a crossbolt safety is in the forward portion of the trigger guard. The rifle feeds from a five-round detachable box magazine. RossiUSA.com, $221
2. Citadel Trakr-22M
With its collapsible black synthetic stock, this tactical-looking .22 Mag. import is available through Legacy Sports International. Its threaded 21-inch barrel will squeeze out every bit of velocity from the .22 Mag. cartridge, and it features a 5-round detachable box magazine and a push-button safety as well as a cocking indicator that protrudes from the rear of the bolt when cocked. There are no iron sights, but Weaver scope bases come installed. Weight is 6.3 pounds. $249
3. Savage 93 Minimalist
The name may imply bare bones, but this little .22 Mag. rifle features a distinctive partially skeletonized wood laminate stock. Further, the 18-inch barrel is threaded for a suppressor, and it includes Savage’s user-adjustable AccuTrigger. The minimalist aspect really comes into play when you talk about weight, and the 93 Minimalist’s 5.5-pound weight should make it a dream to carry. It feeds from a 10-round detachable box magazine, and it comes with Weaver bases for scope mounting. It is available in green or brown versions. $359, SavageArms.com
4. CZ 457 American Synthetic Suppressor-Ready
The 457 is an expansive line from a company that really knows how to make a rimfire. The 457 American Synthetic Suppressor has all the features a hunter could want—starting with an all-weather American-style synthetic stock with twin sling swivels up front so you can mount a bipod and a sling simultaneously. The 20.5-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel is threaded 1/2×28, and the rifle features a fully adjustable trigger. In an update over older CZ models, the safety now pushes forward to Fire. The 60-degree bolt throw ensures it will clear today’s big-ocular scopes. No iron sights, but it has a grooved 11mm dovetail for scope mounting. Weight is 5.4 pounds. $519, cz-usa.com
5. Savage B22 Magnum BNS-SR
This new model features a good-looking, ergonomic stock with a higher comb for scope use and a vertical pistol grip for proper hand placement when shooting prone or from a rest. Its 18-inch carbon steel barrel is button-rifled and threaded for a suppressor. And Savage does not skimp on accuracy just because it is a rimfire. The BNS-SR uses the same thread-in, zero-tolerance headspacing for its barrel as centerfire rifles do, and the gun comes with Savage’s user-adjustable AccuTrigger. Weight is a Goldilocks-right 6.6 pounds—easy to carry and solid from shooting positions. Feeding is from a 10-round rotary magazine, and the gun comes with two-piece Weaver scope bases. $529, SavageArms.com
The Americans have been well-received by hunters and shooters because of their features and typically excellent accuracy. For the .22 Mag. fan looking for something a little different, the version with a Go Wild Camo Brush synthetic stock and Burnt Bronze Cerakote (model 8373) is a good-looking, hard hunting rifle. It comes with interchangeable modules that change length of pull and comb height, and these are easily changeable. The 18-inch barrel comes with a brake and is threaded 1/2×28 if you want to change to a suppressor. The barreled action is Ruger’s Power Bedding, with an integral block to locate the receiver and free-float the barrel, and the Marksman trigger is adjustable. It comes with a Picatinny rail attached to the receiver for easy scope mounting, and the 60-degree bolt throw will clear even big-ocular scopes. Feeds from a nine-round rotary magazine, and weight is a handy 5.9 pounds. $559, ruger.com
7. CZ 457 Lux
For the hunter who appreciates the finer things in life, the 457 Lux is served up with a European hogback-style stock in Turkish walnut. The design is just right for use with the adjustable iron sights that come on the rifle, and the receiver also sports a grooved 11mm dovetail for scope mounting. Its long, 24.8-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel provides an excellent sighting radius for the irons. Weight is a just-right 6.1 pounds, and like other 457s it now features a safety that pushes forward to Fire like Americans expect. The 60-degree bolt throw ensures it will clear today’s big-ocular scopes. $605, cz-usa.com
8. Browning T-Bolt Target
If it is traditional elegance you are looking for, plus the rapid-fire capability of a straight-pull bolt action, this .22 Magnum addition to the straight-pull T-Bolt stable features a 16.5-inch bull barrel with target crown that is threaded for a suppressor. The stock is satin finished Grade 1 black walnut. Overall length is 34.75 inches and the weight is 6 pounds, 2 ounces. The detachable box magazine holds 10 rounds, and it is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. $720, browning.com 9. Bergara B-14R Carbon
This respected Spanish company is now offering its full-size trainer in .22 Magnum. The barrel is 18-inch carbon fiber with a No. 6 taper and threaded muzzle/thread protector. It features the company’s HMR stock with a full-length mini-chassis, adjustable cheekpiece and length of pull. It is compatible with Remington M700 scope mounts, has a 38-inch overall length (with spacers) and an 8.1-pound weight. The rifle features a 10-round AICS-style magazine: There is also a steel-barrel version for about $100 less. $1,245, bergara.com
10. Anschutz Model 1761 AV Threaded Classic
Anschutz is one of the most respected brands in the world when it comes to competition rifles, but the company makes sporting guns, too, including models in .22 Mag. The 1761 AV Threaded has an 18-inch barrel with a heavy contour and is, like it says, threaded—1/2×28 in this case. The stock is wood, styled classic, and one of the big selling points for some people will be its two-stage trigger. Anschutz triggers are among the finest on the planet, and it contributes a lot to accuracy. The rifle feeds from a five-round magazine. Weight is 6.1 pounds. $1,850, AnschutzNorthAmerica.com
The Worshipful Company of Gunmakers was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1637 to promote and regulate gunmaking. Unlike many of the old guilds and livery companies, it still performs that role through its management of The Proof House which is also known as the London Proof House.
According to its history, King Charles I bestowed the Royal Charter upon the Company. There had been an argument going back to the 1300s over which guild or company should govern gunmaking. The Blacksmiths and the Armourers each thought they should be the ones in charge. A royal commission was established and its recommendation was that an independent company be given the charter.
The Charter defined the role that the Gunmakers still play today. It created a proof mark, a stamp of the letters ‘GP’ surmounted by a crown. The mark is stamped on guns that meet the statutory safety requirements. Only the Company can bestow it, and it is illegal to sell a gun without a recognised proof mark. To administer proof, the Company was given broad powers of “search, gage, proof, trial and marking of all manner of hand guns in London or … imported from foreign parts”. The power to search (with a constable) for unproved guns and seize them is still vested in the Company today.
The Proof House along with the Birmingham Proof House has the responsibility to proof barrels, to improve gun safety, and to certify de-activation of certain firearms. Proofing a barrel involves firing a proof cartridge through it that exceeds the maximum theoretical service pressure by anywhere from 25% to 50%. This is done remotely. After a reinspection of the barrel and making sure its measurements are still within spec, then it has the proof mark affixed.
The Worshipful Company of Gunmakers also certifies those that through training or apprenticeship can be called Gunmakers. The Gunmakers’ Certification requires a minimum of four years work in a specific gunmaking craft such as barrel making, engraving, or stockmaker. The candidate submits a portfolio of his or her work along with other evidence to a committee of Master Gunmakers for evaluation. If they pass, they are awarded the Certification. The Company also recognizes Master Gunmakers who usually have 20 or more years in the trade. Like the apprentices, they submit a portfolio. If they pass, they are deemed Master Gunmakers and can affix the title “MAsR.G” after their names. For example, it would be Mr. John Bull, MAsR.G.
I mentioned guilds and livery companies earlier. While many no longer serve to govern a trade, they still have a legal role in the governance of the City of London. They elect the Sheriffs, the Bridgemasters, and Ale Conners of the City of London and endorse the election of the Mayor of the City of London. As an aside, the term “livery” comes from the clothing and regalia adopted by the guilds and companies to distinguish themselves in times gone by.
The Worshipful Company of Gunmakers ranks number 73 in precedence. The oldest is the Worshipful Company of Mercers (general merchants) whose charter dates to 1394. Gunmakers rank ahead of lawyers, insurers, lightmongers, and tax advisors in terms of age and precedence. The responsibility for approving new livery companies is that of the Court of Alderman who act like an upper chamber in the legislative administration of the City of London. The primary role for most livery companies now is charity and education. Many also have affiliations with British military units. The Gunmakers, for example, are affiliated with the Light Dragoons.
I stumbled across a link to the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers from a posting on the AfricaHunting.com forum. There had been a discussion of what gun shops and gunmakers to visit while in London.
One last note: the Gunmakers have been in their present location on Commercial Road in Aldgate, London since 1675. They were one of the few guilds or livery companies to have been located outside the old walls of the City of London but this was presumably done for safety reasons back in the day.
For the last couple years, there has been an epidemic of mass shootings targeting people in bars, malls, and outdoor parties. These have generally been gang members targeting other gang members.
It’s spring. We see this stuff every year as the temperatures warm. This year seems even worse, with lots of “Spring Break” parties targeted. That, combined with “de-policing” means criminals are going to do what criminals do with no one to stop them.
Understand that if you get caught up in a mess like this, the cops won’t be speeding to your rescue. The community doesn’t want the cops arresting bad people anymore. The cops will respond, getting there after all the shots have been fired to coordinate medical care and write a nice report.
I’ve received several emails similar to this one lately.
“Let’s say I’m at a place of business or some other public place and a scuffle breaks out resulting in shots fired such as at Polaris this week or another mall last week or in front of a bar last night. Last night, 15 shots were fired. Being armed competently what should I do? What would you do?”
I’m going to answer this one simply and directly. You off-duty cops and legally armed citizens have exactly one role in this situation: Make sure you and your family/friends don’t get shot. That’s it. End of lesson.
When I hear shots nearby, I immediately get down on the ground or behind cover. I assess where the shots are coming from and I plan a path of retreat in the opposite direction, ideally moving between large pieces of cover as I make my escape. That’s it. There is absolutely nothing else you should do.
These are young thugs fighting other young thugs. These are gang bangers fighting other gang bangers. These are drunken idiots who decide to whip out a pistol when they are insulted. None of those situations involves you in any way, even if you are in danger of catching a stray round.
They don’t want to shoot you. The only way you will get hit is by accident. Don’t go looking for trouble. Don’t try to intervene. There is no “innocent third party” to protect. Let the dumbshits shoot each other. You don’t have to play their game.
And you don’t have to “be a good witness” either. If these jackasses get arrested, do you want them getting you and your family’s names, addresses, places of employment, and phone numbers? As soon as their court appointed attorney files for discovery, all of that information goes directly to them. Now you’ve become an active player in their game. And in that game, they don’t care about the same rules you do.
A friend of mine’s 18-year old son was at a mall where there was a gang shooting. A ricocheting bullet hit him in the arm, but didn’t penetrate his jacket. He was listed on the police report as a victim and the boy (he was still in high school) was issued a subpoena to testify against the accused who had fired the shots. My friend’s son didn’t see anything and provided no useful information for the prosecution, he was still ordered to appear in court. Does that sound like a good plan to you? Would you instruct your teenage child to “be a good witness?” Not me.
Don’t involve yourself in this stupidity. It will only harm you in the long term. If you intervene, you will either get shot by the thugs, shot by the cops, sued by the person you shoot, or criminally arrested. If that doesn’t happen and you make a statement to the cops you take the chance of being hunted down by the arrested party’s crew at a future date before trial.
Say it again with me: “Not your people, not your problem.”
Get out. Not playing is the only route to victory.