Commentary

Gun owners, beware. Hidden in Barack Obama's MTV-style acceptance speech was a message that should send chills up the spines of everyone who values not only the right to own a gun, but the very right of self-defense.

The upper assembly of the Fabrique Nationale Herstal SA (FN) FNC rifle is classified as the receiver of the firearm for purposes of the Gun Control Act, 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44, and the National Firearms Act, 26 U.S.C. Chapter 53.

The Houston Chronicle has reported that Harris County District Attorney Ken Magidson has asked for a legal opinion from Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott to see if assistant DAs can be prevented from taking handguns into courtrooms.

Gun Tests magazine recognized this in the January 2007 issue, when the magazine staff wrote that the 45 ACP was a Best Buy. “Ten rounds of big bullet with a full-size grip highlight this low-priced street fighter. A thumb safety and Heinie sights are plusses in our book.” A recent check of www.Gunbroker.com showed a couple of choices for the gun, both of which were substantially below the MSRP quoted in that issue—$421.

GunBroker.com had almost two dozen Black Eagle II’s listed a day ago, with a low price of $1,050 for a used gun with a 28” barrel and factory chokes and case.

Dick Heller walked out of D.C. police headquarters Monday, clutching a yellow firearms registration certificate stamped 'approved.' He gave the thumbs-up sign, grinned and said, 'Victory!'

Gun owners in Baltimore whose firearms are stolen would be required to report the theft to police under legislation approved by the City Council yesterday—despite questions about whether the proposal is legal.

The Michael Bloomberg-funded Mayors Against Illegal Guns announced it has sent a six-question survey to both John McCain and Barack Obama that focuses on the foolish and misguided steps the group says should be made to the existing NICS background check system. The coalition sent a similar survey to the major-party candidates during the primaries, but didn't get a response. Now that the field has tightened to two, the “mayors” hope they'll have better luck.

Blackwater Worldwide announced its support of AB2498, proposed legislation that would prevent prohibited persons from unlawful access to and possession of firearms.

The 2008 Democratic Party’s draft platform confirms that the party still “doesn’t get it” about Second Amendment gun rights versus the Utopian fantasy that gun control laws will somehow make neighborhoods safer, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms has said.

When Gun-Tests.com tested the Beretta AL391 Urika 20 Gauge in the magazine’s June 2008, the retail price was listed as a stiff $1350. But GunBroker.com auctions have the guns selling used for $400 below that. For instance, Auction # 106087392 had a “like new” 20 ga/28 in. for $830.

Chicago is fighting to keep its 1982 handgun ban, even as suburbs such as Wilmette and Morton Grove are throwing in the towel. In fact, Daley is talking about drafting yet another ordinance to spell out the responsibilities and liabilities of homeowners in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision to overturn Washington D.C.'s handgun ban.