Viewpoints

A C-SPAN video from January 30, 1995, shows Eric Holder advocating that people should be 'brainwashed' into supporting gun control. Holder, now attorney general of the United States, is shown on the video supporting using Hollywood, the media and government officials to “really brainwash people” into opposing firearm ownership. Holder, who was then the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, was addressing the Women’s National Democratic Club on Jan. 30, 1995. In his speech, he held up anti-smoking campaigns as a model for an anti-gun campaign.

Online retailer Cheaper Than Dirt recently posted an extended discussion entitled “The Myth of Handgun Stopping Power” in the company’s Shooter’s Log. Technical writer “CTD Mike” wrote, “When it comes to ammunition selection for personal defense, we need to separate real from hype before making a purchase. If you make a bad purchase on a vacuum or a home gym, you are likely to be a bit embarrassed. Making a bad purchase on defensive ammunition could have dire consequences. Let’s talk about some fundamentals so you’ll be able to make an informed decision.”

A recently Washington Times editorial claims that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) knowingly posted false information about transporting local gun laws. From the editorial:

At the Tenth Amendment Center's website, former judge Andrew Napolitano recently examined remarks by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder regarding constitutional 'due process' and called Holder's legal views 'terrifying.'

The Brady Campaign gave its best grade on the group's 2011 State Gun Control Scorecard to California. The Brady Campaign said California "continues to blaze legislative trails saving lives," earning 81 points out of 100 on the Brady scorecard. That's the state in which the total violent crime, murder, robbery, and aggravated assault rates were higher than national rates in 2010, the most recent full year reported by the FBI.

I'm a private security officer. When I was deciding on a duty gun, I considered the Springfield XD45 Tactical, but the lack of a thumb safety concerned me. Does an aftermarket safety exist? For now, I'm carrying a Series 70 Springfield 1911. Is there a duty holster you'd recommend? Also, any recommendation for cold-weather gloves when manipulating the 1911, and do you have a preference for a particular tactical light? Thanks for your great research! - Mr. France's specific questions were outside our areas of expertise, so we turned to Duane Liptak, director of Government Programs and Training for Brownells, to get answers.

Recent articles in magazines and newspapers are documenting substantial spikes in gun sales due to the prospects of future gun bans or sales restrictions.

Chris W. Cox, executive director of the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action, recently wrote, 'In all of my years fighting on behalf of the National Rifle Association to defend the Second Amendment, I never thought I would see a White House so vehemently opposed to gun ownership that it would be willing to arm violent criminals and endanger American lives in pursuit of a gun control agenda....'

Gun Tests Contributing Editor Roger Eckstine gets a rundown on new pistol models available from CZ this year.

Gun Tests Contributing Editor Roger Eckstine takes a quick look at Magnum Research’s Micro Desert Eagle.

A poster on the Gun Tests Facebook page asked: 'Does Gun Tests have prior articles regarding holsters for CCW carry of a full size 1911 style pistol? I think a number of your readers are willing to accept the bulk in exchange for the benefits of a carrying a full-size .45 (such as the ability to shoot it more accurately under stress.)' The Gun Tests page architecture doesn't support a forum-like discussion, so we created this open thread for GunReporters to jump in and comment. Carry On!

The NRA recently launched its voter registration drive with 'Trigger the Vote,” a web video featuring R. Lee 'Gunny' Ermey... in his new career as a librarian.