Was October *12, 13, 14, 2007 *Friday for Members Only Special Turkey Dinner for members and exhibitors for the last show on Friday Evening  (Free, naturally) was delicious and different.  Don't expect that all the time, boys!

Remember 9/11 ... and that these were Muslim Pilots and that is why they should be profiled at our AIRPORTS! 

Friday, July 13, 2007

The Facts About OSHA's Ammunition Proposal

A recent proposal for new “explosives safety” regulations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has rightly caused a flurry of concern among gun owners and those in the firearm business.  OSHA had set out to make legitimate updates to workplace safety regulations pertaining to explosives; unfortunately, the proposed rule goes far beyond regulating true explosives.  The proposed rules include restrictions that very few gun stores, sporting goods stores, shippers, or ammunition dealers could comply with. 

The key problem in the proposed rule is that OSHA defines “explosives” to include “black powder, … small arms ammunition, small arms ammunition primers, [and] smokeless propellant.”  The proposal defines different classes of “explosives” based on the hazards they present, but then treats ammunition and components the same as the most volatile high explosives, for nearly all purposes. 

In fact, industry and military tests have long proved that small arms cartridge pose little hazard in a fire.  A classic reference work from the 1940s describes tests in which large quantities of shotgun shells and metallic cartridges were deliberately set on fire.  The ammunition generally burned slowly, and cartridges ignited “piece by piece” without throwing fragments more than a few feet.  (Julian S. Hatcher, Hatcher’s Notebook 532-33 (2d ed. 1962).)

Because small arms ammunition and components are far less hazardous than high explosives, existing practices for their storage, transportation and sale are very different.  But under the proposed rule, a workplace that contains even a handful of small arms cartridges, for any reason, is considered a “facility containing explosives” and therefore subject to many impractical restrictions.  Among the many examples:

• No person could carry “firearms, ammunition, or similar articles in facilities containing explosives … except as required for work duties.”  This rule would make it impossible to operate any kind of gun store, firing range, or gunsmith shop. 

• Employers would have to evacuate all employees when an electrical storm approaches a “facility containing explosives.”  This requirement would apply to all “facilities,” from a small country store that stocks a few boxes of hunting ammunition, to the largest mass-merchandise outlet such as Wal-Mart. 

• Employers would have to ensure that “no open flames, matches, or spark producing devices are located within 50 feet (15.2 m) of explosives or facilities containing explosives.”  Neither small gun stores, nor “big box” retailers have any practical way to enforce this rule; realistically, a person smoking a cigarette outside a large concrete building can’t set fire to ammunition inside the building anyway.

• Vehicles could not be “refueled within 50 feet (15.2 m) of a facility containing “explosives.”  Again, many gas stations and convenience stores in rural areas stock small quantities of ammunition; gas pumps outside don’t pose any danger to ammunition in the store.

The proposed rules on storage of small arms ammunition and components would also create problems for retailers.

• The rule would require 25 feet of separation between small arms ammunition and all “flammable liquids, flammable solids, and oxidizing materials.”  As an even more impractical alternative, a dealer could construct a one-hour fire barrier wall.  Neither should be necessary, given the low level of hazard created by (for instance) a countertop display of gun oil near a supply of rifle or pistol cartridges.

• The rule would also impose stricter limits on storage of smokeless powder than existing National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines require.  OSHA has presented no evidence that the existing NFPA standard is insufficient to protect workplace safety.

Finally, transportation provisions in the proposed rule would create similar problems.  For example, the rule would require shippers to notify “local fire and police departments” before transferring “explosives” between vehicles, and even to notify these agencies about vehicle breakdowns or collisions.  A fender-bender while delivering shotgun shells to a gun store hardly justifies this level of government involvement.  These provisions do not reflect standard practices in the shipping industry, and many carriers would probably refuse to ship ammunition under these rules. 

It’s important to remember this is only a proposed rule, so there’s still time for concerned citizens to speak out.  The National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute will all file comments urging a major rewrite of these proposed regulations, based on the severe effect the proposed regulations (if finalized) would have on the availability of ammunition and reloading supplies to safe and responsible shooters.

The public comment period on OSHA’s proposal ends September 10, 2007.  To file a comment, or to learn more about the OSHA proposal, go to www.regulations.gov and search for Docket Number OSHA-2007-0032”; you can read OSHA’s proposal and learn how to submit comments electronically, or by fax or mail.  

To read a letter from Representative Doug Lamborn (R-CO) and 31 other members of Congress to Labor Secretary Elaine Chao regarding the OSHA proposal, please visit http://www.nraila.org/images/oshaltr.pdf

Copyright 2007, National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action.

Looks Like OSHA will be reviewing and correcting their mistakes... as reported since July 18.

Last Show ~ Plattsburgh, NY Gun Show

 June *1, 2, 3, 2007

 VFW Post #125 on Boynton Avenue

We displayed at the Syracuse, NY Gun Show this April 21, 22 weekend.  Brought some very fine guns and there was a record crowd but limited sales activity. We did fine though. Note: We can arrange to have any particular items or firearms that you would like us to bring to the show. Or perhaps on the way stop at your location to view or purchase items.

From NRA-ILA :  Albany Mayor Introduces Gun Ban Proposal!

Please Contact Mayor Jennings Today!

 
NRA has recently learned that Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings has introduced a gun control proposal in the Common Council.  Although attempts to obtain a copy of the proposal were refused by the mayor's office, we have now learned that the proposal will include the following: 

• Require registration of ALL firearms within the city (this includes currently owned handguns and long guns);
• Outlaw private gun sales;
• Require dealers to report all firearm sales to local law enforcement;
• Ban "high caliber" handgun ammunition including 9mm. and .357; and,
• Mandate that gun owners keep firearms locked-up and inaccessible.

 The Common Council could vote on the proposal as early as tomorrow!  

If you live in Albany please contact Mayor Jennings at (518) 434-5100 and voice your opposition to this proposal. Or as NEACA Members call the Mayor's office to voice your disapproval of this useless legislation.

Also, please call the members of the Common Council and urge them to oppose this proposal and any other proposals that infringe upon the rights of law-abiding gun owners.  The Common Council can be reached at (518) 434-5090.

Another fine exhibitor and long standing NEACA Member has passed on to a better place this past Friday March 16, 2007. A true stalwart in the gun collecting fraternity our friend and colleague, Peter Stebbins, was stricken suddenly at home.  Farewell Peter, may you only find peace and grace in Heaven.

 I know the rest of the gang up there will still try to beat you out of all the cheap Henry's and Winchesters!

Peter Julian Stebbins

Note: On May 4th at 11 o'clock Burial Services will be held at the Sacred Heart Church, 120 Kings Highway, Tappan, NY.  Internment to follow at Rockland Cemetery.  A luncheon will be served at the 1776 House, Tappan NY.  (Kings Highway is off Rt. 303, Exit 5S of Palisades Parkway.)

We displayed at the Syracuse, NY Gun Show this April 21, 22, 2007 weekend. Note: Sales were fine and the crowd was huge.

We displayed at the Lewiston, ME Gun Show this past March 24, 25, 2007. Note: Our sales were light but it was an enjoyable meeting.

We displayed at our Saratoga Springs, NY Gun Show this March 17, 18 2007 weekend. Note: Our show was still excellent both in sales and buying even though we had a terrific snow storm.

We displayed at the Albany, NY Gun Show this past January 2007. Note: Our sales were light but it was an enjoyable meeting.

We displayed at the Easton Waterfowl Festival Show, MD on November 11, 12, 2006. Note: We finally managed to get a new vehicle for the upcoming shows.  Was a nice event and we had a fine show, will be there again next November.

We displayed at our Saratoga Springs, NY Gun Show this October 14, 15 weekend. Note: Our show was excellent both in sales and buying.  One of our best this year even with a lower attendance.

We displayed at the Springfield, MA Gun Show this October 7, 8 weekend. Note: Our show was terrible both in comfort and sales even with high quality Winchesters and collectables. Public was light.

We displayed at the Syracuse, NY Gun Show this September 16, 17 weekend. Note: We had a fairly good show because of our quality merchandise and a couple of good customers. Public was off.

See my new Commentary on Dave's World.

A new little story ... Who will Make the Hoska?

Last Gun Show:   Herkimer, NY

 Michael E. Plisek VFW Post #4915, 131 Mohawk, St. 

Saturday, May 19 & Sunday May 20, 2007

Last Gun Show: Lake George, NY ~ Holiday Inn  Sunday ~ February 11, 2007 ~ Winter Carnival

Download Lake George Flier

What I just heard ... Breaking News ~ Dems want to destroy California Deer Herds ....

From NRA Report:  PROVISION BY SENATORS BOXER AND FEINSTEIN PASSES SENATE ~ WILL EXTERMINATE ALL SANTA ROSA ELK AND MULE DEER

Last month, President George W. Bush signed the "2007 Defense Authorization Act," which included an NRA-supported provision saving hundreds of elk and mule deer on Santa Rosa Island from the court-ordered extermination that was to begin in 2008 and be completed by 2011.

However, this week an amendment by Senators Barbara Boxer (D-Ca.), and Dianne Feinstein (D-Ca.), passed the Senate, and, if accepted by the House, will result in the overturning of current law and assure the extermination hundreds of healthy elk and mule deer on the island, off the coast of California.  This action is not about public access or whether these animals should be hunted and by whom.

Siding with environmental extremists, Senators Boxer and Feinstein claim that the Kaibab deer and Roosevelt elk on Santa Rosa Island are destroying natural vegetation and thus, should be indiscriminately exterminated.  The provision calls for the deer and elk to be killed en-masse.  NRA-ILA opposes the indiscriminate extermination of these animals.

NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox stated, "In a blatant attempt to slaughter these animals - for absolutely no good purpose - Senators Boxer and Feinstein claim to 'correct a terrible mistake.'  The only irreversible mistake in this situation is if these elitist politicians are allowed to kill healthy and robust animals for political purposes."

Santa Rosa Roosevelt elk and Kaibab mule deer are unique and invaluable, as they are free from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and other ailments that threaten the species on the mainland.  Forty miles of Pacific Ocean offer them a sanctuary from disease. The healthy and thriving herds can be used as breeding stock to repopulate in case of disaster on the mainland.

Cox concluded, "This is not about hunting - this is about political pandering and payback."

PLEA

FOR

HALP

JON!

Some of the dumb troopers in Iraq pleading to John Kerry.  If only they finished pre-school they would have had a chance of success. Please vote RIGHT this November.

US Congressman John E. Sweeney

United States Congressman John Sweeney, Republican, stopped in to say hello to Dave and Cathy Petronis at this past August NEACA Arms Fair at the Saratoga Springs City Center.  He is an avid Second Amendment Rights supporter and John deserves the support in this coming November election from all New York State voters and gun owners.  Naturally our grand-kids, Kristen and Megan Bazar of Mechanicville were not going to be left out of the photos.  If my girls and your own future family off-spring are going to be able to hunt and have a place to shoot we need to support today's pro-gun candidates and elected officials. John represents the 20th NY Congressional District and you can show your support by calling his office at 518-371-8839 and say "Thank You" for his gun rights stance.  And make sure you REGISTER and VOTE this November 7th.

Also showing his support for our shows by showing up and visiting with the exhibitors and NEACA members at our August 4 & 5 Arms Fair was James Tedisco, who represents the 110th NY State Assembly District. As some of you may recall he also visited our show in Schenectady last July.  Jim has a pretty important job as the Assembly Minority Leader in the NY State Legislature and we would like to keep him there after he wins re-election this November.  A "Thank You" for his gun rights support can be phoned in to 518-455-5811.  Cathy and I wish to thank both these men for their continued support of our own right to Keep and Bear Arms and to Buy and Sell them at our Arms Fairs.  If the anti-gun democrat candidates seeking election from the governor on down actually get into power in Albany we may very well see the demise or complete elimination of public Gun Shows in this State.  YOU can make a difference by contributing a few dollars to the campaign of your choice and your most important VOTE this November 7th.  And if you find you may be away simply fill out an absentee ballot.  If any of you need voter assistance you can call your local Republican Committee or in Saratoga County call 518-584-7900 or go to the Saratoga County GOP website at http://www.gopsaratoga.org/index.asp .

By the way, "Who is John Faso?" you ask.  Well, I hope he is going to be your next Republican Governor.  Click on Fred Dickers column in the NY Post .... http://www.johnfaso2006.com/updates/031706.html to find out a little about New York politics.  It ain't pretty.     Dave Petronis

Newest NEACA Member Letter ~ May 2006

The Monticello show is now in the history books, it was a great show, full of guns and some other things but the public was very light.  I'll show you in pictures and prose to what you all missed (see Gun Shows).  I personally sold well and bought a few new things for the web and my collections, a deluxe special order 1894 Winchester in .38-55 just as I was leaving on Sunday. Beautiful gun in 95%!!  Another show will be scheduled.

New Gun Show ~ 250 8' Tables

Mighty M Gaming

 Monticello, New York (Formally Monticello Race Track)

May 20 and 21, 2006

We are committed to promoting this new show and the facility staff are 110% behind making this a huge success.  We have tables for $70.00 and NEACA Members, $60.00.  Non-members have a chance to join our group and receive the discounted rate if you immediately apply for membership at $30.00 per year and send the Member Application (PDF) plus a one table deposit (regardless of how many you want) to us by April 15th.  After that only current Members of record get the discounted rate.  We also have a great deal on hotel rooms and a few other gifts for early participants. Send in today!

Address at Contact Us.           Mighty M Gaming Website

Download Monticello Flier in PDF   Reverse of Flier for Rules

Some of the exhibitors coming so far:  Pete Alliegro with new handguns; Steve Heath with new long guns; Charles Taylor with modern blades and swords; Ken Delano with collector guns and Charles Daly shotguns; Val Jamrozy with US Militaria; John Momrow specializing in US Military '03's; Terry Sullivan with used and collector firearms; David Dittman with new & collector long guns; Bill Dwyer with new & collector firearms and scopes; Lynn Dryfus specializing in collector scopes and long guns; Richard Haralabatos with collector firearms; Richard Hartman of Elmira Arms; Vic Scuderi with new and used guns; Bob Planke with collector Winchesters; Paul Gemma with militaria and air guns; John Shattuck with vintage books and collector guns; Gerald Arnold with collector knives and Americana; Larry Zacarola with used guns, militaria and collectables; Joe Kopchek with gun company collectables and vintage Americana; David Petronis with collector and antique firearms and blades; Ron Jones with Winchester collectables; Richard DeMayo with new and used guns & collectables; Bob McQuade with quality collector and investment long guns; Len Goering with used and collector long guns; Wes Hurd with used and collector firearms; Vince Tavernite with guns and archery; Jamie Ponce with leather care; Vicki Heine with local gun club; and other applicants still coming in.

Suffolk County Trap & Skeet Range In Jeopardy!
Please Attend Brookhaven Town Board Meeting Tuesday, May 2 and Tuesday, May 16!   

The Suffolk County Trap & Skeet Range is in jeopardy of being closed by the persistence and pressure of anti-gun members of the Brookhaven Town Board.  It is critical to show up in large numbers at the next two Brookhaven Town meetings and make strong positive arguments for reopening the range.  The next two meetings of the Brookhaven Town Board are:  Tuesday, May 2 and Tuesday, May 16, One Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738. 

If you are unable to attend the meetings, please contact
Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley at the above address or via phone at
(631) 451-9100 and fax (631) 451-6677.

Kevin J. O’Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Glenn N. Anderson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Boston Field Division, today announced that FRANK D’ANDREA, age 61 (DOB 12/21/44) of 94 Soundview Avenue, Shelton, Conn. has been arrested on numerous federal firearms charges related to the operation of D’Andrea’s Gun Case, formerly of 1420 Barnum Avenue in Stratford, Conn. D’ANDREA’s store is now called Guns & Safes Unlimited and has moved its location to 269 Woodmont Road, Milford, Conn. D’ANDREA was arrested on Thursday, April 20, and was presented before United States Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport. He was released after posting a $200,000 non-surety bond.    Read the full story at ATF website.

It's winter again in the great Northeast and with the price of gas and oil we surely need another Indian Summer.  Collectors and buyers saved their hard pressed dollars for our Arms Fair (Gun Shows) in Lake George, NY on February 12 and next for our upcoming Arms Fair in Saratoga Springs, NY on March 17, 18 and 19, 2006.  Go to Gun Show page.

This was sent in by a friend from Canada ...

Dear Mr. Petronis,

Since my father's unexpected passing last month, I've been trying to
contact some of the friends he met through trade shows.  He had his associate membership card and your newsletter on file, leading me to you.
I'm not sure if you have a forum to share information with NEACA members.  If you do, I'm hoping that you could let them know the daughter of Charles Lent (dba Wild Lucy's) welcomes contact from his friends.

Most sincerely,  Colleen Lent

Colleen also shared a story she wrote for the Newspaper she works for in New Hampshire.  Not about her and her own Father, but it could be about any of us.

Dear Dave and Cathy,

While reviewing your site, it was noticed you feature submissions from
members.  You're welcome to post the newspaper article I wrote about a
father and daughter team who manage an army surplus store.  For a link to the story click here.

Again, if your organization is ever in the northern part of New Hampshire
area, please let me know.

Sincerely,  Colleen Lent          clent@netway.com

Here is another reason why you should only do business on the web with someone who also has a brick and mortar store where you may eventually resolve any problems.  Someone is selling My Photographed guns and other items on Yahoo and other auction sites as their own, taking the money and of course, not delivering the goods.  So much for auction sites and getting a real good deal!  The FBI and BATF have been notified.  Also watch out for credit card orders that require fast shipment, you might be holding nothing after the "sale." See About Us and why shop with us.

We have started a Silent Auction Page where items will be up for bid on-line and at our store.  We will have a two week viewing period and closings at 6pm EST on Wednesdays.  Go to our new Silent Auction.

We will be conducting these auctions periodically and will include some of our collectable items th