*********** NOTICE: THIS IS A FORWARDED MESSAGE *********** 
============================================================================
			    GENERAL-RKBA Digest 321
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) FAXALERT: BATF Classifies Muzzleloaders as Firearms by NRA Alerts 
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Topic No. 1
Date: Fri, 12 Dec 1997 17:23:08 -0500 (EST)
From: NRA Alerts 
To: general-rkba-real.nra
Subject: FAXALERT: BATF Classifies Muzzleloaders as Firearms
Message-ID: 
                        NRA-ILA FAX ALERT
           11250 Waples Mill Road * Fairfax, VA  22030
    Phone: 1-800-392-8683 * Fax: 703-267-3918 * GROOTS@NRA.org
Vol. 4, No. 50                                           12/12/97
    BATF CLASSIFIES SOME "IN LINE" MUZZLELOADERS AS "FIREARMS"
     According to an Industry Circular sent out to all FFL
holders last week by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms,
muzzleloaders "with in-line firing mechanisms designed or
redesigned to use modern conventional firearm primers DO NOT meet
the definition of antique firearms, and are therefore now subject
to regulation as a "firearm." The issue revolves around the
definition of "modern ammunition," in which BATF classifies a
primer, by itself, as ammunition. BATF is operating under the
premise that if a "modern primer" is used anywhere in the firing
mechanism, then the firearm is "modern," and thus, not subject to
the 1898 exemption for antiques or replicas. "Primers are not an
antique ignition system and are ammunition subject regulation,"
BATF says, seemingly forgetting that "modern primers" were
invented in 1858. Under this brand of reasoning, BATF stands on
the threshold of regulating ALL muzzleloaders as "firearms." This
is yet another example of the Clinton-Gore administration's
agenda to restrict the lawful activities of America's shooting
community. And just as NRA-ILA has been saying all along, the
anti-gunners will not stop at "Saturday Night Specials" or so-
called "assault weapons" in their efforts to disarm law-abiding
Americans. NRA-ILA has sent BATF Director Magaw a letter urging
him to reconsider and reverse this ruling.   
       
           COUNTRY MUSIC SINGERS VISIT NRA HEADQUARTERS
     Recording artists "Blake and Brian" stopped by NRA's
Fairfax, Va., offices recently to meet with NRA leaders over
concerns many gun owners have with their new single, "The Wish." 
Written as an autobiography of a particular handgun, the song has
been interpreted by many as giving credence to the emotionalism
so often perpetuated by the anti-Second Amendment community. 
During their visit, the performers, Blake Weldon and Brian Gowan,
both emphasized to NRA President Marion Hammer their support for
the right to bear arms.  In fact, Blake and Brian offered to use
their popularity in the country music community to help spread
NRA's message of safety, responsibility, and freedom.  In a
follow-up letter to the singers, Ms. Hammer thanked Blake and
Brian for their visit, but reiterated NRA's concern that "The
Wish" may  be sending the wrong message about responsible and
enjoyable firearm ownership. To read  President Hammer's letter
in its entirety, check out the Grassroots site next week on NRA's
homepage at http://www.nra.org.             
          NATIONAL FIREARMS MUSEUM CONSTRUCTION LAUNCHED
     NRA President Marion Hammer officially announced  the
commencement of construction of the National Firearms Museum at
NRA's National Headquarters, with a targeted completion  date of
June 1998.  Tracing the history of firearms in America, the
museum will be a world-class, state-of-the-art facility that will
cover approximately 15,000 square feet.  "This museum is more
than a window to America's history -- it is a crucial link to our
nation's future, and to the survival of Second Amendment freedom
in the hearts and minds of future generations," said President
Hammer. Planned exhibits include the American Revolution, the
American West, and both world wars.  Upon completion, the
National Firearms Museum will feature more firearms than any
other museum in America!
                       A LOOK AT THE STATES
MASSACHUSETTS: The mayor of Springfield announced in a press
conference Thursday that he is introducing an ordinance that
requiring "child safety devices" to be placed on ALL firearms
when being stored or transported. Members are urged to contact
the Springfield County Council at (413)787-6170 immediately to
urge the councilmen to oppose this measure when it comes before
them.  
VIRGINIA: On Tuesday, December 16, a special election will be
held to fill the State Senate seat in District 14 vacated by
Attorney General-elect Mark Earley. NRA-PVF has endorsed Delegate
Randy Forbes (R) for election to this seat.  As a member of the
House of Delegates, Randy Forbes voted in favor of important
reforms to Virginia's "right to carry" law, including increasing
the permit duration from two to five years, capping the fees at
$10.00 per year, and eliminating the mandatory statewide
fingerprint requirement for both new permits and renewals.  Voter
turnout for special elections is usually low, so your vote will
make the difference! NRA Members in Senate District 14 are
encouraged to make it to the polls Tuesday to vote for Randy
Forbes for State Senate.
=+=+=+=+
This information is provided as a service of the National Rifle
Association Institute for Legislative Action, Fairfax, VA.
This and other information on the Second Amendment and the NRA is
available at: http://WWW.NRA.Org   
------------------------------
End of GENERAL-RKBA Digest 321
******************************
...          ******** NOTE: THIS IS A FORWARDED MESSAGE ********
--- FMail 1.22
---------------