Anti-gun battles rage, Bianchi builds power packs - Industry Watch - Bianchi International

Shooting Industry, March, 1998 by Ross Thurman

While the nation deals with erratic weather systems, the industry is battling its own El Nino - a blizzard of anti-gun legislation.

In New Jersey, a long list of anti-gun bills, many of them reintroductions, have flooded the state legislature. Colorado legislators are considering a bill that would ban all private sales of semi-auto guns - even within families. Virginia lawmakers are debating a bill that would permit cities and counties to restrict where firearms can be taken - even for those with CCWs.

Massachusetts is ready to enforce its "consumer safety" regulations. In January, the American Shooting Sports Council filed a lawsuit to block the regulations, resulting in a flurry of legal briefs. If allowed to take effect, the regulations will set a precedent for the rest of the country.

Remember SB500, the California "Saturday Night Special" bill that Gov. Pete Wilson vetoed last year? It's back! The bill has been reintroduced and its backers, smarting from the veto setback, are vowing success this time.

Also in California, Bob Kahn, of B&B Sales (they loaned guns to LA cops during last year's national televised shootout), sent us a copy of Los Angeles Ordinance No. 171758. This is the same ordinance that banned the "Saturday Night Special" in LA. The ordinance also requires gun dealers to thumb print all customers buying ammunition. In addition, all gun-shop employees must undergo a background check that costs $123 and takes six to eight weeks. Plus, no magazine that can hold more than 10 rounds can be sold to customers. Wait, there's more. All firearms must be sold with a trigger lock or similar device.

These and hundreds of other regulations throughout the nation continue to move the anti-gun movement forward. While most of them don't outlaw guns, they make selling and owning guns so burdensome that they have the intended effect. The fight goes on.

As a side note, remember those guns B&B loaned to police? Kahn and crew donated them for auction at the Soldier of Fortune Convention last year.

"We've been trying to donate the $7,200 from the auction to the LA Police Memorial Fund since November," Kahn said. "They refuse to accept the money if we mention SOF."

A Real Pack For Hunters

One of the surprises at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas was the introduction of a full line of hunting packs from Bianchi. One section of the company's booth was dominated by camouflaged backpacks, fanny packs and accessories. Why would Bianchi get into the pack business?

"I've never seen the proper application of modern suspension systems in the shooting industry," said Gary French, Bianchi International president. "Most hunters - gun and archery - end up with what's really just a bag with straps. We knew we could do better."

Few people in the shooting industry know that Bianchi International also owns Gregory Mountain Products, makers of high-tech packs for serious hikers and mountain climbers. Using Gregory's advanced technology, Bianchi has brought a unique pack line to the shooting industry under the name Bianchi Outdoors.

"We did a lot of market research to learn what serious hunters wanted in a pack," said Hope Bianchi Sjursen, who spearheaded the development of the pack line. "Hunters want a pack that can be modified to their personal needs, one with lots of pockets and ways to attach gear. They want a pack that won't punish them; it has to be quiet, and hunters want an easy way to carry water. Once we had the research, we went to work designing the packs."

The results are impressive. There are six Bianchi packs, ranging in capacity from 2,100 to 760 cubic inches. Features, which vary depending on the model, include S-Curved Stealth contoured shoulder harnesses, Gullwing laminated foam waist belts, CoolMax lined backs, numerous pockets, and lash straps. Several of the models will accommodate Bianchi's Hydro-Cell hydration system and a holster. In addition, there are three fanny packs, a belt pack and other accessories. The entire line is made of Saddlecloth in Realtree X-tra Brown.

Bianchi has another winner, one that will be welcomed by hunters and others that are serious about the outdoors.

For more information, contact: Bianchi Outdoors, 100 Calle Cortez, Temecula, CA 92590; (909) 676-5621, Fax: (909) 676-6777, e-Mail: www.bianchiintemational.com.