ASSC members lobby Congress on behalf of dealers

Shooting Industry, May, 1994 by Robert Hausman

The growing threat to the ability of firearms dealers to conduct business has been noted by gun manufacturers, importers and distributors, and they have begun to take action. In early February, members of the American Shooting Sports Council (ASSC) gathered in the nation's capitol for its second annual industry fly-in and lobbying effort. Organized five years ago, the organization has grown rapidly to include more than 130 manufacturers, importers and distributors, as well as about 3,600 retailers, according to executive director Richard J. Feldman.

"ASSC members brought our pro-gun, get tough on crime message to Congress," said Feldman. "In no uncertain terms, our members put Washington D.C. on notice that the American firearms industry is alive, well, and prepared to fight for our industry's rights."

Senior members of the industry took time from their hectic schedules to make the trek to D.C. They included several company presidents: Ron Whitaker of Colt's Manufacturing Co., Stephen Otway of Heckler & Koch, Ed Shultz of Smith & Wesson, John R. Hansen Jr., of Hansen Cartridge Co., and Ron Stilwell, former president of Colt's and now High Standard Manufacturing Co.

The main thrust of this year's efforts centered on stopping the proposed Feinstein Amendment to the crime bill. To better represent the industry, council members received tips on how to give interviews to the news media. Participants also were briefed on effective lobbying techniques (be brief, courteous, deal in facts not emotions, detail the effect the proposed legislation would bare on your firm, its suppliers, dealers, and more).

On Capitol Hill, council members delivered their messages. Ed Shultz, of S&W, stressed that the jobs of his 1,500 employees were at stake. Ron Whitaker of Colt's echoed Shultz, adding that his inability to sell the Colt AR-15 (which the Feinstein Amendment would ban), coupled with his firm's on-going financial problems, could mean the loss of 800 jobs. The importance of the arms and ammunition industry to the American economy was presented.

At the ASSC award's dinner, Oklahoma Congressman Bill Brewster (D-Okla.) was named the 1994 Congressional Leader of the Year for his untiring efforts on behalf of the shooting industry.

During an address, House Judiciary Chairman Jack Brooks pledged to make every effort to stop the Feinstein Amendment.

A closer working relationship between the gun industry and BATF was proposed by Terry L. Cates, chief of the BATF's Firearms and Explosives Division. Saying his agency focuses on crime control rather than gun control, Cates said real progress in controlling crime will not be made until ways are found to "mend the fabric of family life."

Cates said his agency will bc pushing for gun dealer reform, which he called a crime-control tool. "There are about 287,000 firearms dealers in the U.S. and we can't determine who the vast majority are selling guns to," he said. "We need to be able to do that, and we want to see only honest and legitimate people in the gun business."

Upcoming ASSC events include acquainting members of Congress and the media with firearms with a day at a firing range. ASSC believes that this will help overcome fears and promote a better understanding of firearms and their benefit. For more information, write: ASSC, 9 Perimeter Way, Suite C-950, Atlanta, GA 30339.