NSSF Bullet Points – News of Note

BACKGROUND CHECKS ON FIREARM SALES UP 8.4% IN JULY . . . Data released by the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) reported 966,162 checks in July 2009, an 8.4 percent increase from the 891,224 reported in July 2008. This latest jump in background checks follows the release of the Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax Collection Report by the Department of the Treasury just two weeks ago. The report noted that firearm and ammunition manufacturers paid more than $109.8 million in the first calendar quarter of 2009, up 43 percent over the same period in 2008.

EXCISE TAX REFORM GAINS ANOTHER CO-SPONSOR . . . U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md.) today agreed to co-sponsor HR 510, bringing to 80 the total number of co-sponsors in the House, with 15 currently co-sponsoring the Senate version (S. 632) of the bill. NSSF expects several more co-sponsors to sign on after Congress returns from August recess. It’s vitally important that all members of the firearms and ammunition industry urge their representatives to support this legislation, which will rectify a longstanding inequity in the frequency with which firearms and ammunition manufacturers pay a federal excise tax on the products they sell. More information.

ATK SALES UP 7.5 PERCENT, DRIVEN BY AMMUNITION . . . Sales at Alliant Techsystems rose 7.5 percent in the first quarter to $1.2 billion, driven by strong demand for commercial ammunition products, continued strength in military ammunition and new international ammunition sales, partially offset by expected lower sales in the company’s Space Systems group. Net income in the first quarter was up 28 percent to $69 million. “The strength of ATK’s commercial and military ammunition businesses, coupled with long-term opportunities in aerostructures, precision weapons, and tactical accessories will fuel ATK’s continued growth,” said Dan Murphy, chairman and CEO.

POLL: 83 PERCENT OF AMERICANS SUPPORT RIGHT-TO-CARRY . . . A new poll shows that 83 percent of Americans support right-to-carry laws, the NRA reports. The poll, conducted Zogby International and The O’Leary Report, also showed that right-to-carry crosses party lines, with 86 percent of independent voters and 80 percent of voters who are Democrats supporting right-to-carry.