To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. Russ Thurman Supreme Court Hearing Sets High Drama In Motion T he decision of the United States Supreme Court to review the District of Columbia case, which struck down the district’s ban of private ownership of handguns, has set a course for high drama. There’s a lot at stake on both sides of the gunownership issue, since the case also asserts that the Second Amendment provides for an individual right to keep and bear arms. “The firearms industry looks forward to the Supreme Court putting to rest the specious argument that the Second Amendment is not an individual right,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel. “This intellectually bankrupt and feeble argument has been used by gun-control advocates to justify laws and regulations that deny Americans their civil right to own and lawfully use firearms for protec- tion, hunting, sports shooting and other lawful purposes.” Well said. We all know the decision the court should make; however, there are no guarantees on how the Supreme Court will decide this case, or any other. Thus, expect a lot of attention to be focused on the court during the presentation of this case. The anti-gun movement, most certainly, will closely monitor the drama. “By agreeing to hear the appeal by the District of Columbia in the Parker/Heller case, the U.S. Supreme Court has the chance to reverse a clearly erroneous decision and make it clear that the Constitution does not prevent communities from having the gun laws they believe are needed to protect public safety,” said Paul Helmke, Brady Center president. You can hear the expected shrill from Helmke, but, not surprisingly, you hear nothing concerning the FBI statistics that show Washington, D.C., with its gun ban in place (“to protect public safety”) is ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, with one of the highest per-capita murder rates in the nation. “The Supreme Court’s decision in this case will be extremely significant — the most important decision on guns in nearly 70 years and maybe the most important ever regarding the Second Amendment.” Helmke said. Wait! Did Helmke finally say something we can agree on? T Of course, we also present an in-depth look at SHOT Show 2008, outlining the event’s schedule, special features and educahis issue of Shooting Industry presents the most comprehentional opportunities. In the January edition, we’ll present lastsive information available on the new products for 2008 and minute updates on the SHOT Show, along with the SHOT Show the industry mega-trade event, the SHOT Show. Exhibitor’s Guide and SHOT Show Floor Map. Our 2008 New Product Showcase, which begins on page 67, Armed with this issue and the January edition, you can features new-product offerings from over 47 companies. We’ll develop in advance your SHOT Show battle plan in order to present the new products from at least that many companies in maximize your time at the event, which translates into more the January issue’s showcase. profits. Again, for the thousands of dealers who are not It’s all part of our commitment to give dealers as much inforattending SHOT Show, you have a fistful of business-boostmation as possible — to help them ing information. jumpstart their new business year. FMG Publications, will be at “Our goal is to help drive business the We, If you’re going to the SHOT SHOT Show, as always. Our Show, you’ll have advance knowltask force will represent all of our throughout the industry.” edge on what products you may publications: GUNS Magazine, want to examine and what booths American Handgunner, American to visit. If you’re not going to the SHOT Show, you’ll have the COP and our Special Editions. We’ll be at booth 7444, with a second telephone numbers to call to place orders. booth, 8065, in the Law Enforcement Section, which will showcase Our goal is to help drive business throughout the industry. American COP. Mark on your “Must-See” list our booth numbers The more products that move across the counters of independent and stop by to say hello. gun dealers, the more prosperous we all are, which in turn helps This is our 30th SHOT Show and we’re told there are only 82 stimulate more new products, more New Product Showcases and exhibitors that have been at every show since the first one in St. more business. Louis. Being part of this exclusive group should come as no surIn addition to the 2008 New Product Showcases, this issue prise. FMG Publications has been an integral part of the industry has an updated version of The Universe’s Greatest Buyer’s for more than 50 years. Guide, the invaluable resource that is used as a reference continued on page 93 throughout the year. Visit Us At All Ready On The Business Line! Booth #7444 MAGAZINE Also In The Law Enforcement Section Booth #8825 www.shootingindustry.com • SHOT SHOW SUPER ISSUE 2008 94