Rifle Talk

To date, the NRA has focused less on support of a candidate and more on opposition to Senator Barack Obama. Even a cursory glance at the NRA news during the last few months of the 2008 election has shown a clear emphasis on Obama rather than support of a particular candidate.

Today’s action will likely change that emphasis and should release more direct funding in support of John McCain. This begs the questions of what took so long and more importantly, is it to late to have a meaningful impact?

Those that do not follow the NRA may not realize this, but the organization does not simply endorse all Republicans as a matter of course. In fact, the NRA has been fairly selective and conservative with it’s endorsements. The NRA did not endorse Senator Bob Dole’s campaign in 1996 nor did it throw it’s support behind George HW Bush in 1992.

The NRA has clearly held several reservations about John McCain and has rated him fairly low in terms of his legislative record. On the other hand, McCain’s great northern running mate has ranked high in her support of second amendment issues. Perhaps the addition of Sarah Palin to the McCain ticket was the added push the NRA needed to back McCain.

But will any of this make a difference? John McCain is trailing badly in the polls and there are less than four weeks left to affect a change. Moreover, guns are simply not a leading issue in this particular election. To further complicate matters, Barack Obama’s record on gun rights is not quite the flash point for conflict that it could be. Although the NRA clearly opposes Obama’s record, his positions regarding firearms will likely be viewed as moderate by a majority of Americans looking to other issues in this tumultuous year. All in all, the jury is still out as to whether the NRA and gun rights will play a significant role in the 2008 elections.

There are many, many gun sites out there, but here are a few blogs that we especially enjoyed:

The Firearm Blog - A well organized and frequently updated blog with loads of practical information and pics.

Gun Pundit - A frequently updated site with lots of recent news.

Civilian Gun Self Defense Blog - A great compendium of articles, news, and opinion specifically about self defense.

The Pro-Gun Progressive - A great site dedicated to dispelling the myth that all progressives and/or Democrats must by definition be gun-haters.

Pink Pistols - Not only can democrats and progressives love guns, but gays too!

I’m going to try deer hunting this year, with my father-in-law. Could you suggest a good inexpensive all around rifle. I have a shotgun, but this will be my first rifle.

I am 16 years old, 6 foot and 180 lbs and I shoot a Remington 30-06. My brothers 12, 90 lbs and 5′2. What would be a good deer rifle for him. Our family perfers Remingtons.

You didn’t indicate if you handload or not, if so, you could used slightly reduced loads in a 30-06 and he could “grow” into full power loads as time goes by. A great rifle would be one of the New England Firearms (NEF) single shots for about $250.00. You can by accessory barrels in many useful calibers for less than $100.00. These great guns come in .308, .270, 30-06, 243, 25-06, 30-30, 44 magnum, 45-70. They are easily scoped. You can cut down the stock to fit your brother and just buy a new one very inexpensively when he grows bigger. They have a web site. Check under H&R Firearms.

I’m looking at buying a savage 270 caliber with a new simmions 3×9 scope they want 300.00 is it worth it>

I am looking to get a 300WSM and get rid of my 30-06. The kick of the 30-06 is not to bad but i don’t want anything with a much bigger kick. But is the 300 winchester short magnum more powerful and or is it a good gun???? Thanks

i am 13 yrs old and will be deer hunting next year. I am 110 pounds and 5ft does anybody have any good rifle choices for me?

I recently purchased a savage .22 semi-auto rifle for home protection. Is this sufficient? Since I purchased it I have had several people tell me that I am fooling myself if I think this would make a suitable home defense gun.

I AM LOOK FOR SOME ONE WHO IS IN THE MARKET FOR THIS RIFLE. I DO NOT KNOW THE VAULE OF THIS RIFLE. I HAVE ALL SO HAVE 3 JAP RIFLES. NEED TO SELL THEM.