Salem-News.com Guns articles Page 14

Rangers, Conservation & Anti-Violence Groups Seek National Park Gun Ban

President Obama is called upon to keep American families and wildlife safe in National Parks.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - In a letter sent to President Obama today, park rangers, The Humane Society of the United States, Violence Policy Center and other groups, asked for the president’s help in stopping efforts to allow loaded rifles, shotguns, and semi-automatic weapons in America’s national parks—risking the safety of American families and wildlife.

To curry favor with the National Rifle Association, Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) this week sponsored an amendment to H.R. 627, the Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights Act of 2009.

New College Campus Safety Measures Announced

A report issued this week encouraged campuses to review their campus security services.

(SALEM, Ore.) - At a rally on the Capitol steps Friday, State Representative Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer, St. Paul, Newberg) announced the introduction of two new legislative measures designed to enhance safety at our state’s college campuses.

“This new legislation will give Oregon’s public universities the option of allowing their campus security officers to be trained, equipped and armed, essentially becoming regular police officers,” said Thatcher. “It would also enhance their ability to enforce the laws we currently have to combat crime.”

Bi-Partisan Bill Would Protect Rights of Gun Owners

There are more than 109,000 Oregonians with a Concealed Handgun License. Each has undergone an extensive background check and firearms training.

(SALEM, Ore.) - State Representative Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer, St. Paul, Newberg) and State Representative Jeff Barker (D-Aloha) introduced House Bill 2727 today to shield the private information of Oregonians with Concealed Handgun Licenses (CHL).

“Disclosure defeats the whole point of having a concealed weapons permit,” said Thatcher. “The private information about these Oregon gun owners should also remain concealed.”

Concealed Handgun Licenses - In My Opinion

Oregon law does not permit Oregon's sheriffs any discretion to deny concealed weapons permits except in very limited circumstances.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregonian is flat wrong in its op ed "Keep weapons permits public" in a number of respects. Of course, the newspaper is absolutely right when it guards the public's right to know what its elected officials and governments are doing.

Gun Sales Surge in Oregon as the Industry Takes a Dive

An Oregon gun shop owner says the election of Barack Obama has dramatically affected gun sales.

(COOS BAY, Ore.) - Gun sales in Oregon have slowed dramatically because most of the desirable firearms are sold. Prices on the AR-15 assault weapon and the AK-47 have tripled, according to Coos Bay, Oregon gun shop owner George Davis. He says the shelves are bare at his store, George's Hole in the Wall Gunshop in Coos Bay.

Record Number of Oregon Gun Sales Reported on `Black Friday‏`

During the month of November 2008, there was an average of 720 daily transactions. This was an increase from one year ago when there was an average of 437 transactions in November 2007.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon State Police Firearms Instant Check System or "FICS" program, had its busiest day for firearm sale transactions on

"Black Friday" was the busiest day for firearm sale transactions in Oregon, since the "FICS" program was implemented for background checks in 1996. The Oregon State Police Firearms Instant Check System unit provides a service to all Federally Licensed Firearms dealers in the state of Oregon by conducting the Firearms Instant Check backgrounds on persons attempting to purchase a firearm, state officials said.

On Friday, November 28th, FICS staff processed 2,198 background checks. On November 23rd 2007, last year's "Black Friday", there were 1,610 transactions. The previous record number of single day transactions occurred three years ago on "Black Friday" when there were 1,731 transactions.

Deputy Says Woman Tried to Take His Gun in Multnomah Courthouse

Deputies say it appears that the Ms. Hawkins has some mental disorders.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Nobody was hurt today in a Portland courthouse when a woman reportedly tried to pull the gun out of the holster of a passing deputy.

It would be fair to say that Multnomah County deputies had their fill of unexpected gun incidents Tuesday. Around 10:00 AM, a pair of deputies serving an eviction notice on an apartment dweller say they were surprised when he pulled out a gun. The other incident today involved the deputy actually having to wrestle the woman's hand off the gun.

Representatives Say US Supreme Court Gun Case Could Impact Oregon.

This article includes a video from the Heritage foundation's director whose remarks echo those of the Oregon lawmakers.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments today on the strictest gun ban in the country, and state lawmakers say the outcome could have implications here in Oregon.

"Whatever the decision by the high court, it could be the most significant Second Amendment case in our nation’s history," said State Representative Linda Flores (R-Clackamas).

Reps Flores-Thatcher Add Names to National Gun Rights Lawsuit

The lawmakers believe problems related to a gun regulation law in Washington, D.C. could find their way to Oregon.

(SALEM, Ore.) - State Representative Linda Flores (R-Clackamas) and State Representative Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer, Newberg, St. Paul) added their names to a new effort to overturn the ban on handguns in the nation’s capitol.

The National Rifle Association filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court and Representatives Flores and Thatcher are among dozens of women legislators across the country showing their support for the brief.

New Brady Scorecard Shows Oregon Lacking Common Sense Gun Restrictions

Oregon voters strengthened its gun laws in 2000, closing a loophole by requiring Brady background checks on the purchases on all gun sales at gun shows.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - A watchdog group says officials in Oregon have done little to keep criminals and other dangerous people from easily obtaining guns, according to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the new redesigned scorecards are being released today for all 50 states.

Oregon earned just 18 points out of a total of 100.