Your weekly source for Second Amendment news and events in Massachusetts
Gun Owners' Action League
We are the largest Second Amendment rights organization in Massachusetts and   
we have been part of the fabric of Massachusetts since 1974
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January 29, 2016

Dear Mike,

Thank you for reading the Friday News.  Please remember, everything we do, including this email is made possible by the generous support of GOAL members.  If you are not a member, please consider joining GOAL , if you are a member, please consider a generous donation, purchasing raffle tickets, or attending a GOAL event.  
Alert - Action Items

We currently have multiple alert - action items which need your attention. 

Three action items - Please take action today!
  • Call - Email - Write your state representative and state senator - urge them to oppose: 1. H.3476 Imitation Gun Bill, 2. H.3914 "No Fly" list legislation.  Also, ask them to support all GOAL legislation discussed yesterday at the public hearing - ask that they oppose all "opposed" legislation from yesterday.  Click here for GOAL's list of legislation heard yesterday with "support/oppose" position.
  • Ask your state representative and senator to contact the members and chairs of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security - ask that they contact the committee members and ask that they support/oppose legislation listed above from yesterday's hearing - ask that they oppose the "No Fly" legislation and imitation gun bill.
  • Call - Email - Write the chairs and members of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security - ask them to support/oppose legislation listed above - ask that they oppose the "No Fly" legislation.

Click here for GOAL's Action - Alert page with more information.

State House Hearing Report

“Why is my LTC restricted just because I live in Lowell MA?”  
- Jean Peeples, Lowell MA.

GOAL was at the January 28 Public Safety Committee hearing, here is our report!

Public Hearing run by Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Hearing Room A1, State House, Boston MA.

Welcome everyone from Room A1 at the Massachusetts State House, we are gathered today to discuss forty-two Second Amendment related bills. There is medium to light attendance, which appears to be predominately composed of Second Amendment supporters.

Read more
Jim Wallace on Fox & Friends

GOAL Executive Director Jim Wallace appeared this week on Fox News' morning show, "Fox & Friends" to discuss the city of Lowell's recent decision to institute what is essentially a poll tax on citizens who wish to apply for their LTC.

Click here to watch the video.
GOAL Statement On Lowell

For Immediate Release

City of Lowell Illegally Restricting Civil Right.

Northborough, Massachusetts – January 20, 2016.

GOAL is greatly disappointed by the recent decision of the Lowell City Council to impose illegal, additional restrictions upon citizens of the city that wish to lawfully carry a firearm.

The new proposal, which mandates additional training and fees, is akin to the poll tax of old. Simply put, it is designed to discourage people from pursuing lawful carry of firearms, a right recognized by our Second Amendment and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Read more
Why the Imitation Gun Bill is a bad idea

Imitation Gun Bill H.3476 Problems
  • What problem is this bill trying to solve? Is there really a legitimate issue that is being addressed?
  • Will it make law enforcement safer in a stressful situation to see that a potential gun is painted a different color?
  • Where is the education component to teach kids not to point things at police?
  • Will criminals now paint their guns different colors to fool law enforcement?
  • We did already enact the Deceptive Weapons law in the 2014 bill.
  • The bill does not address the thousands of products that are already out there.
  • The bill does not address competition pieces, some worth more than $2,000. 
  • Gives police complete authority to confiscate items with no due process, property rights or financial consideration.
  • Definitions are exceptionally vague and would leave it in whose hands.
  • Language would grant the Attorney General’s office to enact further regulations under Chapter 93A “Unfair and Deceptive Business Practices.” The same authority that has already been abused with handguns in Massachusetts.
  • Would allow the Attorney General to prosecute business persons under Chapter 93A. Most likely fines of up to $5,000 per item.
  • There is no grace period for retailers to sell off or return their stock.
  • Offers no solution for non-profit groups like Boy Scouts or 4H that use these items for training and competition.

Video Exposes Gun Prohibitionist lies.

With the debate over gun control in America raging on fiercer than ever, conservative pundit and comedian Steven Crowder decided he would conduct an experiment to see if it really is as easy to purchase automatic weapons as some liberal politicians and celebrities have claimed.

Crowder visited several weapon vendors at a gun show and attempted to buy a gun without a license, resulting in a hilarious failure that he recorded on a hidden camera. He then featured the undercover stunt on his web-based series Louder With Crowder.

Click here to watch the video.

GOAL Alert:  Town of Lexington Voting To Ban Commonly Owned Firearms & Magazines

Info:

Lexington Town Meeting Member Robert Rotberg has initiated an attack on the Second Amendment.

Rotberg initiated a citizen's petition (article) modeled after the Highland Park IL gun ban. If passed, this article would ban many commonly owned firearms and magazines in the town of Lexington. Currently the town of Lexington has over 800 residents who are duly licensed to own firearms. Should this article become law it would affect an untold amount of firearms, which are currently legally owned.

To stop this article from becoming law, it must be voted down by Lexington's town meeting members at the Annual Town Meeting.

The annual town meeting is scheduled for March 21, 2016 at 7:30 PM in the Carey Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA 02420.

Lexington residents need to contact their town meeting members and urge them to vote NO on Mr. Rotberg's article.

Take Action!

If you are a resident of Lexington, please contact your town meeting representative and urge them to vote NO on the article filed by Mr. Rotberg. (at this time we do not know what number the article will be)
See contact info for town meeting members below. 

Plan on attending town meeting March 21, 2016 and speaking out against this attack on our Second Amendment.

Click here to see a precinct map for Lexington.

Click here for a listing of town meeting members.

Learn About The Issue - "Why the Lexington Gun Ban is a bad idea!"

Click here for a printable fact sheet with info about firearms licensing, the Second Amendment and the firearms, which are targeted by this proposal.

Click here for more information
Pro Second Amendment Lexington Residents Organize

Pro Second Amendment Lexington Residents have begun to organize against the unconstitutional article to be voted on at town meeting on March 21st. If you would like to follow to get the latest info, sign up on their website here:  http://www.lexforliberty.org/
Lexington Discussion At GOAL Annual Meeting - January 31st.

GOAL Members!  The Annual Meeting is scheduled the same weekend as the Marlborough gun show.  Come for both!
  • GOAL's Annual Meeting of the Membership. $25.00 cost includes buffet breakfast - Review, discuss, exchange ideas - LEXINGTON!
  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Rd W, Marlborough, MA 01752, United States (map)
  • To purchase tickets/reserve your seat - contact Angela: angela@goal.org 
    click here to purchase online.
    Or call 508-393-5333

The Big Bang Annual Raffle is Back!

The Big Bang Annual Raffle is our primary fund raising event for the year and is vitally necessary to our continued success.

Drawing will be held at noon on April 29, 2016 at the GOAL office.

Tickets: $10 each, three for $20, ten for $50.

This year we have 10 fabulous firearms that you will surely get a "kick" out of!

  1. Mossberg MVP Rifle 7.62mm
  2. Ruger Redhawk Hunter Revolver .44 mag
  3. Auto Ordnance M1 Carbine .30
  4. Windham Weaponry Muddy Girl AR-15 Rifle 5.56mm
  5. CAI WASR-10 Rifle 7.62x39
  6. Savage 220 Camo Shotgun 20ga
  7. Mossberg MVP Predator Rifle 5.56mm
  8. Ruger SR1911 Pistol .45 ACP
  9. S&W M&P-10 Rifle .308 cal
  10. Mossberg 930 Shotgun 12ga

Drawing held April 29, 2016 at 12:00 PM at the GOAL office, you need not be present to win. Odds determined by number of tickets sold. All federal and state gun laws apply. All prizes are to be claimed within 30 days from the drawing.

Please note! Due to federal regulation we cannot send ticket stubs for any raffle via the mail.

Our Membership Drive AR15 give away is ending soon! 
Drawing February 1st, don't miss your chance to win!
Scholarship Available to MA Junior Conservation Camp

GOAL Paul J.  Kress Scholarship Opportunity  

GOAL is offering an annual scholarship to the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp this year for a young woman between the ages of 13-17.  (GOAL will alternate years between young women and young men).

The annual scholarship to the camp is named for Paul J. Kress. Paul was a past President of GOAL, the Legislative Director for the Massachusetts Wildlife Foundation, outdoor writer, and mentor to many in the sporting and writing community.  

The camp is a two-week, overnight co-ed camp.  The time is filled with fun, educational opportunities from shooting ranges to forestry to boating, and more.  More information can be found about this exciting summer event by going to: www.juniorconservationcamp.org.   If you are interested in being considered for this scholarship, please send us a letter that contains the following:  
  1. Name, address, phone number and email;
  2. A little about your past outdoor experience;
  3. A short paragraph about why you would like to attend the camp.
Applications should be sent to:   Gun Owners’ Action League Camp Scholarship Program PO Box 567 Northborough, MA  01532   Deadline for entry is April 1, 2016
Noted Instructor To Speak At GOAL Annual Meeting.

Alex Hartmann is the Owner and lead instructor for OSOK Industries. 

Alex will be discussing: a number of subjects including; Sniping: myth vs. reality, reintegration, The role of GOAL, the shooting sports as they pertain to life, being a “great American”, making a difference in the community and more.

Alex is a former Marine Scout/Sniper and current security contractor with a wide variety of skills and experience as both an operator and an instructor.  He is a graduate of courses such as; USMC Scout/Sniper Basic Course, USMC Scout/Sniper Team Leader Course (High Shooter Award and Instructors Choice Award), USMC Special Operations Training Group Urban Scout/Sniper Course, U.S. Navy Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape Course (SERE Level C Full Spectrum), USMC Combat Hunter Course, Deployment Medicine Intl. Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Live Tissue Course, Sig Sauer Academy LE Semi-Auto Pistol Instructor Course, and Sig Sauer Academy Active Shooter Response Instructor Course.  He also holds Instructor certifications from the NRA in Pistol, Rifle, Personal Protection, and is a NRA Range Safety Officer.  Alex is certified by the Massachusetts State Police as a Basic Firearms and LTC Instructor and by the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Council as a Police Firearms Instructor.  Alex has real world experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan and strives to bring those lessons learned to the Law Enforcement Sniper community.  He is a member of the NTOA and several other professional organizations.
GOAL Notes
GOAL Annual Breakfast & Meeting of the Membership - January 31, 2016
Scheduled the same weekend as the Marlborough gun show.  Come for both!
  • GOAL's Annual Meeting of the Membership. $25.00 cost includes buffet breakfast.
    Review, discuss, exchange ideas!
  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Rd W, Marlborough, MA 01752, United States (map)
  • To purchase tickets/reserve your seat - contact Angela: angela@goal.org 
    click here to purchase online.
    Or call 508-393-5333
RSO Class At Riverside - Sign Up Today!

NRA Basic Range Safety Officer Course - February 27-28, 2016

Course Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day

Course Location: Riverside Gun Club, 16 Wilkins Street, Hudson, MA 01749

Course Outline:

  • MA Gun Law for the Range Safety Officer
  • Lesson I: Introduction to the NRA Basic Range Safety Officer Course
  • Lesson II: The Role of the Range Safety Officer & Range Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
  • Lesson III: Range Inspection and Range Rules
  • Lesson IV: Range Safety Briefing
  • Lesson V: Emergency Procedures
  • Lesson VI: Firearm Stoppages & Malfunctions
  • Lesson VII: Test & Review
  • Various Live Fire Exercises and Demonstrations

GOAL Board Of Directors Elections
Reminder to members, elections scheduled for February 2016
This winter GOAL will once again be holding an election to our Board of Directors.  This important process ensures that GOAL has important guidance and oversight as we move forward and continue to grow.  GOAL members should note this for a number of reasons.  To be eligible to vote or run for the board you must be a member in good standing for at least 3 years and/or a life member.  Please keep this in mind should you receive a renewal notice in the next few months.
Club Events
  • Lowell Sportsmen's Club: NSSF Rimfire Challenge, Saturday, March 19th 9am - Great fun for all skill levels from the first time shooter to th skilled competitor, the National Shooting Sports Foundation Steel Rimfire Challenge is a .22 rifle and pistol event focusing on marksmanship, speed, and fun.  This event is open to everyone age 15 an up.  Cost is $15 (which includes ammo), visit http://www.lowellsc.org for more info and to register.
  • Swift River Sportsman's Club - Tickets are now available for the Swift River Sportsman's Club Remington 870 12g shotgun combo raffle. Comes with a 26" bird barrel and a 20" slug barrel. Must be 18+ years of age with valid FID or LTC required to purchase a ticket. Winner will pick up gun at R&R Sport Shop in Belchertown. To be drawn on March 9 at monthly meeting. Tickets are $20 each and only 100 will be sold.  Contact Laura Lavallee at 413-883-3840 for tickets.
  • Leominster Sportsmen's Association will be holding its Winter Rifle Matches on Sunday mornings, starting December 6th through the end of March - 9-11am at Camp Bartlett, 1455 Elm St.  It's any rifle/any sights or scope, 20 shots in 20 minutes at 100 yards on SR-1 targets, standing ("offhand") in our heated range house. costs $5.  This is a great way to improve your marksmanship skills. All are welcome - grab your rifle & come on down!  The kitchen is open for breakfast 7-10am. www.lsa-ma.org 
  • The Haverhill Hound Rod and Gun Club has lots of events, shoots and activities - All Leagues and HHRG club events are open to the public:  Check out our Public Event Calendar
  • Uxbridge Rod & Gun Club - Sunday Morning Trap - 10:00 AM start time, runs year round, join in for a great time!  
  • High Power Rifle Shooting, at Reading Rifle and Revolver - the ONLY 600yd range in Massachusetts has a full schedule for both "Across the Course" NRA and CMP matches as well as NRA "Mid-Range Prone" matches, for the upcoming 2015 season. You don't need to be a member to participate in the matches.Go to: http://readinghighpower.com/ for complete schedule and match results. If you have questions please contact the High Power Director at, Charlie@trickettwoodworks.com    
  • Petersham Gun Club - Sporting Clays - course open every Sunday year round, we shoot at 10am and finish by 1pm.  Contact petershamgunclub12@gmail.com for more information.

If your club has an open to the public event you would like to promote, please email the info to mike@goal.org 

Join GOAL - Now More Than Ever!
This e-mail and everything we do is made possible by GOAL Members. If you find information in this e-mail, or anything we do to be helpful, please consider joining, supporting, and/or donating to GOAL.

"Protecting Your Freedom Begins Here"
Why You Should Join GOAL:  Every intrusion on our Second Amendment Rights is an intrusion on all rights. The Constitutional rights and freedoms that you enjoy - and may take for granted - are becoming more fragile each day. Secure your rights for yourself, your family and future generations.

Join GOAL and become part of the solution today
Gun Owners' Action League | http://www.goal.org | Northborough, MA.  01532