Capital District SCOPE

The Saratoga / Capital District SCOPE Email Newsletter:

April, 2025

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Members and Friends of the Saratoga / Capital District SCOPE, please find this email with second amendment news that may be of interest to you.

 

The Saratoga / Capital District Chapter has a private website: if you would like to join please click on the link below: https://2a4ny.org/   You can find us at cdscope.org,  https://www.facebook.com/CapitalDistrictScope/ and https://www.twitter.com/CDSCOPE.  While you are at it, check out SCOPE’s statewide web page at https://scopeny2a.org/.  Look for the Facebook group 2A4NY also!

 

Below are news items and firearm related interest stories that occurred over the past few weeks…

 

 

CAPITAL DISTRICT SCOPE CHAPTER RELATED NEWS:

 

Meetings in 2025 are the third Tuesday of each month.  The dates are as follows:  May 20th, June 17th, July 15th, August 19th, September 16th, October 21st, November 18th.  Announcement: we are looking for a treasurer, ours is about to retire.

 

STATE SCOPE RELATED NEWS:

 

State SCOPE has visited the Schoharie and Seneca chapters.  SCOPE officials also visited the Tioga County Sportsmen’s Association with the goal of boosting membership and exploring the possibility of starting a SCOPE Chapter in Tioga County. The visit proved successful in attracting several new members to SCOPE, though there was no interest from attendees in taking on the responsibility of leading a new chapter in the area.

 

The President also shared SCOPE’s strategic vision for 2025-2026, which includes developing a robust social media plan, creating a merchandise strategy, and certifying SCOPE range instructors. Additionally, the SCOPE Board of Directors approved of a significant donation to Gun Owners of America New York (GOA-NY) to support their lawsuit against the controversial ammunition background check law; and to the Firearms Policy Coalition lawsuit against the ban of body armor in New York State.

 

SCOPE officials are making plans to brief the majority and minority leaders in the New York State legislature, as well as senators and assemblypersons on SCOPE’s Top Ten Most Egregious Firearms Legislation.  Coordination is underway for the Annual All Members meeting, set to take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the VFW Post 6778 in Palmyra, New York, from 0945 to 1200.

 

 

LOCAL 2A RELATED NEWS:

 

Albany-Colonie

New Lebanon man pleads guilty in Colonie gun store burglary case.  Paul Gervasio, along with co-defendant Willie Moses, burglarized NY Shooter Supply in Colonie on November 14, 2024, stealing 14 firearms.  Albany County District Attorney Lee Kindlon announced today, 37-year-old Paul Gervasio admitted to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.  Gervasio is facing a state prison sentence of 10 years, followed by five years of post-release supervision, with sentencing scheduled for May 29.

 

Coxsackie-Athens

Support the Coxsackie-Athens School Trap Team, they could use your help and you help may foster tomorrow’s stewards of the second amendment.  https://www.facebook.com/coxsackieathenstrap/

 

 

NEW YORK STATE 2A RELATED NEWS:

 

Three New Gun Laws Passed in NYS, as of April 3, 2025

• The first law adds penalties for using “pistol converters,” which are rapid-fire modification devices that can be attached to semi-automatic pistols. It requires gun shops to make “reasonable” efforts to prevent the sale or installation of the devices.
• The second law strengthens the warnings that gun dealers must provide to customers about the risk of firearms. The information would warn about the dangers of gun ownership including increased risk of suicide, death during domestic disputes, and the unintentional death of children, household members and others.
• The third law requires credit card companies to use the merchant category code for firearms and ammunition retailers. Hochul said this will give law enforcement information on who may be stockpiling ammunition (in other words to spy on you without due process and abuse your privacy on purchasing a legal item to make an illegal database on your purchases).

 

            Ghost Gun Manufacturing in New York

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has called on desktop 3D printer manufacturers to create security measures to prevent people from using their machines to create unserialized firearms by sending them a warning letter.  Creality manufactures 3D printing machines and software and did not respond to the letter sent to them by Bragg.  https://www.voxelmatters.com/prosecutors-warn-3d-printing-companies-about-stopping-spread-of-ghost-guns/

 

            New York Federal District Judge’s Decision on Stun Guns and Tasers

After the Supreme Court of the United States ruled UNANIMOUSLY in a Massachusetts case (2016’s Caetano v. Massachusetts) that stun gun bans are unconstitutional and you thought this topic was a closed and decided issue, a New York judge (Calce v. City of New York) just upheld that stun guns and tasers can be banned in New York State.  He ruled that instead of the state proving they are not in common use (even though the Supreme Court said there were 200,000 in use), the judge stated the plaintiff has the burden to prove that they are in common use.  https://thereload.com/federal-judge-becomes-first-to-uphold-stun-gun-ban-since-2016-supreme-court-case/

 

Current NY BILLS (not all of them)

More anti-gun bills for the new session.  This is just the beginning.  Some of these were copied from GOA.

            NY Assembly

• A 346, Assemblywoman Paulin, Under 21 purchase ban.
• A 360, requires a hunting licence, safety course, 90% accuracy exam, drug test, metal health exam, p[roof of safe storage, to purchase a firearm
• A 436, Includes pistol converters in the definition of a rapid-fire modification device. https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=a836
• A 437, Assemblyman Dinowitz, Suicide warning signs would be required on-site at any establishment that sells, displays, or delivers firearms.
• A 544, Assemblywoman Paulin, requires police officers to take temporary custody of firearms when responding to reports of family violence. As always, these bills are infringements on due process rights. This bill was amended and recommitted to the House Codes Committee on February 28th.
• NY A 814, Directs the Commissioner of Health to develop and implement a public awareness campaign on the safe storage of firearms, rifles and shotguns and child access and prevention. https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=a814
• NY A 929. Allows the prosecution any individual seller of firearms or retail firearms (in all of the USA and the world) if they knowingly sell ammunition to a resident of the state of New without contacting the New York state police for authorization pursuant to section two hundred twenty-eight of this chapter and any other law, rule or regulation.
• A 1920, bansentry to gun shows for anyone under 12
• A 2060, Assemblywoman Rajkumar, Requires any firearm manufactured by a three-dimensional printer to contain a unique identifying number and to be registered with the state police.
• A 2228, Assemblywoman Rajkumar, requires background checks in order to purchase a 3D printer. This bill remains in the House Codes Committee.
• A 5105, makes criminal possession of a weapon the known possession of ghost gun, unless a dealer or gunsmith
• NY A5817, enhancing sentences for firearms within 5,000 feet of a school
• A 6113, Assemblyman Benedetto, prohibits the issuing of firearms licenses to individuals on the federal no-fly list or terrorist screening database. This bill is also a violation of due process rights, and these lists have a long history of abuse attached to them. It was only last year that Tulsi Gabbard was placed on a domestic terror watchlist without any form of recourse, despite that fact that she had committed no crimes. The action itself coming as a form of political retribution from the Biden administration. NY A 6113 was introduced and referred to the House Codes Committee on February 26th.

 

 

NY Senate

• S 418, Senator Gianaris, prohibits the purchase of more than 1 firearm during any period of 30 days and its companion bill, NY A 1774, from Assemblywoman Rosenthal.
• S 744, Senator Hoylman-Sigal, a “Rapid-fire modification device” ban that includes any bump stock, trigger-crank, binary trigger system, burst trigger system, “pistol converter,” or any other device designed to accelerate a firearms rate of fire. This bill passed the Senate and was referred to the House Codes Committee on February 3rd.
• S 1273, Bans all open carry of rifle or shotgun except for hunting
• S 1289, Establishes the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and the Gun Violence Advisory Council.
• NY S 1358, Senator Serrano, Would require all pistols to be equipped with a permanent “Child Proofing Device.”
• S 1985, REQUIRES officers to take temporary possession of firearms when responding to reports of family violence
• S 2089, Senator Kavanagh, expands background checks to include juvenile delinquency records for persons under age 30 when purchasing a firearm. This bill remains in the Senate Children and Families Committee.
• NY S 2158, Senator Comrie, establishes a database of information relating to the sale or use of micro-stamped guns. (Micro-stamped referring to firearms with firing pins that imprint unique markings onto cartridge casings.) This bill remains in the Senate Codes Committee.
• S 2447, establishes a minimum age to possess a firearm
• S-3385, Enacts “Francesco’s law” which establishes violations for the failure to safely store rifles, shotguns, and firearms in the presence of a minor or a prohibited person
• S 4277, bans 50 caliber or larger
• S 4388, bans marketing firearms and firearm related products to minors, except for hunting
• S 4807, one rifle or shotgun purchase per 90 days
• S 5279, Senator Sepulveda, directs the state police to develop regulations regarding bulk purchase of firearms or ammunition and investigating those purchases for potential criminal activity. This bill is a direct infringement on gun owners’ privacy rights. It was referred to the Senate Finance Committee on February 20th.
• S 5292, bans firearm sales on state, county or municipal property
• S 5818, Senator Sepulveda, allows anyone (excluding state or local government officers and employees) to bring civil action against those who manufacture, distribute, or sell “assault weapons” or “ghost guns” or their parts within the state, including those who aid or abet or intend to do so. The bill also goes as far to explicitly state that defendants cannot use defenses such as ignorance of the law or belief in the unconstitutionality of the requirements. This bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 3rd.
• S 5952, Senator Parker, requires any firearm manufactured by a 3D printer to contain a unique identifying number and to be registered with the state police. This bill was introduced and referred to the Senate Consumer Protection Committee on March 4^th.
• S 5974, Senator Parker, requires firearm owners to obtain liability insurance of covering at least 1 million dollars in potential damages. This bill was introduced and referred to the Senate Insurance Committee on March 4th.

 

Both NY Assembly and NY Senate Companion Bills

• S-227 / A 1777, 3D printed firearm selling, printing or disposing is a class A misdemeanor
• S-399 / A 199, Makes it illegal for certain persons to possess or sell a pistol converter or a converted pistol.
• S 1289 / A 2084, establishes the office of gun violence prevention and gun violence advisory council
• S 1455 / A 1191, Senator Kavanagh, Allowing the division of criminal justice services to certify the technological viability of “personalized handguns” and to establish requirements related to the sale of “personalized handguns”, along with its companion bill, A 1191, from Assemblyman Bores. (Personalized handguns referring to pistols or revolvers that could be programmed to function only when activated by the firearm’s lawful owner or other authorized user.) First, they create a roster of approved “smart guns,” then after that becomes a thing, they can restrict traditional handguns into oblivion.
• S 3385 / A 1962, safe storage violations
• NY S 5813 / A 6024, Senator Sepulveda, and NY A 6024, Assemblywoman Simon, both bills relate to imposing excise taxes firearms and ammunition. S 5813 was introduced and referred to the Senate Budget and Revenue Committee on March 3rd, while A 6024 was referred to House Ways and Means Committee on February 25th.For educational and discussion purposes only.

 

 

OTHER STATES – QUICKIE NEWS:

 

            Colorado – Bad News, House and Senate Pass Semi Auto Ban

The Colorado House and Senate passed the Democrats’ semiautomatic firearm ban.  SB25-3, targets firearms which state Democrats define as a “specified semiautomatic firearm.”  SB25-003 says, in part: The bill defines a “specified semiautomatic firearm” as a semiautomatic rifle or semiautomatic shotgun with a detachable magazine or a gas-operated semiautomatic handgun with a detachable magazine. The bill prohibits knowingly manufacturing, distributing, transferring, selling, or purchasing a specified semiautomatic firearm; except that a person may transfer a specified semiautomatic firearm to an heir, an individual residing in another state, or a federally licensed firearm dealer.  In addition to banning numerous shotguns and the AR-15, which is most popular rifle in America, SB 25-3 would also prohibit “gas-operated semiautomatic handguns that have a detachable ammunition magazine.”  Differences in the legislation passed by the House and Senate must now be reconciled before the ban makes it to Gov. Jared Polis’s (D) desk for his signature or veto.  He signed it.

 

 

 

NATIONAL / FEDERAL – 2A RELATED NEWS:

 

Supreme Court Ghost Gun Kit Ruling.  You may have to search for ghost guns on the web site.  https://www.scotusblog.com/2025/03/supreme-court-upholds-regulation-of-ghost-guns/

 

 

INTERNATIONAL

 

Hackers Expose Gun Owners Personal Data

Iranian hackers hack Israli government database of Israeli gun owners and expose them.  Could this happen here, yes!  When a government or hostile force gets its hands on a gun registry, it becomes a roadmap for disarming civilians, persecuting political opponents, or enabling criminal enterprises.  If hostile foreign actors can compromise Israeli security databases, what’s stopping similar groups—or even an overreaching domestic agency—from misusing American gun owner data? The best way to protect gun owners from cyber threats, government overreach, and criminal targeting is simple: don’t maintain a registry in the first place.  Hackers already exposed Tesla dealers and vehicle owners in this country.  https://www.ammoland.com/2025/03/iran-linked-hack-exposes-israeli-gun-owners-warning-against-gun-registries/

 

Camo Clothing Ban in Other Countries

Countries like Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Grenada, Dominica, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines share a hard line: camouflage clothing is off-limits for civilians. That’s no camo pants, no camo hats, and in some spots, not even a camo backpack.  Show up in camouflage, and you might face fines, lose your gear, or get a stern talking-to at customs.

 

MISC:

 

What to do When a Gun Owner Dies.

Call the Police and File a Report with the Court.  When a gun owner dies, one would first need to determine whether the New York Penal Law considers the gun a firearm or not. If it is not a firearm (e.g., antique firearms, rifles with barrels over 16 inches in length, and shotguns with barrels over 18 inches in length), they can be transferred freely without the oversight of a licensed gun dealer. If it is a firearm, the procedures of the NY SAFE Act must be strictly followed in the transfer.  Also determine whether the firearm is registered or not. If it is not registered, it is considered contraband and considered a “nuisance.” It cannot be passed down to the heirs and must be turned over to law enforcement. https://nyestateslawyer.com/what-to-do-when-a-gun-owner-dies

 

 

Civilians stop more active shooters than police?

You’d never know it from watching television, but civilians stop more active shooters than police and do so with fewer mistakes, according to new research from the Crime Prevention Research Center.  https://thefederalist.com/2025/03/11/study-concealed-carriers-do-a-better-job-of-stopping-active-shooters-than-police

 

 

Government Surplus 1911 Sales

Trump restores the sale of surplus 1911 .45 pistols from the civilian marksmanship program (CMP) after Obama and Biden halted sales.

 

 

ACTION ITEMS:

 

Send an email to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin saying you want him to oppose any restrictions future on lead ammo and to abolish all inquiries into it.

 

Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator

Administrator Office Code 1101A

Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20460

Phone: (202) 564-4700

Zeldin.Lee@epa.gov

 

Put your assembly and senate representatives on your cell phone contact list and every time you hear about a second amendment infringement, let them know you don’t approve and need them to vote against it.

 

 

COMMENTARY:

 

NYS Concealed Carry in State Parks

In NY, one may not legally carry an otherwise legally licensed handgun within a State Park. I’m curious that NYS officials are so certain that you’re not going to be attacked by a bear (nor a human murderer) while you’re within the confines of a NY State Park that they’ve made it illegal for you to carry your handgun there (from ammoland).

 

Privacy.  Without Privacy, the Second Amendment Fails

This is so true.  Privacy in weaponry, especially in the home, has always been an important part of the Second Amendment. In the United States, we are well on the way to a cultural understanding that privacy in gun ownership is an essential part of ordered liberty. (Dean Weingarten, ammoland.  For some reason this link redirects to another article.  If you search ammoland for privacy the correct article should come up. https://www.ammoland.com/2025/04/without-privacy-the-second-amendment-fails/

 

CLOSING:

 

Thanks for being a member or friend of Saratoga / Capital District SCOPE.  I like hearing from you.  Feel free to forward articles for the newsletter, especially local stuff to Capnospam “at” nycap.rr.com.

 

Join SCOPE or Renew here  https://scopeny2a.org/membership

 

Shooters Committee On Political Education (SCOPE). We are a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving and defending the 2nd amendment rights for the residents of New York State.

 

To get removed from this list, just email me, tell me, and I will remove you from the list

Camo Clothing Ban

Countries like Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Grenada, Dominica, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines share a hard line: camouflage clothing is off-limits for civilians. That’s no camo pants, no camo hats, and in some spots, not even a camo backpack.  Show up in camouflage, and you might face fines, lose your gear, or get a stern talking-to at customs.

The Saratoga / Capital District SCOPE Email Newsletter:

February – March, 2025

INTRODUCTION 

Members and Friends of the Saratoga / Capital District SCOPE, please find this email with second amendment news that may be of interest to you.

The Saratoga / Capital District Chapter has a private website: if you would like to join please click on the link below: https://2a4ny.org/   You can find us at cdscope.org  https://www.facebook.com/CapitalDistrictScope/ and https://www.twitter.com/CDSCOPE.  While you are at it, check out SCOPE’s statewide web page at https://scopeny2a.org/.

Below are news items and firearm related interest stories that occurred over the past few weeks…

CAPITAL DISTRICT SCOPE RELATED NEWS:

Meetings in 2025 are the third Tuesday of each month.  The dates are as follows:  March 18th, April 15th, May 20th, June 17th, July 15th, August 19th, September 16th, October 21st, November 18th.  Announcement: we need a treasurer, ours is about to retire.

Our web page webmaster says that our page is getting hundreds of hacking attempts to guess the password and break into the system.

 STATE SCOPE RELATED NEWS:

 State SCOPE has started a legislative committee that has been formed to evaluate the most concerning firearms legislation emerging from the 2025 New York State legislative session. There are 69 bills related to firearms under consideration. The committee’s mission is to carefully assess these bills and narrow the list down to the Top 10 Most Egregious pieces of legislation.

A social media committee began developing brief “Alert Messages”— short, 3-5 minute videos highlighting one of the current anti-gun bills in the New York State legislature.

HR 645.  SCOPE has reached out to four New York State Republican congressmen and women to request their support for this important legislation.  Letters have been sent to Congressmen LaLota, Garbarino, Lawler, and Congresswoman Malliotakis, urging them to cosponsor HR 645

On Thursday January 16, 2025, the SCOPE Board of Directors approved two (2) donations toward lawsuits aimed to support New York State gun owners.  The first donation is to a GOA-NY lawsuit (Gazzola vs Hochul).  This is the lawsuit focused on getting rid of the ammunition background check.  The second donation is to the Firearms Policy Coalition lawsuit (Heeter vs James) which is against the New York State ban on body armor.

SCOPE leadership is working on a social media plan. It will be out soon.

LOCAL 2A RELATED NEWS:

 Saratoga

Police: Man fired gun at Saratoga Springs police station

https://www.officer.com/command-hq/station-design/video/55266913/gunman-wants-deadly-force-engagement-with-saratoga-springs-new-york-police-fires-on-station

Albany

Hector Gomez, a 41-year-old man from Schenectady has been indicted for allegedly threatening patrons with a gun inside an Albany bar. The incident occurred on February 8 at the Washington Tavern.  https://wgy.iheart.com/content/2025-03-07-schenectady-man-indicted-for-threatening-albany-bar-patrons/

A Bryant and Stratton college student is in custody after police said a handgun was found in his dorm room.

https://www.news10.com/news/albany-county/albany-police-arrest-student-with-gun-in-dorm-room/

 

NEW YORK STATE 2A RELATED NEWS:

NRA Amicus Brief – NY Antonyuk Case

NRA Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Hear Challenge to New York’s “Concealed Carry Improvement Act.  This case is named Antonyuk v. James. The brief then argues that the Supreme Court’s precedents clearly demonstrate that the original 1791 understanding controls, and that the Court should hear the case to resolve the dispute explicitly. https://www.nraila.org/articles/20250226/nra-files-amicus-brief-urging-scotus-to-hear-challenge-to-new-york-s-concealed-carry-improvement-act

Current NY BILLS (not all of them) Here we go again.

More anti-gun bills for the new session.  This is just the beginning.  These were copied from GOA. 

• NY A00929. Allows the prosecution any individual seller of firearms or retail firearms (in all of the USA and the world) if they knowingly sell ammunition to a resident of the state of New without contacting the New York state police for authorization pursuant to section two hundred twenty-eight of this chapter and any other law, rule or regulation.
• NY S 418, Senator Gianaris, prohibits the purchase of more than 1 firearm during any period of 30 days and its companion bill, NY A 1774, from Assemblywoman Rosenthal.
• NY A 2228, Assemblywoman Rajkumar, requires background checks in order to purchase a 3D printer.
• NY S 2158, Senator Comrie, establishes a database of information relating to the sale or use of micro-stamped guns. (Micro-stamped referring to firearms with firing pins that imprint unique markings onto cartridge casings.)
• NY S 2089, Senator Kavanagh, expands background checks to include juvenile delinquency records for persons under age 30 when purchasing a firearm.
• NY S 1455, Senator Kavanagh, Allowing the division of criminal justice services to certify the technological viability of “personalized handguns” and to establish requirements related to the sale of “personalized handguns”, along with its companion bill, A 1191, from Assemblyman Bores. (Personalized handguns referring to pistols or revolvers that could be programmed to function only when activated by the firearm’s lawful owner or other authorized user.) First, they create a roster of approved “smart guns,” then after that becomes a thing, they can restrict traditional handguns into oblivion.
• NY S 1358, Senator Serrano, Would require all pistols to be equipped with a permanent “Child Proofing Device.”
• NY A 437, Assemblyman Dinowitz, Suicide warning signs would be required on-site at any establishment that sells, displays, or delivers firearms.
• A-436, Includes pistol converters in the definition of a rapid-fire modification device. https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=a836
• NY A 346, Assemblywoman Paulin, Under 21 purchase ban.
• NY A 2060, Assemblywoman Rajkumar, Requires any firearm manufactured by a three-dimensional printer to contain a unique identifying number and to be registered with the state police.
• A-814, Directs the Commissioner of Health to develop and implement a public awareness campaign on the safe storage of firearms, rifles and shotguns and child access and prevention. https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?bn=a814

NY Suppressor Bill

New York State Senate Minority Leader Robert G. Ortt’s submitted a bill to lift the statewide ban on suppressors for hunting. Senator Ortt’s bill would legalize firearm suppressors in New York state, allowing for the legal possession of suppressors and for their use in hunting. Currently, New York State fully bans the use and ownership of suppressors, including for hunting. Currently, New York State fully bans the use and ownership of suppressors.  State Senate Minority Leader Robert G. Ortt’s proposed bill, S02099, would legalize firearm suppressors in New York state, allowing for the legal possession of suppressors. Forty-two other states allow for the use of firearm suppressors.

SNUG Anti-gun money

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $20.7 million to support SNUG Street Outreach programs that work to reduce gun violence.  The programs also engage the community, religious organizations and clergy, and local businesses by sponsoring anti-violence marches.  The following organizations and hospitals will receive funding and support from DCJS to administer SNUG:  SNUG Capital Region

Albany – Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region: $1,820,329 and Albany Medical Center: $262,310, Troy – Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region: $860,134, Locally, Assemblymember John T. McDonald III said, “As one of the original supporters of SNUG which started here in the Capital Region, I have worked closely with Trinity Alliance and those who are part of SNUG.  Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “I want to thank and applaud Governor Kathy Hochul and DCJS for their continued investments for SNUG & GIVE initiatives.

Anti-Gun Village Ordinance Passes

The Village of Babylon passed a local ordinance at their last Board of Trustees meeting  prohibiting the sale of firearms and ammunition within the Village.

OTHER STATES – QUICKIE NEWS:

 – South Dakota Senate Votes to Prohibit Gun Store Merchant Category Codes

NATIONAL / FEDERAL – 2A RELATED NEWS:

            DOJ Allows Federal Gun Rights Restoration for First Time Since 1992

March 19, 2025.  Washington, D.C. – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued an Interim Final Rule removing the Attorney General’s delegation of authority to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to process applications for relief from federal firearms disabilities under 18 U.S.C. 925(c). This action follows more than three decades of Congressional funding restrictions that have rendered ATF unable to process individual applications. The rule removes outdated regulations and is part of a broader review of firearm-related policies under Executive Order 14206 (Protecting Second Amendment Rights). Upon the interim final rule’s expected publication tomorrow, the DOJ will begin allowing individuals who are not “dangerous to public safety” to use the statute and petition to have their gun rights restored.

Bill No. tbd – Age 21 Act

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is co-sponsoring legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase and possess semiautomatic “assault” rifles and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21. Limited exceptions would include service in law enforcement or the armed forces.

 Bill H.R.496- Veteran’s 2A Rights

Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) introduced H.R.496 in response to the Biden VA’s unconstitutional restrictions on veterans’ Second Amendment rights. Rep. Crane’s bill clarifies that any veteran who was reported to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) by a VA fiduciary was done so incorrectly in violation of their constitutional rights.  It also forces the VA Secretary to instruct the Attorney General to remove these veterans from the NICS list.

Bill HR 7042 – Rifle act

Tracey Mann (R-KS) is introducing legislation to put the ATF’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy toward Federal Firearm Licensees (FFL’s) in check.  The legislation is titled the Reining In Federal Licensing Enforcement (RIFLE) Act. The RIFLE Act of 2025 aims to: 1.Require ATF to collaborate with FFLs before revoking licenses. 2. Clearly define “willful violation” and impose a higher burden of proof. 3. Allow FFLs to appeal ATF decisions and recover legal fees. 3. Reinstate licenses revoked under the zero-tolerance policy. 5. Establish gunrightsrestored.gov to handle reimbursement claims.

Bill H.R. 404, S. 364 – Hearing protection act.

it would remove suppressors from the burdensome requirements of the National Firearms Act (NFA).  The bill demands the destruction of all current NFA registration records of silencers/gun mufflers within 365 days of the Act’s enactment. New York State is one of the few states where hearing suppressors (aka silencers) are illegal.

Bill H.R. 556 – Lead ammo.

H.R. 556, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act, which would prohibit USFWS, the Bureau of Land Management  and the U.S. Forest Service from banning the use of traditional lead ammunition and tackle unless they have approval by the applicable state fish and wildlife department and proof that lead ammunition and tackle is primarily causing wildlife population decline.

President Trump Shuts Down Biden’s White House Office of Gun Control

President Trump quickly followed through on a promise to shut down the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which was a thinly disguised Biden administration gun control operation.

https://www.ammoland.com/2025/01/president-trump-shuts-down-bidens-white-house-office-of-gun-control/

Bill H.R. tbd – Second Amendment Guarantee Act (SAGA).

It’s a bill that would prohibit states from banning the manufacture, sale, importation, or possession of rifles and shotguns that are lawfully permitted under federal law. One of the cosponsors is NY Representative Nick Langworthy.  Basically, it would preempt state-level firearm restrictions, including New York’s SAFE Act, which was signed into law by former Governor Andrew Cuomo.  Tenney described the SAFE Act as unconstitutional and said her proposed federal legislation would not only nullify the SAFE Act but would also block other states from passing similar gun bans.

Bill H.R. 38, Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act,

U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) has reintroduced the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38). Representative Hudson has introduced the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act at least five times, in the years 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025. This year, more than 120 of his colleagues are co-sponsors. If your Representative is not a sponsor, politely ask them to co-sponsor. This bipartisan bill will provide nationwide reciprocity for concealed carry license holders and residents of Constitutional Carry states.

Bill, HR 645 – the National Constitutional Carry Act

Congressman Massie’s House of Representatives bill, HR 645 – the National Constitutional Carry Act was introduced on January 15, 2025. In a continued effort to advance our advocacy for Second Amendment rights,

MISC:

When Is It Legal to Shoot a Gun in a Rural Backyard?

In upstate New York, discharging a firearm in rural residential areas is subject to both state and local regulations designed to ensure public safety. According to New York State law, it is prohibited to discharge a firearm within 500 feet of any dwelling, farm building, or structure that is occupied or in use, unless you are the owner, lessee, an immediate family member, an employee, or have the owner’s consent.

Read More: Troopers: Upstate NY Man Arrested After Firing Gun in Backyard | https://wibx950.com/troopers-upstate-ny-man-arrested-after-firing-gun-in-backyard/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

1911 Sales

Trump restores the sale of surplus 1911 .45 pistols from the civilian marksmanship program (CMP) after Obama and Biden halted sales.

Executive Order

President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at strengthening Second Amendment protections

https://www.usacarry.com/president-trump-signs-executive-order-to-protect-second-amendment-rights/

Guns Under Age 21

Mixed court cases here.  Fifth Circuit Strikes Down Federal Handgun Purchase Ban for Adults Under 21 Prohibiting 18-to-20-year-olds from purchasing handguns at licensed retailers is unconstitutional, a federal appeals court has ruled. A unanimous three-judge panel for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday struck down a combination of federal statutes that restrict licensed firearm dealers from selling pistols to young adults. The panel found that the prohibitory regime violates the Second Amendment.

Gun Control Activist David Hogg, 24, Elected Vice Chair of DNC

Lead Ammo

New York’s Lee Zeldin was approved as EPA Administrator, this may help with false lead bullet claims and research.

 ACTION ITEMS:

 Put your assembly and senate representatives on your cell phone contact list and every time you hear about a second amendment infringement, let them know you don’t approve and need them to vote against it.

COMMENTARY:

-none.

CLOSING:

 Thanks for being a member or friend of Saratoga / Capital District SCOPE.  I like hearing from you.  Feel free to forward articles for the newsletter, especially local stuff to Capnospam “at” nycap.rr.com.

Join SCOPE or Renew here  https://scopeny2a.org/membership

Shooters Committee On Political Education (SCOPE). We are a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving and defending the 2nd amendment rights for the residents of New York State.

To get removed from this list, just email me, tell me, and I will remove you from the list

From GOA.
March 19, 2025

Washington, D.C. – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued an Interim Final Rule removing the Attorney General’s delegation of authority to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to process applications for relief from federal firearms disabilities under 18 U.S.C. 925(c). This action follows more than three decades of Congressional funding restrictions that have rendered ATF unable to process individual applications.

The rule removes outdated regulations and is part of a broader review of firearm-related policies under Executive Order 14206 (Protecting Second Amendment Rights). Upon the interim final rule’s expected publication tomorrow, the DOJ will begin allowing individuals who are not “dangerous to public safety” to use the statute and petition to have their gun rights restored.

From the Feb 12, 2025 Wake Forest Review.

Legal vs. Illegal Knives

• Prohibited Knives:
  • Switchblades, metal knuckle knives, ballistic knives, and cane swords are outright banned statewide.
  • Kung Fu stars (throwing stars) and undetectable knives (e.g., plastic blades) are also illegal.
• Permitted Knives:
  • Folding knives, pocket knives, and utility knives are generally legal, provided they comply with blade length and carry rules.
  • Gravity knives became legal statewide in 2019 after a legislative repeal.

Blade Length and Carry Rules

• Statewide: No explicit blade length restriction, but intent matters. Carrying any knife with intent to use unlawfully is a misdemeanor.
• New York City:
  • Blade Limit: 4 inches or less for public carry (open or concealed).
  • Visibility: Knives must be completely concealed (no exposed clips or handles).
  • Fixed Blades: Legal if under 4 inches and concealed.

Intent and Self-Defense Considerations

• Unlawful Intent: Carrying a knife “for protection” is often interpreted as intent to harm, leading to criminal charges.
• Self-Defense Use:
  • Deadly Force: Only justified if you reasonably believe imminent deadly harm is unavoidable.
  • Duty to Retreat: You must attempt to flee unless in your home or facing kidnapping/rape.
  • Non-Lethal Tools: Pepper spray is legal; knives are not recommended for self-defense due to intent risks.

Penalties for Violations

• Misdemeanors: Illegal possession or concealed carry can lead to up to 1 year in jail.
• Felonies: Selling prohibited knives or repeat offenses may result in Class D felony charges (up to 7 years).
• NYC Violations: Carrying a visible knife or blade over 4 inches risks 15 days in jail and fines up to $300.

Practical Guidelines

1. Avoid Prohibited Knives: Steer clear of switchblades, ballistic knives, and metal knuckles.
2. Conceal in NYC: Ensure knives are fully hidden and under 4 inches.
3. Lawful Purpose: Carry knives only for work, recreation, or tools—never cite self-defense.
4. Check Local Laws: Municipalities like NYC enforce stricter rules than the state.

Exceptions

• Law Enforcement/Military: Exempt from restrictions while on duty.
• Transporting Knives: Legal if sealed/unloaded and en route to lawful activities (e.g., camping).

By adhering to these rules, you can navigate New York’s knife laws confidently while avoiding legal pitfalls. Always prioritize local ordinances, especially in NYC, where enforcement is stringent.

Saratoga
Police: A man from Malta fired gun at Saratoga Springs police station.

https://www.officer.com/command-hq/station-design/video/55266913/gunman-wants-deadly-force-engagement-with-saratoga-springs-new-york-police-fires-on-station

https://gunshowtrader.com/gun-shows/neaca-mechanicville-gun-show/

The Saratoga / Capital District SCOPE October 2024 Email Newsletter:

Members and Friends of Saratoga / Capital District SCOPE, please find this email with second amendment news that may be of interest to you.

The following sections contain some news items and firearm related interest stories…

 

CAPITAL DISTRICT SCOPE RELATED NEWS:

Next meeting Tuesday 11/19 at 7pm, Clifton park Sportsman’s Club.  We may be calling members to encourage the vote. The Saratoga / Capital District Chapter has a private website: if you would like to join please click on the link below: https://2a4ny.org/   You can find us at cdscope.org and facebook.com/capitaldistrictscope and x.com/CDSCOPE.  While you are at it, check out SCOPE’s statewide web page at scopeny2a.org.

 

STATE SCOPE RELATED NEWS:

Stay informed and read the S.C.O.P.E. Legal Update, October, 2024.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/14abKOxnZuS1FHIRZ9asxD-DFj4uXl1xg/view

The SCOPE banquet went well and a summary of the banquet will be submitted soon.

 

LOCAL 2A RELATED NEWS:

• ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jacob Boldt, age 35, of Gansevoort, New York, was sentenced today to 51 months in prison for dealing in firearms without a license and possessing a firearm as a felon.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/saratoga-county-man-sentenced-prison-firearms-offenses

• Boy, 12, in Schenectady, charged with threatening to shoot up school

https://wnyt.com/top-stories/boy-12-in-schenectady-charged-with-threatening-to-shoot-up-school/

• Attorney General James Announces 180 Guns Turned in at Amsterdam Gun Buyback

https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2024/attorney-general-james-announces-180-guns-turned-amsterdam-gun-buyback

• Schenectady school board votes to buy weapons scanners

https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/systems-range-cost-350-000-1m-4-years-19806090.php

NEW YORK STATE 2A RELATED NEWS:

New Gun Laws Coming: Because of the democratic supermajority in NY, both houses passed the following bills, which were recently signed by the Governor and made into law.

• Legislation S6649/A2882 requires firearms dealers and gunsmiths to post warnings at sites where firearms are sold and distribute warnings at the time of sale. These warnings must state that firearms increase the risk of suicide, death during domestic disputes and/or unintentional death to children.
• Legislation S7365B/A10053A adds the definition of “pistol converter” to Penal Law Section 265.00, which details definitions relating to firearms. Pistol converter is defined as a device that can be attached to the slide of a semi-automatic pistol and interfere with the trigger mechanism, allowing the user to discharge a number of shots rapidly or automatically with one continuous pull of the trigger. The legislation also amends General Business Law to require the gun industry to take “reasonable steps” to prevent the installation and use of pistol converters on their products.
• Legislation S3340/A5873 requires the court to notify the statewide registry of orders of protection and warrants when a temporary and/or final extreme risk protection order (ERPO) is issued, ensuring that ERPOs are tracked in the statewide registry of orders of protection and warrants.
• Legislation A7717B/S8589A allows police agencies instead of individual police officers to be listed as the petitioner in an ERPO proceeding.
• Legislation S8479A/A9862A requires credit and debit card issuers to use the firearms and ammunition retailers merchant category code (MCC) created by the International Organization for Standardization in 2022 for businesses whose highest sales value is from the combined sale of firearms, firearms accessories, or ammunition, and it empowers the State Attorney General to bring an enforcement action for any violation that is not cured within 30 days, which can result in fines up to $10,000 for noncompliance. New York becomes the third state, joining California and Colorado, to enact this requirement.
• Legislation S9760/A10356A requires a firearms licensing officer, upon the issuance of a license, to provide information about statewide resources related to safe storage of firearms, child access prevention and firearm violence prevention, as well as information on specific county and local laws and regulations related to child access prevention and safe storage of firearms. The legislation also requires the State to develop and implement a public awareness campaign regarding safe storage and child access prevention, requires those materials to be provided in digital format and available online, and mandates they be updated annually.

Monroe County claims the Second Amendment doesn’t apply to private citizens.  New York’s ban on body armor does not violate an individual’s constitutional right to bear arms because no such right exists, according to the attorney representing Monroe County DA Sandra Doorley. “There was and will be no Constitutional violation in enforcing the statute because the phrase ‘bear arms’ is a 1791-era idiom referring to military or militia service,” Shoemaker wrote.

https://www.wxxinews.org/local-news/2024-09-26/monroe-county-response-in-federal-lawsuit-claims-second-amendment-doesnt-apply-to-private-citizens

Gun manufacturers asked the Second Circuit to dismiss New York’s lawsuit seeking to crack down on ghost gun kits.  https://www.courthousenews.com/can-new-york-regulate-ghost-guns-second-circuit-weighs-question-scotus-may-have-to-answer/

Hochul touts lies about lower gun violence.  FBI numbers for generalized violent crime in New York don’t perfectly map to Hochul’s figures specifically for shootings. In fact, they show a peak of violent crime reports in mid-2023 that rivals statistics from the mid-’90s.  https://www.news10.com/news/ny-news/hochul-touts-lower-gun-violence-despite-public-perception-of-high-crime/

 

NATIONAL 2A RELATED NEWS:

Presidential Executive Orders on Firearms Initiated

1. Establishes a “Emerging Firearms Threats Task Force” to assess machinegun conversion devices, firearms constructed using 3D-printing technology, and firearms without serial numbers.
2. Directs top federal officials to evaluate research on how to conduct effective and age-appropriate active-shooter drills that will not traumatize students. Federal officials to provide information to K-12 schools and higher-education institutions about active-shooter drill research and preparations within 110 days.

Plus:    Federal agencies are directed to 1) encourage safe storage of firearms and schools to notify parents, 2) clarifying medicade medical reimbursement for firearm related counseling, 3) awarding money for states to implement red flag laws, 4) funding money into community violence intervention (aka anti-gun) programs, 5)  improving the background check system for uner 21 individuals, 6) expanding gun data, 7) best practices for destroying crime guns, 8) Facilitating Voluntary Out-of-Home Storage to Prevent Firearm Suicide, and more.

https://www.deccanherald.com/world/biden-eyeing-his-legacy-signs-executive-orders-on-gun-safety-3209145

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/09/26/fact-sheet-president-biden-and-vice-president-harris-announce-additional-actions-to-reduce-gun-violence-and-save-lives/

Biden-Harris Admin. Announces Executive Order on Guns

 

Kansas US Senator helps introduce bill to ban handgun rosters.  U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) today in introducing the Modern Firearms Safety Act, which would prohibit states from enforcing handgun rosters. These lists of pre-approved handguns require manufacturers to include costly features like microstamping, loaded chamber indicators, and magazine disconnect mechanisms on firearms.  https://newstalkkzrg.com/2024/09/26/kansas-us-senator-helps-introduce-bill-to-ban-handgun-rosters/

Kamala Harris Claimed the Right to Enter and Inspect Gun Owners’ Homes.  https://bearingarms.com/camedwards/2024/09/18/as-da-kamala-harris-claimed-the-right-to-enter-and-inspect-gun-owners-homes-n1226274

Harris backed a San Francisco Proposition H, which would have enacted a total ban on possessing a handgun in San Francisco with few exceptions, as well as the sale, possession, manufacturing and distribution of all firearms and ammunition in the city, according to San Jose Mercury News. https://dailycaller.com/2024/09/25/kamala-harris-total-handgun-ban-as-san-francisco-district-attorney/    https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/kamala-harriss-previous-support-for-a-ban-on-handguns-highlights-the-gun-control-movements-broader-aims/

U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced the National Constitutional Carry Act. HR 9534 would remove permitting requirements for Americans to carry firearms throughout the nation. Right now, there is no companion bill in the Senate. https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/national-constitutional-carry-measure-introduced-in-congress/

 

MISC:

AI Chatbots Becoming Increasingly Anti-Gun.  https://bearingarms.com/tomknighton/2024/09/18/ai-chatbots-becoming-increasingly-anti-gun-n1226267

 

ACTION ITEMS:

This months ACTION NEEDED!

I need a list of people running for office in your area!

 

COMMENTARY: Please vote and bring a couple friends and/or family members with you.

 

 

CLOSING:

Thanks for being a member or friend of Saratoga / Capital District SCOPE.

I like hearing from you.  Feel free to send me an email.

Rich Chapman

Chairman, Saratoga / Capital District SCOPE

richiechap@me.com

 

Join SCOPE or Renew here   https://scopeny.org/membership

 

Forward news stories to include to: Curtis at capnospam@nycap.rr.com

 

Shooters Committee On Political Education (SCOPE). We are a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving and defending the 2nd amendment rights for the residents of New York State.

To get removed from this list, just email me, tell me, and I will remove

From Truth About Guns, 2/20/24:

Dexter Taylor is the kind of guy most of us would hang out with. Not only is he hard-working and intelligent, working as a software engineer, but he chooses challenging hobbies. A while back, he got into building gun parts in his spare time, and was even considering going into business.

“I found out that you can actually legally buy a receiver and you can machine that receiver to completion, and you buy your parts and you put them together and you’ve got a pistol or a rifle,” Taylor said in a podcast interview. “And once I saw that I was hooked. I was like, ‘This is the coolest thing ever. This is the most cool thing you could possibly do in your machine shop.’”

Recently, after enjoying his hobby with no issues for years, his sleep was interrupted by loud voices and noises. Agents of the state and federal governments had kicked in his front door in a no-knock raid. He then spent a week in jail at Rikers Island under charges for building “ghost guns.” As part of a “Bruen response” bill, New York outlawed a slew of things, while also making it difficult to impossible to get a license.

Taylor also happens to be black, and he thinks that the state’s actions against him are a serious violation of his rights. “New York State has no more right to tell me that I may not keep and bear arms than it has to tell me I have to sit in the back of the bus,” he told RedState.

Anti-gun judges tried to deny his claim, saying that he couldn’t get standing because he didn’t apply for a license, but his lawyer leveraged the low issue rates in the post-Bruen environment to show that the state’s argument was both disingenuous and unconstitutional. So, he’s got a decent shot at winning his case and staying free.

But, getting there won’t be cheap. There’s a GiveSendGo fundraiser for his legal fees, with an aim of reaching $200,000. So far, he’s only about $16,000 into it, so lots more help will be needed.

There’s a whole lot more on the line here than just the freedom of one man. The RedState story mentions a number of other people whose cases aren’t going as well. His case could be the breakthrough case that not only frees up people’s ability to home brew firearms, but literally frees others who are rotting in “hellish, deadly conditions” at Rikers Island for the great crime of possessing a gun.

https://www.givesendgo.com/dtaylor_2a_legal

Article:      https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/a-brave-new-yorker-needs-our-help-keeping-his-freedom/

Under Assemblyman Steck’s bill, the NY Attorney General can bring civil and criminal actions in NY State courts against any NY State resident or the ammunition seller in another state, when ammunition is purchased in another state and it does not go through NY State’s background check.

Example Letter:

Dear Assemblyman X,

Please oppose bill A08443. It gives the attorney general the power to bring civil and criminal actions to a NY resident who buys ammo in another state, and also to bring civil and criminal actions to a seller of ammo another state who sells ammo to a NY resident. This is wrong, unconstitutional, and against the congress’ authority over interstate commerce. The supreme court would never uphold this law. Many people are close to the state border, or travel through neaby states frequently, and this law is foolish. Please don’t support it.

Who is my Assemblymember:  https://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/

https://scopeny2a.org/page-18268

https://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=A08443&term=2023&Summary=Y&Text=Y