Ammoland Inc. Posted on May 20, 2019 by Dean Weingarten
A nation of rifleman used to be a significant part of national defense. The bi-partisan passage of the “range bill†is an acknowledgment that promoting target practice is part of promoting national defense.
The bill is important because firing ranges are constantly under attack by those who wish for a disarmed population. The bill allows states to access excise taxes collected on the sale of ammunition and guns for the construction and improvement of shooting ranges. From NSSF Press Release:
The Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act, also known as the “Range Bill,†allows states to use their Pittman-Robertson Fund allocations to begin construction of new ranges, or improve existing state-run public recreational shooting ranges. Prior to this law’s enactment, states were required to put up 25 percent of the cost of range construction projects to access the matching 75 percent of Pittman-Robertson funds. Now, states can access those funds with a 10 percent match and will have five fiscal years to acquire land for range construction or expansion projects.
Pittman-Robertson funds are derived from an excise tax paid by firearms and ammunition manufacturers. Since 1937, the fund has generated more than $12.5 billion funding wildlife conservation and safety education programs in all 50 states. NSSF estimates more than 80 percent of Pittman-Robertson excise tax contributions are generated by sales attributed to recreational shooting. This means today’s recreational target shooter is an overwhelming contributor to conservation through excise tax support.
A recurring concern of recreational shooters, and those considering entering the sport, is proximity and access to a safe range. This new law would make it easier for states to enable recreational target shooters to enter the sport, which in turn would generate continued contributions to Pittman-Robertson funds and the conservation programs which it supports.
President Teddy Roosevelt promoted target practice as a means of preventing war and of projecting national power. From goodreads.com:
“The great body of our citizens shoot less as times goes on. We should encourage rifle practice among schoolboys, and indeed among all classes, as well as in the military services by every means in our power. Thus, and not otherwise, may we be able to assist in preserving peace in the world… The first step – in the direction of preparation to avert war if possible, and to be fit for war if it should come – is to teach men to shoot!â€
More:
https://www.ammoland.com/2019/05/range-bill-a-return-to-legitimization-of-american-gun-culture/
