With his aggressive campaign support of the Second Amendment, Donald Trump’s election as the 45th President of the United States was a win for gun owners and manufacturers.
Tactical-Life spoke with some of the industry’s leaders to get their exclusive reactions.
Chris Cox, Executive Director, National Rifle Association (NRA)
On Second Amendment Opportunities
“In terms of opportunities for gun owners, we are past the time to talk about access rights for hunters and for concealed-carry interstate reciprocity rights. Under the new administration it should get accomplished, particularly with Sen. Jeff Sessions appointed as Attorney General.”
On Long-Term Impact
“We said all along this past election wasn’t about the next four years but about the next 40 years because of the makeup of the Supreme Court. In D.C. vs. Heller in 2008, we won the basic right for people to keep a gun for protection in their home by a Supreme Court vote of only 5 to 4, and that was with Justice (Antonin) Scalia’s vote, who’s now gone. With Donald Trump in office, Americans are in a much better position – although the margin remains razor thin – to solidify their rights to own firearms now and in the future.”
Larry Keane, SVP, Assistant Secretary and General Counsel, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)
On The Political Process
“As far as the federal government is concerned, the Second Amendment should be safe from further infringements as the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Firearms Act will not be misrepresented for political purposes. On the other hand, we will continue to face challenges to gun rights in some states where the anti-gun control groups will put even more focus and resources.”
On Recent Demand For Guns and Ammunition
“Broadly speaking, with a Trump administration and both houses of Congress in the hands of Republicans, we expect to see a more normalized market against a more stable political backdrop with fewer of the periodic spikes in demand that have occurred when law-abiding consumers perceive that politicians are seeking to enact restrictions on their ability to purchase the products they want to buy.”
Joyce Wilson, Executive Director, International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA)
On Innovation
“I think that while we may see a slowdown in firearm sales because people are more comfortable right now, manufacturers will feel freer to increase innovation. The fact that Mr. Trump is a businessman and understands how economy is supposed to work is going to be a really good thing for the United States manufacturers and population in general.”
Bill Wilson, Founder and Owner, Wilson Combat.
On Innovation
“I see a big sigh of relief from gun owners and the firearms industry. The firearms industry will feel much more comfortable bringing new products to market and expanding their businesses, especially if Trump can turn the slow economy around.”
