While we appreciate the Jan. 25 editorial on our Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show — “Cheers to those who are taking safety seriously in the gun industry” — we want to underscore that safety is not a recently discovered saleable product. Safety is foundational to the firearms industry.
Our industry’s initiatives offer solutions to help reduce crimes and accidents. The five-year Fix NICS initiative has improved the accuracy of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. The National Shooting Sports Foundation has partnered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives through Operation Secure to reduce the theft of firearms from retailers, and to deter illegal straw purchases through the Don’t Lie for the Other Guy program.
The foundation is now partnering with the nation’s largest suicide prevention group to provide retailers and ranges educational resources to help reduce suicides. We are also working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to expand their outreach.
Safety is in our industry’s DNA, from the safe handling of guns to locks long included in every firearm sold. SHOT Show attendees saw safe-storage solutions, including safes, quick-access boxes and locks. Safety is emphasized in everything we do.
The writer is CEO of the National Shooting Sports Foundation.