Well, it finally happened (Saiga import ban)

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2014/07/foghorn/breaking-obama-administration-bans-import-izhmash-kalashnikov-saiga-firearms/
Strange coincidence that the "new Russian sanctions" are being leveled to coincide with The Twit Offensive (Bloomberg-funded hit pieces), especially considering the dearth of tough-talk about the non-gun-related Ukraine affair.

So for now, Izhmash is now persona non grata. As is SIG, but from the opposite perspective (our government being shady). The ban on the Ruskies is indefinite.

Things to remember in 2016; "Will you reopen trade with Russia/China as far as sporting arms?"

Congrats, Saiganeers, you now own valuable Norinco's... Anybody know if Baikal is effected?

TCB

I have to assume Baikal is also affected (unless only Ivhesk is being nailed? ). I guess my MP161K 22LR got a lot more lucrative

The deal with SIG was our idiot DOD selling them to Colombians when we knew darn well that the Germans don't allow the guns to be sold there. Think France selling S&W AR15's to Iranians or Syrians; we'd beat 'em over the head with ITAR so fast they'd do a flip. Now SIG is barred from exporting here indefinitely (luckily I think most of their stuff is made here, anymore)

This is extremely bad news. The firearms mentioned have not been used to commit crimes in the USA.

Click to expand...

It is truly "first blood" as far as anti-gun maneuvers by this administration. Blocking already-long-delayed Garands and some sneaky semi-effective banking shenanigans along with lots of good 'ol demagogue-ing is something I expect and can live with. Playing with long-standing import rules (Saiga even had a treaty-negotiated exemption) is the closest thing to a nuclear option the Executive can pull and stay within the law. There is undoubtedly more to come, as our president seems determined to provoke a penultimate political conflict, of late (I expect a ban on all foreign parts kits from non-NATO states, stepped up ATF rulings on 80% products, manufacturers, and machine guns, and perhaps a ban or curtailing of gun imports from non-NATO countries. FNH/etc. are probably safe due to lobbying power through the military)

I suppose removing the sporting exemption on 12ga would be worse, but Biden wouldn't stand for that.

TCB

Takin' all bets on how long it takes them to get to ammo manufacturers and the few other gun makers (apparently it is limited to the one maker, for now). Let's not miss an opportunity to drive this home as legitimate anti-gun actions by the administration this November. No more playing around with people who claim the anti-gun side of the aisle is 'secretly supportive' or 'unwilling' or such nonsense; "here's yer evi-dense."

TCB