Every time there is an issue with *GUNS* in New Zealand I have to wince at the lack of any unified voice to really speak confidently for all of us.
- We are, after-all, proven to be the most law-abiding and select group within our society.
No other group of Kiwi citizens can claim to be as worthy as we are - a diverse group of firearms users and outdoors folk who have passed extensive in-depth police investigation - and all have the stated judgement of both close family members and unrelated associates - that we are fit and proper persons to own guns.
We have no criminal record - we have no history of mental illness or violence - we do not associate with known criminals or gang-members.
However - getting us to stick together and to work for our mutual interests is best described as being like "herding cats"!
When there is public discussion about any event that has involved irresponsible use of guns - voices are raised in dispute, and impatient stares will dominate the conversation. - Every group seems to push its own needs like a class of teenage kids in front of the headmaster - "It wasn't us Sir - we don't even use xxxx." - And, we don't have a very strong 'brand' image as gun owners.
Hunters see the issue this way - small bore rifle shooters see it that way. Deer-Stalkers want more of that and less of those. - Pistol shooters think that we shouldn't be included with them. - Collectors are above it all - while black-powder shooters just want more hot soapy water! - If you'd really like to see school-yard cliques at play - try grouping ISSF Bulls-eye shooters with IPSC Action shooters - in the same clubrooms!
I know that there are a couple of national groups that seek to be representative umbrella groups - COLFO & SSANZ * - but therein lies the problem - 'a couple of groups'
Both do an excellent job in their own separate way - but talk about 'divide and conquer' . - Two different groups each trying to present a unified voice with Authorities and Government - and to speak for some ten plus distinct shooting organisations. - I repeat - "LIKE HERDING CATS"
- I don't say that America is the best place in the world for everything - BUT they have got The NRA - and we kiwis need to sort-out something similar here. - How about combining what we've got into "LSA-NZ"? (Licenced Shooters Association NZ?). - Get the gun shops to join too, as sponsoring members. - Why not recruit licenced law-enforcement personnel with a discounted membership?
Actually - the nearest thing in NZ to a united shooting voice here currently is the magazine 'New Zealand Guns & Hunting' - where publisher Peter Maxwell tries to give all shooters a fair suck of the sausage.
Very simple to do .. COLFO and SSANZ should merge and each of the various sub-organisations adds sixty bucks per member into the pool every year (and we all get a decent 'free' magazine too).
Now you're talking. - Now you've got a VOICE.
Come on guys - I can hear some of you already "What? - Sixy Bucks is way too much!"
- Guys who may own tens of thousands of dollars worth of rifles, shotguns, pistols, ammo and reloading gear - will cry into their coffee if asked to lash-out small change to protect their investments, rights, and sport!
- Hell - a truly National body could buy bulk ammo etc. and save its members each that much every year!
Here Pussy Pussy -230,000 licenced furry pets - but with claws!
* Coalition of Licenced Firearms Users
* Sporting Shooters Association New Zealand
Marty K
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