Media Contact: Georgia Seltzer, (202) 822-8200 x104, gseltzer@vpc.org
In this industry update: the latest from the Violence Policy Center’s ongoing research project Assault on DC, Guns & Ammo features a four-page advertising spread (including the front and back covers) from Silencer Central urging readers to buy one firearm silencer and get the second for free, and another example of the firearm industry’s financial support of the gun lobby.
More Than 270 Assault Weapons Recovered in Washington, DC in Less Than Two Years
A common misconception is that assault weapons are used almost solely in mass shootings and that regulating or banning these military-bred guns only affects firearm death and injury in that context. In fact, assault weapons are routinely recovered by law enforcement in connection to numerous other crimes.
The ongoing VPC research project Assault on DC reveals that at least 272 assault weapons have been recovered in Washington, DC by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) between January 1, 2023 and November 4, 2024. Recent examples include the “Ghost Gun” assault rifle and Pioneer Arms Hellpup pictured below.
Assault weapons are banned in the District of Columbia, and it is a well-established fact that the vast majority of all firearms recovered in DC come from other jurisdictions. The high number of assault weapons recovered in the District is just the latest proof of the need for a national ban on these weapons of war.
Silencers – Buy One, Get One Free
The December issue of Guns & Ammo features a four-page advertising spread — including the front and back cover — from Silencer Central, a third-party middleman that sells silencers from a wide range of companies and facilitates the registration process for purchasers. In bold capitals the cover states, “BUY ONE SILENCER — GET ONE FREE.” The back cover promises, “YOUR FREE SILENCER IS WAITING TO BE DELIVERED TO YOUR FRONT DOOR.” Potential buyers are also urged to “TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RECORD LOW WAIT TIMES TODAY” for the more stringent ATF registration process for these firearm accessories which are controlled under the National Firearms Act of 1934.
Handgun Maker Offers GOA-Branded Pistol in Latest Example of Industry Financial Support of Gun Lobby
In another example of firearms industry financial support of the gun lobby, a November 13, 2024 email from Gun Owners of America (GOA) heralded the availability of a “NEW Canik GOA-Branded Micro-Pistol.”
The email tells the reader:
Take action soon because this fantastic offer will not last forever!
In late October, we announced the launch of the new Canik Mete MC9 GOA Limited Edition Micro Compact 9mm Pistol, a collaborative effort between Gun Owners of America & Canik USA.
We are excited that so many GOA members have purchased the MC9 micro-compact pistols, which are now on sale at Classic Firearms — where our members receive $50 off their purchase!
And given the projected economic bump that’s coming as a result of last week’s election, now is the time to order your handgun, before the limited supply runs out!
And while GOA members get a $50 discount on the pistol, the email adds, “Best of all, Canik is donating $50.00 from each purchase directly back to GOA.”
GOA Director of Development Kailey Nieman sums it all up: “We are incredibly excited to have GOA-branding featured on a Canik product. We can’t thank their team and the folks over at Classic Firearms enough for their continued support.”
