Attention Maine Retailers:
Expect Visits from Anti-Gun Activists

Do not be surprised if your store is visited by one or more representatives of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition or other groups in the days, weeks or months ahead. These activists, funded by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, are working for passage of the universal background check initiative that will be on the state ballot in November.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) was contacted this week by the Maine Gun Safety Coalition seeking to obtain a "Don't Lie for the Other Guy" program retailer kit. We declined to provide them one because that kit was designed to assist you as retailers in helping to identify potential illegal straw purchasers. Hard as it is to believe about this advisory and educational program developed in cooperation with ATF, anti-gun groups have used it against certain retailers in the past to make their own political points.

You are on the front line of seeing that federal and state laws are followed in the sale of firearms and are the experts. You do not need an anti-gun activist who is misusing the term "gun safety" to tell you how to run your business. Please inform your staff and be prepared. If one or more of them visit your store, be polite, but you are under no obligation to cooperate with them. The extent to which you wish to engage in discussion with them is up to you, but please remember that they do not have your best interests in mind.

If you would like to order Don't Lie for the Other Guy materials for display or use by employees in your store, please contact Patrick Shay, pshay@nssf.org.