Weekly Wrap: Judge Blocks CA Carry Bans

Welcome to a weekly series here on Pew Pew Tactical dedicated to the gun news you need to know.

So, keep reading for this week’s notable news headlines…

Federal Judge Blocks California Carry Bans

A federal judge temporarily blocked a California law that banned concealed carry in a variety of public places.

U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney issued a preliminary injunction against Senate Bill 2, passed in September.

SB2 outlined 26 places concealed carriers would not be able to carry a handgun, deeming them “sensitive places.” Locations included hospitals, public transportation, playgrounds, casinos, stadiums, libraries, amusement parks, zoos, places of worship, and banks, among others.

In reviewing the bill, Carney indicated SB2 was too sweeping and would deprive concealed carriers of their constitutional rights.

“California recently passed a law, Senate Bill 2, that limits the public places where people with concealed carry permits may carry their handguns to defend themselves and their families. To obtain such a permit in California, a person must go through a rigorous screening process,” Carney wrote in his decision.

“Even with those stringent requirements, California will not allow concealed carry permitholders to effectively practice what the Second Amendment promises. SB2’s coverage is sweeping, repugnant to the Second Amendment, and openly defiant of the Supreme Court.”

California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta said the ruling presents a danger to communities “by allowing guns in places where families and children gather."

Bonta said his office intends to fight and appeal the decision.

Colt CZ Group to Buy Sellier & Bellot for $350M

Colt CZ Group announced its intentions to buy competitor Sellier & Bellot for a cool $350 million.

Brazilian holding company CBC Global Ammunition currently owns Sellier & Bellot, employing 1,600 people in its facility. As part of the deal, CBC Global will earn a 27-28% stake in Colt CZ – making CBC the second-largest shareholder of Colt CZ.

Jan Drahota, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Colt CZ Group, said that the acquisition aligns with the group’s long-term goal of expansion.

“We are proud to welcome one of the oldest and most important producers of small caliber ammunition, Sellier & Bellot, to Colt CZ Group. This acquisition fits into our long-term strategy to expand not only in our core segment of small arms, but also in related areas, with ammunition being a natural complement to our products,” said Drahota.

“We look forward to working with the management of Sellier & Bellot, its employees, partners, and customers, as well as the new opportunities that the connection with Sellier & Bellot will undoubtedly bring to our entire Group.”

The deal is pending “regulatory approval” but is expected to be finalized in the first half of 2024.

The Czech firearms and ammo maker made a bid earlier this month to nab Vista but was rejected by the outdoor sporting company.

Marine Corps Explores Lighter .50-Cal Ammo

The U.S. Marines are on the hunt for lighter .50-caliber ammo, carrying out market research aimed at reducing the amount of weight Marines carry on foot.

The Marine Corps Systems Command has reached out to ammo vendors inquiring about the possibilities of manufacturing .50-cal ammo that is 24-30% lighter than current cartridges, according to the Marine Corps Times.

Market research began in September, though the Systems Command request doesn’t outline how manufacturers could reduce that weight.

Systems Command spokeswoman Morgan Blackstock told Marine Corps Times that shaving weight will help Marines move faster, which is “critical to battlefield survivability.”

The Corps said if a lighter .50-cal can be sourced, the goal would be to have it delivered to Marines by the end of 2026.

Sources

• Judge Carney Decision
• SB 2
• Reuters
• Colt CZ Group
• Marine Corps Times