New RRA statement on IFMA
For immediate release: May 2, 2017
After further review, Rock River Arms, Inc.® (RRA) is immediately severing all ties with the Illinois Firearms Manufacturers Association (IFMA). We feel that IFMAs integrity is compromised and we will not be a part of the organization. We trusted that contributions and resources provided to IFMA by RRA were
being used to promote and uphold our 2nd Amendment values. IFMAs actions have destroyed that trust.
For more than twenty years, RRA has actively opposed gun control legislation at the local, state, and federal levels. We have supported and provided monetary and product donations to multiple pro-gun organizations including NRA, NSSF, ISRA and countless others. We have attended rallies and spoken at educational events on behalf of gun owners rights. Our employees have collected signatures, written letters and e-mails, called legislators offices, as well as attended events, meetings and hearings in Springfield, Illinois.
What we learned, however, was that we are better at manufacturing firearms and accessories than playing political games at the state capitol. So, we began to utilize the services of lobbyists, first through other organizations and then in 2009, we partnered with several other manufacturers to form IFMA.
Prior to our further review, we believed that the organization had accurately represented us. We feel that IFMAs actions have compromised its integrity. While their actions may be standard practices at the capitol, backdoor politics and convoluted deal-making are counter to the way we do business and lead
our lives.
I sincerely apologize for my lack of direct engagement in IFMAs governance and subsequent actions, as well as the abandonment gun owners are feeling.
If you have any questions regarding, or need more information about, this statement or RRAs position, please contact: Sarah Larson, RRA General Manager at 309-792-5780.
Thank you,Chuck LarsonPresident/OwnerRock River Arms, Inc.
1 comment:
One problem with Chuck Larson's statement. IFMA only has 2 clients, Springfield and RRA. As reported elsewhere Chuck Larson is listed on IRS form 990 as being a Director of IFMA along with Dennis Reese CEO of Springfield Armory and Tom Reese, Co-Chair of the Board at Springfield. The only other person associated with IFMA is Jay Keller Executive Director and the actual lobbyist.
So tell me again Chuck how you didn't know what was going on when you were one of the four people that compromised IFMA? Surely you don't think we are that gullible?
Sorry I don't believe you but I do give you credit for trying.
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