Presenting the Shooter’s Log weekly wrap up of the major news and trending stories that affect gun owners from August 23-29, 2015.

It’s Official—Army Seeks to Replace Beretta M9

The U.S. Army officially released solicitation for new XM17 MHS handguns on August 28. The open caliber competition asks for the handgun to have interchangeable grips, ambidextrous controls and accessory rails. The deadline for companies to submit handguns is January 28.

Tacoma, Washington Planning Anonymous Gun Drop box

Well, this sounds like a terrible idea… Tacoma, Washington is considering installing a drop box to encourage more people to turn in their guns. The drop box would offer complete anonymity.

Don Ramsdell, Tacoma’s Police Chief says the idea is similar to the book drop outside a library. People could use the drop box to deposit their firearms for destruction without ever having to come in contact with law enforcement.

City officials and Tacoma police are still planning the box, mainly where the box will be located and its security. Assistant Police Chief Mike Ake says, “You don’t want to just drop off a gun and it hits metal. You want to have some soft Jello- or foam-like substance so that when a gun is dropped off, it is done safely.”

NRA Challenges California “Assault Weapons” and Magazine-Capacity Bans

In an ongoing battle to restore rights to California citizens, the NRA filed a “friend of the court” brief with the Supreme Court requesting the court rehear Friedman v. City of Highland Park which challenges the state’s ban on so-called “assault weapons” and magazine-capacity bans.

Coalition to Stop Gun Violence ‘Swatting’ Legal Open Carriers

The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence encouraged people through Facebook to ‘swat’ people openly carrying a firearm. The group wrote, “If you see someone carrying a firearm in public—openly or concealed—and have ANY doubts about their intent, call 911 immediately and ask police to come to the scene. Never put your safety, or the safety of your loved ones, at the mercy of weak gun laws that arm individuals in public with little or no criminal and/or mental health screening.” ‘Swatting’ is when people call 911 and make a false report. ‘Swatting’ is dangerous and has led to harm on law-abiding citizens.

Erich Pratt of the Gun Owners of America says, “They would likely be the ones arrested for filing a false report. And we are certainly hoping that would be the case.”

New Hampshire on its way to Approve Hunting with Suppressors

New Hampshire might soon join the majority of the states with approving hunting with suppressors. A House subcommittee approved of HB 500 last week. The bill now goes into full committee.

Alabama No Longer Keeping Register of Pistol Purchases

September 1 marked a huge victory for Alabama firearm owners. Signed on June 4, 2015, Alabama HB 47 went into effect this week. HB 47 eliminates Alabama’s pistol registration, allows the use of handgun with parental permission for those younger than 18, eliminates a ban on carrying a gun at hospitals and gives the opportunity for those previously banned from possessing firearms the right to restoration.

All previous records of pistol registrations will be destroyed under the new law.

Albany, NY Passes Gun Lock Law

The Albany, New York city council passed a new law 14-1 mandating all firearms be either locked in a safe or trigger locked while in one’s home. Failure to secure any firearm in accordance to the new law could lead to time in jail. The new law is effective January 1.

IMR Legendary Powder Recall

Six lot numbers of IMR 4007SSC Legendary Powder have been recalled. Powders in lot numbers 10130139, 10131139, 10429139, 10430138, 80425139 and 80426139 may be unstable due to rapid deterioration. This is unsafe! STOP USING THIS PRODUCT! This issue could cause spontaneous combustion, fire and injury.

Contact IMR Powder Company for instructions on how to receive a free replacement 1-800-622-4366 or help@imrpowder.com.

Product Spotlight

Streamlight TLR-2HL G

One of Streamlight’s newest in its TLR series of gun-mounted lights is the TLR-2HL G with 510-530nm green laser. The TLR-2HL G has a C4 LED with 720 lumens and 14,000-candela peak beam intensity. It easily mounts to a long gun or handgun rail with its integrated mount. The TLR-2HL G has light-only, laser-only or dual modes. The light has a strobe mode, as well. Using the light and laser together, it will run for 1.5 hours. In laser-only mode, it has a 17-hour battery life. Made from 6000-series machined aircraft aluminum with a black anodized finish, the Streamlight light and laser is 3.39-inches long and weighs only 4.78 ounces. It includes 3V CR123A batteries. The light has an MSRP set by Streamlight of $580, however, you can get it from Cheaper Than Dirt! for $286.24! In case you missed them, here are the top 10 read blog posts this week:

• Why Is Walmart Ending AR-15 Sales?
• Seattle Sued Over Guns and Ammo Tax Scheme
• AR-15 Trigger Basics
• The Mosin Nagant — A Must Own Rifle
• Should the Military Upgrade—or Replace—Beretta’s M9 Pistol?
• Thinking (and Practicing) Outside Of The Box – Defensive Handgun Deployment, Part II
• Top 10 AR-15 Rifles 2014
• Recall: Savage B.MAG .17 WSM Rifle
• Ten Top-Rated AR-15 Manufacturers
• Glock 19 Pros and Cons

What developing stories are you closely following? Are there any stories would like us to cover more in-depth? Tell us in the comment section. If you have a news story you would like to share, send us a link at content@cheaperthandirt.com.