By Dave Workman
For more than 50 years, the Second Amendment Foundation has been literally fighting in the trenches to defend and restore the constitutionally-protected right to keep and bear arms, and in the past few years, with several court victories to its credit, growing industry support for the foundation’s efforts underscore the importance of SAF’s continuing work.
Currently, the foundation has nearly 60 legal actions in progress around the country, essentially making it the proverbial spear point on the legal battlefield.
SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan Gottlieb has lived through it all, from the early days when the fledgling organization was promoting and encouraging scholarly work on the Second Amendment, to now, when the foundation has become a legal powerhouse. It was SAF’s 2010 Supreme Court victory in McDonald v. City of Chicago—which incorporated the Second Amendment to the states via the 14th Amendment—which many believe opened the legal floodgates. Over the past 15 years, SAF and other organizations, often working together, have been challenging restrictive, unconstitutional gun control laws. Many believe had it not been for the McDonald victory, there might not have been the more recent 2022 ruling in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, which struck down the century-old restrictive carry law in New York, a ruling which also had a ripple effect in neighboring New Jersey, California, Hawaii and other states.
The impact was not lost on the industry, and was perhaps summed up best by Cody Osborn, vice president of Sales and Marketing at Q, a firearms, silencer and accessories manufacturer, which has become the organization’s latest corporate sponsor.
“Q exists because the Second Amendment exists, and we take that responsibility seriously,” Osborn said. “We’re not here to throw money at bloated nonprofits that talk loud and deliver nothing. SAF wins real fights. They’re focused, efficient and relentless. That’s why we’re with them.”
Over the past couple of years, corporate support for the non-profit foundation has greatly increased, which Gottlieb credited to the efforts of SAF Senior Vice President Lauren Hill. She has done yeoman work, he observed, bringing industry attention to SAF’s mission, and its track record.
As a result, Osborn is not alone in his observations about SAF’s work. Others who have provided corporate support to the foundation have been equally laudatory in their explanations.
Armslist Sales and Marketing Director Andrew Varney noted recently, “Unlike some other organizations, the Second Amendment Foundation actively engages, going beyond mere fundraising and fighting tirelessly for our rights in courtrooms across the country. As a platform dedicated to providing the avenue for the lawful exchange of firearms among responsible citizens, we recognize the critical importance of safeguarding the freedoms enshrined in the Second Amendment. SAF’s relentless efforts – through legal advocacy, education and public outreach – ensure the fundamental principles of individual liberty and self-defense remain protected for future generations.”
Likewise, Field Ethos CEO Jason Vincent stated, “Field Ethos always has and always will be 100% committed to protecting our Second Amendment rights. That said, we have zero interest in supporting top-heavy 2A non-profits that waste resources without accountability. SAF is different. They rack up 2A wins because their operations are lean, focused and sophisticated. We’re proud to call them a partner.”
And Pete Brownell, president and CEO at Brownells, commented, “The Second Amendment Foundation fights where it matters most, the courts. Their legal battles protect and secure our rights for future generations. Brownells is proud to support SAF in defending the Second Amendment as a Gold corporate sponsor.”
Hill told Liberty Park Press that the growing industry support has been gratifying and immensely important. When she came aboard three years ago, there were a handful of corporate supporters, and now there are about 30, and the list is growing. She noted that communications with industry leaders at industry events such as the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) and Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) shows has been very positive.
“People want to meet with us, and they want to jump on board,” she said.
Importantly, Hill said the support builds and comes back year after year as people see what SAF is doing and accomplishing.
For example, Sam Jacobs, head of Marketing at Ammo.com, said in a news release, “At Ammo.com, we deeply value the work the Second Amendment Foundation does to protect the rights of everyday Americans. Their legal efforts make a real difference in preserving the freedoms our customers care about most. We’re proud to support SAF and stand with them in defending the Second Amendment.”
Magpul Executive Vice President Duane Liptak observed, “Magpul is proud to continue our support and sponsorship of the ongoing efforts of the Second Amendment Foundation in defending our Second Amendment rights. With the never-ending legal attacks on firearms owners and companies in the firearms industry, the Second Amendment Foundation is a leader in protecting American citizens’ choices regarding the right to own and bear arms.”
And Taurus USA Marketing Director Michael Marotte commented, “At Taurus, we believe that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental to the American way of life. Supporting the Second Amendment Foundation means standing behind the essential legal work they do to protect those rights for responsible gun owners across the country. We’re proud to contribute to their mission and ensure that the Second Amendment is preserved not just today, but for future generations.”
Dave Matheny, founder and CEO at the Silencer Shop, summed it up’
“Silencer Shop stands with the folks who are out there fighting for our rights – and that’s exactly what the Second Amendment Foundation does,” Matheny said. “They’ve shown they can win real battles where it counts and make positive change for gun owners. We’re proud to continue to support SAF, as the industry is strongest when we stand together.”
Workman is editor-in-chief at TheGunMag.com
