SCOPE Activities in May, 2025
Relationships matter and are essential. On Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, several SCOPE officials traveled to Albany to meet with New York State Senate Minority Leader Senator Rob Ortt, along with Senator Joseph Griffo, Senator Mark Walczyk and their staff. During the meeting, SCOPE presented its list of the Top Ten Most Egregious Firearms Bills currently being debated in Albany. The discussed covered several proposed bills, including Assembly Bills A00929, A02228/S03562, S00418/A01774, S00658/A04085, A00346, S05813, A03376, A01210/S00362, and S01358. Senator Ortt and his colleagues expressed their opposition to all the bills on the list. Furthermore, Senator Ortt directed his staff to ensure SCOPE is notified whenever any of these bills are scheduled for debate. A meeting to brief New York State Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay is also in the works.
We are in the danger zone. This is the period between when the budget is finished and the end of the legislative year. This is the time when firearms legislation gets signed in the middle of the night. One such bill moving forward is Senate Bill S04277. New York State Senate Bill S04277 seeks to prohibit the possession of certain .50 caliber firearms and directs the New York State Police to implement a buyback program. Under this program, individuals who currently lawfully possess these firearms could surrender them to a designated officer in exchange for fair market value compensation. SCOPE opposes this legislation, arguing that banning a single caliber sets a precedent for broader firearm restrictions. Moreover, they note that .50 caliber firearms have not been used in any crimes in New York State. The bill could also negatively impact shooting sports communities, such as those involved in long-range competitions.
Although S04277 was not originally included in SCOPE’s “Top Ten Most Egregious Firearm Bills”, recent developments may warrant its addition. On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the New York State Senate Codes Committee advanced the bill in a 9-4 vote, split along party lines. It now awaits further action. According to Senate rules, the Senate Majority Leader, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, will decide whether the bill proceeds to a floor vote. As of today, Thursday, May 29, 2025, there are seven (7) legislative days remaining – June 4-6 and June 9-12. Notably, there is no companion bill (“same as”) currently in the New York State Assembly.
SCOPE leadership continues to engage with county federations, SCOPE chapters, and local rod and gun clubs throughout New York State. On Thursday May 8, 2025, I addressed the Ulster County Federation where approximately 45 representatives from various rod and gun clubs in the county were in attendance, including the SCOPE County Chairman. The primary goals of the visit were to gauge interest in forming a SCOPE chapter in Ulster County and to encourage increased SCOPE membership. During the presentation, I outlined SCOPE’s five (5) key priorities, SCOPE’s Top Ten Most Egregious Firearms legislation, and how SCOPE accomplishes its mission. Membership applications were handed out and 6-8 people signed up as new members. SCOPE visits to other counties and SCOPE chapters are planned for the near future.
Planning for the 2025 SCOPE Banquet is underway. The event is set to take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6778 in Palmyra, New York. A tentative program includes a social hour from 5:00PM – 6:00PM, Dinner from 6:00PM-7:00PM, Guest Speaker(s) from7:00PM-8:00PM, Awards from 8:00PM-8:20PM, Raffles 8:20PM-8:55PM, and closing remarks at 9:00PM. Menu and cost will be determined soon.
It is essential that 2nd Amendment supporters engage not only with like-minded individuals but also with elected officials and members of the public who may hold differing views. With that goal in mind, SCOPE is launching an effort in which its representatives meet with policymakers who have opposing perspectives on the 2nd Amendment. These meetings will focus on discussing SCOPE’s “Top Ten Most Egregious Firearms Legislation” to foster dialogue and promote understanding.
As part of its mission to defend the Second Amendment rights, SCOPE works to keep both members and the public informed about politicians and legislation that impact gun ownership. With the fundraising season underway – and many SCOPE chapters setting up tables at fairs and field days – a power point presentation has been created to highlight SCOPE’s Top Ten Most Egregious Firearms Bills, helping educate the public on critical legislative threats. The power point presentation was emailed to all SCOPE county chairman to use as they see fit. During the General Brown Field Days, from 30 May through 1 June, the Jefferson/Lewis County chapter of SCOPE displayed the power point presentation on an electronic loop, running all day on a large screen TV.
Membership is improving but still lags with younger generations. To improve membership with younger generations, SCOPE wants to develop a social medial plan. To do that, a social media plan committee formed this month to begin work. More to follow in the coming months.
Several significant federal and state gun-related developments occurred over the last month. At the federal level, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H. R. 1, also know as the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which incudes a provision in Section 2 that removes suppressors from regulation under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Meanwhile, in New York, the state imposed $16,000 in penalties and fees on Walmart on May 28 for selling and shipping “realistic toy guns” that were black, dark blue, silver, or aluminum – colors that make them resemble real firearms. Under New York law, toy guns must be brightly colored orange or made entirely of transparent or translucent materials. This requirement was enacted in 2022.
SCOPE is making a significant impact. I want to extend my sincere thanks to all SCOPE members for generously giving their time, talent, and treasure to support and defend the Second Amendment in New York State.
John R. Elwood
SCOPE President
