John Petrolino

Writer and constitutional libertarian. Author of Decoding Firearms and contributor to @bearingarmscom @AmmoLand @guntruth #thepenpatriot #johnnydecoded

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Articles

A Closer Look at the 2025 NRA Officers Election

1 month ago | bearingarms.com | John Petrolino

The 2025 National Rifle Association Annual Meeting was a big one for the organization. After the membership meeting wrapped up–with a number of noteworthy happenings occurring there–the newly installed board met on Monday April 28. The election of officers did not go lock-step with what the nominating committee wished, and the so-called “reformers” managed to sweep the slate, taking control of most of the organization.
Living at the Tip of the Spear: Joe Drammissi on Challenging the Anti-Gun Status Quo in California

1 month ago | shootingnewsweekly.com | John Petrolino

Firearms instructor Joe Drammissi is a member of the Board of Directors of San Diego County Gun Owners PAC, a writer, and Second Amendment activist. Drammissi has been navigating California’s gun laws for years, and we had a chat about some of the post-Bruen challenges that gun owners face in the Golden State. Drammissi breaks down some of the issues with the new training programs, how this has driven up costs for students, and the overall chaos that’s been proliferating on the left coast.
Training and the Law in California Post-Bruen With Joe Drammissi

1 month ago | bearingarms.com | John Petrolino

In the wake of NYSRPA v. Bruen, a number of liberal leaning states enacted prohibitive carry laws in response. In September 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 2, the Golden State’s Bruen-response law, and it went into effect on January 1, 2024. Firearms instructor and San Diego County Gun Owners PAC board member Joe Drammissi has been navigating the changes in the law and spoke about it in a recent interview.
Who’s Chatting With the White House & Trump Addresses the National Rifle Association

1 month ago | bearingarms.com | John Petrolino

President Donald J. Trump has been attending the National Rifle Association's annual meeting every year for nearly a decade. Trump did not make it to the 2025 NRAAM, but did send in a video message. Pundits have been skeptical of Trump's pro Second Amendment stance, however advocacy groups have been meeting with the administration as early as one week after the election.
BATFE’s 2024 ‘Fact Sheet’ Released

1 month ago | bearingarms.com | John Petrolino

The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives announced in late April 2025 that they’ve released their “Fact Sheet - Facts and Figures for Fiscal Year 2024.” The report offers an interesting glimpse into what the agency was doing last year. Some of the data that’s within the report includes:Personnel numbers and agency budget. Case and defendant data in the various phases of the judicial process. Number of federal firearms licensees and licenses issued.
What Non-Lethal Defense Options Are Permitted at N.J.’s State Colleges?

1 month ago | bearingarms.com | John Petrolino

State colleges and universities receive quite a large amount of funding from taxpayers. What’s their responsibility as far as keeping students safe? What’s within their powers to restrict their students from lawful self-defense? How do the state colleges and universities measure up in New Jersey when it comes to their weapons policies? As of April 2025, only one out of 11 state colleges in N.J. allows pepper spray on their campuses.
The Lessons of Lexington, Concord, and the Shot Heard Around the World

1 month ago | bearingarms.com | John Petrolino

On April 19, 2025, many in the United States will be observing the 250th anniversary of the shot heard around the world. The Battles of Lexington and Concord were when the conflict between the British colonists and British regulars–Americans and the British–went from cold to hot. Alan Gottlieb, the chairman of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms had some musings that he shared about the upcoming anniversary.
Does Declassified Document on Domestic Terrorism Say You’re a Problem?

1 month ago | bearingarms.com | John Petrolino

On April 8, 2025, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced the establishment of a task force to restore faith in the intelligence community. One of the first moves was the declassification of a Biden era document on domestic terrorism. What were their priorities?
USCCA/Delta Defense’s Rob Chadwick on Their New Non-Lethal Training Programs

1 month ago | shootingnewsweekly.com | John Petrolino

I had a chance to talk candidly with Rob Chadwick, Director of Education and Training for USCCA/Delta Defense. We talked about their new non-lethal training programs, an exciting new set of classes that opens up opportunities for students as well as instructors. Portions of this interview have been edited for clarity and readability. Petrolino: Today we’re talking with Rob Chadwick, he is the director of education and training at Delta Defense and the USCCA.
FPC Filing Requests Permanent Ban on Texas Carry Bans

1 month ago | bearingarms.com | John Petrolino |Tom Knighton |Cam Edwards

In 2021, permitless carry was enacted in Texas. While a permit or license is not required to carry a firearm in the Lonestar State, Firearm Policy Coalition points out there are common locations where carry is banned. On April 16, 2025, FPC filed a motion for a summary judgment in a case they’re backing and seek to have the prohibitions removed. The case is Ziegenfuss v. McCraw and the original complaint was filed in October of 2024 in the Federal District Court of Northern Texas.