Gone are the days of newspapers, magazines and network television. Social media is today’s top source for news, entertainment and information. But with the quick pace of trending topics and 140-character updates, unless you live online, you’re bound to miss something. Luckily for you, that’s my job. The Social Media Reload features the most popular, interesting, entertaining and controversial content in the firearms and outdoors industry from the past week and repackages it into a quick list with a bang. Read on and see what you missed this week.
NFA REGISTERED ITEMS ON THE RISE
Earlier this week the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) released new data on National Firearms Act (NFA) items showcasing an increase in numbers across the board. The information, updated as of February 2015, showcases a rise in suppressors (39%), full auto firearms (6%) and both short barrel rifles (32%) and shotguns (5%) with the addition of more than half a million new devices to the NFA registry—40 percent of which were registered in Texas, Georgia, Florida, Utah and Oklahoma. Suppressor manufacturers, like Gemtech, confirm sales are up, most likely due to new state legislation and education. As NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Lawrence Keane, told Guns.com, “As more target shooters and hunters realize the many benefits suppressors provide, their popularity across the United States will continue to increase.” (via Guns.com)
UPROAR OVER CECIL THE LION
If you didn’t know Cecil the lion before this week, you sure do by now. A male African lion estimated to be 12-13 years old, Cecil was a local favorite in Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe and the subject of an Oxford University study since 2008 until being shot and killed by American dentist and big-game hunter Walter Palmer. Earlier this month, Palmer reportedly paid $50,000 to a professional hunter and landowner to legally track and kill a lion. Little did Palmer know, though, the lion he would kill was so popular and the outing would lead to worldwide backlash from governments, celebrities and the general public, threats posted on his office door and a possible legal investigation. And while details of the case are still limited at this time, both critics and supporters of Palmer are locked in a heated debate discussing hot-button topics such as poaching and conservation, as well the ethics and business that is big-game hunting.
In this week’s “Is this really a thing?” news, legislative advocacy organization New Yorkers Against Gun Violence (NYAGV) has teamed up with marketing and advertising firm BBH Barn to create a new social media-driven campaign they call #DisarmTheiPhone. Aimed at removing the pistol emoji from the iPhone, the initiative encourages others to tweet Apple CEO Tim Cook asking to remove the emoji until Congress requires background checks on all gun purchases and transfers. By removing the harmless symbol, NYAGV believes they will “show America wants stricter access to real guns.” So far, hundreds have tweeted using the hashtag, but neither Tim Cook nor Apple have addressed the organization or the tweets. According to emojtracker.com, a website tracking realtime emoji use on Twitter, the pistol emoji is the 82nd most used emoji on the platform, used more than 24 million times. (via Guns.com)
Have you watched or read something interesting, entertaining or controversial on social media this week? Shoot us a link in a comment below and stay up to date with the best of each week with our Social Media Reload archive.
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