It has been one week since the 72-Hour Waiting Period law went into effect. We wanted to update our supporters and members on the status of the pending legal challenge with regard to this new law and our strategy to contest it.

First, we cannot thank our supporters enough for their generous donations and commitment to overturn this infringement on our rights. Even though the donations we have received have been truly remarkable, we know the challenge could be long and potentially exceed one million dollars. 

To strengthen our coalition with the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, Women for Gun Rights, and the Maine Professional Guide’s Association , we have reached out to our friends at the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to seek their help.  They not only joined our efforts, but have agreed to fund the challenge through its completion.  Considering this amazing offer and the financial burden they have accepted, Gun Owners of Maine and the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine will be donating all the money we have raised that was allocated to the legal fund to the NSSF which will be used solely for use on our legal challenge here in Maine.

The team of lawyers hired by the NSSF are some of the finest in the nation with vast experience arguing cases in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.  Their legal team has been working with us to ensure that the very best outcome is achieved, including when to file in court and using the most appropriate plaintiffs. 

It is their belief that part of this process is finding the most complete list of plaintiffs in order to bring the best possible case, and have asked us to extend a request to please make us aware of any individuals you (specifically firearms dealers) may come across who are a first-time firearm buyer who believes their life to be in danger by being forced to wait to have the ability to protect themselves. If you know of anyone who fits this description, please reply to this email and we will be in touch with you.

We ask for your continued patience and trust, and hope this information will help our members to understand any perceived delay in filing.

Further donations to this challenge can be given directly to the NSSF or can be sent to Gun Owners of Maine as we will continue to forward all legal fund donations directly to those efforts.  

Thank you again for your support as we continue to defend gun rights in Maine.