Firearm Industry Granted Consultative Role to United Nations

The firearm and ammunition industry now has a seat at the world table of the United Nations. The 191-country international-relations body has granted official consultative status to the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAAMI). SAAMI, founded in 1926, publishes voluntary industry quality and safety standards, coordinates technical manufacturing data, and promotes safe and responsible firearms use. With its new U.

N. designation, SAAMI is nowa global resource for scientific facts on guns and ammunition. In securing the official designation, SAAMI Managing Director Rick Patterson delivered a presentation to the U. N. Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations, then for nearly an hour answered questions and responded to concerns regarding firearm industry involvement in U. N. issues. Final approval was handed down late last summer.

SAAMI has now become only the fourth firearms-related, non-government organization to be officially recognized by the United Nations. "The U. N. creates treaties and model regulations. It’s important for our industry to have a voice in both of these arenas," said Patterson. "First, international treaties are critical because a treaty actually supersedes the U. S.

Constitution, so SAAMI can now speak up during deliberations over any treaties that could ultimately render America’s 2nd Amendment null and void. "Second, the United Nations is very active in developing international regulations. There are thousands upon thousands of model regulations for countries to adopt, and SAAMI now has an official opportunity to provide input in the creation of these models.

We can’t prevent politicians from deliberately making bad decisions, but we can make sure they don’t unintentionally make bad decisions from a lack of knowledge," said Patterson. For more information on SAAMI, visit or call