Jay Peterson
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Front firing... for now.

7/17/2014

4 Comments

 
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I hadn't planned on blogging today. The day job's been rambunctious and I more or less just wanted to chill for a while. And one thing led to window shopping.
And then I found this.

It's long, so I'll give the short version.

Maxsell is one of the companies I go to for my prop firearms. It's a small business in Florida run by a older gent named Vico who sounds like he walked off the set of the Sopranos. They sell imported prop guns (usually from Italy and Turkey), blanks, and assorted other stuff. He's pretty much stayed out of the news, outside of being sued hard by Glock a while back.

And now his shipments of stock are being seized by U.S. Customs. It's hard to tell with no opposing statement and Vico's curmudgeonly belligerence, but it looks like there's at least a degree of bureaucratic shenaniganry going on in Miami.
Paperwork, fines, fees, incompetence, belligerence, you know, government stuff.

It may be another copyright and trademark suit going on (The only firearm manufacturers I know of that license their frames for blank-fire versions are Colt and Walther. Maxsell sells neither.) It may also be related to good old Chapter 76.

I'm personally inclined to believe it's the latter, if nothing else because Front firing weapons are rapidly disappearing off of various commercial sites, while top and side venting ones are staying in place.

It's really too early for me to even see what's going on, let alone make a judgement call over what should be done. But I will point out a few things.

Despite what if-it-bleeds-it-leads excuses for journalism may make it seem, there's a huge world of law and regulation hovering in the background of anything having to do with a firearm in the U.S., real or simulated. It doesn't take public outcry to change the world of guns, it takes lawyers and money.

There are indie directors and performers around the country now who have no idea of the bigger picture, in which the manner in which they fire off blanks before audience or camera is too small to even be noticed. Hell, if the state of New York can pass sweeping firearms legislation while giving no creed to their own entertainment industry (New York! For fuck's sake, New York of all places!)
, it's entirely possible for a small potatoes prop gun business in Florida to be paperworked off the face of the earth with scarcely a byline to note its passing.

I get hired a good bit because film culture only talks to gun culture through those who can translate between them. I'm fortunate enough to have the skills and tools to do so, and tell awesome stories and keep my people safe at the same time.


I filmed Just Blanks using weapons bought from Maxsell.

You've sold me worthy tools in the past, Vico. Here's hoping you're around long enough to sell more.

~J.


4 Comments
Kevin Inouye link
7/17/2014 03:11:25 pm

Well put - to the degree that rather than re-invent the wheel I think I'm just going to link to your blog from mine, now that I'm done putting the kids to bed and starting to catch up. Fight Designer has purchased a bunch from Maxsell over the years as well, and I'd hate to see him go under... and I'd also hate the precedent that would set.

Reply
Vico Confino link
7/18/2014 04:11:34 am

If you are interested in the full story of this government "vendetta"
Please take the time to Google: maxarmory.com/help
It would be much appreciated if you would leave a comment after reading and viewing the videos.
In order to maintain my sanity during this debacle, I have written a parody of this US Customs targeting.
I do not have cinematic experience to turn it into a possible Youtube viral. Please contact me if you would be interested in reading a rough story board.
Stay well,
Vico Confino
954-571-2121
1-877-332-2343

Reply
VICO CONFINO link
7/11/2017 03:37:59 pm

7/11/2017
Update:
Vico Confino is now 84 years old. My bucket list includes thanking you for your honest interpretation of the Glock Inc.v Maxsell Corp
debacle that age has finally put to rest my flickering flame in believing that there is justice in the USA.
I will attempt to do what Houdini failed to do. I will attempt to come back and enter the brain of every scum sucking, bottom feeding attorney and their accomplices who have illegally profited from the
harm they have done by prostituting the law against honest law abiding citizens.
Stay well,
Vico Confino
1-877-332-2343

Reply
VICO CONFINO link
3/28/2018 03:18:47 pm

JAY
So much has happened since you printed my debacle with Glock.
How about an update for your readers?
Maxsell Corp is still in business, although a shadow of irs' former self.
Take peek at the current Maxarmory.com
I am at home recuperating from the "anguish" of this dirty tactics attack
by Glock attorneys and co-conspirators.
Stay well,
Vico
cell 561 552-5840
Wife 561-542-5838 keeping me alive

Check out the indictment of attorney (Renzulli N.Y.) who threatened me and the evidence he is being charged with.

Reply



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