Jenna Ashkenazie
Samson Armory is the first licensed firearms dealer to be established in New York in the past sixty years. Mr. Michael Bergida, a community member,is dedicated to helping Jews in the community get licensed to carry firearms, for the protection of themselves and their families.
His journey as an entrepreneur began when his business was featured on Shark Tank, the business reality tv series. There he and his business partner promoted Bumpeez, a ride-on bumper car for kids as young as 18 months. Mr. Bergida later moved on to My First Pistol, where he helped over one thousand community members obtain firearms andhe trained them how to handle them properly. He has gained approval from the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and has acquired state and federal licenses. Next, he needs one more bureaucratic approval and he will then be able to officially open Samson Armory to the public.
Firearms for the Community
Mr. Bergida was one of the first to obtain a firearm once the Supreme Court relaxed restrictions on ownership of concealed handguns in New York. Now he is helping other Jews obtain their licenses, believing that sometimes, “the only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” Many feel it is important to exercise our second amendment rights, and keep ourselves safe, especially after October 7th and the sharp rise in anti-Semitism that followed.
Many in the Jewish community have not been supportive of the Armory, and of owning firearms in general Undeterred, Mr. Bergida continues to help others to obtain firearms legally, and to train them properly. He believes that the most dangerous weapons are the ones left in untrained hands.
Gun Ownership – Not So Simple
In order to purchase a gun in New York, state law requires that the potential purchaser must reside or have a business in New York State, be at least twenty one, and he or she may notbe convicted of felonies, domestic violence misdemeanors, or other serious offenses. Certain mental health conditions may disqualify one from owning a gun. Applicants must also pass a background check, be of good moral character , and have four people willing to vouch for them.
Samson Armory is able to expedite the process for procuring a gun license, but all applicants are carefully vetted before they obtain a weapon.
Deciding to Purchase a Gun
Mr. Bergida does not try to convince anyone to purchase a gun. He stated that, “Just because you can have one [a gun] doesn’t mean you should. Owning a gun isn’t for everyone. With enough training, anyone can shoot, but I’m not looking to convince anyone. They have to understand their second amendment right.”
The company offers free seminars. Participants can ask questions about owning a firearm, and they can simply get more comfortable around guns. Often participants ask questions regarding children in the house. How do you keep them away from firearms? How do you explain to a young child how truly dangerous a gun could be in the wrong hands? Mr. Bergida answers, “Educate your kids. Accidents occur because children don’t know what it [a gun] is, if they understand, then they won’t use it.” The more educated a child is concerning the potential dangers of playing with a gun, the less likely they are to go near them. With rising anti-Semitism, coupled with the desire to keep ourselves and our families safe, many are grappling with the decision of whether to obtain a firearm. Mr. Bergida is happy to answer all community members’ questions regarding firearms.