Everyday Carry
By: Robb Manning
Assault Weapons Ban II: What You Need to Know
As I write this, Dec 27, 2012, Senator Dianne Feinstein (D, CA) has posted on her website a summary of her 2013 “Updated Assault Weapons Bill,” which she is to introduce in January of 2013. The Bill’s aim: “to stop the sale, transfer, importation and manufacturing of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition feeding devices.” If you own a semi-automatic firearm the bill will affect you, whether you shoot a handgun, shotgun or rifle; for hunting, sport or self-defense.
Here is a summary of the 2013 legislation, from Sen. Feinstein’s website:
1. Bans the sale, transfer, importation, or manufacturing of:
- 120 specifically-named firearms;
- Certain other semiautomatic rifles, handguns, shotguns that can accept a detachable magazine and have one or more military characteristics; and
- Semiautomatic rifles and handguns with a fixed magazine that can accept more than 10 rounds.
2. Strengthens the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban and various state bans by:
- Moving from a 2-characteristic test to a 1-characteristic test;
- Eliminating the easy-to-remove bayonet mounts and flash suppressors from the characteristics test; and
- Banning firearms with “thumbhole stocks” and “bullet buttons” to address attempts to “work around” prior bans.
3. Bans large-capacity ammunition feeding devices capable of accepting more than 10 rounds.
4. Protects legitimate hunters and the rights of existing gun owners by:
- Grandfathering weapons legally possessed on the date of enactment;
- Exempting over 900 specifically-named weapons used for hunting or sporting purposes; and
- Exempting antique, manually-operated, and permanently disabled weapons.
5. Requires that grandfathered weapons be registered under the National Firearms Act, to include:
- Background check of owner and any transferee;
- Type and serial number of the firearm;
- Positive identification, including photograph and fingerprint;
- Certification from local law enforcement of identity and that possession would not violate State or local law; and
- Dedicated funding for ATF to implement registration.
What does all of this mean for you, the gun owner? In a nutshell:
- Most of this is self explanatory, but consider that it will also affect that Marlin Model 60 and the pistol grip turkey gun that you own. That dandee new lever-action or pump shotgun with the collapsable stock that you just bought? Probably going to be affected.
- The “Clinton Gun Ban” of ’94 required two characteristic of a military firearm in order to be banned, such as a bayonet lug and a pistol grip. The new ban would only require one characteristic to get it on the “no-no” list, and bayonet lug and pistol grip are not two of ‘em.
- Any magazine or loading device which holds more than 10 rounds. Very similar to the Clinton ban.
- Self Explanatory. If you’re in support of this ban because you think your hunting rifle isn’t on the list, you better hope it’s one of the 900 firearms listed.
- I think this one bothers me the most. If your gun is on the “bad gun” list, you must register it, and be photographed and thumb printed, as if you’re under arrest.
Right now it’s time to stand up and speak, or forever hold your peace. Or more appropriately, speak now or loose your piece. The only way to beat this is to be loud, and be heard. If you’re shrugging this off as “no big deal” because it doesn’t affect the guns you own, shame on you. If you are a gun owner, and you are thinking, “good, civilians don’t need assault weapons, anyway,” well, let me tell you, your guns will be next. The anti-gun people will never be satiated, and if they win this battle, it will only embolden them to take more, and register more.
You can find more info, and sign up for updates on this legislation at: http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/assault-weapons
I strongly recommend you write to your representatives and voice your support if they oppose the ban, or voice your opposition if they support the ban. Write everyone of your representatives, all the way up to your representative in the White House. I also recommend you join the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the Gun Owners of America (GOA).