Tuesday September 14, 2004

Assault Weapon Ban Sunset

Despite what some media outlets are reporting, I can attest that I have yet to see one assault weapon toting maniac running unchecked in the streets ( and this is Texas! ).

For myself, I'm happy the ban has expired. Not because I want to run out and buy a AK-47, because the ban that expired did not prohibit me from owning an AK-47. Surprised? Yes, Joe and Jane American could still legally own any fully automatic gun they wanted if they were able to jump thru all the BATF's hoops, which involves a tax stamp and proving to the BATF's satisfaction that you are not a convicted criminal and are mentally competent to own a firearm.

So what did this "assault weapon" ban really prohibit? The text of HR.3355, Title XI gives the full details, but in summary it outlawed a combination of cosmetic features on rifles and shotguns and the possesion or sale of detatchable magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds manfactured after the date the ban went into effect. Personal ownership of specific firearms were banned because "they looked scary". A terrific basis for a law. Who was safer because these scary firearms were banned? I personally don't know.

I'm glad this ban has expired because it was a bad law that did not do what it was advertised to do.

-ejo

(2004-09-14 10:08:42.0) Permalink Comments [2]