Assault Weapon Ban: Again?

Brian Doherty | March 18, 2009

While I continue to think congressional Democrats aren't interested in rousing the gun-rights community's full wrath as 2010 approaches, Fox News reports on Attorney General Eric Holder's desire to reinstate the expired 1990s "assault weapon" ban, bogusly connecting it to Mexican drug war violence (while never daring to suggest the real way to curb Mexican drug war violence: ending the drug war.):

Michael Hammond, spokesman for the Gun Owners of America, said he was not surprised by Holder's comments.

"We expected the Obama administration, contrary to promises made during the campaign, to do everything it can to go after us," Hammond said. "It's no surprise to us that [Holder] is using a crisis as an argument to achieving his policy goals."

During a House subcommittee hearing last week, Chris Cox, executive director of the NRA's Institute for Legislative Action, warned against making U.S. gun owners "scapegoats" for the Mexican crisis......

More than 7,770 guns sold in the U.S. were traced to Mexico last year, up from 3,300 in 2007 and roughly 2,100 in 2006, according to ATF statistics. It was not immediately clear what percentage of those guns fell under the United States' federal assault weapons ban......

Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers like Alaska Sen. Mark Begich and Montana Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester have already informed Holder that they'll vigorously oppose any new gun restrictions the Obama administration may be considering.

Jacob Sullum on Holder's assault weapon folly.

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Michael P.|3.18.09 @ 3:55PM|#

(while never daring to suggest the real way to curb Mexican drug was violence: ending the drug war.):

War, perhaps? But if so, is the drug war violence exclusively Mexican? Sorry for the nit picking.

SpongePaul|3.18.09 @ 3:55PM|#

yes because banning assult weapons will make the lawless comply. Get real, as anyone with a brain and an iq of 80+ can tell you that criminals do not follow the law. they would still get them just the same. and the people who are in harms way will be unarmed and unable to defend themselves.

|3.18.09 @ 4:07PM|#

I think Mr. Holder should suggest to Mexico that they pass an assault weapons ban first. If that works, we can try it here (again).

T|3.18.09 @ 4:09PM|#

I keep seeing grenades in the news photos. Since Texas is apparently supplying all this crap, where can I buy some grenades? I never see those when I'm down at the gun store.

BakedPenguin|3.18.09 @ 4:11PM|#

If the Obama administration does wind up going after "assault rifles", the Republicans will be salivating at the chance to take advantage of such stupidity. Pretty much everyone who favors such a ban voted for Democrats last election. Since the f'ing thing is doomed to failure, the Obama camp have absolutely nothing to gain from this.

Warty|3.18.09 @ 4:13PM|#

Clearly, the expiration of the assault weapons ban is allowing Mexican cartels to get fucking grenades.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-mexico-arms-race15-2009mar15,0,229992.story

|3.18.09 @ 4:18PM|#

Well, duh, Warty. After the sunset of the ban, I popped on down to my local grenadatorium and picked up a case of grenades as well as two or three claymores.

Sadly, the stinger missile I wanted is on back order.

Other Matt|3.18.09 @ 4:18PM|#

Since the f'ing thing is doomed to failure, the Obama camp have absolutely nothing to gain from this

Which is not saying it will stop them from doing it, or at least attempting it.

Legal gun owners, they have nothing to fear, don't you know.

|3.18.09 @ 4:22PM|#

Last year, ammunition manufacturers sold somewhere around eight billion rounds of ammunition to the public.

Gun ownership has been trending up for several years.

Fatalities from accidental shootings have been steadily dropping for decades, despite the increasing number of owners.

Of the roughly 250 million guns in this country, at any given time less than 1/10th of 1% of them are used in crime.

As a shooter, I fire several thousand rounds of ammunition every year, I've competed against and beaten cops.

And yet, the Democrats and their ignorant supporters still think I'm too incompetent to be trusted with a firearm because they think that guns awe scawy.

|3.18.09 @ 4:26PM|#

More than 7,770 guns sold in the U.S. were traced to Mexico last year, up from 3,300 in 2007 and roughly 2,100 in 2006, according to ATF statistics.

I credit NAFTA.

|3.18.09 @ 4:31PM|#

Other Matt|3.18.09 @ 4:34PM|#

As a shooter, I fire several thousand rounds of ammunition every year, I've competed against and beaten cops.

That's because most police don't train on their firearm as a primary focus, it's a pain in the ass qualification they do once, maybe twice, a year.

bloodstar|3.18.09 @ 4:35PM|#

You actually take Fox News at face value? wow. didn't know there was any sane people left who did that.

|3.18.09 @ 4:47PM|#

Bloodstar, Holder's comments are verified, there were discussions about it all over the internet when he first opened his mouth on the issue about a month ago.

|3.18.09 @ 4:48PM|#

2nd Source for bloodstar

Holy shit, Nancy Pelosi had something intellijunt to say:

"But Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who controls the House agenda, indicated she has little interest in fighting for more gun control. The Speaker gave a flat "no" when asked if she had talked to administration officials about the ban."

I don't know where this Bush dig comes from. Were there some gun laws that the Bush administration, as singled out, let slide?

"On that score, I think we need to enforce the laws we have right now," Pelosi said at her weekly news conference. "I think it's clear the Bush administration didn't do that."

|3.18.09 @ 4:56PM|#

While I continue to think congressional Democrats aren't interested in rousing the gun-rights community's full wrath as 2010 approaches,

Why do you think that? They are already nibbling around the edges, with the prohibition on recycling military brass, the revocation of the armed pilot program, etc.

Glad to report that my new M1A Scout is paid for and will be delivered Friday. Paid a modest premium, but I'll never see one for that little again. Got some 20 round mags for it, too.

The Speaker gave a flat "no" when asked if she had talked to administration officials about the ban.

Think a moment about how little that has to do with the House agenda.

More than 7,770 guns sold in the U.S. were traced to Mexico last year, up from 3,300 in 2007 and roughly 2,100 in 2006, according to ATF statistics.

Bug, or feature? Isn't every gun that goes from the US to Mexico one less gun engaged in the random slaughter of US children?

|3.18.09 @ 4:57PM|#

I think Mr. Holder should suggest to Mexico that they pass an assault weapons ban first. If that works, we can try it here (again).

Mexicans are not allowed to possess, by law, anything that fires rounds that are for the Mexican Army's exclusive use - which is almost everything, except .22 or .32 calibers, and 12 GA shotguns. They are forbidden, by penalty of jail, to carry concealed (or UNconcealed) weapons, even knives. So there is no need for an assault weapon ban in Mexico - they are already illegal.

Mexican law is as restrictive regarding weapons as Australia, with the same results - the murder rates are still high, people simply choose a different weapon, and law abiding citizens cannot defend themselves.

|3.18.09 @ 5:00PM|#

It seems to me many of these gun,grenades,ARPG's and 50 cal. rifles are coming from the Mexican Army.I wonder how much in military aid,sent by the U.S.,ends up arming the drug cartels.With out drug legalization the situation will get worse.Their creating another black market in military arms to support the black market in drugs.

That sounds plausible, but I believe most guns are coming through seaports in Mexico, from overseas. There is a lot of AK-47s being used as the weapon of choice by the cartels, whereas the Mexican Army is armed with M-16s. Even so, it is plausible that there is a black market of weapons between the Army and the cartels.

|3.18.09 @ 5:04PM|#

Rush Limbaugh is suddenly the boogie man of the left again, and the Democrats are talking about passing a ban on so-called "assault weapons".

WTF, did I fall into a time warp and end up 1993 again?

|3.18.09 @ 5:09PM|#

FTG ,It's been reported thousands of army troops have deserted, and or ,joined the cartels.I assume the took their guns with them.I have also seen reports of full auto M16's and M16's equipped with grenade launchers.The 50 cal. sniper rifles are the type used mostly by U.S forces.Of course,AK's are numerous in most third world countries.

SpongePaul|3.18.09 @ 5:14PM|#

And mexico wanted to legalize small amounts of most drugs legal to posses. but the drug warriors convinced them to crack down instead. and viola 1,000s+ murders violence like never seen. innocents being slaughtered. and all because the Fed wants Mexico to crack down on cartels. that really have been in controll for ages, just like in the US. Our cartels just deal in oil and legal drugs

Preacher|3.18.09 @ 5:29PM|#

Damn thes Ban Again politicians.

Preacher|3.18.09 @ 5:34PM|#

@FTV

Bold font is annoying.

|3.18.09 @ 5:40PM|#

FTG ,It's been reported thousands of army troops have deserted, and or ,joined the cartels.I assume the took their guns with them.

Yes, I've read that too. And some Federales (federal police) have as well. But the great number of weapons these guys get, I don't believe come from the US primarily, but from overseas, by containers and other ways, with customs officers looking away.

I have also seen reports of full auto M16's and M16's equipped with grenade launchers.The 50 cal. sniper rifles are the type used mostly by U.S forces.Of course,AK's are numerous in most third world countries.

|3.18.09 @ 5:41PM|#

Preacher,
"Bold font is annoying."

WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST THAT'S LESS ANNOYING THAT THIS?

;-)

Tallest Midget |3.18.09 @ 6:02PM|#

I've competed against and beaten cops.

Way to clear the low bar Nancy!

|3.18.09 @ 6:07PM|#

FTG,

I have to second Preacher. Please switch to italics -- if not for me or Preacher, then for the children.

|3.18.09 @ 6:17PM|#

did I fall into a time warp and end up 1993 again?

It's just a jump to the left.

|3.18.09 @ 6:18PM|#

Tbone wins the thread.

Paul|3.18.09 @ 6:22PM|#

ban, bogusly connecting it to Mexican drug war violence (while never daring to suggest the real way to curb Mexican drug was violence: ending the drug war.):

Gotta hand it to you Reason staffers, hope do spring eternal, don't she?

Ska|3.18.09 @ 7:23PM|#

WTF, did I fall into a time warp and end up 1993 again?

I'm going to invest some tech stocks.

wingnutx|3.18.09 @ 7:40PM|#

They are already nibbling around the edges, with the prohibition on recycling military brass

That was reversed.

http://www.nraila.org/News/Read/NewsReleases.aspx?ID=12244

Preacher|3.18.09 @ 8:09PM|#

"WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST THAT'S LESS ANNOYING THAT THIS?"

Quotes are nice. And italics, too.

|3.18.09 @ 9:29PM|#

If I was in the market for a so called "black gun," any suggestions as to what i should look for? Remember, I am not wealthy. Iron sights are just fine and recoil doesnt matter. I would want accuracy at 150-200yards, good energy for knockin down big stuff, reliability, and cost effectiveness for thousands of rounds. Used is fine, thanks.
thank you .

|3.18.09 @ 9:37PM|#

As far as the article is concerned. The army and police and govt of metsico have , for years, pocketed pesos and given the druggies a wink and a nod. Now it's kinda like tryin to put a rabid bobcat on meth back into the gunny sack.
Guns are making it from here to Mexico? Gosh, isn't it already illegal for mexicans to do that? Why don't we outlaw Mexicans instead?

|3.18.09 @ 9:42PM|#

FTG: this is less annoying.

FTG | March 18, 2009, 5:41pm | #
Preacher,
"Bold font is annoying."

WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST THAT'S LESS ANNOYING THAT THIS?

;-)

-----------------------

and so is this (italics)

FTG | March 18, 2009, 5:41pm | #
Preacher,
"Bold font is annoying."

WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST THAT'S LESS ANNOYING THAT THIS?

;-)

-----------------------

as is this (and simple) - quotation marks/inverted commas at either end:

"FTG | March 18, 2009, 5:41pm | #
Preacher,
"Bold font is annoying."

WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST THAT'S LESS ANNOYING THAT THIS?

;-):

|3.18.09 @ 10:39PM|#

bbs wonders I don't know where this Bush dig comes from.

It's de rigeur for a Democrat, doubly so for a San Francisco liberal.

|3.18.09 @ 10:42PM|#

brotherben sez Why don't we outlaw Mexicans instead?

I have this vision of LoneWhacko giving you that look, like "Todd Cleary" in Wedding Crashers.

nttawtt

|3.18.09 @ 10:56PM|#

did I fall into a time warp and end up 1993 again?

"It's just a jump to the left."

Hopefully, we'll take a "step to the right".

Other Matt|3.19.09 @ 4:50AM|#

If I was in the market for a so called "black gun," any suggestions as to what i should look for?

Bushmaster 308. Not made any more, can get them used. Rock River 308 also.

I don't care much for AKs, though a lot like them. That would work also, along with all the obvious AR permutations.

Omegis13|3.19.09 @ 8:33AM|#

I've got some questions that I think could reveal a lot about the illegal importation of firearms into Mexico from the US.

Now, I haven't been to Mexico since I was a small child, but I do know a little bit about their current gun laws. They're MUCH more restrictive than those of the US. In fact, civilians in Mexico are prohibited from owning firearms that fire "military caliber" rounds, so no 9mm parabellum, .45 acp, .38 super, 7.62 soviet, 7.62 russian, 7.62 nato, 5.56 nato, .30-06, 5.45 soviet, etc. All of these rounds are EXTREMELY common in the US.

Anyhoo, my question is, what are the prices of legal firearms in Mexico? What are the prices of illegally imported firearms? While I'm sure the cartels can get their hands on just about any firearm they want (as we've seen), I'm pretty confident that the price of illegal firearms in Mexico is much lower than that of legal ones. What's more, I'll also bet that in order to legally possess firearms, Mexican citizens probably require some sort of expensive permit.

Note that all of these reports of the thousands of guns going south of the border are never broken down. Sheeple are led to believe they're all "assault weapons". I'll bet that most of them are pistols, but they contain a good mix of anything the illegal importers can get their hands on. Further research is required....

|3.19.09 @ 10:51AM|#

If I was in the market for a so called "black gun," any suggestions as to what i should look for?

It really depends on what you want to do with it. While it costs more, the AR platform is probably the most modular system available. Despite the rantings and ravings of anti-gun idiots about such rifles having no sporting purposes, the AR dominates practically every form of rifle competition in which it is allowed to compete. They also make for a fantastic small game (prairie dog to coyote size) rifle.

On top of that, they're a fantastic defensive platform.

Most of the major manufacturers- Rock River, Armalite, Bushmaster, etc. make a quality product. For the most versatility, go with a flat-top receiver. That way you can add any sighting system you wish, be it iron sights, a red dot, or a scope with some measure of magnification.

If you're only interested in shooting out to 200 or so yards, stick with a shorter barrel. People complain about the accuracy of the carbine-length guns, but I've hit targets out to 500 yards with one.

If you want to do some research, I'd suggest taking a look at the articles written by Zak Smith:

http://demigodllc.com/articles.php

He's got a number of articles dealing strictly with AR15's.

I'm probably going to step on some toes here, but don't even bother with the AK-based rifles. They're less money than an AR, but also less accurate, have clunky ergonomics, and not as modular.

The big downside, however, is that you're looking to buy such a rifle at a time when a lot of people are hedging their bets against future anti-gun legislation and making their purchases now. A lot of wholesalers are backed up right now, so expect to wait for awhile or to pay a premium.

|3.19.09 @ 10:52AM|#

Way to clear the low bar Nancy!

Indeed. Among competitive shooters, I'm really nothing special.

|3.19.09 @ 12:06PM|#

If I was in the market for a so called "black gun," any suggestions as to what i should look for? Remember, I am not wealthy.

You are going to pay a premium. I haven't priced out the AR platforms mentioned above, but I'm guessing you are going to have to part with at least $1500 to get a quality gun in very good condition.

My NIB M1A Scout cost an embarrassing $1900, but I've been watching prices and bidding for two months, and I'm convinced I'll never see one for less.

derp|3.19.09 @ 1:33PM|#

Yes, out of all the other open borders Mexico has, all the possible arms dealers that could smuggle in cheap AK-47s, all the corrupt military men...

Well, OBVIOUSLY people are buying 1500$ AR-15 semi-automatic rifles and smuggling them across the border. Yeah, that sounds profitable.

Christ, where do these idiots get off?

|3.19.09 @ 4:47PM|#

Yer mom - "anti-gun" is an embarrassment and does not equate to "pro-gun control". Unless you believe that "pro-abortion" equates with "pro-choice".

And Pelosi's comment, for those of you who can still see straight, was right in line with what all y'all Libertarian-types seem to agree with ... she doesn't see the need for additional regulations when the current regulations have been ignored for the past eight years, and probably deserve a shot.

wingnutx|3.19.09 @ 5:23PM|#

If I was in the market for a so called "black gun," any suggestions as to what i should look for? Remember, I am not wealthy.

I got a new Stag Arms 16" AR-15 for $840 last October.

You'll pay 1200+ for the same thing lately, and wait a bit.

Stag, Bushmaster, DPMS, LMT, and of course Colt all make solid firearms.

There are only a few companies that actually produce the receivers, for example CMT makes the receiver for both Colt and Stag.

Try reading ar15.com

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