We all saw the picture of the sheeple of Connecticut lining up to register their weapons — and Geoff B has documented elsewhere the story of Maryland’s omnibus database that it shares with other states, which includes among other things lists of those states’ CCW holders, which can be matched to license plates, and voila!, coincidental traffic stops on cars registered in Florida passing through Maryland. Too, we watched as Colorado Democrat legislatures who believed “clips” were disposable and that folding stocks somehow made rifles sentient and able to turn themselves into fully automatic death machines pontificate on technology they know little about and yet seek to control, above and against the wishes of both the state and federal Constitution, forcing Magpul — a very profitable local business — to pull up stakes and relocated over the border in Wyoming and also in Texas.
We’ve witnessed Andrew Cuomo babble on about citizens who need some purging from New York — those who advocated for, among other things like restrictions on baby killing, the right to own “assault weapons” (read, any semi-automatic weapon whose magazine can hold over 7 rounds, which is really nothing more than a revolver with an extra bullet and a higher likelihood of malfunction, and without all the scary looks of contemporary firearms).
And now we have what is become a de facto ban on firearms in California. Fox News has the details (h/t Darleen):
A new gun law proponents say helps law enforcement has driven Smith & Wesson and Sturm Ruger out of California, and affirmed the suspicions of firearms rights advocates that the measure is really about making handguns obsolete.
The two companies have announced they will stop selling their wares in the nation’s most populous state rather than try to comply with a law that requires some handguns to have technology that imprints a tiny stamp on the bullet so it can be traced back to the gun. The companies, and many gun enthusiasts, say so-called “microstamping” technology is unworkable in its present form and can actually impair a gun’s performance.
“Smith & Wesson does not and will not include microstamping in its firearms,” the Springfield, Mass.,-based manufacturer said in a statement. “A number of studies have indicated that microstamping is unreliable, serves no safety purpose, is cost prohibitive and, most importantly, is not proven to aid in preventing or solving crimes.”
— Ironically, none of which it is actually intended to do anyway. What it is intended to do is make gun ownership onerous and expensive, to gentrify it and take the second amendment rights away from the majority of California citizens.
“The microstamping mandate and the company’s unwillingness to adopt this so-called technology will result in a diminishing number of Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistols available for purchase by California residents.”
Southport, Conn.-based Sturm Ruger also announced this month that they will also stop selling their guns in California due to the microstamping law.
Firearm microstamping, or ballistic imprinting, works by engraving a microscoping marking onto the tip of the firing pin. When the gun is fired, it leaves an imprint, usually of a serial number, on the bullet casings. The telltale mark theoretically allows law enforcement investigators to trace the bullet to the registered gun owner. California’s law is the first in the nation to be implemented and was originally signed into effect in October 2007, but not implemented until recently. Several other states are considering similar measures.
Law-enforcement is exempt from microstamping requirements.
Critics say tracing a bullet to a registered gun owner does little to fight crime, since criminals often kill with stolen handguns. Many believe tracing bullets was never the real intent of the law in the first place.
“This is the latest attempt to undermine the Second Amendment in California by politicians with little to no knowledge of firearms, who seek to impose their liberal values upon those who choose to protect their families with the constitutional right to own a handgun,” said Chuck Michel, West Coast Counsel for the National Rifle Association, an Adjunct Professor at Chapman University and author of the book “California Gun Laws.”
One of the main arguments critics pose is the claim that the technology is not perfected, yet the requirement has been put into effect.
“The technology doesn’t fully exist yet, but by making it into a law, they [California] in fact enacted a gun law without actually passing one,” David Kopel, a constitutional law professor at the Denver University Sturm College of Law and Research Director of the Independence Institute, told FoxNews.com. “This is an indirect way to ban new handguns from being sold.”
And that’s the point. You will assimilate. Although I’m reminded of Jeff Goldblum’s chaos theory scientist in Jurassic Park, when he tries to warn those willing to build their own organic ecosystems and control them that “nature finds a way.”
— Which is why the move is on to stop 3-D printing and the like. Just another finger in the dyke that cannot and will not stop the movement of weapons in and out of the hands of private citizens.
Because the truth is, millions upon millions of handguns are already in circulation in the US, and if push comes to shove hundreds of thousands of citizens will learn to break these down to their component functions, study the design, and replicate them using all sort of easily available material. And bullets capable of inflicting damage can be made from any number of substances and pressed in any number of configurations — the scope of which will grow should gun owners be forced to adjust how they obtain and use material.
So while the California tyrants seek to immunize themselves from the potential long-term repercussions of enslaving their citizens by leaving them unarmed and vulnerable to both criminals and a police state (law enforcement is exempted from the microstamping requirement, which means S&W and Ruger should, in good conscience, refuse to sell to those states’ law enforcement agencies) — and by extension, giving other blue states ideas about how to do same — they are really only forcing the logistical changes I long ago predicted that will create the scenario for a soft civil war, in which one side is self-sufficient and properly armed, and the other is going to have to fight battles with squadrons of paper airplanes made of red tape and useless regulations that lose their teeth once people decide not to follow them.
But no worries. Perhaps Professor Brian Kiteley and his sneering ilk, who sought to distance himself from my outlanding claim about what was an essential performative of the right of assembly written geographically, can step in and shame all we mouthbreathing bigots into surrendering to the Utopian borg they so long for. By, for instance, reducing the south to a caricature of xenophobic and homophobic hillbillies, all while extolling the virtues of the masterminds whose brains are so superior that they can outperform the distributed brain power of millions of individuals with millions of ideas taking millions of chances that lead to new technological and medical and social advances.
Because of their having read Walter Benjamin, and given presentations at the MLA convention on the phallic oppressiveness incorporated into the prose of the Yellow Wallpaper in order to make its structural composition reinforce its thematic projection.
Hell, with knowledge like that, why shouldn’t you be able to take over the economic system, law, revise the Constitution on the fly, and herd the masses about like your own little playthings?
Jeff, seriously, what’s the end game here? Are these people hoping that someone will start shooting so they can really clamp down? Are those in charge stupid enough to think it will be just an isolated incident or two?
These idiots keep pushing and pushing and, at some point, someone is going to push back really hard.
The end game of the Commiecrats is us disarmed, at the mercy of the criminals who will be the Commiecrat enforcer constituencies (Jeremiah Wright’s followers, La Raza, etc.), with little or no ability to make our own choices and choose our own destiny, while giving us the illusion that we can still change things with our votes. And the RINOs either don’t get this or worse, have made some peaceful accomodations with it.
Harvey Weinstein is figuring out how to build this into his next movie.
1) Promulgate laws to keep those with documented mental illness from possessing a firearm. I mean, who could object to such “common sense” reforms?
2) Define classical liberalism as a mental illness.
3) Round up the Teatards and take away their weapons.
4) Use any instances of resistance as proof that these people are deranged and dangerous, and really should be disarmed before they hurt themselves or others.
5) Get one of those spiffy general’s uniforms with the epaulets and start giving speeches from the balcony.
I suspect it is very likely that other progressive States and lesser jurisdictions will follow California’s lead. California’s lawmakers probably learned this technique from the EPA. The ends always justify the means when everything you do is for the greater good of the ignorant masses.
On the contrary it will be interesting to see which companies will be willing to manufacture a unique micro-defect into each of their barrels just to compete for this utopian market share.
Squid, you forgot 4a) If there aren’t any instances of resistance, stage some and blame the nassty Teatarded untermenschen anyway.
I really wish that the word “bullet” was used only for the projectile which comes out of the front of the barrel not the case or the entire round of ammunition.
But at least I didn’t see the term “30 caliber clip” or “ghost gun.”
Well, what could make things really tough is if those who start shooting follow the three S rule: shoot, shovel, shut up.
On another note, I shot a CQB match over this last weekend. It was a lot of fun shooting close quarters with a high power rifle. Especially since I shot .308 and almost everyone else shot .223.
There was a marked difference between .308 hitting steel versus the .223. Steel poppers would get blasted flat by the .308.
Microstamping, and Cali DOJ pdf.
BTW it isn’t just the serial number that must be microstamped.
(h/t Insty) On C-Span, Nicholas Johnson discussing his book: Negroes and the Gun: The Black Tradition of Arms
From a political point of view, there are many topics relevant to any dispossessed political minority under consideration there.
geoffb, as well all know, and politicians aren’t smart enough to understand, even if microstamping were perfected, it would probably take criminals all of 20 minutes to figure out how to defeat microstamping. This, of course, assumes criminals even care.
The largest consumer market in the nation and gun manufactures have decided they don’t need it. Interesting.
I would call the bluff. Claim that they ARE microstamped already.
Just very, very tiny. Can’t you see it? You should have your eyes checked. Most of my smart friends can see it.
FoxNews: Newspaper chain plans ‘state-by-state’ concealed weapon databases
*** A national newspaper chain with nearly 100 publications and 1.6 million readers is considering building “state-by-state databases” on concealed weapons permit holders, according to an internal e-mail.
The plan, laid out in an email from a top editor at North Carolina-based Civitas Media, could be similar to a controversial project a New York state newspaper carried out in 2012 which included an online map that identified gun owners in two counties by name and address. Civitas’ database project was detailed the plan in a Jan. 19 e-mail to newsrooms in 11 states, including Ohio, Illinois and Pennsylvania.
The newest project “examines the explosion of ‘conceal and carry’ gun permits across the U.S.,” wrote Jim Lawitz, Civitas’ director of content, in an e-mail first obtained by the Buckeye Firearms Association. “Through public records act requests, we will attempt to build state-by-state databases that list those who have the right to carry a concealed weapon.” ***
They need to stop sales in California, even parts, to government purchasers. If the can get Glockenspiel signed on, the cops will start shitting little blue bricks.
…editor at North Carolina-based Civitas Media…
Just goes to show yet again why pinheads need to be kept out of the civilized states.
Law-enforcement is exempt from microstamping requirements.
Aren’t they always……
If the can get Glockenspiel signed on, the cops will start shitting little blue bricks.
As I read this mess, “law enforcement”, which no doubt includes the Department of Sanitation SWAT team, are exempt so they will likely be able to keep buying whatever they want. I understand Santa Barbara is getting F-35s.
I looked up Civitas and found only the Civitas Institute, which claims to be North Carolina’s “conservative” voice.
I wonder if they are severely conservative.
Civitas Media
Founded in 2012.
“… we will attempt to build state-by-state databases that list those who have the right to carry a concealed weapon.”
Technically, isn’t that: list of legal residents – (list of convicted felons + list of those declared mentally ill + list of those under 18 years old)?
Because you are suppose to have the right until you do something that forfeits it.
It’s a useful contrast to reflect that valid voter id-cards and identification rolls are absolutely verboten, for the fairness. No-one would want to compile any such database: results first, arbitrarily applied rules later . . . much later.
I predict a return to popularity of revolvers which do not eject casings automatically.
I apologize if this has already been asked and answered, but how does a microstamp on the base of the empty shell help you trace an expended projectile aka “the bullet” back to the gun that fired it?
This is why buttonmen* always use revolvers –easier to police your brass.
*according to Mario Puzo –who’s research is impeccable.
impeccable
Sounds like this Jim Lawitz fellow want his and his colleagues’ publially available information (addresses, phone numbers and such) made public.
Okay, you’ve got me curious. What were you shooting?
Other than a medium caliber round, I mean.
“We’re publishing the names of your children and the schools they attend, because we believe the public has a right to know whether your stated support for public schools is sincere enough that you’d sentence your own children to a 13-year term in one.”
Ernst, I shot a bolt action rifle, my Ruger Gunsite Scout.
I won my class, however, I was the only one shooting bolt action.
In order to speed things up, and limit the amount of ammo I went through, rather than two rounds per paper target, I went one shot, “A” zone. I did extremely well from an accuracy standpoint, dreadfully from a speed standpoint. But, I wasn’t that much slower through the steel portion than the AR guys, due to the distance to the targets.
I did snicker a bit, though, because I was using iron sights and nailing steel targets that guys with optical sights were having trouble with.
Fortunately, the club I shoot with is used to my somewhat eccentric ways.
I may have set a precedent, though, because another member told me he’s thinking he might try his Swiss K31 in the next CQB match.
I was wondering, if that was what you were using Blake. With enough practice, you can work a bolt really fast. There’s a anecdote from WWI I remember reading somewhere, not that I remember where, about Germans reporting that British infantry arrested their advance with machine gun fire, when the Brits were only armed with Lee-Enfields.
Anyways, good for you.
And here’s hoping you never get into a real CQB.
Ernst, these guys are incredible: Link
Another link.
The first link is the full match video.
Ernst, from what I understand, the Lee-Enfield is outstanding, due to the ability to work the trigger without removing the hand from the bolt. Also, I understand the Lee-Enfield is “cock on close” which is supposed to be a significant advantage. I’ve yet to experience one, but will keep my eye out. Unfortunately, if what I’ve read is true, most of the Lee-Enfields have been used hard through a couple of wars and therefore aren’t in the best of shape, shooting wise.
I screwed up the links.
One more time: Page that links to full match video.
Would that be the Jim Lawitz at 214 Valle Vista Ave Monrovia, CA 91016?
I have a Lee-Enfield Mk4* built by Savage in 1942, so it’s been though at least one war, that I can bullseye with 8 out of 10 at 100 yards. It’s a fantastically accurate gun when it’s in good shape. Kicks like a rabid, psychopathic, PCP-fueled mule though. 15 shots is my limit.
Oh, seems they’ve given up:
http://www.examiner.com/article/newspaper-ccw-project-shelved-gun-talk-to-tackle-microstamping
“, it would probably take criminals all of 20 minutes to figure out how to defeat microstamping. This, of course, assumes criminals even care.”
1. use a brass catcher bag.
2. usually the microstamp is on the firing pin so…replace it.
3. use casings to plant at crime scenes to frame people.
4. put multiple microtamps on a case…which one is the real one?
5. change the barrel so the ballistics won’t match any recovered bullets – that would really gum up the works.
“As I read this mess, “law enforcement”, which no doubt includes the Department of Sanitation SWAT team, are exempt so they will likely be able to keep buying whatever they want. I understand Santa Barbara is getting F-35s.”
Not if the manufacturers.refuse to sell to them. see Barrett Arms.
the awesome thing about microstamping is the idea that somehow, those little microscopic grooves won’t get fouled by powder and lead residue.
As I mill my next AR-15 lower I laugh out loud at the next attempted stab at our natural rights. Plus, I’m a good shot :)
won’t get fouled by powder and lead residue.
Or an accident with a rasp.
Thanks for the thread redirection, nr. Gotta make sure we don’t mix lead with dicentra’s water.
As to microstamping, I’m really enjoying this reloading stuff. Good thing I saved the last ten years of brass.
For all you Californians, take the first Ausfahrt off I-8, 10, 40, 15 or 80 and stop at Uncle Eingang’s Firing Pin and Slide Emporium ! Buy 10 firing pins and get a free pocket primer remover and case head polisher !
Coming soon – 3D printed caseless ammo…
The Gyrojet makes a comeback.
Gyrojet was a show-off POS, inaccurate as hell.
This is the latest attempt to undermine the Second Amendment in California by politicians with little to no knowledge of firearms, who seek to impose their liberal values. . .
No knowledge of firearms? How about no knowledge of human nature?
How about a few special cartridges with a hardened casing that flattens that microstamp in a few impacts.
Well, that’s what the Brits claim that the Germans reported.
rnabs says January 24, 2014 at 8:26 pm
As I mill my next AR-15 lower I laugh out loud at the next attempted stab at our natural rights. Plus, I’m a good shot :)
– See more at: https://proteinwisdom.com/?p=52538#comments
LOL
Yep.
Our political betters are all up in arms about 3D printers.
Give me a lathe, a drill press, a handful of files and a pile of steel and in a month I’ll have a gattling gun.
It isn’t the tool.
It’s the brains and the motivation behind it.
Fools.
I always wondered how a Gyrojet could possibly replace e.g. a simple revolver. Way too much to go wrong, there.