New York Assault Weapons Bill Would Ban Common Hunting Firearms
GW: Here we go again. If it looks like a bad gun, it cannot possibly be used for self defense. More genius!
A bill in New York would redefine “assault weapon” to include many firearms that are commonly used for hunting.
Assembly Bill 1479, introduced by Asm. Linda Rosenthal (D-New York), changes the state’s definition of “assault weapon.” The new definition would classify firearms commonly used for hunting, like semi-automatic shotguns that have a thumbhole stock or a pistol grip, as assault weapons.
Currently, possession of “assault weapons” in the state are generally prohibited.
Even more dangerous to sportsmen and gun owners, the bill gives the Superintendent of State Police the authority to regulate and classify additional firearms as “assault weapons” by simply finding that a firearm feature or modification is “particularly suitable for military and not sporting purposes.” The Superintendent can also designate specific firearms by make and model to be considered assault weapons.
Ultimately, the bill gives the Superintendent vast powers to determine which firearms citizens can and cannot own.
“This bill is taking an already extreme set of gun laws and making them worse. It outlaws many popular firearms that are commonly used for hunting and gives immense power to the State Police to restrict law-abiding gun owners even further,” said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance director of state services. “Sportsmen, gun owners, and collectors alike need to call their state assemblyperson and senator today to express their opposition to this dangerous bill.”
While AB 1479 does include an exemption that allows citizens to keep newly declared “assault weapons” that are possessed before July 1, 2012 the exemption does little to ease the concerns of sportsmen. The bill in turn requires that those firearms that are “grandfathered in” be rendered inoperable or mandates their registration with the state. Even after proper registration, the bill only allows those firearms to be used at a licensed gun range and not while hunting.
If passed the bill would take effect on July 1, 2012.
Take Action! New York Sportsmen should contact their state assemblyperson and tell them to oppose AB 1479. Tell them the bill would ban many firearms that are commonly used for hunting, target shooting, and other recreational activities. To find your state assemblyperson’s phone number and other contact information, use the USSA Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lac.
