http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070715/SPORTS/707150362

OSHA, the Occupational Safety Hazard Adminiatration, is attempting to prevent the delivery of ammunition to hunters.

One measure prohibits delivery drivers from leaving "explosives" unattended. This would prevent UPS, FedEx or similar delivery services from delivering gunpowder, primers or ammunition to dealers. Not only would the ruling make it impossible for retailers to sell ammunition (unless the dealer was within driving distance of the manufacturer), it would end catalog sales as well.

OSHA also proposes that ammunition and smokeless propellant (powder) manufacturers would have to shut down and evacuate a factory or retail location when a thunderstorm approached. Further, customers would not be allowed within 50 feet of any ammunition - displayed or stored - without first being searched for matches or lighters.

Are we to understand that we'll be frisked for matches and lighters before entering a gun shop or sporting goods store that sells guns or ammo? And that the store will have to employ a male frisker for the men and a female frisker for the women?

The National Shooting Sports Foundation and other experts in the firearms industry say that the costs associated with compliance with the proposed rules could easily exceed $100 million dollars. This would force the closure of nearly all ammo manufacturers as the costs are "beyond what the market would bear."

Jim Shepherd, editor of The Outdoor Wire, said, "If it isn't stopped - as in a dead standstill - it will grow in scope and impact until we will find ourselves with the Second Amendment protecting our rights to keep and bear arms, but OSHA having removed our ability to acquire ammunition."

All this hullabaloo over ammo, powder and primers, but you can walk into stores in some states and buy dangerous fireworks (that can blow your head and hands off) over the counter. Maybe OSHA should propose that while you can have fireworks, you can't have matches or lighters.

NSSF and The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) are meeting with OSHA to explain the severe consequences of the proposals.

Everyone in the sporting arms and ammo business along with all gun owners are urged to oppose OSHA's proposed regulations. Write your letter and include Docket Number OSHA-2007-0032 and Department of Labor/OSHA on the cover sheet and reference section of your letter, then fax it to (202) 693-1648. You also can submit an email online at www.regulations.gov.

This week, OSHA granted a 60-day extension in which to submit comments. The deadline is Sept. 10.