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MicroStamping Bill Hits Governor's Desk

California Assembly Bill 1471 has been forwarded Governor Schwarzenegger and can be signed into law at any time. The question of whether or not there is enough opposition from California residents to encourage a veto remains to be seen.

If passed, AB1471 would, "expand the definition of 'unsafe handgun' to include semiautomatic pistols that are not designed and equipped with a microscopic array of characters that identify the make, model, and serial number of the pistol, etched in 2 or more places on the interior surface or internal working parts of the pistol, and that are transferred by imprinting on each cartridge case when the firearm is fired."

It is widely believed that the cost to accommodate such a requirement would put handguns financially out of reach for most people. In fact, it might be more feasible for firearm manufacturers to simply not sell handguns in California. The effect could be an unoffical handgun ban.

Gun banners have tried for years to figure out a way to get around that pesky Second Amendment. They tried banning certain kinds of guns, but manufacturers adapted. They tried suing firearm manufacturers and dealers. While they were able to put many out of business, they didn't get the total ban they were looking for. The microstamping bill may very well be the answer to their dreams. If manufacturers refuse to comply, choosing instead to get out of the California market, you can believe that rifles and shotguns will be next. In fact, the legislation has probably already been written just waiting to be submitted.

If this sneaky gun ban works in California, you can expect every anti-gun city in the nation to follow suit. The result, of course, will be higher crime as Californians become increasily notorious for not being able to defend themselves. After all, if they can't defend themselves against anti-gun legislation, how could they possibly be expected to protect themselves in a life threatening situation?

Equally disturbing is the fact that California's "Republican" Governor may be enabling this process, if he fails to veto the bill. Will California Republicans also throw their support behind a Presidential Candidate with a questionable past on gun rights?

The idea that microstamping would make handguns "safer" is total nonsense. The firearm industry has been producing safe handguns for nearly a century. The industry is heavily regulated. You can be sure that if any firearm was found to be unsafe, the company would be sued out of existence faster than you could get your gun out of your holster.

Whether or not "The People's Governor" Schwarzenegger will veto this bill remains to be seen and will depend heavily on whether or not Californians exhibit any meaningful opposition to this bill. California residents can call the Governor at 916-445-2841.

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