Firearms Microstamping, Bullet Serialization
Defeated in California Assembly
Major Victory for Industry
Legislation before the California Assembly (AB 352) that would have required microstamping of firearms and bullet serialization of all ammunition was defeated last night by a vote of 38–34. As a testament to the collaborative efforts of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), National Rifle Association, California Association of Firearms Retailers and the California Rifle and Pistol Association, the Assembly refused a request by bill sponsor Assemblyman Paul Koretz for reconsideration of the legislation.
AB 352 would have mandated the use of unreliable, patented, sole-sourced technology to microstamp firearms. Perhaps even more troubling, the Attorney General would have been given the power to require bullet serialization of all ammunition, a mandate that would have resulted in a ban on ammunition sales throughout the state, hurting sportsmen, hunters and firearms enthusiasts.
“We could not be more pleased with the outcome of this vote,” said Lawrence G. Keane, senior vice president and general counsel for the NSSF. “This legislation would not only have forced an unproven and costly technology upon both firearms consumers and taxpayers, but it would have allowed for the banning of all ammunition in California.”
A recent independent, peer-reviewed study published in the professional scholarly journal for forensic firearms examiners proved that the technology of microstamping is unreliable and does not function as the patent holder claims. Furthermore, it can be easily defeated in mere seconds using common household tools, and criminals would be able to simply switch the engraved—“microstamped”—firing pin for readily available, unmarked spare parts.
Opposition to the microstamping and ammunition banning legislation was not limited to the firearms industry; major law enforcement groups and those concerned with higher taxes also voiced concerns. AB 352 would have led to significant price increases for firearms consumers, estimated at as much as $150 per firearm, and all California taxpayers would have been forced to foot the bill for microstamped law enforcement guns.
“We have always said that further research into microstamping, like the study currently being conducted at the University of California, Davis, would be necessary before the legislature considers mandating this very dubious technology,” added Keane. “By defeating AB 352, the California Assembly passed a measure of common sense.”
