Unless one is planning to commit a crime there is no reason to object to this.

Jun 13, 2012 -- 7:39PM, solfeggio wrote:

...Basically, gun owners don't like anybody telling them what they can or cannot do with their firearms, even it if is just a tiny restriction.

That's just too bad. They'll just have to get over it.

Jun 13, 2012 -- 7:48PM, mainecaptain wrote:

Unless one is planning to commit a crime there is no reason to object to this.

I completely agree!

Jun 13, 2012 -- 7:39PM, solfeggio wrote:

Microstamping is using laser technology to engrave a microscopic marking onto the tip of the firing pin and onto the breech face of a firearm.  When the gun is fired, the microscopic markings are transferred to the cartridge, which, in the case of a gun used in a crime, can then be used by police to identify the firearm.

Police say that this technology saves them time and helps them quickly identify guns used in crimes.  In other words, it is a useful tool in the fight against crime, and there is legislation pending in several states to require manufacturers of semiautomatic weapons to use this technology. 

But, as might be expected, the NRA and various gun rights groups are violently opposed to the idea. 

www.nytimes.com/2012/06/13/us/code-on-sh... 

Basically, gun owners don't like anybody telling them what they can or cannot do with their firearms, even it if is just a tiny restriction.

nyagv.org/

But why be so in opposition to something that could really help police solve gun crimes?  I don't get it.  

 

Yes you do.

The NRA is a very wealthy lobbying group and is very successful in convincing vulnerable people that any sort of "regulation" is equivalent to "banning" and that anything that could even hypothetically identify a gun is "treating" them like criminals when they are not. 

Unfortunately, we don't have many real leaders in Congress that won't bow to the gun lobby.

The NRA opposed regulating "cop killer bullets" -- a regulation that was supported by police departments across the country -- for whatever reason. I guess they want to be able to shoot a cop if ever a cop acts like a boogeyman and breaks into their house.   "Cop killer bullets" aren't needed for hunting or for self protection.   They opposed renewing the ban on assault weapons, too.

Next time somebody tells you guns are already regulated in the US of A, just roll your eyes.

First, I question how practical this would even be. Sure, new firearms could be outfitted with this as they are made, and I see no problem with that. 

But, is everybody going to be expected to bring their firearms they already own in for micro-stamping?

Secondly, it's not really needed. Firearms already leave unique charecteristics on spent cartridge casings or shotgun shells. No two firing pins are going to strike in exactly the same place anyway.

I have two 12 gauge shotguns -- both Remingtons. It could easily be determined which shell had been fired from which one, based upon the firing pins. 

In the case of my favorite hunting rifle, I'd really be hosed if I ever used if for nefarious purposes. My father had it rechambered for a wildcat (custom) cartridge. You can't buy ammunition for it, it all has to be hand-loaded, and the cartridge casings are distinct. Even though I certianly live in "gun country," there's probably not another one like it in the county, or maybe even the state.

Also, ejection mechanisms in each firearm with a repeating action (semi-auto, pump, lever, bolt, etc.) leave unique marks on spent cartrige casings and shotgun shells anyway.