"He seems to be an astute business person! And clever too. I like the part about being tenacious and looking into obscure numbers before deciding what to do. He's obviously very bright and capable.
If only he hadn't signed the Massachusetts assault weapon ban! At the time he made several very anti-gun statements, probably not surprising since he was trying to save the people in Massachusetts from deadly high capacity magazines and rifles with flash hiders.
Because of him, if you wish to use an AR-15 in high power competition, you must get a special "high capacity" permit, just to own a mag of over ten rounds. Same for a Model 41 target .22, since it's designed for a 12 round mag. It's a high capacity weapon!"
He's also driven some very pro-gun legislation through.
On July 26 [of this year], Governor Mitt Romney (R) signed H. 4552, which makes exemptions for the makers of customized target pistols, who, due to a provision within state law, have found it increasingly difficult to do business in Massachusetts. Prior to the signing of H. 4552, the law required firearm makers to test at least five examples of all new products “until destruction” in order to prevent accidental discharges. Since specialty target pistols typically sell in small numbers and at higher costs than regular firearms, manufacturers have found it cost prohibitive to sell them in Massachusetts. This common-sense change to the law will enable target pistol manufacturers to do business in the state and allow enthusiasts to practice their sport. (From NRA).
Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney today signed legislation aimed at providing one clear definition of a loaded shotgun or rifle for the state's hunting enthusiasts. For years, two competing definitions have existed on the books, leaving law abiding gun owners wondering when and how they can enter or cross a public way with their firearms.
"Today, we are simplifying the gun laws in Massachusetts," Romney said. "With this legislation, our hunters will know precisely what is expected of them."
By law, no person is permitted to carry a loaded rifle or shotgun on a public way, so hunters must unload their firearms if they encounter a roadway or other public thoroughfare while hunting.
Prior to today, a "loaded" shotgun or rifle was defined differently in two chapters of the Massachusetts General Laws. Chapter 131 said that a shotgun or rifle with its priming device in place was "loaded," so simply removing the device prior to crossing a public way rendered firearms unloaded, inoperable and legal. Chapter 269 classified a "loaded" gun as one with "a shell or cartridge in either the magazine or chamber thereof, and in the case of a muzzle loading shotgun or rifle, containing powder in the flash pan or in the bore or chamber or containing a percussion cap and shot or ball." Under this definition, lawful gun owners have had to remove the firearm's priming device and clean out the powder or ball in the rifle's barrel to cross a public way.
The law signed today harmonizes these two laws by eliminating the requirement in Chapter 269 that a hunter remove the powder or ball from the barrel of the rifle. Hunters now no longer face the lengthy, complex and unnecessary task of cleaning the barrel every time they encounter a public way, nor will they unknowingly violate the law by only removing a gun's priming device.
"It is important that the gun statute remains consistent in our law books," said Senator Stephen Brewer. "I filed this legislation to ensure that the definitions are correct and I am glad to see my bill being signed into law."
"I applaud the effort of everyone involved to secure this long-overdue and common-sense fix to the statute," said Representative George N. Peterson, Jr. "It is encouraging to see some positive action taken on behalf of the sportsmen and women of the Commonwealth."
"On behalf of the lawful gun owners of the Commonwealth, I would like to thank Governor Romney and all who took part in the passage of this legislation. We have taken another important step in reforming the 1998 gun laws," said Jim Wallace, Executive Director of the Gun Owner's Action League. "This new law addresses a conflict that had previously caused great concern in those who use traditional muzzle loading rifles and shotguns. Now they confidently know what is expected of them and can enjoy their heritage without the fear of being prosecuted for violating a poorly written law." (From buckmasters.com)
As you pointed out, it was nice of the governor to sign legislation that stops the requirement that Pardini target guns be dropped on concrete!
That's hardly "very pro gun".
And as I mentioned, you need a special permit to own a .22 Model 41 target gun. Very pro gun!
But as you point out, if A hunter (one that gets all the permits and licences, can't buy ammo or powder in Mass without a rifle permit and blackpowder storage permit) owns A blackpowder rifle, he no longer needs to unload it completely before crossing a road. What a pro-gun thing to do, good for Mitt!
Is Glock on the governor's Approved Firearms List yet? I know it was not a while ago, so that no new Glock could be sold in Massachusetts. I bet more people would like to get a Glock than an Pardini.
Romney is doing little things that nibble the edges, but nothing to correct real injustices. You cannot take back what he said about ugly guns, and you can't deny that he supports the Brady Act.
It's the police chief's discretion up there whether or not you can legally own any sort of firearm, and the chief can impose any restriction he chooses before you can get a permit (according to www.goal.org). Romney has done nothing to correct this.
He's made vague comments about the second amendment and hunting. You seem to know a lot about him, Obelisk, has he ever stated what he thinks of RKBA? Is the second A just about hunting to him, is it a "collective right" or an individual right?
Until he clarifies his stance or explains why "assault weapons" are so bad, I'll continue to support his appointment as Chief of Staff to the POTUS.