Extending ban on assault weapons; Sen. Feinstein wants temporary prohibition to become permanent

Victorville Daily Press ^ | 08-24-03

[Brian S]

By MIKE CRUZ

Staff Writer

The current assault weapons ban is scheduled to expire in September 2004. To get the bill passed in 1994, supporters had to agree to "a 10-year sunset," said Howard Gantman, a spokesman for the senator.

Feinstein's proposed legislation aims to permanently prohibit the manufacture of 19 types of military-style assault weapons as well as a group of assault weapons that have been banned by characteristic for eight years, according to Feinstein's press office.

The legislation also protects roughly 670 hunting and recreational rifles for use by legal gun owners, and enables law enforcement agencies to use newly manufactured semi-automatic assault weapons, according to Feinstein's press office.

"It will be a tough fight, but it's the right fight," said Gantman, adding that the group has a growing coalition of resources coming together.

"(Assault weapons) are primarily, in this day and age, a collector's gun," said Ray Beeson, owner of Victor Valley Shooters in Apple Valley.

Beeson spends a lot of time staying current on gun laws and their amendments, which he then often explains to customers and local police officers.

The ban's definitions and fees charged to gun owners really upset Beeson. While the ban started with a list of manufacturers and specific guns that could not be made or sold, it has evolved into a list of definitions and characteristics with accessories that cannot be applied to any gun, he said.

For example, Victor Valley Shooters legally sells Winchester rifles. But with the addition of a flash suppresser or a grip that extends below the action of the weapon, the rifles become classified as assault weapons under the ban, Beeson explained.

"It makes absolutely no sense, whatsoever," Beeson said.

Mike Cruz can be reached at mike_cruz@link.freedom.com or

951-6276.

[BenLurkin]

What are the big government socialists afraid of?

Do they think that liberty loving Americans will take up arms against the tyranny of leftist judges and legislators?

[dogbyte12]

I wonder if she would exempt weapons made by her buddies in China?

[Dan from Michigan]

I'll make sure I extend a middle finger to Feinswine and that @#^@$&)@$(&@$()@$)(@#()^$@#()@$&()$()@()@&)(#)(^()#)(@#)(%()@)()@()#%()^()@#^@# judge reinhardt on the 9th circuit.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Who is Diane Feinstein? I never heard of her. She must not be very important.

[sauropod]

Methinks DiFi needs to run for socialist guvnah of Californistan. At least then she would only afflict one state!

[Mark]

Can't they just make "safer bullets"?

[WestPacSailor]

Gun control works! Just ask the experts:

[exnavy]

Thems fightin' words in that title.

[autoresponder]

I'll be posting comments of Di-Fi's photos linked to gunfire audio in honor of her personal carry SF licensed handguns that she illegally carries in Washington DC.

[Normal4me]

Ping!

[punster]

Diane Schweinstein is a pathological liar. The prime qualification for being part of her staff is being a damned liar.

[GatekeeperBookman]

Put 'em up on their own thread-show the world what fine folks DIFI seeks to emulate. Please-put these photos up every day!

[ridesthemiles]

You didn't mention that her Carry permit is one if ONLY 8 in San Fran. Guess her bodyguards have at least 2 more of the 8.

[GatekeeperBookman]

You know Victorville was the home of Roy Rodgers-his son, dusty had the good sense to check out & move the museum to Bransom, Mo. Smart move.

[Imal]

There is no valid foundation in law for this, and it should never have been passed in the first place.

Those who vote to make it permanent will NEVER see my vote, ever, and if Bush signs it into law, I will NOT vote for him, ever.

I don't support lawlessness, nor those that do.

[tet68]

What are the big government socialists afraid of?

US!


The legislation also protects roughly 670 hunting and recreational rifles for use by legal gun owners,

Isn't that special..........until they decide that these
too are a threat.

FMCDH Diane!

[squidly]

I'm afraid that the battle is already lost because of the dishonest characterization of these rifles as "assault weapons." The soccer moms hear that and they think "Oh, they must be bad."

[gitmo]

We need a constitutional amendment to protect citizens' rights.

[ezo4]

Do they think that liberty loving Americans will take up arms against the tyranny of leftist judges and legislators?

That’s exactly why the hell they are doing this, This ban hasn’t stopped any crime at all.

And they want to focus on law biding, tax paying, non criminal, smart, intelligent citizens, because eventually the laws that they pass/try to sneek through will break someone and then

bang!