Schwarzenegger Bans Rifle in Support of Gun Control

Reuters ^ | 9/14/04

[TexKat]

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Breaking with Republican lawmakers who oppose gun control and a Hollywood film career filled with gun play, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bill banning .50-caliber BMG rifles, an aide said on Tuesday.

The large-caliber, high-powered rifle is used by the military and police to shoot at long-range targets, including ones more than a mile away.

Civilian owners of the weapon typically use the rifle at firing-ranges and for big-game hunting, but with armor-piercing ammunition the rifle can penetrate concrete shelters and lightly armored vehicles.

Critics of the rifle argue there is no reasonable civilian use for the weapon. They say it could be used by terrorists to shoot at oil refineries and airplanes, or by snipers against people. Gun rights advocates maintain the weapon has not been used in a crime in California.

Despite his gun-toting film career, Schwarzenegger is in favor of some gun controls, including the 10-year federal ban that expired on Monday on certain semiautomatic firearms known as "assault weapons," said his spokeswoman Terri Carbaugh.

"He's committed to keeping the public and law enforcement as safe as possible," said Carbaugh. "This lines up with his philosophy that reasonable gun control measures are necessary to accomplish that objective."

[TexKat]

Breaking with Republican lawmakers who oppose gun control and a Hollywood film career filled with gun play, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bill banning .50-caliber BMG rifles, an aide said September 14, 2004. Schwarzenegger speaks during the second night of the 2004 Republican National Convention at Madison Square Garden in New York City, August 31, 2004. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

[ajwharton]

This is coming to a state near you! Time to save for that Barrett...

[Puppage]

"He's committed to keeping the public and law enforcement as safe as possible,"

If you want a safe job...DON'T BE A POLICE OFFICER!!!

Besides, how many crimes have been committed with a $4,000 .50 Caliber rifle...EVER?

[MikefromOhio]

ok where are all the people that are going to call Arnold a RINO and a turncoat and those that will say they are going to the Constitutionalist party and then ask "Who's with me?"

Come on, I know you are out there....

[GunRunner]

Gun rights advocates maintain the weapon has not been used in a crime in California.

Has one ever been used in any crime anywhere in the US?

My bet is NO.

Shame on Arnold.

[sargon]

Well, that settles it.

I must now purchase one of these...

[E. Pluribus Unum]

"He's committed to keeping the public and law enforcement as safe as possible..."

U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Fatalities per 100,000 Year 1999
Commercial Fishermen	162
Timber Cutters	154
Air Pilots	65
Construction Laborers	37
Garbage Collectors	34
Truck Drivers	28
Electricians	12
Gardeners (non farm)	11
Police	11
Carpenters	7

[Parley Baer]

Yep, this is the problem with Arnold. To much of a Rino. However the other choice of Red Davis was much worse.

[Tredge]

I'm in the SF bay area. There is nothing in this world that the government can do to make me want a .50-cal Barrett more, than telling me I can't have one.

[Dead Dog]

big-game hunting? No Civilian Use?

Let's not mention the fact that the .50 BMG rifle (not the Ma Deuce) was developed BY CIVILIANS for long distance match shooting. Only after Civilians adapted the cartridge did the military and cops take notice.

[MarkL]

I saw a TV show on one of the cable channels a few years ago, and was shocked to learn that one of the most dangerous jobs in the world is a commercial fisherman. In particular, they followed some deep water crabbers, and it's not unusual to lose crewmen when they get hit by the huge traps or get tangled in lines.

Lost fingers and limbs are quite common.

Yikes!

Mark

[joesnuffy]

Arnie has his gun collection...yours is a threat to him and 'his' kind

A Governor who does not trust his honest citizens with the weapons 'they' need to protect themselves and their families..

Whose family is protected by private 'armed' security 24-7

Your family doesn't mean doodley squat to politicians...all of the left and many on the right including the big daddy rabbit in DC..when it comes to your God given right to protect your life and the lives of your loved ones...

one if by land
two if by sea
three if when they come
by Washington DC

imo

[semaj]

Don't look at me. I didn't vote for the anti-pledge-of-allegiance Governator.

[Oblongata]

I'm sure he decided to ban the BMG because it was determined to cause cancer in the state of California.

[rellimpank]

---during his campaign, when I heard Ahhhhnold speaking of the "gun show lyoopwhole", I figured he didn't know diddley about the subject----

[blanknoone]

I hope Barrett refuses to service the .50 cals of California Law enforcement, saying it no longer does business in PRK.

[Mogollon]

And Arnold wanted us to change the constitution so he could run for POTUS. Enjoy your one term as governor of Cal. you just lost most of your base.

[ezo4]

Arnold really sucks. What a back stabbing piece of ----.

[ezo4]

Arnold really sucks. What a back stabbing piece of ----.

[Delphinium]

"I told ya so"