Posted on 05/11/2007 10:08:13 AM PDT by Cagey
TRENTON - New Jersey moved yesterday toward becoming the second state to outlaw the powerful .50-caliber rifle that critics contend could potentially be used in terrorist attacks. The guns, which resemble large hunting rifles, are accurate up to 11/2 miles, and opponents contend that they could be used to penetrate an airliner or ignite chemical plants, rail tank cars and refineries.
California is the only state with a similar law.
Legislation that would make New Jersey follow suit was released yesterday by an Assembly committee and can now be considered by the full Assembly.
The proposed ban is getting renewed attention after federal investigators announced this week that they had foiled an alleged terrorist plot by six men who were planning to attack Fort Dix.
"As unnerving as the Fort Dix terrorism plot was, it could have been all the more worse if the weapons of choice for alleged assailants had been .50-caliber assault guns instead of AK-47s," said Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D., Mercer).
The six men arrested Monday night allegedly tried to buy AK-47 assault weapons, M-16s and other weapons from a government informant.
The bill is opposed by gun-rights advocates, who contend that it would do nothing to stem gun violence.
"Gun bans will not stop a criminal intent on doing harm because the criminal mind will always find another tool," said Scott L. Bach, president of the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs. "This feel-good legislation disarms only responsible citizens and does nothing to prevent crime."
The bill would include .50-caliber weapons in the same law that bans explosive devices. Violators would face up to five years in prison and a fine up to $15,000.
The proposal would exempt antique guns and traditional rifles that fire a single shot. It would also allow people who own a .50-caliber weapon before the law takes effect to keep their weapon.
For now.
Weren’t the Fort Dix terrorists planning to buy guns that have already been banned?
I can see where this law can stop some clown from driving one across the state line in their car or van...what perceptive law makers we have. Why not a law that executes terrorists on the spot after we have tortured them to get more info?
Meadow Muffin
That is assuming that you can actually see something 1 1/2 miles away, that you have a very good scope, that you are very very good, and that you are lucky.
Exactly. They were trying to buy M-16's and AK's that had an auto firing capability.
They've been trying to get this .50 caliber banned for the last couple of years in New Jersey and now they have everyone scared with the "terrorists almost in Fort Dix" excuse.
There is no provision for .72 caliber smoothbore long guns. I.e. Grandpa’s 12gauge is banned under that law.
If that doesn’t wake up the Elmer Fudd hunters to what the gun grabbers are really after nothing will.
Unbelievable. I guess a second offense would bring the death penalty.
Of all the crimes I have ever read about, I don't think one involved someone being assaulted or killed with a .50.
I think a determined terrorist who was up to no good is not going to be stopped by a piece of paper that says he can’t own a .50 caliber. You just drive to another state, pony up the large amount of cash and drive back to “The Garden State” and do your evil.
They’re not exactly easy to hide or lift. Them suckers is big and heavy! And spendy.
If you’re serious, you can just get a .308 or .30.06 and still make quite a mess.
Didn’t a gun maker simply design a new cartridge that was the same as the 50BMG but with a slightly smaller projectile so it wasn’t 50 caliber and therefore CA legal?
How bout .49, or .51?
Don’t know.
But I am offended watching these politicians force these unneeded, unconstitutional laws down our throats, while there are so many more threatening issues facing us.
“”As unnerving as the Fort Dix terrorism plot was, it could have been all the more worse if the weapons of choice for alleged assailants had been .50-caliber assault guns instead of AK-47s,” said Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D., Mercer).”
Actually, Assemblyman Gusciora, knowing we’ve elected people like you, who obviously don’t know what they are talking about, is unnerving.
Yep, the above are next it those a*s *oles have their way.
They are idiots and know nothing about ballistics or the other options available!
See Post 18.
How is this an update from yesterdays threads? Also, where is the picture of the tank up on its roof from a single hit by a 50 cal bullet?
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