New York Legislators Push Gun Ban in Anti-Terrorism Legislation

Always looking for an opportunity to ban guns, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan), is attempting to use anti-terror legislation as a vehicle for his previously failed efforts to outlaw .50 caliber firearms. After a "stand-alone" bill banning this type of firearm (A 7039) was approved by the Assembly, it hit a roadblock in the GOP-controlled Senate, where so far the measure has been met with little support.  In an attempt to deflect attention from Assembly Democrats` unwillingness to pass the anti-terror package already approved by the Senate, Silver has now said he will introduce his own package of anti-terror bills which includes a ban on .50 caliber firearms. Costing thousands of dollars, measuring 4-5 feet in length, and weighing 22-34 pounds, .50 caliber rifles are much too expensive and cumbersome for common criminals, and although claims have been made that these have become the weapon of choice for terrorists, there is absolutely no evidence to support these claims.  Not a single incident of criminal misuse of a .50 caliber firearm can be cited in the United States to date, and people who own these firearms are law-abiding competitive marksmen and collectors.  Please contact your lawmakers today and urge them to oppose efforts to ban .50 caliber firearms!  You can find contact information for your Representatives by using the "Write your Representatives" feature, at www.NRAILA.org.