Arnold Bans 50 Caliber Rifles in California

U.S. National - Reuters Schwarzenegger Bans Rifle in Support of Gun Control
yahoo | Tue Sep 14 | Reuters

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

Reuters Photo

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."

ok, so he bans a rifle that has never been used in a crime before, so he can keep people 'safe'?

um..hello? the average person cannot even afford a 2-12g 50 caliber rifle. who is he kidding about not wanting these to 'wind up in the hands of criminals'?

too bad he had to fuck his state like that, because Barrett rifles, the leaders in the 50 caliber industry, has promised never to sell any of their products to california police, SWAT, or california guard units again.

OMG, what an anti-gun nut. Does that mean he will also prevent people from their constitutional right to own RPG launchers and shoulder mounted anti-aircraft missiles?

Just how are you supposed to shoot incoming aircrafts down now?

Great business plan....we can't sell to residents so we won't sell to law enforcement either. Pure genius.

Dial_tone said:

Great business plan....we can't sell to residents so we won't sell to law enforcement either. Pure genius.

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sometimes it's not about making money.

not like this is going to hurt barrett, since they are the main 50 cal manufacturer for the united states military.

I wonder how would someone use a .50BMG in a crime. These rifles are heavy and the recoil is punishing for any newbie...



Nothing compares to a .50BMg for big game hunting

I don't see the problem here...

.50 caliber has no place in a civilian's hands.

Lestat said:

I don't see the problem here...

.50 caliber has no place in a civilian's hands.

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speak for yourself, not the millions of americans who actually value freedom and the constitution.

manny78 said:

I wonder how would someone use a .50BMG in a crime. These rifles are heavy and the recoil is punishing for any newbie...

Nothing compares to a .50BMg for big game hunting

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yeah, no shit. no fucking criminal is going to lug around something as big as a 50.

This was idiocy.

Props to barrett for flipping the bird to the enclosing police state.