GUSCIORA/PANTER/GORDON BILL TO BAN MILITARY-STYLE .50-CALIBER GUNS ADVANCES

Potentially Destructive Military-Grade Weapons Pose Security Threat to NJ

(TRENTON) - Legislation Assemblymen Reed Gusciora, Mike Panter and Robert M. Gordon sponsored that would ban the sale of .50-caliber rifles - powerful battlefield-styled weapons that would be devastatingly lethal in the hands of terrorists - was released today from the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee.

If enacted, New Jersey would join California as the second state to ban the sale or possession of these weapons.

The lawmakers said their measure (A-3998) has gained increased significance after six men were charged Tuesday with planning an assault on Fort Dix with the goal of "killing as many soldiers as possible," using military-grade weapons, like mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, and AK-47s.

"In a post-9/11 society, there is simply no reason for .50-caliber weapons to be available for civilian use," said Gusciora (D-Mercer).  "With the continued rise in gang violence across the state and the fact that New Jersey possesses numerous chemical plants and rail yards vulnerable to attack by .50-caliber weapons, we have a serious responsibility to stop these inherently deadly weapons from falling into the wrong hands."

According to the sponsors, .50-caliber assault rifles are considered the "Rolls Royce of sniper rifles.  They are prized for their accuracy at long range and have the capacity to disable or destroy parked aircraft, armored personnel carriers, rail tank cars, bulk fuel storage, and concrete bunkers in war zones.

The legislators said their measure would reduce the potential for such weapons falling into the hands of terrorists.

Currently, .50-caliber weapons are available for purchase at New Jersey gun shops by anyone who possesses proper identification and passes a simple background check.  The weapon has a firing range of up to 2,000 yards and its ammunition is the largest round available in the civilian marketplace.  Variations of the ammunition with armor-piercing, incendiary, and explosive capabilities also are readily available for purchase.

The legislation would revise the definition of a "destructive device" to include weapons of .50-caliber or greater, making it unlawful to possess the highly destructive weapons.  The current definition only applies to weapons .60-caliber or greater and explosive or incendiary devices.

The bill includes an exemption for antique firearms, antique handguns, and traditional muzzleloader rifles, as well as a "grandfather" provision allowing persons who already lawfully posses a firearm of .50-caliber or greater to continue to legally possess their large caliber weapons.

The measure was amended in committee to extend exemptions to black powder muzzleloader rifles with in-line ignition, a center hammer, or an under hammer that have been approved for hunting in New Jersey.

The lawmakers said the assault-style weapons have no legitimate sporting purpose.

"Fifty-caliber guns are inappropriate and unnecessary for civilian use and sale," said Panter (D-Monmouth).  "They are military weapons designed specifically for combat purposes."

Under the measure, a person illegally possessing a .50-caliber weapon would be guilty of a third-degree crime punishable by a $15,000 fine and up to five years in prison.

"The only thing currently stopping individuals bent on destruction from arming themselves with a .50-caliber weapon is a trip to a gun shop," said Gordon (D-Bergen).  "Weapons that were designed to disable aircraft and pierce most types of conventional body armor have no business being in the civilian marketplace."

The measure was released 4 to 2.  It now heads to the Assembly Judiciary Committee for further consideration.

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