[cuchulainn]

Does the proposal specify "rifles" or would it truly cover any gun (not that I'd support it either way, just curious about this guy's point).

from the Peoria Journal Star

http://www.pjstar.com/sports/lampe/g154114a.html

State Senate bill takes aim at shotguns

March 18, 2003

Jeff Lampe
jlampe@pjstar.com

Illinois firearm owners are up in arms over a new piece of gun-control legislation in the state Senate. Figuratively up in arms, mind you. At least for now.

The specific source of concern is Senate Bill 1195, which has passed out of committee and could come up for a vote this week. The bill would make it illegal for Illinoisans to own or take delivery of a long list of guns that includes "any firearm having a caliber of 50 or greater."

For those who aren't gunsmiths, that means while you would still be able to own a .410 shotgun or a 38-gauge shotgun - if you can find one - your trusty 10-gauge, 12-gauge, 20-gauge and even 28-gauge shotguns would all have to be turned over to police and destroyed.

The primary sponsor of the bill is Sen. Antonio Munoz, D-Chicago. The architect of the bill is Chicago Mayor Richard Daley. The concern about the bill may be well-founded.

"This is the centerpiece of what (Daley) wanted. This is a message to every hunter and every shotgun owner out there. You are in their sights, too," said Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Locally, Sen. George Shadid, D-Edwards, said he does not favor the bill.

Frankly, I can't see how any other senators could support such a ridiculous piece of legislation. As a rule I do not report much about gun-control legislation. But this bill's attempt to lump shotguns under the heading "semi-automatic assault weapon" is deceptive, to say the least. Conjure up an image of an "assault weapon." Do you see a shotgun in that picture?

I have heard fairly compelling arguments about the need to get Uzis off the streets. I will never hear a compelling argument about the need to get shotguns out of the hands of law-abiding citizens. Yet this bill will pass if it receives support from 30 of 59 Senate members.

"If I knew they only had 26 votes (in support) I wouldn't be worried," Pearson said. "But we don't know that yet. My gut reaction is if sportsmen get organized we can stop this thing. But if sportsmen aren't organized. . . "

The Senate bill would not create law in and of itself, of course. Similar legislation would have to pass through the House. And Gov. Rod Blagojevich would have to sign the bill - a signature that would instantly turn Blagojevich into a liar.

Remember, earlier this fall on the campaign trail Blagojevich signed a pledge stating, "I will protect the rights of sportsmen in Illinois to participate in these and other outdoor activities, by making the most effective use of the resources available . . . and by consistently defending their rights to carry out these activities."

Obviously, banning the shotguns most commonly used by hunters goes against that pledge.

To help make that point, the ISRA will hold a rally Thursday morning at 9 a.m. in Springfield. Meet at the Stratton Building Cafeteria, located across from the Illinois Capitol Building.

If you can't make the trip, call your senator and voice your opinion.

Sauger results: Randy Carroll of Oswego and Ed Klein of Wayne topped a field of 78 teams in last Sunday's Illinois Walleye Trail tournament on the Illinois River.

The pair hauled a six-fish limit weighing 12 pounds, 12 ounces to the scales in Spring Valley after using a jig and minnow as their primary presentation.

Second place went to the Indiana duo of Tim Horneman and Kevin Lueden (six fish, 12 pounds-9 ounces). Darrell Miller of St. Charles and Wes Rosleth of West Chicago placed third (six, 12-7.5).

Roger Dorman and Mike Doucette Sr. of Bureau had big fish of 4-1.

Overall, 16 of 78 teams weighed limits and the 265 fish they caught averaged 1.52 pounds. Surface water temperatures were 42 degrees.

Tournament action will heat up Saturday and Sunday for the Cabela's Masters Walleye Circuit event out of Spring Valley. Weigh-ins start at 2:30 p.m. both days for the $108,000 tournament.

Turkey banquet: The Big Sandy Spur chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is having its banquet Friday at the Lacon American Legion.

For tickets call Frank McKean at (309) 246-7543.

Jeff Lampe is Journal Star outdoors columnist. Write him at 1 News Plaza, Peoria, IL 61643, call (309) 686-3212 or e-mail
jlampe@pjstar.com

[Don Gwinn]

You'd need a lawyer to work it out for certaink, and even then it probably wouldn't be. But here's the way it works. There are two relevant clauses among many.

One of those sections defines "semiautomatic assault weapons and one of the definitions is:
(x) any firearm having a caliber of 50 or

However, there's also a section that says what "shall not be considered an assault weapon:
"Semiautomatic assault weapon" does not include:
12 (A) any firearm that:
13 (i) is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever
14 or slide action;
15 (ii) is an "unserviceable firearm" or has been
16 made permanently inoperable; or
17 (iii) is an antique firearm; or
18 (B) any semiautomatic rifle that cannot accept a
19 detachable magazine that holds more than 5 rounds of
20 ammunition; or
21 (C) any semiautomatic shotgun that cannot hold more
22 than 5 rounds of ammunition in a fixed or detachable
23 magazine.


So, honestly, it's a bit of a tossup in my mind, but I expect if it really came down to it then legislative intent would trump all and a court would find that the shotguns weren't to be banned--except, of course, for the shotguns that don't meet the above "features test." :rolleyes:

However, NRA and ISRA probably figure they have to do something rile up hunters or it's all over before it starts.

[Master Blaster]

If this crapolla passes, next year the single shot shotguns and pump actions and any gun that fires any projectile will be next.

COUNT ON IT.

[Standing Wolf]

In the proverbial "nut shell," there's no such thing as a firearm the leftist extremists don't intend to prohibit law-abiding American citizens from owning.

[EJ]

I talked to Bill Peterson (My state rep) at 6 tonight--
He says it was brought up twice today and could have been up three times but Munoz held it for tomorrow with intent of amending again--

Peterson agrees it is a bad bill and doesn't believe it will pass-

Make your phone calls and faxes and keepyour fingers crossed--

[Don Gwinn]

I agree that the shotguns will be gotten around to eventually, but I question whether it helps our cause to say things that are not true about this bill.

I've been calling! I hope we all are.

[Frohickey]

How about they just make a law saying its against the law to break the law? Would have the same effect as all the gun control laws they are trying to pass. :cuss:

[schild]

Don't forget that muzzleloaders over .50 cal. will be illegal also.
Any gun owner in the State of Illinois that hasn't called and written their legislators doesn't deserve to own a gun!:cuss:

[Kingcreek]

Work those phones! Keep the pressure on them.
I'm to first names with the folks at my Reps and Sens offices. Even called the Guvs office and chewed some ear there last week again about the FOID CARD FIASCO. resulted in a personal call from the director of the agency so yes your call is important. I keep the names and numbers on file so I can ask for them again. "Hi, remember me?"
My Rep and Senator are solidly with us.

[Bruce H]

First Iraq then Illinois, they are both run by sycopaths.