[50 Shooter]

Maker of .50-Caliber Rifle Warns Legislators Are 'Nibbling' Away Gun Rights
By Robert B. Bluey
CNSNews.com Staff Writer
June 09, 2003

(CNSNews.com) - The rights of California gun owners came under attack last week when the state Assembly and Los Angeles City Council adopted measures imposing new restrictions on the .50-caliber rifle.

Gun enthusiasts immediately warned that the actions threatened their Second Amendment rights and would accomplish nothing in the way of reducing crime or saving lives.

The Assembly bill classifies .50-caliber rifles as assault weapons. The legislation requires owners of the rifle to register with the state, and it prohibits gun shops from selling them without the permission of the attorney general.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles City Council adopted its own measure Friday that bans the sale of .50-caliber rifles. It is a watered-down version of a bill that banned possession of the guns, according to the California Rifle & Pistol Association.

Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, maker of .50-caliber rifles - which are used by the military, law enforcement and civilians - plans to strike back and boycott sales to California government agencies, said company President Ronnie Barrett.

"This is not about protecting any honest citizen," Barrett said. "This is not about a reduction of crime. This is not about anything. This is about the nibbling process to totally disarm the American people."

While neither legislative body voted to ban possession of the guns, Barrett said that possibility isn't far off. He decried both efforts and said gun-control groups are gradually advancing their agenda at the expense of law-abiding citizens.

After attending a Los Angeles City Council meeting last year, Barrett wrote police Chief William J. Bratton expressing his dismay that a police officer told the council about the dangers posed by the gun.

In a December letter, Barrett wrote that he wouldn't sell or service guns to anyone who opposes constitutional rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment. Now, he wants other gun manufacturers to do the same.

"Anybody that's anti-Constitution or anti-United States government, I don't do business with them," Barrett said. "I will not be doing any business with any state agency or local agency that tries to disarm the law-abiding citizen."

Paul KoretzAssemblyman Paul Koretz (D-West Hollywood) proposed the measure last year, but it failed in committee. This year, it barely received the number of votes needed on the Assembly floor. It appears to have enough supporters in the state Senate.

Koretz believes "the public doesn't need the weapon," said Sandra DeBourelando, the assemblyman's senior assistant and consultant to the Select Committee on Gun Violence.

"This is a rifle that is currently treated like a hunting rifle, which means that any 18-year-old with a valid driver's license can get this," she said. "It's less regulated than a handgun. We have no idea who has the gun."

The Violence Policy Center and Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence lobbied for the bill. Spokesmen for both organizations did not return calls.

But statements made by the groups drew the ire of gun owners, including John Robertson, secretary and treasurer for the Fifty Caliber Shooters' Association. Robertson said gun-control advocates have distorted the facts, including the use of .50-caliber rifles by Branch Davidians during the Waco, Texas, standoff in 1993.

The Fifty Caliber Shooters' Association has carried out extensive research on the gun, Robertson said, and there is no evidence it has ever been used in the commission of a felony crime.

Most people who own the gun use it for extreme sports or hunting, he said. Some competitions require shooters to hit targets half a mile away, and the .50-caliber rifle is a popular firearm for those purposes.

DeBourelando said just because competitive shooters "like to have fun" with the .50-caliber rifle does not remove the possibility that it could get into the wrong hands.

"We see this as a gun that's going to be used in some kind of a terrorist act," she said. "You can shoot the gun accurately from a mile away, and it has the capacity to shoot from four miles away."

Barrett said it's ridiculous for California to classify the .50-caliber rifle as an assault weapon since most are single-shot, bolt-action guns. He also questioned the technical details cited by gun-control advocates, including the accuracy of the gun at long distances. Special add-on features and bullets are needed to hit distant targets.

Besides, the cost of the gun - anywhere from $2,000 to $9,000, depending on the manufacturer - makes it prohibitive for criminals, Barrett said. Most gun shops don't even stock .50-caliber rifles because of the cost, and he added that his company has at least a two-month-long waiting list.

Even though gun-rights advocates have worked tirelessly to counter what they view as misleading statements, California Rifle and Pistol Association spokesman Chuck Michel said it's a challenge that never ends, as evidenced by last week's votes.

"They have now successfully demonized a gun that was never used in a crime and has none of the features they've always said are so bad," he said. "And that is wonderful news to the gun-ban lobby."

[benewton]

You know, a note is in order, although I'm sure he knows how we "feel".

As for me, "between jobs", as it were, I think I'll go see if he sells hats or something,.

[Henry Bowman]

He has nice posters and reasonably-priced T-shirts, hats, patches, pins, keychains, etc. at this link (http://www.barrettrifles.com/accessories2.html) .

[cpileri]

Well, that settles it.
Lots of quality manufacturers out there, I suppose but this sets Randy Barrett above the rest.
Soon as I save up the dough, and move out of this commie state next summer, I am making my purchase a BARRETT.

He deserves it!
C-

[benewton]

Well, I just bought a hat and, of course, told him/them why.

Hopefully, he stands his ground.

[Standing Wolf]

"This is a rifle that is currently treated like a hunting rifle, which means that any 18-year-old with a valid driver's license can get this," she said. "It's less regulated than a handgun. We have no idea who has the gun."

It never ceases to amaze me that leftist extremists say such fathomlessly stupid things.

[Nightfall]

Outstanding. The moment I have the cash for a Barrett rifle is the moment I will buy one. Supporters of our 2nd Amendment rights such as Mr. Barrett are priceless and well appreciated. Though it will likely be a while before I can afford to pick up one of his firearms, I will happily do so, putting it before my other gun wants.

[Sylvilagus Aquaticus]

Hooray for Ronnie.

As soon as I pay off my truck this fall I'll buy a new rifle from him. Besides, I'll need a truck to carry his "L.A. Hunting Rifle".

idjits.

I've wanted one of his rifles since I WAS 18....ok, well...maybe 30...I was about that old when he started making them. Now I'm at an age where I can AFFORD them, at least on a limited basis.

Need has nothing to do with want. I want one because my Constitution says I can't be denied it. I want one because I don't have one and can afford it. I want one because I want the state of the art.


Regards,

Rabbit.


"If we could just get everyone to close their eyes and visualize world
peace for an hour, imagine how serene and quiet it would be until
the looting started..."

[boofus]

I just bought a keychain and T-shirt from Barrett and left a comment telling them why I made the purchase. I'm too poor for one of the big goodies :(

On the plus side, wearing the shirt will be sure to aggravate my liberal, treehugging, manifesto wielding, socialist boss. :p

I bought a Mark 23 for the same reason as Rabbit too. The Constitution doesn't forbid it and it's one of the biggest, most intimidating and politically incorrect pistols to ever walk the face of the earth.

It doesn't even try to masquerade as a 'defensive' or sporting pistol. It's made specifically for killing people, and pissing off liberal gun-grabbers. :evil:

[benewton]

Gentlemen:

FWIW, I think an immediate buy, however small, better than a maybe later to reenforce his convictions, though I doubt that he needs it.

But if you do either, tell him why, since if we can boycott "because" then we can also support "because", and I suspect that this'll be passed around to those who decide.

[Sactown]

I just purchased a hat as my small contribution and told him to keep up the good work.

[MacPelto]

Hopefully, enough such purchases will make up for some of the prospective sales he will miss out on...

[Zundfolge]

Boy I wish I could afford to buy one of his rifles as a show of support :)

[blades67]

We should support him, but those of you living in California need to start getting involved. Start with your City Counsels.:barf:

[QuickDraw]

How about we start with the governer!

RECALL DAVIS!!!!

QuickDraw

[Slotback]

I think I need to tell my wife to work a whole heck of a lot of OT so that I can line up to buy one of Mr. Barrett's rifle's.

That would be one cool birthday/anniversary/Christmas gift, now wouldn't it?

[Tamara]

Koretz believes "the public doesn't need the weapon,"

Thank you, Commissar Koretz, but I was unaware that determining what us serfs need was part of your job description. Putz.

"It's less regulated than a handgun. We have no idea who has the gun."

You know, this doesn't tend to worry those of us who avoid doing things to make folks want to shoot us.

[arinvolvo]

Its seems to me that i read somewhere....that there is no record of a 50 caliber rifle EVER being used to commit a crime in the United States...

I dont know if that ever comes up in arguement or not.

[George Hill]

I just wish Smith & Wesson and Ruger would forge themselves a set of stainless steel nuts like that.

[John G]

Just placed my order, and here's the note I attached:

Thank you, Mr. Barrett, for your clear stance on the natural human right of self-defense. Every time I see an article about you expressing your support for the 2nd amendment, I feel a sense of admiration and pride. Finally, I'm doing something about it. While I unfortunately cannot afford one of your fine rifles, I can purchase 2 shirts. I will wear them with pride. Thanks again.

John G---

[BallisticTip]

Go Barrett, will place a order today also and let them know they have my support.

Barrett site News (http://www.barrettrifles.com/news.html)

[SpodWo]

Some misinformation here.

I was living in Colorado when Albert Petrosky killed an officer using a .50 cal. rifle. This happened in May of 1995.
Look in the archives of the Denver papers. I remember the story because the guy that did it failed some background checks on handguns but the rifle itself didn't fall into that category. He killed 3 people. Only the officer was killed with the .50. The police officer was responding the to call and he was ambushed by this guy, who was waiting for the police to show up...

Here is the link from the US House Gov site:

http://www.house.gov/reform/min/pdfs/pdf_inves/pdf_guns_50_cal_orgs_rep.pdf

[50 Shooter]

Sorry but you better look into that story a little deeper. He had a .50 with him but never used it, he shot the PO with an SKS or AK that he had.

[mormonsniper]

Got a couple of hats in support of Barrett Rifles. :cool: I recently saw a 50 cal rifle from another manufacturer fired at our range here in N Florida. I wonder if they make'em for southpaws? :D

Mormonsniper:

[SpodWo]

I apologize...I recall the article and back then it stated he was killed with that weapon. As stated, he wasn't killed with the .50. Apparently the .50 rifle was discharged during that event...yes? 3X?. I think the original statements here were that "that there is no record of a 50 caliber rifle EVER being used to commit a crime in the United States..." If the weapon was brandished, used, etc. during that 3 person killing spree, then I would qualify it as criminal use.

Wasn't there something about this caliber being used in an armored car robbery in Georgia?

Regardless - it is a cannon. And there are some out there that have been stolen [isn't it 50?]. So we know some criminals have them.

[John G]

Even if criminals use a .50cal rifle, that's no reason to ban them from non-criminal use. What's next, .454casull? .44mag? Exactly what caliber is acceptable for use?

The point is, you cannot regulate human behavior, the bad guys will use anything, not just the "big scary" ones. Banning a caliber will only hurt the law-abiding gun owner.

[willyjixx]

This is a rifle that is currently treated like a hunting rifle, which means that any 18-year-old with a valid driver's license can get this," she said. "It's less regulated than a handgun. We have no idea who has the gun."


dang wish i could have afforded one of those as an 18 year old!
be kinda hard to be inconspicous doin a crime with that though!

[VaughnT]

It nevers ceases to amaze me just how dumb some people are. As it is, I just placed an order for a hat and shirt. I was hoping the keychain was made out of a real cartridge, but they aren't. Sad, that.

Also, what's a credit card security code? It asked for that in addition to my card number but I haven't a clue as to what it is. Hope my order went through.

[Pebcac]

The security code is a three-digit number on the back of the card. The idea is that, by requiring this for online/phone purchases, your account can't be used by someone getting your credit card number and expiration date off of a receipt or the like.

It'll be a long time before I can buy one of Mr. Barrett's rifles, but I think I'll stop in the online store and check out a T-shirt or two for the weekends.

[50 Shooter]

I know the PO wasn't killed with the .50, not sure if Petrosky fired it or not. It was stated in the Denver Post that he was then later retracted, they then said it was an SKS.

I have heard about the armored car incident but the info that I heard was limited. I would like to see some more info on it and not from the VPC.

I have only heard of two .50's being stolen from a gun shop but they have since been recovered. It would be one of those items that would be hard to resale without bringing alot of attention to yourself.

Like John said, it doesn't matter if it's used. If someone is going to commit a crime, they will use whatever weapon they can get. If it happens to be a .50 or a boxcutter that's handy, they will use it.

[mephisto]

I don’t think that anyone needs a .50 cal. But the same could be said about a car that can go 200 MPH, I think that in most states the max speed is 75 MPH. Or does anyone need a 65” big screen TV? Even more so do we need anymore-asinine regulations setup by people that have absolutely no idea on how to run a state or country? Nope. Let the fear of a weapon that very few people can afford to buy, or even shoot, scare weak minded people into submission of communist (left wing) politicians

[Quintin Likely]

It's not a matter of need, its a matter of want...

I sure don't need a car that'll go over 75 mph, I want one.

I don't need to win the lottery, but I sure want to.

I don't need to own a .50 caliber rifle, but I damn sure want to, especially given Barrett's stance against those who don't want me to own a .50 caliber rifle.

God bless Ronnie Barrett.

[brlau]

I ordered a T-shirt and added a note to Mr. Barrett thanking him for standing up. My wife (who was never exposed to firearms but fortunately isn't totally anti) agrees that it's a stupid ban. Truly a sorry state of affairs. I also hope other manufacturers step up against this lunacy.

Brian

[Braz]

It's nice to support Ronnie,

I have and will continue to, but the endless laws are not going to stop. You know it, and I know it. This is an easy, high profile, issue that most voters know little about. Does anyone here really believe the politicos have our best interest at heart? Do you think they are genuine in their fear of .50 weapons?

Of course not, as they have never been used in a crime in Kalifornia. This is not fear driven, it's grandstanding for media attention. A simple power play, imo.

Hats and tee-shirts won't cut it anymore. We need a Million Man March to the capital. And we need to keep coming back until they fear us, instead of these long range target guns. Hell, I met folks who offered their LIVES in service of this country, who would now be made criminals with the stroke of a pen. It'll take more than tee-shirts and good wishes to stop this erosion of YOUR rights.

Sorry, but I'm pissed. :(

[John G]

I didn't buy a shirt to make a national statement, I did it to support a man, and his company.

When a company does a bad thing (like Smith and Wesson), I boycott them. When a company does a good thing (like Barrett), I support them. It's just as simple as that.

[4 eyed six shooter]

My hat's off to Mr. Barrett. It's nice to see that at least one gun manufacturer has a set. I have several customers who have expressed an interest in buying a .50. I will let them know of Barretts actions in Kalifornia and suggest that they buy the Barrett. God Bless You, John K.

[benewton]

I've received the hat I ordered, and I've got to tell you that, while I more or less enlisted to send him $10 to support his stand, he makes a great hat.

I would have been happy to support the cause the anyway, but the man appears to sell a quality product.


Now, all I've got to do is to come up with $8,000 or so, free from other constaints, and the 82 order goes out the door!

[Rocko]

<puts his flame suit on...>

While I also applaud Mr. Barrett, I doubt he's doing it for purely altruistic reasons. I really doubt that many state and local agencies are buying .50BMG rifles, so I don't think its like he's gonna lose major $$$ by "refusing" to do business with any of them. On the other hand, the civilian .50 market is booming right now. The way I see it, Barrett has two big customers - the Feds/Military and civilians.

In his statement, he says "Anybody that's anti-Constitution or anti-United States government, I don't do business with them". Well... maybe no one else has noticed, but our federal government don't seem too keen on the consitution these days, either... If Ronnie threatens to stop selling to the military/feds if/when a .50 ban gets presented federally, I'll be more impressed.

Rocko

[Triad]

Rocko, one of the things that made him mad was that the LAPD presented one of THEIR Barrett rifles as an example of the sort of rifle the LA city council wanted to ban. See the thread here. (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?threadid=21289&highlight=Barrett)

[abdrdude]

Howdy all. I sent Mr Barrett an email letter of support.Now to start saving my pennies/nickles/dimes/quarters to buy one of these fantastic rifles.Scott/OKC

[Rocko]

Rocko, one of the things that made him mad was that the LAPD presented one of THEIR Barrett rifles as an example of the sort of rifle the LA city council wanted to ban. See the thread here.

Right - I was aware of this. However, I still think that sales to any government entity on a state or local level pale in comparision to civilian .50 sales - at least right now. Especially in CA, where they're just about the "evilest" gun you can get - people are in "I'm buying it because I can" mode, using funds that may have otherwise spent on other "evil" rifles not allowed in CA.

So... while I applaud Mr. Barrett for making this statement on our rights to own these types of firearms, I don't think it really goes against his financial interest to do so - just the opposite, in fact. I believe that several of the proposed replacements of the AWB also make .50's illegal, and our president has stated he will sign anything that comes to his desk, but I haven't seen him knocking on Pres. Bush's door saying he's gonna give up Barrett's military contracts if that happens.

Rocko

[another okie]

You have to read articles about that incident very carefully. They tend to say something like "A man with a .50 caliber rifle killed a police officer" which is indeed different than saying "A man used a .50 caliber rifle to kill a police officer."

[El Rojo]

Did this guy in Colorado use a .50 BMG or a .50 muzzleloader? Seems rather far fetched for a guy that is hell bent on going out with a bang to spend that much money, but then again, if you are ready to go out with a bang, every dollar not spent is wasted.

Now why can't we get Bushmaster to jump on the bandwagon with Barrett? Heck, why not get all of the major manufacturers to just tell all PRK agencies to take a hike, until their politics change, they won't do business with them. Pipe dream I know, but what the heck.

[Russ]

Isn't Bratton one of those cock roach ex-police types from NY? What is he doing in the PRK? Go back to the Roach Motel Bill. Koretz can go back to the bathhouse and relax.

[Frohickey]

Hello,

I do not know if this email will reach Ronnie Barrett, but as a freedom-loving, pro-2A citizen, I am extremely proud to have Ronnie Barrett on our side.

Imagine a business owner, willing to put his business and livelihood to preserve our 2A rights. Calling for a sales moratorium on government agencies that seek to erode on 2A rights.

If all other firearms manufacturers were to do this, the Customs officers in the airports would not be carrying Glocks, or Berettas. The Army would not be carrying M-16s, M249s and M4s. Police agencies would not be carrying Sig Sauers, S&Ws and H&Ks.

They would all need to make their own armories to make their own duty weapons again.

Kudos, Ronnie!

Thank you.

[gunsmith]

maybe we can send him a message saying...Go get a job some where else your fired you Nazi wannabe! :fire:

[George Hill]

So in Cali, could you just neck down the .50 BMG case to .45 caliber and use them in reconfigured rifles? .338 Lapua Magnum is another good rifle caliber of choice for serious long range rifle work.

/Just wondering what my options would be if I was in Cali... thank heavans I am not.

[David Park]

while I applaud Mr. Barrett for making this statement on our rights to own these types of firearms, I don't think it really goes against his financial interest to do so Actually, there is a lot of "homeland security" money being given out to state law enforcement agencies these days, and most of it is mandated for equipment purchases (rather than silly things like personnel or training :rolleyes: ). I believe the Denver PD's federally-funded new .50BMG rifle (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25284) is a Barrett, given the $8K price tag. Since selling .50s is a probably a low-volume business, Mr. Barrett might lose a significant number of sales from a state as large as California.

[George Hill]

You know, I would love to own a Barrett, that looks just like the big .50... but downsized to .308.

[Moparmike]

"Any 18 year old with a valid driver's licsense can go and buy one"

Yes, every 18 year old has one out of the following:

A. Parents who approve of owning such a un-necessarilly huge rifle (unnecessary for the average 18 year old I mean)

B. A job where coughing up $9000 is no problem at all with the PRK's cost of living.

C. Access to a .50cal dealer.

Why the hell would I go buy a rifle that costs more than most used cars at 18? Its insanity for an 18-year old without any direction or solid ground and permanant financial status to consider the purchase of this rifle. Personally at 20 I am thinking of how to get the money for my AC and not a 9k rifle.

Will someone who lives in PRK tell me why it seems that if elected, a lobotomy is apparently required?

[dport]

Regardless - it is a cannon. And there are some out there that have been stolen [isn't it 50?]. So we know some criminals have them.

Let's not fall into the trap of letting the other side define our terms, like assault weapon and high capacity magazine. The .50cal is NOT a cannon. The last thing we want to do is give the other side more material to work with. The .50cal is a small arm; it just happens to be the big daddy of small arms.

[Sactown]

Got my hat yesterday. Super nice hat. Only thing is the hat itself is made in China. I woulda figured Barrett woulda gone American, but it is a nice hat nonetheless.