April 1, 2005
Mr. Bob R
Montana
Dear Robert:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the
assault weapons ban. I appreciate hearing
from you on this important issue.
As you know, the assault weapons ban was
signed into law in 1994. The ban defined
assault weapons by specific make or model, or
by specific characteristics. Thus, the ban
applied to many semi-automatic weapons that
would be legal except for modifications made
to these guns such as a folding stock, pistol
grip or flash suppressor.
For example, an otherwise legal weapon,
such as a semi-automatic rifle used for target
shooting competition that can accept a
detachable magazine and is modified with 2 or
more listed modifications, fell under the
assault weapons ban.
The ban expired on September 13, 2004,
and was not renewed by Congress. However, the
importation of certain previously banned
weapons, such as the Uzi and AK-47, continues
to be illegal under other laws.
Although I voted for the assault weapons
ban in 1994, believing at that time that it
was the right thing to do, I now understand
that the assault weapons ban was a mistake.
Our precious resources and efforts are better
spent preventing and prosecuting violent
crimes, no matter what type of gun is used,
rather than creating confusing and arbitrary
distinctions among legal and illegal guns.
I will continue working for common-sense
efforts to reduce violent crime in ways that
will not infringe on the rights of Americans.
As a gun owner, I know this is especially
important in states such as Montana where
hunting and shooting sports are an integral
part of our life.
Thanks again for getting in touch.
Please don't hesitate to let me know of any
future concerns.
With best personal regards, I am
Senator Max Baucus
http://baucus.senate.gov
