TTAG reader Cucamonga Jeff writes:
I went to the local BassPro to pick up some carry ammo. I strolled down the aisle where all the BB and pellet guns are normally sold and I noticed the shelves were almost bare. In their place were signs taped to the shelves which read . . .
I looked up the bill. It passed with an overwhelming majority back in September of 2014, but didn’t go into effect until a week ago. It was no surprise to me that Kevin “30 clip rounds in half a second” De Leon was the bill’s author and main sponsor. Here’s the bill’s main language:
An act to amend, repeal, and add Sections 16250 and 16700 of the Penal Code, relating to BB devices.
[Approved by Governor September 30, 2014. Filed with Secretary of State September 30, 2014.]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST
SB 199, De León. BB devices.
Existing law prohibits a person from furnishing a BB device, defined to include a spot marker gun, to a minor without the permission of the minor’s parent or guardian, and prohibits selling a BB device to a minor. Violation of either of these prohibitions is a crime. Existing law defines a BB device as any instrument that expels a projectile, such as a BB or pellet, that does not exceed 6 millimeters in caliber.
This bill would, commencing January 1, 2016, delete the 6 millimeter restriction from the definition of a BB device. By including a device that expels a BB or pellet that exceeds 6 millimeters in caliber within the definition of a BB device, this bill would expand the scope of existing crimes, and impose a state-mandated local program.
Existing law generally prohibits anyone from purchasing, selling, manufacturing, shipping, transporting, distributing, or receiving an imitation firearm. A person is liable for a civil fine of not more than $10,000 for a violation of this prohibition. Existing law excludes all BB devices from the definition of imitation firearm for these purposes.
This bill would, commencing January 1, 2016, make BB devices that expel a projectile, such as a BB or a pellet, that is 6 millimeters or 8 millimeters in caliber subject to that prohibition unless the devices meet specified coloration requirements, and would exclude spot marker guns that expel a projectile larger than 10 millimeters in caliber from the prohibition.
Pretty sickening stuff. I just can’t wrap my mind around how a super majority of politicians and a governor could vote for and sign that garbage into law.
What’s worse: how we just bend over and take it here in California. All we can do now is sue and hope that some liberal judges will read the Constitution and hold politicians accountable. I hope the rest of the country looks and California and sees that there should be no compromise in gun control.
I’m still a young man. I’ll turn 30 this year. I plan on spending the rest of my life right here in California, but I compare it to being a Christian in Yemen. Chances are that anywhere I go I’ll be able to talk to someone who doesn’t know or understand their rights as a citizen of our great country.
As tragic as it is, the San Bernardino massacre woke alot of people up. What I didn’t mention earlier was that while I was at BassPro I also noticed how bare the gun racks and ammo shelves were. And not just after Christmas bare, like panic buying bare.
It’s the same at other local gun store. I’m seeing tons of first-time buyers taking their gun permit test. When I’ve been to the range in the last couple of weeks nearly half of the shooters are women! My friends and colleagues have all been asking me what to buy and how to buy it. My hope is that things will turn around soon and people will stand up for their rights. For the children…