Armor Piercing Ammo - The Legal Brief!

Published on November 9, 2016
Duration: 6:19

This video clarifies the federal definition of 'armor piercing ammunition' and its legal implications. Host Adam Kraut explains that while commonly misunderstood, specific types of ammunition, like M855, do not meet the legal definition. The video details federal statutes and regulations that govern the manufacture, import, and sale of armor-piercing ammunition, outlining exceptions for government use, exportation, and authorized testing.

Quick Summary

Federal law defines armor piercing ammunition as a projectile or core made from specific metals (tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, depleted uranium) for handgun use, OR a full-jacketed projectile over .22 caliber for handguns where the jacket is more than 25% of the total projectile weight. M855 ammunition does not meet this definition.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Legal Brief
  2. 00:06Topic: Armor Piercing Ammunition
  3. 01:12Defining Armor Piercing Ammunition
  4. 01:31Projectile Core Materials
  5. 01:39Jacketed Projectile Definition
  6. 01:55Exclusions from Definition
  7. 02:25Summary of Definition Criteria
  8. 02:51M855 Ammunition Case Study
  9. 03:14ATF Reclassification Attempt
  10. 03:27Federal Law: 18 USC 922
  11. 03:33Unlawful Manufacture/Import
  12. 04:12Unlawful Sale/Delivery
  13. 04:22Regulations: 27 CFR 478.37
  14. 05:27Importance of Definition
  15. 05:32M855 Not Armor Piercing
  16. 05:38Conclusion and Misconceptions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the federal definition of armor piercing ammunition?

Federal law defines armor piercing ammunition as a projectile or core made from specific metals (tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, depleted uranium) for handgun use, OR a full-jacketed projectile over .22 caliber for handguns where the jacket is more than 25% of the total projectile weight.

Is M855 ammunition considered armor piercing under federal law?

No, M855 ammunition does not meet the federal definition of armor piercing ammunition. The ATF's attempt to reclassify it faced significant public comment and was ultimately not upheld based on the legal definition.

When is the manufacture or import of armor piercing ammunition legal?

Manufacture or import is legal if it's for the U.S. government or its agencies, for the purpose of exportation, or for authorized testing and experimentation with Attorney General approval.

What are the exceptions for selling or delivering armor piercing ammunition?

Manufacturers and importers can sell or deliver armor piercing ammunition if it's for the U.S. government, for export, or for authorized testing and experimentation as approved by the Director.

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