Read My Lips ... No New Ammunition Taxes!

Published on August 22, 2012
Duration: 11:40

This video discusses the reintroduction of proposals for ammunition taxes as a means to combat gun crime. Larry Keane of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) argues that such taxes disproportionately affect law-abiding citizens and are ineffective, citing historical data and ATF testimony. The discussion also addresses concerns about federal agencies purchasing large quantities of ammunition, clarifying that these purchases are often for routine law enforcement functions and do not indicate a threat to civilian supply.

Quick Summary

Ammunition taxes are considered ineffective gun control because they primarily impact law-abiding citizens, not criminals. Historical data and ATF testimony suggest that measures like ammunition logs did not reduce crime. The NSSF also clarifies that federal agencies' ammunition purchases are typically for routine law enforcement functions and do not indicate a threat to civilian supply.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Ammunition Taxes
  2. 00:14Rehashed Gun Control Proposals
  3. 01:21ATF Testimony on Ammunition Logs
  4. 02:35Retread Legislation and Failed Ideas
  5. 03:01Ineffectiveness of Gun Control
  6. 03:49CDC Study on Gun Control Measures
  7. 04:03Criminal Conduct vs. Lawful Commerce
  8. 06:02Federal Agencies Buying Ammunition
  9. 06:23NRAILA Statement on Ammo Purchases
  10. 07:20NSSF Checks with Ammo Manufacturers
  11. 08:17Routine Law Enforcement Ammunition Needs
  12. 09:08How to Get More Information from NSSF
  13. 11:36Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are ammunition taxes considered ineffective gun control?

Ammunition taxes are seen as ineffective because they disproportionately burden law-abiding citizens who use firearms for sport, self-defense, or collecting. Criminals, by definition, do not adhere to laws, so such taxes would not deter their illegal activities and have historically been shown by the ATF to be an unhelpful tool in reducing crime.

What is the NSSF's stance on federal agencies purchasing ammunition?

The NSSF clarifies that concerns about federal agencies buying ammunition are often exaggerated. Many federal agencies have law enforcement officers who require ammunition for their duties. Investigations by NSSF and ammunition manufacturers indicate no abnormal increase in these purchases, and industry capacity remains sufficient to meet civilian demand.

Has gun control legislation historically reduced crime?

According to the video, a CDC study examining numerous gun control measures could not establish that any single measure effectively reduced crime or gun violence. Furthermore, the ATF testified that ammunition logs, a past gun control measure, were not a useful tool for crime reduction.

Where can I find more information from the National Shooting Sports Foundation?

You can find more information from the NSSF by visiting their website at nssf.org. They also maintain a Facebook page, Twitter feeds, and offer a weekly newsletter called 'Bullet Points,' which can be signed up for on their website.

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