Ruger's CEO Predicts End of Pistol Sales in California

Published on January 29, 2014
Duration: 12:07

Ruger's CEO, Mike Fifer, explains how California's microstamping requirement, which mandates unique serial numbers etched onto primers and casings, is an unachievable engineering feat. This regulation, coupled with the 'not unsafe' list, effectively acts as a backdoor ban on new semiautomatic pistol sales in the state, with potential national implications. Ruger is pursuing litigation to challenge these requirements.

Quick Summary

Ruger's CEO, Mike Fifer, explains that California's microstamping law, requiring unique serial numbers etched onto primers and casings, is an unachievable engineering feat. This regulation, combined with the DOJ's 'not unsafe' list, effectively bans new semiautomatic pistol sales and may have national implications.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: CA Gun Laws & Microstamping
  2. 01:39CA DOJ Roster & Re-submission Rules
  3. 03:03The Microstamping Requirement Explained
  4. 04:10Forensic Tracking Ineffectiveness
  5. 06:08Prediction: End of Semiautomatic Sales
  6. 07:13Ruger's Legal Strategy
  7. 08:02Law Enforcement Exemptions & Dilemma
  8. 10:11National Implications of CA Laws

Frequently Asked Questions

What is microstamping and why is it a problem for firearm sales in California?

Microstamping requires firearms to etch a unique serial number onto the primer and brass casing during firing. Ruger's CEO argues this is an impossible engineering feat due to ammunition variability, effectively acting as a backdoor ban on new semiautomatic pistol sales in California.

How does the California DOJ's 'not unsafe' list contribute to firearm restrictions?

The California DOJ uses the 'not unsafe' list. Any manufacturing change to a firearm requires it to be re-submitted as a new model, triggering the microstamping requirement, which manufacturers find impossible to meet for new or updated models.

What are the potential national implications of California's microstamping law?

There are concerns that other states, such as New York and Connecticut, or even Washington D.C., might adopt similar roster and microstamping requirements. This could lead to a nationwide limitation on firearm access, particularly for semiautomatic pistols.

What is Ruger's strategy to address California's firearm regulations?

Ruger continues to submit firearms for testing to demonstrate compliance with safety standards, but the CA DOJ rejects paperwork without microstamping. Ruger is placing its hope in ongoing litigation and Second Amendment challenges to overturn these restrictive mandates.

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