Ruger's CEO Predicts End of Pistol Sales in California

Published on January 29, 2014
Duration: 12:07

This video features Mike Fifer, CEO of Ruger, discussing California's controversial microstamping requirement for firearms. Fifer explains how this technology, which etches serial numbers onto primers and casings, is technically infeasible and serves as a de facto ban on new pistol sales in the state. The discussion highlights the ineffectiveness of similar past laws and the potential for nationwide implications if other states adopt California's approach. Ruger's strategy involves legal challenges to overturn these regulations.

Quick Summary

Ruger CEO Mike Fifer explains that California's microstamping requirement, which mandates etching unique serial numbers onto primers and casings, is an 'impossible engineering feat.' He predicts this will effectively end semiautomatic pistol sales in the state within two years, citing the unreliability and high cost, similar to failed ballistic fingerprinting laws elsewhere.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: CA Gun Ban & Microstamping
  2. 01:39CA DOJ Roster Challenges
  3. 03:03Microstamping Explained & Its Flaws
  4. 04:10Ineffectiveness of Forensic Tracking
  5. 06:08End of Semiautomatic Sales Predicted
  6. 07:13Ruger's Legal Strategy
  7. 08:02Law Enforcement Exemptions
  8. 10:11National Implications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is microstamping and why is it controversial in California?

Microstamping is a firearm technology intended to etch a unique serial number onto a fired cartridge's primer and casing. In California, it's a requirement for new firearm models to be sold, but Ruger's CEO argues it's technically infeasible and serves as a de facto ban on new pistol sales.

Why does Ruger predict the end of pistol sales in California?

Ruger's CEO, Mike Fifer, states that the microstamping requirement is an 'impossible engineering feat' due to ammunition and primer variations. Manufacturers cannot reliably implement this technology, leading Ruger to predict a halt in semiautomatic pistol sales within a year or two.

Have similar ballistic tracking laws been effective?

No, Fifer compares microstamping to failed ballistic fingerprinting laws in Maryland and New York. These laws were intended for crime solving but never successfully did so, highlighting the ineffectiveness and high cost of such forensic tracking mandates.

What is Ruger's strategy regarding California's microstamping law?

Ruger continues to submit firearms for safety testing but faces rejection due to the lack of microstamping. The company's primary strategy relies on ongoing litigation and Second Amendment challenges to overturn the mandate, hoping for a legal resolution.

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