NYSRPA opposes firearms microstamping legislation

ALBANY, NY (06/09/2014)(readMedia)-- The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is opposed to mandatory firearms microstamping legislation, bills A-3244A/S-68A. Despite the complete lack of genuine public interest in this issue, members of the state legislature feel the need to once again bring it up.

Even though the technology's patent holder admitted the process does not work, and the firearms industry says they cannot make it work, members of the state legislature keep pushing for these bills, continuing their quest much in the same way as Don Quixote.

"Only in New York does the legislature think they can make something work simply by drafting a bill which says it does work," said NYSRPA President Tom King.

Adding to this absurdity, in back in April WAMC reported that researchers at the University at Albany are developing a method for crime scene investigators to detect and recover gunshot residue from a crime scene or suspect. Their residue processing method creates a molecular "fingerprint" which, unlike microstamping, requires no legislation and does not affect gun dealers and manufacturers. The UAlbany chemists' research is being supported by the New York State Police.

"Given that UAlbany is right down the road from Capitol, perhaps it would be worthwhile for legislative leaders to invite the chemists down to the LOB to educate the legislature on their research. Who knows? They might learn something," King concluded.