FCSPI Position Statement

 

John Burtt, Chairman Fifty Caliber Shooters Policy Institute Post Office Box 5109 Riverside, CA., 92517-5109 Ph: (909) 653-5447 Fax: (909) 653-8807 Email: jb50bmg@pe.net

                                                                                                            Date: 3-16-01

FCSPI Statement Regarding bill 1405 Submitted in Connecticut 

               The Fifty Caliber Shooters Policy Institute (FCSPI) represents the political interests of  owners, manufacturers and retailers of fifty caliber rifles.

                        On behalf of the membership of the Fifty Caliber Shooter’s Assn., Inc. (FCSA) we are strongly opposed to the language in Raised Bill 1405, which has been sent to the Public Safety Committee for consideration.

                        The language in section 8 (NEW) (a) (1) Through and including entirely Section 11 (NEW) would affectively eliminate the lawful ownership of .50 caliber rifles and the ammunition for these rifles by private citizens in the state of Connecticut.

                        The fifty caliber rifle has been singled out by legislators who oppose the lawful ownership of firearms as guaranteed by the 2^nd Amendment. They, in conjunction with an anti-gun media have made erroneous, exaggerated claims to demonize and portray these guns as a threat to public safety and even a “threat to national security” just to gain support for the legislation that is proposed here in this bill.

                        FCSA is aware of only one incident where a .50 caliber rifle has ever been used in a documented criminal incident in the United States. The fifty caliber rifle is not the weapon of choice by criminals. The guns are very heavy, cumbersome to carry and expensive ($2000-10000). Every person who purchases a .50 caliber rifle must go through the exact same process that everyone else has to when purchasing any firearm in the United States. This includes age limitations, waiting periods and background check.

                        FCSA is opposed to this bill because there is no “crisis” associated with the fifty caliber rifle. We have many members of our organization residing in Connecticut as well as all adjoining states. The effects of this legislation would be to further restrict the freedom of legitimate gun owners  and to create one more avenue for an honest citizen to be legislated a felon.

               The Fifty Caliber Shooter’s Assn., Inc. is an organization of highly motivated people incorporating .50 caliber rifle shooting at extreme long distance as their vehicle in pursuit of technical & scientific knowledge. Our hobby is about engineering, mathematics and physics, not crime or shooting per se.   Our sport is an extreme sport, not enjoyed by everyone, which leaves us vulnerable because we are small and unique. We are asking for your help on this issue. Please help us protect our freedom.

               FCSA was organized in 1985 as a non-profit organization to promote the sporting aspects of the .50BMG cartridge. An elected President & Board of Directors govern FCSA, with members in all 50 states and 22 foreign countries. Our membership is from diverse walks of life including doctors, lawyers, scientists, military & law enforcement. FCSA maintains a liaison with the military and law enforcement and have made contributions to the information base of both.

   FCSPI is at your service to answer questions or provide additional information on this issue.

Thank You.