PRESS RELEASE FROM THE ATF:
“Thank you for your interest in ATF’s proposed framework for determining whether certain projectiles are “primarily intended for sporting purposes” within the meaning of 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(17)(C). The informal comment period will close on Monday, March 16, 2015. ATF has already received more than 80,000 comments, which will be made publicly available as soon as practicable.
Although ATF endeavored to create a proposal that reflected a good faith interpretation of the law and balanced the interests of law enforcement, industry, and sportsmen, the vast majority of the comments received to date are critical of the framework, and include issues that deserve further study. Accordingly, ATF will not at this time seek to issue a final framework. After the close of the comment period, ATF will process the comments received, further evaluate the issues raised therein, and provide additional open and transparent process (for example, through additional proposals and opportunities for comment) before proceeding with any framework.”
EARLIER REPORT: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) released its proposed framework to ban “armor piercing ammunition.” Essentially banning one of the most-used AR rounds by sportsmen and target shooters.
The ban targets ‘green tip’ 5.56mm NATO ammo, used in most AR-15’s. Green tip ammo easily pierces the type of soft armor worn by police,
The decision continues President Obama’s use of executive authority to impose gun control restrictions and bypass Congress. The White House calls this ammunition ‘Cop Killers.’
18 U.S.C. 921(a)(17)(C) states:
“To protect the lives and safety of law enforcement officers from the threat posed by ammunition capable of penetrating a protective vest when fired from a handgun, the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA), as amended, prohibits the import, manufacture, and distribution of “armor piercing ammunition” as defined by the statute.”
The 5.56×45mm NATO (official NATO nomenclature 5.56 NATO) is an intermediate cartridge developed in the United Statesand originally chambered in the M16 rifle.
Under STANAG 4172, it is a standard cartridge for NATO forces as well as many non-NATO countries.
It is derived from, but not identical to, the .223 Remington cartridge.
