This is a spin-off of the two other threads about what we can expect with the new administration and the next 4 years.
We are likely to see:
1) new laws passed by Congress and signed by the president, such as H.R. 6257: Assault Weapons Ban Reauthorization Act of 2008 (google it or see the other thread), and
2) administrative restrictions that the president can order WITHOUT going through Congress.
We can lobby against #1 through Congress. We are not likely to stop #2.
So, what could we see from the oval office?
1) Import bans. Even under the current president, there have been new bans on the import of foreign guns and gun parts - including a ban on the import of barrels for the Sig 556, the AK-47, and the Galil (among others). Its likely that these bans will expand. First and foremost could be a ban on all high cap magazines made overseas.
2) Lead production reductions or bans. Did you know that lead wheel-weights are being phased out? There is also an initiative to lower air-born lead by cracking down on lead "manufacturers" (actually, smelting plants that refine ore and recycle lead). Just as world lead and copper prices come down, so we face higher domestic hurdles/prices.
3) Environmental restrictions. See above. Moreover, the EPA might easily get involved in "reclassifying" and thus, shutting down shooting ranges. How? Simply declare them "hazardous waste sites" and require clean-up.
4) "lead free" and thus "shelf life" ammunition. Google SigArms Academy. Their range is 100% lead free. Problem is: 100% lead free ammunition starts to become inactive after 5 years. Its not a conspiracy or intentional design feature. Its just that the lead free primers that currently exist don't last much longer than 5 to 7 years - which is why the police will ONLY use lead free ammo as training ammo. The administration could use the EPA to force the use of lead-free primers - resulting in much higher ammo costs as well.
5) Restrictions on NFA/title II firearms. Expect an end to the "trust" route and possibly other tightening of availability of NFA items. Travel, storage and audit requirements could get much tougher if the BATFE were ordered to do so.
Please limit this thread to only discussions of what the administration can do on its own (ie without congress).
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