This is a letter that I sent to my Senator, Representatives, and BAFTE.  It’s an opinion on the current decision to ban the import\production of the M855 ammunition as “armor piercing.”

The dead line for comments regarding the proposed ban in March 16th.  There is still time for commentary. NRA-ILA has a tool for finding out who to direct your commentary at.

I am writing in concern regarding BAFTE’s decision to reclassify M855 “green tip” ammunition as “armor piercing.” I personally believe that this movement has been directed by the Obama Administration to constrict American’s ability to exercise our right to “keep and bear arms,” as promised us by the Bill of Rights. This is a document that you, a member of our government would have use believe our soldiers are dying over seas in Iraq and Afghanistan to protect. Please understand that my criteria during the recent elections was whomever would protect my freedom to keep and bear arms.

The ATF currently defines “armor piercing” as:

“A projectile or projectile core which may be used in a handgun and which is constructed entirely (excluding the presence of traces of other substances) from one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or depleted uranium; or A full jacketed projectile larger than .22 caliber designed and intended for use in a handgun and whose jacket has a weight of more than 25 percent of the total weight of the projectile.”

The difference in thickness of the diameter of the M855 and a .22 caliber round is less then the thickness of a human hair. The M855 round was developed by the US Military not as a hand gun round, but as a rifle cartridge. The steel “core” of the M855 is not the entirety of the bullet. Nor is the jacket weight more then 25% of the cartridge. While the 44 magnum is currently used in lever action rifles, it is still considered a “pistol cartridge.” It is not fitting that we should define a cartridge by what it is used in but what it was developed for.

Redefining the M855 as armor piercing as a result of the development of AR-Pistols is foolish. It is a slippery slope that could lead to defining all cartridges as armor piercing. What a clever way to allow for the freedom to keep and bear arms while rendering that freedom useless. And US citizens have benefited from military innovation – from M&M’s to nylons, to more. It is only fit that we benefit from military research which has been funded by our tax-dollars.

In a town not 20 minutes from me, the police force feels it justified to shop for dog food while wearing body armor and a firearm. Is this the world we live in today? That shopping for dog food could end your life at any moment? Why is an officer of the law being given this freedom while I am told, nay, it is demanded that I should be defenseless?

Further, I practice target shooting as a means of self-discipline, exercise and self-development. President Obama has recently received recognition from the Washington Time as being on course to play more rounds of gold then Tiger Woods. In a sense, he and I do the same thing. We both seek to align a small projectile with a slightly larger hole in practice of self-discipline, exercise, and self-development.

I stand as a US Citizen, a member of the Gun Owners of American and the National Rifle association in demanding that the reclassification be canceled. I have contacted my senators and representatives to voice my opinion. This decision by BAFTE is not about protecting our law enforcement officials, it about constricting the rights of US Citizens to keep and bear arms. It is also usurping the authority of the Representatives and Senators of the Citizens of the United States.

Thank you for your time.