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November 21, 2013
Coalition Proposes Action to End Impasse over ‘Sporting Purposes’ Exemption for Non-Lead Ammunition
A coalition of organizations led by NSSF, representing millions of sportsmen and women, requested that U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder of the Justice Department, through ATF, finalize and start implementing the necessary “sporting purposes” exemption to the definition of armor-piercing ammunition established by the Gun Control Act of 1968.
Since California Gov. Jerry Brown recently signed into law the first state ban on traditional lead ammunition for hunting, the ability of manufacturers to bring non-lead ammunition to market is increasingly crucial to the continued vitality of hunting and recreational shooting. The widespread production and availability of this ammunition relies on assured markets, provided by reasonable regulation and enforcement at the federal level. ATF’s refusal, as of yet, to apply the sporting-purposes test is leading to a lack of certainty necessary for many companies to invest in the research and development needed to generate technological advancements in high-performance and cost-effective ammunition.
If this continues, it will cost the economy the loss of hunters and recreational shooters. For example, in 2012 the firearms and ammunition industries were responsible for $33.36 billion in total economic activity. In addition, hunting alone supports nearly 700,000 jobs. Read the full letter.
Categories: Hunting, Industry News, Shooting, Top Stories
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