NCJ Number
94426
Date Published
1983
Length
165 pages
Annotation
Testimony on legislation that would prohibit or restrict the manufacture, importation, and sale or use of certain classes of restricted bullets, such as those with armor-piercing capability, demonstrates all-out support, reservations, and total oppostion to the bills (H.R. 2280, H.R. 5392, and H.R. 5437).
Abstract
H.R. 5437 would prevent the manufacture, importation, sale, or use of certain classes of restricted bullets. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to determine which bullets are restricted in accordance with the guidelines established by Congress. Basically, a restricted bullet would be one which, when fired from a handgun with a barrel 5 inches or less in length, is capable of penetrating body armor. Stiff penalties are provided for violations. Witnesses supporting this bill are its sponsor, Mario Biaggi (Congressman from New York State), a representative of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, and the chairman of Handgun Control, Inc. A representative of the International Association of Chiefs of Police supports the concept of a study to determine which calibers of different projectiles will penetrate bullet-resistant vests (as proposed by H.R. 2280) as the basis for subsequently drafting legislation that would prohibit the manufacture and sale of ammunition that would penetrate bullet-resistant apparel. Others arguing for more research to determine the capability of various bullets before passing legislation that would specify manufacturing and sale limitations include a representative of the Justice Department and a representative of law enforcement in the Treasury Department. Representatives of armor-piercing bullet manufacturers and body-armor manufacturers prefer industry self-regulation and argue that the use of such bullets by other than law enforcement and military agencies is extremely rare. The Justice Department argues for an immediate increase in sanctions for using armor-piercing bullets in the commission of a crime while further testing on bullet capabilities are being conducted. For the purpose of sentencing, the bullet capability in each offense would be determined. The National Rifle Association opposes all legislation that would limit the manufacture or sale of any type of bullet.