Certification of Microstamping Technology (No Pistols for Sale in CA)

Bureau of Firearms ^ | May 17, 2013 | Kamala D. Harris (AG in CA)

[ConservativeInPA]

It appears microstamping is now the law in CA. (effective immediately) Read at the link. Seems like a typical Friday document dump from the fascists.

The purpose of this bulletin is to inform California licensed firearms dealers, California Department of Justice certified laboratories, firearm manufacturers with firearms listed on the Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale in California, and all other interested persons/entities of the Department of Justice’s certification on May 17, 2013 pursuant to Penal Code section 31910, subdivision (b)(7)(A) that the microstamping technology is available to more than one manufacturer unencumbered by any patent restrictions.

In 2007, Assembly Bill 1471 was passed and signed into law, requiring all semiautomatic pistols to be equipped with microstamping technology—“a microscopic array of characters that identify the make, model, and serial number of the pistol, etched or otherwise imprinted in two or more places on the interior surface or internal working parts of the pistol, and that are transferred by imprinting on each cartridge case when the firearm is fired.” (Pen. Code, § 31910, subd. (b)(7)(A).) The legislation further provided that this requirement becomes effective when the Department of Justice “certifies that the technology used to create the [microstamp] imprint is available to more than one manufacturer unencumbered by any patent restrictions.” (Ibid.)

[Labyrinthos]

In NY, the advantage of a high capacity, semi-auto pistol over a revolver has narrowed considerably now that we are limited to seven rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. My every day carry weapon is a Ruger SP101 2.25” revolver with .357 in the wheel. Thanks to lots of practice, I can reload the revolver using a speedloader almost as fast as I can can switch out the magazine of my Springfield XD9 — without the risk of error. Indeed, for most civilian defensive situations, the error-free simplicity and knockdown power of a revolver makes up for the slightly slower reload time.

What do I mean by “error-free simplicity?” The unfamilier stress of a sudden life or death defensive encounter will increase the error rate and mistake factor no matter how perfectly we can switch magazines and resume fire when practicing at the range. With a semi-auto pistol, the magazine needs to be properly aligned for insertion into the grip with the head of the cartridge facing forward; the magazine needs to be fully inserted until it snaps into place; all safety devices (i.e., trigger, grip) need to be properly disengaged; a proper grip is essential to prevent stove pipes and other “FTE” jams; and each cartridge needs to be perfect so that the spent shell is properly ejected and the next cartridge is properly chambered. A revolver, in contrast, will go bang every time the trigger is pulled and the hammer falls on a live round. There are no safety devices to get in the way; stove pipes and other FTE jams due to limp-wristng are never an issue; and a defective cartridge is easily by-passed by pulling the trigger again.

[aimhigh]

I started with autos and now like revolvers.

[buffaloguy]

I have had too many jams with with Semis and am switching over to revolvers in the near future. Just too much trouble and the maintenance is troublesome.

[Labyrinthos]

I can't say enough great things about the Ruger SP 101 2.25". Mine was sighted perfectly for a snubbie right out of the box and despite the short barrel, it is very accurate up to seven yards and accurate enough for what it is designed for -- personal defense -- out to 25 yards particularly when shooting .357 (.38 specials seem to shoot low). Although the SP 101 may seem heavy compared to the Ruger's superlight LCR revolvers (and similar lightweights from S&W), in my opinion, the extra weight is a minor inconvienence that allows me to shoot 50 rounds of full-powered .357 ammo at the range without shreading my hand.

Although some reviewers have indicated that the SP 101 snubbie is on the large end for concealed carry, I think that really depends upon the person. I'm 6'2"/210 lb. and conceal the SP 101 in the front pocket of my cargo shorts, chino pants, and suit pants using an Uncle Mike's pocket holster with the shirttails out or a sweater or sport/suit jacket for added cover. I also carry the SP 101 on the belt and IWB using a Simply Rugged Silver Dollar Pancake Holster.