2A- Hawaii V .50BMG

[eric_t12]

it was coming ages ago. here it is starting

Originally Posted by http://gun-info.org/

HPD, NRA Square Off On Rifle Debate - Hawaii News Story - KITV Honolulu

HONOLULU -- A battle is brewing between the Honolulu Police Department and the Hawaii Rifle Association over a proposed ban of a high-powered sniper rifle.

KITV's Catherine Cruz reported that the 50-caliber rifle is dubbed the most powerful rifle on the market today, and the HPD said it is their worst nightmare. That is why they said they want it out of civilian hands.

It's a weapon that's long been used by the military and law enforcement, but in most states, a person can buy it over the Internet or from a gun store, which is making law enforcement uneasy.

"There is nothing we have that can withstand this. If you look at an armored car, those things have a half-inch of steel. These can go through 1 inch of steel at a thousand yards," HPD Major Gregory Lefcourt said.

The rifle can fire 10 rounds in 10 seconds, and the bullets can travel for miles, police officials said.

They said that a shot fired from the rooftop at police headquarters could precisely hit a target at the state Capitol, four-tenths of a mile away.

The National Guard calls the weapon a threat to homeland security.

"It does concern us -- shooting down airplanes four miles distances," Hawaii National Guard Gen.Gary Ishikawa said.

The National Rifle Association said that a ban would infringe on the right to bear arms. It argued that the weapon hasn't ever been used in a crime in the islands.

"We haven't had any incidents of robbers at banks or terrorist shooting airplanes -- it just doesn't happen," HRA member Mark Plischke said.

But police said they don't want to wait until then.

They said the proposed ban will die in the judiciary committee if they don't get enough public support for the bill.

The rifles are outlawed for civilian use in California, New Jersey and New York.

The HRA maintained that their members use it for hunting or eradicating goats. Others users of the rifle said they enter long range firing competitions.

The rifle is so powerful that it has been banned from the Kokohead Firing Range, range officials said. The rifle is only allowed at military ranges, which are off limits to civilians.

It is also very expensive. One rifle will fetch about $8,000, officials said.

There are 125 registered owners of the high-powered rifle in the state, with 90 owners living on Oahu.

again, i dont think its the registered ones you need to be worried about, but that gives the people something tangible to fear...

OMG, 125 people could kill me from a mile away in an armored car! the horror!

Ignorance for the day!

"It does concern us -- shooting down airplanes four miles distances," Hawaii National Guard Gen.Gary Ishikawa said.

damn, i dont hunt much, but you'd have to lead that thing like crazy wouldn't you!?

[jeepinbanditrider]

Generals ain't the sharpest tools in the shed.

[eric_t12]

amen to that.

[DeltaV]

Sounds like the typical debate: Anti's Fear ("HPD said it is their worst nightmare") vs. Facts ( "We haven't had any incidents of robbers at banks or terrorist shooting airplanes -- it just doesn't happen,").

[UncleBuck]

"It does concern us -- shooting down airplanes four miles distances," Hawaii National Guard Gen.Gary Ishikawa said."

buwwwahahaahaahaa!!!!

[CrAz3D]

which is making law enforcement uneasy.

What makes ME uneasy is that law enforcement is worrying about law abiding citizens. Authority has nothing to fear so long as it is on the straight and narrow.

[FLSTFI Dave]

I sure wish the media would point out most gun crimes are commited by people with prior criminal records. They should also point out most guns used in gun crimes where not obtained legally.

[Cannibul]

Wow! Hit a target 4/10th of a mile away.

That's 704 yards. I know for a fact that many rifles can hit a target at that range. A man sized target.

Typical fear mongering. No facts, no problems. And the horror. 10 rounds in 10 seconds. But they will not be accurate rounds

[ichy_trigger]

Yeah, my .308 is easily a 600 yard rifle and we all know how BG's love to spend $3000.00 for a weapon .

(sarcasm, if your a BG, I hope I did not offend you withmy post)

[CrAz3D]

$3k is for a legal .50, yeah? Black market means premium pricing ... probably more like $4-5k