Many gun owners have concerns about the recent legislation surrounding the assault weapons ban. As a Denver shooting range, here is what we know.
What is H.R. 1808?
The bill was introduced in March of 2021, and on July 29, 2022 H.R. 1808 passed the House with a vote of 217-213. The text of the bill, as reported, states that it is “to regulate assault weapons, to ensure that the right to keep and bear arms is not unlimited, and for other purposes.” According to the Congress.gov website, this bill “makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD).”
So this means that future purchases of one of the firearms on their list will be illegal.
What If I Purchased A Qualifying Firearm In The Past?
For the millions of Americans who already own one of the firearms listed in this bill, there has been much concern, and understandably so. Those who were owners of one of these guns prior to the bill passing are not in violation of the law.
According to the Congress.gov website it states:
“The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties. The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD. Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture. The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.”
What Firearms are Not Part of This Ban?
According to the Congress.gov website it states:
“The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, except for certain shotguns; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; (4) only capable of firing rimfire ammunition; or (5) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model”.
“The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD:
- importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments;
- importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and possession by a retired law enforcement officer.”
Is H.R. 1808 Law Yet?
Once a bill passes in the House, it must then go to the Senate and pass there before it can be signed into law by the President. This bill is headed to the Senate next for consideration (as of August 31, 2022), so keep an eye out for updates regarding its status in the Senate.
Exercise Your 2nd Amendment Right at Our Denver Shooting Range
Centennial Gun Club is a Denver shooting range that offers AR-15 training at three different levels. Learn the basics about the AR-15 all the way through advanced skills to refine your abilities. Visit the website to learn more or to sign up for classes today.
Contact Your Representative
You can help prevent the Assault Weapons Ban from becoming law. Call or email your U.S. Representative today and urge a “NO” vote on H.R. 1808.
