March 11, 2009

State Senator

Andrew J. McDonald

Co-Chair, Judiciary Committee

Legislative Office Building - Room 2500

Hartford, CT, 06106-1591

Dear Senator McDonald:

I respectfully request that you do not support Senate Bill No. 353, “An act concerning the micro-stamping of semiautomatic pistols.”  This proposed legislation will increase gun thefts and gun costs, promote firearm tampering, and most importantly will not deter crime and embarrass innocent gun owners.  

First of all, statistics show that a higher percentage of gun crimes are committed with older guns. Therefore, this legislation will only increase the cost of new semiautomatics, which will invite criminals to steal older firearms that do not have micro-stamping.

Second, this legislation encourages firearm tampering. A simple file would be able to remove the stamp. In addition, what will happen when parts need to be replaced?

Finally, this bill will not deter crime. Criminals will still be able to use revolvers, which leave behind no empty cases. Moreover, what is to stop criminals from catching their empty cases in a plastic bag and then throwing other empty cases, gathered from a public range, on the ground at a crime scene? If this happens, the rights of innocent gun owners will be violated when authorities knock on their door.

This bill is clearly designed to violate our civil liberties protected by the second amendment of the United States Constitution and Section 15 of the State of Connecticut Constitution. Implementing laws that contain unproven technology will not decrease crime. Therefore, I urge you to vote no.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Respectfully Submitted,

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