New York: Micro-Stamping Legislation Amended on Third Reading

On May 10, Assembly Bill 1157 was heard by the New York Assembly and amended on its third reading.  Introduced by state Assemblyman Michelle Schimel (D-16), A1157 would mandate micro-stamping on all new semi-automatic pistols sold in New York after January 1, 2013.  The amended version now states that the proposed law would go into effect on January 1, 2013 or whenever the State Police receive notification from one or more “micro-stamp job shops” that they can produce micro-stamp structures on two internal surfaces of a semi-automatic pistol for $12 or less, whichever occurs later. 

A1157 would require all semi-automatic pistols delivered to any licensed firearms dealer in New York to mechanically stamp an alpha-numeric or geometric code that would imprint the make, model and serial number onto the cartridge case when the gun is discharged.  This bill would require models currently available to be redesigned by their manufacturers to have a micro-stamping component, which would vastly increase the cost of these firearms.

Micro-stamping is an unproven technology that is easily defeated with common household tools and the replacement of a few small parts.  If passed, the availability of semi-automatic handguns in New York will be in serious doubt, as manufacturers simply may choose not to build or sell firearms for purchase in the state.  Of course, that is the ultimate goal of this legislation.  Make no mistake, this is a gun ban and it must be stopped.

Please contact your Assemblyman and respectfully ask him or her to OPPOSE A1157.  Contact information can be found here.