ATF raises new concerns about AR-15 ammo
BY PAUL BEDARD – Washington Examiner
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on Thursday raised new concerns about surplus military ammo used in popular AR-15 rifles and pistols just days after pulling back on a proposal to ban the ammo because it could threaten police safety.
In a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, ATF Director B. Todd Jones said all types of the 5.56 military-style ammo used by shooters pose a threat to police as more people buy the AR-15-style pistols.
“Any 5.56 round” is “a challenge for officer safety,” he said. Jones asked lawmakers to help in a review of a 1986 bill written to protect police from so-called “cop killer” rounds that largely exempted rifle ammo like the 5.56 because it has been used by target shooters, not criminals.
On one hand it seems kind of strange to be talking about this now, after their green tip ammo ban was soundly shot down by pro-gun groups and congress alike earlier this week. On the other hand, evidence suggests that the green tip ammo ban had been in the works for years; so there being a greater plan at work here is not entirely surprising.
There is no doubt that this Obama administration wants to push for severe gun control. The AR-15, and the 556 round is the most popular sporting rifle in America; it is also a pretty damn good weapon for self defense.
If the plan here is to eliminate the 556 ammo altogether, it might have been logical to at first start with the green tip; throw it out there and see how it sticks. I am sure the ATF and the White House expected more support, or at the very least less resistance, to their proposed ammo ban.
Even after making the argument that it was a cop killer round, no one was buying it and they had to walk back on their initial plan. This, however, does not seem to have deterred them in their efforts at back door gun control.
Speaking to the Senate today, they put all the cards on the table and declared ALL 556 ammo was dangerous and requires laws to be reworked.
I think it will be difficult for this ATF chief or the White House to find victory here. When police unions are refuting the claim that these rounds are cop killers, it is going to be hard to convince anyone else of it.
Nonetheless it is important to recognize the openness and aggressiveness to which the White House and ATF are now operating on in this matter. Simply put, we need to be prepared for anything when it comes to this group.
