Mike Levin: “long-range fifty caliber sniper weapons are among the most powerful firearms legally available. According to a rifle…”

“long-range fifty caliber sniper weapons are among the most powerful firearms legally available. According to a rifle catalogue cited in a 1999 report by minority staff on the House Government Reform committee, one manufacturer touted his product's ability to ``wreck several million dollars' worth of jet aircraft with one or two dollars' worth of cartridge.'' Some fifty caliber ammunition is even capable of piercing several inches of metal or exploding on impact. These weapons are not only powerful, but they're accurate. According to the Government Reform staff report, the most common fifty caliber weapon can accurately hit targets a mile away and can inflict damage to targets more than four miles away. Despite these facts, long-range fifty caliber weapons are less regulated than handguns. Buyers must simply be 18 years old and submit to a Federal background check. In addition, there is no Federal minimum age for possessing a fifty caliber weapon and no regulation on second-hand sales. Given the facts on fifty caliber weapons, I'm pleased that Senator Feinstein has introduced a bill, which I have cosponsored, that would change the way they're regulated. Senator Feinstein's bill would ensure that fifty caliber weapons could only be legally purchased though licensed dealers. Her bill would also ensure that they could not be purchased second-hand.”