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This Week in Guns, November 18th, 2017
 By Chris Covert Rantburg.com The US Congress rarely gets anything right these days, from Obamacare to the current notion that the federal government can continue to print money for its own purposes. But sometimes, Congress passes a law that can only be explained as the Hand of God at work for America. The first question that appears online after a non-member of the NRA murders innocents, is where did the shooter get his guns. We suffered through several days of that after it was reported that Patrick Kelly had committed a number of crimes which should have barred him from passing background checks to obtain the gun. I have argued in this and many other forums that federal firearms policy does not bar anyone from keeping and bearing arms. Only state laws do that. One individual provided my link to a discussion, not about the plain text of the law, but of what federal law enforcement policy is with regard to guns. According to the link, the policy is that guns should be seized from any individual who meets the standard barring a transfer of firearms to them. My reply was to post the plain text from two relevant passages from federal statutes and ask the individual to show where in the law it said so much as a single word about taking firearms from an individual who already owns a firearm. The law specifically allows all people to own a firearm, because it does not forbid it. Constitutionally, it cannot. Where federal law comes in, is making a person contemplating transferring a firearm to another into a legal problem. The law was envisaged to be part of the long standing and much abused interstate commerce clause in the Constitution, which not only bars transfers to what federal law calls a prohibited person, but also lays a number of conditions that the prospective owner must meet to receive the firearm. To repeat: Nowhere in federal law does it address ownership, only transfer, notwithstanding Department of Justice policy. To this moment that individual who posed that link has not answered my challenge, mostly because he can't. But sometime between the passage of the Gun Control Act of 1968 and now, Congress passed a law that allows any individual to build and own their own firearm, regardless of their legal standing in the federal firearms transfer system. The law lays out what an individual must do to stay within law: The firearm, specifically the receiver, must have been built by the individual himself, and it can never be sold. Other restrictions apply to imported firearm kits (AKs, Uzis and others), such as that a certain percentage of the parts in five categories must have been made in the US. The shooter in California took two receivers that are 80 percent complete, machined out the part of the receiver that takes the fire control group, plus drilled 2 other holes. The individual can then buy parts to make his own AR-15 able to fire. The law is characterized as a "loophole", which it most certainly is not. It is hard coded into federal firearms law. Should Congress be stampeded into passing laws addressing privately built and owned firearms and add restrictions such as background checks for those buying 80 percent firearms receivers online, forcing owners, as they have done in California, to register their receivers, what do you do if you want to own an AR rifle? Like everything else, the 80-percent receiver industry isn't the only game in town. One young man back in 2005 designed and built an AR from scratch.There are small problems with the build, mainly having to do with the takedown pins, but nothing that affects the function for the firearm. What do they do then? 3D printers are getting better and better, and even with putative restrictions on using them to build firearms, what do you do when the data provided shows how to build a working AR? What happens when internet regulation forbids the downloading of data with regard to receivers? I will tell you what happens: old men like me with little in their lives to make them happy or keep them busy, but who are still functioning members of society, bid out every single part of the scratch built receiver to machine shops all over the USA, and then give the component parts away in several buyers' forums. How much work does a Congress have to do to destroy the Hand of God that enabled an individual, anyone at all, to build and use their own rifle? Loads. Rantburg's summary for arms and ammunition: Pistol ammunition prices were steady. Rifle ammunition prices were mixed. Prices for used pistols were higher. Prices for used rifles were lower. New Lows: None Pistol Ammunition .45 Caliber, 230 Grain, From Last Week: Unchanged (3 Weeks) Cheapest, 50 rounds: Foundry35, Silver Bear, FMJ, Steel Casing, .22 per round Cheapest Bulk, 1,000 rounds: East Carolina Trading, Own Brand, CRN, Brass Casing, Reloads, .20 per round (From Last Week: Unchanged (3 Weeks)) .40 Caliber Smith & Wesson, 180 Grain, From Last Week: Unchanged (3 Weeks) Cheapest, 50 rounds: Ammo Mart, Buffalo Cartridge, FMJ, Brass Casing, Reloads .20 per round Cheapest Bulk, 500 rounds: FedArm, Own Brand, TPMJ, Brass Casing, Reloads, .17 per round (From Last Week: -.01 Each After Unchanged (8 Weeks)) 9mm Parabellum, 115 Grain, From Last Week: Unchanged (3Q, 2017) Cheapest, 50 rounds: Sportsman Outdoor Superstore, Wolf WPA, FMJ, Steel Casing, .14 per round Cheapest Bulk, 500 rounds: Fedarm, Own brand, RN, Brass Casing, Reloads .13 per round (From Last Week: Unchanged (6 Weeks)) .357 Magnum, 158 Grain, From Last Week: Unchanged (8 Weeks) Cheapest, 50 rounds: Outdoor Limited, Tulammo, FMJ, Steel Casing, .23 per round Cheapest Bulk: 1,000 rounds: Outdoor Limited, Tulammo, FMJ, Steel Casing, .23 per round (From Last Week: Unchanged (3Q, 2017)) .38 Special, 158 Grain, From Last Week: Unchanged (2 Weeks) Cheapest, 50 rounds: Bang It Ammo, Precision One, JSP, Brass Casing, Reloads, .24 per round Cheapest Bulk: 1,000 rounds: American Reloading, Own brand, TMJ, Aluminum Casing, Reloads, .22 per round (From Last Week: -.01 Each After Unchanged (4 Weeks)) Rifle Ammunition .223 Caliber/5.56mm 55 Grain, From Last Week: Unchanged (3 Weeks) Cheapest, 20 rounds: AmmoMen, Wolf WPA, FMJ, Steel Casing, .20 per round Cheapest Bulk, 500 rounds: Outdoor Limited, Wolf WPA, FMJ, Steel Casing, .20 per round (From Last Week: Unchanged (5 Weeks)) .308 NATO 150 Grain, From Last Week: Unchanged (3Q, 2017) Cheapest, 20 rounds: LAX Ammunition, Tulammo, FMJ, Steel Casing, .32 per round Cheapest Bulk, 500 rounds: LAX Ammunition, Tulammo, FMJ, Steel Casing, .31 per round (From Last Week: Unchanged (2 Weeks)) 7.62x39mm AK 123 Grain, From Last Week: -.01 Each Cheapest, 20 rounds: Outdoor Limited, Wolf WPA, FMJ, Steel Casing, .19 per round Cheapest Bulk, 1,000 rounds: True Caliber, Wolf WPA, Steel Casing, FMJ, .19 per round (From Last Week: Unchanged (3Q, 2017)) .30-06 Springfield 145 Grain. From Last Week: -.04 Each Cheapest, 20 rounds: Outdoor Limited, Wolf WPA, Steel Casing, FMJ, .54 per round Cheapest Bulk, 500 rounds: United Nations Ammo, Wolf WPA, Steel Casing, FMJ, .53 per round (From Last week: Unchanged (4 Weeks)) .300 Winchester Magnum 150 Grain, From Last Week: Unchanged (7 Weeks) Cheapest, 20 rounds: Ammo Liquidator, Winchester, Brass Casing, SP, .84 per round Cheapest Bulk, 1,000 rounds: Ammo Liquidator, Winchester, Brass Casing, SP, .82 per round (From Last Week: -.02 Each .338 Lapua Magnum 250 Grain, From Last Week: +.21 Each After Unchanged (2 Weeks) Cheapest, 20 rounds: Red River Reloading, Federal, Brass Casing, JSP, 2.36 per round Cheapest Bulk, 200 rounds: Wholesale Hunter, Federal, Brass Casing, JSP, 2.36 per round (From Last Week: Unchanged (2 Weeks)) .22 LR 40 Grain, From Last Week: Unchanged (2Q, 2017) Cheapest, 50 rounds: Ammo King, Aguila, RNL, .04 per round Cheapest Bulk, 5,000 rounds: Outdoor Limited, Aguila, RNL, .04 per round (From Last Week: Unchanged (2Q, 2017)) Guns for Private Sale Rifles .223/5.56mm (AR Pattern Semiautomatic) Average Price: $420 Last Week Avg: $439(-) ($616 (2Q, 2015), $387 (13 Weeks)) Arizona (201, 3Q, 2017(+3))(139, 141): Mixed Build: $450 ($625 (13 Weeks), $300 (12 Weeks)) Texas (484, 3Q, 2017(+3))(388, 428): DPMS: $450 ($700 (1Q, 2015), $350 (2Q, 2015)) Pennsylvania (249, 3Q, 2017(+6))(155, 161): Ruger AR-556: $450 ($700 (2Q, 2015), $300 (3Q, 2015)) Virginia (282, 3Q, 2017)(193, 212): Bushmaster Carbon 15: $350 ($750 (1Q, 2015), $350 (2 Weeks)) Florida (679, 3Q, 2017)(436, 466): Del-ton: $400 ($650 (2Q, 2015), $380 (1Q, 2015)) .308 NATO (AR-10 Pattern Semiautomatic) Average Price: $865 Last Week Avg: $870(-) ($1,359 (2Q, 2015), $766 (24 Weeks)) Arizona (49, 3Q, 2017(+6))(41, 38): Armalite: $1,000 ($2,300 (23 Weeks), $500 (6 Weeks)) Texas (178, 3Q, 2017)(89, 95): DPMS: $700 ($1,500 (4Q, 2014), $675 (11 Weeks)) Pennsylvania (54, 3Q, 2017)(47, 43): Armalite: $1,200 ($1,600 (4Q, 2016), $700 (3Q, 2015)) Virginia (86, 3Q, 2017)(60, 57): Del Ton DT10: $675 ($2,750 (1Q, 2016), $675 (2 Weeks)) Florida (128, 3Q, 2017(+3))(91, 89): DPMS: $750 ($1,950 (2Q, 1016), $500 (3Q, 2015)) 7.62x39mm (AK Pattern Semiautomatic) Average Price: $529 Last Week Avg: $493(+) ($668 (3Q, 2016), $450 (3Q, 2015)) Arizona (34, 3Q, 2017(+3))(16, 23): WASR 10: $500 ($900 (23 Weeks), $400 (28 Weeks)) Texas (141, 3Q, 2017)(58, 72): WASR 10: $650 ($800 (1Q, 2016), $350 (3Q, 2014)) Pennsylvania (75, 3Q, 2017)(56, 50): WASR 10: $615 ($750 (1Q, 2015), $375 (1Q, 2015)) Virginia (72, 3Q, 2017)(61, 58): Norinco: $300 ($700 (2Q, 2016), $300 (2 Weeks)) Florida (146, 3Q, 2017)(114, 114):IO: $580 ($700 (1Q, 2016), $300 (4Q, 2014)) 30-30 Winchester Lever Action Average Price: $360 Last Week Avg: $375(-) ($495 (4Q, 2016), $296 (3Q, 2015)) Arizona (14, 3Q, 2017)(6, 5): Mossberg 464: $400 ($500 (43 Weeks), $200 (28 Weeks)) Texas (33, 3Q, 2017)(28, 27): Winchester Ranger: $350 ($550 (1Q, 2015), $295 (27 Weeks)) Pennsylvania (23, 3Q, 2017)(13, 10): Winchester 94: $300 ($450 (1Q, 2015), $250 (4Q, 2014)) Virginia (19, 3Q, 2017(+3))(13, 11): Marlin: $400 ($670 (2Q, 2016), $250 (4Q, 2015)) Florida (34, 3Q, 2017)(24, 24): Mossberg: $350 ($500 (1Q, 2015), $250 (2Q, 2015)) Pistols .45 caliber ACP (M1911 Pattern Semiautomatic Pistol) Average Price: $480 Last Week Avg: $430(+) ($525 (3Q, 2016), $350 (4Q, 2015)) Arizona (134, 3Q, 2017(+5))(106, 111): Kimber Pro Carry II: $700 ($700 (27 Weeks), $325 (13 Weeks)) Texas (361, 3Q, 2017 (+3))(252, 248): American Tactical Imports FX45: $400 ($600 (4Q, 2014), $300 (49 Weeks)) Pennsylvania (178, 3Q, 2017)(168, 163): Taurus: $400 ($600 (15 Weeks), $300 (2Q, 2015)) Virginia (204, 3Q, 2017(+3))(190, 198): Rock Island Armory: $500 ($775 (15 Weeks), $250 (4Q, 2014)) Florida (440, 3Q, 2017)(370, 378): Colt: $400 ($500 (1Q, 2016), $250 (1Q, 2015)) 9mm (Beretta 92FS or other Semiautomatic) Average Price: $272 Last Week Avg: $233(+) ($358 (1Q, 2016), $207 (28 Weeks)) Arizona (238, 3Q, 2017)(224, 208): Canik 55: $300 ($400 (34 Weeks), $180 (2 Weeks)) Texas (586, 3Q, 2017(+3))(567, 570): Canik TP9: $300 ($355 (1Q, 2015), $180 (14 Weeks)) Pennsylvania (368, 3Q, 2017)(338, 334): Smith & Wesson SD9VE: $225 ($350 (4Q 2014), $150 (40 Weeks)) Virginia (365, 3Q, 2017(+6))(343, 357): Taurus G-2: $255 ($425 (4Q, 2016), $189 (2Q, 2016)) Florida (827, 3Q, 2017)(713, 731): Star Firestar: $280 ($400 (1Q, 2016), $160 (28 Weeks)) .40 caliber S&W (Glock or other semiautomatic) Average Price: $351 Last Week Avg: $309(+) ($399 (1Q, 2016), $262 (2Q, 2016)) Arizona (77, 3Q, 2017(+2))(51, 54): Smith & Wesson 4006: $425 ($500 (44 Weeks), $195 (24 Weeks)) Texas (156, 3Q, 2017(+2))(114, 127): Beretta PX4: $350 ($425 (4Q, 2014), $180 (7 Weeks)) Pennsylvania (115, 3Q, 2017(+5))(115, 110): Walther PPS: $300 ($450 (2Q, 2016), $200 (3Q, 2016)) Virginia (109, 3Q, 2017(+4))(95, 98): Smith & Wesson Sigma SW40GVE: $350 ($450 (2Q, 2015), $275 (1Q, 2015)) Florida (193, 3Q, 2017(+3))(168, 189): Walther PPS: $330 ($400 (1Q, 2015), $199 (4Q, 2015)) Used Gun of the Week: (California) 80Percent Receiver chambered in 5.56mm NATO Posted by: badanov 2017-11-18 |
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