A coalition of Alameda County law enforcement officials concerned about proliferation of semiautomatic firearms is drafting legislation to outlaw the manufacture and sale of such guns. Pitted against this effort is the Gun Owners of California and the National Rifle Association who oppose any controls. The the National Rifle Association contends that the legislation will not deter criminals from acquiring the weapons, but will hurt law-abiding citizens. They favor harsher treatment of criminals: no plea bargaining, no parole. Proposed legislation would exempt "good guns," those used by hunters, target shooters and collectors. The difficulty, they feel, is in distinguishing the at least 10 types since all operate on the same principle.
A coalition of California law enforcement officials concerned about proliferation of semiautomatic firearms is drafting legislation to outlaw the manufacture and sale of such guns. Pitted against this effort is the National Rifle Association and the Gun Owners of California who oppose any controls. The NRA contends that the legislation will not deter criminals from acquiring the weapons, but will hurt law-abiding citizens. They favor harsher treatment of criminals: no plea bargaining, no parole. Proposed legislation would exempt "good guns," those used by hunters, target shooters and collectors. The difficulty, they feel, is in distinguishing the two types since all operate on the same principle.