Wisconsin Rep Wants To Ban Semi-Automatic “Assault Weapons”

MADISON, WISCONSIN — According to a press release sent from the office of Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison), representatives are gathering behind a proposed bill which would effectively ban the transportation, purchase, possession, or transfer of semi-automatic assault weapons.

“Today, Representative Subeck (D-Madison), along with Representatives Terese Berceau, Melissa Sargent and Chris Taylor, circulated an Assembly bill that would ban the transportation, purchase, possession, or transfer of semiautomatic assault weapons in Wisconsin.”

Press Release from Rep. Lisa Subeck (D-Madison)

Great.  Just when Wisconsin finally got free of the “waiting period” stipulations and seemed to be moving towards fewer restrictions for concealed carriers, this sort of ugly bill rears it’s ugly head.

What gives?

We reported on a sly move in Pennsylvania to push a FOID-style identification card for the possession of firearms — very similar to Illinois.  And now this.

Even as the battle for semi-automatic rifle magazines is being fought in the courts (Hint: it’s highly unconstitutional), politicians keep trying to enact these poorly worded bills that would greatly restrict a law-abiding citizen’s ability to possess and transport a gun.

And Lisa’s rationale?

“Our nation has watched as community after community has had to confront the tragedies that occur when weapons designed to kill large numbers of people quickly get into the hands of a dangerous person,” said Representative Lisa Subeck. “No Wisconsin community should ever have to face such a tragedy at the hands of someone armed with a semiautomatic assault weapon.”

In her press release, she cites all the usual suspects: Columbine, Sandy Hook, and Aurora.

“I can conceive of no legitimate reason that any citizen should need to own or use a semiautomatic assault weapon,” said Rep. Subeck.

I can’t conceive of a reason why she should have ever been elected to office.

Now, let’s take a look at the proposed punishment for violating her bill (if it even makes it into law):

“Under  the bill, whoever transports, purchases, possesses, or transfers a semiautomatic assault weapon is guilty of a felony and may be fined up to $10,000, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of up to six years, or both.”

Pretend you’re a Wisconsin resident for a moment.  You have legally, in your possession, a semiautomatic AR-15.  This bill is passed and signed into law.  You have until whatever period until this law is enacted to get rid of that $2,000 investment in defense and security.

If you’re caught with it on your property or — heaven forbid — on you person, you are now a felon and you’re broke.  You can stand on the state line between Minnesota and Wisconsin and step over the border and you’d be a legal law-abiding citizen.  One step to the left?  Now you’re a felon.

What The Heck Is An Assault Weapon?

According to the proposed bill, assault weapons are broken down into three distinct categories: rifles, shotguns, and pistols.  Great.

(a)  “Assault weapon” means any of the following:

1.  A semiautomatic rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine
and that has any of the following:

• a.  A pistol grip that protrudes beneath the action of the weapon.
• b.  A folding, telescoping, or thumbhole stock.
• c.  A 2nd handgrip or protruding grip that can be held by the nontrigger hand.
• d.  A bayonet mount. (Goodbye Mosin-Nagant, SKS, and so many others…)
• e.  A flash suppressor, muzzle brake, or muzzle compensator or a threaded barrel capable of accepting a flash suppressor, muzzle brake, or muzzle compensator.
• f.  A grenade launcher.

2.  A semiautomatic shotgun that has any of the following:

• a.  A folding, telescoping, or thumbhole stock.
• b.  A 2nd handgrip or protruding grip that can be held by the nontrigger hand.
• c.  A fixed magazine capacity in excess of 7 rounds.  (Goodbye, Benelli)
• d.  The capacity to accept a detachable magazine. (Goodbye, Saiga-12)

3.  A semiautomatic pistol that has the capacity to accept a detachable
magazine and that has any of the following:

• a.  A folding, telescoping, or thumbhole stock.
• b.  A 2nd handgrip or protruding grip that can be held by the nontrigger hand.
• c.  The capacity to accept an ammunition magazine that attaches to the pistol outside of the pistol grip.
• d.  A threaded barrel capable of accepting a barrel extender, flash suppressor, forward handgrip, or silencer.  (Goodbye law-abiding, tax-paying NFA participants)
• e.  A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel, and that permits the user to hold the firearm with the nontrigger hand without being burned.
• f.  A manufactured weight of at least 50 ounces when the pistol is unloaded.

That’s how ridiculous this bill is.  Hopefully, the people of Wisconsin will do two things:

• Contact their local representative and make sure this bill does not get passed.
• Make sure she never gets elected to any political office ever again by electing someone who actually upholds and supports the residents of Wisconsin through common-sense legislation.

The goal of every politician should be to amend and propose legislation that helps residents not turns them into criminals.