GOVERNOR ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER SIGNS BAN ON .50 CALIBER GUNS, AMMUNITION

9/14/2004--One of the most vexing questions for gun owners over the years has been whether Arnold Schwarzenegger is pro-gun or anti-gun.

Today, the California governor answered that question by signing into law AB 50, the bill banning the possession of .50 BMG ammunition and guns chambered for that caliber.

This makes California the only state to ban .50 BMG ammunition, and the only state that bans any bolt-action rifles (some .50 BMG rifles are single-shot, bolt-action).

Current owners of .50 BMG rifles must register them with the state or face confiscation. The ban on .50 BMG ammunition also presents current owners with a dilemna: if they're allowed to own the rifles, but not possess the ammunition, how are they to shoot them?

Governor Schwarzenegger became the darling of Republicans nationwide following his speech at the Republican National Convention. However, many gun owners from coast to coast now view him as a "RINO" (Republican In Name Only).

On the horizon are two other anti-gun bills awaiting Governor Schwarzenegger's signature or veto.

SB1152, which passed both the state assembly and senate earlier this summer, would require the registration of ammunition. Purchasers would be required to provide their name, address, birth date and fingerprint, all of which would be made available to law enforcement.

SB1733 bans gun shows at the Cow Palace. While at first glance the bill may seem limited in scope, the language of the bill would make it easy to ban all gun shows throughout the state.

It is often said that as goes California, so goes the nation. Governor Schwarzenegger's signing of AB50 should serve as a wakeup call for any gun owners in other states who think that "it can't happen here."