By Kim Carollo
Posted: Monday, March 26, 2007 at 5:28 PM
Hunters across the state could soon find a popular weapon banned.
There's legislation in the senate that, if passed, makes it illegal to have a .50-caliber rifle.
There's heavy debate on both sides of the issue.
The .50-caliber rifle is a common sight during deer hunting season.
"Virtually all of the sales -- at least 90% of the sales -- is .50 caliber," said Tim Presley, owner of Presley's Outdoors in Bartonville.
But if a proposed senate bill passes, hunters may have to find some other weapon to use, because the .50-caliber rifle could be banned.
That doesn't sit well with hunter and gun dealer Tim Presley.
"This is what we use for hunting. We hate to see it go," said Presley.
And he'll also lose a lot of sales, but that's not his biggest concern -- what he really cares about is his 2nd amendment right.
"We have the right to bear arms."
Even though the .50-caliber is primarily used for hunting, one mother says getting any guns off the street is important.
"Pretty much any weapons off the street," said Patti Sterling-Polk of Mothers Against Violence.
She says all guns can be dangerous, and supports any legislation making the streets safer, but her primary concern is assault weapons obtained illegally.
"I want to make sure we have as much law enforcement as we can for guns that are obtained illegally," said Sterling-Polk.
But hunters say lawmakers in favor of this bill are shooting up the wrong alley.
If the bill does pass, the ban would only apply to .50-caliber rifles purchased after the law takes effect.
It also does not apply to certain people, like peace officers and corrections officers.
A local Democratic senator, Dave Koehler, does not support any weapons ban, saying it would only hurt hunters and not solve any crime-related problems.
http://www.hoinews.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=30730
As I was reading this it came to my attention that rifle hunting is illegal in Illinios and the gun theyre targeting is the 50 cal muzzleloader.Click on the pic in the link and its a 50 cal muzzleloader the guy is holding.
I suppose the obvious question would be how many crimes are committed with muzzleloaders in the state?Hell, in the whole country.This could possibly be the single most idiotic bill Ive ever seen introduced anywhere, ever.Matter of fact here muzzleloaders are about the only gun you can buy without paperwork, convicted felons can hunt with them because theyre classified differently then other firearms.Theyre viewed as primitive weapons just like the bow and arrow.People from across the country should email the dimwits responsible for this POS and inform them they are nuts.
Ill gun ban
