The Underpants Gnome Theory Of Some Michigan "Pro-Gun" Activists

One wonders if they really are pro-gun as their plan seems to guarantee an opposite result:

Step 1. Vote and work to elect known anti-gun Democrat Mark Schauer for Governor on the theory that a Republican House and Senate will be somehow motivated to send pro-gun legislation to him that he will veto, and then the Republicans and a few renegade Democrats will team up to override the veto. And the example of this ever happening in real life is when? Oh yeah, never.

Step 2. .......

Step 3. Pro-gun nirvana?!?

Oh, that plan will work out real well.

Seriously, these guys need to stay off my side. Many of them seem to be of the "I couldn't get everything I want so I'll take my ball and go home and complain" school of politics.

Heck, they're not even happy that Snyder passed SB610 and legalized SBS and SBRs, which is pretty darn pro-gun when you think about it, and a darn good start after quite a few disappointments with the governor to date.

They also have apparently short memories, not remembering that it was Republican Governor Engler that signed shall-issue into law (admittedly reticently, and under a lot of pressure I might add from pro-gun activists that didn't take the ball and go home after earlier disappointments from Engler, but with the pressure on, Engler did do it). They also forget that we haven't seen a lot of pro-gun moves from Democrat governors in this state, not to mention Schauer has a rock-solid rabid anti-gun pedigree. They also don't understand how politics works.

Even better, one rather rude proponent of the scheme in the comments flatly declared that he was already carrying a short-barreled shotgun for self defense -- legal or not -- and that Michigan's ban was a "bogus law". Ooooh, how tough. Turns out it was a Bond Arms Derringer which is not an short-barreled shotgun (I guarantee he still doesn't know why it isn't). But he thought it was such and bragged on the Internet of all places of how he thought he was breaking a law. That's smart right there, as is relying on a Bond Arms Derringer for personal protection.

I'm halfway figuring he's a Democrat troll 'cause no one can be quite that patently over the top, but he may just be for real. In which case again, he, like the rest of the Keyboard Kommando Krybaby Korps needs to stay off our side.

Considering they're loudly planning to elect anti-gun Democrats, I daresay they already are on the other side.

Michigan Ban On SBR And SBS Possession Lifted! Governor Signs Reform Bill Into Law!

Governor Snyder has signed SB 610, making it now legal for law-abiding Michiganians to own short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns so long as they comply with federal law.

He signed it at 9:10 pm yesterday, making it law 2014 PA 63.

Another great step forward for Pro-Second Amendment supporters here in Michigan.

As I've said before, if you had asked me if we'd get SBS and SBR reform in blue-state Michigan a few short years ago I'd have laughed at the suggestion.

Thanks to all of you who contacted your representatives and asked them to support the bill.

Another victory for civil rights in this great state.

SB 610: The SBR and SBS Reform Bill Passes The House And Senate, On To The Governor

SB 610, the bill to legalize Michigan citizens' possession and legal acquisition of short-barreled shotguns and rifles has passed the House, passed concurrence with the Senate and is on its way to Governor Snyder for his signature.

A very politely worded call or electronically submitted opinion to the Governor's office is in order.

If you're from outside Michigan and your state allows SBRs and SBSs, you can help too. Send an email politely pointing out that your state allows law-abiding citizens to possess SBRs and SBSs and there's been no serious criminal activity with such lawfully possessed firearms in your state and you expect that Michiganians can handle themselves similarly.

Good Gun Bills Moving In Michigan

SB610, the lifting of the SBS and SBR ban, has passed out of the House Judiciary Committee and headed to the House Floor. Apparently there was an amendment to the bill so it will ave to go back to the Senate after passing the House but it is still moving.

This is a real improvement in Michigan law and lets Michiganians join about 40mother states that do not ban possession of SBRs and SBSs as long as you comply with Federal law.

In addition to the SBR/SBS legalization, there is a packet of bills to reaffirm that firearm records are confidential, not FOIAble, and only available to peace officers for proper purposes and disclosures in violation of the law would be a misdemeanor and a second violation will be a felony. Excellent.

Michigan's Supreme Court has already held that Concealed Pistol License Information is not subject to FOIA, but it is nice to see this both reinforced and expanded by statute to all firearms records along with some real teeth for violations.

Two very good proposed laws indeed, and it is worth politely contacting your Representative and asking them to support and vote for passage of both these reforms.

Michigan Bill to Overturn SBR and SBS Ban Heads To The State House

I blogger preciously about the Michigan Senate passing bill SB610 to overturn Michigan's ban on its law-abiding citizens possessing short-barreled shotguns and rifles.

Now the passed Senate bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee and is set to be heard by the committee on Thursday February 20th.

If your rep is on the committee, a politely worked email, or even better a phone call in favor of this bill would be a good idea.

Representatives on the committee are listed here.

It's certainly time for Michigan to join the majority of states that do not ban their law-abiding citizens from having such handy, not to mention already federally regulated, firearms.

Michigan's SB 610 Passes The Senate - On To The House

SB 610 cleared the Senate by a very wide margin - 36 in favor, only 2 against to pass the bill in the Senate legalizing ownership of short-barreled rifles and shotguns as long as the purchaser complies with federal law.

If you asked me ten years ago if we could have gotten SBR and SBS reform through the Senate in Michigan I would have laughed in disbelief.

The bill was recommended for taking immediate effect, and now it will go to the Michigan House for a vote.

Excellent news indeed.

Michigan's Senate Bill 610 Legalizing SBRs and SBSs Heading For A Vote

Michigan may be moving forward in enhancing our civil rights shortly.

Michigan, being a blue state has quite a few silly and restrictive gun laws. Even with the public perception that Michigan is solely populated by gun-tottin' rednecks, there's always been an elitist (if not indeed racist) streak that has held the common person here shouldn't be able to own or carry guns, or certain guns, or ugly guns, or scary guns.  But, we've come along way and we still keep moving to get parity with all the other free states in our nation.

 I noted back in October that SB 610 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee.

 Now it is coming up for a vote in front of the full Senate this Thursday, November 14!

 The bill would bring Michigan into accord with the majority of states that citizens of the state may own short barreled rifles and shotguns so long as they comply with federal procedures regarding ownership (fingerprints, $200 tax, background check etc).

So, if you're in Michigan please contact your Senator and ask them politely to vote in favor. Point out that this means that Michigan will be like most states and federal law with all of its background checks and requirements will be in effect.  Mention how there's been a lack of crime committed with legally owned SBRs and SBSs in other states and that will be just as true for Michigan.

If you're not from Michigan but from a state that allows SBRs and SBS, please contact any Michigan senator you choose with a very polite email that even with SBRs/SBSs being legal,  the sky has not fallen in your state.  You may also want to mention and that there's been a distinct lack of crime committed with legally owned SBRs and SBSs in your state and you think Michigan will be no different. The law-abiding people of Michigan thank you.