MT Made Weapons Bill passed and signed by Governor on April 15th

[Bidah]

Dear MSSA Friends, GOOD NEWS! Governor Schweitzer signed HB 246, MSSA's Montana-made guns bill, today. HB 246 declares that any guns and ammunition made and retained in Montana are not subject to ANY federal regulation under the authority of Congress to regulate commerce "among the states."

HB 246 will become effective on October 1, 2009. MSSA is beginning now to plan our legal strategy for vetting the legal principles involved. Soon after October 1st, MSSA will determine if it is necessary to file a lawsuit in federal court to prove the principles established in HB 246. If we do need to file this lawsuit (probably will), MSSA will need to do some serious fundraising to defray the expenses involved.

Meanwhile, we firmly recommend that no Montanans begin making the proposed Montana-made guns until we are able to vet the legal principles. We do not want any Montanan to become subject to possible federal criminal charges until the legal issues associated with HB 246 are resolved.

We are ready now to accept any donations for this project. Remember, MSSA is not a tax-exempt entity - we've never sought that status because of the political limitations on tax exempt organizations. So, any donation you may care to make for this effort is NOT tax deductible. If you care to make a donation to MSSA for this purpose, you can make a check payable to MSSA and mail it to MSSA at P.O. Box 4924. Missoula, Montana 59808. In the memo portion of your check, write "Montana-made guns."

Thanks! Our hearty thanks go out to valiant HB 246 sponsor Rep. Joel Boniek (R-Livingston). Joel is a real hero for having carried this bill and having done it so well. This result is especially complimentary to Joel because he is a freshman legislator. He had a steep learning curve going into this session with no prior legislative experience.

We also thank those many Montana legislators who supported HB 246 during the legislative process, and we thank Governor Schweitzer both for demonstrating the right Montana attitude by signing HB 246, and for doing what he said he'd do on his 2008 MSSA Candidate Questionnaire.

Finally, thanks to ALL of you for having supported HB 246 with messages to legislators. We couldn't have done it without you!!!

Best wishes,
Gary Marbut, presidentMontana Shooting Sports Association
http://www.mtssa.org
author, Gun Laws of Montana
http://www.mtpublish.com

-Bidah

[ericire12]

Hot Damn! I'm moving to Montana!

[fullautovalmet76]

In THEORY does this mean a resident of Montana could manufacture a select-fire weapon to keep for themselves without going through the licensing and registration that is required by the federal government?

[TAB]

now lets see how long it takes for some one to build a machine gun and end up in federal court.  several hundred years of case law says, your going to lose.

[m25operator]

Several hundred years and maybe 2 cases. it is time to brandish. Weak kneed people. It has only been barely a hundred that full autos have been around, and that was belt fed. TAB is of so little faith. Brow beat by his fellow statesman, socialistpeople, no faith, that states have more power than the government, he's right up to the point not only We say no, but our Governor's, do too. Mine did, FQ`13, how about yours. Bidah, congratulate your state reps for me, and your Governor.

[Sponsor]

[TAB]

I was speaking about the fed goverment can place a tax on something, then make it so you can't pay the tax.  Also how the 10 amendment basicly means shit.

[MikeBjerum]

I was speaking about the fed goverment can place a tax on something, then make it so you can't pay the tax.  Also how the 10 amendment basicly means shit.

No reason to write the law off already.  The law was just passed and signed, and the steps of clearing the way for it in the Federal Courts has just begun.  Take it through the system in a strong ans systematic manor, and it has a chance ... How many people wrote the Heller case off as "been there done that gonna lose?" 

Go for it in the best interest of all citizens!

[Texas_Bryan]

Its a step in the right direction, for state's rights and gun owners.

[tombogan03884]

I was speaking about the fed goverment can place a tax on something, then make it so you can't pay the tax.  Also how the 10 amendment basicly means shit.

Funny YOUR state was fighting the feds on medical pot 10 years ago defying the DEA. How about back in the 70's when Jerry Brown defied federal warrants and granted Russel Means of The American Indian Movement "political asylum".
Again TAB babbles .

[TAB]

Funny YOUR state was fighting the feds on medical pot 10 years ago defying the DEA. How about back in the 70's when Jerry Brown defied federal warrants and granted Russel Means of The American Indian Movement "political asylum".
Again TAB babbles .

its still never been resolved, about every 6 months you will see where the DEA and or FBI  arrests a bunch of people ( normally in LA or the bay area) on drug trafficing.  No one has ever won thier case in federal court.  Many have tried, all have failed.  Its also funny that just about every city has passed laws saying " not in our city"  Even sacramento, which is very liberal( damn bay area people moving in) pass such a law.   Many countys have done the same.  its only, ( and here is a shocker) the bay area and LA area that let them sell inside city limits.