What's missing in U.S. gun control scramble? Bullets

[Tuesday Afternoon]

By Peter Henderson and Daniel Trotta | Reuters

SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - In tracking down illegal weapons, the smoking gun may not be a gun at all.

Bullets are one thing Sacramento Police Detective Greg Halstead can count on to root out weapons that otherwise would be impossible to find. They are also largely missing from the gun control debate in Washington.

Since 2008, California's capital has required ammunition dealers to take names and thumbprints of bullet buyers. They send the information electronically to police computers, which compare the names to an FBI criminal database.

Halstead begins his day looking at a list of buyers, picking out the ones who aren't supposed to own ammunition - or guns. The thumbprint left by each prohibited buyer is nearly perfect evidence of crime.

"The ammunition case is a slam-dunk solid," said Halstead, who regularly turns up illegal guns at homes he otherwise would have no reason to search. Some 154 felony convictions and 92 misdemeanor convictions have resulted so far.

more at link:
http://news.yahoo.com/whats-missing-u-gun-control-scramble-bullets-061240341.html

[geckosfeet]

1. In MA you need to provide your firearms license to buy ammunition. To get a firearms license you

need to take a class, pass a barrage of background checks, and have your local police department approve your application and issue a license. I have personally seen people from out of state or without their license refused a sale.

However in many states, like neighboring CT, NH and RI, you can walk in and buy ammunition if you meet the age requirements. In any case, the point is that at this time federal law leaves ammunition sales up to the states. If you don't like the laws in the state where you live you can drive across the border.

[ileus]

2. Those little Fobus holsters for J frames are really nice for winter OWB carry.

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

3. Ruger SP101 with Remington Golden Saber .38+P... my wife has the same.

but her grips are cuter.