the BATFE of its plan to ban M855 ammunition—one of the most popular low cost options for AR-15s.

Last week, the Internet was abuzz after the announcement by the BATFE of its plan to ban M855 ammunition—one of the most popular low cost options for AR-15s.

The 2016 elections may prove a tipping point—for or against the Second Amendment.

Show the Administration that we have pens and phones as well!

Contact the BATFE via email at APAComments@atf.gov and express your opposition to the BATFE proposal to ban common rifle ammunition used by millions of gun owners. Remember to proofread your comment and ensure it is concise. Alternatively, you can use the suggested text I used or some of the bullet points from the NRA-ILA. Simply, copy and paste the following letter into the email address provided.

Re:  Ammunition Ban, M855 AP—Oppose
To Whom it may Concern:
I am writing to register my opposition to the proposed ammunition reclassification of the popular M855 ammunition.
Commonly accepted and used for 30 years, no significant abuses of M855 .223/5.56mm ammunition has been documented that warrants such action. There is no evidence of an increased risk today than there was nearly 30 years ago when the “Sporting Purposes Exemption” was enacted.
Recently, competing special interests have been attempting to prohibit or reduce lawful citizens access to firearms and ammunition through a series of legislation and actions that have all soundly been defeated through the legislative process, courts and the will of the majority.
Based upon my personal experience, the elimination of the “Sporting Purposes” exemption will not enhance public safety and does not serve the interests of the Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act (LEOPA).
If you have any questions or require anything additional, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,

You can also print out a copy, add your John Hancock (signature) and deliver it via fax to (202) 648-9741. Many computer programs will allow you to scan the document and fax it electronically if you do not have a dedicated fax machine.
Of course if you want to go old school, you can send your opposition via the U.S. Mail to:

Denise Brown
Mailstop 6N-602, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Enforcement Programs and Services, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
99 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20226
ATTN: AP Ammo Comments

Pressure needs to be applied from all directions and elections are just around the corner. Don’t forget to contact your U.S. Senators and Members of Congress. Encourage them to oppose the BATFE’s proposed action to ban M855 ammunition and other rifle cartridges that are overwhelmingly used by law-abiding Americans for self-defense, sport shooting and other legitimate purposes. Use the “Write Your Lawmakers” feature on the NRA-ILA’s website or call the Congressional Switchboard at (202) 225-3121.

A few more points you may wish to include offered by the NRA-ILA:

• M855 ammunition should not be categorized as “armor piercing” in the first place, given that lead is the primary material beneath its copper jacket.
• BATFE’s framework does not clarify the “sporting purposes” exemption; it simply interprets it into irrelevance.
• The framework overturns nearly 30 years of settled law and the good faith expectations of gun owners and industry members.
• The framework is totally at odds with the intent of the law to ensure that restrictions on armor piercing handgun ammunition do not unduly restrict common rifle ammunition, most of which is capable of penetrating police body armor when used in a rifle as intended.
• BATFE incorrectly insists that it is required to establish an “objective” standard based on handgun design, yet it fails even to do that with the very broad “discretion” it retains to deny the exemption to projectiles that meet its “objective” test.
• The framework will suppress the development of non-lead rifle projectiles that offer increased performance for hunters, decreased lead exposure, and solutions for hunters in states that restrict the use of lead in hunting.
• The framework will likewise deter handgun development, as new designs could trigger bans.
• Coupled with increasing attempts to ban lead projectiles, the framework could drastically reduce the availability of lawful ammunition for sporting and other legitimate purposes.
• M855 ammunition in AR pistols is not a common threat faced by law enforcement officers.