Democratic lawmakers say they're getting serious about enforcing Colorado's ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines. But their solution would take a wide range of firearms off the shelves of gun stores statewide, including some of the most popular varieties of semi-automatics.
Past efforts to ban so-called assault rifles have failed, but this year's bill debuted with an unprecedented level of support. Still, .
, KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods and explain what the bill would do, and why — if it ultimately becomes law — it would be one of the most sweeping gun restrictions in the nation.
would ban bump stocks, which can be used to effectively turn semiautomatic weapons into automatic. It would also ban . Rifles modeled after AR-15s and AK-47s, as well as many tactical shotguns and some pistols, would be affected. One gun store owner estimates three-quarters of his inventory would become illegal to sell.
"They keep chipping away at our rights and our ability to make a living," said Bryan Clark, the owner of Bristlecone Shooting, Training and Retail Center in Lakewood.
Supporters describe the measure as an attempt to enforce Colorado's ban on high-capacity magazines. They say magazines that can hold more than the maximum of 15 rounds continue to be available in the state and were used in the Club Q and King Soopers shootings.
But Republicans are opposed to the proposal, and Gov. Jared Polis has expressed skepticism. There are also questions about whether Democrats who represent rural districts will remain on board.
Purplish is produced by CPR °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ and the Capitol °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
This episode of Purplish was edited by Stephanie Wolf and Megan Verlee and produced by Shane Rumsey. Our theme music was composed by Brad Turner.
