Republican Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, who voted against a bill requiring new pistols to be equipped with “microstamping” technology, says the measure would “have troubling implications for law-abiding gun owners and manufacturers.”

“Microstamping” leaves an identification number on fired casings. The bill, A.1157, passed by the Assembly 84-55 despite opposition from sportsmen and second amendment supporters. The Senate must also pass a companion bill before it can be signed into law.

“Each year, radical members of the Assembly Democrat Majority seek to limit our Second Amendment right and punish those who follow the law and respect firearms. This year is no different,” said Blankenbush, who represents much of southern St. Lawrence County.

“The technology is costly and will place a large financial burden on manufacturers, which would ultimately be passed onto consumers, that is, if manufactures in the state don’t give up entirely on selling within New York’s borders. As expensive this technology is, so-called ‘microstamping’ is unproven in real world situations and is easily foiled. It would be ineffective at fighting gun assaults and murders given that it would have no impact on illegally purchased weapons.”

Blankenbush said legal firearms represent only a fraction of identified guns used in crimes, and it is rare that the firearms are in possession of a lawful gun owner during the commission of a crime. So-called “microstamping” has only been passed in one state – California and the courts have blocked its implementation for various constitutional and pragmatic reasons.

The law would cost New York millions in tax dollars, potentially drive out hundreds of jobs and likely solve zero crimes so that a few downstate lawmakers can make a political point, he maintained.

“Here in Northern New York, hunting is a way of life. North Country residents are law- abiding citizens who jump through state hoops to lawfully own a gun, either for personal protection or for sporting,” added Blankenbush.

“As a strong supporter of sportsmen, I am adamantly opposed to any legislation that seeks to limit our Second Amendment right, and I will continue to vote no on any anti-gun legislation that reaches the Assembly Floor.”

He noted the Assembly Majority has introduced several other “gun control” bills, including A. 380, which would require a five-year renewal for all pistol licenses outside of New York City. The sponsor of the legislation says the measure is necessary to ensure that “handguns do not fall into the wrong hands.”

Blankenbush said he considers that statement to not only be a broad generalization, but insulting to the thousands of lawful pistol owners and sportsmen in New York state. A.380 has not yet been voted on in the Assembly.