by The gun control industry would have you believe that a code “microstamped” on the head of a firing pin will be at the forefront of crime solving. It is their panacea to “gun violence”.
The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence (sic) put together a whole page on microstamping arguing that it ” is a powerful crime-solving tool that can help law enforcement quickly solve gun crimes”. They also assert that it will build trust and prevent gun violence (sic) “within communities most impacted by unsolved shootings and daily gun violence.”
Their page featured this infographic.
You may remember that the state of Maryland thought having a fired piece of brass from every new pistol sold would lead to solved crimes. It was supposed to be the “magic fingerprint”. After spending millions of taxpayers’ dollars over a period of 15 years, Maryland ditched the program without solving one crime. In other words, they bowed to reality and cut their losses.
While the gun control industry and some politicians still hold on to microstamping, the reality is stronger than the myth.
I found this infographic this morning on Reddit and it illustrates the reality of microstamping.
Infographics are powerful tools for conveying ideas and thoughts. To be effective, the information presented does have to be valid. While microstamping sounds good in theory to the uneducated, the reality is that it is a myth being used to promote more gun control.
Not to spread bad ideas, but if I were a violent criminal, I’d take multiple steps to avoid suspicion from a microstamping law, the most important two of which would be:
1. Use a revolver in a caliber indistinguishable from semi-autos. (They make revolvers that fire 9mm Luger, for example.)
2. Collect — or pay someone to collect — fired brass from the local gun ranges, and leave a few that match my gun’s caliber on the ground whenever I fire it.
Just like the license plate analogy they love to use, it stops working the second someone falsified theirs or steals one from another car to generate false leads.
I think No. 2 above would be a real possibility. It certainly would be easier than getting a 9mm revolver (though I’ve always wanted one!). I have a S&W Model 1917 made for Brazil in .45 ACP. Other than having to use moon clips, it is perfect.
Wonder how many crimes are solved because of license plates relative to the societal cost of having license plates on 276 million cars. In our state the plate has to be replaced every few years so it’s not even a one time cost. Apparently the reflectivity wears off. Or something.