Oklahoma Ammunition Maker Supports Firearms Freedom Act

A State House bill would exempt any Oklahoma gun and ammo manufacturers from federal regulations. We wanted to know if it could be shot down by federal law.

Wednesday, March 6th 2013, 10:52 pm

By: News On 6

Oklahoma Ammunition Maker Supports Firearms Freedom Act

Oklahoma lawmakers are taking aim at stricter gun control efforts. The "Firearms Freedom Act" just passed out of House committee.

It would exempt any Oklahoma gun and ammo manufacturers from federal regulations.

We wanted to know if it could be shot down by federal law.

Randy started making ammo for his long-range shooting competitions. His hobby quickly turned into his "Thunder Ammo" business in Osage County.

"We did approximately 25 percent of last year's business in December. January was busier. The shelves were wiped out," Randy said.

Randy's most popular ammo is the .223, used in assault rifles, which would fall under a proposed federal ban on assault weapons.

He supports the Firearms Freedom Act co-authored by State Representative Sean Roberts of Hominy.

"I'm proud that he is doing this for the honest, hardworking, legal gun-owning citizens of this state," Randy said.

House Bill 2021 would protect guns, ammo and accessories from federal regulations, as long as they're made, sold and used in Oklahoma.

Firearms would have to be imprinted with the words "Made In Oklahoma."

"I'm proud to live in a state that is working to defend my rights," Randy said.

But could an Oklahoma law trump federal regulations?

Representative Roberts says Congress is "deriving their power to regulate firearms from the Commerce Clause, which gives them the authority to regulate interstate commerce. If these guns are kept here in Oklahoma, this provision will not apply."

Randy is not opposed to stricter gun control.

"I would support any gun laws or legislation that would keep guns and ammunition out of the hands of criminals," he said.

But he said new gun laws should not target his 2nd Amendment rights.

The "Firearms Freedom Act" is very similar to a 2010 measure that was vetoed by Governor Brad Henry.

The bill could go to the full House soon.

Read And Track The Bill's Progress Here