We are surprised that HPD administrators persist in repeating inaccurate information about this type of firearm. Although they have two in inventory, they do not demonstrate practical knowledge of this cartridge.

Contrary to HPD’s representation, there are ranges within the state where private citizens may fire these guns safely. Private ranges are available. Military ranges on Oahu and Neighbor Islands have affiliate clubs where military, retired, and their guests are permitted. A new public range is planned accommodating this cartridge.

There have been zero crimes in the U.S. involving these guns. They were not developed as military weapons as HPD claims, but by civilian target shooters over the last 20 years. They are not “machine” guns, but single-shot and semi-automatic rifles designed for accurate long range target shooting. Only after civilian shooters developed them did the U.S. military adopt them as special sniper equipment in the Middle East. Likewise, HPD’s claims of insurgent use are relevant only there. We do feel, however, that it is irresponsible to create interest among wanna-be domestic terrorists by touting the utility of the design, even if incorrectly.

Although they are not commonly used as hunting rifles because of their weight and power, we showed in testimony a photograph of a 130 pound shooter with her very nice buck, harvested at long range with her .50, with all the venison obviously intact. One of our associates uses his for long range damage control of feral goats on private property on Oahu. The recoil of these civilian type rifles is surprisingly modest. 12 and 14 year old youths have enjoyed firing them at the Koko Head Shooting Sports Fair and on private ranges on Oahu.

Proponents offer a grandfather clause for the approximately 150 owners statewide, but the bill bans possession of the ammunition. Dr. Cooper’s $3,000 (cheaper version) 50 inch, 25# rifle is too bulky for a wall-hanger, but not of much use otherwise without cartridges.

The practical range of these guns is 1,550 yards, and then only in the hands of highly trained military personnel. Competitive target shooting is done at 1,000 yards. There are hunting rifles in commonly available calibers that approach or reach that capability. Contrary to HPD claims, the bullets available to civilians will not penetrate 1-inch steel plate at a mile. They stick into our 1-inch steel plate targets at 350 yards, without penetrating.

Expert testimony indicates it is virtually impossible to shoot down an airliner with one of these firearms. Lightning strike is more likely to bring down an airplane.

So why is HPD so adamant about banning the .50 cal? Chief Boisse Correa advanced his career at HPD with attempted gun bans, first military look-alikes, and then a state-wide ban on handguns, both failed. He’s changed tactics, that’s all. Instead of frontal assault on our 2nd Amendment rights, he’s mounted a flanking attack against the .50 because it’s an easy mark. And he has his sights on our scoped hunting rifles next.

So why would you “need” one? For the same reasons you might choose to buy a Hummer or a fur coat. Yes, some would ban those, but so far it’s still a free country.

Dr. Maxwell Cooper is the legislative chair for the Hawaii Rifle Association -- http://www.hawaiirifleassociation.org -- and can be reached at mailto:maxwell_cooper@msn.com Prof. Tom Galli is the President of Lessons in Firearms Education (LIFE)

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