Ammunition Coding, Am I missing something?

**ignatzami** · Posted On: 7/23/2009 10:48am

I read an article that made ammunition coding sound like purified evil. As I understand it Ammunition coding is nothing more then etching a serial number on the back of a bullet. I'm not quite sure why this is such a big deal.

If I had to choose to have my rifle or handgun confiscated, or outlawed, vs. having to buy ammunition with little engravings on the back end I know which one I would choose.

What is the issue with coding? Any idea?

**Phrost** · Posted On: 7/23/2009 10:52am

Another stupid, pointless gesture from politicians pandering to pussies who feel that without guns, human beings wouldn't kill each other.

The problem is that it puts extra, unnecessary burdens on manufacturers and increases costs passed onto the consumers; in effect, a backdoor fine.

**Knave** · Posted On: 7/23/2009 10:54am

Greetings.

IMO, and this is just off the top of my head, the cost and scope of such a project would be absurd.

**Knave** · Posted On: 7/23/2009 10:57am

Greetings.

Oh, and did I mention that it would create a black market for "stolen" ammunition or pre-serial ammunition? I start selling my stockpile of milsurp (there are BILLIONS of un-serialed rounds in circulation, btw) to thugs for outrageous prices so they can continue killing each other over drug turf. I buy new handgun ammo and fake a smash and grab on my own vehicle, then sell the "stolen" ammo to thugs at high prices?

Meanwhile regular joe blow target shooter pays out the fucking ass to fund the whole thing.

**ignatzami** · Posted On: 7/23/2009 10:59am

Originally Posted by Knave

Greetings.

IMO, and this is just off the top of my head, the cost and scope of such a project would be absurd.

According to the legislation I was reading the "fee" would be $.005/round. So, five cents for a hundred round box. If it gets people to shut up about gun control for a while is it worth the extra pennies?

I understand it's a pain and a hassle but my questions are 1) will it help? and 2) will it do any real harm?

**Knave** · Posted On: 7/23/2009 11:05am

Greetings.

Even if that were the actual fee, no, it would not make any difference. I'm not entirely sure how they would put a serial on it that isn't destroyed or deformed after use, but assuming it's doable the black market issue makes the whole thing pointless.

**Phrost** · Posted On: 7/23/2009 11:07am

Yeah, let's trust the Government to keep to their cost estimates.

**ignatzami** · Posted On: 7/23/2009 11:15am

Originally Posted by Knave

Greetings.

Even if that were the actual fee, no, it would not make any difference. I'm not entirely sure how they would put a serial on it that isn't destroyed or deformed after use, but assuming it's doable the black market issue makes the whole thing pointless.

According to what I've read that is the actual fee.

As for being recoverable the serial is engraved a whole bunch of time on the rear of the bullet, this gives a high probability of it being recovered after the round has been fired. Some studies have shown a 88% recovery rate.

Black market for ammo? Why bother? Does the thought of having your ammo be traced back to you scare you that much?