http://twitter.com/#!/VP/status/312697705984032768
Vice President Biden’s office tweeted its congratulations to the Colorado legislature (but not its citizens, natch) for its passage of universal background check legislation, which Gov. John Hickenlooper is expected to sign soon.
BREAKING: Landmark expansion of firearms background checks passes in Colorado; governor expected to sign.
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 15, 2013
The bill passed the Colorado House 36-27 and the Senate 19-14, despite days of protests and testimony from Second Amendment supporters.
Rep. Beth McCann, the bill’s House co-sponsor, said in floor debate that there’s no guarantee the law will keep criminals from obtaining firearms: “Are we going to stop all criminals? I don’t know, but are we going to put a barrier there to make it more difficult? Yes.” This and other bills which are expected to be signed into law, though, are assured to make business more difficult for gun manufacturers and dealers.
Firearms manufacturer Magpul, which had promised to leave the state if a ban on magazines with a capacity larger than 15 rounds were signed into law, posted an update to its Facebook page today promising to make “standard capacity” magazines available to citizens through its “Boulder Airlift” campaign as long as the law allows.
Colorado Customers:We want to get as many PMAGS into the hands of Coloradans as possible, but we do not have a… fb.me/2DAHMUyo4
— Magpul Industries Co (@Magpul_HQ) March 15, 2013
During this period of high demand, and with the possibility of pending state legislation, we at Magpul are taking steps to ensure that responsible Colorado residents who want to own standard capacity magazines have the opportunity to do so. To meet this need, we have set up a process for CO residents to purchase limited quantities of magazines from our website.
In a tweet today, Gov. Hickenlooper acknowledged the intense public interest the gun grab effort has generated.
Special thx to Matt Hastings and Gov’s Office interns for handling 1,165 calls today (1 every 30 secs) related to the gun bills.
— John Hickenlooper (@hickforco) March 15, 2013
@hickforco what % of the calls were against the legislation?
— Magpul Industries Co (@Magpul_HQ) March 15, 2013
What difference, at this point, does it make?
Nationwide gun-grabbing efforts have led to a run on firearms, accessories and ammunition, and now citizens in gun- and business-friendly states are hoping to snap up a firearms manufacturer in the deal.
Hey Gov. @hickforco – Lots of states are jumping at chance for @magpul_hq ‘s biz. You going to let them get away? VETO #magban Save jobs.
— Michelle Malkin (@michellemalkin) March 15, 2013
Arizona is number 1… attn Magpul Industries Corp. come on down and join the fun. This is why I live here. fb.me/2PG4XCsmv
— TCB Firearms (@TCBfirearms) March 15, 2013
I hope Magpul comes to Texas!
— Daryl (@2009superglide) March 15, 2013
@katyinindy @katyinindy Well…looks like MagPul will B looking far a new home 2 do business from. Hey @magpul_hq, come on down to Alabama!!
— EdHunter (@edhunter54) March 15, 2013
@magpul_hq Alabama!We love guns,ammo,gun stuff,girls,this country&the handful of remaining American companies left in this beautiful country
— Jeff S (@SkippysAcr) March 15, 2013
Looks like Colorado will pass a magazine ban. What a fucking joke of a state. #guncontrol hope magpul leaves and comes to Missouri.
— Bob(@Haamrtime) March 15, 2013
@magpul_hq How about Utah?? One of the most gun friendly states and a great business minded state!
— Zack Fava (@ZKFava) March 15, 2013
@govmaryfallin lets go after @magpul_hq biz and bring them to Oklahoma! We could use the jobs and support a great company!
— Jesse Reich (@Jwreich142) March 15, 2013
Update:
Magpul blasts ‘tricky wording’ in Denver Post mag ban poll, asks Second Amendment supporters to vote