In standoff with Democrats who want limits on ammo magazines





The warning from Erie-based Magpul underscores the political pressures Democrats are weighing as they advance the strictest gun-control measures lawmakers have ever considered in a state that prides itself on its frontier spirit. Other gun-control proposals include universal background checks, a ban on concealed firearms on campuses, and holding assault-weapon sellers and owners liable for shootings.

Opponents need only three Democrats in the Senate to vote against the magazine proposal to defeat it, and two have said they won’t support the bill. But most Democrats are not budging.

“When you have the means available to you at every single corner to commit a horrendous act, we will continue to see what we’ve seen, which is the status quo, where unfortunately gun violence and violence in general is prevalent in our communities,” said Democratic Sen. Jessie Ulibarri, who’ll be considering the magazine bill on Monday in the Judiciary Committee. The bill has passed the House, and Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper has promised to sign it.

The bill would make it a crime to have magazines that can carry more than 15 rounds, with a stricter limit of eight for shotguns. People who today own larger magazines would be allowed to keep them.




Democrats have tried to ease Magpul’s fears, amending the bill to make clear the company can continue to manufacture magazines of any size, as long as they’re sold out-of-state, to the military or law enforcement.



Magpul argues limiting magazine sizes won’t reduce gun violence, and criminals will find ways around laws, including going to other states to buy larger magazines.


