20 Attorneys General Call for 5.56 Ban: The Misguided Concerns Over Civilian Use of "Military-Grade Ammunition"

Several states have expressed concerns over the commercial availability of "Military-grade ammunition," manufactured at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. These concerns, as voiced in a letter to Director Feldman (Director of the "White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention"), highlight the use of such ammunition in mass shootings and call for an investigation into the contracting processes that have allowed this ammunition to enter the civilian market for years.

Contrary to the perception that "Military-grade ammunition," is solely for combat, many civilian gun owners use such ammunition for lawful and legitimate purposes. These include sports shooting, hunting, and self-defense. The 5.56 NATO cartridge, which is under scrutiny, is particularly favored for its low-cost, reliability and precision. Limiting access to this type of ammunition would impact law-abiding citizens who use it responsibly and safely as well as the fact that 5.56 NATO is the most popular rifle caliber in the United States.

It is critical to recognize that the problem of gun violence is multi-dimensional, more often than not involving factors like mental health issues. Focusing on the type of ammunition used in isolated incidents, while ignoring these broader issues, will divert attention from more effective solutions. Initiatives aimed at enhancing mental health support, keeping violent and repeat offenders imprisoned, and enforcing existing gun laws could prove more impactful in preventing gun violence.

The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms, a right that implicitly extends to ammunition, without which firearms are ineffective. Restricting access to specific types of ammunition is an infringement (i.e. Armor Piercing ammo) upon these constitutional rights, especially when it affects law-abiding citizens who use these rounds for legal and conventional purposes.

The manufacturing of ammunition, including that used by the military, is a complex industry that often benefits from government subsidies. These subsidies not only support defense but also contribute to the economy and recreational activities, including sports shooting – a significant part of American heritage and culture.