Tester questions State Department decision to reject sale of antique firearms

Senator: Decision to deny proposed sale of surplus M1s ‘contrary to Second Amendment rights’

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Senator Jon Tester today pushed the U.S. State Department to reconsider a decision denying the proposed sale of surplus firearms from South Korea to qualified buyers in the United States.

According to a news report, the State Department rejected South Korea’s proposal to sell its surplus of American-made M1 Carbines and M1 Garand rifles to the U.S. over concerns that they “could potentially be exploited by individuals seeking firearms for illicit purposes.”

Tester said that reasoning “doesn’t add up.”

“I count myself among many gun rights advocates who fundamentally disagree with the State Department’s reasoning,” Tester wrote to Clinton. “Rejecting the responsible sale of legal firearms over hypothetical concerns that they could be used for ‘illicit purposes’ sets a dangerous precedent and it is contrary to the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans.”

M1s Carbines and M1 Garand rifles were introduced nearly a century ago and used by American forces in World War II, Korea and in Vietnam.  Tester said the firearms—which are legal in the United States—will always be valued as collector’s items.

“And because they are firearms, our right to buy, keep, collect and sell them to qualified buyers is protected under the Second Amendment of our Constitution,” Tester wrote.  “I respectfully ask that you reconsider your decision.”

Tester added that he hopes the Obama Administration does not dispose of the surplus weapons, but rather work with the government of South Korea to “find a responsible way” to deliver the firearms to the U.S. market through the Civilian Marksmanship Program, a non-profit organization that provides surplus firearms to qualified buyers in the U.S.

Tester’s letter to Clinton is available online HERE.  Text of the letter appears below.

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Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC  20520

Dear Secretary Clinton:

I write today on behalf of millions of law-abiding American gun owners, many of whom are concerned by a State Department decision to deny South Korea’s proposed sale of surplus M1 Carbines and M1 Garand rifles to qualified U.S. buyers.

From defeating Hitler in World War II to America’s involvement in Korea and Vietnam, these American-made firearms played a very critical role in the history of the 20th century.  They will always be valued as collector’s items.  And because they are firearms, our right to buy, keep, collect and sell them to qualified buyers is protected under the Second Amendment of our Constitution.

I am specifically concerned by the State Department’s reasons for denying South Korea’s request to sell these firearms to qualified American buyers.  According to one news report, a Department spokesman said the guns “could potentially be exploited by individuals seeking firearms for illicit purposes.”  The spokesman reportedly added that the administration is “exploring alternative options to dispose of these firearms.”

This doesn’t add up in my book.  I count myself among many gun rights advocates who fundamentally disagree with the State Department’s reasoning.  Rejecting the responsible sale of legal firearms over hypothetical concerns that they could be used for “illicit purposes” sets a dangerous precedent and it is contrary to the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans.

I also encourage the administration to not “dispose” of M1 Carbines and M1 Garand rifles, and instead continue to work with the government of South Korea to find a responsible way to deliver these firearms to qualified and willing buyers in the U.S. market through the non-profit Civilian Marksmanship Program.

I respectfully ask that you reconsider your decision, and look forward to hearing your response in the near future.

Sincerely,
(s)
Jon Tester

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