The 1994 Federal AWB- Old Timers, add your notes

[hermosabeach]

I know that there are some younger members on the hide who did not own guns when the 1994 Clinton AWB was passed.

The saving grace was the AWB had a 10 year sunset provision and did not have the votes to become a permanent ban.

After the AWB passed, no magazines could be manufactured nor imported if they held more than 10 rounds.

In late 1999, used Glock 19/ 23 magazines were selling for $135. The only redeeming things was that Glock mags don't wear out.... you could not buy followers, springs let alone replacement magazine bodies.... when they wore out, they were parted out....

If there has ever been a year to invite everyone you meet to go shooting, this is the year. Many people have ZERO hands on instruction with firearms... Please, Invite all of your acquaintances to the range now... as the weather warms up, follow up with them... make it a fun outing....

 

[W54/XM-388]

Those 100 round Beta-C mags were fetching $700 and such each for a time.

 

[2ndamendfan]

I remember M14 mags being over $150

 

[Rthur]

I remember even beretta 92 mags were stupid expensive.

R

 

[Sbeatty1983]

Turned 18 in ‘01. I bought 2 different neutered colts with pinned muzzle breaks and pinned collapsible stocks. Bought beat to hell milsurp 20s and 30s for about $30 each. Also the 2 15rnd g19 mags i owned were nfml and didn’t always drop free even when empty.

 

[D. Hargrove]

I was a young Sergeant in '94, could not afford to buy Glock mags at the time or even Beretta mags. Agree that it is the time to share our love of the sport with others, more than ever.

 

[DuneBoer]

All the cop mags had the stamp on them. Even to buy them for duty use was a giant pain. If it goes down this time it will be permanent I'm afraid. I sold a case of AK, 75 round drums and bought 4 wheeler with the proceeds.

 

[Flyingbullseye]

Since I was in high school when the 94 AWB took into effect here's a question. Purely for the sake of argument lets just say it gets passed again. I highly doubt it does but lets just say.

Now what? Do people just turn them in/register like they failed to do so in New York and Connecticut? Do you think the current owners get grandfathered in?

Again, being an election year I highly doubt it happens but just some thoughts.

 

[D. Hargrove]

Now what? Do people just turn them in/register like they failed to do so in New York and Connecticut? Do you think the current owners get grandfathered in?

Nah, ya just tell the Feds that when your boat sank, all your guns were onboard... lol
Truthfully, IMO Grandfathering them in will be the way.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Prices went through the roof.... $250 Norinco AK's went to $1500 overnight. You could not get the HK and Steyr 'Good Stuff' any more. And within months, new post-ban firearms were on the market that were mechanically exactly-the-same, but looked only-slightly-less-scary.

And, of course, a whole aftermarket rose up in new things to add to your gun to make it... less gun-like. Noone ever really knew if it as ok to put an original stock on a "Skelaton" Norinco. But everyone did. We were either a nation of scofflaws... or a nation of tinkerers. Either way, it was useless.

The original AWB also came with money for a 'study' that would examine the effectiveness of it after 10 years. And the conclusion was that it was completely, totally and unequivocally... a waste of time. Except that it made 'assault weapons' a hot ticket item. Ban something and everyone wants it... so the AWB simply served to turn an entire generation into Black Rifle fanatics.

While accomplishing nothing else.

Of course, there was no registation. I think Street Sweepers got banned and registered. Because they got a bad rap on Miami Vice. Really, nothing happened except Bill Clinton lost the House and Senate in a landslide for signing the bill. And it gave Newt Gingrich and Tom DeLay the momentum to prevent Bubba from accomplishing anything for the rest of his career... thus bringing us an economic boom!

Cheers,

Sirhr

P.S. I made out like a bandit... among other things I had a crappy Mini-14 that was so worn out you could hear it rattle when you shook it. I doubt I paid $100 for it. And it did not have that 'good' rattle... But it was in a Choat stock. And looked all... Assaulty. I traded it straight up for a brand-new-ordered-special-for-me M700 top-of-the-line Varmint Special Heavy Barrel in .223. With a 20X scope... Simmons I think. Nothing special. But nothing to sneeze at (at the time) either. My first precision rifle. Though it was not all that precise until... I took it out of the wood stock that warped like a noodle every time the weather changed... and put it in.... you guessed it... a scary-looking Choate fiberglass stock. I still have it. It's still a tack driver! A lot of gophers and coyotes got splatted with that rifle!

 

[sirhrmechanic]

I'd also add that when the 1994 ban passed, noone had AR-15's. I owned a CAR-15. And I was a distinct minority among gun owners. I think I had my FAL as well. I didn't even have an AK... though I should have bought a Norinco when they cost nothing... why bother was my logic.

Today... there are as many of them as there are nice guns with fine wood. And enough lowers, unbuilt, in closets... to double the number again, probably.

The effect today... even more worthless. The Democrats just can't get past the fact that they need the 'win...' to ban evil-looking guns. It's been Schumer and Feinstein's dream for 30 years. They have become so obsessed that they can't sleep at night dreaming about how they were right all along... when everything says... they were idiots then. And idiots now.

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[Nik H]

I was, well am, a huge H&K fan. I had bought two SP89s and an HK94 because I wanted to convert them. I still have them despite the completely ridiculous offers I received after the AWB went into effect

 

[sirhrmechanic]

The reality is that the AWB was worthless. The Hughes Amendment hurt... bigtime.

Up until this latest push by Soros, Bloomberg, Obama and the left, both the Hughes Amendment repeal and the Hearing Protection Act looked pretty good... now it's going to take a massive Senate win in the fall to make that a reality.

Elections DO have consequences. If Nov of 2018 is not on everyone's mind to vote, vote and vote... and keep the Illegals from Voting... then your priorities are wrong. We need a Senate majority (with no RINO's) and a House not filled with pussies.

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[W54/XM-388]

An interesting thing to consider is that had the Democrats not passed that stupid AWB, there is a very good possibility that the AR-15 might still be a niche weapon that not many people care about. They may have also kept their lock on the house & senate, that they had enjoyed for decades prior.

 

[Jethro3898]

.....so the AWB simply served to turn an entire generation into Black Rifle fanatics

I’ve said the exact same thing for years. I think the AWB actually created the supposed “gun craze” that politicians lament against nowadays.

 

[2ndamendfan]

Two things made me who/what I am today (in regards to weapons and those in power). A chance encounter with a bear in the woods, AND the 1994 AWB.

Had you asked me my position on "assault weapons" in '93 '94 I would have said "there is no need for that". Around 1995 I bought my first firearm, a S&W 686 357 mag. I bought it for protection while camping. While camping I had the chance encounter with said bear. After I pooped my pants, I went back to the trailer and finger fucked my revolver until I fell asleep. The next morning I decided I better learn to shoot this sucker.

I grew up around guns, but they were not toys. They only came out to hunt. no plinking, no target shooting.

Well damn that was fucking fun, what else can I buy. Few days later I find out about impact guns (they had just started, very very small hole in the wall) and I head there. Well fuck me, there is some cool ass shit in that store.

Over the course of a few visits in a few weeks they educate me on the AWB of 1994. I was like WTF the government can take something from me BEFORE I do something wrong?? how in the hell can they justify that?? And I start buying and buying. 2nd gun was a century arms "AK-47" and 30 "pre-ban" magazines. Fuck that shit, I don't know what is getting the ax next. My family went ape shit over the AK-47 at first.

I normally don't brag, but @sirhrmechanic , @1J04 , @Veer_G and one other can agree I have a substantial collection.

Were it not for that bear I would have just put the 686 in a drawer like most. If the AWB did not exist I would have never felt the urge to own every semi-auto firearm on the planet.

And here we are today. Up until a couple of weeks ago I was relaxed. My wife wishes I had never ever seen that fucking bear.

 

[Veer_G]

We'll be thinking of you when they waterboard our asses trying to find your "cache."

 

[TimeWillTell]

I, unfortunately, lost all my guns, ammo and accessories last weekend. Went down to the bottom of the lake. Lost forever I assume. Too bad.

We'll be thinking of you when they waterboard our asses trying to find your "cache."

 

[2ndamendfan]

Not worried about you or sirh. 1j04 is the squealer.

 

[thejeep]

I was 11yo and at the time there was nothing more fun than shooting a whole brick of .22lr in one sitting through either a browning .22 auto or ruger mkI. All i wanted in life was a ruger 10/22 with a 30rd mag and a butler creek folder. Why so i didnt have to reload mags as much and its easier to move things around that are shorter.

I could not wrap my 11 year old brain around why a bunch of butt fuckers would make a machine less functional (engineer dad). Why the fuck when 17 will fit you hamstring it with 10. I hated them. I hate them still. The kind of people that hold fashion higher than function. Damn you all to hell.

 

[Veer_G]

Not worried about you or sirh. 1j04 is the squealer.

I remember that one time when we were on a float trip ...

 

[EddieNFL]

Around '96 I sold a large pin Colt I never liked. Got three or four times what I paid. Saw GI 30 rounders go up to $100 at gun shows. What are theey now? Eight, nine bucks?

 

[jrassy]

I was shooting handguns competitively in 94, about neck deep in guns. I was writing every asshole in DC trying to fight against the AWB, I hated Clinton,still do. I was really pissed at Bill Ruger or anybody else that tried to piss on my neck. I was an NRA member then, like now, and I had to listen to these fucking guys talk about how they weren't worried because they were still going to have their shotguns. They didn't get it.Some "gun guys" still don't get it to this day. Makes me sick to hear some puke say" I ain't gonna join the NRA because they will send me letters and ask for money", fuck off bitch boy is what I say to them. You don't fucking get it.
So yeah AWB went into effect and the NRA got a sunset clause in there, something was going to happen, that sunset clause at least made me think, okay well in the future we got a chance again. The deck was stacked against gun owners back then, I don't really see it that way now, even with these shootings. Rant off.

 

[Arc Light]

I had gotten my first gun, a Colt AR15, in 1993. Picked it up used for $500 if I recall. Remember joining the NRA in 94 and fighting like hell against the AWB. The first time I voted was in the '92 Presidential election. I'm ashamed to admit I voted for Bubba Clinton. First and last time I voted for a Democrat. In '94 I learned that liberals and Dems are the enemies of the Constitution and liberty. Been fighting the scumbags ever since.

 

[MtnCreek]

They've learned their lessons on the 94 awb. Next time they'll ban function, not names. Olympic Arms PCR for the win.

 

[MarinePMI]

I'd also add that when the 1994 ban passed, noone had AR-15's. I owned a CAR-15. And I was a distinct minority among gun owners.

This ^^^^

I had a National Match large pin AR and a (then new company) Bushmaster CAR-15 (back when they came with 10.5" barrels and a 5.5" flash suppressors). I blew the tranny on my Jeep when PCS'ing between coasts, and sold the NM for twice what I paid for it (as well as a shitty Polytech M-14S). While mag prices got stupid, I just stuck to what would take M-9 mags (or could be modified with a cutoff wheel and a hammer), and 30 rds AR mags, as they were in abundant supply as a PMI.

 

[2ndamendfan]

Oh i just remembered this gem. Anyone to young to remember the AWB needs to watch this and understand "pump" action AR15 are just a moment away. These started showing up around 2001 around here.

 

[jrassy]

IIRC another thing included in the AWB was the elimination of " kitchen table FFL dealers", guys could get an FFL for about 15 bucks ? Back then and sell a few guns they got off of SHOTGUN NEWS. I didn't do it but I did buy ammo from a guy that did just that. Well the AWB stopped that and the Brick and Mortar gun stores were very happy about it. That helped jack the prices of guns up.

 

[MtnCreek]

I don't believe that was in th awb. Clinton did crack down on ffl holders that weren't really in the business.

 

[jrassy]

I don't believe that was in th awb. Clinton did crack down on ffl holders that weren't really in the business.

Yes, I had to use google foo to get the cobwebs out of my head, not a piece of the AWB.

 

[armorpl8chikn]

You are making me feel old now.
I remember it all.
I have been out ahead of it all.
I stocked up on primers in '89...just ahead of the rush after Bush1 said "guns=drugs, drugs=guns. Primers we're hard to find from about 91-94. Ammo spiked to incredible (for that time) prices, ammo imports stopped then. Norinco ammo disappeared. Bad times.

I bought a CAR-15 in 91, even then Colt was rigging 20 round mags to only hold 10 rounds, I haven't bought a Colt since.
I sold the CAR in 94 to a postal worker...not kidding. There was a huge run on AR-15 rifles then.
After the ban you could buy all the AR variants you wanted...with no flash hider or lug and a 10 round mag.

2012 didn't catch me with my pants down, I already had all the 22lr and ARs anyone would need in a lifetime.

It doesn't take Nostradamus to see the new peaks coming. Maybe it just takes wisdom, I can't claim beauty.

 

[Mike_Honcho]

I remember 30 rnd AR mags being like $35 a piece and often looking pretty ruff, and maybe Glock mags were like $75 for G17s.

I remember asking IPSC .38 super guys how they got around the law when they had new blasters built (mag body kits) - open secret.

At our local gun club AR, AK, Daewoo, FAL, M14, Mini 14 - none were uncommon per se, and 1/2 or more were 'pre ban'; but it wasn't like now.

I remember speaking to gun store employees in several places around state in the run up to y2k and came to realize that a very substantial amount of folks of in the state / region had a 7.62 x 39 or 5.56 rifle based on the amount of ammo rolling out the door.

 

[1J04]

Not worried about you or sirh. 1j04 is the squealer.

If snitches get stitches what do squealers get. Wait, forget it.

 

[1J04]

I remember that one time when we were on a float trip ...

I have a camping story.......

 

[Veer_G]

^^^

I can safely say that I've never been farther west than Chicagoland.

 

[2ndamendfan]

If snitches get stitches what do squealers get. Wait, forget it.

A banjo solo serenade seems in order.

 

[2ndamendfan]

^^^

I can safely say that I've never been farther west than Chicagoland.

That is sooooooo sad. Best of America is west of the Mississippi.

 

[Rthur]

^^^

I can safely say that I've never been farther west than Chicagoland.

Damn V, I'll make you a list.
So many things that have to be seen.

R

 

[Rthur]

I have a camping story.......

Does it involve Ned Beatty?

R

 

[Veer_G]

That is sooooooo sad. Best of America is west of the Mississippi.

Not if it means that I'm not part of that camping story it isn't.

 

[2ndamendfan]

Does it involve Ned Beatty?

R

You know it does.

 

[2ndamendfan]

Not if it means that I'm not part of that camping story it isn't.

Rthur is right lots of amazing things to see. You hit me up and you can tell/write what ever story you like.

 

[W54/XM-388]

Not if it means that I'm not part of that camping story it isn't.

You should try making a visit to Texas some time, I think you'll find people are rather friendly and different from those in the north and east.
You can also do some good shooting while you are here.
There is also a fair few of your fellow religious adherents right in the local area.

 

[1J04]

Well this has taken a turn. lol

Now then, where's the tighty whities.

 

[Veer_G]

Well this has taken a turn. lol

Now then, where's the tighty whities.

 

[armorpl8chikn]

I actually work with Herbert Coward's cousin. We used to camp out in Shining Rock Wilderness during deer season.
I slept with one eye open.

 

[Barneybdb]

The crims here got to keep theirs.........

 

[Strykervet]

Yeah, everything was expensive as shit IF you could find it... Usually you could find anything at a gunshow but it was gonna cost you and you may not be able to find "enough" of what you want (more than likely, you couldn't afford it if they x whatever in quantity anyway). .45ACP Glock mags and any weapon that came out close to when it went into effect were hit hardest; unfortunately my first Glock was a G21 and 13rd. mags were rare and VERY expensive. $130 or so I guess, I still have a couple. I have some 9mm ones that were about $100 and the older ones did wear out and split. You got what you could get though. Yes, AR's were rare and only a few companies really made 'em. Colt and Bushmaster were the two big names as I recall. You wanted an M14 back then more often as not anyway. Or an AK if you wanted a blaster. AR's hadn't caught on, so maybe that's why I got a killer deal in the middle of the ban for a used, PD sale preban PWA stamped pre-ban AR. Looked like an M16A2 with triangular handguards. Hammer was worn, barrel slightly pitted but it shot fine for $625. Yeah, $625 and it no shit-came with several mags in a crappy "assault rifle case". Not a bad deal, you could still order uppers and triggers to fix 'em and that's how I got started on AR's. Back in '97 or '98. Even took it to my office and showed it off, nobody was afraid and everyone wanted to check it out. When I got to Ft. Lewis, you could find AR mags and Beretta mags in bulk and for cheap at surplus stores. So of course I got a Beretta. When the ban expired, I'd already pre-paid for high cap mags (they still said "LE use only" then) so they shipped ON the sunset date. Swore I'd never find myself in that position again.

For those of us that lived through the 94 ban, it was kinda like people who lived through the depression... They don't throw away anything of use and hoard essentials. Selective hoarding, not the mentally ill stuff you see on TV (or worse, in real life). It's part responsible for the "rush buys" that occur when ban talk starts still today.

 

[ArmyJerry]

a long as we are denied full auto, the ban is still in effect in my opinion. It gives our most likely enemy ( our government) an upper hand.

 

[Snuby642]

I figure half the troups won't support an order to disarm their parents, brothers and sisters.
Of the half left, part of them will lay low wishy washy.
The other 25% dedicated or stupid can be delt with.

If anyone in charge gives an order violating our constitution we can ignor it and protect ourselves as necessary.
Do you remember your oath?
To uphold the constitution and secondly, protect the office of the president.

Get it strait! Constitution comes first. The office of the president comes second.