NCJ Number
223264
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 35 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2008 Pages: 10,12,14-16,18,19
Date Published
May 2008
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article quotes New York City Mayor Bloomberg's argument against allowing guns to be painted in bright colors (making them appear to be toys) and the counter-argument of those who claim that gun colors do not pose a danger.
Abstract
The paint at issue is DuraCoat, which is produced in Chippewa Falls, WI, by Steve Lauer. DuraCoat is distinguished from other finishing products by its durability and versatility. On the market since 2001, the finish can be applied by firearm finishers at any skill level. To cure the finish, no preheating or baking is required, and in addition to the ever-expanding choice of colors, DuraCoat is available in a clear finish. DuraCoat is prepackaged in kits that contain all the supplies necessary to finish one or two firearms. Bloomberg has argued that the bright DuraCoat colors being used to paint firearms pose a risk to police officers, who may mistakenly believe that a brightly colored firearm is a toy, causing them to hesitate to fire when faced with an actual lethal threat. Those who argue against Bloomberg's position, including Steve Lauer, claim that Bloomberg's push to outlaw brightly painted guns is just one more effort by Bloomberg to erode the rights of law-abiding gun owners.