Bullet-sale limits struck down in Fresno court

(01-20) 04:00 PST Fresno - --

A trial court judge has thrown out key sections of a state law restricting handgun ammunition sales, barring authorities from registering bullet buyers' thumbprints on the grounds that it would be unconstitutional.

Gun rights supporters applauded Tuesday's ruling in Fresno County Superior Court, saying the law would have created uncertainty by forcing sheriffs and firearms shops to decide for themselves what caliber of bullets were covered under the regulations.

The statute also would compel customers to buy handgun ammunition in face-to-face transactions.

Parts of the law may still be implemented, and state Attorney General Kamala Harris is considering an appeal, spokesman Jim Finefrock said Wednesday.

"This was just going to cost police and shell ammunition sellers money. It really wasn't going to stop violent crime or criminals from getting ammunition," said attorney Chuck Michel, who brought the case on behalf of the California Rifle and Pistol Association Foundation.

The judge's decision blocks the creation of a licensing and registration system governing ammunition sales, and prevents gun shops from taking buyers' fingerprints, elements of the law that were set to go into effect Feb. 1.

This article appeared on page C - 3 of the San Francisco Chronicle