berenson@cookie.enet.dec.com (20-May-1991 0911) (05/21/91)
I think Rob is being unfair in his hitting on USPSA. USPSA was under *constant* siege in the firearms press for allowing 9mm Major (and even .38 Super Major). They were under similar pressure from much of the membership (but by no means a majority). I am not sure exactly what precipitated their investigation, but my guess is that it was Marty Ligget of Accurate Arms going on record in one of the magazines (American Handgunner perhaps) stating it was impossible to safely make major in 9mm. Someone, perhaps a BOD member, then raised the issue officialy. Note that these same gun writers who previously pressured USPSA for allowing the unsafe 9mm Major now beat on them for banning it! What USAPSA has repeatedly said, and what many shooters just don't want to hear, is that the U.S. legal system has quirks which leave USPSA (and any club or range official) open to legal action if they allow ammunition thought to be unsafe. Since specs for safe 9mm loads exist, allowing loads outside of those specs is considered negligent under U.S. case law. What differs in non-U.S. legal systems is that *ANY* reload automatically places the liability on the reloader, and frees the firearms manufacturers and others from liability. Not so over here...you have to have an actual wildcat, such as the 9x21 or even the "9mm Miller" (a.k.a. 9mm Super...a 9x19 case with the bullet seated out to .38 Super length) before liability shifts back to the reloader/shooter. Even then, a club or range official might be sued just for allowing a wildcat round, should a bystander be injured! I take the liability threat seriously. My RM just had a baby, and he nearly resigned because he didn't want to put his family at financial risk. Our treasurer nearly resigned over liability. We need a new range, and the property owner we are negotiating with has problems because his corporate attorney doesn't think the NRA's $1 Million policy provides enough coverage to the land owner. USPSA makes a nice target for critisism, and they frequently deserve it. But, blaming them for the 9mm Major fiasco makes little sense. Go ask your legislators for tort reform, and maybe then we can pick on USPSA for their actions. ............................................................................. Hal Berenson Home: 71640.3535@compuserve.com OR oldcolo!berenson@csn.org Work: berenson@cookie.enet.dec.com -- Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are my own, not my employer's! If I happen to communicate with you from work rather than home, its just for convenience (just like asking for a "daytime phone number") and should not be construed as representing the views of my employer or its employees, officers, directors, or stockholders. --