    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 32 (Monday, August 16, 1993)]
    [Page 1605]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Memorandum on Importation of Assault Pistols

     August 11, 1993

    Memorandum for the Secretary of the Treasury

    Subject: Importation of Assault Pistols

        A category of pistols commonly referred to as assault pistols has
    increasingly become the weapon of choice for drug dealers, street gang
    members, and other violent criminals. These pistols, generally
    characterized by their bulky military-style appearance and large
    magazine capacity, include domestically manufactured TEC-9's and MAC-
    10's as well as imported models like the Uzi pistol and the H&K SP-89.
    Their popularity appears to stem from their intimidating appearance and
    their considerable firepower.
        These weapons have been used to harm and terrorize many Americans,
    particularly our children, in recent years. As a result, it is no longer
    possible to stand by and witness the deadly proliferation of these
    weapons without acting to protect our communities.
        Although addressing the domestic production of these weapons
    requires a change in the statute, which I support, existing law already
    bans the importation of firearms unless they are determined to be
    particularly suitable for or readily adaptable for sporting purposes. I
    am informed that shortly after enactment of the Gun Control Act of 1968,
    the Treasury Department adopted a factoring system to determine whether
    handguns were importable pursuant to this standard. The system entails
    the examination of the firearm against a set of criteria, with points
    being awarded for various features. A minimum score is required before
    importation is approved. The criteria and weighted point system were
    designed to address the crime gun of the day, the cheap, easily
    concealable ``Saturday Night Special.'' Under this 25-year old system,
    small caliber, easily concealable handguns score few points and are
    banned from importation. However, assault-type pistols--the new crime
    gun of the day--because of their large size, weight, and caliber, easily
    score the necessary points to qualify for importation even though none
    of these pistols appears to have any legitimate sporting purpose.
    Accordingly, it is time to reassess how the present regulatory approach
    can be made more effective in achieving the legislative directive to
    preclude importation of firearms that are not particularly suitable for
    or readily adaptable for sporting purposes.
        I hereby direct you to take the necessary steps to reexamine the
    current importation factoring system to determine whether the system
    should be modified to ensure that all nonsporting handguns are properly
    denied importation. You have advised me that the Bureau of Alcohol,
    Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) will issue a notice of proposed rule-making
    in the near future that will propose changes to the factoring system to
    address the assault pistol problem. You have further advised me that
    effective immediately action on pending applications to import these
    weapons will be suspended, and that final action on any application will
    be delayed until this review process is completed.
        Nothing herein shall be construed to require actions contrary to
    applicable provisions of law. You are hereby authorized and directed to
    publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.
                                                William J. Clinton