Washington DC is STILL banning semi-auto handguns. This limits practical defense handguns to revolvers. The link follows, but the WX DC police website often stalls out because of high Internet traffic load, so I've cut and pasted (please forgive me) the text from there. It looks like Wash DC is continuing to act in the belief that SOME guns can be banned regardless of the SCOTUS ruling.
Metropolitan Police Department: Gun Registration
In case it's timing out when you hit this, I'll try to paste the stuff below...formatting will almost certainly be hosed up.
Impact on the Court Ruling in DC v. Heller
In the coming days the District of Columbia will be implementing new rules and regulations regarding the Supreme Court decision in the District of Columbia v. Heller (handgun) case. The Supreme Court ruled that residents will be allowed to possess handguns in their homes. It is critical that all Metropolitan Police Department members know the immediate impact of this ruling:
*
All Firearms including handguns must be registered with the Metropolitan Police Department’s Firearms Registration Section before they may be legally possessed.
*
Automatic and semi-automatic handguns remain ineligible for registration.
*
The Supreme Court’s ruling is limited to handguns in the home and does not affect the legality of firearms carried outside of the home.
*
The Metropolitan Police Department will urge residents that do obtain licenses to carry weapons in the home to also keep that weapon either disassembled or secured with a locking device (not a current legal requirement).
Resources
* District Government Reacts to Heller Ruling (Press Release, 6/26/08)
* Firearms Registration Requirements*
* Registering a Firearm in the District of Columbia* (Brochure)
* Data: Crimes with Guns* (CY 1998 - YTD through 6/26/08)
* Gun Safety Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Registering a Firearm
1. What happens now?
2. Can people go out and get handguns right now? If not, when will they be able to do it?
3. What can people do right now?
4. Will there be restrictions on who can register a handgun?
5. Are there restrictions on what kinds of handguns residents will be able to register and possess?
6. What other restrictions will there be on handguns?
7. What will you do about residents who already own handguns despite the handgun ban?
8. Can people register as many handguns as they like?
9. Under existing law can District residents use properly registered firearms in lawful self-defense in their homes?
10. How does one go about registering a firearm?
What Happens Now?
The Supreme Court will formally issue its mandate within the next month, possibly as early as July 17, 2008. The U.S. Court of Appeals will then send the case to the U.S. District Court to enter an injunction. The injunction is the court order that will officially prevent the District government from enforcing the handgun ban. That process may take a few months. Within 21 days, the Metropolitan Police Department will promulgate regulations to accommodate the process of registering handguns for lawful possession.
Can people go out and get handguns right now?
If not, when will they be able to do it?
No. Residents may not go out and get handguns, though they will soon be able to do so. There is further court action before the Supreme Court’s decision is implemented and the handgun ban is officially lifted, though that should happen within the next few months. It should be emphasized that even after the handgun ban is lifted, those who wish to possess handguns will first be required to register them with the Metropolitan Police Department, as they must do with all firearms, in order for the possession to be legal. Furthermore, under the Supreme Court’s decision, possession of properly registered handguns will still be legal only in one’s own home.
What can people do right now?
Although people cannot yet register handguns for legal possession in the home, they will be able to do so soon, and the District government will fully comply with the Supreme Court’s decision. Residents should wait for the regulations that the Metropolitan Police Department will prepare within the next 21 days for further instructions. In the meantime, if residents have specific questions, they may contact the Firearms Registration Section of the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9490 or visit the Department’s website at
Metropolitan Police Department: Gun Registration.
Will there be restrictions on who can register a handgun?
Yes, under District law that the Supreme Court did not disturb, someone who seeks to register any firearm must meet certain requirements. Among these are that the would-be registrant must be 21 years of age and cannot have been convicted of a felony or other crime of violence or weapons crime, or have been committed to a mental hospital within the past five years. Registrants also must be fingerprinted and pass a test regarding knowledge of District gun laws.
Are there restrictions on what kinds of handguns residents will be able to register and possess?
Yes, under District law that the Supreme Court did not disturb, automatic and semi-automatic handguns generally may not be registered. Revolvers in the home will be legal and, as before, residents remain free to register most shotguns and rifles. Those with questions about specific firearms should contact the Firearms Registration Section of the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9490 or visit the Department’s website at
Metropolitan Police Department: Gun Registration.
What other restrictions will there be on handguns?
The new rules will allow handgun possession in the home only, and only by those who properly register their handguns with the Metropolitan Police Department. The Supreme Court has not altered the legality of carrying handguns outside the home. Given the potentially tragic consequences of storing a firearm without a trigger lock, residents are strongly urged to utilize such locks which may be obtained free of charge from the Metropolitan Police Department.
What will you do about residents who already own handguns despite the handgun ban?
The District government will establish an amnesty program under which they can register their handguns without fear of prosecution for having possessed a handgun in violation of District law. Of course, the program will not protect anyone who committed a separate crime under District or Federal law with that handgun.
Can people register as many handguns as they like?
The forthcoming regulations to be issued by the Metropolitan Police Department will answer questions such as how many weapons residents can register, and will likely limit registrants at least initially to one handgun each.
Under existing law can District residents use properly registered firearms in lawful self-defense in their homes?
Yes.
How does one go about registering a firearm?
For the specific details on how to register a firearm, residents should contact the Firearms Registration Section of the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9490 or visit the Department’s website at
Metropolitan Police Department: Gun Registration.