Sen. Patty Ritchie is raising alarm bells about a gun control measure that she says will harm sportsmen and America's second amendment.

For years, debate has raged about requiring semiautomatic pistols sold in the state to be able to etch a unique code onto bullet casings when the bullet is fired. Police investigating crimes could use the code to help trace gun ownership.

But every year, the measure fails.

This year, it was included in the Assembly's budget, which Mrs. Ritchie dubs a "sneak attack."

“Advocates for gun control have so far failed in their efforts to force the costly and unproven microstamping technology on lawful gun owners and sportsmen, but this year, they're trying a new tact, linking it to the state budget,” she said in a news release.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, supports microstamping. She argues that it would help authorities solve crimes and that it wouldn't impinge upon gun rights.

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, R-Black River, is another opponent.

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