If you think shooters in New York State are going to have it rough if S1422-2013 passes, you haven’t even heard the worst of it. It bans all detachable magazines over 10 rounds (no exceptions, no grandfather clause) and self-loading firearms with detachable magazines and shoulder thingies that go up. But Section 6 of the Empire State’s legislative apocalypse also bans semi-autos with other common features.

One particular evil: barrel shrouds. If your semi has a detachable magazine and a “shroud attached to the barrel, or that partially or completely encircles the barrel, allowing the bearer to hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burned, but excluding a slide that encloses the barrel,” you’re SOL, buddy. I guess the NY state assembly likes hot barrels and singed fingers. From the receiver to the muzzle, that barrel better be bare metal. Because it will save lives. I guess.

Another particular evil: muzzle brakes. Your hunting-model BAR in 7mm Magnum better not have a muzzle brake, because we all know that way too many spree killers use guns just like yours. I guess.

What does this leave available? Just about bupkis, with the exception of a (formerly) NY-made Remington pumps and semi-autos. I’m not a conspiracy theorist, but is this a coincidence?

This bill is currently in committee, but it has a reasonably chance of passing the Assembly. The way it is currently written, it will take effect immediately if when Governor Andrew Cuomo signs it. This bill will turn thousands of law-abiding good guys with guns into newly-minted felons, and we’re wondering how many of them are getting ready to move to a more gun-friendly state in the very near future.

As in tomorrow, before the NY State Patrol can come and demand to ‘inspect’ their gun collection. Let’s hope there are enough station wagons and Ryder trucks to get them the hell out of Dodge before this goes into effect.