Smith and Wesson Won't Sell Handguns in California; Arms Manufacturing Company Says State Microstamping Law is Too Restrictive

Smith & Wesson Corp. announced on Thursday that it won't sell semi-automatic pistols in California, due to a new law in the state that began in 2013.

The Massachusetts-based firearm manufacturer said the Golden State's new legislation - which calls for gunsmiths to microstamp bullet casings with individual markings - will put an undue financial burden on the company.

According to a report by NBC, Smith & Wesson said the law will present a challenge to all other manufactures, especially given a provision that demands businesses re-submit guns that undergo changes for additional evaluation.

Smith & Wesson reps also stated that the measure, which aims to separate individual bullets from each other, doesn't necessarily deter criminals from firing shots.

President and CEO James Debney told NBC that the sales from its revolvers, which don't need to go through the microstamping process, will hold the company over for the time being.

Those who support California's law - the first of its kind in the United States - argue that microstamping helps police locate criminals.

But for others, the law is regarded as restrictive and an encroachment upon Second Amendment rights.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation and the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute challenged the legislation in the Superior Court of California earlier this month.