
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, November 23, 1993                   TAG: 9311230060
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: The Washington Post
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Medium

WINCHESTER TO STOP HOLLOW-POINT SALES

One of the nation's leading firearms manufacturers said Monday that it will no longer sell to the general public a popular brand of the high-powered, hollow-point bullets that have become a rallying point for gun-control proponents.

The move was an apparently unprecedented decision by Winchester, a legendary name in the firearms industry, which has never before removed a product from the market for any reason besides manufacturing defects, a spokesman for the 125-year-old firm said Monday.

The company's decision to limit sales of the Black Talon bullet to law enforcement shows how politically sensitive the issue of crime has become, forcing even those in the gun business to react to public concerns.

"This action is being taken because Black Talon ammunition is becoming a focal point for broader issues that are well beyond the control of Winchester Ammunition," said a statement by Mike Jordan, company spokesman. "The controversy also threatens the good name of Winchester, which has stood for the safe and responsible use of ammunition and firearms."

The Black Talon, which expands on impact, exposing sharp edges to maximize damage, has come under attack in recent weeks because of its purported devastating impact on human flesh and its potential for injuring emergency room doctors when they remove it.

It is one of three bullets that gun-control proponents, congressional leaders and the Clinton administration have targeted recently as possibly too dangerous for public sale. The White House has been studying whether to push for legislation to ban the Black Talon and other similar ammunition, opening a new front in the firearms and violence debate. A bill introduced by Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, D-N.Y., would impose high taxes on the purchase of the Black Talon and similar bullets.

Ten days ago, as the bullet debate intensified, Winchester officials maintained that the Black Talon was an excellent bullet that should be available to hunters and civilians for self-defense.

The National Rifle Association had challenged plans to ban such bullets, saying the ammunition has perfectly legal uses and that law-abiding citizens have the right to purchase it. Monday, an NRA spokesman declined to comment on the Winchester decision, saying that "the move by the company removed this from a public policy debate."

Winchester's Jordan said the company, which became famous for its lever-action saddle rifle, believed its reputation could be hurt by continued negative publicity about the bullet. "It's the gun that won the West; we weren't willing to put that good name on the line," he said.

In mounting a verbal assault on the Talon, gun-control proponents repeatedly pointed to advertisements about the bullet.

"The design allows deep penetration . . . " said one Winchester description. "The bullet's jacket adds to its effectiveness by hinging back, producing radially extended talons, giving the expanded bullet a distinctive appearance and maximum energy transfer."

Some gun enthusiasts say that such advertisements are referring to the bullets' performance against animals.

by CNB