# Yet another reason to Pit the NRA - no taggants in gunpowder **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 18, 2013, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031 "2013-04-18T13:03:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 18
**Author:** ![Duke\_of\_Rat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Duke\_of\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke_of_Rat)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/341 "2013-04-25T03:04:57Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > **Duke of Rat** : is any organization working against taggants for black powder? Fuck if I know, or care. It wouldn’t bother me one iota if they put taggants in all powder, laser engraved every bullet, whatever makes them happy. I’ll likely never buy another round of ammunition, shoot another round of ammunition, any of it. This whole ruse of taggants is just smoke and mirrors until they can get around to some “meaningful” bans. Gunpowder/blackpowder is just the bogey man de jour, how many terrorists actually use these devices? My dad used to be a competitive trap shooter. I’ve been around reloading/smokeless powder since I was very young. One of my mom’s stories was how she got tired of vacuuming up shot that she told us kids she’d pay us a penny a BB for every one we found. We hit her up for a few dollars each, this in the late '60s. Then my dad moved his reloading to the garage. In all this time, I’ve been around numerous kegs of powder, Hercules Red Dot. I’ve never made a bomb. I still have my dad’s shotguns, he never shot anybody with them, I’ve never shot anybody with them. I still have shotgun shells that I loaded way back then, they’ve never shot anybody. But me possessing these thing terrifies some of the posters in this thread. GUNS! Made 'em jump. ---
**Author:** ![Ruken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f475e1/32.png) [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/342 "2013-04-25T03:09:10Z")
I have searched the tubes for information on horse-and-buggy flintlock drive-by shootings, but I return empty handed. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/343 "2013-04-25T03:31:21Z")
Not that many people have any information about the radical Amish underground. We all know who is responsible for that, now don’t we? ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/344 "2013-04-25T13:49:28Z")
> [@Duke\_of\_Rat](#): > > This whole ruse of taggants is just smoke and mirrors until they can get around to some “meaningful” bans. > [@](#): > > GUNS! > Made 'em jump. This whole ruse of opposing taggants is just smoke and mirrors until they can finally get rid of any and all regulation of any kind on anything remotely related to firearms, because Freedom! Second Amendment! Cold dead hands! REDUCING MURDERS! Made you jump. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/345 "2013-04-25T14:15:50Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > So, **RTFirefly** , our OP. Are we just going to let this thread fade away without an explicit admission that perhaps the NRA is not to blame for the lack of taggants in the Boston marathon bombs after all? Just wondering. ---
**Author:** ![mske](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ccd318/32.png) [@mske](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mske)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/346 "2013-04-25T14:44:59Z")
> [@mske](#): > > Can I please get an answer to this question. From **ElvisL1ves, RTFirely, elucidator, GIGObuster, WarmNPrickly, Czarcasm**? Anyone? I’m still waiting too. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/347 "2013-04-25T14:49:50Z")
We’re all waiting for an explanation as to why you think it matters. ---
**Author:** ![mske](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ccd318/32.png) [@mske](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mske)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/348 "2013-04-25T15:33:00Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > We’re all waiting for an explanation as to why you think it matters. Really? You never expressed that before. And you seem to be speaking for other people. But anyways. I want to know so I can address your specific scenario/objection. So what is it? ---
**Author:** ![Duke\_of\_Rat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Duke\_of\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke_of_Rat)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/349 "2013-04-25T16:27:44Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > This whole ruse of opposing taggants is just smoke and mirrors until they can finally get rid of any and all regulation of any kind on anything remotely related to firearms, because Freedom! Second Amendment! Cold dead hands! > > REDUCING MURDERS! > > Made you jump. You got me. Here’s where I posted my opposition to taggants: > [@Duke\_of\_Rat](#): > > Fuck if I know, or care. It wouldn’t bother me one iota if they put taggants in all powder, laser engraved every bullet, whatever makes them happy. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/350 "2013-04-25T17:24:47Z")
> [@mske](#): > > Really? You never expressed that before. Well, here it is, then. So \*can \*you explain why it matters to you or _can’t_ you? :dubious: I picture you like Pavlov’s dog, eagerly waiting for somebody to hint the word “Guns” so you can start yapping “Freedom!” Is that pretty much it? ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/351 "2013-04-25T18:11:19Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > This whole ruse of opposing taggants is just smoke and mirrors until they can finally get rid of any and all regulation of any kind on anything remotely related to firearms, because Freedom! Second Amendment! Cold dead hands! > > REDUCING MURDERS! > > Made you jump. Do you realize how much you sound like the OP’s caricature in this post? ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/352 "2013-04-25T18:15:37Z")
Did you read the one right above it? ---
**Author:** ![mske](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ccd318/32.png) [@mske](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mske)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/353 "2013-04-25T18:20:36Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Well, here it is, then. So \*can \*you explain why it matters to you or _can’t_ you? :dubious: Uh, it was the next line in my post. [QUOTE=mske] I want to know so I can address your specific scenario/objection. So what is it? [/quote] > [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > I picture you like Pavlov’s dog, eagerly waiting for somebody to hint the word “Guns” so you can start yapping “Freedom!” Is that pretty much it? You have no clue about my position on guns, the second amendment, or Pavlov’s dog for that matter. If you think you do, I’m sure you could source some choice posts by me on those matters. I’ve been here long enough. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/354 "2013-04-25T18:25:29Z")
> [@mske](#): > > Uh, it was the next line in my post. Bzzt, not responsive, merely a restatement. Now try a little honesty, if you can. \*Why \*do you think it matters? > [@](#): > > You have no clue about my position on guns You’ve left \*plenty \*of clues, little doggy, right there in what you claim to be a question. 😛 Now get back to stroking your barrel. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/355 "2013-04-25T18:28:04Z")
> [@Hentor\_the\_Barbarian](#): > > Before we got too far away from this, I just wanted to say thanks for this, assuming that you meant it sincerely. > > I’m used to pitched arguments here that do not result in anything more meaningful than counterargument. I felt vituperative when I wrote the initial post to you, and felt a little sheepish about it when you responded thoughtfully. > > I think I get too jaded and cynical from my interactions here, so I appreciate the curveball. Curveball? Yes, I suppose it’s gotten to that point. People often seem to temper their internet conversations in a way that they would never do if both parties were within arms reach of each other. Over an extended period of time, it effects us all and we begin to expect the worst from others. You and I should feel proud that we saw no need to resort to childish insults to avoid answering simple questions. You made a valid point. I responded to what you actually wrote (vituperativeness be damned 😉 ). ---
**Author:** ![mske](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ccd318/32.png) [@mske](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mske)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/356 "2013-04-25T18:34:02Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Bzzt, not responsive, merely a restatement. Now try a little honesty, if you can. \*Why \*do you think it matters? You’re the one proposing something - adding taggants to blackpowder. I just want you to clarify if you want to add it to all blackpowder, or just the subset that will be used in bullet casings. This really isn’t tough… > [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > You’ve left \*plenty \*of clues, little doggy, right there in what you claim to be a question. 😛 In other words, you’ve got nothing. Nice work. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/357 "2013-04-25T18:42:50Z")
> [@mske](#): > > I just want you to clarify if you want to add it to all blackpowder, or just the subset that will be used in bullet casings. This really isn’t tough… IOW, no, you _can’t_ reply honestly, not that I really thought you could. Yap, little doggy! Yap! ---
**Author:** ![mske](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ccd318/32.png) [@mske](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mske)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/358 "2013-04-25T18:52:33Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > IOW, no, you _can’t_ reply honestly, not that I really thought you could. > > Yap, little doggy! Yap! The fuck you talking about? Reply honestly? I have. I’m not exactly sure what you are looking for. I want to address your specific scenario. So answer the question, I don’t know, please? ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/359 "2013-04-25T18:54:18Z")
Scroll up, little doggy! ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2013, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031/360 "2013-04-25T18:56:54Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > ['Taggants' In Gunpowder Might Have Helped Identify Bombers : NPR](http://www.npr.org/2013/04/24/178858037/taggants-in-gunpowder-might-have-helped-identify-bombers) > > NPR radio broadcast story on the topic. Offered without comment. From the “interview” - \*The president of Microtrace is William Kerns. WILLIAM KERNS: From our standpoint, you know, it’s technology that we have and we make. And it has a function, and we know that it works in explosives.\* So the guy who makes and sells taggants for a living believes that taggants are a good idea. Not really much of a surprise. Is his taggant system easy to defeat? Do his taggants make black powder unstable, inaccurate, dangerous? Do those concerns matter to NPR? The bombers were ID’d without Kerns taggants. How is that even possible? :smack: [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031.md?page=17) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-reason-to-pit-the-nra-no-taggants-in-gunpowder/656031.md?page=19)