Montana defies feds on guns.(Inside Track)(Montana Firearms Freedom Act)

The state of Montana last month approved what commentators are dubbing a "revolutionary" new law earlier this month. The "Montana Firearms Freedom Act" is set to trigger a legal showdown between the federal government and the state, which is exactly what some lawmakers are hoping for.

"It's a gun bill, but it's another way of demonstrating the sovereignty of the state of Montana," said Democratic Governor Brian Schweitzer, who signed the legislation. The law would exempt from federal regulation all guns, ammunition, and accessories that are made, sold, and kept within the state--provided they are stamped with the words "Made in Montana." The idea is that since the federal government justifies its regulations using the interstate commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution, it has no authority to regulate intrastate trade in firearms.

According to an AP article entitled "Montana gun law targets states' rights clash," the drafters of the bill aim to test the law with a single-shot .22-caliber rifle. The plan is to have a "squeaky-clean" Montanan send a note to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) threatening to ...