The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has decided not to go ahead with its a list of plans that many thought would have led to the banning of "Green-Tip" M855 ammunition for AR-15s.

The plans were withdrawn after more than 80,000 comments, most of which were critical. Below is a statement issued on ATF.Gov.

Notice to those Commenting on the Armor Piercing Ammunition Exemption Framework

Thank you for your interest in ATF's proposed framework for determining whether certain projectiles are “primarily intended for sporting purposes” within the meaning of 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(17)(C). The informal comment period will close on Monday, March 16, 2015. ATF has already received more than 80,000 comments, which will be made publicly available as soon as practicable.

Although ATF endeavored to create a proposal that reflected a good faith interpretation of the law and balanced the interests of law enforcement, industry, and sportsmen, the vast majority of the comments received to date are critical of the framework, and include issues that deserve further study. Accordingly, ATF will not at this time seek to issue a final framework. After the close of the comment period, ATF will process the comments received, further evaluate the issues raised therein, and provide additional open and transparent process (for example, through additional proposals and opportunities for comment) before proceeding with any framework.

Montana Senator Steve Daines lauded the decision in a statement released Tuesday, March 10.

“The Obama administration’s decision to abandon its misguided ammunition ban is welcome news for countless law-abiding firearm owners and sportsmen," Daines said. "I’m glad that the ATF has heeded my call and listened to the more than 80,000 Americans who spoke out in opposition to this senseless restriction. However, this is not the first nor the last time the Obama administration will use backdoor maneuvers to restrict Americans’ Second Amendment rights. I will continue fighting to protect Montanans from the Obama administration’s overreach and halt any efforts to infringe upon our Constitutional freedoms.”

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