LEOPA
Definition
Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act 1986; US federal law prohibiting manufacture, import, and sale of armour-piercing pistol ammunition; defines AP as projectiles constructed entirely or with cores of specific hard metals including tungsten, steel, and beryllium copper.
- Full name
- Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act
- Year enacted
- 1986
- Jurisdiction
- United States, federal
- Prohibits
- Manufacture, import, sale of armour-piercing pistol ammunition
- AP core metals named
- Tungsten, steel, beryllium copper
Common questions
What ammunition does LEOPA regulate?+
It targets handgun ammunition whose projectile is constructed entirely of, or coated with, specified hard metals capable of penetrating soft body armour, reflecting its origin as a response to officer-safety concerns over armour-piercing pistol rounds.
Does LEOPA cover rifle ammunition?+
No, the statute's armour-piercing definition is scoped to handgun projectiles; rifle ammunition with similar penetrating cores is addressed separately or not at all under this law, which is why forensic firearms examiners must confirm caliber and intended use before applying the definition.
Related terms
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- Federal HST
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- Frangible Ammunition
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- Glaser Safety Slug
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- Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP)
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- L21A1 AEP
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- M62 Tracer
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- M855A1 EPR
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- Sinterfire
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- Winchester Ranger T-Series
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