Gun-rights group challenges N.J. limit on ammunition

A gun-rights group challenging a New Jersey law that lowers the number of bullets a gun can hold contended in federal court Tuesday that American homeowners want weapons with more capacity.

The law, passed in June, limits gun owners to magazines that hold 10 rounds of ammunition instead of the 15-round limit in place since 1990. 

The Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs, in  arguments before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia, said the new law hurts only homeowners because criminals won't follow it.

"They need to have some rationale why the rules in place [previously] are not enough," lawyer David H. Thompson told the three-judge appellate panel. 

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office argued that 10 rounds are plenty for self-defense. Anything more could prove dangerous to bystanders, Assistant Attorney General Jeremy Feigenbaum said. And, he said, mass shooters might be interrupted if they have to stop to reload after 10 rounds.