Stung by Criticism, Producer Delays Armor-Piercing Bullet

A manufacturer stung by criticism of what he claims is a devastating new armor-piercing bullet, delayed its production Wednesday as firearms experts questioned whether the ammunition could perform as described.

David A. Keen said his decision was in response to law enforcement fears that potent Black Rhino rounds would fall into the hands of criminals.

He said work would go ahead on .45-caliber and 9-millimeter versions of another new bullet, Rhino-Ammo, which he says is designed to fragment into hundreds of pieces when it hits flesh but is incapable of piercing armor.

Keen has applications pending before the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to manufacture and sell ammunition. Approval could come in January.

Federal review of the bullets is not required, said ATF spokeswoman Susan McCarron, but because of the uproar over the bullets, the agency wants to test them. ATF officials expected to receive a Rhino-Ammo bullet today.

Keen has described the graphic damage he says the metal-and-plastic slugs could inflict. Tipped with polymer that shatters on impact, the slugs also are filled with lead pellets.

The National Rifle Assn., law enforcement groups and others have dismissed his claims, saying it appeared that Keen was overstating them, possibly to generate sales or stimulate anti-gun sentiment.

Police groups and some gun dealers have criticized the bullets harshly, particularly the version that Keen placed on hold.

“I would never sell any bullet that would defeat the body armor of law enforcement,” said Larry Barnett, owner of Larry’s Pistol & Pawn Shop in Huntsville. “It’s not moral, and I wouldn’t do it.”