As its name implies, rifles However, a firearm that would otherwise be required to be registered and regulated as a Destructive Device, can be granted a Sporting Use Exception if it is primarily designed for sporting use and the ATF determines it is unlikely to be used as a weapon. Thus, since the .950 JDJ was granted a sporting exception, it is regulated as a Title I rifle by the
GCA and can be purchased and owned by any American citizen or
lawful permanent resident who is at least 18, has filled out an ATF
Form 4473 Firearm Transaction Record and passed a standard
background check. However, the .950 JDJ is not legal in all states, some states like
California,
Illinois,
Massachusetts and
Washington D.C. specifically ban the
.50 BMG as an "assault weapon", as well as all other rifles with a bore size over either .50 or .60 caliber (the exact threshold varies by state) and prohibit their sale or transfer to civilians, while other states like
Delaware and
Maryland only ban specific rifles like the
Barrett .50 BMG and have restrictions on other large bore rifles requiring either a permit or registration; some cities and counties also ban them even if their state doesn't, one is advised to check local laws before purchasing any large bore rifle. The rifles use stocks and extraordinarily thick Krieger barrels bearing an
muzzle brake. Overall, depending on options, the rifles weigh from and are therefore only useful for shooting from a bench rest or heavy bipod. Despite the weight, recoil is significant and shooters must be sure to choose components (i.e.,
scopes and
bipods) that can handle the force. The sheer size, weight, and power of these rifles make them rather impractical for hunting use. SSK only manufactured three of these rifles and as of 2014 no longer produces the ammunition. ==Ballistics==