STATE FUNDS PRISON GUARDS BUYING PRIVATE-USE GUNS.

Byline: Stephen Green Scripps-McClatchy Western Service

California's state workers can buy cars, savings bonds and insurance through payroll deductions. And now, some of them can buy guns the same way.

The California Correctional Peace Officers Association is selling its union members Ruger Mini-14 rifles for their personal use with the aid of the state, which deducts monthly payments from workers' pay checks.

When first asked last summer, the state Controller's Office refused to make the deductions. But the union pressed its demand by pointing to a section of law that says the controller must deduct payments for any membership program sponsored by a state employee bargaining unit.

``We're not the least bit happy about this,'' said Michael Bustamante of the Controller's Office. ``We have significant concerns and did not want to comply with their request. The state should not be doing this.''

But Jim Martin, union treasurer, pointed out that the Mini-14 is the same rifle that correctional officers carry inside the prisons.

``This way, they get a weapon to practice with on their own time,'' Martin said, ``so there is a benefit as they become more proficient in the weapon's use.''

There also is a precedent, Martin said. Some years ago, the union used payroll deductions to sell revolvers to its members as a fund-raiser, he said.

Mark Pertschuk, spokesman for the Oakland-based Californians for Responsible Gun Laws, called the situation ``more than a little strange. Obviously, the people buying these (rifles) are highly trained in their use. But I think it sends the wrong message for the state to be handling gun sales.''

The $600 rifles are being sold as commemorative models in recognition of the union's 40th anniversary. They differ only slightly from those used by the Department of Corrections. Metal parts on the union rifle are stainless steel rather than blued steel. The union's star logo also appears on a coin inset in the stock and is etched on the slide handle.

The Mini-14's light weight and powerful .223 cartridge have made it one of the most popular modern sporting rifles in America, ``perfect when a few quick shots are needed,'' according to an advertisement on the Web site of the manufacturer, Sturm, Ruger & Co. A detachable magazine can hold five, 10 or 20 rounds.

The weapon is a lighter model of the M-14 rifle used by ground troops during the early years of the Vietnam War.

The Mini-14 sparked some controversy when it was introduced into the prison system in 1979. Some penal experts contended no weapon with a magazine that large should be in a prison, where inmates could get their hands on it by overpowering a guard.

The rifles usually are carried only in restricted areas such as catwalks and guard stations. There is no record of any inmate ever getting hold of one, said state spokeswoman Katie Corsaut.

Martin said about 500 of the rifles have been sold so far. The controller's office is accepting requests for payroll deductions until Dec. 31.

Bustamante said he hopes there will be legislation next year to ban further state participation in weapons sales.