I am not a fan of this. Guns are often sold and traded among friends. Before I could sell a gun, I would need a record that it is registered to me. This requires a gun registry. Otherwise everyone would just "gift" a gun. Requiring background checks at trade shows is a different argument. This should have been required a long time ago. Give me the (correct) definition of an assault weapon. Then explain to me how the characteristics of an assault weapon would prevent any mass shootings. Find the percentage of deaths that resulted from an "assault weapon".
Buying back functioning guns at $200 is a good way to go and I would have no problem with it being gov. funded. I don't think it would be all that effective, but it certainly is a cheaper way to save a couple lives than spend millions on other wasted programs.
Only because the political blow back was so intense. The same pols who want this ban will be right back at the table demanding more restrictions down the road. Gun control only leads to more gun control.
Thanks for reply. So, essentially, out of all those proposals, you really only have issue with the banning of, correction, the definition of an assault weapon. I agree that there is no way to regulate personal private sales, but i think that registration requirement is geared at private sellers who are selling a lot (gun shows, flea markets, etc.), not just granddad's shotgun.
Correct. Assault weapons ban is highly ineffective. There are certain weapons that would fall under the assault weapons definition that I would be inclined to agree with heavier restrictions such as requiring registration or permits. There are too many other rifles out there that operate exactly the same as a defined assault weapon, they just don't have the scary/military look. Not to mention they are probably cheaper. If someone is acting as a dealer/for profit sales, they should always be required to do background checks. Private sells should never sell a gun to another person if they can't vouch for them. We really need an easy way for sellers to perform background checks.
It has. Gun control of the 1960s was strengthened in the 1980s. Gun control in the 1980s was strengthened in the 1990s. The only reason it wasn't strengthened again before it expired was a pro gun president and a country that was pre-occupied with the aftermath of 9/11 and two wars. I have no doubt that had Al Gore or John Kerry been in office that they would have extended Clinton's gun laws.
Keeping up with the times, and modifying gun control isn't the same as a slippery slope toward a total ban.
