I'm a gun owner and was raised on military bases and in the South with a family of hunters. I have changed my view a lot as I've gotten older and wiser. Besides my own experiences, I'm sure that eventually the statistics will support what everyone knows: too many guns are too easy to obtain, and it's killing people every day.
Anyone possessing a gun should have a renewable license. Guns should be registered and traceable. Ammunition should be traceable and purchases recorded. All sales or exchanges of guns should be recorded.
To get that license, you should have proof of serious training consistent with the type of gun they possess.
Gun possessors should have a criminal background check and a mental/emotional health examination (not definitive, but part of a preventative for the really off-base folks). Many non-institutionalized folks are still potentially dangerous, and some would be stopped if mental health interviews were required before gun purchases.
You should show the license to buy ammunition. Even though I've reloaded myself, it takes equipment and would be difficult compared to limiting sales. You could just as easily limit sales of powder. Regardless, this is another way to slow down the mayhem.
You should be required to have gun-specific insurance (because insurance companies will want to know who's in the household and how guns are stored and similar things). One way to get information on what predicts gun violence could come from insurance policies.
Virtually no one needs assault style guns or large capacity magazines - if you want to use those, it should only be at a specialized location or facility. You cannot even rent scuba equipment here without showing a certification card with appropriate training that lasts multiple days, and that only protect you! There's no excuse for selling military style weapons by the thousands so that people can feel "empowered" or whatever. You can protect yourself in your home with a simple shotgun or handgun - and besides, I'd run first before getting into a gunfight with anyone!! They can have the TV. People are more important than stuff; something that we've forgotten lately.
Carrying weapons in public (concealed or not) is a very bad idea. Only specialized and highly trained folks should carry guns. Most of the time, guns should only be transported in locked cases (etc.) to a location suitable for use. Everyone else should be uniformed or be an air marshall or something. It scares me when some of my neighbors (like Zimmerman!) and housewives carry guns around "for protection". I'm more worried about their lack of experience and poor judgment than being attacked or mugged. Both are something to think about, but one I can try to avoid attacks (staying out of dark alleys and having an alarm at home) verses another problem that is just as unpredictable. We've had multiple incidences of kids getting guns or accidental discharges in my local area that never make the news. Many more events than break ins, but no one is counting.
If you possess a gun without a license and are caught, just like DUI; you and your gun go to jail until a judge lets you out the next day and you gun is impounded. I'd support a version of stop and frisk in Florida. Down here, damn near everyone has a boat, a gun, and a permit to carry the gun. Our roads and restaurants are turning into shooting galleries.
If you let a child get your gun - you should be criminally liable! Guns have to be properly stored, locked, and secure from any possible random person. Underage and novice shooters should be supervised in controlled settings.
Professionals (police, psychologists, etc.) should be able to revoke your license and confiscate your guns if they have cause. Just like child abuse, anyone should be able to call and report gun misuse or a potentially dangerous situation.
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