General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Here's what I think should happen in the realm of gun control. [View all]HereSince1628
(36,063 posts)1. Universal Background Checks
What are you going to check against? The FBI's instant background check is full of holes...background checks can't be any better than the database against which purchases are checked. Although much concern is about the mentally ill who aren't on the list, the worst holes in the database are persons with prison sentences from misdemeanors or felonies with 2-3 year sentences.
2. Safe storage laws...
That's fine, but compliance is the problem with all laws. People feel exceptional about laws for various reasons, but it's not much imagination to see a gun for protection isn't much good if it is unloaded inside a safe in another room of a residence. It might be argued that people who feel they need protection from home invasions are too paranoid to deserve gun ownership, but that argument isn't going to hold up. Even Pres. Obama thinks a weapon for home protection in rural areas is reasonable. A person with such worries is going to balance their anxiety about personal security against the possibility of getting caught...guns are going to be left out. Shit is going to continue to happen.
3. Mandatory training for the lawful use of firearms before first purchase...
Yes, but things change with time...refresher training and updates on backgrounds should be required which suggests that licenses should not only be for purchase but for continued ownership.
4. Beef up the BATFE to go after corrupt dealers and citizens.
It's unclear what this means, especially with respect to citizens...most people caught trying to buy a weapon by NICS is because their names are in the NICS because of a conviction.
5. Strict regulations for CCW....
I have similar concerns to 2 and 3. I don't oppose this, but it's not a leakproof bucket. Weapons are often used during emotionally charged interpersonal conflicts. Such emotional events are unpredictable, as are the responses of persons involved. It's quite possible for a person to pass a test with correct answers but not to follow through during a future interpersonal conflict when a gun is carried.
6. National registration with the caveat that the database can never be used for confiscation.
I suppose you expect the registration to give police/security forces forewarning of possible presence of a weapon. That information cuts in both directions with respect to public safety. Police and security forces get emotional too. People are going to be driving other people's vehicles... a too well emotionally primed police response in routine traffic stops is going to get people shot.
7. Mag limits of 10 for handguns and 30 for long rifles...
This isn't an operational statement. Long guns not in use should be transported unloaded. The capacity of the magazine should reflect the way it is being used. Hunters don't need and in most states can't be loaded with 30 rounds. Target shooting on a licensed and permitted range might involve more magazine capacity
8. Repeal of all SYG laws...
I think you mean the right to self-defense laws and defense of home, not just castle doctrine