Your Preferred Answer on Gun Control

[Lizzie Poppet]

25. I'm a competitive shooter.

I'm pretty serous about long-range rifle competition. I've been a shooter since I was a little girl. I have a CCW license (more on that in a bit...). I also support a good few additional gun regulations, too. I helped with the campaign to enact universal background checks here in Oregon (we did it!). Your friend is far from alone among gun enthusiasts in supporting a number of sensible reforms.

I also agree with his focus on straw purchases. It would seem that they're a bigger source of firearms to ineligible people than theft. The federal law is already there to indict them with, and the penalties are harsh (felony-level harsh). We just need more focus on (and perhaps funding for) enforcement. These people are directly facilitating murder.

While I'm not a professional with a job-based need for a concealed carry permit, I do try to train as if I am (in fact, I almost certainly practice more than 90+% of LEOs...most cops aren't regular shooters). That by no means makes me anywhere near the equal of a serious professional "operator" type, a SWAT officer or a SEAL or suchlike. But I do think the effort I put into being safe and competent (and knowing the law in terms of what I'm allowed to do) make my carrying a non-threat to the public. I strongly agree, however, with tightening up the requirements. I want to see a demonstration of competence and safety at the range and the ability to pass a written examination on the laws regarding use of deadly force in the applicant's jurisdiction.