Before I begin, let me be clear: I am not a gun owner or user and although I don't care for guns myself, I don't really care what others do as long as no one gets hurt.
So, here goes. Let's have states regulate guns and gun users the same way we do with automobiles and drivers: both guns and their owners are licensed and have registered serial numbers.
All drivers should be fingerprinted. Why not? The states already have all of our personal information. Given that we've accepted a need for greater security in our nation, what could one's fingerprints reveal about an individual that the state doesn't already know? More importantly, it could protect one's innocence if the weapon were used to commit a crime. (I'm sure someone can offer a downside to this as well as the rest of my suggestions.)
States have different insurance requirements for automobiles. In New York, where I live, one must have liability insurance but collision coverage is optional. For firearms, states could require liability insurance for every licensed gun. Since there are drivers' education classes and defensive driving classes, offer something similar for gun owners. The premiums needn't be an unbearable expense and discounts could be available for gun owners who continue their weapons education, use a gun safe and other safety-related actions by the owner. As an aside, the insurance industry would love this new business and it would be an interesting battle between them and the NRA for passage of such insurance requirements.
Your "rightie" said that "cars are regulated because there's a shit ton of money in it." Well, the existence of the NRA is specifically supported by the firearms manufacturers. Accordingly, there's a "shit ton of money" in that business, too. In fact, much of that money is cash so it is unregulated and untraceable. In this case, his argument doesn't hold water.
Every state I've lived in requires that my cars be inspected periodically. I believe this is true for all 50 states. Require that every licensed firearm must pass a state-approved inspection every five years.
I'm certain that none of this will ever come to pass but it may help you in your discussion with your "rightie."
Good luck and enjoy the rest of your weekend, LaydeeBug!
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