First off I am not an engineer thus I have no idea how to implement the required mods, this is just an idea open for discussion and modification. In my idea the modification made would be done in such a manner that if they are bypassed they make the weapon inoperable. With the magazine mod if it is bypassed then the weapon would not retain the magazine. With the rate of fire mod if it is bypassed then the weapon become inoperable. Also make it illegal to manufacture kits that would retain functionality while circumventing the original modifications. If someone is found to have modded the weapon or manufacture a kit that modifies the weapon then the life with no chance prison sentence comes into play.

No the restrictions would not apply to police or government agents. The restrictions apply only to the general pubic. But there can be provisions in place for those that wish to be authorized to obtain and own non-modified weapons. Only after extensive background checks, psychological testing, drug and alcohol testing, and extensive training all at their own expense. Why? Because we want to allow those that we trust to have a leg up on those that would attempt to do harm to others.

The reason that I feel we should treat guns differently is because guns have a greater potential to do a considerable amount of harm in a shorter period of time than other types of weapons. Yes a weapon is a weapon and all can be lethal.