Gun Control & RKBA
In reply to the discussion: Why would anyone need several handguns? [View all]sarisataka
(22,848 posts)the criminal who seeks the gun, just as the drug user who seeks the drugs. No demand = no supply
The supply side blame comes from many sources. In no particular order- dealers who have no scruples and risk long jail time, private sellers who want to sell and not ask any uncomfortable questions of the buyer, criminally irresponsible gun owners who loose their guns (???) or leave them unsecured so they are easily stolen in a burglary, those who smuggle guns into the country, communities who turn a blind eye towards criminal activities, states that do not provide full information for NCIS and probably several other sources.
I cannot blame manufacturers however. They are selling a product according to economic law of demand and legal laws regarding manufacture and sales. I have never seen or heard of any manufacturer that specifically markets their guns for crime or is willing to sell outside of the proper legal channels. To do so would eliminate them from the market and be very counter productive. This is not to say the manufacturers are not completely ethical. As with any other corporation, they will take advantage of market fluctuations to enhance their own profit. These days it is the fears of strict controls which drive up prices. They will do all they can to harness this trend as long as it lasts.