Reply #47: I'm down with that. :)

[FudaFuda]

Yeah, I'm pretty much in agreement with ya on fully automatic machine guns. The way the law actually is, they're not completely 'banned', but it's pretty durn hard to come by one, super expensive, and just about instantly traceable if ever used for a crime. So, as you noted, there's only been one or two instances of a fully automatic weapon being used in a crime since the NFA of 1934. Other factors in later laws further limit civilian access to fully automatic weapons, particularly the law from 1986 that cut off any further importation. If it wasn't here in the USA and already registered by 1986, it's illegal.

So, if you've got about $10,000 or more burning a hole in your pocket and just want one for your collection, and you can pass an in-depth FBI background check, you can obtain one. Wouldn't bother me a whole lot if they'd just been banned from civilian possession altogether, but since the current status of things keeps both sides of the debate staisfied and there's no criminal impact, good enough.

What I don't like is some of the other NFA designated prohibitions, especially suppressors (i.e. silencers). While suppressors are not totally 'banned', they are strictly regulated and for no really good reason. Jump through the legal hoops and you can own one, but the gubmint will be wanting it's $200 tax, thanks very much. ** by the way, anyone who thinks a suppressor silences a gun so it can't even be heard in the next room watches too much TV ** Ironically in Europe where firearms are strictly controlled, suppressors are totally legal and in common use among those who do shoot, because theyre major hearing savers.

I also agree with you about the ban on 'felons' is outdated these days. Violent felons - that's a no brainer. But you can get a felony conviction for stealing your mom's check and 'forging' it at the gas station for beer. Stupid, and criminal, but not exactly the kind of thing worthy of depriving a person of a constitutional right over.

Anyway, just wanted to say, I think we're on the same page. I just hope the current administration and Congress doesn't make the mistake of moving back into the gun control arena - there's so much good that needs to be done right now on so many other problems. Going back to gun control again would be like pissing in the wind.