(November 6, 2017 at 9:07 am)Khemikal Wrote: That 37year old male with a 9mm from the trace data...that's the guy who shoots his wife, after having beat the living dogshit out of her for years. Probably bought the pistol a decade before when they got married "for home defense".
Here's a novel idea, how about a response on the federal purchasing form as to the question of purpose: "for home defense" - triggers a longer waiting period, and a requirement of a recent mental health screening, and an exhaustive check for complaints (not just convictions) of domestic abuse? I know, I know..what if they lie and say "hunting"? Easy, recurring checks for a current state hunting license. If they say they;re gonna hunt with it but never buy a license, they've likely falsified information on a federal document..a felony......and felons can't have guns. Any of this stuff can be used to toss up red flags and draw the attention of an investigator or interviewer, either in house (as in at a government office) or in person.
Not to mention that if a guy says he's gonna use a Glock for hunting...he's probably lying. The guy buying a bolt-action rifle, not so much.
As much as they push bullshit, there is one position that the NRA is correct on, and that is that - as you say - existing law is not strongly enforced. Of course they have an agenda in pushing that angle, but the fact of the matter is it's true. Unlicensed de facto dealers, straw purchases, etc - all unlawful, and inadequately enforced.
Oregon and Washington have both instituted universal background checks for person-to-person sales. Practically speaking, this means that such sales are required to be handled via a licensee.
Years ago I was a hard-line strong 2nd amendment advocate, but no part of the constitution is a suicide pact. There's little that can be done about the millions already out there, but as you have said, the average firearm is gathering dust in a closet. I used to own a collection of old war relics and a few modern guns. When I made the decision to go gun-free, not one had been out of storage in 15 years. I know a guy locally who probably owns close to a thousand guns, all old war relics, completely unsuitable for much of anything, and gathering dust. I have no idea how ubiquitous that experience is, but I don't think the guy with a closet full of dusty Mosin-Nagants and Mausers is much of a threat to anyone.
Better enforcement, better scrutinization of transfers, and more effective removal of firearms from prohibited persons is needed.
