Updated from the original TTAG post
1. Prohibition of sound suppressors.
In some states, I understand it is illegal to own a sound suppressor
for a gun. To me this makes no sense. I’d be happy to eliminate these
laws. People who qualify to own guns should be able to own and use sound
suppressors if they like.
On the other hand, isn’t it possible that some people might misuse
them to better commit their crimes? Aside from the Hollywood stereotype
of mafia hit men and James-Bond type killers, isn’t it possible that
your run-of-the-mill bad guys might benefit from such an accessory? Yes
indeed, however, just like your run-of-the-mill bad guys can misuse
guns, and total prohibition is not the answer to that, outright bans on
sound suppressors is not the answer to this either.
Here are gun control laws that I do support, the
explanations for which I’ve written frequently and will forego here
since I wanted to focus on any gun control laws I might be comfortable
doing away with.
2. Waiting periods for gun purchases.
With a slight modification I would be willing to fore go this one too. New, first time purchasers have to wait, all others can collect their weapons immediately after paying for them
3. Prohibition of extended magazines for pistols.
I was on the
fence about this one but the convincer for me was the Jared Loughner
shooting. No need to rehash it here, but it proved to me that
high-capacity magazines help to kill people who otherwise might not be
killed. The only argument for them that makes any sense to me is that
the Jared Loughner-type shootings are extremely rare. Nevertheless, a
law prohibiting this particular accessory works for me, as do the following:
4. Gun free zones.
5. Requiring permits for concealed carry.
6. Licensing of gun owners.
7. Registration of guns.
8. Background check requirement for private sales.
9. Loss of gun rights for every negligent gun offense.
10. Assault Weapons Ban.
I realize there are problems with describing
the proscribed weapons, but I can’t quite bring myself to oppose it.
Perhaps the California version would work.
Again, there are two gun control laws I could live without: the
ban on suppressors and the waiting period for those who already own guns. Does that make me a fanatic or an extremist? I don’t
think so. What do you think?
I’d especially be interested if you can
come up with any other gun control laws I might agree are not needed. I
can’t think of any.
Debate Magazine
