How would you, personally, sort out gun laws in America?

[Withano]

Is there a reasonable solution? Or are we just supposed to watch on for a few generations of mass murders?

[Withano]

I was thinking that they could start by making most bullets illegal. The sale of a bullet would be a crime but perhaps they can keep their pistols and bullets for them or something, whilst they recall all the unnecessary ****. I'd imagine that'll take 20 odd years at the least, and the mere suggestion of it will cause a few murders but like, gotta start somewhere surely?

[Beso]

Unfortunatly in america its probably best to carry a side arm.

Let them carry on, a few bad apples shouldn't spoil it for everyone.

[Crimson Dynamo]

As i have said before the small amount of deaths are, for most, a fair price to pay for having the gun laws they have

I doubt many see it as much of a problem as we do

[user104658]

Is there a reasonable solution? Or are we just supposed to watch on for a few generations of mass murders?There's no quick solution IMO, you'd probably need to start with education at an early age (and people probably wouldn't even be happy about that) and then I would say, first and foremost, a ban on guns in cities, followed by 'burbs, and finally extending it to a smaller rural towns and areas after several decades where you'd probably have to make it still legal to own smaller calibre rifles etc. (but with stricter regulations)

Another big problem would be that the US is so heavily consumerist, so the population would find it very hard to swallow if they had to give up an expensive assault rifle, for example, without being reimbursed for the cost.

And you would need both of the political parties to be on board, as one isn't going to do it if the other can campaign on it.

Honestly I think a full ban at this point, at any time in out lifetimes, would be impossible. I think the best that could be hoped for is much stricter regulations on purchase (an online, active licensing system that updates immediately if the license is revoked and is checked EVERY time a gun is sold... None of this being able to lie on a form crap) and eventually maybe restrictions on the types of guns that can be sold. I.e. No high powered semi-automatic assault weaponry... It's insane that it was ever allowed.

[smudgie]

Give everybody a water pistol.
Might sound glib, but the gun laws at present don't seem to protect you.:shrug:

[UserSince2005]

Id do a swap a gun for a sex toy programme if i was president

with a sachet of lube for each bullet.

[Greg!]

As i have said before the small amount of deaths are, for most, a fair price to pay for having the gun laws they have

I doubt many see it as much of a problem as we do

Is this a joke

[Greg!]

They need to introduce proper common sense thorough background checks so that severely mentally ill people and literal terror suspects can't just easily tick a box and buy a gun.

[Livia]

If I was in charge...

Revolvers only, so a six-shot capacity before reload and a max calibre of .45. That's big enough to anyone. Also, single shot hunting rifles only. Long prison sentences for anyone in possession of a illegal gun and no one with mental health issues or a criminal record to be granted a licence.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Is this a joke

which part do you find amusing or have evidence to disagree with?

[Niamh.]

If I was in charge...

Revolvers only, so a six-shot capacity before reload and a max calibre of .45. That's big enough to anyone. Also, single shot hunting rifles only. Long prison sentences for anyone in possession of a illegal gun and no one with mental health issues or a criminal record to be granted a licence.

and anyone who sells to a person with records of either of those to be prosecuted as well. Might make them more thorough when doing their checks, not just tick a box like that last guy

[Livia]

and anyone who sells to a person with records of either of those to be prosecuted as well. Might make them more thorough when doing their checks, not just tick a box like that last guy

Totally agree.

[Northern Monkey]

Another perspective

B5ELyG9V1SY

If you cut the horns off the gazelle you just make it easier for the leopard.
America is probably at that point now.Guns seem to prevent more deaths than they cause.

[bots]

the only way it can be changed is by changing public opinion on the necessity for guns. There are too many weapons in circulation now for any law to be effective

[jaxie]

I'd start by taking the automatics and semi automatics out of public and hunting hands and limit them to hand guns. Then I'd have stricter rules on who can get the hand guns. I'd limit hunting to six shot or less rifles.

I'd cap the hunting bias of the DNR and push their focus back to conservation rather than pandering to the hunting bucks and I'd educate all the upcoming generations away from gun dependency.

[Withano]

I was thinking that they could start by making most bullets illegal. The sale of a bullet would be a crime but perhaps they can keep their pistols and bullets for them or something, whilst they recall all the unnecessary ****. I'd imagine that'll take 20 odd years at the least, and the mere suggestion of it will cause a few murders but like, gotta start somewhere surely?

I've changed my mind, I think they should start with banning the most leathal guns first, and then ban the rest on a downward scale.

I think making punishments for the sale or the manufacturing of bullets is important in this too.

(Seems like a good time to bump this)

[Withano]

I also think their entire justice system needs a look at. Often murder is round a life sentence, and murdering two people is around... two life sentences.. and murdering a group of people... several life sentences for that one individual.

When a guy murders someone in America, theres not really a reason for them to not go on a killing spree. Its the exact same punishment, with a more daft title.

[thesheriff443]

Mental health idea is silly, anyone can suffer mental health problems at any time, so you could buy a gun with good mental Heath and then have bad mental.

[Oliver_W]

It might have helped if some of the multiple concerns which were raised about the recent shooter were followed up. And in general, if people with mental health issues had a decent support network, they would hopefully be less likely to fall so low.

Encouraging fathers to remain present in their kids' lives even if the relationship with mother falls apart would help too. Kids having two parents is one of the biggest variables when it comes to success in life, and if I recall correctly, out of the past large scale shooters in the past decade, only one had his dad in his life.

[Rob!]

As i have said before the small amount of deaths are, for most, a fair price to pay for having the gun laws they have

I doubt many see it as much of a problem as we do

Small amount? SMALL amount? :laugh:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u57n8d6M0CA/U9IYOc1rYII/AAAAAAAAI1c/pb0db-llFQc/w1537-h2048/Handguns.png

[Tom4784]

Guns will never be realistically completely banned in America so I'd suggest the following.

-Prohibit the sales of Assault Rifles and military grade weaponry to citizens, there's no reason why anyone should be able to pick up an assault rifle. It's not a defensive weapon, it's not one suited for hunts, it's a weapon to kill and nothing more.

-Outlaw same day sales, make checks meaningful and make it so that people who have violent criminal offences on their record cannot legally own a gun. With the more minor of violent crimes, I'd potentially put a caveat that they could potentially legally purchase a gun if they don't commit any more offences for a period of time.

-Psychological checks must be mandatory and be more in depth then what they are now.

-No sales of guns to anyone under the age of 21.

-Make it so that people who own guns must house them in a safe way that's out of reach of children or anyone that would seek to misuse the guns.

[Beso]

Block all news coverage of america and americans.

[GoldHeart]

Is there a reasonable solution? Or are we just supposed to watch on for a few generations of mass murders?

Not make guns so readily available to any tom dick & Harry :nono: .
Have restrictions on who's allowed a gun ,law enforcement get first priority for guns . And trained army etc . Also limit the type of weapons.

Its disgusting and stupid that any unhinged angry student can go on a killing spree with any choice of fire arm as he or she pleases :facepalm: . Make it impossible and illegal to own a gun unless you need it for your job or you're trained and responsible.

[Northern Monkey]

So tricky.Even if you put huge restrictions on sales there’s already probably millions of AR’s already out there in the population.
No way could the authorities try disarming the population without a full scale war.Towns with armed barricades etc.
I honestly can’t see a fix within the century.It’s gonna take careful baby steps with as TS said an ‘education’ program.
You can’t just change a country’s DNA by whacking some new laws in.Not that that could be easily achieved anyway.

[James]

Here's an article I came across that might interest people.


How to Buy a Gun in 15 Countries

By AUDREY CARLSEN and SAHIL CHINOY
MARCH 2, 2018


Many Americans can buy a gun in less than an hour. In some countries, the process takes months. Here are the basic steps for how most people buy a gun in 15 of them. Many countries have exceptions for specialized professions, and local laws vary.

United States
1 Pass an instant background check that includes criminal convictions, domestic violence and immigration status.
2 Buy a gun.

Many states have additional buying restrictions, including waiting periods and expanded background checks. Roughly a third of American gun owners buy guns without a background check, which federal law does not require when buying directly from a private seller.

Japan
1 Join a hunting or shooting club.
2 Take a firearm class and pass a written exam, which is held up to three times a year.
3 Get a doctor’s note saying you are mentally fit and do not have a history of drug abuse.
4 Apply for a permit to take firing training, which may take up to a month.
5 Describe in a police interview why you need a gun.
6 Pass a review of your criminal history, gun possession record, employment, involvement with organized crime groups, personal debt and relationships with friends, family and neighbors.
7 Apply for a gunpowder permit.
8 Take a one-day training class and pass a firing test.
9 Obtain a certificate from a gun dealer describing the gun you want.
10 Buy a gun safe and an ammunition locker that meet safety regulations.
11 Allow the police to inspect your gun storage.
12 Pass an additional background review.
13 Buy a gun.

Some countries require buyers to accurately hit a target or demonstrate safe handling procedures.

South Africa
1 Join an accredited hunting or shooting club, or document a need for self-defense.
2 Complete firearm safety training and pass a written test and practical assessment.
3 Give two employers, friends or community leaders as references.
4 Get fingerprinted.
5 Pass a review of criminal behavior, history of domestic violence and drug abuse and, in some cases, interviews with family and neighbors.
6 Buy a gun safe that meets safety regulations.
7 Allow police to inspect your storage.
8 Wait several months for a federal review of your application.
9 Buy a gun.

Authorities in South Africa, Australia and India may talk to people you know who can vouch for you or raise red flags.

Mexico
1 Get a letter from the local authorities confirming that you do not have a criminal record.
2 Submit a letter showing your employment status and pay.
3 Pass a background check that considers criminal history, employment and current gun ownership.
4 Travel to Mexico City, where the only store authorized to sell guns is located.
5 Get fingerprinted.
6 Buy a gun.

Mexico, Russia and South Africa have thriving black markets for guns. Only one store in Mexico sells guns legally, compared with more than 50,000 retail stores in the United States.

Australia
1 Join and regularly attend a hunting or shooting club, or document that you’re a collector.
2 Complete a course on firearm safety and operation, and pass a written test and practical assessment.
3 Arrange firearm storage that meets safety regulations.
4 Pass a review that considers criminal history, domestic violence, restraining orders and arrest history. Authorities may also interview your family and community members.
5 Apply for a permit to acquire a specific type of weapon.
6 Wait at least 28 days.
7 Buy the specific type of gun you received a permit for.

In response to a 1996 mass shooting, Australia made guns a privilege, not a right. Gun owners must provide a valid reason for owning a weapon, such as farming or hunting, and gun clubs must inform the authorities of inactive members.

Austria
1 To get a handgun or semiautomatic rifle, prove you are in serious physical danger.
2 Pass a review of criminal history.
3 Fill out a mental health survey, and complete a psychological and physical test.
4 Complete a course on safe gun handling and storage.
5 Install safe gun storage.
6 Buy a gun.
7 If you bought a rifle or shotgun, wait three days before coming back to pick it up.

Austria requires different steps to get a hunting rifle, including passing a written exam and shooting test.
Austria’s three-day “cool off” period is intended to reduce the likelihood of impulsive violence.

Canada
1 To buy a handgun, prove that you practice at an approved shooting club or range, or show that you are a gun collector.
2 For any gun, complete a safety course and pass both a written and a practical test.
3 Ask for two references.
4 Apply for a permit, and wait 28 days before processing begins.
5 Pass a background check that considers your criminal record, mental health, addiction and domestic violence history.
6 Buy a gun. If you bought a handgun, register it with the police before taking it home.

In addition to two character references, Canadians must list the names of partners they have lived with in the last two years, all of whom must sign the application or be notified by the police before they can buy a gun.

India
1 Join a shooting club, or show that you or your property are under threat.
2 Attend a practical training course on firearm handling and shooting.
3 Obtain a certificate of physical and mental health from your doctor.
4 Affirm that you have a safe place to keep the firearms.
5 Pass a review that considers three years of tax returns, criminal history, mental health history and domestic violence, and includes interviews with you, your family and neighbors.
6 Buy a gun.

The exact steps in India, as in many countries, vary depending on how local officials choose to enforce the law.
The Indian authorities may impound guns during an election to ensure that the vote is peaceful. Guns must be returned to their owners one week after the results are announced.

Germany
1 Join a shooting club, obtain a hunting license, demonstrate you are a gun collector or prove that your life is threatened.
2 Demonstrate specialized knowledge of firearms, which may involve a written exam and practical demonstration of safe handling.
3 If you’re under 25, submit a certificate of mental fitness from a public health officer or doctor.
4 Arrange proper firearm storage.
5 Pass a background check that considers criminal history, mental health and drug addiction.
6 Apply for a permit to purchase a specific gun, which may include an additional short background review.
7 Buy a gun.

Germans who keep firearms in their homes agree to let the police conduct unannounced home inspections to check that they are kept safely. The United States has no requirement for how firearms must be stored.

Britain
1 Join a shooting club, or document hunting arrangements.
2 Ask for a character reference.
3 Arrange proper firearm storage.
4 Pass background check that includes a police interview at your home. They may check your storage arrangements.
5 Buy a gun.

Some police forces may handle the background check with more diligence than others. The exact procedure varies.

Brazil
1 Write a statement about why you need a gun for self-defense.
2 Complete a course on firearm handling and demonstrate that you can strike a target? from 16? and 23? feet away with ?60 percent accuracy.
3 Obtain a statement from an accredited psychologist certifying that you are mentally fit to fire a weapon.
4 Obtain a certificate confirming that you have no criminal record? and are not under criminal investigation.
5 Buy a gun.
6 Register your gun with federal police.
7 Fill out an online form in order to transport your gun.
8 Return to the dealer and pick up your gun.

Brazil requires authorization every time you transport a gun, including the first time you take it home from a gun dealership.

Russia
1 Get a hunting license, or explain why you need a gun for self-defense.
2 Pass a test of relevant laws, handling and first-aid skills.
3 Get a doctor’s note saying you have no mental illness or history of drug abuse.
4 Attend a firearm safety and handling class and pass an exam.
5 Apply for a license.
6 Pass a background check.
7 Buy a gun.

Many Russian gun buyers skip this process. Illegal guns in Russia are estimated to outnumber legal guns by a factor of 3 to 1.

Israel
1 Join a shooting club, or prove that you live or work in a dangerous area authorized for gun ownership, including certain settlements.
2 Get a doctor’s note saying you have no mental illness or history of drug abuse.
3 Install a gun safe.
4 Release your criminal and mental health history to the authorities.
5 Buy a gun and a limited supply of bullets, usually around 50.
6 Demonstrate that you can use your gun or a similar gun at a firing range before taking it home.

Many countries, including Israel, also allow people with certain jobs to more easily obtain guns, including security, research and pest control.

China
1 Establish a specific reason to possess a firearm, such as hunting or sports shooting.
2 Arrange to store your gun at a gun range, remote hunting ground or pastoral area.
3 Demonstrate knowledge of safe gun use and storage.
4 Pass a background check that considers mental illness, criminal record and domestic violence.
5 Buy a gun.

In China, most civilians are prohibited from keeping guns in their homes. Guns must be kept at gun ranges or in other authorized locations.

Yemen
1 Go to a gun market or find a seller online.
2 Buy a gun.

Yemen has the second-highest gun ownership rate in the world, after the United States. While Yemeni law states that buyers must obtain guns from licensed dealers and register with the authorities, the law is largely unenforced.


Reporting was contributed by Damien Cave from Sydney, Australia; Isabel Kershner from Jerusalem; Iliana Magra from London; Oleg Matsnev from Moscow; Norimitsu Onishi from Johannesburg; Sergio Peçanha from New York; Suhasini Raj from New Delhi; Austin Ramzy from Hong Kong; Christopher F. Schuetze from Berlin; and Hisako Ueno from Tokyo.

Sources: GunPolicy.org; Law Library of Congress; Hans-Jörg Albrecht, Max Planck Institute for Foreign and International Criminal Law; Farea Al-Muslimi, Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies; Philip Alpers, University of Sydney; Adam Baron, Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies; Blake Brown, Saint Mary's University; Wendy Cukier, Coalition for Gun Control; Laura Cutilletta, Giffords Law Center; Nils Duquet, Flemish Peace Institute; Octavio Rodríguez Ferreira, University of San Diego; José Manuel Heredia, Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas; Nestor Kapusta, Medical University of Vienna; Adèle Kirsten, Gun Free South Africa; Daniel König, Medical University of Vienna; Jooyoung Lee, University of Toronto; Ivan Marques, Instituto Sou da Paz; Rela Mazali, Gun Free Kitchen Tables; Samara McPhedran, Griffith University; Binalakshmi Nepram, Control Arms Foundation of India; Thomas Niederkrotenthaler, Medical University of Vienna; Rebecca Peters, International Action Network on Small Arms; Sandhya Ramesh; David Shirk, University of San Diego; Peter Squires, University of Brighton; A.J. Somerset.


https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/03/02/world/international-gun-laws.html

[James]

Another one about American attitudes to owning guns. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/05/opinion/mom-gun-safety-intruder.html

[michael21]

Is there a reasonable solution? Or are we just supposed to watch on for a few generations of mass murders?

Where you say laws the last time I check it wad against the law to murder

Ban all gun or just stop.making bullets

[Mystic Mock]

Make it harder for people to get guns by having to take rigorous psychological tests, and if the results show you to be mentally stable then you qualify to get a gun. Maybe another thing that could be implemented is to make sure that they even know how to use the gun that they're buying so that it stops any accidents from happening.

[-Sue-]

If I was in charge I would ban ALL high powered guns and military grade weaponry which should ONLY be available to people in the military that serve in wars!

That way americans can still have a hand gun and shotgun for when they want to be all macho and go shoot wabbits during hunting season) and it will keep them quiet about the right to bear arms! (not oozys!) constitution rubbish.. BUT all households are limited to the amount of guns they can have..AND its about time they changed the law on AGE of buying guns .. how on earth a kid can buy a gun before having alcohol legally is beyond me!