A Proposal for better Gun Control

[Tab]

I offer a proposal for better gun control.

Why don't we implement background checks and licensing like a cross between driver's licenses and credit cards?

A person (say myself) who wants to own a gun (or drive a car) would first have to get a license. Preferably you'd have to take and pass a firearms safety test, like you need a driver's test, but that may be asking too much. At that time they'd do an initial background check. You'd be issued a license. It would act as your ID if needed, because it would need a photo and be able to verify it's you. The license would need to be renewed on a regular basis.

When you go to buy a gun, first you'd have to present the license. It is the gun shop's responsibility to authenticate it as you, just like the bartender has to authenticate your age.

Having satisfied themselves that the license represents you, they then swipe the card in a terminal (alternatively, make a phone call) to a state agency that validates your license hasn't been revoked. The dealer will get back an authorization code (or rejection). The gun shop should keep a record of the authorization code, just like they would a credit card, as that will be their defense if ever the sale was ever in question.

This assumes we agree to licensing and background checks, but I think that's going to be a point we will have to get to, hopefully soon.

[NutmegYankee]

1. This would likely do well.

Several states have a similar requirement to buy firearms. What gun owners don't want is people keeping tabs on what's stored inside their home.

[Fred Sanders]

6. What people do want is some action on gun control, why do you not agree?

Then when properly regulated, gun surrender programs can begin.

[onehandle]

2. License the guns, the owners, require insurance, require periodic tests and inspection of 'arms.'

Otherwise, jail.

[NutmegYankee]

3. You forgot to ask for a pony too. nt

[onehandle]

4. First things first.

Once they are truly 'well regulated' I will request the pony.

[NutmegYankee]

5. Given what you considered well regulated...

You might want to mummify that pony and have it buried with you in a pyramid for use in the After World.

[Decoy of Fenris]

7. Good luck getting the GC side onboard with this.

Still, I like the concept. So long as the government picked up the financial aspect of it, I don't see any glaring problems.

[Snobblevitch]

8. This 'license' you describe is called a permit to purchase in my state.

It is required to buy handguns and some semi-auto rifles. A gun safety course is not required to get a permit to purchase. A gun safety course is required for those who wish to get a CCW license. The CCW operates the same as a permit to purchase. There are no permits needed to buy shotguns, or other long guns, other than some semi-auto rifles.

It is fine by me to have the permit to purchase/license as long as there is no database kept on what guns I purchase.