Are there any gun control laws that true gun-control advocates don’t like? I’ve been asked this question several times, usually by people inferring that I’m biased in my gun control attitudes. I honestly don’t think that’s the case, but let me try to answer the question and we’ll see . . .
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. 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.)
3. Gun free zones.
4. Requiring permits for concealed carry.
5. Licensing of gun owners.
6. Registration of guns.
7. Background check requirement for private sales.
8. Loss of gun rights for every negligent gun offense.
9. Assault Weapons Ban. (I realize there are problems with describing the proscribed weapons, but can’t quite bring myself to oppose it. Perhaps the California version would work.)
Again, there is only one gun control law I could live without: the ban on suppressors. 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.