I would support requiring an eligibility certificate for long-gun purchases because a permit gives the impression that someone could carry it loaded outside the home. That's not what we want to do.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Most people who are looking to get a handgun are going to get a carry permit. But most people don't carry around rifles with them; they keep them at home or at the range.
Clearly, a large number of people who shouldn't have firearms actually apply through the process and obtain firearms.
We should have a system of licensing and registration, we should treat firearms the same way that automobiles are treated so that people have to pass a safety test.
It seems ridiculous that you can be in one state with your driver's license and buy a firearm, and then in the next state it is totally illegal. There are real problems to that, but as soon as you bring up the subject and say 'gun control,' it sets a red flag.
There is no reason for anyone in this country, anyone except a police officer or a military person, to buy, to own, to have, to use a handgun... and the only way to do that is to change the Constitution.
Should we have background checks, waiting periods? To drive a car you have to pass a test that shows you know how to drive your car safely, you should have to do the same thing with guns.
You can't really escape the fact that more reasonable gun regulations and procedures need to be in place, a strengthening and tightening of the national background check system. I don't know why any civilian would ever be able to purchase an assault weapon or the parts that go with it.
We need sensible gun safety measures. The federal government could do something about this; they could show up.
I don't believe there should be any restrictions when it comes to firearms. None.
We should be licensing everybody with a gun. I have to have a license for my dog. I have to have a license for my car. If you're going to do my hair later you have to have a license... We don't require a license to own a firearm?