And there are different requirements to purchase each. It's not the same buying a gun as buying a sandwich. That's all I was saying.
Actually, that's exactly what I thought he meant - literally buying a gun at the supermarket. He lives in a different country where that is a completely foreign concept. You can literally walk into a Fred Meyer and walk out with a gallon of milk, some disposable diapers and a gun. Are there any countries in Europe where you can do the same? To me, the poster seemed more incredulous than sarcastic. BNM
The last time I bought a gun was at the Beaverton GI Joes about 40 years ago. And it was different than it is now. And I never bought a gun in California so I have no idea how easy or difficult it is. But it appeared ridiculous to offer hard liquor and firearms at the same counter.
You can buy a gun at the same place as a sandwich in this country, but of course the requirements are different. You can also buy alcohol and pick up prescription drugs there, too. The requirement is different for each - as it should be. What's on your list today? BNM
Guns, liquor and opioids. Then I'm gonna bag me a deer shooting from my pickup at night while drinking and popping pills until I fall asleep in the front sleep. After that, I'm going home to Louisiana where I can really let loose.
Honestly don't remember but I did have to fill out a form complete with my address. Of course, I no longer live at that address.
Yeah that does sound crazy. We Americans love our convenience, huh? But seriously, those stores shouldn't sell guns. Not just because of what you're saying, but simply because most of the time the people I've seen working those gun counters should not be responsible for selling guns. The Fred Meyer near me doesn't have anyone that works the gun counter really, you just flag down the nearest employee and they call someone to bring a key to open the case if you want something. It makes me wonder if they'd know how to spot a shady straw purchase.
Bull. At least not legally. As a current Californian, you can't even get a box of ammo without a background check. And Safeway does not sell guns. California: 1) pass firearms safety written test' 2) select a gun from the highly restricted list of guns that California deems appropriate; 3) fill out paperwork, provide ID, utility bill, and finger print for background check; 4) wait 10 days for background check; 5) finally pick up; The most fun part is that even after you own a gun, and you want a second one, you have to wait 30 days, and another 10-day waiting period. You can even be licensed for concealed carry, with all the huge requirements and background checks that entails, and still have to wait 10 days.
It's not bull shit, that's for certain. I didn't say it was what's going on today, I said it happened sometime in the past. Therefor, since you obviously weren't aware way back then, maybe 45 years ago or so, please don't effectively call me a liar.
So, how do you feel about private sales in the 31 states that don't require any kind of background check or even an ID? Should those people be allowed to sell (and buy) firearms? Are they more, or less, qualified than the workers at Fred Meyer? I suppose some are more qualified and some less, but one thing is sure, they are less regulated (not at all) than the employees at Fred Meyer. The Fred Meyer employees may not know how to spot a "shady straw" purchase, but at least they know the regulations and how to fill out the required paperwork. Personally, I'm not really comfortable with either sales model. I would prefer all gun sales be conducted by trained, skilled professionals. Just like I prefer to get my prescription medication from a licensed pharmacist and hire a licensed and bonded contractor to work on my roof. Not all regulations are bad. Most exist for a reason. BNM
It's kind of mind boggling how much the process varies from state to state. I'm not an expert on the laws of all 50 states, but doesn't California have the strictest regulations on the purchasing of fire arms? Isn't it MUCH easy to buy a gun in Idaho, Montana or even Nevada, which shares a very long border with California, especially when buying from a private seller. If someone can't get a gun in California, what's to prevent them from driving across the state line and buying the weapon of their choice in Nevada*? *My understanding is Nevada technically has a law on the books that requires background checks for the private sale of firearms, but chooses not enforce that regulation. So, technically, buying a gun in Nevada without a background check is illegal. In practical terms, what good is a law you choose not to enforce? I suppose you could charge someone with an additional crime after they've committed another crime with that weapon, but that's kind of like closing the barn door after the horse is out. BNM
This thread is gonna go OT. So the FUCK what? You should have to go through more to purchase a firearm.
The state will also take away your license to drive for any number of reasons, including not paying child support. (Kind of ironic that people generally need a license to drive a car to get to work to make money to pay child support, but whatever.)
I personally wouldn't mind conducting a background check on a private sale as long as it's convenient and cheap. Basically instead of meeting someone from Craigslist in a deserted parking lot we'd meet at the closest FFL, run a background check, then complete the sale. This won't stop hardened criminals, but it protects people like me who lack the experience spotting the straw purchasers or just bad guys in general. I would think very few law abiding gun owners wants to sell their guns to criminals who will use it in their crimes. For me it'd be worth it.
I am a gun owner, and I have NO problem with thorough background checks. Nobody needs a gun that fast unless they plan to do wrong. Patience is one of the biggest things that lacks among us. Chillout America. Not sure that the background checks today are very thorough at all.
