Need help defending ftf transfers

[monotonous_iterancy]

I've been debating with anti-gun people, and they seem to think that ftf transfers are a problem that allows anyone to get a gun. Recently I was linked this hysterical and inaccurate article.

So how to defend the notion that we should allow private sales?

 

[rbernie]

How about showing them that the DoJ statistics do not support the notion that FTF sales are a significant source of guns in the hands of prohibited folk nor do they show any linkage between crime rates and gun sale restrictions?

Debate them with facts - not sound bytes.

 

[monotonous_iterancy]

How about showing them that the DoJ statistics do not support the notion that FTF sales are a significant source of guns in the hands of prohibited folk nor do they show any linkage between crime rates and gun sale restrictions?

Where are these statistics?

 

[Cesiumsponge]

Ask them how many of the mass shootings they're fond of bringing up had a firearm obtained via a private FTF sale with no background check? The mass shooters either killed the owner of the guns and stole the guns, stole the guns, or bought them legally since they had no prior issues that would set up a red flag. If they're so fond of saying "assault weapons were used, so ban them", tell them to name how many mass shootings used weapons obtained from a FTF transfer.

 

[rbernie]

Where are these statistics?

I have, in the past, researched the topic at http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/. If that doesn't work for you, you may find what you need at http://www.gunfacts.info/.

Several folk have posted relevant excerpts from those stats here - you might try a search of THR as well.

 

[monotonous_iterancy]

Ask them how many of the mass shootings they're fond of bringing up had a firearm obtained via a private FTF sale with no background check?

I think that the guns used at Columbine were obtained through an acquaintance doing private transfers. Straw purchases, but still straw purchases using private transfers. What about that?

 

[rbernie]

Straw purchases are already illegal. Will making them any more illegal stop the behavior?

 

[hso]

You can point out that criminals aren't using legal FTF transactions now and won't be motivated to if FTF transactions have to go through NICS.

You can also use the same arguments as with modern sporting rifles and their magazines that we've presented here.

The American public have been lied to until they believe that there are high violent crime rates due FTF sales, magazine capacity, or type of firearm and we have to use facts to show them the truth. Luckily, those facts are available in the Uniform Crime Report.