What do you think the future holds for guns in America?

[c919]

So over the past few years we've had some interesting changes in gun laws and mentalities. I often hear people say that we are moving in the right direction, and we have certainly seen some victories in recently. OTOH, it's more common to hear of the inevitable bans and regulations (though, most of this talk comes from people trying to sell a product).

Do you think we are moving in the right direction or headed towards more regulations or bans?

There are definitely a ton of powerful people who want to take our rights away, that is undeniable. However, there are a ton of us "molon labe" folks as well.

So what do you think the future holds? Why?

 

[Walkalong]

There will be a big swing in our direction.

 

[MartinS]

"Less regulations, more freedom, more acceptance from the public"

Because it's like riding a bike, you have to look at where you want to go. Stare at the stump, hit the stump.

 

[skoro]

I'd like to see less restrictions, but realistically I think we'll stay about where we are with a few local exceptions here and there.

 

[NOLAEMT]

I think that it will go in our favor, if we stay vigilant. Never before has there been such acceptance of Concealed Carry, and armed self defense, we just need to expand on this wave of rational thinking and we might be alright.

 

[CletusFudd]

America will shortly be in a major financial crisis (like we're already not) and will be unable to continue to subsidize the legions of dependents it has created and is importing daily. When this happens there will be a breakdown of civil order. Couple this with the suppressed anger of the productive class and I predict a huge rise in firearm popularity and use. The ruling class will duck and cover using taxpayer resources and believe they will re-assert themselves when the dust has settled.

 

[RobertRogers]

I think it is swinging in our favor, for now. But we need to keep up the pressure because there are always fools who think that the police force or the Government will always protect them and act in their best interest. They do not understand that guns keep everyone free or that my gun has killed fewer people that Ted Kennedy's car.

 

[Corporal K]

As far as guns go as a stand-alone issue, things are trending well for us. Unfortunately, I wouldn't put it past our wonderful gov't to try to institute some kind of restriction or ban during a crisis.

 

[Buck Snort]

As far as guns go as a stand-alone issue, things are trending well for us. Unfortunately, I wouldn't put it past our wonderful gov't to try to institute some kind of restriction or ban during a crisis.

That's always when they strike. One of Hitler's henchmen noted that during a crisis whilst the populace is back on its heals the govmnt. can step in and impose restrictions that would not normally be implementable.

 

[Kwanger]

I've got it down as level pegging, at the mo. Can't see things getting freer anytime soon...on the other hand, there's too much else going on in the world for anyone to make a serious effort to tighten up the restrictions. Despite some "noise" from the folks that obsess about it, in reality gun control is a backwater issue at the moment - and given the uncertainty with everything else, any effort to tighten up restriction would be an instant political suicide move, IMO.

 

[Al LaVodka]

None of the above.

More regulations, less freedom, more acceptance from the public.

Al

 

[U-235]

I think a timeline is needed. The next 5-10 years, probably not too much change. 20-25 years from now, probably significant change

 

[whalerman]

This question seems to be coming up more frequently, and for the most part we express confidence in where things are headed. I hope you good folks are correct. I just don't happen to share your optimism.

The reasons I feel as I do involve some very influential institutions where we are not well represented. First off, our schools. Our kids have very little understanding of the Second Amendment, and what they do hear about it is simplistic, biased, and just plain wrong. Secondly, media. Although the internet has risen in influence dramatically, the mainstream media remains solidly anti gun, anti Second Amendment even though they support expansion of every other right, delineated by the Constitution or not. And lastly, we have seen and will continue to see a constant shift to the left by our judiciary. This is due to the decisions we have made at the ballot box. Folks here seem to acknowledge this fact, but comfortably hide behind the oft repeated response of "this nomination won't hurt us". I would add the word "yet" to that response. They will end up hurting us. Badly.

I hope I am mistaken on these views. But I see these movements as unstoppable. Freedom won the last Supreme Court vote by a 5-4 decision. Once the balance shifts, it will stay that way for a generation. We will never regain our freedoms. The kids will decide this, and they haven't a clue. And its not their fault. It is our fault for allowing our schools to decline into a propaganda machine.

 

[ArtP]

With the exception of CA, MA, NY, RI, NJ, MD and a couple other states, just how much less restrictive do you want it?

Let me explain:

If you're in a typical state like Colorado, you can easily get a CCW, you can have pretty much any weapon/magazine you want, except for fully auto and you have to pass a quick check before you can take possession to make sure you're not a felon or mental case. You can buy/sell/trade with your neighbors. With the exception of an addition 10% tax (all firearms and ammo) and a check to make sure you're qualified, how are there ANY restrictions?

I live in CA. It, like other populated left leaning states, outlaws assult weapons, hi-capacity magazines, has a 10 day wait on any gun, restricts purchases to an "approved" list, and can be near impossible to get a CCW. Folks in these states have something to complain about.

Where is it the rest of you feel restricted?

Enlighten me.

 

[JW2]

America will shortly be in a major financial crisis (like we're already not) and will be unable to continue to subsidize the legions of dependents it has created and is importing daily. When this happens there will be a breakdown of civil order. Couple this with the suppressed anger of the productive class and I predict a huge rise in firearm popularity and use. The ruling class will duck and cover using taxpayer resources and believe they will re-assert themselves when the dust has settled.

I agree with the first part of your statement about the financial crisis and the potential for civil unrest, but I fear that this will lead to a crackdown on firearms ownership/possession by the authorities who fear some sort of armed resistance.

 

[Zundfolge]

Actually I think we're going to see an odd future with More regulations, less freedom, however MORE acceptance from the public (and thus more disenfranchisement).

More and more mechanisms are being put in place to insulate those in power from the wishes of the people.

 

[Hunt480]

Seems to have gottin better in GA. ,that could change quickly with a new governor... I beleive the national park carry is the last gift forever from the feds...

 

[whalerman]

ArtP asks to be enlightened. As a NY resident I don't see where I could presume to serve in that capacity for anyone from California. I'm not going to list stupid gun laws in an attempt to convince you to feel oppressed. If you feel unbridled by gun laws and reside in CA, I'd have to compliment you on achieving a great deal of balance in your life. I haven't been able to pull that off here in NY. I can only hope the next generation is able to enjoy what you so comfortably take for granted.

 

[mljdeckard]

I am going to be cautious, in that momentum is very much in our favor right now, and I see progress for at least the next 20-30 years, in areas like repealing gun laws in places like Chicago and New York. I could even see a president getting leveraged into revisiting the '86 full-auto registry closure. (After the horse trading I have watched in the last 14 months, anything is possible.)

I don't think anything lasts forever, including this republic, but I don't think that it's dying tomorrow either. Loss of rights, death of democracy, genocide, and revolution will all likely occur, but not anytime soon.

 

[ArtP]

ArtP asks to be enlightened. As a NY resident I don't see where I could presume to serve in that capacity for anyone from California. I'm not going to list stupid gun laws in an attempt to convince you to feel oppressed. If you feel unbridled by gun laws and reside in CA, I'd have to compliment you on achieving a great deal of balance in your life. I haven't been able to pull that off here in NY. I can only hope the next generation is able to enjoy what you so comfortably take for granted.

Dude, you missed my whole point.

I said unless you live in one the oppressed states I listed - NY & CA were listed - what do you have to complain about?

You and I both have a LOT to complain about living in our states.

I'm asking what the rest of the population is complaining about.

 

[kenno]

"I'm asking what the rest of the population is complaining about"
He's BLIND TO THE IRONY, a true product of the California Public Indoctronation System

 

[ArtP]

"I'm asking what the rest of the population is complaining about"
He's BLIND TO THE IRONY, a true product of the California Public Indoctronation System

Tell me what you're complaining about - if you live in a free state. Don't just make make broad accusations.

 

[zorro45]

moving in the right direction

Yes, we are moving in the right direction. We all need to do our part to help this continue.
1. Join the NRA, your state gun owner's action league, etc. and be active.
2. Gun club members, reach out to your local LE agency and see if you can make your range available for qualifications, etc. Continued healthy exchanges between LE/ non-LE gun people is good for both sides.
3. Invite an anti- or non-shooter to the range with you. Make it fun, don't start off shooting human silouettes with a .45
4. Make sure your kids are familiar and safe w/ firearms.
5. Be prepared for a rational discussion when you encounter antis, not a redneck rant (no offense intended to fellow rednecks)
6. Emphasize the importance of keeping a clean record to your kids and their friends so they do not have any impediments to getting a CCW some day.
7. Support your local gun shop. If you have the good fortune to have an honest, friendly, informative local gun dealer, try to do business with him, instead of always trying to get a slightly better deal on the internet or at a big box store.
8.Participate in your club's educational programs, serve as a range officer, etc.
9. With permission of course introduce your kid's friends to shooting sports in a safe and fun way.
I'm sure the many members more experienced than I can come up with additional ideas.

 

[merlinfire]

I don't conceal carry, but I would like to see fewer restrictions and more protections for that, but beyond that I feel pretty comfortable. Sure I can't buy a machine gun, but I couldn't afford one anyway. Pretty much everything else is only a matter of paying the right tax and I can have it.

 

[David E]

You need to put a time frame on that poll.

In the short term, things will be far different than the long term.