I really enjoy discussing “reasonable gun control” with those that are incredibly ignorant about what that actually means. In the last couple of years, everyone seems to be pushing for Universal 
Background Checks to fix what they see as the:
- Gun Show Loophole
- Internet Sales Loophole
First, there are no such loopholes. Let me be as crystal clear as I can on the topic: “There are no loopholes.” People can’t go to a gun show and buy a gun in any different way than purchasing outside of a gun show. The exact same laws apply at gun shows that apply anywhere else. The same is true of Internet sales. The ignorant seem to believe that you can order guns from the Internet and have them delivered directly to your home. It is not true.
Why are gun owners against Universal Background Checks?
Let’s outline some of the basic reasons, all of which make felons of law abiding citizens:
Inability to loan a gun to a friend or family member – This sounds like it would be reasonable to not loan guns, but let’s remember, this also applies to those that have permits and those that already own guns.
- “Hey Dad, my gun has to go in for repair. Can I borrow the extra gun that you have so I can continue to protect myself?” Background check.
- “Hey Dad, my gun was fixed, and I got it back. I will drop off your gun this afternoon.” Background check.
- “Sally, I know that you had to file a protection order against so and so, and that they are still making threats. Yeah, I know you have the training and necessary skills. I will let you borrow a gun so you can protect yourself.” Background check.
It does not matter if the person is a certified firearms instructor with a concealed handgun permit and the ability to train others so they can get their concealed handgun permit. Background check.
Inability to let others try a gun of another person, even at a range, and even under supervision of the owner – Again, what sounds reasonable is far from reasonable. People like to go to the range and shoot together to help each other with improving their accuracy and also to try out some different guns to see what works best for them. This would not be possible without a background check.
- “Hey Steve, I hear you are thinking about buying gunbrandx, you can try mine and see how you like it.” Background check.
- “Hey Joe, I am going to the range, can I borrow your gunbrandx so I can try it out?” Background check.
Again, this applies whether everyone involved has permits or even if they are certified instructors.
Inability to store guns of friends and family – There are many times when it makes sense to store guns with friends or family members.
- “Joe, I am going to London for six months to work on a project. Can I put my guns in your safe while I am gone?” Background check.
- “Joe, I just got back from my extended trip away, can I pick up my guns from you later this week?” Background check.
- “Hey, Harry, we just got an evacuation order. I am going to stay at my brother’s house. Can I store my guns in your safe until they allow us back?” Background check.
- “Hey, Harry, they are letting us get back to our house, can I pick up my guns?” Background check.
- “Joe, you know my wife just died from cancer. I am feeling a little down. Can you store my guns for a bit until I feel better?” Background check.
- “Joe, I talked to a therapist, and they agree that I am clearly better and am not at any risk with having my guns. Can I come and get them?” Background check. This applies even if medication is not prescribed or anyone made any recommendations.
Consignment sales – Let’s say somebody wants to sell a gun or two and take it to Federal Firearms License holder to sell it for them.
- “Hey, Mr. Retailer, I decided I am not going to sell this gun after all, and I want to get it back from you.” Background check.
Criminals
Let’s not forget, criminals will not be going through these same processes. These laws and additional costs of doing the background checks only apply to the law abiding.
Summary
Universal background checks only impact the law abiding, inconvenience the law abiding, make it incredibly difficult to enjoy legally owned property in many cases.
If anyone thinks that this is a reasonable gun control, they need to be evaluated for mental instability.