Meanwhile on the other side of teh gun control debate......

[Major Robert Dump]

Two points:

1 -- What will the registry prevent?

2 -- If most guns used in crimes are illegal, then why would they ever be registered in the first place? Or is this one of those situations where authorities typically just ignore long guns, and anyone found in possession of one can claim it is legal and the cops have no way to prove or disprove? How is this not unlike making a registry for illegal immigrants, or requiring illegal drugs to have a tax stamp? Could this possibly just be another attempt to collect fines/revenue by stacking another charge on someone for "unregistered" weapon?

[lars573]

Two points:

1 -- What will the registry prevent?

It was a product of the hysteria of the Bush 1 era mass shootings we had, most in the Quebec. Another was the ban on any rifle semi-auto rifle or with a mag capacity of more than 5 rounds. With 2 exceptions, the Lee Enfield and the M1 Garand. Enumerated in the law by name. But it's intended purpose was to have every legal to own firearm in the nation traceable by police.

2 -- If most guns used in crimes are illegal, then why would they ever be registered in the first place? Or is this one of those situations where authorities typically just ignore long guns, and anyone found in possession of one can claim it is legal and the cops have no way to prove or disprove? How is this not unlike making a registry for illegal immigrants, or requiring illegal drugs to have a tax stamp? Could this possibly just be another attempt to collect fines/revenue by stacking another charge on someone for "unregistered" weapon?

Unless a gun related crime involved a hunting rifle or a shotgun it was probably totally illegal. Pistols have been restricted since 1934, and have a registry that's not going anywhere. It's illegal for private individuals to own full-auto or semi-auto rifles. And really a simple back ground check on anyone can tell whether they should be in possession of a gun or not. To even own a gun you have to be licensed. And the licensing for pistols and rifles are separate issuances.