Gun control groups are pushing model legislation in state capitals that would require reporting of lost or stolen guns. Examples I've seen require this report with 72 hours of realization.
I understand that the idea is to discourage straw buyers who plan to use the excuse that their gun was stolen if ever confronted by their purchase turning up in some untoward location. Perhaps this would produce a measurable deterrent, though I doubt it. My question is could anyone but the most dimwitted ever be prosecuted under these laws? Suppose that police knock on the door and ask, "What happened to the gun that according to records show you purchased last August?" If the resident answers, "Just a moment, it's in my closet. I'll get it and show you." And after several minutes, he returns saying, "Oh my gosh, it's not there. I need to report this right away, do you have the forms?" How could such a person be prosecuted? Only the least coached straw buyer would trap themselves with a statement that the gun went missing a month ago. Is there more to this than jst posturing, and I don't see it? _______________________________________________ To post, send message to [email protected] To subscribe, unsubscribe, change options, or get password, see http://lists.ucla.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/firearmsregprof Please note that messages sent to this large list cannot be viewed as private. Anyone can subscribe to the list and read messages that are posted; people can read the Web archives; and list members can (rightly or wrongly) forward the messages to others.
