Since an AK-47 buy-back scheme does not seem to be feasible, what are some opinions on what could be done to address the irresponsible use of firearms in the USA. I’ll start
- Raise the age to purchase a gun (pistol, rifle, or shotgun) to 21. Putting such weapons in the hands of children seem to me as irresponsible
- Restrict the sale of firearms that automatically load the next cartridge for subsequent firing to those above the age of 25. Again, a responsibility issue. Only breach-loaning or bolt-action for those under 25.
- Create harsh penalties for gun owners who provide guns to those who we have decided should not be allowed to have them. It is irresponsible for a gun owner to knowingly provide a gun to such people and also irresponsible for a gun owner not to secure his guns. Don’t keep your guns in a gun safe if your 16 year-old child knows the combination, for example.
- Require liability insurance for gun owners to cover both accidental and criminal liabilities. Again, it is simply the responsible thing to do.
While I am sure there would be obstacles to these ideas, most based on 2A issues, but nothing comes for free. I am pretty sure most Americans would agree that the 2A does not shield citizens from being responsible, which could be used to justify a lot of restrictions.
Clearly, actions that could be seen as taking guns away from responsible, law-abiding citizens are not going to work, even if they just encourage voluntary programs, since that is the expectation. But, requirements that insure that gun owners are responsible might have a chance.