So this morning in my school paper there was an article about how there are "gun show loopholes" that allow prohibited persons to buy firearms. It was filled with your typical liberal anti-gun propaganda, and nothing would make me happier than to write a response (that would be published on Thursday) pointing out the flaws in the arguments made against gun shows. Basically, the author said the following:
1) Anyone can go to a MA gun show and buy guns because private sellers are not required to ask for ID or do a NICS check on the purchaser. This would allow for prohibited persons to buy guns.
2) Anyone can drive up to NH and buy guns at the gun shows since the private sellers there are not required to ask for ID or do a NICS check. This would allow for prohibited persons to buy guns.
Now while statement #1 is semi correct, it is not the full truth. Private sellers aren't required to do a NICS check but they have to look at the buyer's LTC/FID before carrying out the transaction. By law, only persons allowed to have firearms can have an LTC and if you become a prohibited person you will lose your LTC and therefore be unable to buy or own any more guns. This counter-point I'm confident in making because its correct.
Statement #2 on the other hand I can't so confidently refute. I know that residents of other states cannot buy firearms from private sellers in NH because federal law requires an FFL for interstate transfers. What is required for a FTF transfer in NH to legally take place? Is the seller required to verify the buyer lives in NH so they aren't breaking interstate sale of firearms laws? The author of the article claimed no ID is required so its very easy for non-residents to buy guns at gun shows. Is there any truth to that statement? Would any of you be able to direct me to the NH law that requires private sellers to check the residency/age of the buyers? Is a residency check all that is required?
Thanks
1) Anyone can go to a MA gun show and buy guns because private sellers are not required to ask for ID or do a NICS check on the purchaser. This would allow for prohibited persons to buy guns.
2) Anyone can drive up to NH and buy guns at the gun shows since the private sellers there are not required to ask for ID or do a NICS check. This would allow for prohibited persons to buy guns.
Now while statement #1 is semi correct, it is not the full truth. Private sellers aren't required to do a NICS check but they have to look at the buyer's LTC/FID before carrying out the transaction. By law, only persons allowed to have firearms can have an LTC and if you become a prohibited person you will lose your LTC and therefore be unable to buy or own any more guns. This counter-point I'm confident in making because its correct.
Statement #2 on the other hand I can't so confidently refute. I know that residents of other states cannot buy firearms from private sellers in NH because federal law requires an FFL for interstate transfers. What is required for a FTF transfer in NH to legally take place? Is the seller required to verify the buyer lives in NH so they aren't breaking interstate sale of firearms laws? The author of the article claimed no ID is required so its very easy for non-residents to buy guns at gun shows. Is there any truth to that statement? Would any of you be able to direct me to the NH law that requires private sellers to check the residency/age of the buyers? Is a residency check all that is required?
Thanks