Gun Control

Solution

   Any discussion on gun control should consist of the following regarding self-defense: a firearm's stopping power, the number of adversaries to defend against, and the distance of a typical confrontation.

   In nearly every situation regarding a firearm's stopping power, a .38 caliber is adequate enough to prevent an assailant from doing further harm upon others. Using a higher caliber would be overkill and poses a risk to the surrounding area in a residential community. Because of this, anything greater than a .38 caliber should be illegal for public use. Exceptions will be made if there is a need as with a park ranger requiring a .50 caliber against bear attacks.

   The second factor to consider for gun control is regarding the number of adversaries to defend against in a typical confrontation. On average, crimes are committed with less than six adversaries in a given situation. Because of this, it is unnecessary for firearms to provide a greater number of rounds than this since the additional firepower isn't truly needed. A greater factor in protecting oneself would be with proficiency in the firearm itself, rather than the number of rounds that may be available.

   Due to this reason, only revolver-style weapons should be permitted to the public than semi-automatic that uses magazines and are clip-loaded (may be easily modified). Only law enforcement personnel may carry other types of firearms than a six-round revolver in order to fulfill their duties to the community.

   The third factor to consider for gun control is the typical distance that may be necessary to protect oneself from harm. On average, crimes usually occur within a ten-meter (30 foot) distance. Since this is within range of a pistol, long firearms like military-style assault rifles should be banned since they are unnecessary to defend against at such short distances.

   After considering these factors, a fairly restrictive gun control policy may result for the nation, however, a person only really needs a six-round .38 caliber revolver for self-defense. Anything else is overkill and places the public at risk. Again, training and proficiency in the use of the firearm is a greater factor in protecting oneself from harm, than the type of firearm itself.

   For hunting purposes, high-powered rifles should be reevaluated to prevent their possible use in criminal activities. Since hunting typically requires only a single round to bring down game (two for birds), all hunting rifles should be restricted to being of the breech-loaded, single-shot variety (double-barrel for birds). Bolt-action, pump-action, and semi-automatic versions of hunting rifles should be banned since they may be modified and pose a risk to the general public.

   Advocates for gun control should be satisfied with these changes since the type of firearm will be restricted for public safety, and gun enthusiasts should be satisfied in that they will be able to use a firearm that is adequate enough to defend themselves (or hunt game).

   In America, approximately 30% of the adult population owns a firearm which is a minority in a pure democracy that will no longer be influenced by special interest groups like the NRA (and corrupted politics). The above proposal will rectify the situation and establish an effective gun control policy for the nation while also allowing the minority of citizens (30%) the opportunity to protect themselves for self-defense.