Whats the point of Waiting Periods?

[Drizden]

I was talking to a anti gun nut and they said the longer the wait the better the background check. Do wait periods have anything to do with background checks?

[Irving]

Anti-anything people, generally are the least knowledgeable on the subject. Sounds like what he convinced himself of in order to accept his beliefs.


I think the original idea behind a waiting period, was so if you were mad, you'd have time to cool down.

[mutt]

Wait periods are pointless. If someone is intent on killing someone, or doing harm, they're going to find alternate methods if they can't get hold of a gun right away. Background checks are equally pointless because they only check on the innocent (ie responsible citizens) or stupid criminals. Real criminals get their weapons from the black market.

What really makes me chuckle is states that have waiting periods for hand guns but not shotguns or rifles. So denying someone, with the intent to do harm, the pistol of their choice while offering them a whole array of shotguns and rifles makes sense how?

In the end all gun control schemes have one single goal, to outlaw private gun ownership. That can be their only real intent since they offer very little in the way of crime deterrence. First they get us desensitized to 'background' checks and waiting periods, then we get receptive to registration, then restrictive licensing/permitting and before you know it we're unarmed. My 2 cents.

[MrPrena]

Brandy and the gangs think that waiting period would prevent the crime.
They think people will commit a crime as soon as they buy their firearm.
Pick it up after the background check, and commit a crime? Just don't make sense.

[cysoto]

Proponents of the waiting period (sometimes also referred to as "cool off period") say that it prevents crimes committed "in the heat of passion" and/or suicides.

[Batteriesnare]

To the best of my knowledge (and what I picked up from the good Gunny) the waiting period only pertains to new handguns, you can take as many used pistols home as you please, and can afford.

[ColoEnthusiast]

Unfortunately waiting periods don't seem to make exception for people who have been threatened and need one for protection now, not later.

[cysoto]

Unfortunately waiting periods don't seem to make exception for people who have been threatened and need one for protection now, not later.

Some jurisdictions that require waiting periods also offer temporary emergency permits.**

**In all honesty, it is somewhat difficult to qualify for one of these.

[ColoEnthusiast]

Good information. Never heard of emergency permits. I can imagine how difficult it would be to get one though.. Better to be prepared in advance.

[cysoto]

Good information. Never heard of emergency permits. I can imagine how difficult it would be to get one though.. Better to be prepared in advance.

In Colorado these are issued under C.R.S. 18-12-209. Issuance by sheriffs of temporary emergency permits but I have never heard of any person that has been granted one.

I agree with you 110%. Since we live in a "shall issue" state, there is no reason to not be prepared in advance.