Are Universal Background Checks feasible without registration?

[cysoto]

Governor Hickenlooper was quoted today by the Denver Post saying: "Universal background checks for guns is top priority." LINK: http://www.denverpost.com/ci_22659484?source=bb

Interestingly enough, the article also mentions that, through current background check requirements, "more than 1,000 felons" with criminal records {were discovered} and more than 100 arrests {made}. Which BTW, I don't know you but, it seems to me that arresting only 10% of these criminals seem quite inefficient - but that's another topic.

The way I see it, Universal Background Checks either require that ALL firearms are registered or that we all comply with this law on the "honor system" (and we all know how much "honor" criminals have)...

So, in your opinion, are Universal Background Checks feasible without gun registration?

[SA Friday]

I'm wouldn't be surprised if the numbers are accurate. Take away the ones the DA didn't want to prosecute and the ones that they couldn't prove the denied actually committed a crime by being denied, and you are going to have very very few prosecutable cases.

None of these laws will stop criminal activity as we currently know it. It will only muddy the waters and make legal gun owners more harassed.

As for registration, well, even these idiot politicians know that shit just won't fly. They are playing the success through nibbles game. Registration is a big mouth full, and even with all the BS floating around they know the only way to enforce it would be to harass, search, and seize. This big time man hours and big time pissed off people who own guns.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Within the same topic... how does the ATF firearm trace data work?

http://www.atf.gov/statistics/downlo...a-colorado.pdf

ATF has the capability to trace any serial numbers to the last FFL transaction.

HMMMMMMMM

[TFOGGER]

Utterly unenforceable. With the current BGC system, the data is supposedly deleted 24 hours after the check is approved, and it is not tied to a serial number. The proposed law doesn't address how LEOs are to determine if a firearm in your possession had a BGC done at the time of sale, how to determine if you possessed it prior to the law going into effect, or if you are in possession of a firearm that was transferred after the law went into effect. According to the bill's sponsor, it would be UP TO LAW ENFORCEMENT to make this determination, then you get your day in court, obviously after having your firearm impounded, and at great expense. This assumption of guilt may be our best point of attack WHEN we challenge the legality of this law, as well as the magazine ban, assuming we can't kill them in the Senate.

[newracer]

There is no way it can be enforced it it's current form.

The only thing that could happen is LEOs can setup stings to try and catch people breaking the law.

[OneGuy67]

Within the same topic... how does the ATF firearm trace data work?

http://www.atf.gov/statistics/downlo...a-colorado.pdf

ATF has the capability to trace any serial numbers to the last FFL transaction.

HMMMMMMMM

Usually, the ATF is only able to trace from the manufacturer to the first FFL transaction. On occasion, there is a chance for a secondary FFL transaction if the firearm goes back into a FFL's bound book as a trade in, FFL purchase, etc.

All the traces I've had done haven't been that spectacular in terms of information, unless the firearm was a recent purchase.

[OneGuy67]

I'm wouldn't be surprised if the numbers are accurate. Take away the ones the DA didn't want to prosecute and the ones that they couldn't prove the denied actually committed a crime by being denied, and you are going to have very very few prosecutable cases.

None of these laws will stop criminal activity as we currently know it. It will only muddy the waters and make legal gun owners more harassed.

As for registration, well, even these idiot politicians know that shit just won't fly. They are playing the success through nibbles game. Registration is a big mouth full, and even with all the BS floating around they know the only way to enforce it would be to harass, search, and seize. This big time man hours and big time pissed off people who own guns.

The issue I've faced in the past with this is, the local DA believes the 4473 is a federal form and should be prosecuted at the federal level; the AUSA's won't touch these as they are petty felonies in their eyes and don't meet their threshold for prosecution. It is very frustrating to try to work such a case and not get any support.

[cysoto]

The only thing that could happen is LEOs can setup stings to try and catch people breaking the law.

Yeap, I certainly can see that happening!!

[SA Friday]

The issue I've faced in the past with this is, the local DA believes the 4473 is a federal form and should be prosecuted at the federal level; the AUSA's won't touch these as they are petty felonies in their eyes and don't meet their threshold for prosecution. It is very frustrating to try to work such a case and not get any support.

Yep. Meant AUSA and typed DA... Getting old sucks.

I've discussed this same problem with straw purchases and trying to get them prosecuted in other threads. Ultimately, gun control isn't the current problem. We have more than enough laws on the books, hell, too many. The problem is these are just not prosecuted due to a serious lack of Federal court system. Unintended consequence is it looks to the liberals like we need more laws. They just haven't learned it will make no difference.

[cysoto]

The issue I've faced in the past with this is, the local DA believes the 4473 is a federal form and should be prosecuted at the federal level...

Ahhh... Now I understand.