Gun control efforts usually focus on passing legislation by local, state, or national government to restrict legal ownership of certain firearms. (Zimring, 1197) There are many groups that oppose gun control, such as the NRA that consist mainly of gun owners. They have numerous views on this issue. Here are just a few of these views.
             Proponents of strict gun control laws have argued that reducing the number of crimes committed with guns would save many lives. Opponents say that it is people that kill, not the guns. This countries death rate is much higher than in any other industrial nation because people misuse guns. Many gun owners feel that gun control laws often make it tougher for them to get legitimate guns. However, gun control laws offer protection for gun owners by keeping weapons out of the hands of the irresponsible.(Wouters, pt. 1) "Violence is learned and easily picked up. It really isn't just a gun problem," says Jane Grady, assistant director of the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence at the University of Colorado. "We could have all kinds of controls on the guns, but that doesn't necessarily mean our problems will be solved."(Wouters, pt. 2) The United States gives a constitutional right to own a gun, and this is very important to those who believe in a strict interpretation like Jane Grady.
             The federal government and all U.S. states have some gun control laws. These laws are based on several strategies: forbidding people who are considered to be irresponsible from obtaining any firearms; prohibiting anyone other than the police, the military, and persons with special needs from acquiring high-risk guns-that is, those that are particularly likely to be misused; and requiring waiting periods before purchasing a gun or gun license.(Cooperman, ABC) Federal and state laws prohibit people with criminal records or other individuals deemed to be poor risks from acqu
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