Strict Massachusetts Gun Laws Not Helping to Curb Gun Crimes

Massachusetts has some of the strictest laws in the nation when it comes to guns. These laws were enacted in 1998 and, since then, there has been a steady rise in crimes involving guns. Hmmmm. Makes you think, doesn't it?

According to the Boston Globe, there were 65 gun homicides in 1998 and in 2011, there were 122. In addition, according to the FBI, other gun crimes increased as well from robberies to assaults and so forth.

Gun rights groups say the stats are proof that gun control doesn't work while gun-control advocates say that many of these crimes are committed with guns bought from other states like Maine and New Hampshire where laws are less strict.

Let me set the record straight from what I've read and witnessed. While it is true that a majority of the guns used in Massachusetts crimes were from other states, these guns weren't necessarily bought. They were "obtained."

I have been at Kittery Trading Post on many occasions at their gun counter. I like to eves drop. Many (about half) of the people I've overheard there looking at and wanting to buy guns are from Massachusetts. EVERY TIME, they are told they are subject to Massachusetts laws and the gun will need to be shipped to a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) before a transfer can be made. This is true for every dealer in Maine and in other states. A proof of residency needs to be shown. I have always been asked for a drivers license or passport.

In talking with Jason, a well respected local gun guru, at the gun counter at Hussey's General Store in Windsor, he says he refuses to ship guns to Massachusetts. They have a list on guns which are illegal so, rather than take a chance he's shipping an illegal gun, he just doesn't do it.

Jason also told me that once a background check is done at a Maine store, the gun still has to go through the process it normally would in Massachusetts. So, as he pointed out, for dealers who sell guns to Mass residents and have the list of banned guns, it's almost harder to get a firearm in Maine....IF it's done legally.

NOTE: These rules currently apply to handguns and, so-called, assault rifles. NOT shotguns, hunting rifles, etc.

This means guns from other states are brought to Massachusetts ILLEGALLY. Sorry...gun control won't stop that.

There's my two cents. Weigh in. Have a GREAT day :-)