So why is talking about gun owner responsibility (like mandatory training, finger print technology) and background checks immediately shat on by the gun nuts on these boards?
We know what the problem is, it's not the guns but the gun nuts, so why can't we address the issue again?
I generally ignore you, but you seem to be asking a fair question...
Mandatory Training: Many states do require some form. In NY I had to take the CCW course just to own a handgun and that was no guarantee that my permit I submitted after taking the class would be approved or with what restrictions. In NY I also had to take a hunter safety class if I wanted to get a deer permit/tag and go hunting. In SC, no training required to own a handgun unless you also wanted to conceal carry. Same for here in NC.
I've been through three different CCW classes and I have to say, they were the best investment anyone could make even if they never planned on carrying concealed.
Should there be some sort of mandatory training taken or proven before buying a firearm or specifically a handgun? As a gun owner, I have no problem with that. Many gun owners would as they view it as a hurdle put in place to slow down their path to owning gun(s). You also have to remember that back in the day, many high schools had shooting clubs and Boy Scout troops also practiced shooting. When I was in Civil Air Patrol (USAF Aux) in the 80's we went to the local National Guard Armory and shot AR-15's in .22 on their range. So I think as a society we have lost that early childhood training and respect for firearms and nothing has really back filled that gap.
Biometric or "Smart" Guns: There isn't a single police dept or federal agency that has adopted a smart gun. The reason? They aren't reliable. Not a single one. Issues with recognition, and timing. That is for the fingerprint ones as well the RF tag models. Why would a citizen trust one when law enforcement doesn't? Police depts want the technology too as it would help eliminate officers potentially being killed with their own gun. So, I think we are probably another ten+ years from seeing anything remotely reliable enough or fast enough. Lastly, with 300 million guns in the us, biometrics don't really solve anything. Guns in general don't wear out. They are practically infinitely serviceable. There are many cheapies out there that might be the exception to that rule, but serious gun owners typically don't invest in those anyway. This is one case of the genie being out of the bottle already.
Background Checks: A lot of us don't have issue with that. Many however do. I think this is ultimately the one win that the gun control crowd will get in the next ten years, but it will face strong opposition. It will not hamper the flow of straw purchases to criminals and will not prevent private sales from happening however. That is the rub. All it will do is open up new scrutiny and penalties to those that attempt to sell privately and get caught.
The problem isn't the gun nuts either. The man who shot these two officers wasn't by definition a gun nut. He was criminal that twice in his life illegally acquired a firearm. That is the problem * along with his KNOWN mental health issues.
My question to you is what do you think constitutes a gun nut? Their political views? The number of firearms they own? Whether they carry concealed? Open carry? Their lack of training or excess of training? Their defense of gun ownership? What combination of all those?
I ask as I've seen plenty of gun nuts in my mind. I know some probably would call me one. My brother is a gun nut... He believes the deadbolt on his door is his "gun safe". Seriously - he said that. I've seen the guys who pump every penny they earn into guns and ammo. They have 50k rounds of .223/5.56 ammo plus all the other calibers and have delusions of playing out mad max for realz when the shit hits the fan. I've seen the guys who take tactical training courses as civilians and then buy all the special stupid gear - holsters, harnesses, etc. Nothing wrong with training as it will help you under stress, but there something to be said about those that think it deputizes them - damn the law.
So - again, what is a gun nut to you?