Officials warn of risks to ending gun permits

[SecularMotion]

Mayors and police statewide are warning that proposed legislation to dump purchase permits for handguns would put more weapons in the hands of criminals.

Federal law requires federally licensed gun dealers to conduct background checks for pistol purchases, but the legislation would drop state rules requiring purchase permits when buying handguns from private sellers.

The bill passed the state House this year and could be taken up by the Senate this month. Backers say it won't affect crime because lawbreakers usually buy guns on the street. But opponents warned of dire consequences if the legislation becomes law.

"I have serious concerns about this," Michigan State Police Sgt. Chris Hawkins said Monday during a meeting at the state Capitol by opponents of the legislation.

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121204/METRO/212040340#ixzz2Ee13p5B2

[safeinOhio]

1. The same folks passing a right to work bill.

The law has not been a problem for any legal handgun owner in Michigan. In fact you use to have to take a 10 question test before purchase of a handgun on safe handling of a weapon. No longer.

[trouble.smith]

2. they're always warning us about dire consequences and they're always wrong.

[Atypical Liberal]

3. It's probably a cost-savings move.

No doubt what Michigan is finding out is that most of the people lawfully registered for firearms are hardly ever involved in crime. Hence there is little use in maintaining the system.

[gejohnston]

4. how does it work?

If it is a case of "you're clean, here is your paper" I don't see the problem with it. I'm guessing the cops do the NICS check for you? If I were selling in any other state I would have the guy meet me at a nearby FFL, since I can't use NICS. Bringing a "clean bill of health" from the cops is the next best thing.

[PavePusher]

5. Sgt Hawkins, I have serious problems with your lack of a permit to purchase books.

Everything you claim you did could still be accomplished without a pistol registration, simply by checking 4473's.

Get bent, you power-hungry authoritarian asshole.

[Clames]

6. How well have those predictions of the "dire" consequences of expanding CCW...

...panned out? That blood ever start running in the streets? All I'm seeing is rainwater and some leaves...

[GreenStormCloud]

7. Most states don't have that and it isn't a problem for them. N/T