Is it time for GPS tracking chips in guns?

[zebonaut]

Don't know if this could be a political reality; the right would fight this tooth and nail; but its one very easy way to track the location of guns on the street just like we can track a cellphone.

[maxsolomon]

1. TYRRANY!

that's not a bad idea for tracking stolen guns.

[zebonaut]

3. Technology is the solution; don't expect Government to solve the issue

[NYC_SKP]

2. That, or cast every gun in a cubic foot of concrete.

I should have thought of that sooner.

[sinkingfeeling]

4. I also like the chocolate bullet thing.

[ZombieHorde]

5. I don't think this a good idea.

People will either remove it, or more likely, just let the battery die.

[zebonaut]

6. Turn in your gun- Get a FREE iPad!

That would get lots of guns melted, this could be a new Apple Campaign

[ZombieHorde]

7. That would make me want to buy a cheap gun. nt

[petronius]

8. I don't think GPS would be the right technology, unless the goal

was to be able to track a specific firearm - which doesn't seem a particularly useful return given the effort. And, the GPS will require a power supply and a transmitter, which would make it relatively large and inefficient.

If the goal is just to detect guns in places where you don't want them, it would make more sense to mandate a much smaller, passive, RFID tag be embedded in every new firearm. Combine that with readers at key points around the 'secure' area. But even then, people would likely figure out a way to grind it off or shield it...

[zebonaut]

9. Good Idea-RFID chip

RFID is an even better idea; if the gun enters a prohibited location; its detected earlier; and you can't detect it in someones home; so privacy is retained. Embed it deep in the metal body.
If it enters a prohibited location; it also sends out a loud audible screech whine alarm; and instantly calls the cops.

So will someone stand up in Congress and introduce such a bill? Hello? We are waiting.....

[petronius]

10. Of course, I'm not too familiar with the limits of that technology - I don't know if

a tag could still be read if it was embedded inside metal for example. And, if the tag was embedded inside a critical part of the firearm, that might unsafely compromise the structure of the gun.

Other objections would be the added cost, and privacy concerns (even outside the home, this sort of ID tag could be abused)...

[zebonaut]

11. The more pressing "concerns" are the safety of children

Im sure right wingers will have "concerns"....

[marble falls]

12. I own firearms and I certainly can live with this.