In NZ we used to have registration but it fell by the wayside, now they are thinking that it mite be a good idea again. Collectors, hand guns and Military style Semi Autos are subject to stricter licencing and recording of serial numbers, but that didn't stop a muppet collector who had a pile of guns "stolen" which were eventually tracked through several gangs back to him. He got jailed for several years and will never hold a gun licence again.

I think the judiciary here are getting the point that gun offences are 99% committed by unlicenced people so they are hitting them hard with penalties. Most offenders are getting time.

radar wrote:

In NZ we used to have registration but it fell by the wayside, now they are thinking that it mite be a good idea again. Collectors, hand guns and Military style Semi Autos are subject to stricter licencing and recording of serial numbers, but that didn't stop a muppet collector who had a pile of guns "stolen" which were eventually tracked through several gangs back to him. He got jailed for several years and will never hold a gun licence again. I think the judiciary here are getting the point that gun offences are 99% committed by unlicenced people so they are hitting them hard with penalties. Most offenders are getting time.

I wish the nuf nufs running the circus over here had that level of clarity and common dog f**k.
Apparently if a law doesnt work,obviously another harsher one will.
Far too much blame on inanimate objects, too many penalities threatening the law abiding not enough action to change the cause of crime or punish the criminals.

AMEN Pete...so true.

The unfortunate part about firearms reform and control is that it is far easier to blame the firearm (as if the damn things are capable of thought) and legislate against the law abiding citizen. The Politicians and Police know full well that the law abiding citizen will comply with the law (which justifies their making it in the first place), whereas the criminal simply laughs...it's just another law to be broken.

I like New Zealand's angle...you use a firearm in a crime and you are going in the bin...no arguments...CLANG, watch ya fingers, and don't let the door hit ya on the butt as it slams shut!!!

Cheers, Vince

The biggest problem is a desire to PREVENT crimes.
It can't be done unless you take away all the rights and freedoms of the general public. Once you do that then anyone who uses, or attempts to use their rights and freedoms is a criminal and you don't have to wait for them to break a law you just arrest them before.
People with rights and freedoms need to exercise those rights and freedoms. It is easier to keep them than it is to get them restored.

dhc4ever wrote:

Apparently if a law doesnt work,obviously another harsher one will. Far too much blame on inanimate objects, too many penalities threatening the law abiding not enough action to change the cause of crime or punish the criminals.

I never did understand the idea of passing laws to restrict legal gun ownership. Any criminal, intent on committing murder or armed robbery, has very little regard for the possible penalties to be incurred for the violation of gun laws. What is the difference as to which tool you use to commit a crime? The fact that you committed a crime is the real violation. Whether you choose to use a gun, knife, rope or baseball bat does not change the fact that you committed the crime in any manner. Sure you want to restrict those with a history of criminal behavior from owning a gun, but why impede gun ownership for those that are law abiding?
Don

Big Blue: I agree 110%.