Persuasive Essay On Gun Control

There is one reaction that is always to be expected after a mass shooting, and that is the call for an increase in control. This can be defined in numerous different ways, and can include a great deal of different aspects. People who call for an increase gun control in the wake of mass shootings are, in general, people who believe that more guns means more crimes. Gun control advocates cite studies that state, “Higher gun prevalence is associated with an increase in homicides, and suicides, and possibly even more residential burglaries” (Ludwig 17). Often times, after mass shootings, those in favor of more gun control look to countries like Australia, Canada, Great Britain and Japan, and their strict gun policy and cite this as the direction
They believe that if background checks were required for private sales, which they describe as “firearms sold at gun shows, through classified newspaper ads, the Internet, and between individuals virtually anywhere” then the “Gun Show Loophole” would be eliminated (Coalition to Stop Gun Violence). As evidenced by the call for an increase in gun control after mass shootings people believe that with stricter gun control, we would have less incidences of gun violence. Gun control advocates argue that if we have stricter gun control then we will have a safer country, with less shootings. According to a study done by the University of Wisconsin and Bowling Green State University between 2005-2007, the number of police officers who “were convicted of firearms violations” were convicted “at a .0002% annual rate” (Fund). According to this study .0002% is “about the same rate as holders of carry permits in states with “shall issue” laws”
However, this is not the case, California has some of the strictest control laws in the United States. In California, in order to purchase a firearm, you must first fill out a Dealer’s Record of Sale (DROS) (State of California Department of Justice). Along with the DROS you must provide the person you are purchasing a firearm from a Firearm Safety Certificate, this is a “true/false and multiple choice test” that is “administered by Instructors certified by the Department of Justice”, in order to pass this test you must receive a score of at least 75% which is equivalent to “23 correct answer out of 30 questions” (State of California Department of Justice). You then must wait 10 days before your firearm is released to you (State of California Department of Justice). According to the State of California, Department of Justice, you do not need to register your firearm, unless it is an assault weapon. Although you do not need to register your firearms you must submit a Firearm Ownership Report Application (State of California Department of