The right to bear arms in the U.S. comes from the Second Amendment of the Constitution. However, this right has been interpreted differently throughout history. In the early periods, this amendment was seen less as a right to individual armament and more as a guarantee for the existence of state militias. Over time, courts reinterpreted the amendment, and it was accepted that it also encompasses the right of individuals to acquire arms.
With the emergence and proliferation of modern weapons, governments introduced various regulations. Laws passed in 1934 and 1968 tightly controlled certain types of weapons such as machine guns, short-barreled firearms, destructive devices, and explosives. Who can purchase a gun is also defined: individuals with a criminal record, fugitives, illegal immigrants, or those deemed mentally incompetent cannot buy firearms.
One of the currently frequently debated issues is the “gun show loophole.” While federally licensed dealers must conduct background checks when selling firearms, this requirement does not exist for face-to-face sales between private individuals. This situation is seen by many as a loophole that must be closed.
“Assault rifles” (fully automatic assault rifles) have long been banned in the U.S. However, “assault weapons,” which are semi-automatic civilian rifles with certain characteristics, were restricted in the past but later deregulated. Much of the debate stems from the conceptual confusion between these categories.
In many countries, gun control is stricter compared to the U.S. For example, in Australia after the 1996 massacre, automatic weapons were completely banned, a national firearms registry was created, and gun owners were required to obtain a license. The Australian system aims to control access to firearms without banning all weapons.
Similar reforms are also being discussed in the U.S.: a national gun registry, mandatory licensing, waiting periods, and stricter regulation of some semi-automatic rifles. The goal of these proposals is both to preserve the right to individual armament and to reduce mass shootings and firearms falling into the wrong hands.
In conclusion, gun control is not about completely banning firearms; it’s about regulating who can possess which types of weapons and under what conditions. Understanding the concepts correctly and listening to the opposing side are of great importance for the debate to be conducted healthily.