Victoria (Australia) Police: Banning semi-automatic handguns won't take such guns off the street

johnrlott.blogspot.com ^ | 10/24/2014 | John Lott

[rktman]

This news article misses the point that even to the extent that a ban takes some guns from criminals, that is offset by the fact that victims are easier targets. From The Age newspaper:

Banning semi-automatic handguns won't take such guns off the street, Victoria Police has told a federal inquiry into gun violence.

Victoria Police told the submission such a ban "would most likely have little effect on the number of illegally held firearms in Australia".

"The majority of semi-automatic handguns seized are from criminals who are prohibited persons," the submission says. "It is unclear whether a ban on semi-automatic weapons will diminish their ability to obtain such weapons.

[rktman]

Wake up call. A little late, so we should punish law abiding citizens even further just to be "safe". Crikey. What bloomin' idjits.

[Blood of Tyrants]

Victoria Police told the submission such a ban "would most likely have little effect on the number of illegally held firearms in Australia".

Well, DUH! At least some people realize that criminals don't obey the law. Although I believe that many of the "illegally held firearms in Australia" are held by gun owners who refused to turn them in to the government and became instant criminals when the law went into effect.

[rktman]

Like Conn.?