More guns and bigger arsenals than ever: Australia’s not out of range yet

news.com.au ^ | 28th April 2016 | Emma Reynolds

[PLMerite]

Every time I get into a discussion with non-Americans about how guns aren’t “banned” somewhere, I point out that I keep a loaded assault rifle leaning in the corner of my bedroom, and ask how that would fly where they are from.

[BenLurkin]

The harsh lessons of the 20th century have taught people everywhere that governments are not to be trusted. Particularly when they demand that the people be disarmed.

And that is why every attempt to disarm the citizens is met with an increase in the number firearms the people hold.

[JimRed]

...owners are amassing larger arsenals in their homes.

And why should YOU (Professor Alpers) fear that? Do you plan to invade those homes and fear resistance? Do you forsee doing things to the people that would prompt them to leave their homes with those guns and come looking for you? Or are you afraid that their children will find the guns and hurt themselves?

[JimRed]

...but there is no right to carry a weapon for self defence 'just in case' - you need to have a reason to feel under imminent and real threat, so very few people routinely carry a handgun even if licenced.

Sounds like they used New Jersey gun laws as a model. A carry permit requires you to "prove a need", and the proof is never enough unless you're among the "connected".

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

***Sounds like they used New Jersey gun laws as a model.***

It has been said that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!”

After all, Thomas J. Dodd, who was itching to register guns in the USA, used the Nazi Weapons law as his basis for the 1968 Gun Control Act.

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

Different opinion in 1942! Not enough guns!

[gloryblaze]

Thanks for posting! Australia's experience is often brought up to me regarding gun control, and I keep meaning to look into it because it was just too trite: Ban all guns and, viola, end of problem. But facts are hard to come by.

If you have a ping list, I would appreciate being added. TA

[Oztrich Boy]

OK we areslightly at cross purposes. I took "you need a licence to own a gun" to mean the firearms licence, which costs, but covers all firearms that you own. After you jump through the hoops to get approval to purchase, and register it, owning that gun is scot free (until they confiscate it).

I actually agree with requirement for firearms owners licence (apart from the excessive cost), just as with driver's licence, and voter registration.

I even accepted the 1977 changes, which required presentation to the Dealer of an firearms licence with appropriate endorsement, for the type of firearm being purchased.

It's the 1996 change, brought in by that American beotch Rebecca Peters, that are the problem. (apart from my .22 rabbit rifle jumping from the appropriate Class A, to the top "assault weapon death machine" class D), To the non- personal, you now need to seek prior approval before purchase - for any additional firearm