Hacker News Reader

You don't have to ban them outright. You could just ban the sale of guns or require a license, that would make it so much harder for a troubled teenager to obtain a gun. You know, like in Europe. You can buy guns there, even assault rifles, just not at 18 without a license.

View on HN

The vast majority of school shootings in the US have been perpetrated by people who bought licensed guns legally.

Yes, _exactly_.

I was shocked at how easy it was for me to buy a gun. I knew long guns were fairly simple, but when I bought my first handgun I expected a more thorough background check, waiting period, anything. Instead I was able to walk out of the store within an hour with a handgun.

I'm not sure what the answer for disarming America is. Bad actors won't willingly relinquish their guns. Cops won't willingly relinquish their guns. If my threat model is armed I feel as though I should be too.

I definitely agree that raising the bar for ownership is a step in the right direction though.

>>> or require a license, that would make it so much harder for a troubled teenager to obtain a gun

>> The vast majority of school shootings in the US have been perpetrated by people who bought licensed guns legally.

> Yes, _exactly_.

I am confused.

buying gun legally is apparently too easy

I meant a proper license, with training, psychological testing, etc.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com