Reponse to gun column

First of all the tragedy in Las Vegas was terrible.

Mr. Fulton’s letter entitled “Why Assault Weapons” is riddled with inaccuracies. I would suggest that the honorable emeritus professor of political science expand his knowledge base to include information about firearms.

1. What does Reno, Nevada have to do with his topic?

2. They are called “Gun Shows” not “Gun Fairs”.

3. The Supreme Court has ruled on automatic weapons and silencers or suppressors. The National Firearms Act of 1934. Check it out.

4. The “Bump Stock” or “Slide Fire Stock” is what Mr. Fulton is calling a “Shunt”. The NRA is in favor of reviewing the legality of owning “Bump Stocks”. I personally believe that they should fall under the National Firearms Act of 1934 regulations. See Number 5. Machine guns or fully automatic weapons fall under this ruling. The “Bump Stock” indeed makes a semi-automatic rifle function very much like a fully automatic weapon.

5. There is a bill before Congress to make it easier for anyone to purchase a silencer or suppressor. It has received bipartisan support. Under the 1934 National Firearms Act, silencers — also known as suppressors — are treated similarly to machine guns or explosives. The waiting time to purchase such devices is far longer than for handguns or other weapons, as much as nine months or more. Buyers must submit fingerprints and a photograph in order to purchase a silencer, and federal law enforcement agencies keep a record of who buys the devices. There is also a $200 transfer tax on silencers. Mr. Fulton’s assertion that the Republicans are working against it is false. Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) is renewing his controversial push to make it easier to buy gun silencers, a debate that had been postponed following the shooting of Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) in June. Duncan argues that silencers are used by hunters and target shooters to limit potential hearing loss from gunfire. Duncan introduced a stand-alone silencer bill, dubbed the “Hearing Protection Act,” in January. That legislation currently has 160 co-sponsors, including several Democrats.

The phrase “assault weapon” is becoming trite. There is no difference in how a semi-automatic weapon with a pistol grip and one without functions.

–– J. R. Calkins

Maryville