The Myth of the "Gun Show Loophole"

Published on June 21, 2016
Duration: 7:37

This video debunks the myth of the 'gun show loophole,' explaining that federal law already requires individuals engaged in the business of selling firearms, including at gun shows or online, to obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL). All FFLs are mandated to conduct background checks on purchasers, and there are no specific exemptions for gun show or internet sales. The speaker highlights that occasional private transfers between individuals within the same state are the only area not federally regulated, though most states have their own laws for such transactions. Studies indicate a very small percentage of guns used in crimes are sourced from gun shows.

Quick Summary

The 'gun show loophole' is a myth; federal law requires anyone in the business of selling firearms, including at gun shows or online, to have a Federal Firearms License (FFL). All FFLs must conduct background checks, meaning there are no unregulated firearm sales at gun shows under federal law. Occasional private transfers between individuals in the same state are the only area not federally regulated, though most states have their own laws.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Frustration with Gun Control Arguments
  2. 00:36Introducing the 'Gun Show Loophole' Myth
  3. 00:50Defining the 'Gun Show Loophole' Concept
  4. 01:07Federal Law and the Role of FFLs Since 1938
  5. 01:26No Exemptions for Internet or Gun Show Sales
  6. 01:42Internet Sales: Illegal to Ship Across State Lines to Non-FFLs
  7. 01:53FFL Requirement for Background Checks
  8. 02:00Universal Background Checks Already Exist
  9. 02:35What is NOT Federally Regulated: Occasional Private Transfers
  10. 02:48State Regulations on Private Sales
  11. 03:10Cost of Gun Show Booths and Business Sense
  12. 03:37National Institute of Justice Study on Gun Show Crime Guns
  13. 04:12Debunking Unlicensed Dealer Statistics at Gun Shows
  14. 04:46Analyzing the '40% Bought Without Background Check' Statistic
  15. 05:01Source of the 40% Statistic: 1997 Justice Department Survey
  16. 05:10Breakdown of the 40% Statistic: Family/Friends vs. Gun Shows
  17. 05:58Firearms as the Only Item Requiring FBI Permission
  18. 06:09More Laws Aren't the Answer
  19. 06:20Obama's 2016 Executive Orders and the 'Loophole'
  20. 06:45ATF Definitions and Glossy Paper
  21. 07:05Conclusion: The Gun Show Loophole Doesn't Exist
  22. 07:30Final Thoughts and Frustration

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 'gun show loophole' actually exist in federal firearms law?

No, the 'gun show loophole' is largely a myth. Federal law requires anyone engaged in the business of selling firearms, including at gun shows or online, to obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL). All FFLs are mandated to conduct background checks on purchasers, meaning there are no unregulated sales at gun shows under federal law.

What is a Federal Firearms License (FFL) and why is it important for gun sales?

A Federal Firearms License (FFL) is a license required for any individual or business that manufactures, imports, or sells firearms. Since 1938, federal law has mandated that those 'engaged in the business of selling firearms' must hold an FFL. This ensures that all commercial firearm sales are subject to federal regulations, including background checks.

Are private firearm transfers between individuals regulated?

Occasional private transfers of firearms between individuals within the same state are not federally regulated. However, most states have enacted their own laws that do regulate these private sales, often requiring background checks or other procedures.

What percentage of guns used in crimes come from gun shows?

According to a study by the National Institute of Justice, only about 2% of guns used in crimes were actually purchased at gun shows. This indicates that gun shows are a very small source for firearms used in criminal activity.

Related News

All News →

More 2nd Amendment & Law Videos You Might Like

More from Liberty Doll

View all →