Last year, 5.4 million Americans purchased guns for the first time according to The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). Photo Courtesy of Mike Jones on ISO Republic.
By Yennifer Ho, Staff Reporter.
Firearms have constantly been a controversial topic, especially in the United States, where the right to bear arms is interpreted differently by citizens. Some Americans believe it’s their constitutional right while others disagree and support tighter gun control.
In a 2019 survey conducted by Gallup, 67 percent of current gun owners stated that personal protection was a major reason they own a gun.
“Our gun laws are very restrictive. It limits me, but for criminals, they don’t follow the rules like I have to,” a California State University, Dominguez Hills Alumni, who wishes to stay anonymous said.
He owns a variety of guns including rifles, handguns, and shotguns to protect himself and his family.
Gun laws vary by state, in California, most adults 21 years old and older can legally buy and possess firearms. Guns can be bought through a licensed retail outlet, a gun show, online, and from private sellers.
All 50 states allow citizens to carry concealed weapons if they meet certain state requirements. There are 16 states that ban concealed weapons on college campuses including California, Florida, and New Mexico.
He emphasized that a concealed weapon for students is unsafe on campus because they can be caught in the cross-fire that could wound and/or kill innocent bystanders from lack of “proper and continuous training.”
Research from the American College Health Association has shown that “students with guns at college were more likely than others to engage in activities that put themselves and others at risk for injury.” The research also revealed that owning a gun was connected to irresponsible actions involving alcohol, like driving under the influence and damaging property.
The CSUDH Alum feels that campus police should at least be armed for students’ safety.
The price for a handgun permit in California ranges from $70 to $100, depending on the user’s home county. This permit has to be renewed every two years.
The process of signing up for a licensed gun varies for everyone, but background checks, interviews, and firearms safety courses are the key steps.
“It all depends on how your record is,” the parent of two said. “You [can’t have misdemeanors and felonies] to get [the permit] and you [need] to have probable cause on why you want to carry a concealed weapon.”
Pew Research Center found that handguns are the most common firearm for home defense and concealed carry, especially for those who only own a singular gun. While there are many laws and regulations for California that are confusing, it’s clear that many Americans want to feel safe, whether they are a student or parent.
ALTERNATIVES
However, there are possible alternatives to owning a gun, especially in areas where firearms are forbidden. Pepper spray (also known as oleoresin capsicum) is popular among women, being that it is portable, and detachable from car keys and handbags. It can cause attackers to be temporarily blinded by the potent oils.
Anyone over the age of 18 can legally carry pepper spray for self-defense, but like guns, there are also laws for it that vary state by state. For instance, California has a pepper spray size restriction, where the container can’t exceed 2.5 ounces while states like Arizona and Georgia don’t.
Although a viable self-defense tool, it is most effective at close range. However, it might not be ideal in certain situations like dealing with an active shooter.
The well-known method for dealing with an active shooter is “run, hide, and fight.” Fighting back at the shooter is considered a last resort action, but how do innocent people protect themselves against bullet shots? Is it worth the risk?
There are many advanced security systems that public companies can invest in, like metal detectors that can prevent possible crimes, but the root of the problem is the accessibility of firearms to the wrong people.
Recently, President Joe Biden addressed the concerns of ghost guns, emphasizing that anyone could easily order them through the mail.
“Terrorists and domestic abusers can go from a gun kit to a gun in as little as 30 minutes. Buyers aren’t required to pass background checks because guns have no serial numbers,” President Joe Biden said during the White House Rose Garden event on April 11.
Firearm regulations keep expanding as new problems arise like 3D printed guns, which can be illegal.
Whether you own a gun or not, it’s crucial to be prepared beforehand. Being attentive to your surroundings can save your life and possibly others too. For additional information on how citizens can respond to an active shooter situation, view the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s booklet.
