The Impact of Handgun Purchaser Licensing on Gun Violence

There is a major flaw in federal firearm laws in the U.S. and in most states’ laws; prohibited purchasers can acquire firearms from unlicensed private sellers without subjecting themselves to background checks and record-keeping requirements. Violent criminals and traffickers exploit this weakness with fatal consequences. National public opinion surveys show that three-quarters of adults support laws requiring handgun purchasers to obtain a license from a law enforcement agency. This short paper reviews the environments for buying a gun in four states, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.