Closing the Loophole: The Urgent Need for Ghost Gun Legislation
Ghost guns, untraceable, do-it-yourself firearms whose rise has been facilitated by technological advancement and legal loopholes, are becoming an alarming threat to public safety.
The Ghost Gun Phenomenon
Ghost guns are identifiable for their lack of a serial number, a direct consequence of their do-it-yourself nature. Without a traceable serial number, ghost guns can easily slip through the cracks of existing firearm legislation. They are prized by individuals attempting to evade regulation due to criminal convictions or mental health reasons, posing heightened public safety concerns.
Acquiring Ghost Guns
The peculiar aspect of the ghost gun market is its accessibility. “Ghost Gun Kits,” sold without regulatory checks, provide all necessary parts and instructions. Hence, a buyer can assemble a firearm without ever undergoing a background check. These kits exploit a legal loophole: Under the US federal law, buying and selling “unfinished” receivers or frames is not considered a firearm sale.
Increased Use and Risk
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) data demonstrate a palpable escalation in ghost gun presence across the criminal sphere. Law enforcement officers are increasingly discovering these weapons at crime scenes, suggesting an upswing in their popularity. However, these firearm’s anonymity poses a significant roadblock to criminal investigations, often leading to investigative dead-ends.
State-level Responses
To counter ghost guns, several American States, including California, New Jersey, and New York, have taken a proactive role. They have enacted legislation specifically targeting these untraceable weapons. California, for instance, has expanded the definition of “firearm” to include “unfinished frames and receivers.” However, without a unified federal response, state-by-state solutions are inevitably inconsistent, leaving gaps that can be exploited.
Towards New Legislation
As ghost guns continue to elude the boundaries of traditional firearm legislation, there is an urgent need for federal reforms overhauling current laws. Ideas proposed for new legislation include complete ban on the sale of “ghost gun kits”, imposing license requirements on 3D printed guns, extending background checks, and the regulation of “unfinished” receivers or frames. Improving traceability of these weapons is equally essential, requiring a potential mandate for unfinished frames and receivers to carry a traceable serial number.
- Ghost guns pose a substantial threat to public safety due to untraceability and ease of assembly.
- The ghost gun market has capitalized on legal loopholes and lack of strong regulation.
- A unified, comprehensive federal legislation targeting ghost guns is imperative to diminish their impact.
As the ghost gun phenomenon gains traction, the need for concerted action escalates. Reforms at the federal level can enable the creation of systematic mechanisms to track these weapons and limit their accessibility. The task, however, may not be simple or swift, but the toll of inaction could be immeasurable. As such, the drive towards robust legislation addressing ghost guns must be given immediate priority.