What a Brit thinks about guns

[dwtt]

I saw this on The Atlantic's web site. Very surprising since the Atlantic is left leaning in their articles.

http://clivecrook.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/07/postcard_from_a_gun_show.php

[bigthaiboy]

Only about 0.1% of the British population hold a firearms certificate, so it is not unusual for most civilians to not know anyone or have the opportunity to meet someone who owns a firearm. This does indeed make seeing a privately owned firearm a rare sight. It is without doubt, illegally held firearms far exceeds the number of legally held ones.

This doesn't necessarily mean everyone in the UK is anti-gun, it's just a right that most people don't think to exercise, since the process for applying for a FAC is long winded, can be costly, and requires the applicant to jump through many, many hoops. Firearms in the UK are expensive (a friend of mine is buying a 1954 Lee Enfield No.4 still in it's paper wrapper for $900), ammo is expensive, and public rifle ranges are few in numbers, and many require a member to get you in.

I would make a bet that gun rental ranges like The Gun Store In Las vegas, make a sizeable chunk of their business from British tourists.

[leitung]

There are more guns in the country, you basically have to really be into hunting or shooting trap to get a firearm.. It's a rare luxury only enjoyed by the rich & well connected.