NCJ Number
182862
Date Published
January 1999
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This report discusses the non-applicability of Brady checks and traces on guns purchased at gun shows and recommends measures to close this loophole in Federal regulation of firearms.
Abstract
The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act provides crucial information about firearms buyers to Federal firearms licensees (FFLs), but does not help nonlicensees to identify prohibited purchasers. The Act does not apply to the sale of firearms by nonlicensees, who constitute one-quarter or more of the sellers of firearms at gun shows. The report attempts to close this loophole with some or all of the following recommendations: (1) “Gun show” would include flea markets and similar venues where firearms are sold; (2) The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) would register all persons who promote gun shows; (3) If any part of a firearms transaction, including display of the weapon, occurs at a gun show, the firearm could be transferred only by, or with the assistance of, an FFL; (4) FFLs would be responsible for submitting to ATF’s National Tracing Center strictly limited information concerning all firearms transferred at gun shows; (5) The Department of the Treasury and the Department of Justice will review the definition of “engaged in the business” and make recommendations for legislative or regulatory changes to better identify and prosecute illegal traffickers in firearms and suppliers of guns to criminals; (6) The Federal Government should commit additional resources to combat the illegal trade of firearms at gun shows; and (7) In conjunction with the firearms industry, a campaign should be undertaken to encourage firearms owners to ensure that weapons do not fall into the hands of criminals, unauthorized juveniles or other prohibited persons. Notes, tables, figures, appendix