Would childproof handguns help prevent crimes, including school shootings?
A. A main source of crime guns is new handguns purchased over-the-counter and trafficked into the hands of youth and criminals. New handguns equipped with childproof technology cannot be turned “on” by an unauthorized user and therefore are useless to gun traffickers. It is estimated that 170,000 guns are stolen on average every year from homes, cars, and businesses, based on reports to the FBI Stolen Gun File (Americans for Gun Safety, p.6). Handguns only able to be fired by their lawful owner would be useless if stolen. Likewise, handguns in the home with childproof technology would not be available to suicidal teens bent on committing homicide before killing themselves. Q. Is there popular support for legislation to make handguns childproof? A. Yes, the vast majority of Americans (86%) favor legislation requiring childproofing of all new handguns, including 76% of gun owners (Johns Hopkins, p. 1). Q. What can I do? A. Contact your Representative and Senators to urge them to introduc
