| Chapter 11
Gun Shows
By David J. Krajicek
For more than 20 years, the “gun show exemption” has been a point of contention in the gun debate. In 1986, the federal Firearms Owners’ Protection Act rolled back federal oversight of firearms transactions.
Among other things, it authorized sales of guns between private firearms owners. This exemption allows unregulated trafficking of firearms at gun shows. Buyers and sellers exchange guns for cash without background checks. Some say private sales may account for half the guns sold each year in the United States.
The Violence Policy Center has characterized guns shows as “Tupperware parties for criminals.” The Brady Center has made a closing the “gun show loophole” a top priority. The National Rifle Association, meanwhile, has been a steadfast defender of the rights of private citizens to sell guns to one another.
The issue became a legislative priority in 1999 after the mass murder at Columbine High School near Denver. Three of the four guns used by the killers were purchased at a gun show.
A bipartisan bill that would have required background checks for sales at gun shows passed the Senate but was shot down in the House.
A gun show can be an eye-opening experience for journalists. Earl Kurburski, of Mountain Home, Ark., maintains a Website with a schedule of gun shows across the country: http://www.gunshows-usa.com/
Here is a Web link to the Violence Policy Center’s backgrounder on gun shows: http://www.vpc.org/studies/gunloop.htm
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