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Guys it's a sad day for us in the US especially for those in Aurora Colorado.
Our thoughts and prays from Atlanta Georgia go out to all the victims of this horrific
tragedy.
You've probably heard the news and it seems to have no only made headlines here in the
US, but all over the world.
The media has been hard at work providing nonstop coverage.
I'm sure we'll hear from all sorts of experts, pundits and a host of people from all sides
of the political spectrum.
What may be going through a lot of people's minds right now, particularly the general
none gun owning populace.
Is how did this well educated 24 year old phd student purchase his firearms and why
did he do it?
Now, I can't answer why he did it, but what I hope to do today is outline how I obtained
or how one obtains firearms in the US legally.
Under the 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution we as Americans have the right to keep and
bear arms.
Each State has its own particular laws, ordinances and processes so this will be a general overview.
This is a picture of my Georgia Weapons Carry License.
I can't emphasis enough how important and the level of responsibility of having a carry
license entails.
Most Americans and people throughout the world obtain a license that allows them to operate
as dangerous tool and that's a motor vehicle.
Something I found interesting yesterday in regards to the Dark Knight movie was Rotten
Tomatoes had taken down or temporarily taken down the comments section of their web site.
Apparently posters were making threats towards critics who weren't giving the movie the credit
they felt the movie deserved.
Perhaps we can expect to hear from both Hollywood and theaters owners concerning what happened
in Colorado.
As its been outlined by the media and law enforcement.
James Holmes had several different weapons he purchased from two Gander Mountain gun
shops in two different towns.
As well as two Bass Pro Shops.
Some of the weapons mentioned were an AK-47, most likely something similar to this wasr-10.
The Aurora Colorado police chief is reporting that the so called Dark Night Shooter used
four common everyday weapons, include an AR15 rifle, 12gauge Shot Gun and two Glock 40 caliber
handguns.
Here is a series of Glock Models that come in various calibers from 9mm, 40, 45 caliber
along with 380 acp and 357 sig.
The shotgun you see Ryan from Autrey's Armory holding, is the Benelli M4 Semi-Automatic.
It carries 4 + 1 Shells.
Semi-Automatic means the gun will fire as fast as you can pull the trigger.
This is an AR Carbine or Assault Rifle that is also semi-automatic.
I want to reiterate here that this is a general overview for the purpose of explaining how
weapons are purchased and not the specificity of all gun purchase and transactions.
When you purchase a firearm from a licensed retailer the purchaser must complete a 4473
form.
The Straw Sell you saw a second ago refers to people who try to get around the 4473 and
background check by having a third party with them to make the purchase when they are visiting
a gun dealer.
The exception to completing the 4473 is if you already have a carry permit granted by
your particular state.
Most retail firearm purchases must be conducted in your State of residence, with the exception
of shotguns.
Now we'll go over what I had to do to get my Weapons Carry License in Georgia.
First I had to make a trip to my Country Probate Court, where I completed a form very similar
to the 4473.
This cost me about 70 plus dollars.
From there I made a trip to the Sheriff's Department for finger printing.
I did provide a print at the Probate Court, but that was most specifically for that print
to appear on my Weapons Carry License.
If you have specific question about this process that I didn't cover in this general overview,
you're welcome to leave those questions in the comments below.
I would strongly encourage anyone who is considering purchasing a firearm for the first time to
take a hand gun course.
These classes are typically small and are conducted by a certified instructor.
The cost is roughly 75 dollars for an introductory course up to several hundred dollars if you
plan on getting your NRA Certificate.
Gun laws vary in each state.
It's important that familiarize yourself with your local County, State and Federal firearm
laws to insure that you're abiding by all the laws set down by your area of residence.
Having a firearm requires the utmost knowledge and of how that weapon operates.
Your proficiency with the weapon and what you'll be using it for.
Georgia law allows for reciprocity of carry licenses, which means two states agree they
will accept the other state's license.
This can be done by a function of the law by itself or by an actual agreement signed
between the governments of two states.
What makes this tragedy somewhat unique is that it centers around a well educated person.
We often hear the media and anti-gun advocates emphasize the importance of educating people
so we can avoid these types of heart breaking events.
This illustrates at least to me as a responsible gun owner that ultimately people are the primary
cause of these tragedies.
Not insufficient gun laws or mass extinguishing of firearms.
Remember most people in most countries have drivers licenses.
Drivers License are probably the most issued permit to operate a dangerous tool than most
licenses that are required by those people's government.
If people want to have a conversation about firearms then let's do so with objective rational.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims in the terrible tragedy.
If you have any questions or comments please them below.
If this video helped you understand the basics of gun purchases and licensing please feel
free to pass this along to your friends and family.