Who's Right?

The Right to Bear Arms

There have been battles raging of one sort or another on the frontier of America for many years.  One that continues to take center stage is the right to bear arms - or, in layman's terms, gun ownership.  The NRA, National Rifle Association, is a huge organization dedicated to the education and political and legal support of firearm owners in the United States, taking to task those who would attempt to circumvent the rights and freedoms of the citizenry as they interpret the Second Amendment of the US Constitution.

While there are no apparent laws governing the use of telescopic sights, there are laws aplenty on the books of almost every state of the US, governing the ownership and use of firearms, their registration and the legal ramifications to owners of guns.  It is a heated and often volatile subject; however, it appears the NRA is making some headway in terms of ensuring the public has their rights upheld.

The 2nd & 4th Amendments

According to the Constitution of the United States of America, the second and fourth amendments state the following:

2. A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a Free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

4. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall be issued, but upon probably cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Upon these two items, in particular, an entire organization has built its platform and it has considerable sway in the Nation.  Founded in 1871 to promote shooting, hunting, firearm safety, and wildlife conservation, the NRA has nearly three million members.  They vigorously lobby against gun control legislations and gun registration based upon the above noted amendments, however their position is disputed by many legal scholars.  The majority of regulations on the books are State and local as opposed to Federal, and regardless which state a person is in, their firearm must be registered.  The most obvious illegality arises with concealed weapons and assault weapons. 

Abide by the Law - Be Safe

Needless to say, anybody purchasing or using firearms for any reason should check with their local and State regulations to determine their responsibility.  It's great enjoyment to own a firearm and to be able to use if freely to hunt, target shoot and compete.  As the saying goes, though, it's all fun and games until someone gets hurt.  It behooves all responsible gun owners to be informed, educated and within the law.