Reflection on My Research

Before researching gun laws in depth, I learned a number of things unbeknownst to me in the past. Even as a responsible gun owner and advocate for gun safety, I found myself unaware of certain rules and regulations that could have landed me with a misdemeanor due to pure ignorance of firearm legislature. I also came to the realization that proper knowledge of firearm laws would most likely mitigate the arguments between people who clearly have no idea what they are talking about. From what I researched, I also came up with a logical system for increasing gun safety among the U.S. population.

Here's my proposal: 
I propose that a basic "Laws and Penalties" course shall be a graduation requirement in inner city schools where poverty and criminal activity is high. It would be taught by an educated police officer (which are already a necessary full time position in many U.S. public schools) The course would include but would not be limited to:

- The most common criminal offenses and the cost of committing them
- Firearm safety and laws for legal and proper use
- Penalties for committing violent crimes and the real-life affects after a felony offense
- Income and career opportunity differences between felons and law-abiding citizens
- An inside look at the life of a prisoner
- The influence of substance abuse and the correlation to criminal activity

Backing up my reasoning:
According to a study conducted by Regis University, as well as a number of other studies show that over 70% of all crimes committed are traced back to people who grew up in poverty and broken families who struggled to provide proper living conditions to children. It is also known that over 20% of people who are raised in poverty and rough areas will commit a felony offense by the age of 24. An even higher percentage will commit a misdemeanor by the age of 24. Why is this?
This can be traced back to inner city public schooling systems that provide poor education to the impoverished and the minorities, who happen to be the main perpetrators of violent crimes in America today. The amount of tax money that is required to keep these criminals behind bars and constant supervision is unreal, a whopping 55 Billion Dollars annually.
So, obviously there will never be a perfect society in which there are no criminals but there are ways to mitigate the problem. What if the public schools in areas where delinquents are common, required a passing grade in a basic "laws and penalties" course in order to graduate high school? Although I am not entirely sure how many crimes are committed out of sheer ignorance of the law, I believe that the correlation between criminal activity and the uneducated youth is astoundingly positive. If a basic laws and penalties course was required to graduate, the amount of delinquents who commit felony offenses would decrease and result in a safer society, a smarter society, and a society in which opportunities flourish.

Sources: 

Expert Staff, CBPP. “Policy Basics: Where Do Our State Tax Dollars Go?” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 10 Oct. 2017, www.cbpp.org/research/state-budget-and-tax/policy-basics-where-do-our-state-tax-dollars-go.

Staff, Regis University. “What Causes Someone to Exhibit Criminal Behavior?” Regis Criminology Programs, The Higher Learning Comission, 17 Mar. 2016, criminology.regis.edu/criminology-programs/resources/crim-articles/what-causes-someone-to-exhibit-criminal-behavior.

Thoughts on the Founding Father's Perception of the Second Amendment.

We have all heard the argument "The Founding Fathers didn't have assault weapons when they wrote the constitution so neither should we." This is a statement that addresses the technological advances in weaponry and how some believe that Americans are stretching the 2nd Amendment to a point of danger. Here's what I think. I have already made it clear that I am pro-gun rights with certain restrictions such as bump stocks and fully-automatic firearms. For the most part though, I support the 2nd Amendment entirely. I also believe that the statement above is rash and does not address the stipulations that modern U.S. legislature has instilled upon modern firearms. Earlier, I discussed certain laws that have been enacted as of recently relative to the initial writing of the U.S, Constitution. For example, there were little to no laws that prevented criminals from keeping their guns as well as laws that prevented persons under the age of 18 from purchasing and owning a firearm. There is an abundance of laws set in place after 1787 that pertain to gun ownership today that did not exist before. As it stands, the current laws are firm and they work very well. As for criminal activity involving firearms, the individuals committing the offenses are deliberately breaking firm laws which is cannot be "fixed" by adding new laws and hoping criminals abide by them. In conclusion, the notion that the Founding Fathers did not foresee high powered weapons and therefore said firearms should be illegal to possess is an illegitimate argument because of current regulations set in place to keep firearm purchases and ownership safe.
There is no way to keep criminals away from criminal activity by criminalizing things that criminals already ignore.

Thoughts on Criminal History and Gun Allowance.

America is the country of freedom. We are able to speak freely, assemble freely, form militias, represent ourselves freely, etc... This is an amazing set of rights that American citizens are granted as soon as they are born in the country or immigrate legally. However, with this incredible privilege comes a responsibility to uphold the respect and honor of being an American. When this responsibility is taken for granted and is used as a form of terror or crime, it is absolutely justified to incarcerate an individual and revoke freedoms that have been misused. I strongly agree that any act of domestic violence, substance abuse, severe mental illness, and other reasons that pose a danger to others shall result in total loss of the right to bear arms of a citizen who meets the criteria above. The right to purchase and keep a lethal firearm to defend ones self is a right that most of the world is not given. It is a right that comes with immense responsibility and shall not be taken lightly. Guns are dangerous, just like a motor vehicle is dangerous as well as a knife and many other things. It is the responsibility of the owner to educate and practice gun safety to the fullest extent. Any foul play in my educated opinion, shall be met with the fullest extent of the law.

Thoughts on Current Gun Laws

When it comes to gun laws in general, I generally side with conservatives who believe in the sanctity of the second amendment of the U.S. Constitution. However, after having researched this topic in depth, I do not firmly believe that all firearms of any type should be allowed in the hands of any old average Joe. To be more specific, I support the restricted ownership of fully automatic weapons in the hands of citizens. A fully automatic weapon is strictly used in the military and by licensed training professionals for a reason, and that is to terminate multiple enemies which is not a bad thing when it comes to war combat but unnecessary when it comes to home protection. Not only do I dislike the limited accuracy and control of a fully automatic weapon, I also do not see a practical application for a citizen to possess a fully-automatic weapon. When it comes to home protection, (which is the main argument against gun control), the most effective gun to defend a residence according to American Rifleman (americanrifleman.org) is a handgun. It is small, easily accessible, easy to maneuver in tight quarters, and very effective. When it comes to rifles, although very effective when hunting, is very impractical (especially a fully-automatic rifle) when it comes to home defense due to the bulkiness and limited maneuverability of the weapon. This is not to discourage anybody from owning a semi-automatic AR-15 or any similar rifles, but rather to explain the ill-necessity of a fully-automatic rifle. Plus, if you find yourself living in a home in which you need a machine gun to defend yourself, it would be a wise decision to move rather than live in paranoia.

Citation:
Horman, Gil B. “Choosing a Home-Defense Gun.” American Rifleman, National Rifle Association of America, 16 Oct. 2015, www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2015/10/16/choosing-a-home-defense-gun/.

Penalties for Improper use of a Firearm and other Weapons

Even if someone shudders at the mere thought of owning a firearm or other forms of weaponry, it is important to fully understand and recognize proper gun use as well as improper gun and weapon use. In my opinion, the United States would be substantially safer if citizens were required to be educated on the laws and dangers of firearms/lethal weapons as well as proper gun safety and safe gun use. This would increase the understanding that guns and other deadly weapons are not to be played with. It would also minimize the number of accidental deaths involving a firearm. Now, moving away from opinions, let's talk about the cost of negligence toward common gun laws. 
This topic has been discussed previously in the blog, but not specified completely. 
*These penalties are mainly specific to the state of Colorado* (Click here for Link)

* Improper Use of a Firearm:
Improper use of a firearm refers to any unlawful act that involves or pertains to a firearm and is sub-sectioned as follows:
- Possession of a dangerous or illegal weapon
- Penalty for second offense
- Defacing a firearm
- Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon
- Illegal discharge of a firearm 
- Unlawful purchase of a firearm 
*These penalties do NOT fulfill the entirety of Colorado gun law penalties*

1.) Possession of a dangerous or illegal weapon
-Specified in C.R.S. 18-12-102 "A person who knowingly possesses a dangerous weapon commits a class 5 felony. A person who knowingly possesses an illegal weapon commits a class 1 misdemeanor."
-When referring to a "Dangerous Weapon" it is defined as a firearm silencer, machine gun, short shotgun, short rifle, or ballistic knife.
-When referring to an "Illegal Weapon" it is defined as a blackjack (billy club), gas gun (tear gas), or metallic knuckles. 

2.) Penalty for second offense
-Specified in C.R.S. 18-12-107 "Any person who has within five years previously been convicted of a violation under (section 18-12-103), (18-12-105), or (18-12-106) shall, upon conviction for a second or subsequent offense under the same section, be guilty of a class 5 felony.
*These sections quoted above refer to certain circumstances including:
-Unlawful possession of a firearm
-Unlawful possession of an illegal or dangerous weapon
-Known prohibited use of a firearm 

3.) Possession of a defaced firearm
-Specified in C.R.S. 18-12-103, "A person commits a class 1 misdemeanor if he knowingly and unlawfully possesses a firearm, the manufacturer's serial number of which, or other distinguishing number or identification mark, has been removed, defaced, altered, or destroyed, except by normal wear and tear."

4.) Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon
- Specified in C.R.S. 18-12-105 , "A person commits a class 2 misdemeanor if such person knowingly and unlawfully carries a knife concealed on or about his or her person or firearm concealed on or about his or her person or; Without legal authority, carries, brings, or has in such person's possession a firearm or any explosive, incendiary, or other dangerous device on the property of or within any building in which the chambers, galleries, or offices of the general assembly, or either house thereof, are located, or in which a legislative hearing or meeting is being or is to be conducted, or in which the official office of any member, officer, or employee of the general assembly is located."

5.) Illegal discharge of a firearm 
-Specified in C.R.S. 18-12-107.5, "Any person who knowingly or recklessly discharges a firearm into any dwelling or any other building or occupied structure, or into any motor vehicle occupied by any person, commits the offense of illegal discharge of a firearm. Illegal discharge of a firearm is a class 5 felony."

6.) Unlawful purchase of a firearm 
- Specified in C.R.S. 18-12-111, "Any person who knowingly purchases or otherwise obtains a firearm on behalf of or for transfer to a person who the transferor knows or reasonably should know is ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to federal or state law commits a class 4 felony."

This list of penalties does not make up the entirety of Colorado illegal firearm penalties but in my opinion, is very helpful in understanding the basics of firearm laws and how to remain a law abiding citizen. 

Sources:

Staff, DPS. “Firearm and Weapons Related Statutes.” Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Department of Public Safety , Jan. 2017, www.colorado.gov/pacific/cbi/firearmstatutes.

Background Checks and Purchase Restrictions

When I asked a number of people who support hardening background checks, what actually goes on in a background check?... They often reply with a long "Ummmm.....". So, if someone would like to take a stance against the current background check system, it would be wise to know what they're talking about.
Let's dive in.

1.) What is a background check? The definition of a background check is "The act of reviewing both confidential and public information to investigate a person or entity's history."
(Read more) A background check is required by law to purchase and register a firearm. 

2.) What is considered unacceptable circumstances? (According to Giffords Law Center)

- Those who have been convicted of violent misdemeanors (especially with a firearm)

- Those with a history of drug or alcohol abuse

- Those convicted of juvenile offenses

- Those who suffer or have suffered from severe mental illness

- Individuals on Terror Watch List

3.) Violent Misdemeanors Explained

The American Medical Association's journal on the analysis of hand gun purchasers in California discovered that people with a history of violence, especially related to a gun are seven times more likely to commit a violent crime with a firearm if allowed to purchase. 

4.) Drug and Alcohol Abuse Explained 

A number of medically certified studies have proven that alcohol consumption increases a person's tendencies to act violently and irrationally. Mental stability is a requirement for proper gun safety and drug/alcohol abuse creates a situation in which a person is likely to engage in a violent act. Also, alcohol inhibits the ability to aim properly which often results in an accidental shooting of an unintended victim. 

5.) Juvenile Offenses Explained

This may seem like an unfair rule as it is known that humans act much differently during adolescence, but according to a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, there is an interesting correlation to adulthood. While analyzing criminal activity in Chicago, the NCBI found that individuals arrested before the age of 18, are 38% more likely to be convicted of a felony by the age of 26 when compared to others who had not been arrested. 

6.) Dangerous Mental Illness Explained 

Although mental illness is a term used in a wide variety of circumstances, Federal Law PROHIBITS ownership of firearms to those who have been "committed to a mental institution" or "adjudicated as a mental defective". However, it excludes a number of mental illnesses that are not considered "dangerous". This law is still very much a work in progress as scientific studies become more specific.

7.) Terror Watch List Explained

This should come as obvious for most but it is technical Federal Law that prohibits any person who is or has been on the Terror Watch List. Surprisingly, this is a new law enacted in 2015 due to the purchases of firearms by suspected terrorists. According to the Feinstein Senate, from 2005 - 2015, 2,265 individuals suspected of terrorism purchased a firearm or explosive because they technically did not fall under any criminal category and were only "suspected". Since then, laws have been hardened as to not allow any person suspected of terrorism to purchase weaponry. 

8.) How does the U.S. favor these Restrictions?

The United States as a whole is very much in favor of these firearm restrictions. In all circumstances, nearly 80% of all citizens favor these restrictions, including gun owners. These restrictions are all part of the background check law and are widely agreeable by the American population. 

(Read More at Giffords Law Center)

Sources:

Staff, Giffords. “Categories of Prohibited People.” Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence , Giffords Law Center Copyright 2017, 11 Mar. 2015, lawcenter.giffords.org/gun-laws/policy-areas/who-can-have-a-gun/categories-of-prohibited-people/.

Garen J. Wintemute, Alcohol misuse, firearm violence perpetration, and public policy in the United States., Prev. Med. (Apr. 2015),http://dartcenter.org/files/fckeditor/Alcohol%20Misuse,%20Firearm%20Violence.pdf;  Garen J. Wintemute, Broadening Denial Criteria for the Purchase and Possession of Firearms:  Need, Feasibility, and Effectiveness, in Reducing Gun Violence in America 77, 82 (Daniel W. Webster ed., Johns Hopkins University Press, 2013), http://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/johns-hopkins-center-for-gun-policy-and-research/resources/digtal_update_Webster_Vernick.pdf; K. Vittes et al., Legal Status and Source of Offenders’ Firearms in States with the Least Stringent Criteria for Gun Ownership, 19 Inj. Prev. 26 (2013), https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22729164; Mona Wright et al., Felonious or Violent Criminal Activity That Prohibits Gun Ownership Among Prior Purchasers of Handguns: Incidence and Risk Factors, 69 J. Trauma 948 (2010),http://journals.lww.com/jtrauma/Abstract/2010/10000/Felonious_or_Violent_Criminal_Activity_That.37.aspx?trendmd-shared=0. 

Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Dep’t of Justice, Background Checks for Firearm Transfers, 2013-2014 – Statistical Tables, at https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/bcft1314st.pdf. These statistics cover the period February 28, 1994 – Dec. 31, 2014. 

Ownership of Fully Automatic Firearms.

Modern Fully-Automatic Machine Gun

A fully automatic is defined as, "An automatic firearm continuously fires rounds as long as the trigger is pressed or held and there is ammunition in the magazine/chamber" This differs from a semi-automatic firearm which can fire one round per trigger pull but does not need to be manually reloaded after each round is fired. In the United States, it is common for a citizen to own a semi-automatic weapon such as an AR-15 and a variety of handguns. However, contrary to popular belief, it is incredibly difficult to get a permit for the ownership of a fully-automatic weapon. According to a variety of news sources and journals, fully automatic weapons have been heavily regulated since the 1930's when the Tommy Gun was being used violently by gangs. According to Andrea Miller in her ABC News research article, "What to know about machine gun laws in the US", In 1986, regulations of machine guns were hardened since the original regulations of Tommy Guns back in 1934 did not stop much crime. The new laws imposed regulations to the manufacturing of fully-automatic weapons to allow only government certified manufacturers to produce fully-automatic weapons and banned possession of new fully-automatic firearms to the public. This ban is still in affect. 

Tommy Gun

Gun Violence Scientific Study.

Can gun violence be scientifically studied? 
This blog post will reflect the peer reviewed journal entry, "Gun violence prevention" by Ted Alcorn and Scott Burris. 
In the journal, the authors discuss the current state of gun laws in the United States and how to conduct a study to determine the actual factors of gun violence rather than people with opposing views ripping each others' throats out over personal beliefs. The authors discuss a variety of studies and the legitimacy of common beliefs. One section that stood out and caught my attention was the author's view on gun laws as a whole when he writes, "There is an emerging consensus that certain gun laws reduce gun violence, particularly those requiring all gun buyers to first pass background checks, and those barring domestic abusers from possessing guns. But we have much to learn about how those laws work, and how they can work better." The author also explains his thoughts behind the importance of conducting an actual scientific study when he writes "Legal data used for scientific evaluation should be created by a reliable procedure disclosed to users, and should capture variation across jurisdictions in the operative provisions of the law" 
Although I remain on the pro-gun side of these issues, in my personal opinion, if a study can be conducted and potentially save lives, by all means it should be conducted. 

Alcorn, Ted, and Scott Burris. “Gun Violence Prevention.” ProQuest, 16 July 2016, search-proquest-com.aurarialibrary.idm.oclc.org/docview/1805442464?pq-origsite=summon-Vol. 388 (10041). 
. 

Bump Stocks Since Las Vegas Shooting

What is a bump stock, how is it used, and should it be legal?

As noted in previous blog posts, I am a pro-gun rights activist and I believe firmly in the personal protection of the rights of individuals. That being said, I am not an irrational person so gun laws are always up for debate. The debate on whether or not bump stocks for assault rifles should be legal has gained support by even the most avid of gun supporters. Let's start with some factual information. A bump stock is a modification to a semi-automatic weapon to essentially turn it into an automatic weapon without changing the inside parts or firing pin of the rifle. A bump stock is a modification to the stock (shoulder piece) of the rifle to allow it to slide back and forth. Attached to the sliding mechanism is a flat plastic piece alongside the trigger which allows for the recoil of the rifle to push the shooter's finger against the trigger after every round fired creating a fully automatic, machine gun affect. It is an incredibly simple design but has gained substantial attention due to the fact that the Las Vegas shooter used bump stocks on the weapons of which he used to kill 58 people and injure many others at a concert in early October of 2017. According to the NRA (National Rifle Association), advocates agree that  "devices designed to allow semi-automatic rifles to function like fully-automatic rifles should be subject to additional regulations."(The Fly. (Oct. 5, 2017). The NRA is an organization that is known for their support of the second amendment. Seeing as though they are pushing for regulations on bump stocks is an indicator that the modification is a truly unnecessary component which poses a danger to others due to the fact that they make the firearm inaccurate and difficult to control. 
From my point of view, bump stocks are completely unnecessary and should be heavily regulated in the United States. Since the Las Vegas shooting, efforts to regulate bump stocks have been enacted but have since stalled. (NPR news Oct. 26, 2017)

Link: How Bump Stocks Work

"NRA calls for additional regulations on bump stocks." The Fly, 5 Oct. 2017. General OneFile, aurarialibrary.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=auraria_main&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA508144909&it=r&asid=378300ffb806825ba0afe97a0c9e66b8. Accessed 1 Nov. 2017.

Bennett, Geoff. “What Happened To The Move To Ban Bump Stocks?” NPR, National Public Radio, 26 Oct. 2017, www.npr.org/2017/10/26/560276707/what-happened-to-the-move-to-ban-bump-stocks.

Assault Weapons Ban

The banning of Assault Weapons. Is it necessary? Will it make America a safer place? In my opinion, absolutely not. As I see it, it is nobody's business to tell another person what they can and cannot have in their household, especially when told by the uninformed. Assault weapons are used by sportsmen and responsible, law abiding citizens who practice home defense. Unfortunately, criminals can also get their hands on an assault weapon through illegal means. Assault weapons are not committing crimes, people with bad intentions are committing crimes. Every weapon is lethal but it becomes dangerously lethal in the hands of a criminal who has no problem breaking the law. Let's take a closer look at the actual statistics pertaining to assault weapons. According to Mark Gius in his peer reviewed journal publication, "The impact of state and federal assault weapons bans on public mass shootings" Gius explains in his journal that there have been multiple bans on assault weapons in the United States which have expired since. A mass shooting by definition is an attack involving a firearm which results in the death of four or more people. Contrary to popular belief, the primary weapon used in mass shootings are concealable handguns. According to Gius and Senior Legislative Attorney, Janet L. Kaminski Leduc, assault rifles were used in only 8.25% of all mass shootings whereas handguns were used in a whopping 32.99% of all mass shootings. Other weapons such as hunting rifles, shotguns, and other weapons make up the remaining percentage. But of course, which gun looks scarier? (Picture below)

On top: Semi Automatic Handgun
On Bottom: AR-15 (Assault Rifle)

Many assault weapons ban activists will argue that the ownership of a weapon that has the ability to kill multiple people at a quick rate is unnecessary and dangerous so therefore should be deemed illegal. However, the primary weapons used in mass shootings were handguns. Are these activists genuinely trying to make America safer or are they simply uninformed and intimidated by the way an AR-15 looks?





Citation:

Gius, Mark. “The Impact of State and Federal Assault Weapons Bans on Public Mass Shootings.” Applied Economics Letters, vol. 22, no. 4, 2014, pp. 281–284., doi:10.1080/13504851.2014.939367.

Janet L. KaminskiLeduc, Senior Legislative Attorney. “WEAPONS USED IN MASS SHOOTINGS.” WEAPONS USED IN MASS SHOOTINGS, OLR Research Report, 18 Jan. 2013, www.cga.ct.gov/2013/rpt/2013-R-0057.htm.

What Defines Patriotism?

Who can call themselves a patriot? America today is full of all sorts of views and topics of discussion. As Americans, it is common to define ourselves through the political party in which we most commonly relate to. When it comes to politics, we tear each other down with harsh remarks, opposing views, insults, etc... We do this because we all have different preferences on what we would consider ideal America. Since we live in a highly diverse country, we are constantly surrounded by individuals who each view the world from a different set of eyes.

What is an "Assault Rifle"

Assault rifles are a growing concern in the U.S. Nearly every day walking around my college campus, a group of students are infuriated about how assault weapons are still legal for citizens to own. However, when asked what an assault rifle is, most students fail to come up with a solid answer. 

According to a local Los Angeles news station (KTBS ABC Shreveport, LA.), an assault rifle is defined as a civilian owned, military style rifle with a telescoping stock for close quarters, a pistol hand grip, a flash suppressor, typically semi-automatic capable, can hold over 10 rounds and has a bayonet mount. Assault rifles typically have a matte black finish and can be fired quickly with each pull of the trigger. Below is a description of a rifle that is considered an assault rifle. 

The United States congress considers an "Assault Weapon" any rifle that contains at least two of the features listed above. Should these rifles be banned from the American public or is it a constitutional right to own one? 

Citation:

Cengage Broadcast. “What IS an Assault Rifle?” What IS an Assault Rifle?, KTBS ABC Shreveport, LA, 23 Jan. 2013, www.clipsyndicate.com/video/playlist/10833/3913542?cpt=8&title=cengage_broadcast&wpid=6424.

Current Firearm Regulations in the United States.

Although the United States takes the lead for the highest amount of guns per household, there are still regulations and limits on firearms which every typical U.S. citizen is required by law to stay within the limits.

These regulations are NOT universal in the U.S. because laws vary by state. We will discuss the firearm laws that are effective nationwide as well as state firearm regulations (Specifically pertaining to Colorado). Nationwide gun laws are difficult to determine due to the fact that individual gun laws are primarily determined by state legislation. However, there are some important rules and regulations that all responsible gun owners should abide by in order to remain on the good side of the law. 

Important Nationwide Firearm Laws:  (2015 ATF Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide)

1.) Interstate Transportation: If the type of firearm is considered lawful to own by the state, a lawful gun owner shall be permitted to transport the legally owned firearm to any other state that also permits the firearm. Neither the firearm nor ammunition shall be readily accessible or directly accessible from the passenger compartment. (926A Interstate transportation of firearms) 

2.) Importation of Foreign Firearms: It is unlawful for any person other than a licensed importer, licensed dealer, or licensed manufacturer, to engage in the business of importing, dealing, or manufacturing firearms or in the course of such business to ship, transport, or receive any firearm in interstate or foreign commerce. (922 Unlawful acts.) 

3.) Possession of Firearms and Dangerous Weapons in Federal Facilities: whoever knowingly possesses or causes to be present a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a Federal facility (other than a Federal court facility), or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both. (922 Unlawful acts.) 

Important State Firearm Permissions and Exclusions (Colorado Specific): (ATF State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms (32nd Edition))

1.) Basic State Firearm Definition

- "Firearms" means a pistol, revolver, or other weapon of any description, loaded or unloaded, from which any shot, bullet, or other missile can be discharged, the length of the barrel of which, not including any revolving, detachable, or magazine breech, does not exceed 12 inches

2.) Background Checks: 

- Before a gun show vendor transfers or attempts to transfer a firearm at a gun show, he or she shall require a background check 

- The transferee must obtain approval of a transfer from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation after a background check has been requested by a licensed gun dealer

3.) Possession of a Dangerous or Illegal Weapon:

- The term "dangerous weapon" means a firearm silencer, machine gun, short shotgun, short rifle, or ballistic knife.

- A person who knowingly possesses a dangerous weapon commits a class 5 felony

- The term "illegal weapon" means a blackjack, gas gun, metallic knuckles, gravity knife, or switchblade knife.

- A person who knowingly possesses an illegal weapon commits a class 1 misdemeanor. 

4.) Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon:

- A person commits a class 2 misdemeanor if such person knowingly and unlawfully carries a firearm concealed on or about his or her person or carries a firearm into a federal building without legal authority. 

- A person commits a class 6 felony if such person knowingly and unlawfully and without legal authority carries, brings, or has in such person's possession a deadly weapon in or on the premises of any public or private elementary, middle, junior high, high, or vocational school or any public or private college, university, or seminary

There are many other rules and regulations pertaining to federal and state gun laws. I found these specific laws above to be highly important and useful for anyone who has an interest in either buying or concealing a weapon. This short list of laws listed above are important to understand in order to remain a law abiding, responsible gun owner. 

Sources:

United States, Congress, U.S. Department of Justice (Office of Director), and Director Todd Jones. “ATF Publication 5300.4.” ATF Publication 5300.4, Enforcement Programs and Services, Sept. 2014 www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/guide/firearmsstatutesandcodes-coloradopdf/download.

United States, Congress, Office of the Attorney General. “Colorado Revised Statutes.”Colorado Revised Statutes, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, 2016. www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/guide/firearmsstatutesandcodes-coloradopdf/download.

Anthony's Opinion on Gun Control

Research on Gun Control.

I believe guns should be allowed to the public if one has done the proper training and has been through extensive background checks. I think the laws should tighten up a bit, but eliminating the public to have weapons can cause people to feel “defenseless”. There have been a lot of shootings and messed up events happening within the world today and to me, having a weapon on my hip will make me feel 100% more comfortable. I think America is too loose with gun control and should take more precautions when administering guns to the public. They should look into EVERYTHING, I mean family history, medical history, medications the person is taking, criminal record, annual income. I think even taking placement tests to see if the user is in a healthy state of mind to get the weapon would make things even more safe in the public. There a lot of people who think gun control is too loose and I agree but some also think guns shouldn’t be aloud to the public because of all these shootings that have happened. I think taking away guns can cause other things to happen within society such as bombs, armored cars, and even pathogenic viruses that can wipe out thousands of innocent people. I believe bump stocks should be banned because it’s a way to make rifles automatic...it can cause a semi-auto rifle to fire like a full automatic weapon. The shooter in Las Vegas had bump stocks which is why in videos it sounds like an automatic weapon. There are tons of different stances on this issue but mine is to tighten up gun laws to make them harder to get so that not some random dude can go in and buy a shotgun or a high powered rifle.