The wording of the Second Amendment itself has come under scrutiny, with some believing that it was never intended to protect individuals' rights, but rather to give the states the power to keep a militia. Gun rights defenders take the wording of the Second Amendment very literally. These advocates still see guns as a vital part of the system of checks and balances in which an armed citizenry can defend its rights against possible government encroachment. And on a more basic and immediate level, gun rights advocates believe that an armed nation is a safer nation. Criminals are less likely to attack those who are capable of defending themselves.
Guns are the great equalizers.
Two major gun-control laws were instituted in 1993 and 1994. In 1993 came the Brady Act, which imposes a five business day waiting period for the purchase of guns and requires local law enforcement to do background checks on anyone wishing to buy a gun. The Assault Weapons Ban was signed into law in 1994, banning the manufacture or importation of 16 different types of semi-automatic weapons. Gun rights advocates have been working for the repeal of these laws. Whether you're an activist, scholar, or just looking to update yourself on the legal and philosophical battles over gun rights, we hope that the free-market resources below will help you untangle the issues.