GunsHISTORY, MECHANICS, AND POLITICS

What is a gun?

Matchlock• Could be fired without

lighting a new match• Doesn’t work in rain or wind• Very unreliable, sparks can

ignite the pan without warning

Wheel Lock• Impervious to rain and wind• Complex and expensive• Springs failed often and

winding was slow

Flintlock• Much simpler than wheel

lock• Most popular mechanism

used for muzzleloaders throughout history, was standard with most armies

Cartridges

1 in 5

Guns in the World

AKAll other guns

The Second Amendment

“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.”

TL;DR: Gun Control Works

Firearm homicides per 100,000 peopleData from Alpers and Wilson (GunPolicy.org), 2013

Gun Control in CanadaThree classes

of firearms•Non-restricted•Restricted•Prohibited

Background Check

•Need to pass safety course•Need two references•Mandatory waiting period

Storage and Transportation•Must always be unloaded•Must be locked when stored•Cannot have ammo within easy reach

Gun Safety•Assume every firearm is loadedA•Control the muzzle direction at all timesC•Trigger finger must be kept off the triggerT•See that the firearm is unloaded: PROVE it is safeS

Gun Safety•Point the firearm in the safest directionP•Remove all ammunitionR•Observe the chamberO•Verify the feeding path is clearV•Examine the bore for obstructionsE

Q&A