I am Juan Mendez an Arizona Democratic State Rep. I recently won my Senate primary and have no opponent in the General Election. Ask Me Anything about AZ Politics and how you can help me keep moving Arizona forward.

It shouldn't be so easy to buy guns at gun shows or over the internet.

If you do so on the internet you have to follow existing federal laws regarding interstate firearm transfers. This involves a FFL, Federal Firearms License holder, who will complete a FBI background check & maintain records as per ATF requirements. If you are at a gun show & you have a table you must have an FFL which requires you to follow background check laws. If you are a private party selling to a private party & you are both state residents you must follow state laws.

It's currently no easier to buy online or through a dealer at a gun show then it is to purchase one at a physical gun store or firing range.

If you want to pass laws that accomplish what you want & have the chance of getting gun owner approval may I suggest a few things? You can attempt to change the state rules regarding transfers of firearms (like Colorado) & make sure state laws requires selling of firearms at gun shows go through an FFL.

Another way would be to legislate it so that police have a priority to investigate straw purchases, perjury on federal background check forms & stolen firearms. It is a felony to lie on the background check form & it is a felon to attempt to purchase a firearm if you are a prohibited person. Yet daily I see the same people walking into the store to try & buy a gun, hoping the person at the counter won't catch onto their lies. Every day we call the police about felons attempting to buy guns & every day the police tell us they won't send someone. Make that a priority of law enforcement and you'll solve your issue & keep gun owners happy

/r/IAmA Thread Parent