Ronald Reagan on Gun Control
TL;DR
Ronald Reagan supported banning assault weapons while simultaneously arguing against disarming law-abiding citizens for self-defense.
Key Points
In January 1983, he signed amendments to the Gun Control Act of 1968 to remove record-keeping requirements for .22 rimfire ammunition sales.
As Governor of California, he signed the Mulford Act in 1967, which banned carrying loaded firearms in public without a license.
In 1994, he penned a letter to Congress stating that assault-weapon legislation could dry up the supply of those guns to criminals.
Summary
Ronald Reagan held a nuanced position on gun control, which included both support for certain restrictions and staunch defense of the rights of law-abiding citizens. During his time as Governor of California, he signed the Mulford Act in 1967, a law banning the carrying of loaded firearms in public, which was prompted by the public displays of arms by the Black Panther Party. This action demonstrated a willingness to support gun control measures under specific circumstances, though he later stated the bill caused no hardship on the honest citizen.
As President, Reagan expressed views that leaned toward limiting access to certain types of firearms. He voiced opposition to assault weapons, stating that an AK-47 was not needed for home defense or sporting use, and later advocated for legislation to dry up the supply of these guns to criminals. However, he consistently affirmed the right of citizens to own guns for sporting, hunting, and home defense, maintaining that the criminal, not the law-abiding owner, is responsible for violence.
Key Quotes
“It's a nasty truth, but those who seek to inflict harm are not fazed by gun control laws. I happen to know this from personal experience.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Ronald Reagan's position was characterized by a dual focus: strongly defending the rights of law-abiding citizens to own guns for defense and sport, while also supporting bans on specific categories of weapons, particularly assault weapons. His stance reflected an effort to target criminals rather than law-abiding owners.
Yes, the former President supported restricting access to assault weapons both before and after his presidency. He specifically stated that weapons like the AK-47 were not necessary for home defense and penned a letter urging Congress to pass legislation to limit their supply.
The former President was vocal that gun control laws do not faze those who seek to inflict harm. He suggested that the only way to achieve real gun control was to disarm and lock up criminals rather than burdening law-abiding citizens.
Sources4
Check the Record : Reagan on Gun Bans
California Gun Control: How Ronald Reagan and the Black Panthers Started a Movement
“It's a nasty truth, but those who seek to inflict harm are not fazed by gun control laws. I happen to know this from personal experience.”
Statement on Amendments to the Gun Control Act of 1968
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.