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How can we reduce gun crime and gun violence, without infringing on the rights of law-abiding gun owners? In the cross-fire of competing claims, sometimes it's hard to separate the myths from the facts.
Click on a question below to see if you know the facts about the gun show loophole:
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Do criminals really get guns at gun shows?
According to federal law enforcement, gun shows are the second leading source of illegal firearms recovered in gun trafficking investigations. |
source: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, June 2000 |
It's important to remember that gun shows themselves are not the problem. The problem is the lack of background checks for gun show purchases. Fast, accurate background checks will keep criminals out of gun shows and preserve this unique American tradition for collectors, hunters, and enthusiasts.
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Will background checks put gun shows out of business?
Of the five states that host the most gun shows, three states—Pennsylvania, Illinois, and California—have already closed the gun show loophole. Pennsylvania, which is second only to Texas in the number of gun shows it hosts, has required background checks for years. |
sources: Krause Gun Show Calendar; California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania statutes
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Do background checks prevent legitimate sales?
95% of all background checks are completed within two hours and most are completed within two minutes. Only about one in thirty background checks lasts more than a day and these checks are the most likely to uncover felons. |
source: General Accounting Office; February 2000
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Will background checks really deter criminals?
States that have closed the gun show loophole have effectively thwarted criminals, and those that have not continue to attract illegal gun runners. For example, Pennsylvania and Illinois rank second and fourth in the number of gun shows in America but rank 15th and 18th in the number of crime gun exports to other states, in part because background checks are required at gun shows. Texas and Florida, which have not closed the gun show loophole and rank first and third in the number of gun shows, rank fourth and first in the number of crime gun exports to other states. |
source: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
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Are sales by unlicensed dealers really that common?
Up to 25% of the gun sellers at gun shows are not federally licensed gun dealers and therefore do not have to comply with the federal Brady Law that requires background checks. |
source: U.S. Depts. of Treasury and Justice, January 1999
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Will background checks overwhelm gun show operators?
There are more than 4,000 gun shows each year and the typical gun show operator organizes as many as 25 gun shows a year, sells space to between 500 and 1,000 vendors each weekend, and charges admission to thousands of patrons. An average gun show will gross $50,000 in a weekend before a single gun is sold. |
source: U.S. Depts. of Treasury and Justice, January 1999
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Find out more about the gun show loophole
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Gun owners care about safety
Oregon and Colorado voters approved ballot initiatives that require background checks at gun shows. Both initiatives passed by large margins, with support from a majority of gun owners in both states.
The gun show loophole
What you should know about this dangerous loophole in our laws.
Why background checks are needed
When background checks are not required, criminals—even convicted felons—can easily buy guns with no questions asked. more
Police endorse gun safety bill
National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) endorses McCain-Lieberman bill.
McCain– Lieberman
AGS launches  million-dollar campaign backing new bill to close the gun show loophole. read more play video
Unlicensed dealers
Up to 25% of the gun sellers at gun shows are not federally licensed gun dealers and therefore are not required to run a criminal background check when they sell a gun. more
Oregon Sheriff
Dan Noelle: "As a cop, it is tough enough to lay your life on the line without it being easy for criminals to get guns."
Denver Safety Chief
Ari Zavaras: "Convicted felons buy guns at gun shows because of the loophole in our laws."
95% of all background checks are completed within two hours and most are completed within two minutes
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