guns - history, mechanics, and politics
TRANSCRIPT
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