Weak national regulations, which were created by the NRA, have allowed the gun industry to operate with very little regulation and unsafe business practices. In Oregon in 2023, only 34 out of nearly 2,000 gun dealers were inspected.
While food trucks and nail salons are inspected annually, at the ATF's current rate it would take 57 years to inspect all Oregon gun dealers. Yet, gun dealers are the single largest source of crime guns in Oregon. While many gun dealers are responsible, we need licensing and inspecting protocols to address bad actors.
Research has found violations in 1/3 to 1/2 of all gun dealers, including things like knowingly selling a gun as a “straw purchase” for someone who would not be able to pass a background check. Other times, staff simply aren't recognizing these sales. Two solutions: permitting for purchasers, and training for gun dealers - have been shown to significantly reduce straw gun sales, leading to reducing shootings and homicides. Permitting - a process that requires a full application with fingerprints, training, and a meeting with law enforcement - has been found to reduce straw gun sales by up to 70%, significantly reducing the number of guns in circulation and used in crimes. Every person who sells firearms should be trained to recognize and prevent straw gun purchases.
Theft from gun shops is a significant problem in Oregon, linked to gun related crimes and connected to a thriving trafficking market, where guns are being trafficked from Oregon to Mexico. Gun shops should be required to properly secure their inventory.
