England's underworld gun trade

Even in the country with the strictest laws on firearms, there are still problems on the streets.

An article written by the Telegraph titled “The Underworld Gun Trade” discusses how an underground system of "armourers" has emerged in England. These people smuggle, convert, or completely forge new firearms for sale. But not for private citizens, of course.

“Handguns are the weapon of choice for criminals on the street and they are relatively easy to obtain, even for teenage gangs – the challenge for many is to get the ammunition.”

Surprisingly enough, homemade ammunition has found its way into the markets as well.

The article goes on to state smuggling of firearms from other countries is how most of these items make it to England. “Replica” models are even easily converted to fully functioning models by gunsmiths, and are often traded among criminals or held for shared use by members of a gang.

So why mention this article? Isn’t this a problem for England and their firearm laws?

I like to look at England’s gun laws as a case study for what not to do in America. Because even though that government has banned almost everything... every component, part and accessory that can possibly be made for a firearm, there is still an element that finds a way around it.

The criminal element.

In my opinion, people with ill intentions, given enough resources and time, will find a way around anything.

And, as I said before, even if someone could magic away every weapon ever made, criminals would find a way to reproduce them. To manufacture them. To smuggle them in from neighboring countries. And to use them.

Laws that restrict firearm sales and manufacture do nothing to deter the individuals intent on using them. Laws that restrict firearms only make the individuals who could have had the ability to protect their home and life from these criminals easier prey.

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