<p>Looks like the VT shooter was prohibited by law from buying firearms after all. </p>
<p>It appears the best fix is to improve the communications between the mental health folks and the database queried when background checks are run for firearms purchases.</p>
<p>See: <a href=“http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/04/21/cho_could_have_been_denied_firearms/[/url]”>http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/04/21/cho_could_have_been_denied_firearms/</a></p>
<p>This article <a href=“http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SOU_VIRGINIA_TECH_SHOOTING_WEAPONS_VAOL-?SITE=VANOV&SECTION=STATE[/url]”>http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SOU_VIRGINIA_TECH_SHOOTING_WEAPONS_VAOL-?SITE=VANOV&SECTION=STATE</a>
explains the Virginia state loophole that kept his name from the federal database.
Also, the article points out that the 22 caliber gun was actually ordered on the internet, and he arranged to pick it up at the pawn shop in VA. Ordering guns on the internet?? now THAT is scary!</p>
<p>To buy a firearm online you still have to have it shipped to a licensed firearms dealer. You never take physical possession of the firearm until you have completed federal Form 4473 and associated state and local paperwork, undergo the background check, and whatever waiting periods are specified.</p>
<p>One cannot directly receive a firearm by “mail” unless certain very restrictive factors are present. Cho had none of those factors from all the articles I’ve read. Permissible factors include: having a firearm you already own repaired and shipped back to you from a legitimate manufacturer, an antique firearm (not modern at all) or some primitive black powder firearms.</p>
<p>In Cho’s case, like any online purchase, the firearm typically goes from licensed dealer to licensed dealer, with all associated record keeping and checks. It generally goes like this: Customer A sees firearm online and wants to buy it. He then finds a local dealer who agrees (typically for a fee) to receive and transfer the firearm. Customer A them mails a signed copy of the dealer’s license to the seller. The seller then ships the firearm to the dealer. Customer A pays the seller for the firearm. Customer A then goes to his local dealer and undergoes all checks and completes all paperwork. Assuming all is in order, he then receives his purchase.</p>
<p>The typical holder of a federal firearms dealer’s license is subject to rigid regulations and periodic regular audits by ATF. Every “t” must be crossed and every “i” dotted lest you lose your license. Generally, the small business owners have their life savings in the business and don’t want to lose their license. </p>
<p>In the past, almost anyone could have a license, but that has been made substantially more difficult by laws in the last 10 years. Now only real, encumbered dealers go to the trouble.</p>