S.B. 225

COALITION OF CONNECTICUT SPORTSMEN P.O. Box 2506, Hartford, CT 06146, (203) 245-8076

www.ctsportsmen.com  

Testimony presented to the Public Safety Committee (2/19/02) 

IN SUPPORT of S.B. No. 225  (RAISED) PUBLIC SAFETY. 'AN ACT CONCERNING THE SALE OR DELIVERY OF RIFLES AND SHOTGUNS  

By Robert T. Crook, Director 

The major purpose of this bill is to eliminate the two-week waiting period for the sale or delivery of rifles and shotguns.

This bill passed in 1990 when there was no instant check as we have now, and the argument for the waiting period was to perform an adequate background investigation. Since we now have an effective “instant check” on all guns, including rifles and shotguns, there is no reason for a waiting period.

The current waiting period applies only to a small segment of the population since most persons with an interest in firearms - law enforcement, pistol permit holders, members of the military, and hunting license holders - are exempt. Some examples of those who have had to wait are: collectors, rifle and shotgun target shooters, and citizens who deem they have a need for home self-protection. With the background “instant check” investigation in place and working, there is no legitimate reason to discriminate and preclude all other legitimate citizens from immediate purchase.

The counter argument will be there should be a "cooling off" period, although there is no scientific basis for this claim. By their own admission and scientific data, long guns are not the “problem,” and not the criminal’s “weapon of choice.”

This bill will also substantially reduce State Police administration efforts, freeing them to better enforce the law.