[Southack]

"Are you actually trying to imply that we have more gun rights now than before? Prior to 1934, there were no gun control laws whatsoever."

From 1890 to the 1970's, most states forbade the carrying of concealed weapons.

If you are familiar with the "Shootout at the OK Corral," then you'll remember that the town in question banned all guns; disarming those in violation was what led to that shootout.

Today, 46 states permit the carrying of open or concealed weapons...a far cry from the total bans of the past.

Likewise, prior to 1986, you could be arrested for merely passing through a city or county that forbade guns...even if your own guns were stored in the trunk of your car.

Prior to 2003, commercial airline pilots were completely forbidden from packing heat, too.

All of those firearm restrictions are gone now, as are the old restrictions in the Assault Weapons Ban.

So yes, we are substantially more free today than in 1890, 1934, or even 2002.

[Dan Evans]

Prior to 2003, commercial airline pilots were completely forbidden from packing heat, too.

I don't think that's true. Even passengers were allowed to carry:

"...Moreover, in light of the recent terrorist attacks and the ensuing debates over whether pilots should be armed, the 1954 incident illustrates a forgotten time when pilots not only routinely carried pistols, but were required to carry them. On that Tuesday, 47 years ago, Bonnell was carrying his, a small, .380-caliber Colt semiautomatic, holstered in his flight bag. " http://www.handguncontrolinc.org/airlines2.htm

[Junior_G]

Gun bans in individual townships are annoying; but my main point is about the loss of gun rights at the federal level. There are plenty of "common sense" restrictions on the ability of individuals to purchase guns, and on the types of guns they are allowed to purchase. Most of these did not exist before the 1960's, and none of them existed before the 20th century. There are now age restrictions, restrictions on buying guns across state lines, and restrictions on ordering guns through the mail. You can't buy firearms without going through a background check to make sure you haven't been convicted of a felony or domestic violence (another "common sense" restriction-----I mean, who is going to defend the 2nd amendment rights of somebody with a domestic violence rap on their record?) There are entire classes of firearms that are now banned. If I knew for a fact that no more rights would be taken away, I could probably deal with it; but I have a feeling that somewhere down the line we'll be taken the way of our enlightened neighbors in Canada, the UK, Australia, etc. We've already taken the first steps.

[Centurion2000]

So yes, we are substantially more free today than in 1890, 1934, or even 2002.

Try to own a modern produced howitzer, tank or attack helicopter. In 1890-1933 you had EVERY right to own every weapon the US Army and Navy had.

[freepatriot32]

number of gun control laws in 1792 when the constitution was ratified 0 number of gun control laws in 2005

20,000 any questions?

[freepatriot32]

Likewise, prior to 1986, you could be arrested for merely passing through a city or county that forbade guns...even if your own guns were stored in the trunk of your car.

Got a challenge for you get some guns and put them in the trunk of your car then drive through the city o f chicago and let me know when you do so i can call the police and you can see first hand how free you are to carry guns through citys that have outlawed them.