Unfortunately the Gipper signed California's handgun registration law as governor and then lobbied for the Brady bill after he left office in 88.
LinkFormer press secretary speaks about Reagan's views on gun control
Saturday,June12,2004,12:41 AM
Washington-AP -- James Brady is fondly remembering how President Reagan brought him jellybeans after he was shot during the attempt on Reagan's life in 1981. The former White House press secretary was shot in the head and permanently injured in the assassination attempt.
Brady and his wife, Sarah, became strong opponents of handguns and were an impetus behind the 1993 Brady bill that requires background checks for buyers and a waiting period.
Brady's wife Sarah defended Reagan's views on gun control -- specifically his measure to ban assault weapons -- as "common sense."
"Reagan's legacy includes support for stronger gun laws. It's true that while Reagan was President, he did not champion these initiatives. And in 1986, Reagan signed NRA-backed legislation that actually weakened federal gun regulations.- Coalition to Stop Gun Violence via JoinTogether.org
But in his later years, Reagan bucked his own party and lobbied for bills like the Assault Weapons Ban. He knew it was the right thing to do. Contrast his actions with the current President -- who refuses to lift a finger to save and strengthen the ban -- and you understand why Reagan should be praised, not mocked as a traitor."