“Doing it for guns just like “cash for clunkers” for cars? “
The stated intention of cash for clunkers was to remove old, polluting cars from the roads and replace them with new, more energy efficient cars. The actual intention was to do away with the cheap used car to force kids to take the bus. This is clearly demonstrated by the requirement that the car not only be crushed, but the engine had to be ruined as well. No part could be reused.
In actuality the program moved forward demand and caused much hardship on the part of auto manufacturers, one of the intended beneficiaries, by giving them some very bad sales months after the program ended. IN addition the replacement cars were, on average, much less efficient as people bought mostly trucks and SUV’s. The other initial effect was to eliminate the cheap used car market. But here we are several years later and used cars are cheaper in real terms than any time since the 1970’s. The program was a massive failure by any measure.
So, go ahead and do the same for guns. I could use a few upgrades.
I think the actual intent was to limit the cars that are not computer/satellite controlled, and can be fixed, stem to stern, by any shade tree mechanic.
It ain't about gas mileage or pollutants - My old 78 Chevy PU, with the addition of an overdrive transmission and taller gears (3:73) gets the same mileage as my son's 09...
And properly dialed, it passes emissions, at least in Portland OR (won a 500 dollar bet on that one).
The cash for clunkers also removed valuable “cores” for rebuilt transmissions and engines from the aftermarket.
That is the same goal...