LugerForum Discussion Forums - View Single Post - New gun possesion issues in the Netherlands

Vlim · 04-20-2004, 09:09 AM

Hi Guys,

Just read a discomforting message. The Dutch parliament is discussing stricter (yep, it's possible) gun laws as the result of 2 shooting incidents in the last year.

Both incidents involved people who had access to handguns as the result of shooting club membership and killed several relatives as the result of personal relationship problems.

Some propositions that were launched event went as far as keeping the guns on the club, rather than at home. As this creates a whole new security issue (gun club building as target for criminals stealing weapons), it also creates a number of additional logistical problems.

We have very good basic measures that sort out the good from the bad but it's nearly impossible to sort out people who 'crack' emotionally as the result of some personal problems.

Add to that, that these 2 incidents, some 8 victims in total are caused by about 0,005 percent of the gun owning sports shooting community. More people get killed attending football games here.

I'm very worried that the sports shooting scene will again be used as a 'quick win' for some not-too-bothered politicians. In fact, I wrote one of them and invited him to come and take a look to see how things really work so he can form himself a better opinion.

As info, the current rules:
-Membership of a gun club means registering and handing over a 'good behaviour proof'. This proof can be requested from the authorities and is connected to a crime sheet (must be non-violent).
-First year of membership means no personal possesion of fire arms.
-Only after one year of membership, a minimum number of registered shooting turns, good behaviour, one can purchase his first gun from a registered dealer or registered fellow-member.
-Gun possession is limited to this one gun the second year.
-After the second year and after a minimun of 12 shooting turns one can own up to 5 guns.
-Every year, the shooting register and the gun permit must be handed over to the local police. They will do an additional background check and if all is well, you get your permit for the next year.
-Full-automatic guns are prohibited. Military rifles are permitted, as long as the full-auto mode is permanently disabled. Gun stock must be fixed, non-collapsable.

If that isn't safe, I don't know what is. And the most disturbig part is, if someone reaches a certain level of emotional instability, how sure can you be that he will not find another object with leathal possibilities (kitchen-knives, car, baseball bat, metal pipe, etc....).

Perhaps an annual check of 'emotional stability' is the only way to prevent nutters from doing their nutty deeds?

04-20-2004, 09:09 AM	#1
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,990 Times in 1,205 Posts	New gun possesion issues in the Netherlands Hi Guys, Just read a discomforting message. The Dutch parliament is discussing stricter (yep, it's possible) gun laws as the result of 2 shooting incidents in the last year. Both incidents involved people who had access to handguns as the result of shooting club membership and killed several relatives as the result of personal relationship problems. Some propositions that were launched event went as far as keeping the guns on the club, rather than at home. As this creates a whole new security issue (gun club building as target for criminals stealing weapons), it also creates a number of additional logistical problems. We have very good basic measures that sort out the good from the bad but it's nearly impossible to sort out people who 'crack' emotionally as the result of some personal problems. Add to that, that these 2 incidents, some 8 victims in total are caused by about 0,005 percent of the gun owning sports shooting community. More people get killed attending football games here. I'm very worried that the sports shooting scene will again be used as a 'quick win' for some not-too-bothered politicians. In fact, I wrote one of them and invited him to come and take a look to see how things really work so he can form himself a better opinion. As info, the current rules: -Membership of a gun club means registering and handing over a 'good behaviour proof'. This proof can be requested from the authorities and is connected to a crime sheet (must be non-violent). -First year of membership means no personal possesion of fire arms. -Only after one year of membership, a minimum number of registered shooting turns, good behaviour, one can purchase his first gun from a registered dealer or registered fellow-member. -Gun possession is limited to this one gun the second year. -After the second year and after a minimun of 12 shooting turns one can own up to 5 guns. -Every year, the shooting register and the gun permit must be handed over to the local police. They will do an additional background check and if all is well, you get your permit for the next year. -Full-automatic guns are prohibited. Military rifles are permitted, as long as the full-auto mode is permanently disabled. Gun stock must be fixed, non-collapsable. If that isn't safe, I don't know what is. And the most disturbig part is, if someone reaches a certain level of emotional instability, how sure can you be that he will not find another object with leathal possibilities (kitchen-knives, car, baseball bat, metal pipe, etc....). Perhaps an annual check of 'emotional stability' is the only way to prevent nutters from doing their nutty deeds?