By: Mike Springer
March 10, 2013
Tallahassee, FL-From revolvers to rifles to even accessories... hundreds of firearms were up for sale over the two-day Gun and Knife Show at the North Florida Fairgrounds.
But those guns may become harder to buy if a new bill filed in the Florida House by Democrat Lori Berman goes through.
House Bill 1343 would close the so-called gun-show loophole and require background checks for all gun sales.
As the law currently stands, the private sale of a gun between two people doesn't require a background check. But the sale between a licensed dealer and potential gun-buyer would.
"Blaming guns for crimes is like blaming matches for arson," said gun vendor, Ed Monk.
Monk has been selling guns for more than 30 years. He says this proposed bill would only hurt responsible gun-owners, not the criminals the bill is meant to protect against.
"Criminals are not going to be abiding by rules and regulations. Criminals aren't coming in here and buying guns and waiting three days and doing background checks,," said Monk.
But some gun owners say the bill will give people a peace of mind if they feel only responsible gun-owners will have access to firearms
" As far as the public is concerned, it's going to definitely make them feel a little bite more comfortable and at ease knowing that somebody is going to get their background checked into before they go an purchase a brand-new AR-15, especially with the recent tragedies we've had in society," said gun owner, Shola Mimiko.
If the bill passes, it would take effect October 1.
Bill to Close Gun Show Loophole