Gun Owner Training ‘Misses the Mark’

Michael Pacer’s call for training for gun owners (Times, Letters, Dec. 29) misses the mark.

Civilian training on ranges may reduce, but not eliminate, death by firearms, as millions of guns are already in the hands of our citizens. Nor would it be an effective deterrent to street crime, especially drive-by shootings by gangs. If the gangs and drug dealers in my neighborhood signed up for target practice, the homicide rate would increase substantially.

The fact is that guns do not kill people--bullets do. Banning the purchase, sale, transfer or possession of bullets (and bullet-making supplies) by civilians would put an end to robbery and drive-by shootings in a very short time.

An exception to the ban might be granted to gun or hunting clubs, but the bullets would have to be passed out and accounted for by a designated supervising club officer.

Any unused bullets would have to be returned, and couldn’t be taken home. (Some have suggested a ban on the manufacture of all ammunition, except for military or police use.) At a minimum, a sheriff’s permit to purchase ammunition, stating caliber size and quantity, should be required of all citizens, and the age limit should be raised.

As it stands now, an 18-year-old can legally buy bullets, no questions asked, but he has to be 21 to buy a Coors “silver bullet” six-pack.

LARRY HOFFING

Pasadena