Collegiate Times

In the piece regarding the application of logic to the subject of gun control, there were good (points), and there were some borderline errors.

“But hand guns have the exact opposite characteristics: they are light, cheap and easily concealable.”

I will address my issues in order:

Handguns are significantly lighter than rifles, but they are by no means light.

I own six handguns, and have a concealed carry permit. The lightest handgun I own is a Steyr M9-A1 polymer-framed pistol. This weapon, with an empty magazine, weighs approximately 1 pound, 11 ounces. With 15 rounds of 9 millimeter ammunition, it probably tips the scales at about 2 pounds. Going heavier, I own a SIG Sauer P226. That weapon weighs, with an empty magazine, 2 pounds, 2 ounces. The heaviest pistol I own is a Kimber M1911 ‘Government,’ which weighs, also with an empty magazine, 2 pounds, 6 ounces.

I would invite you to go about your daily business with a 2 pound weight strapped to your hip.

They are cheap.

This is a relative statement. If you, like Romney, make several million dollars a year and have a lot of disposable income, handguns can be relatively inexpensive. For a quality piece, you can expect to get in the door at around $300. For me, that is pretty expensive. On the upper end, for a one-off custom M1911, you can expect to plop down $3,000 or more.

Handguns are easily concealable.

In comparison to an AR-15, yes, they are. If you are not properly dressed, with a good holster, you are likely to have the grip of the weapon silhouetted against your body making it very clear to anyone who is paying attention that you have a handgun. Like a job, concealing a handgun requires dressing for success. I am not saying you are wrong on any of these accounts, but I would recommend, for clarity’s sake, that you amend your statements.

A version of this article appeared in the Oct 18 issue of the Collegiate Times.