Push for Online Gun Sales Meets a Surprising Opponent: Small Gun Dealers

The Trump administration's push to allow online gun sales has sparked a unexpected opposition from small gun dealers. While one might expect gun enthusiasts to welcome the change, small business owners in the industry are sounding the alarm. They argue that allowing online sales and direct shipping could disrupt their business model and potentially put public safety at risk.

The current rules require buyers to physically visit a licensed firearms dealer to complete a background check and pick up their purchase. The proposed change could allow individuals to buy guns online and have them shipped directly, bypassing the in-person check. Small gun dealers worry that this would not only hurt their sales but also make it harder to ensure that guns are not being sold to prohibited individuals. This concern is not unfounded, as the industry has seen instances of gun trafficking and straw purchasing in the past.

As the debate around gun control and online sales continues, it's worth watching how this proposal plays out. The National Rifle Association and other gun rights groups have traditionally supported efforts to ease gun regulations, so it will be interesting to see if they align with small gun dealers on this issue. Additionally, lawmakers and regulators will need to weigh the potential benefits of increased accessibility against concerns about public safety and the potential impact on small businesses.

Originally reported by nytimes.com. MyNews adds analysis for general news readers.