An article in the Wall Street Journal reports that problems exist in the Brady Bill gun control proposal which mandates a 7-day waiting period . During that time law enforcement officials can , but are not required to investigate the purchaser . Part of the problem is a lack of national criminal records ; police have no list to check . Another argument is that fewer than 20 % of guns are purchased from dealers and , there are already 150 million guns in circulation in the U.S. During that week, state law-enforcement officials can (but wouldn't have to) investigate whether the purchaser is a felon or has spent time in a mental institution. The Bush proposal , however , closes some of the loopholes for punishment .
An article in the Wall Street Journal reports that problems exist in the Brady Bill gun control proposal which mandates a 7-day waiting period . During that time law enforcement officials can , but are not required to investigate the purchaser . Part of the problem is a lack of national criminal records ; police have no list to check . Another argument is that fewer than 20 % of guns are purchased from dealers and , there are already 150 million guns in circulation in the U.S. The Bush proposal , however , closes some of the loopholes for punishment .