A Note to AGS Visitors

Americans for Gun Safety (AGS) and the AGS Foundation (AGSF) have been folded into Third Way, an organization founded and operated by the former AGS and AGSF management team.

For Third Way’s latest gun safety policy and message guidance, please visit our gun issues page. There you can also find reports produced by AGS in a special sub-category.

For current gun safety data and other information, we recommend the American Hunters and Shooters Association, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, and Mayors Against Illegal Guns.

Press inquiries:
Matt Bennett, Vice President for Public Affairs
202.775.3768 x212
mbennett@thirdway.org

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'08 Presidential Campaign

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Report

Missing Records: Holes in the Background Check System

How They Allow Illegal Buyers to Get Guns

Author: Jim Kessler
In The Culture Program

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Abstract

An updated look at the problems with the nation’s firearms purchase background check system.

Description

This report, issued in the wake of the nation’s worst-ever mass shooting at Virginia Tech, updates a 2002 look at the records in background check system. We conclude that the system has improved in the last five years, but as evidenced by Seung-Hui Cho’s ability to pass two firearms purchase background checks, major holes remain. For example, 91% of those who should be barred by virtue of their mental illness (like Cho) are not in the system.

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