Gun control does nothing to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. However, it certainly reduces the ability of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves, and the ability of the populace at large to threaten a tyrannical oppressor.

I am against gun control, but it's not a major issue for me.

Yes, but generally speaking criminals are more adept at it than Joe six-pack.

I doubt it. Most criminals are illiterate and stupid. I didn't say it was anywhere near impossible for criminals to get guns, just that it's harder when they are controlled more.

Lex, As a software guy I'm sure you understand the concept of computer security and how it won't stop a smart enough individual with enough desire and resources. Some times all the extra measures do is annoy the honest folk right?

Perhaps we can make them look elsewhere or do something stupid and get caught, but if they want into you specific system you are doomed.

Gun control is no different.

Khyber Pass.
Northern Ireland

Gun control by the State will only limit the access by those that in reality, we as a society wouls want to have this responsibility. Just like a lock will only keep out honest people.

and the stats to back that up are where?

Your northern Ireland example is highly organized criminals which aren't representative of criminals as a whole.

If guns were outlawed than criminal organizations would pop up to smuggle them and sell them. Much like the criminal organizations that came about in the 20s due to prohibition. Did prohibition make it harder to buy liquor? Yes, but not by much. And what's more, criminals currently usually buy their guns illegally now, as they are restricted from buying a gun due to their record. It is likely that it wouldn't impact the availability of guns for criminals at all, while it would greatly affect the ability of law abiding people to buy guns.

So you say that it would take highly organized criminals to get guns. While that may be true, those organized criminals can then just turn around and sell them to B&El Bill on the streets. So maybe it costs him $600 instead of $400.

The economy won't collapse as long as people continue to buy more and more consumer electronics. houses.. the two can't happen at the same time. So basically you'd have to be right and tons of industry experts would have to be wrong.