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By MARY K. BLEWITT
Arundel Newspapers State Writer
Virginia became the first state to implement legislation requiring a record check for'buyers of short-barreled handguns and other semiautomatic weapons on Nov. 1.
The controversial criminal background check, designed to keep certain firearms out of the hands of criminals, was one of the most widely-debated and emotionallywrought laws to come out of the 1989 General Assembly.
Under the new system, prospective purchasers of specified firearms must give the dealer their name, race, sex and birthdate to the gun dealer. Similar to a credit card check, the dealer then dials a tollfree number to contact state police who input the information into a new computer system which will search for any criminal history.
Those convicted of a criminal offense or wanted for a criminal offense are banned from purchasing any semi-automatic rifle or pistol provided by the manufacturer with a magazine capable of firing HO or more rounds.
The state police must then respond with a yes or no answer as to whether or not the buyer may purchase the gun. If a no answer is registered the police must double check the record and call back before the close of the next business day.
Although the intent of the law is commended by all, the instant background check has its share of critics.
“There is not enough to it,” said one Northern Virginia law enforcement officer who asked not to be identified. “One guy can go out and buy 100 guns and then go out and sell them to 100 felons."
Scott Clark of Clark Brothers Gun Shop in Opal argues that the wrong persons are being targeted.
“[A background check) is very unfair to someone who hasn't done anything,” said Clark. If any criminal was purchasing through legal channels, he will most likely resort to buying firearms illegally, he added.
Another drawback to the sys
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