-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution"The right to bear arms" is passed as the first real law acknowledging firearm use in the US
-
Georgia passes ban on sale and possession of pistols and knives. The law is later ruled unconstitutional and thrown out.
-
The NRA is founded to promote marksmanship and allow American gun owners to practice shooting.
-
Legislation that is still around today. Prohibits the mailing of any concealable weapons through the US Postal Service.
-
Law was put in place to regulate "gangster weapons" such as machine guns (the tommy gun) and short-barreled shotguns.
-
The first large regulations on selling everyday guns. Sellers were required to get a Federal Firearms License and maintain records of those they were selling to. Violent crime offenders were denied guns.
-
An expansion of the Federal Firearms Act of 1938. Signed by President Lyndon Johnson. Largely worked to regulate the interstate commerce of gun sales and made sure all dealers, sellers, and importers were licensed.
-
The ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) becomes a federal law enforcement association. They work against the unlawful use, possession, and manufacturing of firearms.
-
Banned manufacturing and importanting semi-automatic assault weapons in the US. Also created "gun-free school zones".
-
Named after James Brady who was shot during an attempted assasination of Ronald Reagan on March 30, 1981. Instituted background checks among gun buyers before a purchase could be made. Is the basis for NICS checks today.
-
Followed the 101 California Street Shootings and Waco Siege. Was passed by Bill Clinton as the largest crime bill in the history of the US. Contained the controversial "Assault Weapons Ban" which Obama is trying to bring back today.
-
Banned manufacturing of 19 specific semi-automatic firearms, or "assault weapons". Also banned things like weapons that carried more than 10 rounds.
