[derosa8]

The main problem with gun control being exercised by the government now is that to the extent that it actually attempts to CONTROL gun ownership, it violates free citizens’ right to self defense. If you must undergo a 2 year training course and pay extra fees [or other stipulations] in order to purchase a handgun, then there is less of chance that you will be able too. Therefore, there is a greater chance that you would be unable to defend yourself/family from a violent attack. The government does not have a right to strip citizens from a right to self defense.

Here is a paper I thought was quite good in defending private gun ownership: http://home.sprynet.com/~owl1/guncontrol.htm