June 7, 1998

While the National Rifle Association and about 40,000 of its volatile charges wrap up their annual convention in Philadelphia, Leonard Carlson's gun's wrapped up in a Wilkes-Barre Police Department evidence locker.

As always, the NRA is an unmistakable presence.

But Carlson's dead, after blowing himself away a few weeks ago with a brand-new, high-powered rifle purchased, in part, thanks to the high-caliber American gun lobby.

NRA members defend the constitutional right to bear arms to such an extent that even a mental patient like Carlson can easily buy a gun and take immediate possession.

Carnage often litters the path of such reckless weapons sales.

Carlson's relatives were stunned when they heard how easily their loved one obtained a rifle.

Carlson supposedly showed two forms of picture identification and filled out the required state and federal forms before receiving his gun.

Neither store employees nor government officials are required to verify answers on those forms.

So, they didn't.

As always, the forms are just kept in storage somewhere in the store.

Even if officials had checked the forms, Carlson still apparently qualified for the purchase because he had never been adjudged mentally defective or committed to a mental institution.

Carlson's relative in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, was even more stunned.

Had Carlson lived in Canada, it would have been far more difficult for him to buy a gun.

He would have had to first obtain a Firearms Acquisition Certificate.

The procedure to obtain an FAC:

1. The prospective buyer goes to Royal Canadian Mounted Police or to local police with a $50 fee to complete a lengthy FAC application form related to background (police, mental, divorce, etc.). Prospective buyer then shows two photo IDs and provides the names, addresses and contact information of two sponsors (trustworthy individuals who will be contacted and vouch for the competence of the applicant).

2. During a 28-day waiting period, the application is then checked by police and/or mounted police on the nationwide computer network for any police, mental or other relevant history. The two sponsors are also contacted to verify the statements made on the application.

3. The applicant must have completed a certified firearms training course on an approved firearms range and pass a test with an acceptable score.

4. After the 28-day waiting period, and if the application is satisfactory and the firearms training is complete, the FAC is issued to the applicant.

5. The applicant then may take the FAC with identification to a gun store where the weapon is purchased and then a second registration form (with serial number) is completed and taken to the local police (or mounted police in rural areas).

6. The gun, whether rifle or handgun, must be kept under lock and key. It must be kept in a safe or gun case or utilize a triggerlock or have the bolt and bolt carrier removed. Ammunition must also either be kept in a locked safe or in a location separate from the gun. That usually means in another room.

Canadian gun laws make sense even to the masses of hunters who gladly abide by the rules.

Here, common sense regarding firearms is a casualty.

Citizens would rather side with has-been movie star and new NRA President Charlton Heston when he tells anti-gunners "Love it or leave it."

I'll take Canada, any day.

When it comes to guns, laws there are far more sane.

At least Carlson had reason to pull the trigger on life.

He was mentally ill.

What's our excuse?

Steve Corbett's column appears on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Write to him at stevec@leader.net