GAO Gun-Buying Attempt Fails

by
posted on January 3, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gao-study-fails-illegal-f.jpg

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) ended a study late last year designed to determine ease of illegal purchases of firearms on line. Results released on Nov. 21, 2017, indicate that zero of its 72 attempts resulted in a successful transaction on the “Surface Web”—that part of the Internet, like here, that doesn’t run with secondary encryption software to hide identities.

It’s “searchable with standard web search engines,” the report explains. “Furthermore, in 5 of these 72 attempts, the accounts GAO set up were frozen by the websites, which prevented the agents from using the forums and attempting to make a purchase.”

The study was conducted from July 2015 to November 2017. Priority was given to sellers according to the number and quantity of their ads, selection of firearms available and website accessibility. Forum postings were not excluded from consideration. Price range was also a factor and efforts were focused only on transactions that would take place with a private individual.

Latest

Steelhead Outdoors' Limited-Edition Founders Pistol Lock Box
Steelhead Outdoors' Limited-Edition Founders Pistol Lock Box

First Look: Steelhead Outdoors' Limited-Edition Founders Pistol Lock Box

Finished with in patriotic royale blue and crimson red colors.

Mechanical Advantage

There are two things which cause you to miss. Here's how to correct both of them.

First Look: Mission First Tactical 5L Achro Sling Bag

Keep your gear on you without standing out from the crowd.

First Look: Streamlight SL-SideSaddle Light

Add a little light to your hat or helmet.

NRA Foundation Grant Program Fueling the Future

In 2024 alone, The NRA Foundation awarded $8.6 million in state fund grants.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.