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Are ghost guns legal in Arizona?

Are Ghost Guns Legal in Arizona?

A Definition of Ghost Guns

Ghost guns, also known as untraceable or undetectable firearms, are weapons that do not have a serial number, making it difficult or impossible to trace their origin and ownership. These guns typically consist of a frame or receiver made from plastic, metal, or other materials, and are often built from scratch or assembled from parts. Ghost guns do not require a background check or registration, which can make them attractive to criminal elements and illegal gun manufacturers.

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Ghost Gun Laws in Arizona

In Arizona, the legality of ghost guns is a topic of ongoing debate and controversy. Currently, there is no state law that specifically addresses ghost guns, but Arizona law does regulate the manufacturing, sale, and ownership of firearms.

ARIZONA STATUTES:

• A.R.S. § 13-3101: prohibits the manufacture, sale, or possession of a weapon with a removable magazine capacity exceeding 10 rounds or that has a barrel shroud, flash suppressor, or other device

• A.R.S. § 13-3110: requires a firearms dealer to conduct a background check on a prospective purchaser before selling a firearm to that person**

Ghost Gun Manufacturers in Arizona

While there is no clear indication that ghost gun manufacturers are operating openly in Arizona, there have been reports of individuals and companies within the state manufacturing and selling these weapons. Some have been caught and charged with firearms-related offenses, while others have allegedly operated undetected.

REPORTS OF GHOST GUN MANUFACTURERS:

• In 2019, the Phoenix Police Department seized a ghost gun manufacturing operation in an industrial area of the city, resulting in the arrest of three individuals

• In 2020, a report by the Arizona Mirror identified several online marketplaces and gun shows in the state where ghost guns could be purchased**

Ghost Gun Owners in Arizona

The number of ghost gun owners in Arizona is unclear, but it is estimated that there are thousands of these weapons in circulation in the state. Many individuals own ghost guns legally, either through purchase from an unlicensed dealer or manufacture from scratch. However, some owners may have illegally obtained these weapons or manufactured them without proper documentation.

ESTIMATED NUMBERS:

• According to a 2020 report by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), there were an estimated 2.6 million ghost guns in the United States, with approximately 100,000-200,000 of those located in Arizona

• A 2020 study by the Violence Policy Center estimated that there were as many as 300,000 ghost guns in Arizona alone**

Proponents and Opponents of Ghost Guns in Arizona

PROONENTS:

RIGHTS ACTIVISTS: Many gun rights advocates argue that ghost guns are protected by the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, which guarantees the right to bear arms. They claim that ghost guns are no more dangerous than other firearms and that regulations are unnecessary
SECOND AMENDMENT SUPPORTERS**: Pro-gun groups, such as the National Rifle Association (NRA), argue that ghost guns are a non-issue and that the real problem lies with criminals, not the weapons themselves

OPPONENTS:

Law ENFORCEMENT: Police agencies in Arizona and elsewhere have expressed concerns about ghost guns, citing the difficulty in tracing and tracking these weapons. They argue that these weapons contribute to gun violence and that stricter regulations are necessary to reduce their spread
VIOLENCE PREVENTION GROUPS**: Organizations that focus on reducing gun violence, such as the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, argue that ghost guns are a dangerous and illegal threat to public safety. They advocate for stricter regulations and increased oversight to prevent the proliferation of these weapons

Conclusion

Ghost guns are legal in Arizona in the sense that there is no explicit state law prohibiting their ownership or manufacture. However, the manufacture, sale, and possession of ghost guns are subject to federal and state laws, including laws regulating firearms and weapons.

IN SUMMARY:

  • Ghost guns are currently legal in Arizona, with no state law specifically prohibiting their ownership or manufacture.
  • Arizona law regulates firearms and weapons, including manufacturing, sale, and possession.
  • Reports of ghost gun manufacturers and owners exist in the state, and some have been caught and charged with firearms-related offenses.
  • Proponents argue that ghost guns are protected by the Second Amendment, while opponents argue that stricter regulations are necessary to prevent gun violence.

As the debate surrounding ghost guns in Arizona continues, it is essential for law enforcement and policymakers to address the complex issues surrounding these weapons, including the need for greater oversight and regulation to ensure public safety.

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