Alarming reports about the amount of ammo and protective gear Aurora gunman James Holmes bought online has surfaced as debate over gun control surges in the wake of yet another mass murder. With no regulation, buying guns and ammunition online is easy as buying a new pair of shoes. Here are a few of the websites where people can purchase their weapons online. While some may just be crazy, others are dangerously illegal.
GunsAmerica
This online gun market advertises its patriotism with its theme of red, white, and blue and its slogan: “Where America Buys and Sells Guns.” Not only does this website offer a variety of guns, ammo, and accessories, but it also serves up news, commentary, and reviews on guns and related products. One positive review happened to be for Bleeding Zombie Targets from Zombie Industries; these are 3D shooting targets that “bleed” and are even designed to “mutilate.” Target models include “Terrorist,” “Nazi,”North Korean Soldier” — and “The Ex.”
Craigslist
In December 2011, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the results of the first ever national investigation into illegal online gun sales. The city’s report showed that 62 percent of private sellers were willing to sell firearms to people who likely could not pass a background check. The list of guilty private sellers included Craigslist, which, according to the site’s policies, doesn’t allow the sale of weapons and related items.
Crazy Gun Dealer
While its marketing strategy remains unclear, the site’s name says it all.
The Armory
The gun used above by a Czech special operations soldier in Afghanistan is a Bushmaster M4A3. It’s a weapons that anyone can own — along with bazookas, SWAT body armor, and even grenades. No questions asked and no background check needed if you’re dealing with The Armory, a secret underground black market that is only accessible with an anonymizing software. As Gizmodo reports, “The Armory is an anonymous marketplace where you can buy and sell without revealing who you are. We protect your identity through every step of the process, from connecting to this site, to purchasing your items, to finally receiving them.” How thoughtful!
Gun Sweepstakes
If you can’t afford a gun, you can always try your chances at winning one. Guns Magazine holds a monthly gun giveaway that literally anyone may enter. The upcoming contest deadline is August 1st, when you can try to win a Rangemaster 1911 that comes with a case and a knife. Or you can wait until September for the “All Things Glock Prize Package.”