Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
If you think you can walk into a gun store, point at a firearm, swipe your card, and walk out like you’re grabbing a pack of gum, you’ve been misled.
That’s the blunt message from Colion Noir, who recently pushed back against the long-running narrative that buying a gun in America is “too easy.”
Noir highlighted a viral clip from a first-time buyer who described her experience purchasing a firearm as one of the hardest processes she’s gone through. She compares it to boarding a domestic flight. That’s not exactly the “walk in and arm yourself instantly” fantasy critics often describe.
For Noir, the bigger issue isn’t whether the system has background checks. It does. It’s who those barriers actually affect.
At a federally licensed dealer, buyers fill out ATF Form 4473, provide government-issued ID, and undergo an instant background check through the federal system. The result is an approval, denial, or delay. It’s structured. It’s regulated. And it applies to law-abiding citizens.
Meanwhile, criminals (by definition) don’t use the system. They don’t fill out paperwork. They don’t submit to background checks. And, they steal firearms, buy them illegally, or obtain them through underground channels.
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That’s the disconnect Noir points to.
“If criminals already bypass the system,” he argues, “who are new restrictions really aimed at?”
He also questioned the logic behind waiting periods. Once someone has passed a background check and is legally cleared to purchase a firearm, why force an additional delay? Noir suggests that individuals planning criminal acts are unlikely to be deterred by a few extra days.
Beyond policy mechanics, Noir brought the conversation back to first principles. Specifically, the constitutional foundation of the right to keep and bear arms. Gun ownership, he notes, is optional. No one is required to own a firearm. But restricting access for those who choose to exercise that right raises larger constitutional concerns.
His closing point was direct: the “militia” referenced in the Second Amendment isn’t some distant government unit.
“It was always you,” Noir said, reinforcing the idea that personal responsibility and preparedness are central to the American tradition of gun ownership.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.