NORTH MANKATO, Minn. -
Just over a month after the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary school, President Obama introduces the most sweeping gun reform proposals in two decades. It includes 23 separate executive actions, aimed at curbing gun violence.
Obama says, "if there's even one thing we can do to reduce this violence, if there's even one life that can be saved, then we've got an obligation to try."
For starters, the president is calling on congress to implement universal background checks.
Obama says, "If you want to buy a gun whether it is from a licensed dealer or a privates seller you should have to at least show that you are not a felon or somebody legally prohibited from buying one."
Owner of Sportsman's Specialties Jeff Flood says the president's new proposals on background checks are right on track.
Flood says, "It's actually a loophole in the system they are trying to close and I think it is a good one, it stop somebody that shouldn't own a fun from getting a gun."
Obama is also making a push to ban military–style assault weapons, and magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds, like the ones used in the Newtown shooting.
Flood isn't a big fan of that one.
Flood says, "We need some changes but I don't feel that taking our guns away or taking our clips away doing those types of thing is going I be any step in the right direction."
If a ban were to pass, this Thompson 45 caliber machine gun with a 30 round stick clip and 50 round drum that Flood has in stock would be illegal.
Flood says, "What will be next, banning a certain shotgun, banning a certain hand fun, we have the right to own guns and I don't think the government should have the right to tell us what we can own, to me it is that simple."
The President will need approval from Congress for new restrictions on gun sales and did acknowledge that the most effective actions must be taken by lawmakers.
Flood says, "To make a real and lasting difference, Congress, too, must act, and Congress must act soon."
Flood says he expects a lot of backlash from gun owners like himself and groups like the NRA.
Flood says, "I would be very surprised if they pass there is going to be a great fight against that."
Polls show a majority of Americans favor stricter gun laws, but in recent weeks gun sales have skyrocketed across the nation.
The president is also directing the Centers for Disease Control to research gun violence and says he will order federal funding to help schools that want to hire armed security guards.
