Beto is not really all that good at this

Beto on AR-15s

If you own an AR-15, keep it. 

Continue to use it responsibly and safely. 

I just don't think that we need to sell anymore weapons of war into this public.

The gun controllers want buy-backs or confiscations and police enforcement.

The gun rights enthusiasts oppose any ban on assault rifles.

And, anway, just the AR-15's?

There are loads of different models of semi-automatic rifles and pistols that qualify as assault weapons, every bit as dangerous and some more so.

By the way, nobody seems to object to every state maintaining a registry of motor vehicles, or that car owners have to shoulder the costs.

What?

Not tyranny?

Not a path to enslavement?

Ah, but suggest a registry of guns . . . .

Meanwhile in NZ

The alleged perpetrator of Friday's attacks, 28-year-old Brenton Tarrant, possessed a "Category A" gun license, giving him the right to buy semi-automatic weapons.

Tarrant had two semi-automatic weapons and two shotguns among his arsenal.

"That will give you an indication of why we need to change our gun laws," Arden said at the weekend.

Obtaining a license involves police background checks and firearms safety. 

But they are rarely refused, according to the latest figures. 

In 2017, of the 43,509 firearms license applications submitted, just 188 applications were declined. 

And a Category A license allows the holder to obtain any number of sporting-type rifles and shotguns. 

You don't need one license per weapon.

Visitors to New Zealand can apply for a firearms license that "will let you shoot for hunting or competition in New Zealand for up to a year," according to police.

Some variants of the AR-15, which has been used in several mass shootings in the US, can be legally obtained by Category A holders in New Zealand. 

The power of such a weapon can then be enhanced by adding a high-capacity magazine. 

A police report two years ago warned that such adaptations opened the way to "criminal harm" and noted that "purchase of high-capacity magazines is unregulated and does not require a firearms licence."

The New Zealand Police Association has long called for reform of the Arms Act and tougher measures to close loopholes on acquiring semi-automatic weapons.

Its president, Chris Cahill, said at the weekend: "There is no place in the upcoming debate for the radical gun lobby which has made its presence felt in previous attempts to make our country safer. 

"We have seen what happens in the United States when gun radicals are involved. Nothing. That is not good enough for New Zealand."