The naked gun

Last week, during President Barack Obama’s State of the Union, he spoke of “common sense” fixes to America’s gun-control policies. Universal background checks, the banning of large-ammunition magazines, bringing back the assault-weapons ban that expired in 2004—these are some of the ideas floating around Capitol Hill. Some have traction, others surely will be shot down by Republicans. But Obama put the heat on: “Each of these proposals deserves a vote in Congress. If you want to vote no, that’s your choice. But these proposals deserve a vote.”

Here in Sacramento, it turns out we have some of the toughest gun laws in the nation (see “Big shot” by Christopher Arns, SN&R Feature Story sidebar, February 21). And these laws soon may get tougher, if Capitol Hill and City Hall leaders move through a slate of new gun-control proposals.

For now, however, click on the infographic for a snapshot of firearms in Sacramento and beyond.