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Talk:Strapped
A brief discussion about this movie's depiction of U.S. gun laws
Here are some things I thought I would point out:
- (1.) At the time that Strapped was filmed (1992-93), the NCIS instant background check did not exist, so the scene in which the two kids watch their friend buy them the Glocks by simply answering the questions on the 4473 is not unfeasible.
- (2.) The requirement for FFLs to have a store also did not exist in 1993, so the character of Ben using his FFL to purchase guns and have them sent to his house is also not unrealistic, at least for the time.
- (3.) BUT...Strapped doesn't seem to understand how serious it is that Ben purchased MAC-10s. Unless he was a Class III FFL, he couldn't do that, and he certainly couldn't sell them on the street without getting caught, because each MAC would have to be registered.
- (4.) Ben is arrested for possessing the MAC-10s in the state of New York. Nothing is ever said about him violating FEDERAL law by doing this, and by the guns being unregistered. The ATF agent who visits the police tells them that the most they can get him for is possession, and it's implied that this is not a serious charge. The film makes it appear that an FFL can buy machine guns, sell them on the street, and even if he is discovered, a few years' time for possession is the worst punishment he would face. This is HIGHLY unrealistic.
- (5.) After Diquan and Bamboo get their friend to buy them the Glocks, he tells them that they don't need to come down by bus anymore. He offers to send them the guns by AIR MAIL. To New York City? What?
If anyone wants to add anything, feel free. I just figured I'd point that out, because I've heard that ever since Strapped came out on DVD, it's been shown in some sociology and criminal justice classes at various universities. Aside from the fact that this movie's depiction of U.S. gun laws is now outdated, I seriously worry that impressionable undergraduates are going to see this movie and think that it's possible in the U.S. for an FFL to have machine guns sent to his house so he can sell them on the street and get a wrist-slapping if discovered. -MT2008 14:20, 8 September 2009 (UTC)