People have the right to bear arms; the 2nd Amendment says so. However, in the 21st Century, Americans must use guns in a responsible manner, and qualify to do so. There needs to be a nationwide “license to operate a gun” system in place similar to getting a driver’s license; which includes a nationwide application database; background checks to include felon and warrants checks; marksmanship training (competency); safety education; photo ID and fingerprinting. This system would be managed by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Licensees would be required to be 18 to qualify, on a stipulation that from 18 to 21, they waive the right to an expunged juvenile record that would be reviewed for violence history and gun related crimes. (Eligibility to be determined) Otherwise, licensees would have to wait until 21. The nationwide system would show a cumulative application history including eligibility for each qualifying step, if you will.
Initially, this nationwide system will be cumbersome and expensive to implement but once standing , would assist Americans to understand the consequences of gun violence, teach owner responsibility and create a solid management and eligibility system. This database could be incorporated in states who implement “red flag laws,” in a coordinated effort to address those whose danger to self & others status, disqualifies them.
In high schools there would be an elective gun safety course (that follows a DOJ Gun Safety course curriculum & could qualify as the gun safety course required on applications) that could be taken as an elective. After passing this course, a community service option for high school juniors & seniors, would be to provide peer safety education (curriculum based) geared toward younger ages which could be taught in Jr High & Elementary schools.

Updated June 3, 2022