Scott Brown on Gun Control Republican Jr Senator

Ok'd federal ban on assault weapons after Newtown shootings

Extend the state assault weapons ban, but not federal

The candidates are most sharply divided about whether to renew the federal assault weapons ban, with Warren supporting an extension of the ban that expired in 2004 and Brown saying it is an issue best left to the states. But gun rights proponents argue that tight controls prohibit would-be victims from defending themselves from attackers, who will acquire guns whether they are legal or not.

Brown, who has tried to walk a difficult middle ground on the issue, takes a different tack. "Scott Brown supports the state assault weapon ban here in Massachusetts and believes that states are the appropriate venue for making these types of decisions," Brown's campaign said.

In the Legislature, Brown was a reliable vote for gun rights, with one major exception: He supported the state version of an assault weapons ban

Reliably pro-gun, but opposed right-to-carry reciprocity

But last year, Brown broke with the NRA to oppose a bill that has been the gun rights lobby's top priority in Washington. Known as the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act, it would allow gun owners with permits from their own states to carry concealed weapons across state lines, regardless of local and state restrictions. Brown said he would vote against granting that permission.

Brown's nuanced position has drawn criticism from both sides and has caused gun rights groups to cool in their support of him.

Concealed carry ok; but licenses & background checks ok too

Rep. Brown indicated he supports the following principles concerning gun issues:
• Allow citizens to carry concealed guns.
• Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns.
• Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows.
• Require a license for gun possession.