Private sales account for almost half of gun sales

Almost 50% gun sales in the US take place outside the realm of background checks and other controls.

A US-based research group found that 40% of gun sales take place between unlicensed private parties, such as people buying and selling at gun shows. For sales that involve criminal intent the figure increases to above 80%.

The group recommended broadening the scope of background checks and creating a permanent record for guns purchased to limit gun-related violence and trafficking.