As officials in several cities report unexpectedly high numbers of people turning in guns at buyback programs, lawmakers are talking about introducing legislation that would ban assault weapons.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) said she will introduce an assault weapons ban on the first day of the 113th Congress. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY),  whose husband was killed in a Long Island railroad shooting, told reporters that she was no longer going “to be shy” when discussing the issue of guns.

Other lawmakers have said they will try to ban large clips and magazines that allow dozens of rounds to be fired without reloading. And while some citizens and groups are urging lawmakers to pass legislation  calling for expanding and improving background checks of those who buy guns, other citizens and powerful groups are urging lawmakers to protect Second Amendment rights, and allow Americans to buy and sell the firearms of their choice without restrictions.
 
Statistics show that an estimated 40 percent of all gun sales in America occur without criminal background checks on the buyer. Currently, unscreened buyers are able to legally purchase their weapons at gun shows, via the Internet and in person-to-person transactions.

Gun rights advocates say that only law-abiding citizens will obey gun laws and that Second Amendment rights should be upheld. Those in favor of increased restrictions on the buying and selling of firearms say that guns are too prevalent in our society and they should be controlled.