BOONE, Iowa —Iowans are sharing their opinions on President Barack Obama's executive action Tuesday to tighten gun sale rules.
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Obama announced the actions to tighten controls on gun sales to discourage some unlicensed private sellers from doing business over the Internet and at gun shows. But the White House and others can't say how many transactions will be blocked or how much bloodshed will be prevented.

The president used his executive authority to clarify that anyone "in the business" of dealing guns must obtain a federal license and conduct background checks on prospective buyers, regardless of where the selling takes place.

Currently, some private sellers do not bother to get licenses, and weapons sales online have become a booming business.


Gun control advocates are welcoming the changes. But they say the effect may be modest. The owner of a gun-sale website says Obama's action is "well-meaning, but ultimately ineffective."

Many KCCI's Vanessa Peng talked said Obama's executive action is wrong for the country and infringes upon their Second Amendment right to bear arms.

"They gun lobby may be holding Congress hostage, but they cannot hold America hostage," Obama said during a news conference.

The executive order is viewed as a positive move for some Iowans.

"I'm glad he did it because otherwise it would have never gone through," said Rae Dunlap of Des Moines.

"It was a necessary decision with all the mass shootings that have happened. I don't know I mean it's at least something that could help with that," said Addy Metcalfe of Ames.

Second Amendment supporters at Central Iowa Impact indoor shooting range in Boone are questioning Obama's actions.

"That's fine to make people feel better to try to do something to tighten it up, but it's not going to stop the crazy people from getting guns. It's not going to stop the thieves and burglars etcetera from getting guns," said Ryan Bristle of Polk City.

Central Iowa Impact owner Shannon Halsrud said Americans have right to bear arms and that shouldn't be infringed upon.

"It doesn't make a lot of sense. There are things in place already most people are following," said Halsrud. "You have the right to protect yourself and in this society today we do need that right."

Tell KCCI your opinion on the new gun control actions, go to the KCCI home page and take our Now Poll or post your comment in the box below or on the KCCI Facebook page.