SANTA MARIA, Calif.- Nearly seven weeks after the deadly Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Congress is gearing up for their first hearing on gun control. One local man is fired up, saying he thinks he has a right to have whatever guns he wants.
"This is one that they're trying to put on the ban list basically because of its features," explained John Bright, as he held up his A R 15.
John Bright's A R 15 is one of nearly 150 weapons that could soon be illegal, according to California Senator Diane Feinstien, whose pushing to ban assault weapons and eliminate high capacity magazines.
"Military assault weapons have one purpose and in my view that is a military purpose," said California Senator Diane Feinstien.@
"There's weapons that have been placed on ban lists that are being banned for what they identify as evil features. Those features pose no harm, no threat or risk to anybody," said Bright.
Bright is a former Marine and owns more than 10 firearms, whether they're used for hunting, target shooting, or protecting his family, he says the ban is a violation of his second amendment right.
"I have the inherent right to defend myself, my family, my community, my property, whatever it be, and for some to say I can't do that with my choice of weapons I think is a violation," said Bright.
Bright agrees there should be stricter background checks on gun sales.
"It's the criminals that we have the problems with. I think a lot of gun legislation at the present would criminalize individuals like myself," said Bright.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is holding a hearing Wednesday to discuss President Obama's gun measures.
