Let's admit it. One of the most appealing, sexy things about a gun is the gunshot.
So? Let's take the coolness out of the gun. That's right. Mandate that all future firearms issued for personal use have mufflers, and also make a completely ridiculous noise when they fire. Like a baby laughing, or people blowing their noses. Not so macho anymore, guns.
Using sounds to reduce crime is a growing trend nationwide. Lancaster, CA showed a 6% drop in minor crime after playing birdsong on crime-ridden streets. Portland, OR showed a 40% decrease in calls to the police at stations with classical music.
Yes, this won't completely rid us of killers. But if gun violence is reduced by even 10%, we've already won. Control guns not by removing civil liberties, but by thinking differently.