2012 Mass. Senate Debate: on Gun Control

Elizabeth Warren: Extend the federal assault weapons ban

The candidates are most sharply divided about whether to renew the federal assault weapons ban, with Warren supporting an extension of the ban that expired in 2004 & Brown saying it is an issue best left to the states. Warren's campaign said she also supports proposals to require more rigorous background screenings, including for people who purchase firearms at gun shows; and opposes limits on the sharing of firearms trace information.

"There is a huge difference between the guns of a sportsman or homeowner and high-powered assault weapons with 100-cartridge magazines," she said. "I grew up around guns & gun owners, and I will work to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens. But the law must reflect the reality that, in the wrong hands, guns can be used for violent crimes, making neighborhoods less safe."

Scott Brown: Extend the state assault weapons ban, but not federal

The candidates are most sharply divided about whether to renew the federal assault weapons ban, with Warren supporting an extension of the ban that expired in 2004 and Brown saying it is an issue best left to the states. But gun rights proponents argue that tight controls prohibit would-be victims from defending themselves from attackers, who will acquire guns whether they are legal or not.

Brown, who has tried to walk a difficult middle ground on the issue, takes a different tack. "Scott Brown supports the state assault weapon ban here in Massachusetts and believes that states are the appropriate venue for making these types of decisions," Brown's campaign said.

In the Legislature, Brown was a reliable vote for gun rights, with one major exception: He supported the state version of an assault weapons ban

Scott Brown: Reliably pro-gun, but opposed right-to-carry reciprocity

But last year, Brown broke with the NRA to oppose a bill that has been the gun rights lobby's top priority in Washington. Known as the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act, it would allow gun owners with permits from their own states to carry concealed weapons across state lines, regardless of local and state restrictions. Brown said he would vote against granting that permission.

Brown's nuanced position has drawn criticism from both sides and has caused gun rights groups to cool in their support of him.