Weak gun law states supply illegal guns

(WWLP) -  It appears Massachusetts very strict gun laws have been successful in making it difficult but not impossible for criminals to get their hands on handguns.

According to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, states with strong gun laws fuel the so-called "iron Pipeline."

According to ATF, states with lax laws are top suppliers of the illegal gun market nationwide.

However Massachusetts has some of the toughest gun laws in the entire country.

David Steward, Owner of AAA Guns in West Springfield supports Massachusetts gun laws. "In Massachusetts we have a permitting system, the permitting system weeds everybody out at the door. If you don't have a permit, you can't even talk about buying a gun, and I think the permitting system farily, equitably applied across the state is a good thing."

Louisiana was number one with the higher rates of so-called "crime guns" recovered, followed by Arizona, Alabama, indiana and Georgia.