1.   The National Rifle Association has opposed the prohibition of firearm sales to foreign tourists, saying that it would discriminate against them.

2.   Administration proposals to impose strict restrictions on firearms sales at gun shows were a source of bitter division in Congress last year.

3.   EBay has tried to address the problem of firearms sales before.

4.   Federal law bars most firearms sales to minors.

5.   In states such as Texas, where there are no civil restrictions on firearms sales, the question rarely arises.

6.   McCain also has worked to fashion a compromise on legislation that would control firearms sales at gun shows.

7.   Recent public opinion surveys show that a majority of Americans want restrictions on firearms sales, particularly handguns, and favor background checks and waiting periods.

8.   The FBI statistics show increases in the number of background checks for firearms sales and other transactions from September through November.

9.   The flea markets have long been a source of unregistered, almost untraceable firearm sales, where guns and money change ownership without so much as a handshake.

10.   The group sponsoring the petition drive was founded after the Colorado legislature defeated a bill that would have required mandatory background checks on all firearm sales at gun shows.