Why is President Obama against private gun ownership?

President Barack Obama states that, while the second amendment does protect the rights of an individual to own a gun, he does not believe it applies to citizens owning weapons designed for war. He cites issues relating to registration, crime and the mentally unstable to make his case.

President Barack Obama believes background checks will make it harder for criminals to acquire firearms. He says that police chiefs are asking for help in removing weapons of war and massive ammunition magazines from communities. He wishes to make certain that those who are mentally ill are unable to purchase a handgun.