How safe would you guys feel without your guns?

[kansas transit]

I am not pro or against guns, I would probably own one for family protection if they were legal here. It fascinates me how different you guys sound when talking about owning and carrying weapons, to how we feel about them when only real bad guys have them here.
The only gun I own was willed to me by me grandfather, I have never shot it. it hangs on my office wall. I travel all over this country and park, load and unload in some of the worst areas. I have never been bothered, but there is also such a thing as street smarts, knowing when and where and how to conduct oneself in certain situations. JMHO

 

[juniorfjr]

The first question anyone has to ask. Could I use a firearm on another person to save my or my loved ones lives.

And the biggest mistake is showing the missus how to rack one in the 12 guage "Honestly officer I thought he was a burglar"

I have many guns in the house, most are separated from the ammunition. One is in the nightstand, loaded just in case. I don't carry one while I am out now. Years ago, I was involved in the Sherriff's Reserve and arrested a lot of people in our small area. Then and for a while after I always had one handy, in case someone was not happy with our previous meetings. Today, I could use one if it became necessary. But if I don't have it with me, then I don't have to make a life or death decision. Guess I'm getting more mellow with age.

 

[Old Michael]

I do not own a gun. I have never owned anything except a pellet rifle for plinking and target fun. When I was a youth my Dad took me out at my request and taught me to safely shoot a shotgun. I learned to shoot in Boy Scouts, at the local Boys Club and at some other summer camps that I went to. I was later in the military (Navy), so I have handled weapons.
The one big thing that has always prevented me from wanting to buy a weapon for "protection" in the past is the possibility that one of the very people that I was looking to protect (my kids) might be injured or killed from it. Kids are curious, like cats.

I also know my own wife's capabilities and would not like to envision her brandishing a weapon. Even with proper training it is about as likely that she'd get the weapon taken away by an assailant as it is that she'd be able (or willing) to use it correctly.

I do not hate guns nor do I think it's wrong for others to have guns if they choose to. I've just never felt threatened or insecure enough to think that I needed one. Yet. Perhaps in other surroundings, other areas of the country or globe, and I can't rule it out in the future.

Fred pretty much sums up my thoughts about guns. Owned a 22 rifle as a kid in a rural area. Did the required gun stuff in the Air Force (even did the honor guard 21-gun salute duty at burials for awhile) but I've never particularly enjoyed being around them. Wouldn't consider owning one now. If I lived in fear of crime or neighbors, I'd move first.

I have an FJR. I can outrun bullets!

 

[KSFJR]

The fact that as an individual you have never needed one doesn't mean much. How many of you have had your house burn down? So there is no need for a fire department? I have way more than a few and would need at least a 5 minute warning to get one ready for an intruder and don't feel the need for one but I sure will be pissed if I ever do and don't have one. I know that some guys carry them on their bikes and more power to them but I don't. Too much trouble.There are tons of stories going both ways but here is one from earlier this year about a former Miss America.

https://newsbusters.org/node/12229

Used to be a liquor store near where I lived years ago and an old lady who was usually partaking of the inventory, appeared to be an easy mark. She had on several occasions miscreants try to rob her. One problem, she would come out shooting at them and they weren't successful.

It would be great to solve all of our problems by getting rid of guns but the strong are always going to prey on the weak. A gun is the only way for the weak to protect themselves. Obviously a machete, per Sean Taylor, a stud by almost anyones definition, is not enough.

 

[zzzzip]

Feej-- to answer your question: I do feel better having a gun at hand (read that-- available), even though I live in a place where I am not concerned about leaving the house unlocked.

I have always had a gun in the house, mainly because the job required it, and although I have a couple of handguns, I would do without them if I could.

I always worried about my kid's friends getting a handgun in the house (not my kids, as I satisfied their interest at an early age and they don't want anything to do with them) and accidentally hurting someone. My kids believe ALL guns in the house are loaded and treat them accordingly.

I couldn't lock ammo safe from the gun because many times I got called out of a sound sleep in the middle of the night or after doing 16 hours straight (pre FLSA) and I couldn't risk leaving the house in uniform with a gun and no ammo. And yes, I did actually go to work without my gun one time-- for about 5 minutes.

I could have justifiably dropped the hammer on the job on 4 occasions, but did not by virtue of a quick wit, pleasing personality and the sound of a 12g. being racked... OK, probably the last reason... so I was lucky.

Bottom line: don't ask yourself if you think you need a gun around. Ask yourself if you can USE it if you have to. If not, forget about it-- more trouble than it will ever be worth. Might as well be used as a fishing line anchor.

Handguns are made to kill people, pure and simple. (OK all you target guys-- flame away.) At least I can claim I have the shotgun to waste that damn woodpecker that has been working on my cedar siding.

New thread: Do you feel safer packing because of Woodpeckers?

B)

 

[ionbeam]

shotgun to waste that damn woodpecker that has been working on my cedar siding.
New thread: Do you feel safer packing because of Woodpeckers?

B)

TWN wants to know what you charge for mocking birds... for real.

 

[cougar8000]

Some interesting reply's guys. I am surprised by the amount of people who say that the guns are often for protection against animals. Not something that would be needed here.
We have a big gang probem here in some of the inner cities. Particularly Manchester where I live. The guns come in from the Eastern block, Russia mainly I think. There was something on the news the other day about a legislation being passed to stop replica guns coming in as they are often converted back to firing weapons.

In days gone by it was unheard of for a police officer to carry a gun, but quite often now we see the special response police driving around, who are all permenantly armed. All airport police carry light machine guns and automatic pistols.

The police refuse to arm here because they say that if they get into a confrontation with a criminal he knows that the cop will have a gun and will be carrying just in case and will always try to get the first shot in. Personally I would prefer all cops to carry here. I think the time is long overdue.

Did you mention mother Russia yeah, I lived there for 18 years and they had no legal guns, but trust me those who wanted one could get one. What you are getting from Russia is not a typical russia just so you know.

AS far as your original question. I feel safer knowing that I have a gun at home. It could be just my touchy feely feeling, but that is what it is. I have a gun and would not hesitate to use it if I had to. Consequences not using might be worse.

 

[Fencer]

Hard to say what is right or wrong here, except that if the old guy had a handgun the drunk would be dead and the old guy would spend the rest of his life in a cell.

IMO the old man was screwed - it was a breakin by an "honest drunk"

when only real bad guys have them here.

So how did that ban work out for ya

I ask again; if you guys were not allowed your guns, how would you feel? Vulnerable? No different? Safe in the knowledge that no-one else has a gun either? Totally lost without it?

That question is time and place specific. I tend to carry more often this time of year as the car-jackings, and break-ins seem to go up as the crooks are after holiday gifts.

America's First Freedom, a publication from the NRA has a 1 or 2 page section per month of stories where a gun was used legally by a citizen (not cop) to prevent a crime.

For those who want statistics that gun ownership decreases crime look to Kennesaw, Ga where it is MANADATORY that the head of each household own a gun. Very few people know that this has been going on since the early 80's. except of course for the local or should I say the absent crooks.

That is about as unpolitical as I can make it. I hope I did OK.

 

[twowheelnut]

shotgun to waste that damn woodpecker that has been working on my cedar siding.
New thread: Do you feel safer packing because of Woodpeckers?

B)

TWN wants to know what you charge for mocking birds... for real.

Tru dat, bruddah. Tru dat. :lol:

 

[KSFJR]

Handguns are made to kill people, pure and simple. (OK all you target guys-- flame away.) B)

Got to disagree with you here Skip old buddy. I have some very accurate specialized handguns. Some are bolt action 223 and larger calibers and out to 350+ yds prairie dogs are history. I shot a coyote off hand with one of my S & W 44 mags at 100 measured yards. Pole axed that sucker, never even wiggled. With one of my target 22's with a 4 1/2 " barrel and iron sights prairie dogs out to 75 yds are pretty much mine and tree squirrels with a scoped 22 out to 60 yds are in the pot.

Additionally, one of my red necked service buddies went to work for the GA Highway Patrol years ago and shot a deer while on duty. There have been a lot of deer killed with handguns.

Some of the bolt action handguns from a bench will put 5 shots into a hole that a dime will cover at 100 yds. That is from a rest with high power scope and wind flags.

Chester

 

[Fencer]

Handguns are made to kill people, pure and simple. (OK all you target guys-- flame away.) B)

Got to disagree with you here Skip old buddy. I have some very accurate specialized handguns. Some are bolt action 223 and larger calibers and out to 350+ yds prairie dogs are history. I shot a coyote off hand with one of my S & W 44 mags at 100 measured yards. Pole axed that sucker, never even wiggled. With one of my target 22's with a 4 1/2 " barrel and iron sights prairie dogs out to 75 yds are pretty much mine and tree squirrels with a scoped 22 out to 60 yds are in the pot.

Additionally, one of my red necked service buddies went to work for the GA Highway Patrol years ago and shot a deer while on duty. There have been a lot of deer killed with handguns.

Some of the bolt action handguns from a bench will put 5 shots into a hole that a dime will cover at 100 yds. That is from a rest with high power scope and wind flags.

Chester

So is a Thompson Center/Contender considered a Handgun

 

[Scab]

You know, while married to wife number 2, I didn't feel safe with my guns. I just knew that one day I would wake up dead.

 

[Capt. Bob]

Having grown up in Miami, guns are second nature. Here in Tallahassee hunting is a big deal. Through the years I've had a lot. I sold my bolt action collection a few years back but still maintain a small assortment of usable weapons.

To answer the question, yes I'd feel different without them.

 

[keithaba]

Yep you are right, but not as practical as a small automatic that you can keep in the bedside drawer.

But the shot won't go through a couple of walls and into your neighbor's house, either.

Pump 12 gauge, pistol grip, shortest legal barrel. The sound of it getting racked will strike terror into any intruder, and may persuade them to leave a human-shaped exit hole in the nearest wall or window. It's a universal sound of impending doom.

I've heard a good place to keep one is on hooks just inside and above a (non walk-in) closet door. Out of reach of children and missed by most prying eyes, but readily available if needed.

I think of it as a life assurance policy.

I'd rather have one and not need it, than need one and not have it.

My sister in law has a compact 8-gauge. It's not a 12-guage, but like mike says, hearing it **** surely will have the same intimidation factor. Plus I'm sure being shot by it would still hurt. The gun is really small but still packs massive close range punch.

 

[ponyfool]

My wife asked this same question when we first started dating. I asked her a question in response:

If you were a woman, living alone, with someone, or with kids, would you feel comfortable moving into a maximum security prison and living among the inmates.

Her response was, "No, I would not feel safe at all."

I added, "Why not, none of them have guns. The only ones with guns are the guards."

She said, "But they are hardened criminals."

I replied, "And where do you think they committed their crimes? In prison, or in the community?"

I would let that speak for itself, but that isn't enough. I carry a gun at work. As a result of that work, I also tend to carry it when off duty. I take one with me when vacationing, but don't necessarily carry it with me when out and about in a new town/city. If I didn't do this anymore, I'd probably only have a gun for home protection, and would likely not carry one with me everywhere I go. I haven't lost faith in humanity yet.

 

[ionbeam]

My sister in law has a compact 8-gauge. It's not a 12-guage, but like mike says, hearing it **** surely will have the same intimidation factor. Plus I'm sure being shot by it would still hurt.

I've run a lot of shells through an 8-gauge shot gun. It is just this side of a hand held cannon. I'm sure it would 'still hurt' someone; dismemberment does that. I've seen a full frame 8-gauge take my 6-4, 255 lb brother and spin him around then spike him into the ground. We only gave him one shell in the gun just for safety sake. I can't imagine shooting a shorty 8-gauge from a casual posture

 

[Bounce]

I ask again; if you guys were not allowed your guns, how would you feel?

like Brittish vassals instead of USA freemen.

 

[Scab]

I can't imagine shooting a shorty 8-gauge from a casual posture

I can...Once.

 

[evil_henchman]

I have guns and for a lot of reasons. For example, I live where a lot of people are into loud bikes and mean dogs which they like to dump in the open fields where I let my dogs run. I've had my .45 drawn more than once and events played out in non fatal ways. It's amazing how much confidence you have when you can back up your waving and shouting with a .45

I always have guns when I camp, I've had nerve wracking experiences with bears and I really like my place on the food chain. At home I really don't need guns to make me feel safer because, well, it's my home. But it helps. When I'm someplace like Lower Haight in San Francisco or South Sacramento for that matter I feel a lot safer with a gun. As for the politics of that, well Ted Nugent and G. Gordon Liddy said it best and I'll leave it at that.

And finally, there's just something about rapid fire with a high powered semi automatic rifle that just gives me wood. :lol:

 

[Auburn]

I still own my first rifle that I bought when I was 12, a model 94 winchester 30-30. It is for deer hunting rifle for brush country that I have taken many deer with. (Doing my part to control the forest rat population.) It is always locked in the safe, along with my pellet rifle and .358 Remington rifle that my grandfather gave to me.

I too have had to shoot animals in defense of our farm animals when I was growing up. Mostly coyotes. But with all the limitations on hunting these days there are more and more cougar and bear sightings closer and closer to homes in the NW.

To answer your question, I am not a gun nut, I do support the right to have them. And as many have noted already in this thread the criminals will still get them no matter what the laws say. I at least want the option to defend myself if it came to that. So I do not think I would feel as safe if I didn't have them.

My brother had to test a thief's reaction to racking a shell into his 30-30 once. The thief stopped in his tracks and pissed all over himself...but it had the intended consequence, the thief stopped and no one was injured.