General Discussion Board

Do you own a gun?

Eyerater — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:51:52 GMT

The US Constitution, which is rightly considered a document forbidding certain government action rather than one granting rights, only says - regarding arms - that the government shall not prohibit bearing arms - I am, of course, paraphrasing.

It says nothing pro or con about concealed weapons, per se.

Individual State and local governement jurisdictions may prohibit concealing a weapon or may provide for permits for carrying a concealed weapon. It is not, on its own, in my opinion, a Constitutional issue.

In my home state, one may be licensed with a permit to carry a concealed weapon, assuming one is of good character and does not have history of felonies or mental illness.

That would be the only way I would carry concealed. To do otherwise would be to invite a police bullet - probably deservedly if you can't qualify for a permit.

Do you own a gun?

madgolfer — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:17:43 GMT

A constitutionalist like yourself should question the legality of any concealed weapon. The weapons of the 1700's were not easy to hide. While I fully support the right to bear arms, anyone caught with a concealed weapon, even law enforcement should be arrested. If there's a weapon near me, i want to see it.

Do you own a gun?

Eyerater — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:00:31 GMT

I'm still thinking;. I just read about a couple of pieces that the writer tested. He was doing an article on his testing of the guns in ocncealed carry applications. Now the names escape me. But I have the reference somewhere.

One of them has an internal keyed lock in the handle. If I had young children around the house tha twould be important to me. Since I don't, I'm not sure. Although it wouldn't hurt, as they say.

I haven't googled the westfield uzi but I am interested in your comment.. Did the kid really have both an instructor and his father "at his shoulder" when he shot? What were they doing? Looking at chicks?

Update: Okay. I just read about it. A terrible tragedy that reinforces the need to "closely" supervise a minor, and know his or her capabilities. Obviously, not withstanding the father's evaluation, this boy was not up to firing an Uzi. But then, Plaxico Burress put a bullet in his leg acidentally. Guns are not toys. They are weapons.

Do you own a gun?

ladybg328 — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:54:08 GMT

no i do not own a gun ,i have children inmy home and dont want guns in it.

Do you own a gun?

madgolfer — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:16:53 GMT

If you Google "Westfield Uzi", the story is tragic and the most reasonable justification after a month of thoughts is that parents let kids bicycle, skateboard, ski etc without adequate guidance and protection, this boy had both his father and a licensed instructor at his shoulder.

As to your original question, the 30 caliber carbine round is very loud in a "six shooter", a relatively safe first-time firearm with a single action hammer and trigger. The semiautomatic M1 rifle with the same ammo was a US issue for forty years and the two together provide a reliable, economical arsenal if you reload your brass. The same combination is available in various calibers from Ruger, but this is my favorite iron. Let us know yours.

Do you own a gun?

Eyerater — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:55:13 GMT

MadGolfer:

You make a good point.

Would that father have left out a canof rat poison where his eight-year-old could have gotten into it.

One of the responsibilities of gun ownership, especially legal gun ownership, is to keep your piece secure from children.

Incidentally, I rode bicycles for decades without a helmet. I'm still here.

Although some would say it affected my brain. (QGTM)

Do you own a gun?

madgolfer — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:34:03 GMT

Eyerator, you will be wanting the matching M1 carbine for travel. And maybe a reloader.

Not sure if you heard of the 8 year old boy who shot himself with a micro uzi in MA last month. It has really puzzled me how a rational father, a doctor, could make such a decision! Then i was reminded of allowing my kids to ride bikes without helmets.... every day.

Do you own a gun?

cmohr80 — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 02:03:41 GMT

Agreed

Do you own a gun?

Meri — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:14:22 GMT

Eyerater said…
How many people in Mumbai would still be alive if people in those buildings had had weapons to defend themselves? Guns are not a panaea. But they sure do deter bad people and they stop the ones they don't deter before they can do more damage.
That, of course, is my personal observation.

I agree. The terrorists were still able to get guns even though India had outlawed them. As with any kind of study, statistics can be construed to support whatever side of an argument you are on. That said, many studies support the theory that crime rates go down in areas where citizens are allowed to be armed. Criminals aren't as willing to take a chance of someone being behind the door with a gun. That is just logical. Law abiding citizens who take gun safety classes, learn respect for guns, etc. are not the problem. It is the criminal element that creates havoc with our society. One need only study prison populations to find that if a person wants to kill he/she will find a way without the presence of a gun. Guns do not kill people- it is the person carrying the gun.

Do you own a gun?

Eyerater — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 19:04:56 GMT

How many people in Mumbai would still be alive if people in those buildings had had weapons to defend themselves? Guns are not a panaea. But they sure do deter bad people and they stop the ones they don't deter before they can do more damage.
That, of course, is my personal observation.

Do you own a gun?

karen0415 — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:33:55 GMT

I personally do not own a gun, however, my husband and son do. They go hunting together and my son just passed a gun safety class with a 100% on the test. I feel that as long as they are safe and always aware of their surroundings so as to not put others in danger it is ok.

Do you own a gun?

Sundowner — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:02:27 GMT

Hello Bard - Forgive the way I'm trying to contact you. You wrote a review on a Seagate 750 GB External Hard Drive. Factory # S307504FPA1E2RK - USB/Firewire Serial ATA 7200 rpm.
I can't find it anywhere. Could you email me with the store you purchased your hard drive from. Also, if you, now, have found any defects with the drive, let me know.
I would like to find this particular drive as 4 other people had glowing reviews about it.
Yours, Paul Berkow corvettte@charter.net

Do you own a gun?

DHRICH — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:30:20 GMT

I don't.I don't think I want one.I just might shoot my neighbors kids.I don't like guns.Maybe it's because a lot of murder on the news.I don't know.I have thought about getting one but haven't.

Do you own a gun?

Eyerater — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:49:26 GMT

MadGolfer:

Did you read my letter to the North Pole? This email hacking is getting out of control. (g)

Do you own a gun?

madgolfer — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:30:10 GMT

Eyerater, if you're a good boy, maybe Santa will give you a nice warm single action ruger redhawk in 30 cal carbine ☺

Do you own a gun?

krislynn — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:36:28 GMT

*laughing* ;-D

Do you own a gun?

cmohr80 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:13:42 GMT

LOL!!!

Do you own a gun?

Eyerater — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:08:33 GMT

Be careful on the range. Gun support may stick to you.

Do you own a gun?

krislynn — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:50:17 GMT

HaHaHa! I would be the first one to signup for a glue gun safety class!

Do you own a gun?

Reviewer11 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:43:07 GMT

Meri said…
Reviewer11 said…
Eyerater said…
The author of this question does not own a gun. I asked the question to see how people feel because I have been actively considering purchasing one. It will not be a glue gun, however, They scare me."

LOL!!!
Maybe we should offer glue gun safety classes!

LOL!!! That's a good one. :D

Do you own a gun?

Meri — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:30:49 GMT

Reviewer11 said…
Eyerater said…
The author of this question does not own a gun. I asked the question to see how people feel because I have been actively considering purchasing one. It will not be a glue gun, however, They scare me."

LOL!!!

Maybe we should offer glue gun safety classes!

Do you own a gun?

Meri — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:30:09 GMT

Eyerater said…
The author of this question does not own a gun. I asked the question to see how people feel because I have been actively considering purchasing one.
First, I am a Constitutionalist. The Constitution does not grant me the right to own gun. The Constitution prohibits the government from keeping me from owning a gun. Why do you suppose that it is?

Not because the Founding Fathers, in their experience and wisdom, thought the government might stop me from hunting. No. It was because the FF feared the potential abuse of government, to the point of it depriving citizens of rights, that they felt the citizenry - as individuals - needed the right to keep the government at bay.

So reason number one for getting is a gun is because I have a right to own one,

Well, those are legitimate reasons. I, for one, bought one several years ago to target practice with my weapons instructor son but what really pushed me over the edge was the reason you cited as #1. Too many of our rights are being eroded. Even my second son who has never in his life wanted anything to do with guns is talking to his big brother about owning one because of that very reason... They say gun sales are up. I believe that is one of the biggest reasons.

Do you own a gun?

cmohr80 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:42:54 GMT

Eyerater said:

The author of this question does not own a gun. I asked the question to see how people feel because I have been actively considering purchasing one.

I know you're not interested in hunting, but might I suggest taking a hunting certification class to help in your decision? The class teaches you the rules and the responsibilities of gun ownership. You also have the opportunity to ask questions o the class instructors, which could be of great benefit to you.

Do you own a gun?

Reviewer11 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:19:13 GMT

Eyerater said…
The author of this question does not own a gun. I asked the question to see how people feel because I have been actively considering purchasing one. It will not be a glue gun, however, They scare me."

LOL!!!

Do you own a gun?

Eyerater — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:14:06 GMT

The author of this question does not own a gun. I asked the question to see how people feel because I have been actively considering purchasing one. It will not be a glue gun, however, They scare me. What if someone untrained in glue gun use got ahold of it and glued your wine cellar shut? Shiver. Just the thought of it. Plus you would have to keep it locked up and if you actually needed to glue something, it would be too troublesome to get to it.

That bit of sarcastic humor behind me, I will say that my interest in owning a gun, something I have never owned or considered before has been triggered - pun intend by several thoughts.

First, I am a Constitutionalist. The Constitution does not grant me the right to own gun. The Constitution prohibits the government from keeping me from owning a gun. Why do you suppose that it is?

Not because the Founding Fathers, in their experience and wisdom, thought the government might stop me from hunting. No. It was because the FF feared the potential abuse of government, to the point of it depriving citizens of rights, that they felt the citizenry - as individuals - needed the right to keep the government at bay.

So reason number one for getting is a gun is because I have a right to own one,

In Florida, as a law-abiding resident, without a criminal record, I can even get a concealed carry permit. If I have the gun on my person, it is not available to children or others. Interestingly, since the concealed carry law has been passed, violent crime in the state has declined significant. It seems the bad guys, whether armed or not, are not willing to risk that a potential victim could mount a serious defense.

Second reason then is self-defense. ( I don't hunt. Have no interest in hunting. Not opposed to it. Just not interested in it.)

Third reason is that our President-elect has said enough confusing things about gun control and Constitutional interpretations for me to believe that we are just a few months away from serious restrictions on gun purchase and ownership.

I fear that my Constitutionally-protected right may be taken away. If I buy, it will to exercise my right before that happens.

So, No, I don't own. But, yes, I am thinking about it.

That's why I asked the question.

Do you own a gun?

Reviewer11 — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 05:18:06 GMT

OUCH! That's gotta hurt. :(

Do you own a gun?

Meri — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 03:18:42 GMT

Krislynn and Reviewer11- The low temp glue guns are great because they don't remove your fingerprints when you accidentally burn your fingers....

Do you own a gun?

carter1char — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 01:49:30 GMT

I own a automatic 1088, it is a bee-bee gun that uses c02 cartridges, We used to have wild animals that ran behind our old apt so we got to scare them off. I keep it close to the front door in case of emergencies. Not really sure how damage it would do but its some thing i guess.

Do you own a gun?

madgolfer — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 01:30:34 GMT

The first thing Orwell's 1984 style of government would do is take all weapons away from people, track their movements with cameras GPS, etc and do it all under the guise of protecting the people.
The police are tracking people's cell phones now. Your cell phones "check in" with towers every 30 seconds and warrants can be issued to track a cell phones location or history of where its been.
If i owned a gun, it would be secure and the government would be the last to know.

Do you own a gun?

krislynn — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 11:08:58 GMT

Wow! You are the "Glue Gun Lady." I didn't realize glue guns came in different temps. I have one cordless glue gun.

Do you own a gun?

krislynn — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 11:05:23 GMT

My oldest Jack Russell Terrier would probably hide behind the couch. He is afraid of the rain and thunder.

BTW, Welcome to Viewpoints!

Do you own a gun?

Reviewer11 — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:16:40 GMT

Meri said…
Reviewer11 said…
"Do you own a gun?"

A glue gun :P No, i'm kidding. No, I don't.

I have several glue guns; many makes and models. Some are high temp and others low temp; some are dual temp. I even have one that is cordless.

:O Oh snaps! You're a hardcore glue gun collector! LOL! (kidding. lol, I'm a little hyper today)

Wow, that's a lot. I didn't know they come in different temp settings. :D

Do you own a gun?

Meri — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:09:09 GMT

Reviewer11 said…
"Do you own a gun?"

A glue gun :P No, i'm kidding. No, I don't.

I have several glue guns; many makes and models. Some are high temp and others low temp; some are dual temp. I even have one that is cordless.

Do you own a gun?

Reviewer11 — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 12:43:02 GMT

"Do you own a gun?"

A glue gun :P No, i'm kidding. No, I don't.

Do you own a gun?

Slapper — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 12:27:48 GMT

Wow, sounds like you run a tight ship.

Do you own a gun?

Slapper — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 12:23:35 GMT

Bard, wise words. However, I see violent crime, like rape, car-jackings, home invasion and violent robbery as being prevalent. I f you have ever been beaten silly for no good reason, or had to look at a loved one ravaged by a violent criminal or predator, you would want to keep that from happening to you and your loved ones. At least I would. The police won't be there when you need them, criminals are by nature stealthy. Regarding the second amendment, whether you think you need it or not, a mistrust for government gone bad is one reason why the constitution has it. The first thing Orwell's 1984 style of government would do is take all weapons away from people, track their movements with cameras GPS, etc and do it all under the guise of protecting the people. You know the story. I think thise bears some consideration.

Do you own a gun?

Slapper — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 12:13:31 GMT

Kris, LOL, my Jack Russell Terrier would bark and then hide under the bed like he does at the slightest hint of thunder. But he is the owner of the house and probably thinks I am his alarm. Neat dogs. Guns, I have several.. Grew up with them. Like them, and hope I never have to protect my self by using one.

Do you own a gun?

cmohr80 — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:29:06 GMT

I don't agree with the "just for the sport of it!" The main reason for hunting should be for food.

Do you own a gun?

vivasuzi — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:08:37 GMT

My family members are all hunters, I've never been a fan - especially now that I'm vegetarian. I guess I just don't understand the "sport" of it.

Do you own a gun?

PattyTherre — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 01:42:21 GMT

My husband hunts, something that almost broke us up when we were dating. I am VERY anti hunting and his whole family hunted. I didn't think I could actually be married to a guy who hunted. But I am. He keeps his gun far away from me and I couldn't even tell you where it is. It isn't in the house. My sons are adults now but they were never near any guns growing up and they have no desire to hunt or have guns.

We never used the hunting gun for protection and I doubt we would be able to considering it's not easy to get to and it isn't loaded. I have always had a fear of guns. Still do even though I have been to the shooting range and can fire a pistol with amazing accuracy. I don't think we ever will get a pistol for protection. I'd move before doing that if I felt that unsafe.

EDIT: I've been married to this guy for almost 25 years and I just asked him about guns and he told me he has four or five shotguns and rifles. WHAT? I had no idea. That's how well concealed they are, I guess. The jerk. ;)

Do you own a gun?

njchicaa — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:56:41 GMT

We do not have any guns in the house nor will I allow my husband to acquire them in the future. He doesn't hunt and even if they were locked up properly as they should be, they would do no good in the event of a burglary situation. With the sad state of this country, if you shot an intruder, you'd wind up sued by the perp for $50 million. I'd rather invest in an alarm system and a baseball bat.

Do you own a gun?

cmohr80 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:41:25 GMT

Charges should be brought against the person who put the ammo in the gun at the gun show, if that was the instructoer, then him. Gun Show display guns are not supposed to be loaded. While we are gun owners, and we have introduced our son to guns (so he would know the danger), we don't even let him have "real looking" toy guns, let alone hold a real gun! That's the negledgence of the display personel having that gun loaded(What was that person thinking!) and of the parent not watching the child closely enough. . . Mostly the person who loaded the gun, though.

Do you own a gun?

mysticstarfish — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 18:57:48 GMT

redfireant said…
mysticstarfish said…

6 days ago a boy "accidentally" shot himself in the head with an UZI at a gun show in Massachusetts.
That is very sad.
The gun should not have had any ammo in it at a gun show. The father of the boy and who ever put ammo in the gun are the ones who killed the boy. The father should be put in prison for allowing his son to hold a loaded gun and accidentally killing himself. Guns are dangerous when they are in the wrong hands.
Gun shows are not suppose to have loaded guns on display. The sponsor of the gun show should be held accountable for allowing a loaded gun to be there.

The last I read the police were determing if charges should be filed on the father and the instructor at the gun show. I really hope they do! So senseless!

Do you own a gun?

redfireant — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 18:49:00 GMT

mysticstarfish said…

6 days ago a boy "accidentally" shot himself in the head with an UZI at a gun show in Massachusetts.

That is very sad.

The gun should not have had any ammo in it at a gun show. The father of the boy and who ever put ammo in the gun are the ones who killed the boy. The father should be put in prison for allowing his son to hold a loaded gun and accidentally killing himself. Guns are dangerous when they are in the wrong hands.

Gun shows are not suppose to have loaded guns on display. The sponsor of the gun show should be held accountable for allowing a loaded gun to be there.

Do you own a gun?

PERRYEASTEP — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:43:26 GMT

I never in my wildest dreams ever thought of owning a gun. Never thought I would need one, but times are changing around me and the city I live in. Crime is running wild all over! I'm really thinking of getting a gun for my safety. I don't have kids so it's just me. As to not being able to get to the gun fast enough, I figured that one out already, under my pillow. :)

Do you own a gun?

vivasuzi — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:21:19 GMT

Yep Mystic, I get your point. B/c if he had picked up a knife, he probably wouldn't have been killed. May have been hurt, but most likely wouldn't have killed him.

Do you own a gun?

mysticstarfish — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:43:06 GMT

OldHippie said…
"Guns do kill people."
NO, NO, NO...it was the child's STUPID FATHER that let him pick up the gun that killed him! If I remember correctly, that kid was only 8 yrs. old. Any kid is curious. They'ld get behind the sights of a tank if one would let them. I don't own a gun...I don't want a gun. But I do remember my parents letting me pick up only a pellet rifle when I was about 13 or 14. Hand guns and/or rifles are for ADULTS. And if the "responsible" parent lets a kid pick up a gun...they shouldn't be a parent!!!!

I agree with you 100% that it was the father's fault, but it was the Uzi that killed the child. A child cannot make a responsible decision about picking up an Uzi; as I said it was the father that egged him on for a photo opportunity. This was tragic, but my point is that guns do kill people. Anyway you look at it, the father was responsible, but the gun killed the child. This tragedy sohuld not have happened....it's so very sad.

Do you own a gun?

OldHippie — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:33:51 GMT

"Guns do kill people."

NO, NO, NO...it was the child's STUPID FATHER that let him pick up the gun that killed him! If I remember correctly, that kid was only 8 yrs. old. Any kid is curious. They'ld get behind the sights of a tank if one would let them. I don't own a gun...I don't want a gun. But I do remember my parents letting me pick up only a pellet rifle when I was about 13 or 14. Hand guns and/or rifles are for ADULTS. And if the "responsible" parent lets a kid pick up a gun...they shouldn't be a parent!!!!

Do you own a gun?

mysticstarfish — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 04:52:55 GMT

redfireant said…
Guns don't kill people....People kill people.

Red...I don't believe in taking away anyone's right to bear arms, however, your above statement is just so very wrong. 6 days ago a boy "accidently" shot himself in the head with an UZI at a gun show in Massachusetts. Now, I'm sorry, but no one killed that child except for that gun. That child had no business handling that kind of weapon, absolutely no reason for it. Now his father who egged him on to do this for a photo opportunity has to live with this the rest of his life. Guns do kill people.

Do you own a gun?

Meri — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 04:50:02 GMT

DUISparky said…
I have two .25 semi-auto hand guns. I've had them since 1985. They've never been fired and have consecutive serial numbers. I doubt I will ever fire them, even if there were an intruder in the house. I have an aluminum baseball bat and a short sword for that, if it were to ever occur. Less noise that way. I like it quiet around here. d;-)

Your profile picture next to your comment made me laugh! Thanks for the chuckle.

Do you own a gun?

DUISparky — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 21:15:44 GMT

I have two .25 semi-auto hand guns. I've had them since 1985. They've never been fired and have consecutive serial numbers. I doubt I will ever fire them, even if there were an intruder in the house. I have an aluminum baseball bat and a short sword for that, if it were to ever occur. Less noise that way. I like it quiet around here. d;-)

Do you own a gun?

jasyjen — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:45:17 GMT

I'm terrified of having a gun inside the house because of my sons. My husband has an antique gun that was his Grandfathers, but it's not kept inside the house. My husband has it in his truck somewhere.

Do you own a gun?

redfireant — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 18:50:28 GMT

My husband does a lot of hunting, so we have shot guns, rifles and pistols in our home. We both have pistol permits and have a pistol with us where ever we go. We are not in favor of gun control and are members of the NRA. We don't have any small children in our home, but if we ever have guests that have children...the guns are locked up in a gun safe. Guns don't kill people....People kill people.

I would not feel safe without a gun or guns in our home or our vehicles. We don't go around pointing or flashing them at people. They are there in case we feel like our lives are threatened.

Do you own a gun?

Jo — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:28:14 GMT

Many years ago I was being stalked and I considered getting a gun because I had two little kids and had to ask my neighbor to watch me when we got in the car and when we got home. I never did. I never will and don't shoot me but I am in favor of gun control - and don't tell me only the criminals will have guns. We walked into a store in L.A. to get our daughter pepper spray and learned that in 10 days we could get some gosh awful looking weapon. When people say only criminals will have guns - yes that's true as long as you can walk into Wal-Mart and buy one (:

Do you own a gun?

cmohr80 — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 05:33:51 GMT

My husband and I own shotguns for hunting. They ARE LOCKED UP. I didn't like the idea at first, but when my husband wanted to re-start hunting, he asked me to be opened minded, to watch some hunting shows and to go to the hunting certification class with him. (CA has very strict gun laws, a class is mandatory here, which I like.) We even would talk quite a bit about it. I'll tell you, I was really glad I went! He took me, hoping it would change my mind on him not getting a gun, but I wound up with the desire to harvest, too. So long as I'm hunting for food, not just for sport and I'm an ethical, humane hunter, being sure to be ware of the population regulations. The class is quite an eye opening, thought-provoking experience. We have all of the necessary safety precautions. And, while before I didn't like the idea of having a gun in the house, now that I'm educated and trained, I feel comforted that we have a gun that we could use for safety, if necessary. We even educated and continue to educate our son (even so much as taking him to a firing range so he can see and hear how dangerous guns can be, and how safe they can be when used properly), so he knows that guns serve a survival purpose and are NOT toys.

Do you own a gun?

LisaCarey — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:22:52 GMT

Bryan has answered for our family, but I grew up with guns, for hunting and target practice. My dad even does a little collecting also. My first experience with a shot gun knocked me on my behind, but later after much instruction I got pretty good at it. While it was normal for me growing up (my dad was also former military and my brother also) and learning gun safety and sensibility was important in our household, and even though we live in Texas and used to live in TN (not ALL of us have gun racks in the back of our trucks) we decided together that guns would not be part of the household. I too was taught, as the Bard says, go for the hockey stick (longer reach) or baseball bat.

Do you own a gun?

Meri — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:38:24 GMT

Guns are not owned just for protection. There are sportsmen [and women] who are target shooters, hunters and collectors. Personally, I only own a pistol that I use at the range. It is locked in a safe that is bolted to the floor [in an undisclosed location] so the entire safe can not be stolen. My son has many guns [avid hunter and weapons instructor]. He has them locked in a large gun safe in his closet. Most gun owners are responsible. It is the few irresponsible ones that make it seem more dangerous than it is really is. It would be ludicrous for either one of us to think that we could get to one of the guns in an emergency, find the ammo and load the gun in time to use it in a break-in situation. In my gun safety class the instructor actually told us it is better to not engage an intruder with a gun. He did however make the point of turning out the lights and then cocked a shut gun in the dark. That sound would make anyone run! ;-)

Do you own a gun?

vivasuzi — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:26:14 GMT

To add to what most of you said, not only would it be hard to get to in an emergency, but it's very unlikely you would use it correctly when you are scared or think someone's breaking in. Think of all the accidents that could and do happen! It's better to run then try to take matters into your own hands.

Do you own a gun?

TheBard — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:14:18 GMT

No, I do not own a firearm; our current living situation does not call for one. But I am a marksman with a 9mm and .45, having obtained those badges in the military. Needless to say if I were to buy a firearm either the 9mm (large clip, light weight, easy to fire), or a .45 caliber (heavy, but great stopping power) would do nicely.

But, I agree with Mysticstarfish. Any responsible firearm(s) owner with children in the house would lock them up, and chances are any would be thief, or other seeking to do one harm in the castle that is our homes, would be on you before you had a chance to gain access to that 9mm, shotgun, or Uzi. One would be better served by a baseball bat, or other elongated blunt object.

Firearm sales are up BTW, either because the ignorant believe that Obama, if elected, will seek to re-institute the assault weapons ban, or just flat out take their firearms away. This despite the fact that he, Obama, has re-affirmed his questionable support for the recent Supreme Court's ruling that 2nd Amendment, gives citizen's right to keep and bear arms. Another reason is the tried and tired canard that crime is up, when overall it is down.

Do you own a gun?

Meri — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 13:16:59 GMT

Eyerater said…
If so, why? If not, why?

Why do you ask?

Do you own a gun?

mysticstarfish — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 13:08:39 GMT

I do not own a gun, rifle or shotgun, nor would I want one in my home. My husband is not a hunter and I see no reason to have one for any other reason. I don't believe having a gun in a home as "protection" is a necessity. In order to practice and establish safe procedures in your home, especially with children, it means your guns should be locked up. If someone were to break into your home odds are you would not be able to get to that gun and/or get it unlocked in a sufficient amount of time for it to be a deterent. Each year you read of so many children dying because they had access to a gun in a home that was not locked up properly. If my husband was a hunter and I grew up around guns, I grew up in a big city, I might have a different opinion, but with our lifestyle, they just don't fit.

Do you own a gun?

krislynn — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 06:11:10 GMT

No, we don't own any guns. I have a baby and I don't feel comfortable with a gun in the house. This is not something I want to risk. My 2 Jack Russell Terriers would attack if a stranger broke in the house not only that our extremely loud alarm would scary them to death.

Do you own a gun?

Meri — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 05:11:23 GMT

My second son who has never shown any interest in guns and has always said he would never own one is considering one for the first time in his life.

Do you own a gun?

Bryan-Carey — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:53:03 GMT

No, I have never owned a gun. I have considered it, but always dropped the idea. My dog is protection enough and with my two little girls, I am not willing to take any chances.

Do you own a gun?

vivasuzi — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 03:17:19 GMT

BTW eyerater, what's your answer?

Do you own a gun?

vivasuzi — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 03:16:45 GMT

Never had, never will. I think it's a dangerous item to have in the house, especially if kids are ever at your house. My family members have them for hunting, but those are different, and they are locked up. I don't like those either to be honest.

Do you own a gun?

Meri — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 03:11:16 GMT

I do. My oldest son is a weapons instructor and I learned to shoot to go to the range with him.

Do you own a gun?

Eyerater — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 23:05:32 GMT

If so, why? If not, why?