Firearms Refresher Course

This is pretty interesting....

http://www.guncite.com/gun_control_gcgvinco.html

lorib

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 OK, give up your car!

denise m

I am curious where this need for protection comes from. Does the average American living in an average community feel like they need to have a gun for protection?

 I grew up around guns, have always had guns and I like guns. I enjoy shooting, my husband and sons enjoy hunting so protection has never been the primary reason for owning guns. We own guns because we can and because we like them. A benefit of owning guns is protection.

denise m

Does the average American living in an average community feel like they need to have a gun for protection? Are locked doors or alarm systems not adequate to give a sense of security?

 I would suggest you read the papers, and watch the news. If you know someone in law enforcement talk to them and ask them just how many break ins. stabbings, shootings and attacks occur on a regular basis that never even make it into the news. A locked door is a detterent only to those of us who would never think of breaking in. So are alarm systems. Most alarm systems are not activated in the evening hours when everyone is home and not yet asleep. Read up on home invasions. They are not the main method of robbery but they do happen and have been increasing.

denise m

Do you chose to carry a concealed weapon because you feel threatened or in danger in public?

 I do not carry a concealed weapon but I will should I feel there is a need to do so.

denise m

Is there some paranoia?

  I don't think so, I call it being prepared. Is having an earthquake kit being paronoid if you live in earthquake country? Is having a storm cellar paranoid if you live in torando or hurricane country? The ones who scoff and say it will never happen to me, so I do not need an earthquake kit, or a storm cellar or a gun can only hope that they remain lucky and never get in a situation where they need it.

denise m

"easy access to guns and society's acceptance of violence are part of the problem in the United States."   

Do you agree at all with this statement?

 No I do not agree with all of it but giving a good answer would involve going off topic, so I will leave it at that.

denise m

Do you wish less people carried guns (excluding you of course!)?

 No I do not. I do wish that those who own guns, but still "fear" them would take courses and get over it as I think most of the problem with law abiding people who own guns is because they fear them and they do not really know how to operate them properly and they just hope that when needed they will be able to figure it out.

denise m

Does is concern you that the US leads in gun deaths?

no it does not. Remove the gun and some other method will take its place. Look at the suicude rates for Japan, they have no guns yet they kill themselves off pretty well and have a much higher rate than the US.

Hi Denise. I want to answer some of your questions from my perspective:

denise m

Does the average American living in an average community feel like they need to have a gun for protection?

I can't really speak for the average American because I am not one. Speaking for myself, I don't feel that I NEED one, but it is the most efficient tool for self-protection available to the average citizen and I believe people have a right to protect themselves. 

denise m

Are locked doors or alarm systems not adequate to give a sense of security?

They are not adequate to provide security. They are sufficient to give a sense of security for some people and they're good things to have in a layered defense, but they are not adequate to provide the security that every person desires.

denise m

"easy access to guns and society's acceptance of violence are part of the problem in the United States."   

Do you agree at all with this statement?

That statement is totally loaded. I don't believe that legal access to guns is a problem. I DO think illegal access to and use of guns and society's worship of violence each individually contribute to problems in the US. But I don't buy the association of easy access to guns and society's acceptance of violence. They are 2 separate issues.

denise m

Does the fact that soooo many other people own guns have an influence on your choice to own a gun?

No.  

denise m

Do you wish less people carried guns (excluding you of course!)?

I wish fewer criminals owned guns. I wish more law-abiding citizens owned guns, but I would never encourage anyone to own a gun if they didn't want to.

denise m

Does is concern you that the US leads in gun deaths?

It concerns me that the US has such a high murder rate. From snownose's link:

The U.S. has a higher non-gun murder rate than many European country's total murder rates.

It concerns me that people are killing other people so much, whether they use guns, sticks, bats, fists or poison.  

I am a strong Constitutionalist. I fully support the right to legally bear arms for American citizens. People cloud the issue with illegal gun ownership, which is a different issue.

denise m

It seems to me that the main reason being expressed it a need to protect one's self and secondly a sense of exercising one's constitutional right. I am curious where this need for protection comes from. Does the average American living in an average community feel like they need to have a gun for protection? Are locked doors or alarm systems not adequate to give a sense of security? Do you chose to carry a concealed weapon because you feel threatened or in danger in public? Is there some paranoia?

I don't get it either. I seem to be one of the few people on here who has never had the slightest interest in my right to bear arms. I'm guessing it depends a lot on where you live. I was born and raised in a major metropolitan urban/suburban area, and have never lived out in the country. I live in a very quiet neighborhood with small fenced yards, and feel pretty safe and secure. My neighbors are close enough to hear a scream, I have two large dogs that will bark their heads off if someone tried to break in, and in the 13 years I've lived here I've never heard of a single burglary in my neighborhood. I do not feel the need to have any kind of weapon for protection, and I've be very surprised if many of my neighbors did either. I avoid public places where I might feel threatened or in danger.

Maybe if I did live in the country I'd feel differently, but no, I don't feel the need to carry a handgun for personal protection, I don't have any interest in hunting, and while target shooting might be fun, I don't have any compelling desire to take it up any time soon.

 "easy access to guns and society's acceptance of violence are part of the problem in the United States."

I do believe that these are two issues that are problematic in our society, however I think there is a distinction between, "easy access" and "legal access".  I don't think that legal access equates to easy access. 

It seems to me that the main reason being expressed it a need to protect one's self and secondly a sense of exercising one's constitutional right. I am curious where this need for protection comes from. Does the average American living in an average community feel like they need to have a gun for protection? Are locked doors or alarm systems not adequate to give a sense of security? Do you chose to carry a concealed weapon because you feel threatened or in danger in public? Is there some paranoia

I personally do not feel I need a gun to protect myself.  Maybe if I lived in a rural area, or higher crime area I would feel differently.  I can understand why certain people feel they need to have a gun for protection.  My only hope is that these people act responsibly. 

Many people have guns that are not specifically for protection. My father hunts, this is why he has shotguns.  His guns are not for protection, it just isn't needed where my parents live, which is in a condo building with a doorman.  I don't think my dad's gun ownership is a threat to anyone, he is responsible, and he enjoys hunting (for food, not sport). 

Thanks dgriego and 4's for your answers. I appreciate your honest and straight forward perspectives without all the soapbox speil that often accompanies this subject. I am very curious about guns and gun culture in particular. Unfortunately some people misinterpret my curiosity as being judgemental. So thanks!

denise m:

 I would suggest you read the papers, and watch the news. If you know someone in law enforcement talk to them and ask them just how many break ins. stabbings, shootings and attacks occur on a regular basis that never even make it into the news. A locked door is a detterent only to those of us who would never think of breaking in. So are alarm systems. Most alarm systems are not activated in the evening hours when everyone is home and not yet asleep. Read up on home invasions. They are not the main method of robbery but they do happen and have been increasing.

Yeah, we have home invasions here as well and of course your regular B&E. We actually had our vehicle stolen from our driveway. But there is rarely extreme violence related to these crimes. Would you consider using a gun to protect your property or only to protect your life?

denise m:

  I don't think so, I call it being prepared. Is having an earthquake kit being paronoid if you live in earthquake country? Is having a storm cellar paranoid if you live in torando or hurricane country? The ones who scoff and say it will never happen to me, so I do not need an earthquake kit, or a storm cellar or a gun can only hope that they remain lucky and never get in a situation where they need it.

I would certainly agree if I lived in a high crime area or somewhat isolated but other than that I might consider it slightly paranoid.

denise m:

no it does not. Remove the gun and some other method will take its place. Look at the suicude rates for Japan, they have no guns yet they kill themselves off pretty well and have a much higher rate than the US.

Suicide is a little different than murder I think but that aside, I do wonder if people are as willing to use other weapons? If I wanted to kill someone a gun is pretty easy. I can stand back, pull a trigger and it's done. Knives, clubs, rope etc. is really up close and personal. I definately would be less likely to use something else.

denise m:

No.  

denise m:

Do you wish less people carried guns (excluding you of course!)?

I wish fewer criminals owned guns. I wish more law-abiding citizens owned guns, but I would never encourage anyone to own a gun if they didn't want to.

. Now I was not expecting these answers. For me, if I knew my neighbors all had guns that would be a real concern and could prompt me to get one myself. Why do you wish more law-abiding people owned guns?

Thanks again guys and I see Cassidys Mom has an interesting commment but I have to go make my turkey soup now. I'll be back later. 

denise m

. Now I was not expecting these answers. For me, if I knew my neighbors all had guns that would be a real concern and could prompt me to get one myself. Why do you wish more law-abiding people owned guns?

Why would that be an issue if all these folks are "Law abiding people"....that basically means you have no reason to fear those people....

I'm going to stand up and be counted here because I am living some of the things that make having weapon make sense:

1. I live rural and yes, it would take the troopers (the few we have) forever to get here.

 2. I must be aware of large, predatory and wacko (moose attack more people than bears do) animals, such as, in addition to moose, bears and wolves. There have been a pack of wolves around lately killing dogs.

3. I LOVE target shooting!

4. I love to fish, but often go alone, and fishing grizzly bears love to fish, too.

5. God forbid the most dangerous predator, the two-legged kind, ever broke into my house, but if the dogs didn't get them, I'd definitely feel safer with the ability to shoot them myself. Unfortunately there are meth-heads even in rural Alaska.

And if you have a gun, you MUST be prepared to shoot and kill that intruder. It's a heavy responsibility. I do understand people who don't want to take on that responsibility.
 

snownose

 

Why would that be an issue if all these folks are "Law abiding people"....that basically means you have no reason to fear those people....

It would be an issue because I don't happen to know all my neighbors that well. I don't know if they have problems - mental, drugs, alcohol. I don't know how stable they are. Even if I knew them well enough to consider them normal and average - *** can happen, accidents can happen. I would just feel less secure if I knew people living close to me had guns.  

denise m

We actually had our vehicle stolen from our driveway. But there is rarely extreme violence related to these crimes. Would you consider using a gun to protect your property or only to protect your life?

Are you so sure?  Have you tried to go out there and stop someone stealing your car?  Btw,  I would use a firearm to protect both myself and loved ones and my property.  How would I know the intent of someone breaking into my house,  I sure wouldn't be asking them.  They would get one warning before setting foot into my house followed by the sound of a round being chambered.  If they still decided to come in it would be their last mistake.

denise m

I wanted to kill someone a gun is pretty easy. I can stand back, pull a trigger

You think that it is easy.  That is the hardest thing that person would have to do,  ask any cop.

denise m

For me, if I knew my neighbors all had guns that would be a real concern and could prompt me to get one myself. Why do you wish more law-abiding people owned guns?

That statement in itself is scary.  Do you really distrust your neighbors that much.  If I lived in a place where I thought that a neighbor would shoot me I would be definately looking to move.  In fact only a couple of my neighbors know I own firearms.  They were the ones seeing me go out the the car to the range for practice.  If more law-abiding people owned firearms and criminals knew that there was a higher chance of being shot in home invasions I think that would be a pretty good deterent.  In fact you know what one of the stores around here that really doesn't have to worry about being robbed during business hours,  the local gun shop as every employee is armed.  Most of the folks that work there are either police (active or retired) or current or former military and they know how to use their weapons properly and effectively.

It's very hard to get hold of a gun here and even if we had one in the house for personal protection, I'd probably get sued or jailed for shooting someone, if the need to do so arose.  To be honest, I feel shocked that so many of you feel so unsafe.  It's an eye opener and no mistake... almost like looking into another world.  

What was it that chappy said at the start of Men In Black: "A PERSON is smart.  People are dumb, panicky animals...."  Honestly, if I thought everyone in my area was carrying a gun I would NOT feel safe. 

Having a gun that you are unable or unwilling to use properly is LOADS worse than being willing and able and NOT having one.  If every law abiding citizen had a gun, the criminals wouldn't need to buy any!

I can think of very few scenarios where having or using a gun would be necessary or wise.  Mostly, weapons raise the ante far too high.  I'm not sure, but I think having a gun in my house would make me feel less safe, not more safe.

Having said all that, it's coming to something when only naughty people carry arms.  I mean, control guns, ban guns....  all it means is that only criminals will have them, because whatever law is passed regarding guns you can pretty much bet that criminals won't obey it.  Criminals tend not to obey laws.  It's pretty much the job description for a criminal.

In short, I don't know what the answer is.  But I think it lies with the People, not with government.  Making the decision to NOT own a gun unless you REALLY feel you NEED it and you CAN use it properly, even under pressure, is probably a good start.  The government shouldn't have to answer every problem and the more they are expected to do so, the more power they will have over everyone and the less freedom everyone will have.

I don't feel unsafe Chuffy so it's not all of us in the USA. I don't worry or have paranoia about my neighbors...I do know some and others I don't. I would never consider having a gun in this house, ever...ever. That's me. My personal experience with police has been positive...they are not ignoring me, or without means to help me should I need help, nor are the slow, or uncaring.

If my car were being stolen from the driveway who really gives a rat's butt? It's "stuff," stuff can be replaced..including our big screen TV .

If someone were threatening my family or children...I would not consider a gun because that IMO makes it less likely...not more that my kids will survive. Now if someone stole my kiddos and took them to do evil things to them, sure I might go native and turn into Rambo and tie my garter belt around my head and grab every gun I could find. But I am not there...not now.

I don't feel unsafe in my neighborhood...nor do I feel unsafe in America...that's more to do with my positive experiences with authority and law...which not everyone has...and my basic premise that one can be watchful and careful without being paranoid or feeling the need to protect oneself from one's neighbor. I feel if necessary a stun gun or pepper spray, black belt in Kung Fu, or large dog is plenty...a gun is excessive for me and mine...so they are not welcome in my home.

There are things that scare me or make me feel unsafe...racism for one, inabilty to provide for my kids, being alone in life, but no gun is going to protect me from those things.

I have no issue with the people of America having the right to bear arms...but it's definitely something I don't feel a need to do, nor would it appeal to me ever outside of the Rambo scenario above.

denise m

Why do you wish more law-abiding people owned guns?

Because every year in the US, lawful gun owners prevent millions of crimes AND one of the biggest fears of imprisoned felons is the armed citizen.

FEAR of the armed citizen and the threat of tough punishment for using a gun (or other weapons) in committing a violent crime are significant factors in both reducing and deterring crime, according to the results of a survey of imprisoned felons...

One reason burglars avoid houses when people are home is that they fear being shot:

 

Source 

I appreciate that the police try to protect and serve. But they show up after the crime. Lawful gun owners actually prevent crime.
 

It's very hard to get hold of a gun here and even if we had one in the house for personal protection, I'd probably get sued or jailed for shooting someone, if the need to do so arose.  To be honest, I feel shocked that so many of you feel so unsafe.  It's an eye opener and no mistake... almost like looking into another world.  

I don't feel unsafe - in fact, I live in a pretty upscale area with few incidents of violence.  However, that is not to say that any area is completely safe, and it's probably foolhardy to think that, as jeano points out, there are no druggies in nice neighborhoods...

What was it that chappy said at the start of Men In Black: "A PERSON is smart.  People are dumb, panicky animals...."  Honestly, if I thought everyone in my area was carrying a gun I would NOT feel safe. 

Here, I'm sure that there are quite a few who carry.  That doesn't make me feel particularly unsafe, but I think it's prudent for all of us to keep our wits about us.

Having a gun that you are unable or unwilling to use properly is LOADS worse than being willing and able and NOT having one.  If every law abiding citizen had a gun, the criminals wouldn't need to buy any!

I think that law-abiding people generally do partake of gun safety courses, etc.  And, I don't think the actions of law-abiding citizens have ever had all that much influence on whether someone else commits a crime.  If they did, then the death penalty would be a deterrent to murder, which it clearly is not.

I can think of very few scenarios where having or using a gun would be necessary or wise.  Mostly, weapons raise the ante far too high.  I'm not sure, but I think having a gun in my house would make me feel less safe, not more safe.

I agree that there are few scenarios where I would personally resort to violence.  I'm not the person who would shoot someone for stealing a parking space or for dissing me at work.  But, if someone entered my home and threatened a member of my family, I think that would be a case where, if I could not eliminate the threat any other way, using force would be justified.

Having said all that, it's coming to something when only naughty people carry arms.  I mean, control guns, ban guns....  all it means is that only criminals will have them, because whatever law is passed regarding guns you can pretty much bet that criminals won't obey it.  Criminals tend not to obey laws.  It's pretty much the job description for a criminal.

That's why the bumper sticker reads, "when guns are outlawed, only the outlaws will have guns".

In short, I don't know what the answer is.  But I think it lies with the People, not with government.  Making the decision to NOT own a gun unless you REALLY feel you NEED it and you CAN use it properly, even under pressure, is probably a good start.  The government shouldn't have to answer every problem and the more they are expected to do so, the more power they will have over everyone and the less freedom everyone will have.

I can't disagree that for me, I have no trouble deciding NOT to own a gun.  But, I still don't wish to relinquish the right to change my mind.