Firearms Refresher Course

Chuffy

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 can say the same about Great Britain....all the laws you have would be stifling to many of us.....

Another reason why folks don't care to give up their rights is simple.....it was hard and it took many lives to have a free country, including fighting the british government that was trying to take over....

I hate nothing more, than any kind of government making more laws when they can't enforce the ones in place, already.

snownose

I hate nothing more, than any kind of government making more laws when they can't enforce the ones in place, already.

 

HEAR HEAR!!! 

denise m

Would you consider using a gun to protect your property or only to protect your life?

  I will use the threat of a gun to protect my property. The sound a home defense shotgun makes when you chamber a shell is most likely all it would take. If I did have to fire on someone there would be a difference in how I aim if it were in defense of life or family or in defense of property. If I am defending life then whomever I am aiming at is not getting up again ever. I do not think I would be able to do that to protect my TV.

dgriego

denise m

Would you consider using a gun to protect your property or only to protect your life?

 

  I will use the threat of a gun to protect my property. The sound a home defense shotgun makes when you chamber a shell is most likely all it would take. If I did have to fire on someone there would be a difference in how I aim if it were in defense of life or family or in defense of property. If I am defending life then whomever I am aiming at is not getting up again ever. I do not think I would be able to do that to protect my TV.

This is where I think it can fall apart.  If you are going to use the threat of a gun to protect your property (for example your TV), then you need to be willing to kill that person over it, because that's what it could escalate to.  What are the chances THEY will have a gun???  And how are they going to react to being shot at?  Me, I'd rather lose my TV than shoot someone.  I can't imagine being willing to kill or severely injure someone just to protect "things". 

Here's a thought:  if most households have a gun, then criminals are going to think twice about trying to enter without one. What could have just been someone half inching your telly could end up with someone being killed.  Your only hope is that the "someone" isn't you or a member of your family.

Chuffy

dgriego

denise m

Would you consider using a gun to protect your property or only to protect your life?

 

  I will use the threat of a gun to protect my property. The sound a home defense shotgun makes when you chamber a shell is most likely all it would take. If I did have to fire on someone there would be a difference in how I aim if it were in defense of life or family or in defense of property. If I am defending life then whomever I am aiming at is not getting up again ever. I do not think I would be able to do that to protect my TV.

 

This is where I think it can fall apart.  If you are going to use the threat of a gun to protect your property (for example your TV), then you need to be willing to kill that person over it, because that's what it could escalate to.  What are the chances THEY will have a gun???  And how are they going to react to being shot at?  Me, I'd rather lose my TV than shoot someone.  I can't imagine being willing to kill or severely injure someone just to protect "things". 

Here's a thought:  if most households have a gun, then criminals are going to think twice about trying to enter without one. What could have just been someone half inching your telly could end up with someone being killed.  Your only hope is that the "someone" isn't you or a member of your family.

Yeah, but how do you know the intentions of someone breaking into your house?  Personally, I'm not going to sit around and have a conversation with a person that has just broken into my home and now is threatening me and my family.  If the thief has a gun and you do not, you are at their mercy--not the ideal balance of power if you ask me.  People are shot all the time cooperating with criminals.  A couple of years ago in this teeny tiny town (all it has is a gas station, a post office, a liquor store, and a bank) about 5 minutes from where I grew up a couple idiots decided to rob a bank.  The bank employees fully cooperated and one--a 50 something grandmother--was shot dead for her trouble.  That incident was in a low crime area, BTW.

I actually do not currently own a gun because they are expensive and I'm cheap, but it is something that we will soon be in the market for.  The primary reasons for its purchase will probably be more for target shooting, protection while camping in bear populated areas, or while horseback riding/hiking alone--home protection would just be a bonus.  Now, if, God forbid, someone did break in, I certainly would not *want* to kill them for my TV, but again, how do I know that's what they are after?  In a neighboring town, pit bulls and other breeds are often stolen right out of peoples' yards and homes and I'll give you two guesses as to what those stolen dogs are used for.  DH and I consider Sally and Jack to be part of our family and a don't think either of us would have a problem shooting to protect them.
 

Chuffy

This is where I think it can fall apart.  If you are going to use the threat of a gun to protect your property (for example your TV), then you need to be willing to kill that person over it, because that's what it could escalate to. 

When someone is trying to break into my house I sure aren't going to wait and find out what their intentions are.  Do you think that they are going to announce it before they break in?  Think I am going to wait to find out?  That is the issue.  You don't know what someone will do if they are willing to break into your house and waiting to find out could end up with you being dead. 

Funny but in this thread we have only been talking about firearms and personal protection.  Of the 9 guns I own only 1 or 2 of them are considered personal protection arms.  One of these is a 86 year old Colt Police Positive 38 in new condition.  I have the original box for it and it is locked away in a case.  All my others are hunting/target arms and are locked away.

sillysally

I actually do not currently own a gun because they are expensive and I'm cheap, but it is something that we will soon be in the market for.  The primary reasons for its purchase will probably be more for target shooting, protection while camping in bear populated areas, or while horseback riding/hiking alone--home protection would just be a bonus. 

Here is a problem that you will encounter.  No 1 firearm will problably suit all the uses you just stated.  A 12 ga shotgun with a slug load or a large caliber rifle would be effective against a bear but is awkard to use in close situations and is large to carry.  The shotgun with a buckshot load is also a good home defense weapon though again you have to worry about it's size.  A large caliber pistol can be effective against bears but you have to be very proficent in it's use to be effective or you can easily end up being bear chow.  None of these is good for target use unless you have bunches of money for ammo.  A 22 rifle or pistol is the most economical for target practice but unless you are worried about squirrels or the "Killer" rabbits they aren't good for protection. 

If you are looking for economy which is a good idea in the first firearm you would own I would go to a reputable gun dealer and look at their used guns.  You can usually get a 12 ga shotgun that is not too expensive.  Even used 22 rifles and pistols are not usually not that expensive.

Chuffy

If you are going to use the threat of a gun to protect your property (for example your TV), then you need to be willing to kill that person over it, because that's what it could escalate to. 

 I never said I was not willing, only that the person taking my TV may not end up on the ground with 7 tight bullet holes in his chest and one between his eyes. There is shooting first with clear intent to kill the other person, there is warning and then shooting with clear intent to kill the person, there is shooting with intent to disable the person and there is warning and then shooting with clear intent to disable the person.

 One of the first things I remember learning from my father and one that he repeated often is that you never point a gun at someone you are not willing to kill. So if it came down to me pulling the gun you can be certain that I will use it if I must.

 I guess the situation of the car being stolen from the driveway is a good example. In that case my family is not at risk so therefore I would not feel the need to execute the person who is driving away in my car.

I don't think a person just trying to steal your tv is willing to do that while you are home....if someone knows you are home and still is trying to enter, things are a little different....that basically shows me that this person doesn't care at all, and is even more dangerous beyond a regular burglar....in my case that would be making it passed four dogs and an owner.....if they are that crazy, chances are I am going to get hurt....therefor, I will use one of the weapons we own....

We don't own guns for protection only, I,as a matter of fact I like guns, in my case, I love Glocks...DH has a handgun/ Dirty Harry style, plus we have shotguns, a couple of rifles.....

snownose

We don't own guns for protection only, I,as a matter of fact I like guns, in my case, I love Glocks...DH has a handgun/ Dirty Harry style, pluse we have shotguns, a couple of rifles.....

My favs are my Ruger Mark III pistols.  Like them so much I have 2, the hunter model and the standard.  I recently got a Czech made CZ-452 22 rifle.  Tightest shooting rifle I have ever had.  How's this for accurate at 75 yards.

dgriego

One of the first things I remember learning from my father and one that he repeated often is that you never point a gun at someone you are not willing to kill.

These are the kinds of things people who own guns need to know. 

2. Also, every gun is loaded. If you absolutely KNOW that it's not loaded, you still treat it as if it's loaded.

3. And if you don't know how to shoot it, then don't touch it. (Keep out of reach of untrained children)

If everyone followed those 3 "rules" it would cut down on almost all accidental gun deaths.

timsdat

My favs are my Ruger Mark III pistols.  Like them so much I have 2, the hunter model and the standard.  I recently got a Czech made CZ-452 22 rifle.  Tightest shooting rifle I have ever had.  How's this for accurate at 75 yards.

Holy smokes.... that is sniper style shooting......

snownose

Holy smokes.... that is sniper style shooting......

Ok I admit that I was at an indoor air conditioned range sitting at a table but I didn't use a sled.  Didn't have to deal with wind, weather and so forth.

FourIsCompany

These are the kinds of things people who own guns need to know. 

Great rules.  Here are some more.  Thanks to the NRA web site where I got these from.

ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
 
ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
 
ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s) which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does.

Know your target and what is beyond.

Know how to use the gun safely.

Be sure the gun is safe to operate.

Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.

Never use alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription or other drugs before or while shooting.

Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.

Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions.

Regular cleaning is important in order for your gun to operate correctly and safely.

Before cleaning your gun, make absolutely sure that it is unloaded.

dgriego

 One of the first things I remember learning from my father and one that he repeated often is that you never point a gun at someone you are not willing to kill. So if it came down to me pulling the gun you can be certain that I will use it if I must.

THAT'S what I was driving at.  Actually killing someone is something you have to be prepared to do if using a gun for protection, because that's what it could escalate to.  I'm not saying it's a reason for anyone to not own a gun.  It's only a reaosn to not own a gun if you're not prepared to go that far from the moment you pick it up.