Do you own a gun?

[miami_fan]

With all the conversations we have about athletes and guns and guns in general, I was curious. Do you own a gun? If you do or don't, give your reasons for your decision.

[Raiders Army]

Yep. I also have my Concealed Handgun License, although I've never carried.

Mostly I have a gun for personal defense, but I also like to shoot things.

[Philliesfan980]

I'm not against gun ownership, however I don't own a gun. I live in what I think to be a very safe area and just never felt the need to carry one.

[SteveMax58]

I'm not against gun ownership, however I don't own a gun. I live in what I think to be a very safe area and just never felt the need to carry one.

+1

[StLee]

I own two hunting rifles, but haven't used either in 15 years because I haven't been hunting in 15 years. The guns are stored at my parents' house in the States.

[Raiders Army]

I'm not against gun ownership, however I don't own a gun. I live in what I think to be a very safe area and just never felt the need to carry one.

Although I've never carried, it's nice to have the option to do so. Just like if someone broke into the house, it's better to have a gun and not need it than need it and not have it. Shotguns are relatively cheap good home defense.

Also, you guys are going to be screwed in the Zombie Apocalypse.

[Marc Vaughan]

I don't - partially on principle and partially because I've got kids.

I do however know the location of heavy objects within my house which I'd happily beat any intruders around the head with ;)

PS - Strangely enough I grew up in a very rural farming area and was taught to shoot a gun at a very early age (probably around 7-8).

[Butter]

I don't - partially on principle and partially because I've got kids.

+1

[sterlingice]

I'm not against gun ownership, however I don't own a gun. I live in what I think to be a very safe area and just never felt the need to carry one.

+2

SI

[DaddyTorgo]

I'm not against gun ownership, however I don't own a gun. I live in what I think to be a very safe area and just never felt the need to carry one.

+3

Now if I move somewhere shady...

[gstelmack]

I don't but have always wanted to. In Florida I took the concealed carry permit course, but never got the permit. I love shooting, but there always were more important things to spend the money on. Now I've got kids and until they are old enough to be taught correctly how to carry, handle, and shoot a gun, I don't want one in the house for their safety.

[miked]

Hmm...I've always been firmly against guns in the house, especially if you have children, but lately I've been trying to get myself more familiar with them (courtesy of father-in-law). In NJ, we lived in a nice area, not a lot of violence, and same with the North End of Boston. But the ATL is a little different.

[Fidatelo]

I think I'd only want a gun in a time of civil unrest. The idea of using one to simply defend against random burglers or intruders doesn't make sense to me. If I have time to unlock a gun from it's case (which isn't likely in my bedroom), find the bullets which are supposed to be stored elsewhere, and then load the thing, I'm guessing I probably could have called 911 and gotten out of the house.

That said, I would definitely own one if I lived in the bush, just out of sheer survival necessity if some kind of massive storm came through and took out my ability to get back to civilization for a time.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Nope.

Last time I shot a gun I was 4 years old. My dad was drunk & shooting cans off a fence on the farm he lived on. I thought it was cool. Being drunk, he decided to let me shoot, but sit me on a stool so I would be at eye level. He tells me the force of a .30-06 throwing a 4 year old off a stool is not as funny as it sounds.

I never got into guns.

[stevew]

No. But I've put serious consideration into taking the conceal tests and getting one. I drive around a cache of pharms every night so I do have a small fear of getting robbed. I guess the Utah conceal permit is one of the most widely accepted, and eligible for out of state residents to get.

[Noop]

Yes.

[Lathum]

I think I'd only want a gun in a time of civil unrest. The idea of using one to simply defend against random burglers or intruders doesn't make sense to me. If I have time to unlock a gun from it's case (which isn't likely in my bedroom), find the bullets which are supposed to be stored elsewhere, and then load the thing, I'm guessing I probably could have called 911 and gotten out of the house.
.

This is exactly how I feel about it. Especialy if there are kids around. I have friends who have kids and own guns and they give me the whole gun in a lockbox, bullets somewhere else, etc...kids are smarter and more resourcfull then you think.

Now I certainly am not going to try and change ones' opinion about it, because it's one of those things that people are passionate about. People like to hunt and thats cool. RA is in the military so I am sure he is trained how to use a weapon. I don't get why people shoot for sport, but if thats their thing so be it.

I was even less a fan after my brother in law took his own life and shot himself in the face christmas eve a few years back. Granted, he could just as easily taken sleeping pills or drank bleech.

One thing I don't condone is people who carry without a license and proper training. Guns are made to do one thing and only one thing.

[thetrilogy]

no i don't need a gun.

i have a penis.

[TCY Junkie]

I probably have too many guns.

I did sell this 44 that I picked up from my uncle with many rifles and shotguns. No reason to keep the gun that his new wife's late husband killed himself with.

[BrianD]

I don't really feel a need to carry a gun or have one in the house, but I have thought often about taking a safety course and doing enough shooting to be comfortable with a gun. It seems like one of those things a person should know how to do even if they never have to demonstrate the knowledge.

[Telle]

There's not a chance in hell I will ever own a gun or have one stored in my house.

[Kodos]

Nope. I don't see any need for one. In fact, I feel safer not having one, having 2 kids.

[Noop]

With all the conversations we have about athletes and guns and guns in general, I was curious. Do you own a gun? If you do or don't, give your reasons for your decision.

I think athletes should have bodyguards because I am sure there are a few fans who take it a little to seriously. (I.E. Chris Jericho incident) If they have it at home then I don't see a problem with them keeping something for home defense.

[samifan24]

I don't really feel a need to carry a gun or have one in the house, but I have thought often about taking a safety course and doing enough shooting to be comfortable with a gun. It seems like one of those things a person should know how to do even if they never have to demonstrate the knowledge.

This is exactly how I feel although I would be comfortable with having a gun in my place for protection but I also don't have kids.

[Danny]

I don't really feel a need to carry a gun or have one in the house, but I have thought often about taking a safety course and doing enough shooting to be comfortable with a gun. It seems like one of those things a person should know how to do even if they never have to demonstrate the knowledge.

I agree.

I don't own a gun, but have been hunting. If it's something I take more interest in doing more regularly later I'd consider owning a gun for that. But for protection/carrying purposes, don't plan on that. With that said, I'm completely in favor of a person's right to own a gun. I believe there standards for getting on should be more difficult though.

[path12]

I think I'd only want a gun in a time of civil unrest. The idea of using one to simply defend against random burglers or intruders doesn't make sense to me. If I have time to unlock a gun from it's case (which isn't likely in my bedroom), find the bullets which are supposed to be stored elsewhere, and then load the thing, I'm guessing I probably could have called 911 and gotten out of the house.

That said, I would definitely own one if I lived in the bush, just out of sheer survival necessity if some kind of massive storm came through and took out my ability to get back to civilization for a time.

What he said. I do know how to shoot/use a gun though.

[boberot]

I think I'd only want a gun in a time of civil unrest. The idea of using one to simply defend against random burglers or intruders doesn't make sense to me. If I have time to unlock a gun from it's case (which isn't likely in my bedroom), find the bullets which are supposed to be stored elsewhere, and then load the thing, I'm guessing I probably could have called 911 and gotten out of the house.


My sentiments exactly.

[-apoc-]

I am one of those gun toting liberals everyone thinks is extinct, though it stays in the house and I dont have or plan to have children. I like going to the range the couple times a year I am able and though I now live in a great town you just never know what kind of crazy crap could go down. I would much rather be armed and never need it than not be armed and need it.

[Noop]

I would much rather be armed and never need it than not be armed and need it.

My sentiments exactly.

[jeff061]

Never been around one, this was the culture I was raised in. The thought of owning one never enters my mind. I don't see any reason to and it's an interesting mind set with people who do, in my opinion.

I'm certainly not anti-gun though, it's your business and right.

[stevew]

I'm sure in times of civil unrest it will be fairly easy to obtain a weapon to defend your family with.

[Mustang]

No handguns, just some WWII era rifles. If an intruder comes in, I'll just grab the Arisaka rifle off the wall and scream BANZAI!!!!

[JediKooter]

Been around guns pretty much my whole life. I own a 45 and I enjoy target shooting. Don't like hunting, never have. Nothing mysterious, spooky, scary or taboo about them in my opinion.

My former step dad was a cop and of course we would go over to his cop friends houses where there were always guns. I was also in the military and had to be qualified on certain firearms.

I also have a sister that survived being shot while she was at school and that has not affected my feelings towards gun ownership.

The only thing that I would change as far as laws go here in California is that, anyone wanting to purchase a gun must go through saftey courses and training for a certain amount of hours before they can buy and must show proof that they have taken the required courses.


Oh and of course, just in case of the zombie apocalypse, I want to be able to defend my family and myself.

[Radii]

Never been around one, this was the culture I was raised in. The thought of owning one never enters my mind. I don't see any reason to and it's an interesting mind set with people who do, in my opinion.


+1

[Raiders Army]

I can understand everyone's point of view about guns. We're very careful with our kids and we have briefed them numerous times...we've also taken them out shooting at the range so they are comfortable shooting. I think we've done a good job of getting them comfortable but respectful.

But you never really know.

All we can do is trust that we've brought them up correctly and that they have respect of firearms.

Unfortunately for everyone, there is a huge disparity in knowing how to use a gun and being able to shoot. You have to practice shooting to be able to hit what you're aiming for. Then again, a shotgun does well for home defense because it's a close quarters weapon...you just need to be aware of the kick. The other thing about guns is that every one is different and there are different safety mechanisms for each gun.

Funny story: my wife thought a 9mm had a pretty big kick. I haven't upgraded her to a .45 yet.

[CU Tiger]

The current score is:
Yes: 14
No: 64

I have enough guns in my house to supply every one of the no's.
I have two kids in the home (8 & 5) My 8 year old has 2 shot guns of his own and my 5 year old little girl can shoot better than some adults I know.
I like to hunt and just plink.

I have my CCP and rarely am unarmed; as my grandfather used to preach to me, "Son if you find yourself in a fair fight your tactics need improvement"

[Lathum]

I have my CCP and rarely am unarmed; as my grandfather used to preach to me, "Son if you find yourself in a fair fight your tactics need improvement"

I am in no way picking on you or trying to pick a fight ( especially since you are armed ;) ) but I just don't get this.

How many times in someones life will they realistically be in a situation where it is necessary to pull a gun on someone let alone use it?

I have found myself in a fair amount of fights, scuffles etc... growing up but never once felt a gun would have been needed. It just seems to me a gun escalates trouble more then squashes it.

Again, it is someones right and I have no problem with it as long as they are licesened and trained, I just have never personaly heard of someone I know actualy being in a situation where they pulled a gun and made everything ok.

[Coffee Warlord]

I am in no way picking on you or trying to pick a fight ( especially since you are armed ;) ) but I just don't get this.

How many times in someones life will they realistically be in a situation where it is necessary to pull a gun on someone let alone use it?

To play Devil's Advocate - There ain't gonna ba a second time if you weren't carrying the first time.

Odds are most people who carry will never have to use it. But even if 99% of people who carry are never in a situation where they'd need it, there's still that 1%.

[Lathum]

To play Devil's Advocate - There ain't gonna ba a second time if you weren't carrying the first time.

Odds are most people who carry will never have to use it. But even if 99% of people who carry are never in a situation where they'd need it, there's still that 1%.

the problem with your analysis is the other guy may have a gun also, and may be a little faster then you.

So what you are saying is if everyone carried a gun we would live in a much safer world?

[Karlifornia]

Not a gun person....I've done some crazy shit in my 25 years, but I've never felt the need to carry or use a firearm. Maybe I'm just lucky.

[Raiders Army]

the problem with your analysis is the other guy may have a gun also, and may be a little faster then you.

So what you are saying is if everyone carried a gun we would live in a much safer world?

I think so.

You can check out some statistics here on relationships between violent crimes and states restricting concealed firearms here: http://www.carryconcealed.net/carrying-concealed-statistics

In the grand scheme of things, the safest society would be the one without guns whatsoever, but that just isn't ever going to happen.

[sabotai]

Also, you guys are going to be screwed in the Zombie Apocalypse.

Guns aren't very effective against zombies.

Swords are. I own swords. I'll be fine. :)

[MrDNA]

sabotai, thanks for the reassurance - I already have a sword. Maybe I ought to sharpen it.

[cartman]

Just to be safe, I have a shotgun whose shells shoot out swords.

[lungs]

I have a gun that sits on the wall behind my chair in my office for euthanizing things. I don't have any hand guns but have access to plenty of hunting rifles.

I've thought about getting an AK-47 for fun. I can blast away in my backyard so it's no big deal. In my area the oddballs don't have guns.

[McLovin]

yes, I have a loaded .45 in my nightstand. No kids in the house.

[Pumpy Tudors]

No guns here. I doubt I could actually bring myself to fire one under any realistic circumstances, so there's no point in having one. Maybe I'm just a pussy, but I don't think I could ever intentionally risk killing a person. If I shot somebody (even if it wasn't fatal), it would instantly change me. I don't know how it would change me, but I wouldn't feel like the same person and it's already taken too long to figure out what the hell I am now. I probably wouldn't live long enough to figure myself out again.

[JediKooter]

No guns here. I doubt I could actually bring myself to fire one under any realistic circumstances, so there's no point in having one. Maybe I'm just a pussy, but I don't think I could ever intentionally risk killing a person. If I shot somebody (even if it wasn't fatal), it would instantly change me. I don't know how it would change me, but I wouldn't feel like the same person and it's already taken too long to figure out what the hell I am now. I probably wouldn't live long enough to figure myself out again.

What if they had stairs?

[Noop]

My .44 make sure all your kids don't grow!!!!

[We miss you Tupac]
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[Izulde]

Not a gun, but a katana, a rapier, a short sword, two daggers, and about four or five other swords.

[cartman]

Not a gun, but a katana, a rapier, a short sword, two daggers, and about four or five other swords.

Indiana Jones showed the shortcomings of those.

:D

[Noop]

fofvirgin also owns a katana, a rapier, a short sword, two daggers, and about four or five other swords.

:)

[Buccaneer]

Never had a gun, never even held one in my hands, nor do I have any interest ever getting one. I don't go looking for trouble, nor invite trouble to come to me or my family. In my almost 50 years, my family nor I had ever been in a situation where a gun would do even the slightest bit of good. Most likely, a gun would have done far more harm. For example, if there had been a gun in the household of my wife's ex, she would have been dead.

[Lathum]

fofvirgin also owns a katana, a rapier, a short sword, two daggers, and about four or five other swords.

:)

what about a lightsaber?

[Noop]

For example, if there had been a gun in the household of my wife's ex, she would have been dead.

Sorry Bucc I misread that.

[Eaglesfan27]

That seems out of character for you, you must have caught her in your bed with another man/men.

Re-read that. I think he is saying his wife's ex was an abusive man.

I had an interesting discussion at work for about 30 minutes with our treatment team a few days ago on whether to report a father who had given his 6 year old his own shotgun. In this case, the kid was suicidal and was talking about blowing his own head off so we ended up reporting when the father refused to remove the guns from the home when the kid was getting out of the hospital.

Edit to add: I share Bucc's views. I can't imagine any situations where a gun would do me good, so we don't have one even though my wife wants one.

[Noop]

Oh wow. I need to stop smoking.

[Buccaneer]

I could have phrased that better but Brian is correct.

[CU Tiger]

I am in no way picking on you or trying to pick a fight ( especially since you are armed ;) ) but I just don't get this.

How many times in someones life will they realistically be in a situation where it is necessary to pull a gun on someone let alone use it?

I have found myself in a fair amount of fights, scuffles etc... growing up but never once felt a gun would have been needed. It just seems to me a gun escalates trouble more then squashes it.

Again, it is someones right and I have no problem with it as long as they are licesened and trained, I just have never personaly heard of someone I know actualy being in a situation where they pulled a gun and made everything ok.

I hope to never be in a situation where I need a gun, but I have vowed to never find myself in a situation where I wished I had a gun.
Name anyone of the infamous shooting sprees and a single armed opponent could have changed thee outcome.

I'm not advocating bringing guns to a fist fight like too many kids do, but at my age I avoid confrontation at all costs(not always the case and why it took me a while to come to grips with CC for myself). If someone chooses to attack me, I will not gamble on their intentions or their skill, I will settle the matter. The day I obtained my CCP I made sure I was emotionally prepared to deal with the ramifications of ending someone else's life if needed. I am. And I have a different philosophy on your last point, IF I draw it will not magically make everything ok. I will never draw to scare, if it clears the holster it will go off. Too many times people brandish to scare off an attacker and serve to only escalate the situation and end up shot themselves, if I feel the need to produce a weapon it will be used.

As far as how many times, so far none....but I would ask if you were attackeed at knife point or even gun point and forced to watch your wife be attacked while you were powerless to help could you live with yourself, I could not and will not find myself in that situation.

Again its not for everyone, but it is for me.

[CU Tiger]

BTW everyone has probably seen this, but to counter the how many times point....

Suzanna Gratia-Hupp: What the Second Amendment is REALLY For (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4069761537893819675)

[jeff061]

As far as how many times, so far none....but I would ask if you were attackeed at knife point or even gun point and forced to watch your wife be attacked while you were powerless to help could you live with yourself, I could not and will not find myself in that situation.

This is just not a fear that lurks in my mind, ever. It never even crosses it. I'm happy to be able to live without letting fear drive my life decisions. That's probably a lousy summary and I feel like pretentious douche now :), but that's the mindset that's different.

[JediKooter]

BTW everyone has probably seen this, but to counter the how many times point....

Suzanna Gratia-Hupp: What the Second Amendment is REALLY For (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4069761537893819675)

Good video. Was that John Kruk sitting next to her?

[CU Tiger]

This is just not a fear that lurks in my mind, ever. It never even crosses it. I'm happy to be able to live without letting fear drive my life decisions. That's probably a lousy summary and I feel like pretentious douche now :), but that's the mindset that's different.


Its not a fear, its a conscious decision.
I own an umbrella as well, but am not scared of the rain.
I have insurance but am not scared to drive.
I have life insurance but am not scared to die.

[Pumpy Tudors]

What if they had stairs?
Heaven help us if that day comes.

[Groundhog]

Not a gun, but a katana, a rapier, a short sword, two daggers, and about four or five other swords.

Out of interest, what kind of katana do you have? Antique, Paul Chen, etc.?

[Izulde]

Out of interest, what kind of katana do you have? Antique, Paul Chen, etc.?

It's actually the worst piece I have. Some junky flea market thing with horrible balance and made of inferior materials. I got it for Christmas one year from somebody. Wasn't on my list or anything, but at least it was different.

[FrogMan]

Not a gun, but a katana, a rapier, a short sword, two daggers, and about four or five other swords.

oh, if we go with those weapons, my son and I both own a bo (long staff) and could hurt people with anything resembling a broomstick. :)

FM

[Travis]

Out of interest, what kind of katana do you have? Antique, Paul Chen, etc.?

Minor thread jack, but do you own a Paul Chen? I've nearly bought one online numerous times but keep putting it off. Have read good reviews but haven't had any first hand feedback.

[FrogMan]

back to the question at hand. No, I don't own one. Don't see one good reason where it would help me. Not against it for anyone who'd want to have one, just really not for me...

FM

[molson]

I'm starting to wonder if I should start buying some firearms as a hedge against the dollar.

Never owned one, but I think I will someday. Home Invasions/Burglaries do happen. I've also been on some camping trips where I felt like I'd feel safer if I had one.

[Schmidty]

No, but I do have a concealed weapon license. I have a Heavy Crossbow +3 with a Bag of Holding that contains 317 Bolts of Fire. I have to wear a dorky trench coat, but I am totally unafraid of orc attacks.

[SFL Cat]

Don't like to hunt, and I've never felt the need to have one for self-defense.

[stevew]

I'm starting to wonder if I should start buying some firearms as a hedge against the dollar.

Apparently there's been a big upswing in pricing in that market and it might be worth looking into. And I'm actually being serious.

[CU Tiger]

They are probably the only things seeing 40-60% increases in the last 5 months.....

[thetrilogy]

A lot of brilliant arguments on this board.

Mich. boy, 12, killed by gun being cleaned by dad (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090305/ap_on_re_us/boy_shot;_ylt=Arvsz8u4xSQXQdZJ6Y8DeVFvzwcF)

[Mustang]

I've also been on some camping trips where I felt like I'd feel safer if I had one.

You really need to stay away from the Cahulawassee River.

[Noop]

A lot of brilliant arguments on this board.

Mich. boy, 12, killed by gun being cleaned by dad (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090305/ap_on_re_us/boy_shot;_ylt=Arvsz8u4xSQXQdZJ6Y8DeVFvzwcF)

????

[JediKooter]

I like to target shoot and think the stuff that trick shooters can do is amazing.

Like any sport or hobby, you have people who like it and people who don't. I really don't see the point in collecting stamps or the need to have a bunch of stamps in my house.

[Kodos]

I really don't see the point in collecting stamps or the need to have a bunch of stamps in my house.


You'll see the point when somebody is attacking your wife, kids, and pets and you are without a single stamp!

[JediKooter]

You'll see the point when somebody is attacking your wife, kids, and pets and you are without a single stamp!

But the prices of stamps just keeps rising, pretty soon the only people who can afford them are the rich.

[CU Tiger]

A lot of brilliant arguments on this board.

Mich. boy, 12, killed by gun being cleaned by dad (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090305/ap_on_re_us/boy_shot;_ylt=Arvsz8u4xSQXQdZJ6Y8DeVFvzwcF)


No doubt...why are cars legal?
Mother, son killed in one-car wreck - Breaking News from The Huntsville Times - al.com (http://blog.al.com/breaking/2008/04/mother_son_killed_in_onecar_wr.html)

[SFL Cat]

Touche...more people die in car wrecks than from guns.

We need strict car control.

[JediKooter]

They can have my car when they pry the steering wheel out of my cold dead hands...

[sabotai]

If you outlaw cars, only criminals will have cars!

[Drake]

I own a shotgun and have used it to shoot dogs, deer, coyotes and other nuisance and/or injured animals that needed to be put down.

I'm not a big gun guy either way, but they do come in handy when you need them.

And they keep the wife in line.

[Groundhog]

Minor thread jack, but do you own a Paul Chen? I've nearly bought one online numerous times but keep putting it off. Have read good reviews but haven't had any first hand feedback.

Nah, I don't actually own any katana, but a good friend of mine is a crazy antique katana collecter. Got some very old and VERY expensive blades.

I've also thought about getting a Paul Chen sword just to display in the house. My collector friend obviously doesn't think very highly of them at all, but when I researched them (~12 months ago), it seems that some of the newer high-end Paul Chen katana are actually fairly decent, as far as the blade is concerned.

My plan was to get a Paul Chen mainly for the blade, and invest in a high quality (or antique) tsuba, tsuka, and fittings.