Guns??
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I am also from the UK, cultural differences and all that, so I cant really comment on that part of the question (personally wouldn't each to their own). But isn't a gun more like a tool, like getting someone an iron or a frying pan for christmas? I know lots of people who would have a problem with recieving a 'tool-esque' thing for christmas. but then, if they asked for it, i dont see any problem. But yeah, if its a gun, make sure of the safety elements, get taught to actually use it (it cant protect you if you dont know how to use it, bit of a chocolate teapot). and keep far away from kids.
While you are right, that a gun is a tool, it is a lot more to some in the US. I am a gun person and own several. When I was in law enforcement I looked at my handgun as a tool of the trade and I really didn't care what it looked like as long as it worked well. Same as when I was in the army. But my hunting weapons and target guns are for entertainment and I like them to look and work well, so I would look at this more as someone who likes a fancy car over just a car or as a flashy bowling ball or set of golf clubs then a hammer or iron. My home protection guns, I don't care what they look like as long as they are the most effective tools in the house. As far as a Christmas gift, if that is what the person is asking for and you can afford it, I say go for it and they will love it. Just make sure what kind, brand, caliber and the like the person is asking for because each one is for a different thing. If he was in the army then he was trained in gun safety but it never hurts to take a course and if you are nervous around guns then maybe it would be fun for you to take the course with them. You never know maybe you will be asking for your own gun next Christmas.
As far as other people from the UK posting something when they can't own one. I am an American and I believe in all of our God given rights, to include the freedom of speech. You were all asked for your opinion and it is always welcome on anything I post.
People fall into three groups; sheep, wolves or sheepdog. I have worn the green army uniform, the brown deputy sheriff uniform and the blue city police officer uniform. I like to think that I am a sheepdog and have no problem protecting the sheep from the wolves. I also have no problem if someone wants to live as a sheep and ask the sheepdog to protect them. Not everyone is cut out to be a sheepdog and there is nothing wrong with being a sheep. I just prefer to protect myself and others in case there are no other sheepdogs around when the wolves come a calling.0 -
are scary /:
i know someone who was playing around with one and accidentally killed her boyfriend /:
I am sorry that happened but no one should ever be "playing around" with a firearm that is really dumb.
And there are a lot a LOT of dumb people out there. There are also a lot of people who get into drunken arguments and it is a lot easier to kill someone in the heat of the moment with a gun than just about anything else. The girl may have been dumb, but surely you can see that it is horrific and in no way the boyfriend's fault, and yet he paid with his life for the fact someone had a gun on hand.0 -
are scary /:
i know someone who was playing around with one and accidentally killed her boyfriend /:
This is what causes gun accidents - ignorance.
Anyone who has taken a basic safety course or proper training knows:
1) ALWAYS assume the gun is loaded.
2) NEVER point it at anyone unless you intend to shoot them- point it in the safest direction
3) Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
Gun cases can be found and opened, safetys can fail. Education saves lives.
Or.....you could ban them, and save yourselves the trouble.
I don't buy the BUT THEN THE CRIMINALS WILL TAKE OVER!!!!!!! hysteria. It hasn't happened in Europe. Unless you count our governments, of course.0 -
BTW: I am one of these "gun toting lunatics" you speak of and can assure you I have completed a firearm safety course and a gun carry permit class. It is my right to carry one for personal protection from the real lunatics.
In order for me to get my CFP, I had to pass independent state and federal background checks. Some police officers don't have to pass the federal check around here.0 -
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IF.....
Guns kill people.
THEN....
Spoons made Rosie O'Donnell fat.0 -
Or.....you could ban them, and save yourselves the trouble.
I don't buy the BUT THEN THE CRIMINALS WILL TAKE OVER!!!!!!! hysteria. It hasn't happened in Europe. Unless you count our governments, of course.
It's not a question of criminals "tak(ing) over", although I don't know who you're responding to in saying that. That's a societal, broad-ranging question. I'm far more interested in the immediate, one-on-one case. Does the person confronted by a violent ex-spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend have an effective means of self-defense? The police aren't-- they simply can't be there quickly enough. The same is true of relatives and friends. A lone dead woman, for example, isn't a case of criminals "tak(ing) over", but it sure is a sad case that could have had a very different outcome had she had an effective means of defense.0 -
IF.....
Guns kill people.
THEN....
Spoons made Rosie O'Donnell fat.
No one has said guns kill people, but there's no denying that guns make it a damn sight easier for one person to kill another.0 -
There is nothing to be afraid of with guns! Guns are safe, UNLESS you have a stupid person or a criminal around!
If you do get a gun for someone in your household, there are many gun-safe classes available all over the country. TEACH those around you how to use it, how to store it, how to be safe with it.
Nothing to fear...............
I agree wit this!!0 -
I think its ok to have a gun in the household. Never thought I'd have to need one but nowadays you have to have one. I just bought a 38special 2wks ago and just got back from picking up my pistol license a few hrs ago.0
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No one has said guns kill people, but there's no denying that guns make it a damn sight easier for one person to kill another.
That depends on the situation. There are lots of situations in which a knife is a much easier, better tool. But, yes, there are lots of cases where the gun makes it easier. For example, a criminal breaking into my mother's house. I want it to be very easy for her to kill that person should it be necessary. I don't want her to have to get within bad-breath distance to deal with him. Honestly, I'd like her to lock her bedroom door, take out the gun, call the police, and wait. But, if necessary, the nice point-and-click interface of the gun makes her defense quite straightforward.0 -
No of course guns don't kill people...I mean, the army don't have guns to kill people..they use magic dust for that.0
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are scary /:
i know someone who was playing around with one and accidentally killed her boyfriend /:
This is what causes gun accidents - ignorance.
Anyone who has taken a basic safety course or proper training knows:
1) ALWAYS assume the gun is loaded.
2) NEVER point it at anyone unless you intend to shoot them- point it in the safest direction
3) Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
Gun cases can be found and opened, safetys can fail. Education saves lives.
Or.....you could ban them, and save yourselves the trouble.
I don't buy the BUT THEN THE CRIMINALS WILL TAKE OVER!!!!!!! hysteria. It hasn't happened in Europe. Unless you count our governments, of course.
I don't think criminals will take over - I just know if you are a law breaking criminal, a gun ban is not going to stop you from getting a gun from another criminal.
My husband has a dangerous job. If ever that danger hits home I have a right to defend us. I hope this never ever happens.
I have only shot at a safe gun range and will continue to so that I stay safe and comfortable with guns. Plus target practice is enjoyable for me - I like it.
The great thing about living here is it's my choice. My state does make you take and pass a safety course - and get a license with a background check and fingerprints - the works, or you can not buy or carry a gun, and I am all for that. That doesn't stop people from getting and carrying illegal weapons here, but I shouldn't be punished for their bad acts. Most people with guns are law abiding citizens who obey the law and no incidents occur. Of course you only hear about the bad.0 -
yeah he has already taken the gun safety classes outside the military...and has a safe to lock it up...ill have a newborn in june kinda nervous to have a gun in the house when he will be in training half way across the country0
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are scary /:
i know someone who was playing around with one and accidentally killed her boyfriend /:
This is what causes gun accidents - ignorance.
Anyone who has taken a basic safety course or proper training knows:
1) ALWAYS assume the gun is loaded.
2) NEVER point it at anyone unless you intend to shoot them- point it in the safest direction
3) Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
Gun cases can be found and opened, safetys can fail. Education saves lives.
Or.....you could ban them, and save yourselves the trouble.
I don't buy the BUT THEN THE CRIMINALS WILL TAKE OVER!!!!!!! hysteria. It hasn't happened in Europe. Unless you count our governments, of course.
LOL.Finally a bit if humor. That is in fact why Americans are given the right to own guns so that we can force the government out if we feel they no longer belong, but of course that would no longer work that well because they have the big guns, and tanks and planes and bombs.0 -
CAUTION: Buying any kind, caliber or size firearms item is a very individual choice. The rifle must be geared to the individual's shooting ability, the person's size and their weight. It is very unwise to purchase such an item for another person. You may wish to consider a gift certificate.
No individual should ever lay their hands on any loaded firearm without first having completed a certified firearms safety course.
I'm 74 and completed two firearms safety programs with the 2nd course being at a more advanced level. I only started shooting 18 months ago and am very skilled.
Add me to your friends if you have any further questions. 0 -
I learned to hit a target when I was eight, maybe younger. Maybe it is a southern thing, but my father thought that it was important that I learn to defend myself if necessary. I am a single female, living alone, and I feel safe knowing that I have a gun in my home. I was taught from a young age the reasons for owning a gun, and the proper way to utilize them. The men in my life (father, brothers, uncles, cousins) are hunters, and my grandfather restores guns and makes his own bullets. Guns are not bad, you just need to be educated as to how to use them. I would definitely buy a gun as a gift, just make sure that the recipient goes to a hunters safety course, or a gun safety class.0
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I still say the law abiding public has the right to own guns for self protection. Just because guns are outlawed doens't mean there will be less crime.
Guns DO NOT provide want and opportunity to commit crime. They are nothing more than a tool which can be used in the commission of a crime.
Same thing as a KNIFE or a SHOVEL, or how about a CAR. They are all used for things other than crimes but the government doesn't see fit to deny the la abiding public the right to use them like they do guns.0 -
yeah he has already taken the gun safety classes outside the military...and has a safe to lock it up...ill have a newborn in june kinda nervous to have a gun in the house when he will be in training half way across the country
FWIW, only a small percentage of newborns are capable of opening a gun safe. :-)0 -
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I think its ok to have a gun in the household. Never thought I'd have to need one but nowadays you have to have one. I just bought a 38special 2wks ago and just got back from picking up my pistol license a few hrs ago.
Ugh.....I'm jealous....I love 38 specials...but some where along the line they made them prohibited here....I will never have one *sigh*0 -
So I have done my best to sort through all the anti/pro arguments that seem to flare up every time a firearm post comes along. Here is my two cents, I own several firearms and take a pro firearm stance. I believe that the purchase of a firearm is like that of the purchase of shoes, very personal and should be done by the person who is the primary user so that the fit is right. I have joked with my wife that I wanted her to buy me another gun but would not really strongly encourage her to do so. If on the other hand the requester was very specific about what they wanted then do it but make sure you are following all laws and regulations on the purchase of said firearm. Are they of legal age, can they legally own a firearm.. also remember you name will be for the life of the firearm, associated with it.MY DISCLAIMER: I am not posting anything with regards pro gun or anti gun groups or individuals. I am not interested in debating the subject of gun control due to the fact that my opinion is exactly that, my opinion. I respect and defend the right for
each person to be able to express their opinion. This also include the pursuit of happiness and yada, yada.......with that being said
Since you asked a personal opinion type question, In my humble opinion, guns are great home protection as long as the following is met:
a. If you have never owned a gun...take a safety class. I'm not talking about uncle Bob who is a sharp shooter, a real qualified
and licensed trainer. And DO YOUR RESEARCH....
b. Have a safe and secure place for storage...I hate taking burglary reports and people tell us...." I had guns all over the house
and now they are gone...safe, no I dont have a safe".
c. If you have kids...dont make guns taboo. Let them shoot, then make them clean them. It is much safer if they have
knowledge about gun safety. (MAKE SURE THEY (KIDS) CANNOT ACCESS THEM....SAFE, TRIGGER LOCKS ECT)
d. You have to be prepared for any confrontation. You don't need your gun taken away from you and used against you. There
are several books out there about the psychology of deadly force encounters....ie On Killing or On Conbat by Lt Col Dave
Grossman. There are also several self defense training classes which train in alternative less leathal self defense tactics.
Also some local law enforcement agencies offer a civilian police academy which include a firearms portion.....note: some
offer. No....I dont know which ones....
e. You also need to educate yourself with regards to federal as well as your local jurisdiction laws with regards to the use of
deadly force.
There are several thing folks may not be aware of when it comes to the subject of the use of deadly force in self defense. Hopefully this information was not to confusing and was somewhat helpful...... Good luck and no matter what you decide, be safe.
But yes...if someone would like a gun, you should buy. As long as the above is being met.....
You are going to have to fill out a 4473 {gun purchase record}, you will be asked if you plan to transfer control of the firearm to another person. There will be a background check done on you by the dealer and this can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a week.0 -
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I say go for it! I have a hand gun my husband has 2 and not the mention the number of rifles and shots guns in the house. But my husband is also a SWAT officer so that might be one of the reasons why we own so many.0
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When I saw guns...I thought you meant of the Anchorman variety hahahahahaha!!!! Welcome to the gun show people 0
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I live in the UK and I have both my firearms and shotgun licences.
In the UK you have to keep them locked away in a gun cabinet and only the licence owner has the keys.
Therefore they are as safe as you allow them to be.
Mine is only ever out when I am going to the club and no child could ever get their hands on my keys.
I am a member of a firearms club and shoot as a sport. No killing animals - just shoot targets for fun.
I wouldn't buy someone a gun as a present, except if it was for my other half then we would buy it together.
Guns are personal things, if you are serious about your shooting they have to fit you right, just in the same way as you would be fitted for a suit.0 -
woah, culture clash
unthinkable0 -
I'm from the UK and have been raised around guns, my dad has had a shot gun licence ever since I can remember.
They have always been kept secure and I was taught how dangerous they are and how to be responsible around them. Ammo shouldn't be kept in the same place as the guns, and your whole household should be educated about them!0 -
Sooo on my xmas lists I got this year, I got a request to buy a riffle gun for our household this year!!
You'll shoot your eye out.
-wtk
Haha, thank you for that memory! We watched that movie the first Christmas that my family met my future husband. The fact that everyone shared the humour was considered a very good sign.0 -
It would be difficult to hunt without a rifle or shotgun.
It's also much easier to fight back against crime when you are armed.
Last time I ran the numbers most firearms deaths were white men comitting suicide.
Then followed by an assortment of men being killed in criminal acts.
Not really a problem
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This discussion has been closed.
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