Author Topic: Do you own a gun and do you think you would use it? (Read 8244 times)

Dachshund · « **on:** September 25, 2008, 11:05:25 am »

A thread the other day got me thinking about using a gun. I live in a typical midtown neighborhood in a large city. I'm also right around the corner from a small entertainment district that attracts a small criminal element from time to time looking for easy cash. In the last eight years I've been broken into once and an attempted burglary another time. One neighbor got carjacked at gunpoint getting out of his car in front of his house. Another robbed walking home from a club around the corner. Six months ago my neighbor survived a robbery at knifepoint, luckily he had just opened his front door when accosted and his dog jumped through the screendoor and scared his attacker off. I'm familiar with guns having grown up around them. I hate hunting, but not for moral reasons. My idea of a good time is not getting up at the crack of dawn, freezing for hours in some duck blind.

That said, I did purchase a legal handgun about two years ago strictly for protection. Being the biggest bleeding heart around I shudder to think if I ever had to use it. I have a trigger lock , but I do keep it loaded. If there was no alternative I am convinced I would use it to protect me and Sam.

What about you? Do you own a gun and would you use it?

Jeff G · « **Reply #1 on:** September 25, 2008, 11:27:12 am »

I own a hand gun that I keep in a drawer by my bed . If some one came into my house in the middle of the night I suppose I would defend myself if needed .

If I had a choice I would give anything I own away willingly before I shot someone but if some one is breaking in on you I realize that its probably not a good time to negotiate or start a discussion .

SinCity_East · « **Reply #2 on:** September 25, 2008, 11:34:27 am »

I don't own a gun and don't believe I have a reason to use one. I have a few tough guy roommates and a dog to ward off any nonsense that may enter my house, so the only trouble I could possibly encounter would be walking around the city. Concealing a firearm is highly illegal in my state, so I carry a switchblade in my pocket when I go out at night.

woodshere · « **Reply #3 on:** September 25, 2008, 11:41:30 am »

Great topic. I don't own a gun and probably never will. As a matter of fact I have only shot a rifle once, while squirrel hunting with my dad and missed the entire tree. We won't talk about how fucking stupid and useless he said I was, but I digress. I have a huge fear of handguns.

I wonder if someone that is armed breaks into my home me while I am there or attempts to assault me while I am walking home from work one evening, would me pulling a gun on them only intensify the situation and increase the odds of me being shot?

I do know that anyone who owns a gun for protection better damn well be willing to use it should they pull it on an armed person.

emeraldize · « **Reply #4 on:** September 25, 2008, 11:46:46 am »

Yes

and

Yes

David_CA · « **Reply #5 on:** September 25, 2008, 11:59:49 am »

I have one and have used it at a range for target practice a couple of times. A friend is a firearms instructor and he taught me how to shoot. When I commented that I thought I was missing the target he showed me the couple large holes in the paper. I'd been hitting the same spot repeatedly! He said that I was a much better shot than most people, but I think I'd still let hubby do the shooting (while I call the cops), as handguns scare me.

David

Oceanbeach · « **Reply #6 on:** September 25, 2008, 12:46:39 pm »

I support my right to arm bears

Have the best day
Michael

Buckmark · « **Reply #7 on:** September 25, 2008, 01:09:11 pm »

Yes, and yes. Woodsy makes a good point: if you own a handgun for self-defense, then you should be trained in how to use it, practice regularly, and be prepared to use it. You may only have a split second to make that decision. And if you are not prepared to use it, then there a distinct possibility that your handgun could end up being used against you.

SinCity_East: you make an interesting point about carrying a switchblade. Laws vary from state to state but in Texas that would likely be considered carrying a concealed weapon (doesn't matter what the weapon is), which is illegal. Texas does allow one to obtain a permit to carry a concealed handgun, but it doesn't apply to all concealed weapons). Subtle yet potentially important distinction.

Regards,

Henry

Queen Tokelove · « **Reply #8 on:** September 25, 2008, 01:30:44 pm »

Quote from: SinCity_East on September 25, 2008, 11:34:27 am

I don't own a gun and don't believe I have a reason to use one. I have a few tough guy roommates and a dog to ward off any nonsense that may enter my house, so the only trouble I could possibly encounter would be walking around the city. Concealing a firearm is highly illegal in my state, so I carry a switchblade in my pocket when I go out at night.

Funny, a switchblade is illegal here in Pa too. At least in my neck of woods, you are permitted to carry a knife if the blade is 6 inches or less. They do some thing where they hold the knife up from the bottom of your hand and the blade can not go past your middle finger. A friend that is a cop told me that, so I have plenty of little blades. I love knives.

But I also have a shotgun in my closet too. My nephew told me to try not to use it on anyone cause he says the kind I have would definitely do some damage. I guess that means it will make a big hole. When I lived in Miami, I did own 3 handguns..a 9mm, a 380 and a dillinger. But back then my temper was bad so I got rid of them. My knives do the trick unless someone pulls a gun on me then I'm screwed.

Texan38 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 25, 2008, 01:33:50 pm »

No, never. I know this is all in regards to self defense but a gun in the wrong hands can be dangerous. I lost my cousin to a muder-suicide. Her ex had bought a gun for self defense but then intentions horribly changed.
Just the thought of guns makes me extremely nervous.

Dachshund · « **Reply #10 on:** September 25, 2008, 01:48:04 pm »

I took a gun safety class and I learned one thing. If you point a gun at someone use it. I mean it when I say, "hey you kids get off of my yard!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfYJEE9U7Uk

SinCity_East · « **Reply #11 on:** September 25, 2008, 03:46:15 pm »

Quote from: Queen Tokelove on September 25, 2008, 01:30:44 pm

Funny, a switchblade is illegal here in Pa too. At least in my neck of woods, you are permitted to carry a knife if the blade is 6 inches or less. They do some thing where they hold the knife up from the bottom of your hand and the blade can not go past your middle finger. A friend that is a cop told me that, so I have plenty of little blades. I love knives.

But I also have a shotgun in my closet too. My nephew told me to try not to use it on anyone cause he says the kind I have would definitely do some damage. I guess that means it will make a big hole. When I lived in Miami, I did own 3 handguns..a 9mm, a 380 and a dillinger. But back then my temper was bad so I got rid of them. My knives do the trick unless someone pulls a gun on me then I'm screwed.

I'm in NJ, so we have pretty strict laws on concealing weapons too. Funnily enough, my dad's a cop, so I direct all of my legal questions to him. My knife is 9 in., below the legal limitation (10 in).

GSOgymrat · « **Reply #12 on:** September 25, 2008, 04:54:17 pm »

I don't own a gun because I don't want to shoot anyone.

dixieman · « **Reply #13 on:** September 25, 2008, 05:12:30 pm »

I own a rifle, shotgun, 45, 38, glock, and a darringer, machete, japanese sword, knives etc... I inherited these weapons... My Dad was a Marksman and my Mom was a better shot! My Dad was in charge of communications of Public Safety... My sisters and I were taught how to fire and use a gun properly... My Dad always emphasized if and when to use a gun etc... to shoot to kill not to wound or maime... so far I never had to protect myself from a robber/burgular... but, I would have no problem in defending myself and taking someone OUT! and not to a dance... if I felt threatened... also I have outside and indoor cameras... I willbe installing an electric fence around the peremiter of my home... but, it will be aesthetically pleasing...

RapidRod · « **Reply #14 on:** September 25, 2008, 05:46:45 pm »

Yes several and yes I would use it and I have also got a conceal carry permit.

Miss Philicia · « **Reply #15 on:** September 25, 2008, 06:15:32 pm »

AlanBama · « **Reply #16 on:** September 25, 2008, 06:17:30 pm »

I have a .38 and yes, I would use it if I had to.

I do not like guns at all, but was taught to shoot as a boy by my Dad. I have not fired a gun in years; I suppose I should seriously consider going to a shooting range if I am going to keep this gun.

I work part time at a non-profit agency; we have had a HUGE surge in people coming in asking for 'assistance'. When the economy takes a big down turn, like it is now, people get mean. I'm with you Hal, I sure would hate to HAVE to use it.....

Alan

denb45 · « **Reply #17 on:** September 25, 2008, 06:27:20 pm »

Yes, I own a SW-4516 hand gun, that I use to have on duty with me while I worked for the County SO's office, Ive had it for about 15 years, I have it close by (just incase I need it) would I use it if I had to? YES I sure would

did I ever have to use it (to shoot someone while I worked as a County Law Officer)
NO! I was very lucky I never had to

newt · « **Reply #18 on:** September 25, 2008, 06:44:14 pm »

No but yes I would, and I am a bloody good shot (same hole in a Coke can at 200 metres with a .223 Remington)

J.R.E. · « **Reply #19 on:** September 25, 2008, 06:53:31 pm »

I also, do not currently own a handgun. I wouldn't hesitate to get one, if I felt the need to. I also wouldn't hesitate to use it, if the need arose. I've fired plenty of different rifles and handguns before. I think the first time I fired a rifle was at age 9.

Ray

Assurbanipal · « **Reply #20 on:** September 25, 2008, 07:49:40 pm »

Yes, and maybe I should root it out of my parents' closets next time I'm on the West Coast. If I had it with me I'd definitely put a BB or two into some of those deer

RapidRod · « **Reply #21 on:** September 25, 2008, 07:51:41 pm »

Quote from: Assurbanipal on September 25, 2008, 07:49:40 pm

Yes, and maybe I should root it out of my parents' closets next time I'm on the West Coast. If I had it with me I'd definitely put a BB or two into some of those deer

ROFL.

BikerGuy · « **Reply #22 on:** September 25, 2008, 08:35:55 pm »

I've been around guns all my life. Well trained and a damn good shot. I enjoy going to the shooting range. I believe in gun control laws, at least some of them. I will shoot to kill to protect myself and/or others. I keep a 9mm beside the bed, with one in the chamber 'cause there may not be enough time to pull the slide. We took the CCP class but haven't turned in the application paperwork.

anniebc · « **Reply #23 on:** September 25, 2008, 08:49:16 pm »

We have two rifles in the house, Hubby has a Winchester .243 for Deer hunting and I have a .22 for possums and rabbits that I use on the property, Dad taught me to shoot at an early age using an SLR while he was serving in the army, (I don't think they are still in use) so I'm a pretty good at hitting my target...would I use it against another human being... the answer would be yes in a heartbeat if it meant defending my family.

But I like to think that having a rifle pointed in your face would be enough to scare an attacker off, unless of course they have a weapon as well, then it would be a case of shoot first ask questions later.

..but I hope I would never be put in a situation like that.

Hugs
Jan

Basquo · « **Reply #24 on:** September 25, 2008, 10:40:27 pm »

I have two rifles but they're in my brother-in-law's gun safe until my granmother passes away (they were willed to me but she wants my mom to give them to the other grandsons since I have yet to breed.) I will probably keep them in the closet, unloaded, when I get them in my posession.

I have yet to find a need but if I needed to save a life I would not hesitate to use them. Once I get them. I'm pretty surprised my dad hasn't given me a handgun, though. Maybe next Christmas!

Oceanbeach · « **Reply #25 on:** September 25, 2008, 10:49:46 pm »

My dad had a federal firearms license and was a hobby gun smith. We had a large collection in a safe and a back yard firing range. If I may borrow a line from Ben Affleck in Pearl Harbor, "I can hit a running rabbit with a 3 dollar pistol." We were parent supervised and it was [part of growing up in the country.

When I was in Basic Training at Lackland, we had some M-16 practice. We learned how to take the weapon apart, put it bachk together, marched out to the rifle range to practice without bullets. The next day, we were given a human size target and 16 rounds.

I already knew my job discription was not going to include using the gun so I chose to show off, I hit 16 bullseye on the paper head. Then we got the opportunity to peel potatoes.

I had a .22 pistol my mom gave me before she died, it was some special colectible w/ pearl handles. That, a VCR, and some cash was removed from my house about 25 years ago and I never got another one.

Have the best day
Michael

aztecan · « **Reply #26 on:** September 25, 2008, 11:25:41 pm »

I inherited a few.

I have a 32 rimfire rifle, a .22 rifle, a double-barreled shotgun, a Kentucky long-barrel shotgun, a .22 caliber two-shot derringer and a .38 caliber Colt automatic.

The only firearm I have ammunition for is the .38 automatic.

I was taught to shoot by my father, who received a sharpshooter's medal during WWII.

I followed that up with more training when I was an adult. I went through a police firearm certification course and had to pass the same tests and trainings as the cops.

Actually, I have fond memories of working "side by side" along with all those boys in blue. Ah, a man in uniform!

I digress.

Yes, if I was put in a position where I believed someone was threatening my life or well being, or that of someone I cared about, I would certainly shoot.

HUGS,

Mark

Oceanbeach · « **Reply #27 on:** September 26, 2008, 12:10:24 am »

Quote from: aztecan on September 25, 2008, 11:25:41 pm

Yes, if I was put in a position where I believed someone was threatening my life or well being, or that of someone I cared about, I would certainly shoot.

HUGS,

Mark

This is a very good point, If a member of my family was threatened, Do you remember the Rodney King Trials? I remember walking down the street in San Pedro and a matronly grandmother type, showed us, she was packing a pistol. I would use and still sleep near pepper spray. It will stop a mugging and now, I have something far more threatening than a gun. My Walter has over 20 years trial experience

Have the best day
Michael

sharkdiver · « **Reply #28 on:** September 26, 2008, 09:08:40 am »

I have two, which I inherited. I have never used them but I am curious about learning how. There was a new gun club advertised in the local Sacramento paper called the Pink Pistols. I might check them out.

I have experienced a couple of serious threats in the past couple of years from some of my late partner's family members. I think it would be wise for me to educate myself.

hopefully I would never have to use them.

Iggy · « **Reply #29 on:** September 26, 2008, 10:10:09 am »

No. I don't think I would consider owning one either.

bear60 · « **Reply #30 on:** September 26, 2008, 10:19:57 am »

GSO: "I don't own a gun because I don't want to shoot anyone. "

ME: same basic idea. If I owned a gun it would probably be stolen then used in some drug holdup shoot out and traced back to me. Or worse....I'd kill someone and have to face the horror of a trial. Even if used in self defense, people go to trial for killing someone.

RapidRod · « **Reply #31 on:** September 26, 2008, 03:31:54 pm »

Quote from: bear60 on September 26, 2008, 10:19:57 am

GSO: "I don't own a gun because I don't want to shoot anyone. "

ME: same basic idea. If I owned a gun it would probably be stolen then used in some drug holdup shoot out and traced back to me. Or worse....I'd kill someone and have to face the horror of a trial. Even if used in self defense, people go to trial for killing someone.

At least if you had a gun, you'ld have a chance of going to trial.

pozguy75 · « **Reply #32 on:** September 27, 2008, 08:10:03 pm »

This is where I differ from Iggy...my 20 gauge shot gun is still at my dad's house, and to answer the question, is if it were my life or the perpetrator, it would be the other guy! But it would have to be the absolute last resort.

cjc · « **Reply #33 on:** September 27, 2008, 09:32:51 pm »

Quote from: Dachshund on September 25, 2008, 11:05:25 am

What about you? Do you own a gun and would you use it?

One of my best memories is going to shoot the guns with my father when I was a child. While I have not practiced in several years, we still own guns and would use them to protect ourselves. I always carry a knife and my cell phone, the guns are mostly home protection. Cristy

hivsweden · « **Reply #34 on:** September 28, 2008, 01:50:32 pm »

I don't own a gun and if I did I'd only use it for hunting and target practise.

From experience as an army medic I know it takes A LOT of practise in order to use a firearm safely in a non-war environment. Target practise is NOT enough, one has to practise actual situations in order to know instinctively when it is ok to fire without endangering any innocent bystanders. And this must be practised regularly.

next2u · « **Reply #35 on:** September 28, 2008, 02:31:35 pm »

i don't own a gun, i've never shot a gun and i've never touched a firearm. i hope ill never be in a situation to need one.

i've considered taking a shooting class but have not gone through with it. i don't think i've ever been in a physical altercation. i'm a pretty peaceful guy and tend to compromise over material things. but, i have been mugged twice and had my car broken into 2 times. i would not have used a gun in either situation.

i do believe in standing up for oneself and the right to self defense. when blood gets involved everything kinda changes though.

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Author Topic: Do you own a gun and do you think you would use it? (Read 8244 times)