147 replies to this topic

[trizzle]

I don't know exactly how I feel about them. I've always been thankful that people in the UK couldn't have handguns because I just don't see the need for them and have always thought that they cause problems than they solve.

Then again, there are those who carry them anyway, illegal or not, which is a terrifying thought. But would I like to carry a gun to protect myself? I don't think so I've shot a shotgun and a rifle before but never a handgun and I don't think I'd want to.

Luckily I live in a small village where the crime rate is low to nonexistant (well there was a drugs bust the other month but it was just a little weed farm) and therefore I don't feel threatened enough to want something to protect myself with.

If I lived in a big city where I was more vulnerable maybe my opinion would be different.

[luvsmyncis]

I don't care for them myself. No desire to own one, no desire to shoot one, no desire to be shot by one.
This one thought always stays in my mind...

[Waser Lave]

You're comparing apples with oranges. People in the UK don't need guns because there are very few guns in circulation and they are very difficult to access even for criminals whereas America is saturated with guns (both legally and illegally) so there is more of a requirement for the general public to have guns of their own for protection.

[Kite]

The only use guns should have imo are hunting and war... if you say a gun is to protect yourself then you're assuming everyone else is out to harm you and carries a gun themselves which is obviously not how it is, handguns are designed to kill people and be concealed, it's pretty much the most pathetic way to protect yourself unless you consider stabbing someone in the back or suffocating someone while they sleep is protecting yourself as well since it's essentially the same thing, if there were no guns and people solved their problems with their fists or words the world would be a much better place. Too many innocent people die as a result of gun violence and it's people like you who hide behind Americas amendments which were written ages ago and don't even apply in this day and age who are propagating that violence.

[Riki1995]

It's such a loaded topic... no pun intended. If every person out there with/wanting firearm was as level headed, and mature as you then I'd have no problem with it. The thing that concerns me though is that there are a lot of immature, irresponsible people out there that want to carry.

At the same time, however, for those looking to use their weapon in an effort to commit crime, it's often times much easier to procure a weapon illegally than it is legally, especially in states like mine (CA). With that being said, I think legislatures are overstepping their powers in trying to exert so many gun control laws... and at at the same time I think there are just a few too many yahoos out there that are creating a negative image for the rest of us. Take the battle over the right to open carry. I've seen a few people just walking down the street with a holstered weapon (Up until January of this year, you could actually open carry but it had to be unloaded), trying to make a statement. What good does that do? If you're following the law, you're not even prepared to use it in self defense. People argue that it deters possible criminals, because the firearm is visible, but at the same time... a lot of the public is uneasy.

Anyway... I'm more just rambling. I support firearms and the right to carry, but my opinion is a bit skewed as I do work in law enforcement.

Edit: To make it clear, I personally don't carry and don't really intend on carrying in my normal daily routine, I just support the right to do so if you so choose. I actually hope I'll never have to use my firearm outside of the range.

Edited by Tobehsz, 14 May 2012 - 10:55 AM.

[Yung]

You're comparing apples with oranges. People in the UK don't need guns because there are very few guns in circulation and they are very difficult to access even for criminals whereas America is saturated with guns (both legally and illegally) so there is more of a requirement for the general public to have guns of their own for protection.

This is pretty much right on the nail for explaining this.

I personally am a gun owner, I have several guns for various purposes however I'm not going around shooting people or things like crazy.

Right now I have a Ruger 10/22 and Glock 22 Gen 3 40 Caliber.

[Galadriel]

Not really a fan of guns. I am even a bit prejudice against gun owners.

Spoiler

[Steve]

I think they're interesting. But I also think they should stay in video games / military / law enforcement.
Then again, I'm from Canada, I wasn't raised around guns or with the idea that they're needed.

[Sage]

I have an enormous amount of respect for the gun as a tool and weapon due to my mother being military and teaching me the "Don't pick one up and certainly don't aim it at anything or anyone unless you damn well mean to kill it" principle. People are not adequately trained or prepared to handle the responsibility that comes with gun ownership in the US, and it scares the hell out of me. More to the point, though, if there weren't guns, there would still be knives, rocks, bows, crossbows, brass knuckles, and so on to worry about. Taking guns out of the equation mostly helps to lower the accidental death ratio, not so much the crime one.

I don't intend that last bit as giving guns a total pass, for the record. I think a gun is about as efficient a self-defense tool as a bazooka. You have a better chance of accomplishing the intended goal--injuring (but not crippling or killing) a person enough to make them stop threatening you without risking an Intent To Kill charge against you (it's pretty easy to sue someone for what amounts to the civilian version of excessive force if they shoot an intruder with a shotgun, vs. stab the intruder once or hit them with a bat once).

Edited by cuddlydemon, 14 May 2012 - 11:07 AM.

[Kite]

I'd much rather have knives, rocks, bows, crossbows, and brass knuckles being pointed at me than guns.. just sayin' :|

[Sweeney]

Stupid people can own guns.

That's... stupid.

[Kite]

So what you're saying is that if anyone broke into my home and tried to rape me and I had access to a weapon to defend myself and stop such an act in it's tracks, then I should lay back and let it happen?
I don't think so.

Lol of course you're going to play the Damsel in distress situation up.. yeah well think of it this way, if someone is close enough for you to realize their intent is to rape you then you're not going to be getting to any weapons to defend yourself, and even if you do.. what makes you think you'll be able to cock that pistol and get a shot off before he punches you in the face and breaks your fingers when he pry's the gun from your hand? your only defense isn't a gun you can grab anything nearby and use that to defend yourself I'm not saying you should lay back and let yourself get sexually abused since you don't have a gun.. just find another way to defend yourself chances are anytime you'd be in a situation like that it wouldn't be in your own household and you most likely wouldn't have quick access to a firearm much less the ability to think clearly enough in that moment to use it before your assaulter could prevent you from using it lawl, I guess what I'm trying to say is get a rape whistle and lock your doors if that's what you're afraid of..

[Riki1995]

I'd much rather have knives, rocks, bows, crossbows, and brass knuckles being pointed at me than guns.. just sayin' :|

I had a teacher back in high school who told us that when he was in school in the 50s/60s, if a student had a problem with another student, they'd make them fight each other with boxing gloves in the school gym in front of their class. If we had the resources to do so, I'd make everyone settle their differences with a pair of 16oz gloves.

Edited by Tobehsz, 14 May 2012 - 11:14 AM.

[Yung]

I had a teacher back in high school who told us that when he was in school in the 50s/60s, if a student had a problem with another student, they'd make them fight each other with boxing gloves in the school gym in front of their class. If we had the resources to do so, I'd make everyone settle their differences with a pair of 16oz gloves.

My principal when I was in High School made every student serve detention at the local boxing gym, the first 3 or 4 trips make it difficult but after that you start to get into better form which really improves your ability. Often times differences would be handled in the ring in form of sparring however when two guys would really get into Erin would make us fight each other, flat out.

[Kite]

I had a teacher back in high school who told us that when he was in school in the 50s/60s, if a student had a problem with another student, they'd make them fight each other with boxing gloves in the school gym in front of their class. If we had the resources to do so, I'd make everyone settle their differences with a pair of 16oz gloves.

I'd be much happier with problems being solved like this, instead of gangsta kids pulling out guns and shooting each other in the backs and at their homes

[Yung]

I'd be much happier with problems being solved like this, instead of gangsta kids pulling out guns and shooting each other in the backs and at their homes

One of the worst aspects of growing up where I did down in Florida was this, it was an early lesson that a hardened gang banger was safer to be around and interact with because they had nothing to prove. A pusher or mule has a lot to prove and they're the ones that are liable to draw down and start firing.

I am against reckless use of guns by any people, licensed or otherwise.

As I said above, I own a few guns but I don't use them recklessly. In fact I rarely use them at all opting usually for one of my crossbows, knives, machetes, brass knuckles, or sabers.

[Kite]

"Lol of course you're going to play the Damsel in distress situation up" - Why is that an "of course" ? Because I have a vagina? You haven't spoken a word to me before today so the rest of your comment about me being unable to think clearly enough in a situation where I'm in danger has no basis. How would you know how I'd react, you're speculating.

I asked peoples opinions and stances on this topic, not to be personally attacked for my beliefs from the get go.
I've not attacked a single person, you on the other hand went straight in with venom.

Better the Venom than the Bullet.. and yes I guess it is the fact that you have a Vagina, a Vagina that's filled with fear and that's not a Vagina I would trust with a loaded firearm in any situation

I'm not trying to attack your beliefs personally just obtusely since I'm sure there are many people who share your beliefs and opinions and in my opinion they are flawed, anyways have you ever been in that situation before yourself? How do you know how you would react?

LOL Where do you even come off saying that? It would be just the same if it was a male in the situation.
People are so ignorant haha, it's sad really.

Proof? I don't have a fear of being raped or having someone breaking into my house, and if it happens I'm not going to start blasting away at them if anything I would just grab the nearest blunt object and beat them into submission or keep them at bay until the proper authority's who actually have a reason to carry firearms arrived to deal with the situation

[Waser Lave]

I'm pretty sure if a man broke into your home and tried to rape you, you'd shit your fucking pants.

Sounds like a pretty effective defence mechanism in that situation.

[Riki1995]

Guys please :'(

http://www.youtube.c...YMi5wSc7g#t=23s

[Irradium]

tl;dr

I always thought that guns weren't really necessary - all situations can be negotiated out of.
The only reason I have a BB gun in my bottom drawer is to shoot the stray cats that shit on the roof outside my bedroom window. Of course, you can't negotiate with cats.

And Waser - that's not how most people do it.