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So... I'm back with another "tell your own story" thread, similar to last month's "Confirmation Bias" survey.
This one's for all the gun owners here at DT: How did you develop your affinity for gun ownership/use? Tell your story here.
I'm asking for 2 reasons:
1. I just finished reading Squire's '.50 thread,' and didn't want to hijack it just to satisfy my tangential curiosity
2. I grew up in a house with guns. My Pops was a police officer for 30 years, owned and collected guns, and was a card-carrying member of the NRA til the day he died. He took me to ranges a few times, taught me the basics of gun safety and proper shooting technique (most of which I still remember), and was an unbeatable resource of information and access. After all that, with one of the most knowledgeable, competent and accomplished teachers a young guy could ask for, the gun bug just never bit me. It was cool to experience, I got to impress some buds at school the next week, and I dug the Father/Son time... but guns just never became a passion for me... and I have lots of passions in a variety of other areas (many of which I shared with My Pops).
So... I pop into Squire's thread, and read all the enthusiastic posts from Dawgs, and I got to wondering: "what are they getting from this that seems to have passed me by?"
Since I can't put myself into another man's head, it's best I just ask outright:
How did YOU get into firearms?
What keeps you interested?
Time for Clemmy to try to mine some more gold from his fellow dawgs. Care to chip in with your story?
p.s. Just in case you may have been wondering: when my Moms passed away, I was named executor of the family estate. When it came time to deal with my Father's collection, I did the only thing that seemed right and proper: I contacted his brother officers who were his best friends, and offered the collection to them first. After I got appropriate appraisals, they each came by, and ended up owning something of my Father's that was of real value to them. It was one of the most poignant aspects of settling My Parents' estate... and I experienced some very powerful moments with those men whom I'd grown up admiring. I got to hear some stories about My Pops that brought him back to life for a few minutes, and I got to feel what he meant to them... by listening to the respect and admiration in their voices as they reminisced, and seeing the expressions on their faces when they took possession of his treasures.. Those moments with My Dad's friends were worth more to me than the proceeds I received from the sales of those firearms... and certainly more than the firearms themselves. I'm glad that I could send them all to good homes.
"too many notes, not enough music-"
#GMStong
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Runs in the family? Some of the best times spent with my father and brothers were shooting and hunting. I've always liked the look and feel of well built guns. I like to shoot and I like the feeling of putting one in the bullseye. I like to teach my son the responsiblity of firearms handling. I feel firearms are the most effective tool for home, family and self protection. Guns have been and always will be an important part of my life.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
#GMSTRONG
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Grew up surrounded bye outdoor sports.....I wouldnt say Im a gun person, I'm not into the high end automatics or anything, I'm in to the basis hunting guns, I use .20 gage, 12 gage, rifles are cool, but have never owned one, not alot of places to shot them around here. Love Bow hunting,
My kids can all handle guns understand the importants of handling them safely, I grew up deer hunting, squirrel hunting, whisteling pig hunting, we'd take out 22's into the woods everyday to shoot at something, alot of great memories involve days in the woods with guns, family friends, sitten around after or before a hunt telling stories, laughing makeing fun of each other, telling stories of missed shots ect.
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I was never a "gun person" most of my life. Single parent home, absent father, we didn't have one in the house, and I don't recall anyone in the family openly owning guns except one uncle who was a hunter and had rifles in a case in his basement. I actually had a fear of firearms growing up.
For me it was an interest in the mechanical side of it. I like to tinker, take things apart and figure out how they work, and have always had an interest in war and the devices used throughout the ages to fight them.
Eventually the interests blended and I began investigating the mechanics and physics behind guns and ballistics. After understanding the mechanics behind them my fear subsided and my interest grew.
Then I started noticing more and more violence in the areas around us, and that is was no longer restricted to the "high crime" areas. having been mugged in my 20's in a relatively safe part of town, I chose not to be left defenseless, and took some NRA instructed courses on guns and gun safety. Spent some time at a range trying several different weapons, and then proceeded to purchase my Sig Sauer and acquire my Concealed Weapons permit.
All this coincided with my stepson apply to the police academy, and I felt it was a good time to teach him about firearms and firearm safety as well, and dragged him as well as my wife to the NRA classes, and we all got our CWP's at the same time.
Last edited by FloridaFan; 05/04/10 07:59 AM.
We don't have to agree with each other, to respect each others opinion.
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I have to say that I have never fired a gun, nor am I really wanting to. My folks were never into guns, so I guess that rubbed off on me.
That being said, I have never had a problem with people who own guns, so long as they do it responsibly. And, I think that a great majority of people do just that.
Just my $0.02.
I am unfamiliar with this feeling of optimism
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My Dad was a big time hunter. Deer, rabbit, pheasant, quail, dove, and squirell. I got into hunting deer and rabbit but none of the other. We also are into shooting skeet and trap whenever we get the chance.
I had gun safety and responsibility beaten into my system. In my household growing up and the one I have now, a gun is just a tool that is safe if respected and used properly. If you act stupid with a hammer, steak knife or nail gun, someone will get hurt or killed. Same w/ a firearm.
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Quote:
How did YOU get into firearms?
I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die. 
yebat' Putin
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I was clinging more to my guns than my religion that day.. Sorry clem, I'll stop. Didn't mean to hijack your thread... 
yebat' Putin
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no probs, bud....
...I enjoy a good chuckle like the next guy.
(I can tell that you ain't a 70-year old Black "Bluesman," though... if you were, youd have shot a man in Memphis.)
p.s. Happy birthdy!!!
"too many notes, not enough music-"
#GMStong
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Quote:
How did YOU get into firearms?
What keeps you interested?
Cuz trying to finish modern warfare 2 with just a knife is damn near impossible.
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I grew up in a house that had no guns. Until I was 6, and my brothers were 11 and 12. They got a b.b. gun. I wasn't allowed to shoot it. So, the first opportunity I had when no one was watching I tried to ... the thing - and promptly fired a bb into my finger.
Skip ahead to about 1985 or 86. My friend and I had been shooting pigeons on his dads farm. Up in the mow. For whatever reason, we decided to sit on the tin roof and shoot the cows. (we had pump bb/pellet guns then - 1 pump wasn't much - 10 was powerful for a bb or pellet). We'd put one pump in, shoot the cows in the butt and watch them run. Kinda fun. Till my friend laid his gun across his lap, and somehow, with my knee being about 2 feet away - fired a bb in my knee. I stood up and said "I think you shot me". Looked down, squeezed the area around the bb like people pop zits, and "ting"......the bb rolled down the roof. And blood came out of my knee.
Fast forward to 1987 when my grandpa died. The family was splitting his stuff up, and my dad took grandpa's pre 1946 .22 rifle. And locked it away.
Fast forward to 1992 - a year after college. 2 friends and myself went to a shooting range - just because. I fired a 9 mm handgun. Had a blast.
2 years later or so, I bought my first house. Had woodchucks in the back yard. I spent $89 plus tax on a New England Arms single shot 20 gauge shotgun. Knowing not much about guns, I soon realized the shotgun wasn't cutting it at 45 yds. So I bought a .22 rifle. Bolt action. Loved it. And my fever spread. (I still use the NE Arms 20 gauge when shooting clays in the back yard - simple to use, short, light.....)
A few years later I decided I wanted a 12 gauge shotgun, semi auto. So I got one. Then it was a hand gun. Then I won a Weatherby rifle and a Benelli shotgun, 12 gauge.
Then I bought another hand gun, then a semi auto .22 rifle, then another gun, and yet another one. And then another hand gun - a .22 simply cause the ammo is cheap for plinking in the back yard.
I've sold a few, gotten a few more.
I grew up with no guns, now I have "several", and I love to shoot. Cans in the back yard, wood chuck, target shooting, and I love to hunt deer as well. I don't know why - with the background I came from - but I like to shoot.
My dad even now has a .22 rifle that he uses. He couldn't hit anything with grandpa's, so I swapped him - he got my bolt action with scope - and now he hits the chucks - and I got "his/grandpa's" bolt action .22. Sentimental value there, folks.
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Quote:
I stood up and said "I think you shot me
Just wondering, was your friends last name Cheney 
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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No. But I do have a friend who has that last name. The guy that shot me also, a few weeks earlier, had shot a different friend in the foot. Out pest hunting. They had to take him to the hospital to get that one out. And, the hospital HAD to call the sheriff, and they came and filled out a shooting report. That friend - the shooter........very wealthy man right now. Works in sales - lives near Akron. Just saw him about a week ago, at his dad's funeral. He told me he doesn't own any guns now........not even a bb gun. 
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Oh man, that's just too funny.. Thanks for sharing 
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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My first gun was a .410 that my dad let me go hunting with . Kinda funny to call dragging a gun that was as big as I was through the woods hunting but thats what I did. Thought I was Daniel Boone in the untamed wilds of West Virginia . Graduated to an .06 when I was a little older and now I have more than a couple . Playing with them was never even a question ( much as it has never been an option for my daughter ) as it was made clear early and often that they weren't .
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Clemdawg, What a nice way to honor your father and the men who served with him.Way to go. I really didn't care anything about guns until I went to the gun range and fired an assortment of my sons firearms. I still blame him for corrupting me.Needless to say,I went out and purchased a SpringField Mil-Spec .45,in Stainless Steel finish this past Feb.My next gun is going to be a Cimmeron Evil Roy Western style six shooter.I've even started to go to lots of gun shows here in Oklahoma.(They have them at the state fairgrounds every 2 weeks.) And I have met some of the nicest ,knowledgable people. I also joined the NRA.
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Safety. My son - graduating college this weekend, still won't take one of my guns out without asking if he can. He's not a big shooter, but I did help him get his first woodchuck. That's a funny story for some other time.
My daughter? 9. 9 1/2 if you ask her. She likes to help me clean the guns - handing me the gun scrubber, or a towel, or giving me a part, etc. She will not touch any of my guns. Tested and true. "dad, that one shiny gun is on the bed" (put there as a test - unloaded)
She also asked for a bb gun for Christmas. She got one.
We've shot several times. At cans - she does pretty good - hits the can almost as much as I do. I usually sit in a chair behind her, with binoculars, to see where she hits. (only because she has seen me and my friends using binocs when we sight a gun in - at 100 yds. or more) So, to make it "big time" for her, I use binoc's when she's shooting at 10 yds - or 15 yds. Gives her the "big time" feeling.
One time she fired her bb gun, then turned towards me and the gun was aimed at me. I explained that you can never, ever, ever point a gun at someone, even if it's unloaded, unless you want to shoot them.
She hasn't done it since.
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Having been born to a father who had already given up hunting, I was never really exposed to guns. Instead I was given balls, baseballs, footballs, golf balls, basketballs, tennis balls and any other kind of ball you can imagine, that forged my childhood. So today I don't hunt, I really have no desire to kill anything and skin it. It's just easier to go to the store and buy it and play some more golf. I do own a weapon for personal protection of my home, I take it out and clean it every now and then but other than it stays put away. Since the state of Oklahoma is on the verge of passing an "Open Carry" act, well I just might have to invest in a few more as the old west is coming to life again! Okla. House approves open carry of firearms bill05/04/10 SEAN MURPHY, Associated Press Writer OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoman's soon may have the right to openly carry guns in public after the House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to allow the practice. The House voted 74-24 for the bill giving the estimated 97,000 Oklahoma residents with a concealed-carry permit the right to carry firearms openly. The measure has already passed the Senate and heads to Democratic Gov. Brad Henry, who has not indicated whether he will sign it. The requirements for obtaining a gun license, including a background check and completion of a firearms training course, remain unchanged. The bill's author in the House, Rep. Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs, said the open carry of firearms will deter violence. "A criminal is far less likely to attack once he sees a citizen is armed," said Duncan, a former prosecutor. "A criminal is far less likely to attack once he sees a citizen is armed." But several House members expressed concern that people carrying weapons would intimidate others who weren't. "What scares me is that we're trying to promote tourism in Oklahoma," said Rep. Paul Roan, D-Tishomingo, a retired state trooper. "How many people are going to want to come to a state where people are walking through downtown Oklahoma City with a pearl-handled six-shooter on their hip?" Some Republicans who opposed the measure said it would put businesses in the awkward position of banning firearms altogether because they wouldn't want people openly carrying weapons into their establishments. "Businesses that are privately owned will not want people coming in with guns on their hips," said Rep. Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa. Ten other states allow residents with handgun permits to openly carry firearms, according to the National Conference on State Legislatures. In Montana, citizens can openly carry a handgun without a permit. web page
#GMSTRONG
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In Ohio, you can carry a gun - anyone other than a felon - without a permit. As long as it is not concealed.
I wouldn't advise it, although it is legal. If you do so, you are inviting scrutiny from the cops.
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Police are uncomfortable with anyone other than them carrying guns. Mainly because most of them are cowards---but also because it will begin to chip away at their livelihood.
If people, on a large enough scale, started to carry their own guns and took responsibility for their own safety----there would be less of a need for patrols and therefore less of a demand for officers to patrol.
Most of there job happens after-the-fact anyways. There other time is spent hiding on roadways trying to extort money out of motorists who are unaware of their surroundings. If police were really concerned about public safety they would sit out in the open---and their visibility would prompt motorists to check their speed. By hiding, they are only seeking to issue citation---and therefore---collect money.
But enough of this........
I come from a long line of gun owners and sportsman. Hunting and fishing are deeply ingrained in just about every member of our family. There are plenty of guns that are property of the family. None are mine personally, but one day they will be, as family members pass away and they come into my ownership (unless the government labels me a felon between now and then.)
I think that Hunting and fishing and gun ownership and the ability to safely operate a firearm are fundamental skills that EVERYONE should possess. I believe that these skills are more important than a lot of garbage that is taught in school. I think that firearm safety, as well as hunting and fishing skills should be taught to kids starting at age 8-10.
IMO, these skills are dying off in todays world and it is inexcusable. My family has been involved in the education of todays youth in these fundamental skills for close to 20 years. My father, uncles, cousins, brother, myslef; we have all taken part as organizers and instructors in both a spring and fall camp that brings kids from all parts of Ohio to Leesville to learn about hunting and angling in hopes of instilling a growing interest in these important life skills in kids from all walks of life.
I wish to wash my Irish wristwatch......
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Quote:
Police are uncomfortable with anyone other than them carrying guns. Mainly because most of them are cowards---but also because it will begin to chip away at their livelihood.
You'd be shocked at how many policeman support the concealed carry law. You can't go by what the county sheriff says.
Anyway, now's a good time to review the 4 basic laws of gun safety. Every person on earth should have these memorized:
1.) Every gun is always loaded
2.) Never point a gun at something you're not willing to shoot
3.) Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to fire
4.) Be sure of your target and everything behind it.
I once foolishly disregarded these rules years ago and shot a hole through a wall to the house. There is no such thing as an accidental discharge....only neglegent discharges and those responsible should be held accountable.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.
- John Muir
#GMSTRONG
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Quote:
Police are uncomfortable with anyone other than them carrying guns. Mainly because most of them are cowards---but also because it will begin to chip away at their livelihood.
If people, on a large enough scale, started to carry their own guns and took responsibility for their own safety----there would be less of a need for patrols and therefore less of a demand for officers to patrol.
Most of there job happens after-the-fact anyways. There other time is spent hiding on roadways trying to extort money out of motorists who are unaware of their surroundings. If police were really concerned about public safety they would sit out in the open---and their visibility would prompt motorists to check their speed. By hiding, they are only seeking to issue citation---and therefore---collect money.
But enough of this........
I come from a long line of gun owners and sportsman. Hunting and fishing are deeply ingrained in just about every member of our family. There are plenty of guns that are property of the family. None are mine personally, but one day they will be, as family members pass away and they come into my ownership (unless the government labels me a felon between now and then.)
I think that Hunting and fishing and gun ownership and the ability to safely operate a firearm are fundamental skills that EVERYONE should possess. I believe that these skills are more important than a lot of garbage that is taught in school. I think that firearm safety, as well as hunting and fishing skills should be taught to kids starting at age 8-10.
IMO, these skills are dying off in todays world and it is inexcusable. My family has been involved in the education of todays youth in these fundamental skills for close to 20 years. My father, uncles, cousins, brother, myslef; we have all taken part as organizers and instructors in both a spring and fall camp that brings kids from all parts of Ohio to Leesville to learn about hunting and angling in hopes of instilling a growing interest in these important life skills in kids from all walks of life.
That's odd - I could swear it was you, about a year, maybe a year and half ago - basically called me a redneck (in the bad way) and told me to read "Deer Hunting with Jesus" - basically a book that belittled people of religion and people that liked to shoot.
Perhaps it wasn't you - but I'd bet serious money it was. I won't go into more details about what you called me, said about me, and thought about me. 
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Quote:
Police are uncomfortable with anyone other than them carrying guns. Mainly because most of them are cowards---but also because it will begin to chip away at their livelihood.
For your sake I hope karma doesn't exist. 'Cause if it does and you need help from a cop it ain't happening.
I do have a few friends from back in the day that are cops. If you want to see what kind of cowards they are I'm sure I can set up a meeting...
#gmstrong
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Thats a good book Arch...It seems like you took it the wrong way or something though.....
I didn't recommend it as a jab at you----I just thought the guy had an interesting take and you might like the read.
I wish to wash my Irish wristwatch......
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Quote:
Police are uncomfortable with anyone other than them carrying guns. Mainly because most of them are cowards---but also because it will begin to chip away at their livelihood.
Do you even think about what you type? I have talked to many many cops. I have many uncles in Cleveland that are retired policemen, I have a stepson who is in the police academy, my best friend growing up is a Bay Village cop and on the SWAT team, a friend of mine here is a Ft Myers Police detective, and I have spoken with several officers about concealed carry.
Not one of them was against it, and before I got my permit, many told me I should pursue concealed permit and training because they flat out said, they won't arrive till after the crime if committed, and it is up to me to protect myself and my family. Not one of them is concerned with a law abiding citizen carrying a gun, one of them even told me a story of how an armed citizen came to his aid when a wanted man began wrestling with him during a traffic stop.
Not one of them is what I consider a coward, and while citizens may legally carry guns, we still need police to arrest and process criminals, maintain order, and protect the sheeple. There will not be a time when police are not needed until robots can do the job.
We don't have to agree with each other, to respect each others opinion.
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I read it. I thought the guy was full of crap, the way he slammed anything country or rural - the way he slammed anything other than liberalism. I also thought the guy was crap for dumping on his upbringing, and the people from his upbringing. Honestly? The guy seemed like a "well, I was from there, until I got educated, and now I see how dumb they were......"
Not a good read in my opinion. A pompous ass is a pompous ass. A pompous ass that craps on his upbringing and belittles rural people is a pompous ass I'd like to meet in person.
Other than that, it was a so so book. I'd recommend it to someone doing time in prison I guess.
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Anyone: Feel free to stay on topic and the discussion was about guns in your upbringing and how that relates to your life now. While I did preface my post with my opinions on police----the meat of my post related to the thread. Out of respect for Clem---can we please stick to that. As I have said. I think Gun Safety, hunting, and fishing are lost on todays youth and it is really sad. We spend a lot of time trying to reconnect youth with these skills and we feel it is really important. Many family members and friends of family find people who share these values, or feel that these values are important and steer the youngins around them towards hunting and fishing education, and gun safety classes. Its important that these activities are not lost going forward. A lot of us volunteer time teaching skills and leading youth in discovering these rewarding pastimes every year. This past weekend we spend time teaching kids about angling. Water-safety, fly-fishing, fly-tying, cleaning fish, and lots more were taught in an outdoor classroom on the water. All the kids caught fish and had a good time on the water. That is what the thread is about. At least thats what I think its about. Cheers. Its not about My opinions---which I'm sure don't sit right with most of you. That doesn't mean that I am not going to rant about them every here and that. Thats just the type of animal I am. 
I wish to wash my Irish wristwatch......
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I'm not a gun lover but I've got experience with guns, not sure if you care why I don't have a passion for guns but I thought I'd share anyway. I grew up in my grandparents home, my grandpa was a truck driver and my grandma was a nurse, so most of my time was spent home alone with my great grandmother until she passed away. My family never felt the need for one even though the house much of the time had a small child and an elderly woman alone inside. After my great grandmother passed, I was about school going age and never knew anything about guns except for playing with GI Joe's. After school it was me and my grandma while my grandpa was out on the road, still no guns in the house. My grandpa is very familiar with guns, he served 6 years in the marines, but never shot one again after he got out. To my knowledge he has never even held one since. Both of my uncles were also military, one a marine and one a sailor, and the marine uncle got out of the service and works as a mechanic, never touched a gun again, only cars. The uncle that was in the navy however bought some land in Mantua and has a few hunting rifles that he uses on his property. Taught me and my cousin to shoot when we were younger, taught us about safety, etc. My cousin is currently still in the marines over in Germany, but he works on tanks, doesn't really have a lot to do with guns and doesn't really feel the need to have them, just does because of his current situation. Me, I've been out of the army for a few years now, I did 6, spent some time seeing what guns can do to people, have no interest in them at all. I don't understand the erection some people get for firearms. I've seen some people with more impressive arsenals than bases I've been stationed at. I have a reasonable handgun in my closet up on the shelf in a lockbox for the sole purpose of "just in case" but I don't take it to the range or anything. I keep it maintained so that if I need it to work it works, but its nothing I think about much. If anyone has the background for being a gun junkie its me and my family members, but outside of the one uncle who shoots raccoons and possums who make trouble on his land, we aren't gun people. For me its actually BECAUSE of the military background that I don't get into guns. And I do know the people who feel the need to own their own assault weapons are  in the head. There is absolutely no need for that kind of destruction in a civilian environment.
"All I know is, as long as I led the Southeastern Conference in scoring, my grades would be fine." - Charles Barkley
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How did you develop your affinity for gun ownership/use? Tell your story here.
The military and law enforcement. That simple I had to learn to shoot. My dad had a few hand guns and my Grandpa too, but I don't care for them. Only carried em when I had to. I love shooting rifles. Had a nice one but had to sell it when things got rough recently.
I'll get another someday.
Our honor defend, we will fight to the end, for OHIO! GO BUCKS!
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Legend
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Legend
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Police are uncomfortable with anyone other than them carrying guns. Mainly because most of them are cowards---
that's maybe the most idiotic thing you have ever said..
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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I have a reasonable handgun in my closet up on the shelf in a lockbox for the sole purpose of "just in case"
Just in case a burglar calls and tells you he will be over at 10:30 to rob you ?  I understand and respect the sercurity precations I just choose a different route when it comes to home protection.
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And I do know the people who feel the need to own their own assault weapons are in the head. There is absolutely no need for that kind of destruction in a civilian environment.
Your opinion is noted . I love assault rifles for a variety of reasons (home defense not one of them ) but they are not for everyone I would agree .
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Oh well, that's our Tyler for ya. Guns..... I don't like them to be honest, I wouldn't be comfortable with one in our home (flame away, hillbillies ). I didn't grow up with guns, and now, living in small town-Canada, where guns aren't part of the culture like they are in the U.S., I don't need one to "protect my home" (I do keep a small but wieldly hammer hanging in a closet near our door, just in case and I would not hesitate to bash someone's skull in with it). I don't need one to put food on the table. Don't hunt, never have - not because I am against it but because I couldn't pull the trigger on a deer, unless I needed it for food and to put it simply, I don't. I say without shame that I'd rather someone else kill, dress and package my table meat. I have nothing at all against hunting. It is necessary. When I was 11 or 12 I had a powerful pellet gun, and one day my mom found me shooting at birds just for the hell of it (I am ashamed of that). I never saw that pellet gun again.
Last edited by lampdogg; 05/05/10 10:00 AM.
![[Linked Image from i28.photobucket.com]](http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/shadedog/mcenroe2.jpg) gmstrong -----------------
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My feelings on guns run pretty much in line with yours lamp.. don't have one,, don't think I need one.. Don't mind others having them and am very glad that if I felt the need, I could run out and buy one.
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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Dawg Talker
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Well if he manages to get past my alarm and get in without making any other noises, and then manage to walk across my hardwood floors without letting them creak, and then manages to help himself to my 150 pound TV and get out without waking me up so I can take the 10 seconds it takes to grab my gun... then I guess he's earned it and kudos to him. I have 2 pre-school aged children and having it easily accessible to where they may get curious enough to play with it is just not an option. They are too young to understand the seriousness of it no matter how hard I might try to convince them they are not to touch it. And I've seen a human being die from an assault weapon first hand and I can tell you it is not a pretty sight. I think that gives me at least some qualification to say there is absolutely NO reason to have one in a civilian environment. If the deer one day decide to gang up on you and charge in large groups while you're grilling out back, then maybe I'll change my mind. Until then you're just if you think there's any justification for having one.
"All I know is, as long as I led the Southeastern Conference in scoring, my grades would be fine." - Charles Barkley
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I think that gives me at least some qualification to say there is absolutely NO reason to have one in a civilian environment.
It qualifies you to give your opinion about the matter and nothing else . You don't like them ..o.k. we agree to disagree .
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Dawg Talker
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They have no positive purpose. A case can be made for many types of guns for self defense or for hunting or for target shooting for leisure, but there's no argument you can make where having an assault weapon should be used. I've known PLENTY of soldiers who had the proper training and still should not be allowed anywhere near one, let alone joe redneck who can't get an erection without being able to fire 12 rounds per second.
The ONLY way you have any kind of logical argument for one is if what you're talking about isn't actually an assault weapon. Many people aren't aware of this but just because a gun looks like an assault rifle doesn't make it so. A semi automatic AR-15, for example, is way overkill in my opinion, but if you really need to get your rocks off then by all means buy one. Its not actually an assault weapon because it does not have selective fire with the ability to go fully automatic. People tend to lump them in the same category, especially when its talked about as a political issue, but they are NOT the same thing.
If that's what you mean, then by all means, enjoy. But if you're actually saying you want a real assault weapon, I have to question your capacity to live in society with the rest of us.
"All I know is, as long as I led the Southeastern Conference in scoring, my grades would be fine." - Charles Barkley
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Dawg Talker
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Dawg Talker
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1.) Every gun is always loaded
2.) Never point a gun at something you're not willing to shoot
3.) Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to fire
4.) Be sure of your target and everything behind it.
Amen JFan, these rules I taught my boys before they even saw a gun. There are no take backs in gun shooting. Be safe my friends.
LET'S GO BROWNS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ![[Linked Image]](http://www.dawgtalkers.net/uploads/OldSixty-Two/new0400001.jpg) [b]WOOF WOOF[b]
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People buy fast cars, speed limit max is 70mph.
Just because someone owns an assault rifle, doesn't mean they intend to go on a shooting spree. Much like a fast car, when used in the proper setting and with proper safety restrictions, there's nothing wrong with it, like drag racing down a dragstrip.
We don't have to agree with each other, to respect each others opinion.
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They have no positive purpose.
That argument could be used for all firearms . The purpose of any firearm is to inflict injury/death . I'm not offering an opposing view just to stoke an argument and I see your point about the "need" for these kinds of weapons but you come off like your opinions carry more weight than anyone else's . To be honest if money weren't an issue I'd get one to have a blast with ....pun intended.
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