I've owned and operated firearms for over thirty two years, safely and responsibly, and whether I was performing a job-function or shooting for enjoyment, a hobby, those two concepts have been first and foremost in my thoughts, attitudes and actions. Safe and responsible ownership and operation of firearms is ingrained in me and I don't compromise.
Over those years I've seen and heard of many cases where those two concepts have been skirted or outright ignored and whilst many have gotten away with it many have not. I have zero respect and scathing contempt for those who unsafely and irresponsibly handle or operate firearms...and those who take that to the extreme and use firearms in a nefarious manner deserve to be treated most harshly. I'm the eye for an eye sort of chap.
Those who do not abide by the accepted, and rather easily affected, safety standards, treat firearms like toys or break the law bring safe and responsible firearm owners into disrepute and that's not acceptable.
Over the time I've had many people offer their (unsolicited) opinions on guns; some favourably and some not. Those opinions have come in many different ways with the method I am most receptive to being calmly, objectively, respectfully and with an open mind to hearing and acknowledging other people's opinions and thoughts. Those who scream and rant at me get nowhere.
Having said the above, I rarely have the firearms-discussion as I see little point. Firearms are simply one element of the plethora of interests I have and, if I'm honest, I don't really like talking about firearms much at all, even with gun people.
I've had gamers who have never operated a real firearm (expert marksmen in-game of course) try to engage in discussion about the latest tech they played with in some game on the computer - (Dumbasses). I've had people who went to the firing range once and shot a hundred rounds who are now the worlds foremost authority on shooting and firearms try and engage with me and, of course, those anti-gun people who seem always to want to rant, raise their voices and ignore fact and logic or that others are within their rights to have opinions that differ to their own. So...nah I'm not interested in talking about firearms with any but a select few and then, rarely.
Someone tried to engage me today, an anti-gun person, and here's what I said:
I appreciate you have an opinion, are passionate about it, and that the Alex Baldwin situation you raise is indeed tragic, but I don't know the facts and so wish not to comment. Furthermore, America is a long way from here, their social situation and challenges are different to ours, as are their firearms laws, which also differ State to State here and there. I am not in America and do not understand the nuances of their complicated social issues or firearms laws as those issues do not relate to me. Moreover, as a firearms owner myself, you'll not sway me to your way of thinking. I'll concede some points of course provided you make some good ones, however you'll not convince me guns are bad and I don't care to attempt to convince you they are good. So, let's move on and talk about something else as I don't prefer to engage in pointless discussions.
Ok, so maybe that's not exactly what I said but you get the point I guess.
Anyway, it made me think about the differing, and often strong, opinions around firearms and I thought I'd raise this topic and open it up for the community to leave their opinions should they wish to.
No matter if you advocate or abhor firearms you are entitled to your opinion so feel free to comment below or drop a post on the subject in my firearms community, The Pew: Guns & more , where I welcome opinions of all natures, and leave your thoughts and opinions, concerns, possible solutions and questions or simply discuss the topic or whatever elements of it you are interested in. Please remember, you can write as you wish, however I urge you to have a little respect for others and their opinions at the same time, even those that differ from your own.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind
The image is my own
Firstly, right off the bat - I will admit I am rather biased. I come from a long line of firearm owners as well as Military officers. While I know, understand and acknowledge that there are people out there who do have firearms who shouldn't (especially the criminals who purchase firearms on the illegal black market trade - many of which in this country are stolen from police and the army), I feel that responsible gun ownership should be available to those who are that way inclined.
I primarily want a handgun (which I will go through all the red tape to acquire even though I personally feel it is way over the top here) to be able to more readily protect myself and my daughter from a house invasion or hijacking which is far more common in South Africa than people would like to believe.
Of course I could do that without a firearm, however a firearm is a far more effective means at self defence in that kind of situation.
Many people may disagree and that's their right. Each to their own I believe. I feel that if those people don't want guns, nobody is forcing them to get one, however I think the same should be afforded to the people that already have or want to have a firearm, they should be provided the opportunity to have one, as long as they meet the legal requirements of safe handling and storage.
As for the Alec Baldwin story - the film set didn't meet the safety requirements and that is what the result was. The filmset firearms officer admitted as much - that shouldn't mean that every single person gets painted with the same brush.
Firearm discussions tend to often be similar to religious ones, it's sometimes safer to just not have them depending on the company of course.
You make a good point about the fact that firearms owners don't try and force Non-firearms owners to have them. Freedom of choice right?
Some person murders someone with a gun...Is an unrelated firearms owner bad because he/she also has a gun? A male rapist rapes a woman...Are all men bad because they have dicks? Hmm...
Anyway, freedom of choice. That's the main point.
Good luck with your firearms process. Any ideas what handgun you will go for? I assume 9mm to start, and then something you're able to handle from a hand-size perspective.
Exactly.
Thank you for the luck, I hate dealing with bureaucracy, but it has to be done.
Yes, I'd like a 9mm, but I'm not about to rush into choosing, I want to do some homework first, I do have a few ideas, but will be asking around on this community for opinions based on members personal experience as well 😀 Thanks Galen. Have a good one.
There's a lot to choose from and many factors. I'm sure you'll make an informed decision though.
Here is the report from Texas :)
We have guns, a lot of it, in some cases, you don't even need a drivers licenses or any ID to get it. You can openly carry it. I have a friend who owns 79 guns, all different kinds. As you know I am not prejudice.
However, my kids do go to public school. They stay away from us all day. I feel worried often regarding that. I also feel sad, they actually have 'active shooter drill' each month. Yes, my six year old have active shooter drill! Growing up, I never remember to have these drills myself. Have you?
I agree that banning doesn't do any good. But I don't know how to prevent a mentally disbalanced person/kids to have access to a gun. I really don't. That is the only thing I wish to prevent.
This is the big issue, preventing mentally unstable people access. It's difficult also as someone who is stable today may not be tomorrow due to some circustance or other. A tough issue.
Active shooter drills...Hmm, that's a sad state of affairs and not something we have here. Unpleasant for parents having to worry about such things for their kids. I don't know what the answer is. Take the guns. A car gets rammed into a school yard. Take cars away. Stabbings. Ban knives. Clearly that's not possible of course. Educate humans though? Hmm, now there's an idea. Help those with mental health issues, deal with social issues, global issues? More ideas that could be considered. But...humans are good at killing and have always found a way.
Firearms are an easy target and they can, and have, done some terrible damage for sure. Same as drugs and alcohol (those under the influence) Same as rapists, politicians and shoddy engineering and building standards. Hazards are everywhere.
A little more education may help.
It's a really complicated issue and one that we probably won't find a solution for anytime soon.
Do you trust the government to decide who should and should not have access to firearms based on legal definitions of "mental illness," especially after the past two years of nonsense and bureaucratic redefintions?
The only sure-fire way to stop a bad guy with a gun is to have a good guy with a gun. Let teachers be armed if they choose. End the "gun-free zone" nonsense, because it has objectively failed to stop shooters, but has made innocent people into "felons."
We also do need to address mental health. For starters, let's take a hard look at how the schools are structured. Money gets dumped in, bu academic outcomes are abysmal, and we are seeing mental health problems in the student body. The entire system needs to be overhauled. It is breaking people, and every "reform" thus far seems to worsen this problem.
[/rant]
Yes I trust my elected lawmakers.
And the only way my school teachers can be armed is over my dead body ;)
This is a clear example of "Respect the opinions of others even if you disagree with them." And I've never handled a firearm before so I am on the fence on this one. Most people will speak based on their personal experience with gun and your response to him was spot on because you are speaking also from your own perspective. They don't have to like it or hate it because it's your opinion that matters most to you sir and that's perfect.
Of course, we have trigger happy officers here and I am always against that but we shouldn't forget also that the world is wild so I have no issue against those who keep a gun for protection and those who use theirs for sport. It's what works for people they are allowed to do. I would love to handle one and know how it feels. I was told you have to hold it well so you won't lose your balance...as it's quite heavy when you discharge a shot.
That is mostly dependent on the round. Go to your local range and see if you can rent a 22LR pistol or rifle and you can get a feel for firearms handling without having to simultaneously adapt to the recoil. It'll also be a lot cheaper to fire as the ammo is much cheaper than larger rounds.
Thank you so much for this. I sincerely appreciate this heads up. I've been scared to try it out based on what I heard.
Most popular rounds have manageable recoil. Once you get a feel for handling a gun with almost no recoil, I'd try some more standard popular rounds like .380 or 9mm for handguns and 5.56/.223 for a rifle. There's more recoil but it's still easy enough for a beginner. Taking a basics class can be very beneficial if you're interested. It's always easier to learn good habits than to unlearn bad ones.
And as always, safety is paramount. A 22LR doesn't have the same power as bigger rounds but it can still kill if a firearm is handled improperly.
Absolutely... I would love to start with the basics...
A nice balanced and respectful comment mate, thank you. You're right, I can't disagree with any of it.
I take a lot of people shooting for the first time and do firearms training...I've never come across a person who didn't enjoy it...Sure, not all of them went on to be firearms owners, but their opinions are now based on a little more experience.
I'd take you shooting if you were here, show you the safety aspects and introduce some of the techniques. You'd probably enjoy the experience.
I would be thrilled to have that training from you sir if I was there. Thank you so much, sir.
Like another one of your commenters, I am definitely biased. I have been shooting for more than 40 years and I've carried some form of firearm almost everyday of my adult life.
I am a staunch supporter of a person's right to bear arms and defend themselves or others. Even if that means that some people will not make it a priority to train just like some horrible drivers buy a car and curb the tires at every corner.
The biggest issue I have seen personally and professionally is the carelessness of some gun owners with regards to training, safe handling, and storage of their weapons.
Even with my decades of experience, I still have the highest respect for gun safety and treat every weapon as if it's loaded. Too many people shoot a little and become complacent in their ownership with regards to safety and storage. If someone like me, with 40+ years of experience, carrying one everyday, a firearms instructor, and a range master can have an AD, you better bet anyone can.
I guess I went down a rabbit hole a bit...lolol.....but, in closing, I support someone's right to be armed and the punishment for violations of gun laws should be much, much more severe than they currently are.
Great discussion topic, friend!
There are laws that contradict and infringe on the Second Amendment though, which in a world where the Supreme Court did their job thoroughly and perfectly, would be struck down.
Oh I agree 100%, it is definitely an imperfect system for us in the U.S., but better than many parts of the world. I was referring to laws in place that restrict the use and possession of firearms during the commission of a crime. Far too often lawyers and judges find loopholes to sentencing guidelines and I have seen multiple count offenders walk out with just 10 years probation, no jail, and then get convicted again in 18 months and the probation just extended another 5 or 10 years with STILL no jail time.
I personally support constitutional carry as it was intended by the founding fathers. I live in Georgia and I think we will get there with 5 years or so.
Agreed. And depending on what the Supreme Court does, we might all have Constitutional carry soon.
Training, safe handling and storage, three most fundamental aspects of gun ownership and three elements that are, unfortunately, not always affected properly. I've seen it all over the years and my mind is often boggled. It's interesting that it's the operator that needs the training. The operator that has to apply safe handling and the operator that needs to safely/responsibly store the firearm. The firearm itself...well, it's no different to a power outlet sitting on the wall...just a tool. Add a finger and electricity and there's problems. Same as a gun, ammunition and a human.
Education is one of the key elements, along with mental stability and common sense.
What's weird is even with all my experience and dependence upon guns in my job, I've never considered myself a "gun" guy and I don't really enjoy talking about them that much either. Same as a mechanic I guess, I doubt my mechanic is at the gym talking about carburetors with everyone lolol
I find it boring to talk about guns mostly. A lot of the people I know only talk about guns and when not talking about them have nothing else to talk about. Boring.
I have very strong opinions regarding prohibitions and regulation of firearms, mainly because the people advocating them the most demonstrate the least real knowledge on the subject at hand. The firearm community has spent a century building a culture of responsible gun ownership, safety in the field, and individual discipline as the basis for preventing accidents. The hoplophobes demand arbitrary laws enforced at gunpoint. Who is actually doing something constructive here?
When it comes to guns, I have fired a fair few, and I have opinions regarding calibers, platforms, etc. but I try to recognize my own limitations. As for video games, the real fun is when I am playing online with a gunsmith friend and his practical shooting competition crew while they're all bitching about how badly the game screwed up depictions. We used to play Payday 2 a lot, and amidst the absurd heists, there were frequent comments about SVEEDISH LOJIK as they poked fun at the developers who relied on gameplay gimmicks to differentiate guns instead of any semblance of realism. It's a fun game, just don't trust it to give an accurate impression of relative effectiveness!
I agree completely with your first paragraph. The second took me by surprise. I didn't have you figured for a gamer.
My bio says, "Gamer, maker, bad Quaker, librarian, market anarchist, manual curator." Most of my gaming these days is tabletop, but I have spent a fair chunk of my life with PC and console games. I don't play online much at the moment because my rural internet connection is already dodgy, and the refugees from worse COVID lockdown states all expect our rusty internet pipe to handle their Netflix, Disney+, and porn streaming in 4K HD like it did in LA, Portland, Seattle, or wherever. The bandwidth isn't there, and ping is off the charts.
I'd not noticed your bio, I'm sorry.
I'm not a gamer myself but used to play Ghost Recon online back around the year 2000 or so against my brothers. That was about the extent of it. I was ok at it but connection was slower than theirs so I used to lose a lot. Lol.
So you know sometimes there is lag to be blamed!
Yep, I know lag well. I'd be stalking up on them, they'd see me and come up behind me and blow my head off before I even knew they were there. Wasn't a lot of fun. When I played alone against the computer I was pretty good. 😊
Any kind of gun band/confiscation would only harm honest people by making them more vulnerable to criminals.
Criminals don't follow the laws.
I believe every responsible person should have one or two if they choose. We are human and accidents of every kind including and excluding guns happen every day. There is no way to control what the mentally ill or evil people will do. Both are totally unpredictable.
I am a single older woman that lives alone. I have a right to defend myself if needed.
I agree with all you say and unfortunately criminal behaviour (in the case of firearms) is always going reflect poorly on the law-abiding owner in a negative way. Also, irresponsible use of firearms will do the same, people being idiots I mean. It's frustrating as with each occurrence the thumbscrews get tightened on those doing the right thing.
People are unpredictable and one who seems completely normal now (whatever that is) could change in the future. That's what humans do. It makes it it difficult to regulate the firearms (and other) situations.
I believe everyone has the right to defend themselves or those who cannot do so for themselves. You agree clearly.
It seems you got yourself into a gunfight you couldn't shoot your way out of... (too soon?)
I have no problem with responsible gun ownership. I have far less experience than you.
From my understanding, it was obviously an accident and I don't think Alex Baldwin is irresponsible. That said, he is a public figure and he deserves the memes.
Maybe the Americans could be a little more responsible with their gun laws, but that's up to them and I understand it's a difficult situation.
It's a very complex issue in America which is why I stay out of it. If I lived there I'd be more interested but I don't so am not. The Alex Baldwin thing...Hmm again, I don't know the facts but...apparently he refused training? If so he's a dick, and that safety aspect shouldn't have been skipped. There's a lot of moving parts there though I believe and I don't know enough to comment. The truth will come out, or some version of it.
I'm a very experienced shooter and have done so in many circumstances and situations and have maintained a high level of safety and responsibility all the way. It's trained into me and happens without thought. I wish others were the same but, alas,there are many unsafe firearms users. Irresponsible ones too. It's a shame.
Thanks for commenting mate, I apprt it.
Based on the information I have seen, and with the provision it could be in error, Baldwin was apparently handling his revolver negligently, and someone somewhere in the supply chain mixed live ammo into the blanks for the set. Baldwin isn't responsible for the latter, but he is responsible for the former if that is what happened. Check this out for an in-depth video exploration of the topic.
What do you mean by, "Maybe the Americans could be a little more responsible with their gun laws"? People who offer opinions about the lax laws usually don't understand what the laws even really are here in the first place. Sure, some vary from state to state, but there are also very real federal laws which apply nationally. What laws do you think are needed, and how do those laws actually solve problems?
The people who hate on guns in the hands of responsible people are likely the same people who have little idea on how to drive
Possibly I guess. People have very strong opinions about guns, for or against, and I've heard some very disturbing dialogues from both sides. For me, well I'm comfortable with guns and know that, at no time will any gun jump up and shoot someone - It takes a human hand to make that happen.
Guns are dangerous though, like cars, knives, electricity, swimming pools, speeding and drunk drivers, rapists, Vladimir Putin, some snakes and spiders...You get my point I think. The world is a dangerous place.
Thenks for your comment.
I'm afraid of guns but I believe they have a place. Not that I would ever want to own one - you hear of too many accidents and incidents.
A lot of people are; I guess people fear what they don't understand sometimes, or have had experiences that cause them to fear things.
It's funny though, all the firearms accidents you mention...Since 2019, 635 drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists have been killed by drunk drivers in Australia and yet anyone and everyone over the age of 18 can walk into a shop and buy alcohol without any regulation at all. I guess, considering that, it's maybe the (drunk) person driving the car that brings the risk, not the alcohol, or the car itself.
You know, I've taken many people who fear guns out for a shoot and they all loved it. It might not be for you, bit if you were here I'd offer to take you so you could understand it all theough some first-hand experience.
Thanks for your comment.
One should respect any potentially dangerous piece of machinery, but fear might not be a healthy response. You might want to consider taking a firearm safety or hunter education course. Learn what you can do to prevent accidents and incidents. Learn what constitutes a real hazard, and what is baseless.
Good advice -thank you
Guns, in and of themselves, are not bad. It's the calibre of people that use them that bring the issue of good and bad into focus.
I hope we all learn to be more human and respect each other's opinions too.
Indeed, the firearm itself is a lump of steel, polymer, carbon fibre etc. It needs a human to make it work and bans are flawed, fallible and sometimes downright evil.
Very correct. It's the human factor that needs to be addressed more👌
It's funny how people will just start lecturing about what they think is acceptable or not. Like, no one needs your opinion! If I enjoy doing something and it hurts no one, anyone that tries to talk me out of it might want to spend their time well by transferring grains of beans one by one into a bowl.
You can personalize your opinion and tell why you don't really agree, but don't tell me what I'm doing is not right.
It's not just about firearms sir, it concerns every aspect of beliefs.
This is true enough. Generally people have always wanted to impose their will upon others and always will I think. Humans are incredibly egotistical things huh?
No more comment from me needed. Perfectly phrased and put my friend...
Lol.
I do not "Game." I simply do not have the time for it. I am to busy in the 3D world of reality. Trying to survive this nasty, no free lives, no reset button, GAME of LIFE...
I did have a NASCAR game 10 years or so back. I had the pedals, feedback vibration steering wheel. So that makes me a Race Car Driver right?
juss' sayin'
Lol, yeah a regular Ricky Bobby.
😂
I read an essay recently that makes one of the best cases for a guaranteed right to bear arms. https://unherd.com/2021/11/the-liberal-case-for-gun-ownership/
The evidence before us, in the political directions that Australia and now Canada and New Zealand have taken after the severe restrictions on firearm ownership have been imposed, is hard to ignore.
Thanks, I'll take a look in a bit and have a read...At work. Lol.
EDIT:
That was an excellent read, balanced, honest and factual. It felt nice to read, you know?
So many great points and observations. I wish I could write like this!
I smiled at this part. So true.
Thanks for sharing this, I shall have another read and pass it around too. Appreciated @pfunk.
The problem is when tough times are here, the countries where the majority has firearms will have a baaaaaad trip.
I'm not sure I follow to be honest.
Sorry, let me simplify. If in our country comes to IDK electricity blackout, sure there will be a lot of problems and looting and chaos, but not much casualty. On the other hand in places where having a firearm is easier than having a driving license can be bloody. And here I talk about the machine guns and army stuff, not only handguns. I can't imagine how that would look, well to be honest even in my country what would look like I can't imagine. And it goes like a chain reaction, if someone can have a big gun then we need one to protect ourselves. I would rather have a world where no protection is needed :) Sorry, looks like I am a pacifist. But I would kill a human easily. Easier than an animal I guess. Do I need a shrink? :)
Lol, no shrink required!
You're right in some situations, civil unrest and violence can and will happen. It's happening somewhere as I type this. One only needs to watch the news each night to see that that happens...in any country.
I don't think everyone should have guns as there are some bloody wackos out there, but let me assure you, I would slaughter anyone coming into my house with evil intent and I don't need a gun to do it. I protect what's mine. Waiting for the police to arrive would not go well as their response times are too slow.
I don't think there's anything wrong with being a pacifist, if every person on the planet was that way inclined then all would be well, but that's never going to happen. Human greed, ego and hubris won't permit it. History shows that and the way things are headed we're on the downward slide to chaos.
I'm a prepared man and feel a little more confident in life for that reason. I can take care of myself and others in many varied situations and I like that I am so prepared. It's people like me who keep those less-prepared people safe.
Also, about killing humans easier than animals...Any killing takes a small part of the person doing the killing, no matter if the target is human or animal. I assume you're a strict vegetarian though, considering your aversion to killing animals? It's admirable.
Thanks for your comment.
But I like meat :) You got this one wrong. I love meat but I do realize it would be hard for me to finish that animal. Fish and smaller poultry can go but big eyes species, damn :) Yeah, I would be probably the same as you, especially with the type of fear media you are getting constantly. For many years now the media here is trying the same tactics, keep us in fear but it is a bit late for that I guess. On the other hand, a country like the USA is deep into it and protecting yourself is something that probably occurs naturally there. Here we have quite some feeling of safety... But when some robbery happened everyone are shocked. It's like "how can this happen here, to us" And people then buy an alarm or maybe a dog :) Who knows what will the future bring to us. My house will be designed to put MG42 on the top of the atrium and look down 180 to both entrances. But that is just planing in advance, the rack is for a flower pot. FOR NOW ;)
Ah ok, you're like so many others...Wants to eat the animal but not kill the animal. Let's hope the supermarket never runs out of meat though huh? You'd starve to death.
An MG42 huh? Old-school. Would probably work though. You might like to consider upgrading to a CIWS Phalanx. More fun. More effective. 😉
Naah, buying meat in the store is something leaved in the past. I have family sourced meat, organic and stuff. On the other hand there are chickens and eggs. But after all, if supermarkets runs out starving will be my last problem. People are problem. All the city folks running out and looking for loot.
If I would have a money for this CIWS I would own an island where the only firearm needed is bong :)
Meanwhile, violent riots and mayhem tend to actually happen where the populace is disarmed. There is real danger in starting trouble when your intended victim has good odds of being able to effectively stop you.
I am biased. I believe that guns are a very useful tool that can be used for protection (and they can be "fun", too). However, as with any advanced piece of machinery, they require proper training and understanding before they should be used.
You wouldn't intentionally allow a 5 year old to operate a band saw without safety equipment and training first, right? (Hint, the answer should be "no") The same goes for a gun. You shouldn't let an untrained individual handle a deadly weapon. Motor vehicles are the same way - training and oversight are required before you can just go ahead and use an automobile!
Baldwin is irresponsible (at best) for handling the gun in the manner that he did; Prop gun or not. If the thing had a 0.0001% chance of firing a projectile at a reasonably dangerous velocity, you don't aim it at another living being unless you have the intention of causing harm.
Do I believe that he intended to cause harm? Not likely.
Did he cause harm? Yes.
Is it the gun's fault? Unequivocally, No.
Will strict gun laws solve this from ever happening again? Unequivocally, No.
/rant
Yes indeed, this is true. (A lot of training.)
It will be interesting to see how the Alex Baldwin thing goes...I hear there's law suit after law suit happening currently. Let's see who has the best lawyers I guess.