Why Firearms?

[CrayonOfDoom2]

Is the importance of handguns in America the influence of upbringing ? Environment ? Media ? the notion of Power . . . ??

Deep inside you, why do you feel you need the legality of a firearm?

and if it wasn't legal to own one, would you and why??

 

[PolfaJelfa]

The right to Keep and Bear arms is one of great importance. It allows the average citizen to protect oneself and his or her family from danger. It also works according to the original founding fathers plans, and that is to act as a firm level of protection from tyranical government control. Additionally the heritage and history that goes along with firearms goes back a long way in our nations history.

From the time we were colonialized, fathers and sons mothers and daughters had used firearms for self protection and hunting food. Hunting and shooting sports have thru the decades brought together familys as well as helped instill confidence in children and adults alike. Wheather it be a trip to the forest to hunt and fish ( a family moment) or target shooting in the back yard, shooting brings out confidence, discipline, and character which is so needed in kids these days. Children tought about gun safety and involved in shooting are much less inclined to be involved in delinquency, harsh drugs and or violence. Consequently they are less likely to become victims of crimes and are able to protect themselves and their community.

Quite to the contrast of the Zealous Gun Ban Media Hype Crowd, gun owners are not red neck triger happy hicks. Most firearms owners are the standard church going family next door who seeks to protect itself from crime and instill values in its children. Before, the gun ban zealots in congress were openly brazent of their agenda, flat out admitting and gloating in their dreams of disarming american citizens of their god given and constitutional rights of self defense. Extremist Left Wing Zealots such as Tom. Daschle (D) J. Kerry (D) Kennedy (d), Schumer (d) Feinstein (d) and Nanci Pelosi (d) have in the past been transparent in their agenda to "ban all guns" and the freedom to defend oneself. However due to the NSSF, Nra-Ila and the vast majority of this countrys citizens last election we threw many of these zealots (ex. Tom Daschle) back to their homes and out of public office just as in the previous ellection. Now the extremist groups such as the Funds For Animals and Sierra club with the backing of the tyranicall extremist senators are camoflouging their gun ban agenda under the cover of "animal protection", anti hunting legislation, and severe firearm taxes and frivolous law suits aimed at bankrupting the firearms industry. That is why you must write to your rep's and congress and support HR. 800 The Lawfull Commece in Arms Act, an act that will protect federal law abiding manufacturers from frivolous law suits against them for the illegal use of firearms by criminals. Its a common sense law, what would be next. If i ram my car into a wall at 100 mph can i sue the manufacturer too? We have vast support for this bill from congress and the US Chamber of commerce along with 92 co sponsors in the Senate. We now have a vast majority in both houses and must win this fight just as we are winning the fight for the CCW permit states. As of now 38 states recognize Concealed Cary Permits. What is unsurprising is that these states have much lower crime rates for murders and violent crimes than states not allowing concealed carry and enforcing unconstitutional gun restrictions uppon its law abiding citizens. Even though freedom is on the march we must never let down , never give an inch. We must keep gaining ground and always be vigilant. Nra members will always fight for freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Benjamin Franklin- " He who sacrifices freedom for security is neighter free nor secure and desreves neighter"

Thomas Jefferson of Virginia- " Laws forbiding the carrying of arms disarm only those who are neighter incllined nor determined to commit crimes. Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants. They serve rather to encourage then to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man"

 

[dossey]

Great Reply!!!! Wonderful!!!!! Best I have Heard!!!

 

[Breeze]

Is the importance of handguns in America the influence of upbringing ? Environment ? Media ? the notion of Power . . . ??

Deep inside you, why do you feel you need the legality of a firearm?

and if it wasn't legal to own one, would you and why??

Our founding fathers gave us the right to keep and bear arms for a number of reasons. They learned the hard way that an armed man is a citizen, an unarmed man is a subject. Check out my post "Right to Keep and Bear Arms". Remember that we have over 10,000 gun laws on the books, and gun rights are taken from those who abuse them. My right to be armed is a right I will never give up and those people who would disarm Americans are the very people our founding fathers warned us about. America has had an intense fight over gun rights over the past couple of decades, and those who support gun control, mainly Democrats, have taken a severe beating at the polls, they have basically acknowledged defeat. Remember John Kerry campaigning as a hunter and gun rights supporter? Total hypocrite, he has one of the most anti-gun voting records in Congress. You ask if I would own a gun if it was illegal? Damn right I would.

 

[manny78]

Why firearms ? Cause I like them. That's a good enough reason for me.

 

[USMC fighter]

Try shooting a watermellon with a 45 and see how it makes you feel

 

[USMC fighter]

omg im starting to think im the allmighty thread killer lol

 

[redguru]

If guns were made illegal in the United States, I would consider it my duty as a free-born citizento own as many as I could.

Who are the militia? Are they not ourselves? Is it feared, then, that we shall turn our arms each man gainst his own bosom. Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American...[T]he unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state governments, but, where I trust in God it will ever remain, in the hands of the people.
---Tenche Coxe, The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788

The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that is good.

---George Washington

Let us contemplate our forefathers and posterity and resolve to maintain the rights bequeathed to us from the former, for the sake of the latter. The necessity of the times, more than ever, calls for our utmost circumspection, deliberation, fortitude, and perseverance. Let us remember that 'if we suffer tamely a lawless attack upon our liberty, we encourage it, and involve others in our doom.' It is a very serious consideration that millions yet unborn may be the miserable sharers of the event.

--- Samuel Adams speech, 1771

 

[3nigma]

Hey Crayon - this post is for you!

Good point. I love every anti-gun nuts general response to owning a gun. It is ALWAYS "tell me why you need it". uh.. NO. I don't HAVE to, it is a constitutional RIGHT. but, as a side note, .50 cals are GREAT for target shooting at long distances (which I consider a very difficult and challenging sport to master), have VERY LITTLE use in crime (.50 cals have never been used in crimes - see many posts on how hard it is to conceal one of these puppies), are expensive (beyond the means of most gang bangers) and are generally well put together and excellent quality rifles (reliable, accurate etc). Do I NEED? it? well, no... but how many OTHER things do I own that I don't need???? well, lets just run down the top 10:

1. TV
2. Computer
3. Motorcycle
4. Large house
5. Car with over 90 HP
6. Stereo
7. Gym Membership
8. Fashionable Clothes
9. more than 1 pair of shoes
10. Deck on my house

I don't NEED any of those items. Not one. Not a single one. In fact, all anyone REALLY needs is basic shelter, food and water. Is that a good basis to determine if we should make a law AGAINST those items? Of course not, that is silly. The whole "tell me why you need it" angle is a great way to enact some truely useless laws.

The other major arguement I saw was "the only purpose of a gun is to kill people". Um... no. Guns are made for a variety of reasons, here are the biggest uses for a gun:

1. Target practice (LOTS OF FUN!!)
2. Home/work defense (not so fun)
3. Investment (many guns have good collectable value - the .50 cal is one type of gun that DOES)
4. Competition shooting (related to target practice, but for more advanced shooters - even seen in the olympics)

Of the 4 "reasons" to own I gun that I mentioned above, only 1 relates to "killing". Now, as has been stated, MANY MANY MANY items that we have in our daily lives CAN be used for killing, as CAN a gun. Cars can be used to run TONS Of people over in a crowded area - and are also excellent as bomb devices. How often do we hear in the "FUD" (Fear, Uncertanty and Doubt) driven media about a car that was used to bomb large numbers of people in the middle east? I think that happens FAR more often than a .50 cal gun is used to "bring down a plane" - I feat which I argue is next to impossible BTW. Should we ban cars? MAybe only "BIG" cars? I mean, BIG cars carry more explosives, right? So they must be more dangerous, Right? Why do you need a "big" car anyway? See the point? Please, PLEASE THINK before you react to emotionally driven agruements. Liberal idiology relies on the "emotion" factor (FUD etc) - which is one of the major reasons that most major news organizations are liberal bias. Look beyond the FUD.

 

[The Angry Mule]

Guns used correctly in the right hands save innocent peoples lives.I dont want to be home invaded and tied up and made watch some intruders pack rape my wife or kids and be totally defenseless.Even if it was illegal I dont give a shit I'm gonna put my families safety first and not some jackass law.I know if it came down to it someone else is better off dead rather than myself or family by some scumbag lowlife muthafuka.I wouldnt even blink if my family was threatened,I would bust off some caps.

 

[CrayonOfDoom2]

The right to Keep and Bear arms is one of great importance. It allows the average citizen to protect oneself and his or her family from danger. It also works according to the original founding fathers plans, and that is to act as a firm level of protection from tyranical government control. Additionally the heritage and history that goes along with firearms goes back a long way in our nations history.

From the time we were colonialized, fathers and sons mothers and daughters had used firearms for self protection and hunting food. Hunting and shooting sports have thru the decades brought together familys as well as helped instill confidence in children and adults alike. Wheather it be a trip to the forest to hunt and fish ( a family moment) or target shooting in the back yard, shooting brings out confidence, discipline, and character which is so needed in kids these days. Children tought about gun safety and involved in shooting are much less inclined to be involved in delinquency, harsh drugs and or violence. Consequently they are less likely to become victims of crimes and are able to protect themselves and their community.

Quite to the contrast of the Zealous Gun Ban Media Hype Crowd, gun owners are not red neck triger happy hicks. Most firearms owners are the standard church going family next door who seeks to protect itself from crime and instill values in its children. Before, the gun ban zealots in congress were openly brazent of their agenda, flat out admitting and gloating in their dreams of disarming american citizens of their god given and constitutional rights of self defense. Extremist Left Wing Zealots such as Tom. Daschle (D) J. Kerry (D) Kennedy (d), Schumer (d) Feinstein (d) and Nanci Pelosi (d) have in the past been transparent in their agenda to "ban all guns" and the freedom to defend oneself. However due to the NSSF, Nra-Ila and the vast majority of this countrys citizens last election we threw many of these zealots (ex. Tom Daschle) back to their homes and out of public office just as in the previous ellection. Now the extremist groups such as the Funds For Animals and Sierra club with the backing of the tyranicall extremist senators are camoflouging their gun ban agenda under the cover of "animal protection", anti hunting legislation, and severe firearm taxes and frivolous law suits aimed at bankrupting the firearms industry. That is why you must write to your rep's and congress and support HR. 800 The Lawfull Commece in Arms Act, an act that will protect federal law abiding manufacturers from frivolous law suits against them for the illegal use of firearms by criminals. Its a common sense law, what would be next. If i ram my car into a wall at 100 mph can i sue the manufacturer too? We have vast support for this bill from congress and the US Chamber of commerce along with 92 co sponsors in the Senate. We now have a vast majority in both houses and must win this fight just as we are winning the fight for the CCW permit states. As of now 38 states recognize Concealed Cary Permits. What is unsurprising is that these states have much lower crime rates for murders and violent crimes than states not allowing concealed carry and enforcing unconstitutional gun restrictions uppon its law abiding citizens. Even though freedom is on the march we must never let down , never give an inch. We must keep gaining ground and always be vigilant. Nra members will always fight for freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Benjamin Franklin- " He who sacrifices freedom for security is neighter free nor secure and desreves neighter"

Thomas Jefferson of Virginia- " Laws forbiding the carrying of arms disarm only those who are neighter incllined nor determined to commit crimes. Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants. They serve rather to encourage then to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man"

Completely improbable at this point in time, your post as evidence, But! Food for thought: If everyone in the world demanded peace, there would be peace, but we won't see that in our lifetime.

 

[3nigma]

Peace and guns are not directly related. If every body demanded peace and owned a gun there would still be peace. I don't understand your post - what does a gun have to do with it?

 

[CrayonOfDoom2]

Peace and guns are not directly related. If every body demanded peace and owned a gun there would still be peace. I don't understand your post - what does a gun have to do with it?

Ah yes, I was quite unclear.

Basically what I wanted to say is that guns are a product of insecurity so to speak, with peace there would be no need.

I understand that the two are completely unrelated, and you've literally shut me up, after I press submit new message, you've got k comin ur way haha.

Great observation, I wonder why I felt compelled to say that, I certainly don't understand anymore haha.

 

[3nigma]

Sorry - your basic assumption that guns are a "product of insecurity" is flawed. Guns are an improvement in the tools that humans have created to control their environment. More specifically, guns are a natural evolution of the tools that humans use to hunt game (and unfortunately other men). This evolution probably (I'm no expert here) began with the simple rock, moved on to spears etc etc. As with many of these types of tools, they can also be used for MANY other peaceful purposes and are quite challenging to master (hence the attraction of target practicing). Even the modern yo-yo and boomerang are frequently sold as objects of fun and skill - yet both have a much darker and more insiduous origin. My counter observation is that people that fear machines (like guns) are themselves insecure. This fear and insecurity is what leads to all manor of bad things. Relax. Enjoy life, respect the tools that we as humans have created - and realize that these tools are part of the human condition.

 

[CrayonOfDoom2]

Sorry - your basic assumption that guns are a "product of insecurity" is flawed. Guns are an improvement in the tools that humans have created to control their environment. More specifically, guns are a natural evolution of the tools that humans use to hunt game (and unfortunately other men). This evolution probably (I'm no expert here) began with the simple rock, moved on to spears etc etc. As with many of these types of tools, they can also be used for MANY other peaceful purposes and are quite challenging to master (hence the attraction of target practicing). Even the modern yo-yo and boomerang are frequently sold as objects of fun and skill - yet both have a much darker and more insiduous origin. My counter observation is that people that fear machines (like guns) are themselves insecure. This fear and insecurity is what leads to all manor of bad things. Relax. Enjoy life, respect the tools that we as humans have created - and realize that these tools are part of the human condition.

Your point is entirely warranted, ableit based on a misunderstanding of one thing.

The IMPORTANCE of guns to us today is a product of insecurity, I didn't mean to mislead you by giving you the idea that the INVENTION of them was the same.

You speak of the use of control, and that speaks for itself.

You also speak of boomerangs and yo-yo's....but let's be mathematical: how many nations were overtaken or defended, or even how many lives were taken or lost with those two inventions combined compared to firearms, our proficiency with supression is apalling, and a comparison between things so (by some standards) primitive is outright stupid.

I do however respect that you can view them this way !

 

[Golemnium]

I believe its good that people are allowed to have them, but the reasons they give why they need are silly.

You get to have them, because nobody can tell you you can't. Thats the only reason.

To shoot burglars is bullshit.

To fight off the army in case of a revolution is bullshit (good when both parties had muskets... these days the US army isn't so scared of your handgun)

To fight off an invasion is bullshit. (there are no more invasions. That's WWI shit)

 

[manny78]

I believe its good that people are allowed to have them, but the reasons they give why they need are silly.

You get to have them, because nobody can tell you you can't. Thats the only reason.

To shoot burglars is bullshit.

To fight off the army in case of a revolution is bullshit (good when both parties had muskets... these days the US army isn't so scared of your handgun)

To fight off an invasion is bullshit. (there are no more invasions. That's WWI shit)

There're hundreds of cases every year of people shooting burglars so there must be some truth to this. Also, you don't need a high tech army to scare the US army. Just take a look at the iraqis insurgents...

 

[ziggyziggy]

I forget who said it, but ....

"An armed society is a polite society."

Just my .02

Zig

 

[CrayonOfDoom2]

Yes, I think on that level firearms should be allowed, but I feel it's the same level that this nation was founded on! But then again I also feel that the uselessness of our firearms could NEVER hold out an invasion by our GOVERNMENT's 15,0000000000000000000000000000000 troops. and at that point for me, it's a question of acceptance vs invasion, and invasion WOULD win today, agree or not, if you don't you don't understand mathematics.

I'm a moron by most standards!

The ironies in my life beset me, no doubt: go tom cruise!

 

[3nigma]

Well... let me reply to the last post. Mathmatics has only a small part to do with a gov't (any gov'ts) ability to supress its people. First - the US does NOT have that many troops (your number is absurdly wrong). It DOES have a rather large standing army. Here is the issue though - armies are made up of people, with feelings/opinions etc. There are MANY MANY cases in history where a small force defeated a much larger force. One of the ways that this is accomplished is when a small force with a "cause" that is percieved to be "good" fights a larger force with a "cause" that is percieved to be "bad". In these types of situations, the larger force lacks the will to fight and in some cases even revolts or joins the revolt. There are many other scenarios to turn to - this was a nice simple one that I hope you will appreciate. To attempt to boil warfare down to mathmatics is really not well thought out.

 

[3nigma]

Your point is entirely warranted, ableit based on a misunderstanding of one thing.

The IMPORTANCE of guns to us today is a product of insecurity, I didn't mean to mislead you by giving you the idea that the INVENTION of them was the same.

You speak of the use of control, and that speaks for itself.

You also speak of boomerangs and yo-yo's....but let's be mathematical: how many nations were overtaken or defended, or even how many lives were taken or lost with those two inventions combined compared to firearms, our proficiency with supression is apalling, and a comparison between things so (by some standards) primitive is outright stupid.

I do however respect that you can view them this way !

OK - this is a bad arguement. I'll tell you why. Firearms have been around for - lets say 300 years (being kind). This is a small speck in the overall timeline of existance for humans on this planet. If you want to argue that guns have somehow taken more lives and are therefore "Worse" than the yo yo or the boomerang, than you should probably fear sticks and rocks over a gun anyday. They have been around for tens of thousands of years, and I'm willing to bet (again admitting that I'm no expert here) that the common stick in its various forms (spear, club etc) has killed so many more humans AND been used to take over more tribes/nations etc than guns have that it isn't even a fair comparison. You better run from trees with that logic.... NEXT!

 

[Breeze]

OK - this is a bad arguement. I'll tell you why. Firearms have been around for - lets say 300 years (being kind). This is a small speck in the overall timeline of existance for humans on this planet. If you want to argue that guns have somehow taken more lives and are therefore "Worse" than the yo yo or the boomerang, than you should probably fear sticks and rocks over a gun anyday. They have been around for tens of thousands of years, and I'm willing to bet (again admitting that I'm no expert here) that the common stick in its various forms (spear, club etc) has killed so many more humans AND been used to take over more tribes/nations etc than guns have that it isn't even a fair comparison. You better run from trees with that logic.... NEXT!

Good point. Technology of all types advances with time, the technology of killing is no exception. Something about inventing a better mousetrap People always have, and always will kill one another, nations will fight, people will be mean, bullies will push people around, bad people will prey on good people. In the past, these acts were carried out with sticks, stones, and sharp blades. Now we have guns. We can all dream about a world where everyone loves everyone else and there is no violence, but that world has never existed and never will, so face reality and buy a gun.

 

[Gonzosc1]

Why guns? well I'll leave out the "rights" and "political" stuff, thats been covered fairly well up to this point. Just a question for you. where do you live? if you don't worry about crime in your area that's great. I'm happy that it doesn't affect you. some of us are not at that level. the part of town that I live in is not so great. I'll admit there are worse places but that doesn't change the fact that my side of town is bad enough that it is covered by state, county, and city police!! do you get the picture yet?
sure I'd like to see just one police department, but it won't happen! hell 3 isn't enough!
home invasion is on the raise and if you don't know I will tell you that there are not enough police to cover the problem. so yes guns are the one thing and only thing that will puts some kind hesition in the head of a freak thats looking for trouble. I make it well known what my intentions are about this when I sit on the front porch and clean out the 12 gauge pump in the afternoons. I will defend my little corner of the world with extreme prejudice with equal or greater force.
another question, can explain the "why guns" from your side without going into an unrealistic view of the world? based on the realities of today crime problems.
get over this dream world you that you want the world to be, it will never happen. your thinking is flawed even on that idea as guns are a very small part of the dream world problem. in order to produce such a place you would have to first produce humans without "will", then you need to do away with any form of a belief system, next would be money(greed) "gone" !!!!! but who would be a good leader for this place of censorship? oh I know, Tipper Gore and her Nazi book burnning robots LOL.
I know this is a rant, and doesn't add any answers to the problem at hand. but poeple longing for some unrealistic dream world doesn't help any either. deal with the problem in front of you "Crime".

 

[PolfaJelfa]

Why guns? well I'll leave out the "rights" and "political" stuff, thats been covered fairly well up to this point. Just a question for you. where do you live? if you don't worry about crime in your area that's great. I'm happy that it doesn't affect you. some of us are not at that level. the part of town that I live in is not so great. I'll admit there are worse places but that doesn't change the fact that my side of town is bad enough that it is covered by state, county, and city police!! do you get the picture yet?
sure I'd like to see just one police department, but it won't happen! hell 3 isn't enough!
home invasion is on the raise and if you don't know I will tell you that there are not enough police to cover the problem. so yes guns are the one thing and only thing that will puts some kind hesition in the head of a freak thats looking for trouble. I make it well known what my intentions are about this when I sit on the front porch and clean out the 12 gauge pump in the afternoons. I will defend my little corner of the world with extreme prejudice with equal or greater force.
another question, can explain the "why guns" from your side without going into an unrealistic view of the world? based on the realities of today crime problems.
get over this dream world you that you want the world to be, it will never happen. your thinking is flawed even on that idea as guns are a very small part of the dream world problem. in order to produce such a place you would have to first produce humans without "will", then you need to do away with any form of a belief system, next would be money(greed) "gone" !!!!! but who would be a good leader for this place of censorship? oh I know, Tipper Gore and her Nazi book burnning robots LOL.
I know this is a rant, and doesn't add any answers to the problem at hand. but poeple longing for some unrealistic dream world doesn't help any either. deal with the problem in front of you "Crime".

Your a Great American! Karma your way..

 

[Gonzosc1]

Your a Great American! Karma your way..

thank you, and k right back to you....

 

[CrayonOfDoom2]

Why guns? well I'll leave out the "rights" and "political" stuff, thats been covered fairly well up to this point. Just a question for you. where do you live? if you don't worry about crime in your area that's great. I'm happy that it doesn't affect you. some of us are not at that level. the part of town that I live in is not so great. I'll admit there are worse places but that doesn't change the fact that my side of town is bad enough that it is covered by state, county, and city police!! do you get the picture yet?
sure I'd like to see just one police department, but it won't happen! hell 3 isn't enough!
home invasion is on the raise and if you don't know I will tell you that there are not enough police to cover the problem. so yes guns are the one thing and only thing that will puts some kind hesition in the head of a freak thats looking for trouble. I make it well known what my intentions are about this when I sit on the front porch and clean out the 12 gauge pump in the afternoons. I will defend my little corner of the world with extreme prejudice with equal or greater force.
another question, can explain the "why guns" from your side without going into an unrealistic view of the world? based on the realities of today crime problems.
get over this dream world you that you want the world to be, it will never happen. your thinking is flawed even on that idea as guns are a very small part of the dream world problem. in order to produce such a place you would have to first produce humans without "will", then you need to do away with any form of a belief system, next would be money(greed) "gone" !!!!! but who would be a good leader for this place of censorship? oh I know, Tipper Gore and her Nazi book burnning robots LOL.
I know this is a rant, and doesn't add any answers to the problem at hand. but poeple longing for some unrealistic dream world doesn't help any either. deal with the problem in front of you "Crime".

"Well earned karma!"

 

[3nigma]

??? have we changed your mind crayon? Maybe ya got a gun? ?

 

[rbtrout]

A few other points to think about -
Germany. Hitler removed all guns and then took over. If citizens had guns, he might not have been able to.
I hate this cliche - guns kill people. BS!! People do. A gun never got up, walked across the room and fired itself at some one. Remove guns and people would be stabbed to death, run over by cars, etc. instead. No changes, just no guns.
You say that I have the right to vote, guaranteed me by the Constitution of the US, and thus I should vote. If logic dictates (yeah, right), the Constitution of the US says that you have the right to keep and bear arms, then shouldn't you own them?
If guns are outlawed, then damn skippy I'll still own my guns.

 

[CrayonOfDoom2]

I was never against them, I want one infact.

Money is an issue currently though.

shot a .45 while back though, it was pretty cool.

(if that's not a gun, blame the guy who let me shoot it, that's what he called it haha )

 

[3nigma]

NICE!! Go ahead an save up for a good one though (personal advice). Nothing is worse and more dangerous than a cheap gun. If you like .45's, check out H&K's, Sigs and (on the less expensive end) Glocks. Each of those manufacturers makes excellent pieces.

 

[CrayonOfDoom2]

NICE!! Go ahead an save up for a good one though (personal advice). Nothing is worse and more dangerous than a cheap gun. If you like .45's, check out H&K's, Sigs and (on the less expensive end) Glocks. Each of those manufacturers makes excellent pieces.

You got any idea what a typical gun safety class would be like?

 

[3nigma]

A good NRA class is an excellent way to start out. There is a tremendous amount of information at www.nra.org. You should be able to find out about NRA approved safety classes near you from there . Let me know if you need more info - I'll help out as much as I can. You are definately starting out with the right foot by taking a safety class though!

 

[Colonel Ingus]

You got any idea what a typical gun safety class would be like?

In a typical NRA Handgun safety class, you'll learn about the different types of handguns, and the applications for which the handguns are used. You'll learn about the different parts of the handguns, and how each different handgun works. Specifically, you'll learn how to safely check to see if a handgun is loaded, how to unload it, how to load it properly, and how to fire it. (these same things apply to classes for rifles and shotguns as well) They will go over the basics of sight alignment, sight picture, and trigger control, which are the basics of accurate shooting with any firearm. The things that are stressed most in the NRA classes are the "knowledge, skills, and attitude" to be a safe and responsible firearms owner. I know this because I hold instructor certification in 5 separate disciplines with the NRA. I think that they are far and away the leader in firearms safety training.

If you are looking for a class that will help you be a better shooter, I'd still suggest that you start with an NRA class. It's amazing what the proper application of the basic principles of marksmanship can do. Plus, if you do take another, more advanced class, they will expect you to be safe, responsible, and have an established level of proficiency upon which to build.

 

[CrayonOfDoom2]

thank you colonel and 3nigma, it will be a while, but rest assured, when I get one (with a class) you two will be among the first to know. I'm actually stoked for the class moreso than the gun itself . . . haha.

 

[Colonel Ingus]

Just make sure that you keep safety the top priority. I shoot a lot of different competitions, and nobody gives two shits how good or bad you shoot, but if you're not safe, everyone will know who you are.....and not because they want to be your buddy.

 

[3nigma]

Truer words have never been spoke Colonel .

 

[Breeze]

In a typical NRA Handgun safety class, you'll learn about the different types of handguns, and the applications for which the handguns are used. You'll learn about the different parts of the handguns, and how each different handgun works. Specifically, you'll learn how to safely check to see if a handgun is loaded, how to unload it, how to load it properly, and how to fire it. (these same things apply to classes for rifles and shotguns as well) They will go over the basics of sight alignment, sight picture, and trigger control, which are the basics of accurate shooting with any firearm. The things that are stressed most in the NRA classes are the "knowledge, skills, and attitude" to be a safe and responsible firearms owner. I know this because I hold instructor certification in 5 separate disciplines with the NRA. I think that they are far and away the leader in firearms safety training.

If you are looking for a class that will help you be a better shooter, I'd still suggest that you start with an NRA class. It's amazing what the proper application of the basic principles of marksmanship can do. Plus, if you do take another, more advanced class, they will expect you to be safe, responsible, and have an established level of proficiency upon which to build.

Great post! I've been an NRA member ever since my dad signed me up when I was a kid. I believe every responsible gun owner should be an NRA member. The bottom line, without the NRA our days of legal gun ownership would be numbered.

 

[PolfaJelfa]

<proud Life Member!

 

[CrayonOfDoom2]

What do you think of the Sig P228 or 229?

And I know this is probably the worst influence ever, but in this game I've been playing the ES five-seven rocks, not sure of the price difference but the five-seven is like 1k or 1.4k??

 

[foobar]

I think it boils down to this quote by Christian Slater's character in the movie True Romance: "If there's one thing this last week has taught me, it's better to have a gun and not need it than to need a gun and not have it."

I live close to the mountains. I carry my H&K Compact 40 when hiking. Oftentimes when I'm in the city, I carry a Karr PM40 in my pocket.

As far as carrying guns in "polite society"... I believe that criminals don't like the prospect of getting shot any more than you or I. If a potential victim is likely to be armed, don't you think that's a deterrent?

 

[sh4dowf4lcon]

Is the importance of handguns in America the influence of upbringing ? Environment ? Media ? the notion of Power . . . ??

Deep inside you, why do you feel you need the legality of a firearm?

and if it wasn't legal to own one, would you and why??

The right to bear arms, is a right, I find as sacred as all the other rights granted in our Constitution.

Guns are intended to protect and to feed/hunt. The Respect for your weapon is pased down mentor to student and from father to son many generations over. I believe you have to have the proper respect for the weapon(s) and for what they are intended, in order to be a responsible gun owner.