Who's into guns?

[mahaw90]

Were not allowed guns here in the uk

[tomgallagher]

Been to the States quite a few times. When watching news there, been struck by the amount of reports of crime especially involving guns. Either the UK has less crime, or it does not get reported on the news so much. Probably a bit of both.

In the UK, it's illegal to carry or possess guns. There are no guns shops and police generally do not carry guns. Sure, there's knife crime in some of more deprived urban areas.

The UK has a population of 60 million. In the whole of 2008, 8 people died in gun shootings. The US has 5 times the population. So the equivalent would be 40 gun deaths in the US for one year.

We don't have guns (well, almost).

I would venture a guess and say that if the U.K. (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, etc., etc.) had the same liberal gun laws that we in the U.S. have to live with that figure 8 would probably jump to 800 or more.

[IllinoisBaldy]

In the UK, it's illegal to carry or possess guns.

Hey Mr. Jules.  Is hunting with a firearm allowed in the UK or do you need a special permit?  I'm an avid hunter here in the states.  While I do use a bow and arrow, I also use a firearm, shotgun to be more specific...just curious.  Thanks

Illinois Baldy,

Good question. Think you can have carry a air rifle, but not a firearm. The thing is that gun controls is so very strict in the UK. As I said, even the police generally don't carry guns - except in very special circumstances.
You can read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_politics_in_the_United_Kingdom

And there's no desire from the public or politicians to change the laws. The general consensus in the UK is: we don't want guns here.

 

Interesting read Mr Jules.

[Electric Rider]

What part of a "well regulated militia" do you belong to.?

None.

It is a common misunderstanding that only those who belong to a well regulated militia have the right to bear arms and not the individual. There are two sides to this coin. The U.S constitution as originally written does speak of a well regulated militia having the right, but many states have worded their constitutions differently for clarity as in the case with Louisiana which does not mention a well regulated militia at all.

" The right of each citizen to keep and bear arms shall not be abridged, but this provision shall not prevent the passage of laws to prohibit the carrying of weapons concealed on the person. "

The federal US constitution does not legally trump the states constitution. The states have the right to follow what ever creeds they choose. But this is where the confusion comes from, so The U.S Supreme Court has been asked to rule on the matter. The decision was ruled in favor of individuals. This was The Supreme Courts interpretation of the original U.S. Constitution and it's intent.

See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/District_of_Columbia_v._Heller

"The Supreme Court held:

    (1) The Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home. Pp. 2–53. "

And:

http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/2010/06/28/u-s-supreme-court-upholds-right-to-bear-arms/

[Blitzed]

In Kansas we have an Open Carry policy. I went a bit further, took the course did the work on the range and got a Carry Concealed Weapons permit. Depending on where I going and what I'm doing I have a S&W .50 tucked under my left shoulder. Never used it but it has brought some difficult situations to a grinding halt. PJ

[tomgallagher]

 A rather large 6 foot something 300 lbs fellow named Jose came up to me and asked me for the keys to the pool areas so he could get water. I told him truthfully I did not have the keys, as I had turned them into the office before the storm hit. Next thing I remember I was waking up very bloody and sore. Many people witnessed this brute mercilessly pummeling my face and head into the concrete. I did not provoke this reaction.
[/quote]



I don't understand how a handgun could have helped you in this situation. You say "the next thing you remember" so you would not have had time to draw and fire even if you had a handgun, a la George Zimmerman, but if it makes you feel better and you don't break any laws than go for it.

[Tg96]

Ive never owned a gun in my 22 years of living but it's something I definitely am considering investing in. People are crazy in the society we live in and yes a gun will make a difference in many situations.

[Electric Rider]

I don't understand how a handgun could have helped you in this situation. You say "the next thing you remember" so you would not have had time to draw and fire even if you had a handgun, a la George Zimmerman, but if it makes you feel better and you don't break any laws than go for it.

This was my first encounter with violence during the storm. It was not the reason in itself why I accepted the gun. I have a period of time missing from my memory here due to trauma but other people were around and tell me this guy gave me several body hits before getting me on the ground and hitting my face. Would I have had time to use the gun had I owned one then? God only knows.

 When you train in using a weapon like a gun for self defense you are to be vigilant and ready to fire without hesitation at a seconds notice of danger. You do not say, " Stop,  I have a gun" or think about shooting the scumbag in a non lethal area of his body. The second you know your in harm, you shoot to kill and keep shooting until you know your attacker is no longer a threat. Why is this taught? Many times it is the only thing that will make the difference between you life or theirs. The idea is to protect oneself and ones family and not give the attacker time to recover to continue his evil intent. Otherwise, the gun will do you no good and you might as well offer yourself and your family up for willing slaughter.

That said, I never wish to know what it's like to kill another human being. If I had to shoot someone, I would pray I didn't kill them and call 911 asap and do everything I can first aide wise to keep the guy from dying. As a moral person brought up believing in a faith in God one has to come to accept that although murder is wrong in God's eyes killing in self defense is not looked down on. The Bible makes this distinction clear in many areas. You are supposed to be able to discern what type of threat you face and act accordingly.  If it's a simple robbery, you can let the guy take your goods and go on his way. If the intent is to cause you harm or kill you, you can defend yourself with deadly force if need be. Even Jesus admonished his followers to buy and use swords for self defense.  http://www.biblicalselfdefense.com/

I only accepted the gun after my house had been broken into in the middle of the night at two different times and guns put to me and my wife's heads. One time with one attacker, the next with two attackers.

[mrmagoo]

Not into them Like I used to be, but I own a Kimber Ultra Carry and a Remington 1100 12 gauge. I'm disabled, so my dog and gun go everywhere.

[BlackDogBrewing]

Marlin Model 25 .22lr w/ Bushnell scope- the groundhog getter
Savage Model 11 .308win w/ 3-9x scope
Benelli Nova pump- 12gauge, black, 26-inch barrel- my do-it all gun.

I'm currently looking for a carry pistol, seriously considering the Ruger SR40C and the Glock model 23 in .40cal

[gunngee]

Guns in my collection include: .300 savage model 99F, .30/06, 7mm rem. mag, .338 browning a-bolt medallion win mag, .22 cooey semi auto.

[Stoots]

My Ruger Super Black Hawk .44 Magnum:



My Ruger Single Six:



 

[PilotJeff]

I currently own 0 guns.

However my dream is to one day own a Desert Eagle .50 automatic. 7 shot. Weighs 4.4lbs(2kg) 8" barrel.

What a beautiful gun.

Heres mine. Its all fun and games but at $2 a round it aint cheap LOL.



My daily carry is a Glock 30. The Desert Eagle is my safe queen.

[Hingatao]

I've only held a gun once, but never fired one. I'd love to get one though. It's not feasible right now, though, given my employment/living situation.

[waine]

Interesting topic

South Africa has been described as one of the highest murder countries in the world.  Many law abiding citizens own legal firearms for self protection.  I won’t give you the stats of how many murders there are per year as I am a police officer and I may be contravening police regulations by publishing such stats here.  It is not uncommon for one province to experience 5 to 10 murders on a single weekend, never mind the country as a whole.

We have one of the highest violent crime rates in the world, where it is a daily occurrence that armed robberies take place in driveways or inside your home or at businesses.  My son and I were robbed of our cell phones, our motor vehicle and cash in our driveway at gunpoint in front of my wife and daughter in 2008.  In townships, rape on children of 4 - 12 years is not uncommon.  Almost every single person you speak to is in some way a victim of crime here, from a petty theft from your washing line, to muggings, housebreakings or hijackings.

I can go on and on...

I have a service issue Beretta 9mm pistol for the past 28 years as my close companion, which is always ready in my home.  It is a beautiful weapon, one that I can dismantle and re assemble blindfolded.  I will not have the slightest hesitation to lawfully put a bullet in anyone’s head who tries to enter my home and hurt my wife or daughter.

South Africa is an amazing, beautiful country with heaps of potential and many awesome, hospitable inhabitants.  It does not mean that it is a dangerous country for a tourist, as many tourist destinations are well protected and policed. There are many massive threats that stand in the way of significant progress in SA – HIV, and violent crime.

I enjoy guns and fortunately I know how to use them as I was well trained many years ago.