Do you own a gun?

[The Straight Story]

Pretty simple.

I used to but don't now, hope to again soon.

[-..__...]

1. Yes...

a 10/22 and a .38.

[madrchsod]

2. i had three

but gave them up when i moved to town. i would have kept them but i did`t know anyone who lived in the country...

[Lost-in-FL]

3. Can "not yet" be a choice?

I know, I know... I was hoping not to mess with your poll but at one time I actually considered getting a gun.

[The Straight Story]

5. Done

:)

[rwheeler31]

8. The first time I ever saw a gun in my house

I got that kid a counselor.

[AlCzervik]

4. thats no one's business but their own.

[scrinmaster]

6. Many

About half as many guns as years I am old.

[CrispyQ]

7. Poll #2:

Will your guns help you when Blackwater comes to town?


Yes:

No:

Undecided:

[orleans]

17. i'd say no. it wouldn't help if blackwater was in town. they'd just

confiscate them like they did in nola

[Lex1775]

29. You'd definitely need a populace willing to fight them.

[comradebillyboy]

49. that would be most of us gun nuts. we are willing to fight for our

rights unlike many so called progressives. And black water doesn't have enough thugs to survive trying to take our guns away. Remember lots of us gun nuts are veterans and are not intimidated by some dip shits in black BDUs. Try to come in my house without a warrant and your ass is dead meat. And I have the hardware and skill to back up my rights.

[Lex Talionis]

171. Damn Right! From one gun nut to another.

The original Progressives were a lot tougher.

[ekwhite]

153. No

I need heavier duty hardware for Blackwater.

[Prefer]

9. I have been considering getting one

I have always been opposed to guns, but I am thinking I might want to have one if I had to defend my home and family. Should I get one?

[Dimensio0]

10. That decision must be made by you and, if you have one, your significant other.

Whether or not you are sufficiently able to handle the responsibility of owning a firearm in your home for defense is your personal decision. Please note that there are some individuals who believe that this is actually the government's decisions. You should be aware that they are mistaken.

[billyoc]

11. Don't get a firearm until you get some basic safety training,

my $.02. :hi:

[immoderate]

70. Seconded. Training in the law as well.

It's not as easy as it looks on TV. Training and practice is essential. Or don't even bother.

--IMM

[WildEyedLiberal]

100. Also, make sure you have enough to invest in a safe

If you intend to use the gun for protection, make sure you can afford a safe so you can keep it secured. In many states it is against the law to just keep a gun in your bedside desk or somewhere else unsecured - ESPECIALLY if any children ever visit your home. If you can't afford a decent gun safe (small bedside models that open via combination or fingerprint-ID recognition usually cost a few hundred bucks) as well as a gun, then don't get one.

[CTyankee]

104. OK, so in order to "protect" your home in case of an intruder in the middle of the night,

you have to be alert enough to quickly open the safe door and get the gun ready for use. By this time it would seem that the intruder has had time to do a lot of damage to you or your family, the element of surprise being key.

I am not disparaging what you are saying, but I am thinking through what really happens and just how effective that gun is really going to be (for you, for the intruder that gun will be very effective when he steals it)...

[krispos42]

112. Gunvault safes open in a couple of seconds.

Electronic combination locks that are ergonomic.





Stick your fingers in the slots and tap out the code. Three wrong tries and it takes a "time out".

Mounts to walls or furniture, and you can get a steel cable that lets you lock it to something in your home or car.

They even have one that's fingerprint-activated for extra security.

Good for handguns. You can keep a loaded handgun there, ready but inaccessable.

[CTyankee]

122. Well, if you have enough time and you are not too sleepy, it sounds great!

n/t

[krispos42]

142. Yeah, so much depends on time...

If they get in fast, then you can't get to the gun... but fast is noisy. And trying to kick in a door and failing the first or second time, or shattering a window, alerts you really fast.

At least where I am, they have to either smash in a patio door (noisy) or try to kick in a heavy door set in a steel frame (painful and time consuming).

I guess with a long ladder they could try breaking in the bedroom window.

[jmg257]

163. That's why dogs make a great 1st defense - of course you can't easily conceal them - so handguns are

necessary for carry out and about.

[krispos42]

164. Ah, that explains Paris Hilton and her purse-dog!

:rofl:

[jmg257]

165. Careful, Paris - it may be loaded! :)

[ekwhite]

155. Bad idea keeping a loaded handgun anywhere

Notice that the pictures from the manufacturer show the handgun with the clip out. I would say keeping a handgun with the clip out and the chamber open (a la the shooting range) is the way to go.

[BlackVelvet04]

127. I personally don't think a safe is necessary unless you have

children in the home. I don't.

[WildEyedLiberal]

149. That's why most gun owners opt for keypad-combo safes or fingerprint ID safes

If you have enough money to get the fingerprint ID ones, literally all you have to do is put your hand on the safe, it recognizes your fingerprints, and opens. That would take about one second. Yeah, if you have to fumble around for a key, then it pretty much defeats the purpose. So if you're serious about having a gun handy for self defense AND being safe about keeping it locked up away from people, you need to be prepared to have the money for a nice, quick-and-easy access secure safe. It's definitely an important consideration if one is going to keep a gun for that purpose.

[ekwhite]

154. Good advice

I had the advantage of living in Phoenix when I bought my guns. They have an excellent public shooting range.

[nightrider767]

12. For home defense?

It's up to you. But if you do, please, please please, check your local laws, practice shooting every couple of months, and think in advance how you'd react to certain situations.

Say, someone's running out of your house with your favorite TV. In my book, he'd be in luck.

On the other hand, if someone is kicking in one of my windows and trying to get in. He would have chosen the wrong house.

I have plenty of guns, but they are tucked away and not ready to be fired. They're more for knocking holes into empty beer cans or for societal breakdown.

[Dimensio0]

14. I have a suggestion.

I have plenty of guns, but they are tucked away and not ready to be fired. They're more for knocking holes into empty beer cans or for societal breakdown.

Might I suggest that you also consider the suitability of your firearms as a tool of defense in the event of a zombie outbreak.

[nightrider767]

15. Zombie's,,, since they're dead.....

Wouldn't bullet's have little affect? Even silver bullets?

:hi:

[Lex1775]

21. Headshots.

Drops 'em everytime. ;)

[nightrider767]

22. Yes, like in the arcade game!

Not particularly effective, but what a visual!

Great way to pass time!

As a gun guy, I'd prefer a hundred times over to shot the "dead" as apposed to the living.

In all honesty, numerically speaking, I'd have an higher chance of getting hit by lightening than to ever use a gun on anything other than a beer can.

[immoderate]

72. I hates me them beer cans!

A lot more fun when they're full (of water, of course.) Rotten fruit is another favorite with us plinkers.

--IMM

[CTyankee]

124. Hey, that's what killed my neice. See my post in this thread.

Clean shot to her forehead. That did it! Her drunken stepgrandfather delivered the shot that killed her. Man, that was a good one! Got her right in the head first shot!

Hope you are happy, buddy...

[krispos42]

117. I just read "The Zombie Survival Guide"

And "World War Z".

Awesome books!

I have almost 400 rounds of .22 ready for close-range head-shots when the Zekes rise!

:rofl:

[CrispyQ]

67. ...societal breakdown.

I refer to it as my New World Order gun.

Of course, I don't have it yet. ;)

[spin]

30. Owning a gun is a big responsibility.

It requires simple things like learning how to operate and clean your weapon. Of course, anyone who owns a firearm should practice with it to to become proficient. TV and movies will NOT teach you anything about firearms. I recommend finding a firearms instructor or taking a course on firearms safety. Go to a range on a regular basis and practice, practice, practice.

Teach your wife and children gun safety and how to shoot. Figure out how to store the weapon so that it is safe from curious children, but still easy to access in an emergency. Many small gun boxes with push button combination locks are available at a reasonable price.

Make a plan with your family on what to do in an emergency like a home break in. You definitely don't want a family member stepping into your line of fire. If you do fear a home break in an alarm system, a good alarm dog, and a cell phone in your bedroom might be good ideas.

You have to realize that you could have to use to gun to stop an intruder and that in doing so you might seriously injure or kill another human being. If this bothers you don't buy a gun. If you have anger management problems or you tend to drink to excess or you have serious mental problems...don't buy a gun. If you and your wife are having marital problems or your children are irresponsible don't buy a gun.

If you do buy a gun, you might find shooting a fairly inexpensive and enjoyable hobby. You will meet a lot of interesting people that will surprise you. I've met a broad cross section of people at the range. Lawyers, doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, factory workers, police officers, bank managers, housewives, college students, etc. etc. Forget all the stereotypes. People who like guns are not limited to redneck males with small penises. Most of these shooters will go out of their way to help you learn to shoot once they see you're interested.

I am glad I took the time and effort to learn how to shoot and had weapons in the house. I'm glad I taught my daughter gun safety and taught her how to shoot. She stopped an intruder forcing his way into my house through a sliding glass door by pointing a loaded revolver at him. He left. No one was hurt. The alarm was blaring and a 60 pound black Labrador retriever was in the house. He didn't care. He just wanted to rape her. The gun she held changed his mind.

[CrispyQ]

73. Excellent post!

In a gun safety class I took one of the men stated that his entire family knew how to use guns. He started training his children when they were young & they are very aware of the seriousness of guns. He said that his boy just turned 16 & he was more worried about what he might do behind the wheel of a car than what he would do with a gun. His statement added a bit of levity to a very serious discussion, but I think every parent in the room appreciated his statement.

And like you, I found a wonderful cross section of people teaching & taking the class. It was really quite a nice dynamic.

I too, am glad your daughter was well trained.

[nightrider767]

76. Well, well said!

Take head folks. Good reasons to own and not to own.

[CrispyQ]

68. I've taken two gun safety classes with the thought that I was going to get a gun,

& I still have not. I ponder this question often & have not reached a comfort level with having a gun my the house to justify getting one. That may change, but it hasn't yet.

I would suggest taking a gun class before purchasing one. The gentlemen who taught our class were very, very serious about gun safety. One of them said that if you handle guns regularly, you absolutely will experience an accidental discharge at some point & are you ready to deal with the consequences of what may happen when that occurs. The whole class was so educational & should I decide to get a gun, I would take the class again, before getting the gun.

Needless to say, if you don't take the class prior to getting a gun you should take if very soon after getting a gun.

[BlackVelvet04]

128. I'm sorry but I think that's ridiculous.

"one of them said that if you handle guns regularly, you absolutely will experience an accidental discharge at some point & are you ready to deal with the consequences of what may happen when that occurs."

I live in the south and know many people who have had guns all their lives....from the time they were 12 or 13 and have never known one to experience an accidental discharge.

[krispos42]

114. The "Guns" forum is the place to discuss self-defense guns in detail

And specific gun policies and laws. Drop in there to ask specific questions and ask for recommendations.

Welcome aboard! :hi:

[flvegan]

13. I currently own 3 guns.

A .45 Officer's Compact, a Mossberg and a .22.

I hope to all that's good and decent that I never *need* any of them. I have 4 clips loaded with Black Talons for the .45, just in case.

[orleans]

18. ........in case of what???

:scared: :scared: :scared: :scared: :scared: :scared: :scared: :scared: :scared:

[flvegan]

19. In case I need to defend myself

my family or my rescue animals.

Or, for that matter, if I need to defend another person.

I wouldn't pull it if I wasn't going to shoot. If I'm going to shoot it's not going to be to stop or maim.

I don't believe in violence. I also don't believe in someone playing predator to my victim.

[penguin7]

45. What gives you the right to play God with your stinking gun?

[flvegan]

48. What gives YOU the right to play God with your fucking fork?

Game. Set. Match.

[penguin7]

97. Huh?

Actually I am a vegetarian.

But if you are thinking about killing people with your gun, you are playing God, and you can go to hell for all I care.

[L1A1Rocker]

99. God

was the very being that gave me my life. I will do all within my God given rights to defend it. That includes my God give right to firearms.

[WildEyedLiberal]

102. Presumably flvegan would only use his guns if his life was in danger

What gave his attacker the right to "play God"? Is his life not important and valuable enough to be protected?

If someone is attempting to maim or kill me, they have forfeited whatever considerations I would normally give another human being, because at that moment, when they chose to harm me, my life became more important, and more worthy of preserving, than theirs, because they chose to prey on an innocent human being.

[flvegan]

133. You got it.

Not just my life, though.

[Richard Steele]

123. The laws regarding "self defense". Next question. nm

[Dimensio0]

147. Your question is puzzling.

At what time did flvegan claim a right to "play God" with a firearm? For that matter, in what way does flvegan claim to "play God"?

[LaurenG]

105. We have guns as well. As far as I remember it's still legal

to own them. :hi:

[krispos42]

115. Black Talons? I thought those were police-only

(makes an 'impressed' face)

:-)

[Thothmes]

131. Use to be sold on the civilian market

Were withdrawn from the civilian market after a wave of cop killer bullet hysteria sometime in the early 90's if I remember correctly. they are not illegal to own, just cannot buy them anymore. I have two boxes of them in 45 acp.

[flvegan]

132. Nope. Winchester sold them for a limited time.

They were branded "cop-killers" due to their buzzsaw nature once they hit the target. A lawsuit or two and some public outrage later, and they pulled them (after I stocked up). I think they still sell something very much akin to the BT under another name.

I've got a couple cop friends. They know I'd NEVER use a firearm if not totally justified. They agreed with the soundness of my choice.

[krispos42]

141. I'm just surprised you keep such old ammo for self-defense.

I mean, yeah, they sell military-surplus stuff from 40 years ago or more, but there's a difference between a few misfires while wringing out a collectable military rifle and misfires when the chips are down.

Hmmm, I just looked up "Black Talon" on Wikipedia. This quote strikes me as funny...

Current status
Winchester voluntarily pulled the ammunition from the market completely in 2000. The "Ranger SXT" ammunition sold today by Winchester is essentially the same ammunition without the black Lubalox coating on the bullet. Among shooters, the running joke is that SXT stands for "Same eXact Thing."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Talon

:rofl:

Love the paranoia of the general public!

[flvegan]

145. How often do you replace your ammo?

8 years ain't that old.

Oh, wait...my .45 is going on 20 now...maybe I should shitcan it.

[krispos42]

148. Not more than a couple of years seems to be the conventional wisdom

I've actually been thinking about buying some new buckshot for the 12-gauge. It's about three years old now.

High temperatures are suppose to make it "decay" faster, and you're down in Florida, so that's the first thing I thought of.

I wasn't being critical.

[orleans]

16. do i own a gun? um...no fucking way

a friend of mine has one, a relative has one (one relative that i know of)

[The Straight Story]

24. why 'No fucking way?'

:shrug:

[orleans]

38. well, let me put it this way--i don't like guns.

there are a lot of things i don't like that i don't own (there are even a few things i own i don't particularly like much anymore for that matter...however)

i don't like guns. never have. never will.

i know, i know, i know all the great rationalizations for owning a gun. and i accept that other people do.

but in my heart of hearts--since i was a kid--i can't stand guns. to me they symbolize something horrible, violent, brutal, cruel, cold. to me they are a symbol of death.

maybe it's irrational. but that's okay. i'm able to indulge myself in a handful of irrationalities.

[L1A1Rocker]

53. Do

you have a sign to that effect in your yard, or on your door?

[orleans]

58. no, i prefer to wear it tattooed on my forehead. why? n/t

[L1A1Rocker]

98. Just

put that sign in your yard or on your front door and you'll see why. Call it an experiment in human nature.

[orleans]

143. LOL!

that's hysterical! (thanks for the good laugh!)

[Warpy]

31. I'm with you

With my eyesight, I'd be a total menace. Besides, I'd be afraid somebody would just take it away from me and shoot me with it.

One consolation among many when I was burglarized last October was that there weren't any guns in this house to sell on the street to the local gang kids.

[Historic NY]

20. Several long guns and 5 handguns. n/t

[Vogon_Glory]

23. I Inherited Several Heirlooms

I inherited several heirlooms. One is connected to the Mexican Revolution, the other two are World War Two war trophies. They're all empty; I made sure of that. All three badly need cleaning before firing. I have no intention of cleaning them and firing them until I have a proper gunsafe to store them in and as matters are right now, they'd be as dangerous to the shooter as the target.

[gateley]

25. I think about it - which I've never done before in my life.

But America has never been like this before in my life.

[CrispyQ]

75. Well said Gately.

Ten years ago I never considered owning a gun. The thought simply did not exist. I took my first gun class in 2002 & my second in 2004. Still no gun, but I do think about it.

[gateley]

95. Hi!

:hi:

Miss you!! :hug:

[williesgirl]

26. Have 2 - a 9 mm and a Glock 40 - and a concealed weapon's permit.

The only time I carry one in my car is if I know I'll be out alone after dark. Live on a mountain, very remote, VERY dark. It's as much for bears and mountain lions as for the two-legged variety. Although, it's come in handy twice with the 2-leg type. Thank God I've never had to fire them other than on the firing range.

[Irreverend IX]

109. You might want to reconsider those calibers...

If bear defense is important. Anything less than a .44 magnum or at least a hot .357 won't do much but annoy a bear.

[Mugu]

27. I'm old and completely defenseless.

Attack me at will because I can't/won't defend myself. PM me for my home address.

Regards, Mugu


Edit: To add that I have many valuables in my home.

[DaveJ]

28. Great reply...

I have been tempted to buy a gun but I think the whole idea is foolish. I've got a tire iron closeby in the case of B&E which would be more than enough for me to take someone out, and I'd even hesitate to use that. I just don't understand what people are trying to accomplish with guns.

[Mugu]

32. I can't believe that you keep a tire iron close.

What if you were to drop it on a loved ones foot? How could you live with that?

Regards, Mugu

[spin]

36. Never bring a tire iron to a gun fight (nt)

[Mugu]

37. But I'm telling people that I have many easily sold valuables in my home.

And have no way to defend myself. Come on down and take my valuables away from me. I have no way to resist, I promise.

Regards, Mugu

[spin]

57. Somehow I suspect

it would be wise for the bad guys to stay out of both of our houses.

We both should post a sign that says:

"The Surgeon General has determined that unauthorized entry into this house could be hazardous to your health".

[Mugu]

59. Oh no, I am completely without method to defend myself.

I promise that I can't/won't resist. I can barely stand and my fingers are so arthritic that I can't pull a trigger.

Regards, Mugu

[nightrider767]

81. For the love of god brothers, don't go near that house!

Mugu you have something up your sleeve friend.

WHat's inside, a large dog?

[Mugu]

83. No I have a huge penis.

So I don't have any use for a gun.

Regards, Mugu

[Yavapai]

121. The sign on my door would read:

"IF YOU BREAK INTO THIS HOME,
PLEASE CARRY THE NAMES OF YOUR NEXT OF KIN,
SO THEY CAN BE NOTIFIED OF YOUR DEMISE!
THANK YOU"

[BlackVelvet04]

129. truly..............n/t

[Warpy]

33. I have a short handled sledge hammer next to my bed

After you finish with them, they can come visit me.

[Mugu]

107. He will have to be delivered.

It's unlikely that he will be moving about under his own power.

Regards, Mugu

[Warpy]

158. That's OK

My eyesight is none too good and I can still use the target practice.

I rely on the fact that the sight of a virago playing at being Thor will weird them out and that tends to discourage them pretty quickly.

Doing the unexpected is generally the best defense, I've found.

[Mugu]

160. No doubt that there is something to be said for the unexpected. n/t

[michreject]

62. Hey!

:evilgrin:

[TheUniverse]

34. I have a BB Gun in box somwhere I got back when I was 10.

[Mugu]

35. Well maybe you can shoot their eye out. n/t

[orleans]

40. LOL! HO HO HO!

[dysfunctional press]

39. that's for me to know...

and a home an invader to find out.

[penguin7]

41. The gun lovers don't vote Democrat

Screw them.

[EstimatedProphet]

42. Define gun lover

[Redneck Socialist]

50. I don't know what a gun lover is, but lots of Democrats own guns

The idea that Democrats are anti-gun comes from the NRA and the right. It's been an all too effective wedge issue for them. Sad to see it perpetuated here at DU.

[Unrepentant Fenian]

93. Agree

Redneck is right, a lot of us own guns. The big difference is Dems are not as rabid about gun rights as the the repukes are.It would do our party good to let our Representatives know that, while there are many more important issues, gun rights have to be protected. It's already cost us a lot of swing votes.

[L1A1Rocker]

101. But of course

posts like those from penguin7 seem to help the NRA's assertions don't they. We will hang separately if we do not hang together.

[Thothmes]

134. Have you heard Senator Feinstein or Schumers

views on gun ownership. They have provided the NRA plenty of readily available ammunition to accuse Dems of being "anti-gun"

[Redneck Socialist]

140. Those individual senators don't speak for the party as a whole

Sure the NRA and the 'publicans use Senators Schumer and Feinstein as bogey men (bogey people?)to perpetuate the idea that the big bad dem's are coming to take your guns away, but a few select individuals aside, the Democratic Party as a whole is not hostile to gun rights. Look at the '06 elections. Many of the new Democrats sent to congress and the senate are expressly supportive of the RKBA.

The senators you mentioned are a small and dwindling minority within the party.

Most Democrats with any sense won't go near gun control as an issue because they recognize it for the loser issue it is.

[michreject]

64. Bullshit

[SecularNATION]

111. And that is exactly why the Democrats have lost numerous elections.

There are millions of voters who WOULD vote Democrat, if not for the gun control issue. Too bad the Democratic Party is too stupid to realize that.

[Recursion]

150. This one does

Despite the party's continuing self-destructive need to shit on us.

[sce56]

43. Never owned one but carried a rifle (M16A1-2) for twenty

If my dream comes true I will get one to defend my self on the high seas!
http://www.thecruisinglife.com/

[Pavulon]

135. I am an AVID sailor

love the community of people I meet. If you plan to travel to any country out of US you will need to get certificates for your weapons registering them as equipment on your vessel.

I did this with a pump shotgun, old m1 rifle, and a 38. Never had problems, they always look, but never complain.

I would not put anything on board that I would miss if it was confiscated or lost.

Actually had more problems in miami than outside the us.

I cant identify that boat. I sailed old pearson and currently a J 133(a three year sale to my wife).

[sce56]

136. The boat is a 1974 Gulfstar 41

It is not mine but about the size of what I'm hoping to buy in the near future;-) that one and all of those pictures are from that web site. I have the dream to sail away from all of the BS here and live off my mil retirement at sail! Right now I have a 1979 O'Day 27. It is need of a lot of work so I'm waiting to see if my divorce money is coming through if so I might jump up to a 41-50' boat and try to live aboard her until my young ones are off to college in about 8-10 years, sooner if things get bad. The biug problem now days out here in Ca is the price of a house is astronomical no way I could afford one unless I did a 80 mile drive to work each day. Well a guy can dream can't he =)

[Pavulon]

137. Dont Know if J is available on the west coast

but they make a sturdy boat. I have fixed up old pearson boats and they are tanks. A good survey of ANY boat is a must. Sturdy, inexpensive, workhorse boats.

Be sure to allow for they bullshit that comes with boats, There is always something needing money. So if you stretch into them you can get burned.

Haul outs, bottom paint, regulation compliance may cost you a few grand a year plus the upkeep.

However it is a great thing if you enjoy fixing stuff constantly and dont mind doing work.

[sce56]

138. Well I don't mind the work

That is a active retirement when you are depending on the boat for shelter you have to keep it in ship shape! The O'Day had muscles on it from bow to stern it took me a day of diving and a tank of air to clean them off! I know all about the expense that is why I can't set sail tomorrow and I plan on learning every thing I can about the boat for a few years before I cut the shore power cord that way I know what needs more spares and know all the tricks to fixing it before my life depends on it in the deep blue.

[Mugu]

44. I don't have a gun and if I did I would be afraid to defend myself.

I might shoot my own foot off.

Regards, Mugu

Edit: Did I mention all of the valuables that I have that I'm unwilling to take to a bank?

[Mugu]

47. I'm just frozen with fear.

If you feel like robbing me just PM for my current address. I will make sure to be someplace else.

Regards, Mugu

[comradebillyboy]

46. I have a S&W 1911 PD (.45 cal) a sig P239 in 40 S&W for

my concealed carry piece, a shot gun for trap shooting, an AR 15 assault rifle for just plain fun, a Springfield XD-40 for the car a Marlin lever action 30.30, and a .44 magnum single action revolver. I think I'll get a S&W .357 5 shot revolver when I renew my CCW. May also get an 1861 Springfield replica cap and ball rifled .58 caliber civil war era musket. I shoot twice a month at least 3000 rounds per year, and I hit what I shoot at.

A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone. Do any of you really think the cops are there to protect you? If you do, then wake up and get real, no body else will protect you if you are not willing to protect your self.

[Mugu]

54. You are much more brave and well armed than I.

I will just give my valuables to anybody that asks without a fight.

Regards, Mugu

[grantcart]

55. I really don't think I have much for anybody who wants it but if your

going to come and get it give me some notice so I can warm something up for you before you come.

[Mugu]

56. I don't really have anything either, but my dogs love people.

And it's cheaper than feeding them.

Regards, Mugu

[aikoaiko]

51. We did a similar poll last summer I believe. over 700 votes and it was split nearly 50-50

I took a screen shot of the poll results but I can't find it now. It might be on my work puter. I can't search the archives, but it was a poll by nightwatcher.

[asdjrocky]

52. Yep, I still have the 22 rifle my Dad gave me-

I treasure it, and keep it in perfect working order.

[east texas lib]

60. Yep!

They are required in my county!

[michreject]

61. 52 at the moment

42 handguns, 8 rifles and 2 shotguns.

[B Calm]

63. Hell yes I do. Owning a gun is a very LIBERAL idea. Liberal gun laws

allow me the personal freedom to own guns and by god I own them because I'm a liberal!

[JerseygirlCT]

65. Not a chance; nor will I allow one in my home. nt

[madokie]

66. nope no firearms but we are fixing to buy us some

the more I hear about how guns kill the more I want one. Guns don't worry me so much its the idgets who have them that do. So I concentrate on those people rather than the tool they might use. Again its not the guns problem its the people problem. If someone decides I have to die then I would rather die quickly with a gun shot rather than a slow bleed to death from say a gashing knife wound or whatever.

I'm a true blue democrat who doesn't hunt anymore so I figured I wouldn't need a gun but with all this crazy talk about how guns are bad it makes me want to own some, maybe many actually ;-)

does anyone here actually believe that there could be no guns, I don't

[immoderate]

69. My Browning Hi-Power is a work of art.

--IMM

[Dukkha]

71. an M4 carbine

for my occasional target shooting hobby. Also security in case Blackwater wants to kick down my door.

[citizen snips]

74. I own a .44 magnum

[Omaha Steve]

77. Yes but......

It has been at least 30 years since I last fired one. I have a 30 caliber carbine and a 45 cal revolver I inherited when my dad past away.

[krispos42]

118. Nice, very nice indeed...

:thumbsup:

[fascisthunter]

78. Nope... Don't Want One and Don't Feel the Need for One

[shadowknows69]

79. Maybe

Break in late at night and find out B-)

[Iktomiwicasa]

80. I own several

A mossberg 12 ga. pump, a .308, 30-06 ( both bolt action Rem 700's) a 10/22, a mini-14 and a Super Blackhawk .44 mag.

Virtually every household in my community has at least one firearm. My people had to learn the hard way what happens when the Gov forcibly disarms the common people.

[RandomKoolzip]

82. No, but others should be able to.

I honestly despise guns and gun culture. But I can see that it's a necessary part of the American way of life. If there was some bozo stalking me, I'd like to have easy access to a firearm just in case.

Having said that, I think the image of Democrats as gun confiscators is waaaaay fuckin' overblown. Even hard-core gun nuts have to admit that they exaggerate a lil' bit when accusing liberals of wanting to "take away their guns."

[THUNDER HANDS]

84. nope, my package is quite large, maybe if there's some shrinkage down the line I'll get one

you know, to compensate.

[EstimatedProphet]

87. So is mine, and I own 8

So give it a rest already.

[The Straight Story]

90. 8 guns or....

8 inches :rofl:

[EstimatedProphet]

91. Both!

[CTyankee]

106. But, but, I thought we were talking about guns! Oh, wait...

Yeah, I forgot about THAT...

[jmg257]

116. Can your freakishly large package shoot a 230gr JHP @950fps? Mine neither... :(

Thank God for J.M. Browning & 1911s :)

[Seeking Serenity]

85. Other: I don't now, but I want the right to buy one should I ever decide to.

[slackmaster]

86. About 55

I haven't counted them in a while.

[whatchamacallit]

88. Self Delete

message could be too easily misconstrued

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

89. No. But, the Marine Crotch loaned me one for 4 years.

Which convinced me that killing people for politicians and generals was a real stupid and degrading thing to do.

[Jackpine Radical]

92. Several, actually.

And I used to own more than I do now. I've had guns around all my life.

[benEzra]

94. Yes. I'm one of those eeee-villll "AK-47" owners.

No, that's not a NFA Title 2/Class III restricted AK-47 in the first photo; it's a SAR-1, a non-automatic NFA Title 1 civilian carbine (functions like a Ruger Mini Thirty deer rifle).



----------------------
Dems and the Gun Issue - Now What? (written in '04, largely vindicated in '06, IMO)

The Conservative Roots of U.S. Gun Control

[Blue_In_AK]

96. Lots of guns in Alaska, but I don't own one

and don't plan to. The only time I've ever even shot one was when I was training to be a correctional officer back in 1982 and I had to train on a shotgun and a .357 Magnum. It was pretty hilarious -- I'm a terrible shot, but I did very well in resuscitation, so I figured other COs could do the shooting and I could bring the poor inmates back to life. :rofl: Ironic and rather pointless that we even had to train since we didn't have any kind of arsenal at the jail and officers who did bring their private weapons to work had to lock them up in the property room. :shrug:

[Critters2]

103. I've received inpatient treatment for depression, so I can't legally

own a gun. Don't want one, but it's not my choice to make. I just have to live in fear of all the crazies who've either never sought treatment, or whose docs didn't report it. This makes me feel so safe.

[Demagitator]

156. Mental illness is not the reason...

I personally think mental illness is a myth, but nevertheless some -- who can afford it go to psychotherapy. I think most of the other people in the world simply deal with stress like issues, by simply meditating, and herbs etc.

Most of the politicians turn the crazies into scapegoats, but I think even the scientific evidence shows that most violence is not done by people whom have been in psychotherapy.

My theory is it is mostly related to stress; because of pollution and food illnesses from eating junk food etc., and because of a poor health care system,and the deregulation of safety measures in the food industry.

[Critters2]

162. Well, that's one theory.

I've been through some nasty depressions, and I don't, for one minute, believe they were caused by anything I ate.

[Demagitator]

108. No

Guns are the root of evil...destruction...wars...and the military-industrial-complex mentality of, us vs. them -- in all kinds of modern day politics, from the left to the right,

[Recursion]

151. Man is the author of sorrows, as surely as the sparks fly upwards

Our troubles, dear Cassius, lie not within our guns but within ourselves.

[shanti]

110. how about "no and i don't plan to buy one"?

where's that choice? :shrug:

[jmg257]

113. Yes. A few actually.

[Hepburn]

119. No.....never have and never will.

Guns repulse me. I hate them and the violence they stand for.

[UpInArms]

120. rabid skunks are dangerous

and I wouldn't want to have to get any closer to deal with them than necessary.

:Hi:

[Pawel K]

125. Yes. 2 of them

one 12 gauge shotgun and a 45 cal hand gun.

[BlackVelvet04]

126. Yes...

two handguns, a shotgun and a rifle.

[Pavulon]

130. Reasonable Inventory...

Beretta AL391 shotgun. Upland game, trap.
Remington 870, as above when raining, sailboat gun.
Remington 700 30-06, Schmidt and Bender Deer, 600m target.
Ruger M77 Schmidt and Bender optics, 22-250, Target, Pests of all types. 600m rifle (1/4 moa with proper load)
CZ 17hmr, target, plink (great rifle, cheap)
Glock 17, CCW
Glock 26, CCW
HK USP Compact, CCW (wife)

[needledriver]

139. I wish I had a gun

I wish I had a bronze GR cypher 4 pdr on a field carriage.

Oh, you mean a long arm or a pistol?

Well heck, I've got:

Two Short Land Pattern Muskets
One Serjeant's fusil
Cased pair of silver mounted bronze barreled holster pistols
US M1 Garand
US M1903 Springfield
US M1917 Enfield
Enfield No. I Mk III (1918)
Enfield No. 1 Mk III (1940
Enfield No. 4 Mk 1
Two Enfield No. 2 Mk 1** .38 revolvers
Uberti .45 single action with a 7 inch barrel.

...and a great deal of anachronistic clothing to go with it.

[ekwhite]

159. One nice collection

I donated my collection to a museum in Milwaukee years ago (1797 East India Company Musket, Sharps rifle, etc., etc.)

[DadOf2LittleAngels]

144. I dont but I cant begruge anyone to legally own a gun..

[Ahpook]

146. Inherited a few

When my dad passed away i got them.

Fucking things were loaded and ready. It made me feel really bad because he wasn't like that until he got sick.

First thing i did was unload them and put trigger locks on.

They have sat in a closet since then.

[ekwhite]

152. I own four

A 12-gauge shotgun, two 22-caliber target pistols, and a 22-caliber rifle.

[AgadorSparticus]

157. No. And I don't want one at home. I could never use one. I don't believe in it for myself.

...but I support the right of citizens to own firearms. The violence is a symptom in society. Instead of restricting gun ownership, we need to address why these violent outbreaks are occuring.

[Norrin Radd]

161. I have a sword from the Renn fest.

[Pacifist Patriot]

166. Oddly enough, I know how to handle handguns, rifles and shotguns...

can load, fire and clean all of the above, but have never owned one and have no desire to do so....unless someone in the future declares martial law and suspends the U.S. Constitution. Then I'd rethink my position immediately.

[SecularNATION]

167. That might be too late.

If you believe those reasons are good ones for owning a weapon, don't wait. You may not be able to acquire one, if those things happen. Gun shops could be forcibly closed. There will most likely be a run on weapons, if they're allowed to remain open, in such an event. Get one, or more, now. Prices are continually going up, as is the price of ammunition.

[SecularNATION]

168. I own several

I did not own a firearm for most of my adult life. That changed six years ago. Now, I own several. Some are for self-defense and target shooting. Others are a reflection of my interest in American history. I'm happy I have them. More Democrats should.

[Hoof Hearted]

169. Barring the complete collapse of society, I'll never own one

I'm all for the strict regulation of guns, but I'm not for any kind of wholesale ban.

[RoadRage]

170. My father passed away last year.. we inherited his 2 handguns..

I don't like them, and my husband wants to trade them in for one gun to keep for safety. He & my brother have gone to a shooting range a couple of times.

I don't like guns.. they scare me, but I guess I like them less in the hands of a criminal. We keep the guns locked in our fireproof safe right now with gun locks on them, and have no bullets for them either.

We have a 2 year old, and another one on the way.. so my biggest concern is making sure that they are always locked and totally unacceptable. And that our kids get gun safety training when they are old enough.