Monday Musings – Guns: Yea or Nay?
Mon, Jan 26, 2009
If you’re a regular reader to this little corner of the web, then you know that I don’t usually talk about politics. And I’m not going to start today. But I am going to talk about something that is somewhat controversial just because I’m curious what others think. See, I grew up around guns – my entire life they’ve been in our house. When I was little, my dad collected rifles with long hunting scopes on top. They were kept in a glass case on the wall (they were never loaded of course). My dad was very careful with them and we were used to them being around, so it wasn’t a big deal.
In fact, I remember my dad spending hours in his workshop where he melted down metal and filled it with gunpowder to make his own bullets. He still does that. But now his gun collection has grown substantially. In fact, he has two large safes where he keeps these guns. And he takes them out regularly to practice shooting.
He even takes my brother with him and while they’re doing some male bonding, they’re able to get in some target practice too. Sort-of a two-for-one thing.
My exposure to guns doesn’t stop there though. After my parents divorced years ago, my mother married a deputy sheriff, one who keeps a gun with him most of the time. I remember about ten years ago when I was home for a visit. His gun was lying on the bed in its holster as he was getting ready for work. I picked it up and he said, Be careful, it’s loaded. I remember that I was suddenly scared thinking of the powerful weapon that I held in my hand.
It was a strange feeling because I’m not normally nervous around guns. In fact, I’ve been shooting myself. And I was good at it too.
It’s been a few years since I’ve done it, but I didn’t have a problem with it. I’ve been taught that as long as you are respectful of the weapons and handle them with caution and safety, there won’t be an issue.
The real issue for me is deciding what role I want guns to play in my life going forward. When my brother got married, my dad asked if he wanted a gun. His new wife said no, absolutely not, and they moved on. My other brother got married last year and what does he now have in his house (a gift from my dad of course)? You guessed it – a shiny new pistol. When I was living on my own about six years ago, I had a rough night where I thought someone was breaking into my house. I called the police who investigated but didn’t find anything. I was still pretty shaken up though, it was a scary experience. When I told my dad what happened, the first thing he asked was, Do you want me to send you something? Something small and lightly recoiling perhaps? I declined his generous offer.
But it got me thinking – where do I stand on the whole issue? I’m not talking about the right for people to own certain kinds of guns, that’s a little too political for me to get into here. I’m talking about whether the CPA and I should have guns in our home. I often think that if I had safety lessons and truly felt comfortable handling one, I would do it. But then I think about having children in the house and my stomach clenches in a knot. I know firsthand what guns can do when children get hold of them. I have seen the devastation it caused the family of a childhood friend who’s 10-year old son accidentally shot himself while playing with a loaded gun. I know all too well of the dangers. On the other hand, I want to feel protected in my own home. Living close to a city that, for years, has had the reputation of being one of the most dangerous in the nation, I am very conscience of the need to feel safe.
Thankfully, we don’t have to make the decision today. But at some point, the topic will be raised again. And then we’ll need to have an answer.
What would your answer be?
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Tags: guns, Monday Musings
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January 26th, 2009 at 5:08 am
I’m impressed that you know how to shoot a gun! But my opinion would still be definitely not. Statistics show that it’s much more likely that a gun in the home will hurt a family member than a potential intruder. Even if you did have a gun now and it was completely safe, you might feel entirely differently about the situation once you have a baby!
January 26th, 2009 at 5:14 am
At this point, I’m a No Gun type. I can’t even keep my 10-month old from eating the dog food. And kids just get faster and sneakier as they get older. Any peace of mind I might gain by having it for protection would be negated by my daily concern of the children (or their friends) getting hurt with it. Especially since I’m fumble-fingered and live in a small house, so the gun would need to be loaded and by my bedside for me to feel any sense of protection.
And when it comes down to it, I’m not sure I could pull the trigger if the gun was aimed at another human being. Which means the gun becomes something that could be used against me and my family.
I reserve the right to change my opinion at any time, of course
January 26th, 2009 at 7:25 am
I am a mother of a 3 year old boy and a 1 year old girl and we are owners of multiple guns. My husband even has a concealed weapons permit and carries his hand gun with him daily. Growing up my dad had his fair share of guns while my husband was taught guns were not a necessity. We sleep much more soundly knowing there is a gun kept beside our bed (it is safetly stored in a safe that opens using fingerprint recognition). The other guns are kept up out of reach and will soon be stored in a gun safe that only my husband and I will know the code too. I think if a family decides to have guns in the house every member that is of age should attend a gun safety course. My husband has been asking me if I would like to take the concealed weapons class and while I know I would not feel comfortable having a gun on me while in the presence of my kids I like that the class teaches you the laws of your state and how to properly handle a situation if there were an intruder. And let me just say that if someone were in my house and I felt that my kids were in danger I would not hesitate to pull the trigger. I would be interested to know how many accidents involving guns and children were due to careless parenting. Statistics never tell you the whole story.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:00 am
My dad had several guns (handguns and hunting rifles) in the house when my sisters and I were growing up, and I never had an issue with them. They were kept in a locked safe in a locked closet and we did not know where he kept the key. When he did get them out, he would always emphasize safety aspects (and other things that to me as a child were boring, like cleaning them….I’d soon lose interest and go read or play). But I think what’s important is that we had no access to them unless he was around, and he instilled a respect of how careful you had to be with them. I think the suggestion that every family member (once they get to a reasonable age) should have to take a safety class on guns.
I know that now as an adult I wouldn’t have one in my house currently, but that’s because I know I don’t know enough about them to be comfortable with it, even though I’ve been around them and have shot one once. If I were to have one, or my husband wanted one, I wouldn’t have a problem with it, but I would take a course so I could get comfortable and think safety is the key.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:32 am
wow -this is exactly why I appreciate your comments, because they get me to really think about things. LK and Joanna – when I read what you wrote, I thought, yes, exactly, that’s why I’m nervous to have guns in the house. But then Ann and LaDonna, I read your comments and remembered why it is that we’ve always been okay around guns. I know that I’m still undecided, but hearing your different views really helps.
Great comments – keep ‘em coming!!
January 26th, 2009 at 8:44 am
I too was around guns my whole life. One of the guns that my dad had was a pistol and that’s what I learned to shoot, was pretty good at it for a kid.
We do not have guns in our house. There was a time when I considered it, wanting to feel safer when husband travels. I seriously considered it before I had the kids and just never did, then after I had them I just couldn’t do it with them in the house.
I was even always a bit nervous about the kids being at my parent’s house knowing that there were there guns there. Fortunately for us, nothing ever happened.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:23 am
My bff and I have been discussing this very thing recently. She and her husband went to the gun store to get a couple of guns to keep in their house for safety. The clerk said to her: “Are you ready to use it to hurt someone?” She was not, and they left without one.
I think we should have one, but my husband says no. I think it’s because he had a hard time getting his shooting merit badge.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:23 am
I’ve always said that I wanted a gun because I have been shooting them for about 10 years. But, now that I have a toddler in the house, for some reason the thought of a gun scares the daylights out of me. I’m not sure where I really stand on them, I know they have their purpose and if put away properly, accidents can be avoided. So, for now I’ve told my husband no, but I’m still thinking on it.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:26 am
My dad owned two guns growing up, but I only saw each of them once as a child. He kept them safely locked up so we were completely out of harms way. I myself have only shot a gun once and I personally didn’t really enjoy the experience, it’s like you said it was frightening to me knowing how much destruction can come from the small object in my hand. All that said, if or when I get married my husband wants to own a gun I will be all for it. I of course would want to go to training and gun safety to feel secure in having it in my home. Great post and good comments!
January 26th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Great question! As a mother of twin boys and growing up in a huge hunting family guns are a part of life for us. My own hubby has at least 6-7 guns. We keep ours locked up safely and I believe in teaching children gun safety and also keeping them away from un supervised children ,ie locked up unloaded. I too have witnessed the devastation it can cause when a 9 yr old school mate was accidentally shot.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Sabrina – I agree that kids would probably change the equation a lot. Thinking about what could happen is awful and is enough to keep several people away from guns, I’m sure.
Jana – that’s another issue to consider, would we really be able to shoot it at someone? I’d like to think that just showing the gun to an intruder would be enough, but maybe not.
Terra – I’m with you, still thinking about it.
Briony – I think the reason holding the gun that time struck me, was because it was out of context for me. Most of my experience with guns have been on a shooting range. this time, I was in my parent’s bedroom when I picked up the revolver. I would definitely have to get over that feeling before owning one.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Hey Jenna – I forgot to ask this in the post, but I’m curious where you and your husband lock them up? (this question goes to everyone else too.) I know my dad has these huge safes that are as tall as he is. But I’m curious what others use. I like how LaDonna uses a fingerprinted safe – I didn’t know they had those!
January 26th, 2009 at 9:52 am
My dad currently keeps all of his in a closet in his office in the basement. It’s always locked, and the key is not nearby. And most of those guns inside the closet are in a safe which is also locked. And of course they’re all unloaded.
I’m not sure about where I’d keep it if I had one to use for work or wanted it personal safety at home instead of hunting or just more of a collection. I’d assume that maybe then I’d want to keep it somewhere more accessible in case of an emergency, but not sure what’s more accessible but still out of harm’s way for anyone else, especially if there are children in the house. Something I’ll have to figure out soon if I get the job I want working for the DOJ that would necessitate me having to carry a firearm, so I’ll be interested in what others have to say!
January 26th, 2009 at 10:48 am
I have two kids, 9 and 7, and we have several guns in our home. My husband hunts with them. We’ve always kept them in our bedroom with the ammunition in a seperate place. It’s never been an issue with my kids. They’re not even curious because they’re used to having the guns around. They watch my husband clean them and he talks to them about safety, etc. He’s even taken my son in the woods to shoot…really to teach him the power of the weapon and why safety is SO important. For us it’s all been a matter of responsibility and education for the kids. To us they’re just tools to use for our benefit, like a knife used for cooking, etc.
There’s so much to think about when considering children. I never realized how hard small decisions would become until I had a child.
-FringeGirl
January 26th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Both my dad and my husband are gun guys. In fact, my husband has a concealed weapons permit and carries a gun with him a lot. I am not a fan. I’ve never shot anything more than a BB gun, and I really don’t like the fact that he has a concealed permit.
But, I will admit there are times when I feel safer that he has one.
January 26th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Wow! You really hit on a hot topic. I especially liked the gunshop owner that wanted to know if the person could actually use the gun. I think in the decision process that is the most important thing to consider because if you cannot, it could be taken away from you and used on you.
As your step-mother, you know I have my choice of weapons, but I chose not to get a carry permit because I know I could use one if it came to it. I keep thinking some poor idiot may walk up to the car to ask for directions! Then, I’d be a headline on the local news. However, there was an elderly lady here that held a robber at gun point until police could arrive and she kept telling him that she would shoot him. They are now calling her Grambo.
Whatever a person decides, it is a personal choice. And for those that have children, I would never have a gun in the house that was not under lock and key. There are many ways now to secure a gun and have it close by that are quite sophisticated. I have one close by at home, but when the grandkids come over, it is locked up.
January 26th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Hi Ann – maybe working for the DOJ huh? Are you in the area? if so, we’re practically neighbors! Good luck with getting your job…
Domestic Fringe – I know, we don’t even have kids yet and I’m already seeing how they affect the decision-making process!
Kristina – I’m not sure how I feel about the concealed weapons thing, now that you mention it. Living in DC, you’re not allowed to have guns period. But now that we live just outside the city, we can. So it’s strange to thing that people may have them on them (I assume VA allows concealed weapons) without me knowing about it.
Carol – love the Grambo story. Glad it ended peacefully too. And you’re right -you definitely have access to them!
January 26th, 2009 at 11:27 am
You don’t ask easy questions, do you?! As a child, I knew my dad had guns and even where they were. I respected them and knew their purpose because I helped Dad hunt. As a teen I took the hunter safety course and shot several hunting-type guns while aiming at tin cans. As other people have said here, these are best locked away when not in use and certainly they pose little to no threat to children that way.
The hand gun for home protection raises a whole new set of issues. If you really want easy access, locking the gun one place, ammo elsewhere seems to defeat the purpose. Leaving a loaded weapon in your nightstand poses child safety issues.
I hate to say it, but I guess I’d rather not have the handgun in the house if I were a parent. Or even not, I’d hate to have my own weapon used against me if I were unable for any reason to get to it before an attacker.
January 26th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Thanks! I don’t live in your area, but I will be nearby in a few weeks for the next round of interviews/tests. And then who knows….
I’m sure if I do have to carry a gun, I’ll learn a lot more between now and then about them and figure out how best to use it and where to keep it. Right now I have under my nightstand this huge thing of pepper spray (which is actually intended for bears!) my dad gave me a few years ago. For Christmas. If I had my own blog, those types of gifts that he’s given my sisters and me could be its own post. This past Christmas it was a first aid kit that is so massive I feel prepared to open a triage center in a third world country. But I digress.
January 26th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Hey Melody – no, I guess not. Where would be the fun in that?
You’re right – if you had to lock them in separate places, they may not be very useful in the event of an intruder.
Ann – Gotta love pepper spray! I used to have a little bottle that looked like a lipstick container (since we’re not supposed to have it in DC). That always baffled me – why we weren’t legally able to have pepper spray? Ahhh… subject for another post I guess.
January 26th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
My husband has 2 rifles and a shotgun. He hunts. We have a gun safe and they are locked up in there in the spare bedroom. The one and only time they were out when not being cleaned and not out being used in the woods was the one time someone was shooting our house. And even then it didn’t get used just taken out just in case.
We have no children yet but I know my husband wants them to learn how to use them and gun safety and he’ll want to take them hunting. I’m fine with that. However, my kids will not know where the key is. Currently on my key ring but will probably be hidden someplace my kids will never think to look when we have them.
I really have no problem with guns when used properly.
January 26th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
I know my Dad had guns in the house when I was growing up. I don’t know where he kept them.
I’ve been invited to shoot, but I declined. I couldn’t stomach the idea of a gun in my hand.
So personally, I have a healthy respect of guns, I don’t think there is a place for one in my home. They’re illegal in the UK anyway, so even if I wanted one I couldn’t have one.
January 26th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
I did not grow up around guns and I am uncomfortably ambivalent as well about the whole issue. DH lived a while in the Midwest and is used to guns, and before we got married he bought himself a shotgun “for protection.” It’s not like we live in a scary neighborhood – we live in a very safe town. But still. The shotgun lives under our bed and I am not sure where the bullets are except the one he keeps in his nightstand. Generally I don’t give it much thought, but when I do it bothers me, mostly because I don’t know how to use it. I have asked DH to teach me to shoot but we just haven’t gotten around to it.
Now that we are expecting our first the shortgun has come into sharper focus for me. Like Joanna, even if I were in a situation where I had to use it to protect my family, I don’t know if I could actually point it at another human being and pull the trigger. And then as she said it could cause more harm than good to me or my kids. I insisted to DH that he needs to find a better place than under the bed, and ALL the bullets need to be not only hidden somewhere but also locked up. Kids can find anything, even the stuff you hide well. I found everything my parents tried to hide, and I DO NOT want our little one finding bullets and playing with Daddy’s gun.
I am also uncomfortably ambivalent about hunting and fishing, so that is where I am coming from.
January 26th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
PS – I love your dad’s comment of “something small and lightly recoiling.” That made my day.
January 26th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
My husband grew up around guns in a similar way to what you did. And as a result, my first wedding anniversary present was a pistol. Yay….
He gave me a brief lesson about it unloaded in our living room, but that’s as close as I’ve ever gotten to firing it. I’m really not sure I could shoot another person, even if that person was breaking into my house. Although… if my children were threatened in any way that might all change. Hard to say until you’re in that situation.
So needless to say we have guns in the house, safely locked away and unloaded. When my father-in-law passed away my husband inherited a very large gun collection, so we basically have an armory now.
Honestly, it makes me feel slightly more secure knowing they’re there.
January 26th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Such great comments you guys!
Julie, I think you’re new to the blog – it’s nice to see you!
Amy – I didn’t know they were illegal in the UK. I guess that makes it easy to decide at least.
Erin – isn’t it interesting how things change a bit now that your baby’s going to be in the picture? Let me know if you find a good place to store everything.
Mommy Amy – Where does your husband keep his “armory?” My dad’s safe is so big you could almost walk into it but I guess you need that if you have a lot of guns. Now the question is – where would you put a safe that big?
January 26th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Sweetie–this is he who got you started in all this–LOL. As you know, I’ve had a Concealed Carry Permit for years and have had the joy of helping introduce the safe use of guns to many–creating long lasting friendships along the way. Also, I am cautiously optimistic I will never have to use in self defense. However, when it comes to protection of self, family and loveones–the choice to have or not is a no brainer for me! We live in very violent times and there are those who have no regard for others–period! We must decide early on if are to become the victim or stand ready to protect what is important to us. Having said that, it is a personal choice! Many factors have to be considered. The most important is that of small kids in the home and how to safely manage guns around them 100% of the time–not 90, not 99, but 100%. If parents decide to have guns in the home, they must learn how to handle safely and how to operate at a moments notice. This requires more than shooting a hundred rounds after purchased, putting it up, and never shhoting again. Likewise, I strongly encourage safety classes that not only includes safe operation but rights under the law. So, let me just say–I’ve enjoyed the comments–pro and con. That’s what makes America great!
January 26th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
I’m with the “absolutely no” camp. I served in the Israeli Defense Forces so I could use a gun if I had to. But I don’t want these things in my house.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
I don’t really like them…at all. I have no problem with people having them if they want to, but I think, unfortunately for those that are responsible, one too many people have proven that humankind doesn’t need that much power (i.e., to take a life) in their hands.
January 26th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
I grew up with shotguns around. I’ve never shot a handgun. I don’t like guns in the house but live in an area where they are common.
I think the chances of one of my kids having an accident are higher than than the the odds of me being able to protect myself by getting my gun unlocked, unlocking the separately stored ammo, loading the gun and aiming and firing correctly before the intruder gets to me.
A cell phone by the bed seems like the better option.
The guns we shoot for sport or hunting, we keep off site.
January 26th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
What an interesting post!
I can’t really contribute. I’m from Northern Ireland, and there are a lot or laws against firearms.
I’m not strongly against them though. People have the right to use means to protect themselves.
January 27th, 2009 at 5:23 am
Hi Dad – I knew I’d get you on here one of these days.
I agree – a big part of safety is that the parents have to be safe all the time.
Vered – how interesting that you were in the Defense Forces – I can see how that would make you not want guns around the house.
Stephanie – you’re right, unfortunately people can’t handle the power or misuse the power.
Mindee – that’s a good idea, to keep hunting rifles and such off-site.
Melanie – Northern Ireland huh? I’ll have to look at their laws because I’m curious with all of the political issues there what kind-of gun control they exercise. I bet it’s very interesting. Kind-of like here in DC where they have strict laws against having weapons of any kind.
January 27th, 2009 at 6:22 am
I have to add that at my MOPS group last night, we did a training session with a Personal Safety Instructor. He taught us self-defense moves and such, then went on to talk about home defense. He said, “I am a HUGE proponent of guns, but as this is a group of moms, I’m pretty sure I am in the minority here. Moms are always the most dubious about owning a gun for protection.”
I just thought the timing was pretty funny. And the skeptical looks I saw being exchanged throughout the room proved him right about the first part of his statement: he was definitely in the minority!
January 27th, 2009 at 6:32 am
I just want to say to the ladies who are uncomfortable having guns in the home as a means of protection to please, please take some sort of self defense program. Also the next best thing to a gun is pepper spray. I keep a can in my car. Women seem to be the main target of armed robbery and one reason being is that we are so busy loading kids and bags into the car that we do not pay attention to our surroundings.
And I really want to stress to those who do have guns in their homes, take a safety course of some kind. Be prepared to know how to use them!
January 27th, 2009 at 6:32 am
You would probably know where to look better than me!
I know some people, like farmers, can have a licence for rifles and shotguns, but I don’t know about the regular joe.
I’m pretty sure all semi/full-automatics are illegal, no matter who you are.
January 27th, 2009 at 8:05 am
I feel exactly like LaDonna. We too have the fingerprint safe by the bed and all the rest of the guns are up and away. My DH carries at all times and even wants me to carry, but I draw the line there and carry a can of pepper spray in my purse.
My DH grew up around hunting guns that his preacher father had, but like LaDonna said, times have gotten worse and so they have both moved on to handguns.
Even my Pastor FIL has had my MIL take a safety course and has taken her to the range so she can practice with their new handguns so both can be prepared for an intruder. And my In-laws are probably the most gentle people I have ever met. But both agreed that in these times you need some sort of protection. And like us they have the fingerprint case for in the bedroom, easy access and the rest in a gunsafe that is built into the house.
January 27th, 2009 at 8:19 am
Thanks for opening up the subject – it’s a good one.
My husband and I were both packing when we met (check out “I’d Like to Thank All the Big People” on my site). So, obviously, I’m a supporter and both my kids were shooting by the time they were four. Drop by anytime at http:www.robynnsravings.blogspot.com/
Today’s post should give you a chuckle: Pastors and False Teeth.
January 27th, 2009 at 8:32 am
this is exactly why I have such a hard time deciding this issue. Each of you makes a valid and well-argued point.
Joanna – I love that the guy said that in your group. I wonder if it has to do with upbringing too? I don’t think it’s completely just a guy vs. girl issue, but maybe background plays a part too.
LaDonna – that’s a good idea actually. I’ve not thought of having pepper spray in the car.
Hey Shanee – you’re the second person on here to mention the fingerprint safe. I like that idea because it would be too hard to get to a key in an emergency. Hmm… that’s an idea.
Robynn – I had no idea that people would feel so strongly about it, but I’m glad to hear other’s opinions. I’ll have to go check out your blog. Love how you say you were both “packing!”
January 27th, 2009 at 11:14 am
I am SO torn on this issue. I would love to have one of dad’s guns for safety reasons and sentimental reasons. But I don’t know how comfortable I would feel with it in my home. I think it’d like it to be more of something I have and put in storage so it’s more of a momento than a weapon. Which probably defeats the purpose of having one, but hey. My husband’s pretty strong and light on his feet and I’m trusting him to take care of us. That or I’ll pull out an awesome yoga move to protect myself…
January 27th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Hey–Wife of Odie aka Tracy–you go girl! So, you want one of those nasty guns from “Pops” collection do you??? I think he has a “bazooka” already saved up for you and the man of the houe–the protector, the soon to be 27 year older! LOL
January 28th, 2009 at 10:04 am
I respect the rights of someone to have a gun in their home. As a former boyscout, I had plenty of time behind guns and bows, so I know how to use them properly and it is quite fun to shoot at targets in a controlled environment. That said, there is not chance I’ll ever have a gun in my home.
January 28th, 2009 at 10:19 am
WofO – I know what you mean, it’s good that you have OD to help.
John – Ha ha! Be sure to save me one too! Preferrably a rifle.
Weakonomist – Interesting to hear another man’s point of view. I think I often assume that most men wouldn’t mind them so it’s nice to hear a differing opinion!
January 29th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Dearest Sis, Thanks for putting a picture of my P90 up there. That is one good looking gun. As a point of clarity, where you referring to Jeff there? If so he passed away at age 12.
So the question is yea or nay, I would say definitely yea. As I read through the comments I found it interesting that most of the cons that were listed were things that are completely avoidable. Growing up the way that we have and being so close to tragedy as I was when I lost my best friend to a gun accident, I am still for the right to bear arms. The key is that you are responsible and safe with them. Training is an essential part that plays a key role in both your confidence and safety. I pray that none of use ever have to use a firearm for anything other than sport but it is reassuring to know that the option is there.
Going back to the being responsible part, there are so many options these days to make them ever safer than ever. There are all types of safes and locks to keep them out of the hands of children. I even saw a reasonably priced biometric safe the other day that looked really cool. There are even special bullets now that you can buy that will defragment when they hit a wall so that you decrease the likelihood of injuring someone that you did not intend to.
If it helps the decision making process remember the button that dad still has that says “it’s the law in Kennesaw.” Without getting to political, this is a right that we must fight for and ensure that it is still around for our children.
I have rambled long enough. Love you Tab.
January 29th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Ooh, guns. I’m in the absolutely no way in my house camp. I don’t understand why some people feel the need to carry all the time. I was in PetSmart one day and there was a man in line in front of me with a gun on his hip. I don’t agree with it at all, but generally avoid discussions about it.
My Dad was trained and certified as a peace officer and carried, but was not welcome to bring his weapon into my home. He grumbled about it, but “this is my house and you’ll follow my rules” quieted him down as he went outside to smoke – something else not welcome in my home.
January 29th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Aaron and Margi – great comments, both of you! I love that everyone has such different opinions. Of course it makes it harder for those of us who haven’t decided yet, but still… I love reading about them!
January 29th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Nope, no guns here. I completely respect that others feel the opposite way and I really love this country for allowing people such freedoms. I can tell though from others’ posts that they feel quite the opposite and they give valid reasons, but not enough to make me change my mind.
before I felt compelled to buy a gun. I feel that guns are not the only effective way of defending myself. I was assaulted a few years ago and carrying a gun would not have mattered in that situation. In fact, in my state, if I had shot at the person, even in defense, I could have been charged as well because the person was under 18 and I was an adult. Besides, if the gun is always locked up, and presumably not easy to get to, then how will it help when you need to reach it quickly? To me, guns don’t guarantee safety.
However, I feel that if there is a gun in a house, then there is always the danger of an accident happening, no matter how careful you are. A tragic hunting accident happened to a family friend and they thought they were being very careful, had taken a course and everything! Because of that, people handling guns make me extremely nervous. How do I know that any person handling a gun would exercise ultimate care? I definitely fear them even though I have taken a hunter safety course which required me to handle and shoot a shotgun properly. I
f there is no gun in the house, then that’s one less worry to keep me awake at night. I live in an area where I do not fear for my safety in my own home, so that probably influences how I feel. The threat of danger from the outside world to me feels smaller than the threat of the inherent danger from always having a gun in the house. I think if I did have a daily fear for my safety, I would move in with my parents, or even worse, my in-laws,
Whew! I totally did NOT realize I feel this strongly about not having guns in my own home. Thanks for making me think! I need to ask my husband how he feels.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
I guess I never really understood the idea of having a gun in your home for any reason other than protection or recreation. And even then, I don’t know that I’d trust one because accidents are well, just that- accidents.
Even if it were for a safety issue, I don’t know that I could really shoot one at say an intruder in my home because I guess I’m not really fond of the idea of guns in general or even injuring someone accidentally with one even in the case that they were intruding.
On the other hand, I think the only time I would approve of them in the home is if they were kept locked away in a safe and used only for purposes of recreational target shooting- like your Father does.
I’ve always thought it would be cool to learn to shoot one, but that’s probably only because I watch too many action flicks. I would never seriously use one.
January 30th, 2009 at 5:20 am
Sam – ha! Glad I could help…
Love Letters – I know, there’s always that fear of accidents and the question of whether or not we could actually shoot AT someone. So many things to consider.
January 30th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
My hubby got me a handgun a few years ago for christmas, it even has a laser site…he didn’t want me missing if I had to shoot a bad guy.
I completely and totally understand the hesitation of having guns around kids. I have 5 myself. I was not raised around guns but hubby was. He is responsible and keeps his guns unloaded and locked. Even his antique guns are not displayed but hidden. It took me years before I was comfortable with guns. I now believe that with proper caution and good education that kids can live safetly in a home with guns.
As far as could I really shoot an intruder…you are darn right I could. I have shot intruders in my henhouse and could certainly do the same in my own home when my family’s safety was at stake.
Good luck…this is not an easy one to decided
February 9th, 2009 at 10:10 am
This is an interesting discussion, however I’m very surprised (and a little shocked to be honest) on how many of you that seem to have grown up around guns or living with them in your house presently.
I live in Sweden and I have actually never known or even heard of anyone who grow up with guns in their house, with the exception of airguns that some friends had. Rifles would somehow be more common, but only in areas where hunting was permitted and where most people take part in the hunting. You need a licence to own a rifle and to get that licence you also need to pass a written and a practical exam.
To own a handgun you need a licence and a “good reason” for owning it, ie protection (only in very special cases), target shouting, collection etc and you have to be a member of a gun association club and pass their target shouting exam every six months. With a criminal record you won’t be approved for the licence.
So laws are quite strict here in Sweden and I have to admit I’m very very happy to live in a country where owning a weapon is more of an exception rather than a rule!!! We still feel pretty safe at night in our houses or on our streets here in our little corner of the world. =)
Thanks for a great website, I found it a couple of weeks back and have been reading the older posts for hours. And thanks for all interesting discussions and it’s really good to hear a little more of what you people on the other side of the pond =) think of life and things in general.
April 27th, 2009 at 5:59 am
I grew up knowing that, no matter who the victim is, if you kill them purposedly, you are a killer. I’d rather die than live my whole life knowing that I killed.
Some say thay’d do whatever it takes to protect their family. Now, what about if a thief is doing “whatever it takes to protect their family” when he breaks into a house for money because they need it? Since you (and by “you” I mean whoever it is holding the gun, don’t take offense) wouldn’t wait to ask before shooting, would you be really that different from the thief?
My dad does olympic shooting, but he keeps everything in a safe under lock and didn’t keep a weapon in the house until my brother and I were both over 18.
I’ve read many people saying that they keep their guns locked and safe. I guess if someone breaks into your home and you need it, it won’t be easy to reach unless you’re actually next to it, right? So, what’s the point?
In most European countries (I actually think that in all of them) you can’t carry guns, and I feel so much safer knowing that it’s actually extremely hard to buy one that I would if I knew that anyone could have one. And statistics are there to show that it’s actually safer.
That said, I understand this is probably a cultural issue, so I respect any opinions.