Firearms. Yea or Nay?

[cmayer31]

Isn't this thread a little ray of sunshine .

To preface my post:
- I don't carry a gun with me at all times.
- I'm not afraid of most areas of the city I live in.
- I'm not afraid of a hostile military taking over my house.

- I do carry a small pocket knife with me when I jog.
- I do carry pepper spray, a utility knife, and a hunting knife quite often when I'm alone in the back country, or more than a day's hike/run from the truck.
- I am terrified of the 10 blocks of gang neighborhoods adjacent to where I live.
- In the last 12 months my house has been burglarized 3 times. Luckily without a break-in, just stolen property from the front yard and side yard. The local police were notified and reports taken each time.
- In the last 12 months my truck has been broken into twice including last month when my tail gate was stolen. The local police were notified and reports taken both times.

I own a shotgun that is broken down and stored in its case (An over under style trap gun). I legally target shoot most weekends during the winter for my own personal enjoyment and to keep the gun in good working condition and to keep my skill level up.

I keep two rounds of dove shot within easy reach of my bed and I can assemble the gun in less than a minute. If one of the local thieves finally gets the nerve to break inside the house, and I have time, I will load the gun and make sure it is known that I am armed. The majority of thieves near where I live are petty thieves and migrant workers looking for quick cash. The police are aware of it and try to make a presence at night, but they can't be everywhere at once. The simple notion of a home owner awake and with a gun will, in my opinion, lead to the average petty criminal fleeing the property.

An acquaintance of mine was mugged at 7am a couple of Saturdays ago while jogging around Lake Hodges, he was forced to give up his cell phone and drivers license, the only things he had, at knife point. Until this incedint I never even thought twice about taking Frankie hiking through here in the morning. Now I'm jumping at every sound when I'm near the lake and will probably carry a can of bear spray with me when I hike. It sucks that I have to live with this fear, but again that's how it is now. I'm hearing more and more of these stories as the times become more strained.

Next June I'll be going on my annual camping/back country hiking trip that will include 2-3 days of backpacking. Normally the people I hike with do carry small caliber handguns that are easy to pack and carry. Normally I would never consider carrying a firearm beyond a long rifle or shotgun, but this year I'm seriously considering picking up a pistol or revolver, trigger lock, and small ammo box to take with me on the trip. Maybe I am starting to live in a box of fear, but it isn't unwarranted from my personal experiences and those of people I know personally.

No matter what, gun safety should always come first and if I did have kids in the house I would own a gun safe and not leave a key in the house where it could be found by a kid looking for it. So for me a gun is my right and I choose to protect that right by being a responsible gun owner; same as I'd expect from everyone.

[blue]

Normally I would never consider carrying a firearm beyond a long rifle or shotgun, but this year I'm seriously considering picking up a pistol or revolver, trigger lock, and small ammo box to take with me on the trip. Maybe I am starting to live in a box of fear, but it isn't unwarranted from my personal experiences and those of people I know personally.

Good post all in all. I would reconsider firing Dove shot at someone breaking into your home and threatening you, the criminal and his/her lawyer would likely sue you for medical bills and damages.

No matter what, gun safety should always come first and if I did have kids in the house I would own a gun safe and not leave a key in the house where it could be found by a kid looking for it. So for me a gun is my right and I choose to protect that right by being a responsible gun owner; same as I'd expect from everyone.

Since the 2nd Amendment is the law of the land it needs to be taught in public and private schools and should also be on the curriculum for home schoolers, with a firm basis in firearm safety.

And with the President Elects voting record, Ild consider getting that handgun sooner rather then later.

[Puckstop31]

Good post all in all. I would reconsider firing Dove shot at someone breaking into your home and threatening you, the criminal and his/her lawyer would likely sue you for medical bills and damages.

Not in PA, oddly enough... PA, as left as it is now, is very strong on protecting the rights of gun owners who use their weapons in self defence. The wounded criminal has very little right to sue here.

But then again, that is why you empty the magazine.