Do you own a gun and why?

[Anonymous]

Something I never encountered growing up in Ireland. I think some people have shotguns and small calibre rifles but that's it usually farmers and licenses are hard to get. Was a hard thing for me to get used to in America as it seems real easy to buy a gun and somebody said that in texas you get a free gun with a bottle of whisky. My hubby has a lot of guns though he says it's a very small collection for home defence, hunting and target shooting. He even bought me a pink glock and a revolver and showed me how to use them but they stay at home and in thd car I barely look near them, I have the mace and taser he gave me which are also ilegal in Ireland.

[NamerOfStars]

Yes. Why? Bluntly, so people like you don't have to. I don't like guns, but I understand that they're necessary- and these days, why they're necessary.

Twenty one years ago, I watched my brother go through a minor mental breakdown as he struggled to plan a life lived on the run, fleeing and hiding from the police, which was what he'd have to do if the slavers came for him. Luckily, that didn't happen, but the legislation was written and ready, and NOBODY would've stood with him- except me, but I was just a kid.

Three years ago, I watched society break down and teeter on the brink of totalitarian collapse. One concentrated media campaign filled the world with so much fear that they agreed to suspend the rule of law "for the duration of the emergency", and anyone even questioning that was attacked- usually only verbally, but I did once have a baseball-sized rock hurled at my head. When the victims of a movement call for more of that movement, you realize that when the chips are down, you can't count on ANYBODY but yourself.

It's been a very bitter pill to swallow, but I've always preferred an uncomfortable truth to a comforting lie. And no, I have no intention of shooting anyone and certainly hope that I never have to- that the threat of my capacity for violence is enough of a deterrent to either scare would-be aggressors off or convince them to try using words; I'm not one of those hard-core gun nuts who thinks the solution to every problem is "more guns!".

I would think that someone raised in a country where, up until relatively recently, you weren't allowed to practice your own religion, speak your native language, pursue any form of education without openly converting, own the land you lived on, be free from the risk of government enslavement halfway across the world, express a desire for representative government, wear specific colors, etc., etc., would be more sensitive to the dangers of unchecked power- but I guess the last of the generation that grew up hearing those stories has died off.

Even then, the mandatory consumption of an untested mutagenic agent (held to even after that fact was discovered) to participate in society, creation of laws mandating proven-ineffective facemask wearing (and just talk to a child speech therapist about how much damage THOSE do), government-mandated business curfews (because forcing people to all shop within a given timeframe won't cause concentration of people and further spreading of a virus, somehow) and then promising to drop all restrictions but then changing their mind three days beforehand because "reasons" should've driven the point home for a new generation, but I guess learning from history is uncool now. Ireland ain't what it used to be, for better and worse.

Also, one thing you've changed needlessly: here in the States, we leave the "e" in our whiskey. One can no more buy "whisky" in Texas than "aluminium foil".

[Lliam]

My dad gave me a Ruger 10/22 for my 16th birthday. Some of my friends and I would go out to the desert or mountains and target shoot.
Still in my teens, I bought a Ruger.44 carbine that is a matched set to the 10/22.
Still in my teens or early 20s, I bought a Remington 1100 semi-auto 12 gauge shotgun and got really good at shooting trap and hand-thrown clay birds.

Over the years, I've collected other handguns, rifles and shotguns of different calibers types. I haven't bought any in over 20 years because the dozen or so I own are sufficient for any application. It like owning tools.

I used to reload my own.44 and 12 gauge ammo.

I own them because I like them and have zero respect for those who would take away my right as an American citizen to own them.

Shooting is a fun recreation. It teaches hand-eye coordination and discipline.

I don't enjoy hunting because I don't like killing living creatures, but I'm prepared to hunt for food if necessary.

I'm also prepared to defend my home even though I doubt if I will ever have to. But I do live in a rural area, so I can only depend on myself. I have fire extinguishers, too, even though I hope to never need to use them.

[Aerissa_Jade]

I won a few, for target shooting for fun and to keep my skills up, also for personal defense while I'm out and about and home defense.

There is no law enforcement here and even if there was, they have no legal duty to protect anyone according to the SCOTUS and several rulings with it.

Calling 911 may take over 90 minutes to get an officer to show up here in rural America, what is someone suppose to do while waiting for that long if someone is breaking into your house to rape and or kill you?

Ask them politely to wait for a bit and have a talk with the police?

I also hike in the mountains a lot, far off the grid, what would I do if I came across big foot who wanted to eat me or the worst monster of all, a human male rapist wanting to mate with me against my will?

I have different kinds and styles because of different ammo and feels. A shot gun is great for at home defense but not so great to haul around while hiking. Rifles are better for long distance shooting, such as hunting... and hand guns, are great for open or conceal carry.

Open carry is legal here and no one thinks twice when they see someone carrying a gun in public, no different than having a hat on or a coat. Only idiotic losers freak out about it and call 911, the anti gun Karen's and it can be a crime to report to police someone who is not breaking a law. As it now wasted their time to show up and find no crime in progress, you might just get a ticket for it... which I think is a great thing.

Don't call the police on someone who isn't committing a crime.

[Lliam]

👍👍👍

[MzAsh]

My husband and I have two hand guns. One I keep within arms reach on a nightstand because he works graveyard shift.

[WhiteSteve]

I do not own guns. I feel like we’ve all lost our senses of honor and now the end result is all that matters to us, “did I live or die?” If another person shoots me, I die with honor, meanwhile that person lives on as a coward. I would prefer to have my honor over my life, if it came down to it, I guess that’s the main point for me. The reasoning for the gun usage is irrelevant to me, conflict is a natura part of life and “right vs wrong” is completely subjective and not something I’m comfortable leaving up to the decision-making of some random human who is personally involved in the situation.

[exitseven]

If somebody broke into my house and threatened me or my family I would have no problem shooting him. I would consider it an honorable act and would sleep like a baby after.

[LeeCrane45]

I see your point, but an honorable death is still a death, and even worse, your death could put your family, friends, or anyone in the immediate area in grace danger because your no longer alive or fit to protect them. In the situation you just presented death could be completely unnecessary provided you're allowed to own firearms for home defence in your country. Here in Canada that is not the case, though I do wish it was.

I am a soldier who is currently studying to get into law enforcement, I know how use of force works, I know what it feels like to fight and lose just as much as I know what it feels like to win. I also know the value of simply presenting a firearm to a dangerous individual, which might just scare him off which could diffuse the situation entirely, and to me, finding a means to defend yourself without any avoidable bloodshed is the most honorable thing you could do, with or without a firearm.

A gun is a tool that can only be PROPERLY weaponized with a lot of training, I personally believe there is great honor in practicing to use a weapon to defend yourself and those you care about.

To be perfectly honest here, I am a short guy, 5'3 to be exact, and while I may be proficient enough to fight off attackers who don't train as much, or have any experience, the simple rule of nature is that larger intruders, who are definitely more readily prepared for combat than I am if they are breaking in unannounced, already have a great natural advantage.

Now sure, I could always follow your code of honor and try to fight him close quarters, without any weapons or force multipliers, but that would make it much harder to scare him off, it would put not only me but everyone else in unnecessary danger, and let's not forget, his the the aggressor here, so he's probably armed with something anyways, hopefully not a gun, I guess!

Anyways, that's the way I perceive honor in these situations, but you are entitled to your opinion.

[WhiteSteve]

@exitseven @LeeCrane45 I guess, to me, pretty much everything with a heartbeat has the same life value of “0”, or let’s say “1” to be kind. We will all falsely inflate the value of ourselves or those we care about, but the cold reality is that we’re all throwaway. If somebody confronts me and mine in my home, nature dictates that the winner gets an opportunity to survive to pass on their superior genetics, and anyone who perishes is not meant to do the same. Maybe that’s out of whack with the invention of the gun, which allows that system to be cheated and permits the weak to defeat the strong, which isn’t supposed to generally happen. Perhaps you guys are just adapting to a fucked up game. But based on my own principles, I just can’t participate in that, even if it leaves me at a disadvantage.

[exitseven]

@WhiteSteve Just because somebody is not physically strong does not mean he does not get to pass hus DNA on the the next generation. The world evolves continuously and people need different skills to survive. Brains and cunning will serve the modern man better than the ability to bench press a car.

[WhiteSteve]

@exitseven I don’t know, man. The longer I live and the more I observe society and humans, all I see is that we’re cave men and cave women trying to be more than that, but it’s just not supposed to be in the cards for us. Our brains and cunning or whatever get us part of the way there, but it’ll never work because it goes against our hard wiring to be cave men. “Social problems are just the manifestation of the futility of all attempts at modern society.”, I always say.

[Lliam]

If someone gave me no choice but to ventilate their ass, I'd be pissed. I'd spit on them as they took their last breath. Some people have no value and are not worth a second thought.

I've seen plenty of videos of robbers being shot and even killed. I laugh and the pain and terror they endure.

[WhiteSteve]

@Lliam pretty savage mentality if you ask me, but that’s between you and your god

[Lliam]

@WhiteSteve. I suppose you are civilized. So you wouldn't even defend your loved ones?
Are you okay with paid, professional killers defending you?
Oh, and FUCK that imaginary Hebrew demon that people call God.

[WhiteSteve]

@Lliam I would of course defend myself and my loved ones. I fight fairly frequently, more in hockey now, but just in life when I was younger, I’m not a pacifist. We’re built to give each other beatings, I guess I just don’t understand why we can’t live within those boundaries. Not a religious guy myself, by the way, just using an expression for color. I also remember hearing that, per some report done by some federal agency (saw the guy who headed it up, he was some kind of cop or something), only 6% of active shooter situations are ended by a civilian with a gun. Much more often they get tackled by unarmed people. So I don’t look at guns as an ultimate trump card. Conventional self-defense wisdom is “charge a gun”, so it doesn’t necessarily take firepower to stop one.

[Lliam]

According to that logic, only macho men are allowed to defend themselves. The old or frail, women or small people can just pray for mercy.

But go ahead and take chances. When three armed thugs break into your home, you can beat them up while they're shooting you.

And what about the paid killers (police) I mentioned? Do you think they shouldn't be armed in case of emergency? Frankly, I trust armed civilians more than I do police. Based on statistics and anecdotes, civilians are far more restrained than police when it comes to defensive gun use.

[exitseven]

@Lliam yes, some people just need to be put down. i think they are born that way.

[WhiteSteve]

@Lliam Correct, that is the very nature of nature. You’re getting caught up in how we feel about that as humans, but how we “feel” about this or anything related to our existence on Earth isn’t relevant. We are all subject to the same governing system as every other organism on Earth. Biggest brute wins, whether we like it or don’t. We arrogantly believe we should be able to steer any aspect of this, but again, that’s just a human desire that doesn’t matter to the overall system. That’s tough for most of us to reconcile since it doesn’t favor us, but that’s the cold reality.

I don’t even believe human society as we know it is correct, having countries and governments and large-scale organizations…. again, WE like it, but nature doesn’t give a shit what we like. Human survival just simply is not the end-game here. So police or any other third party that intervenes in natural selection processes are even less correct, in my eyes. We’re all supposed to be wild animals, and I don’t really endorse anything that treats us or characterizes us as anything more than that. This is about strictly adhering to nature’s way.

[Lliam]

@WhiteSteve. It is true that all creatures eventually die. Sometimes their own choices lead to their deaths.

I had friends who died doing stupid things like daredevil skateboarding, driving motorcycles irresponsibly, or drug overdose. It's always very sad, but stuff happens.

I feel bad for the jackrabbit that falls prey to the hawk, but I don't mourn the loss of the rabbit because it was going to die eventually and there are more where it came from.

You're right, humans are one of many animal species on this planet. Defensive capabilities have evolved in most creatures. Defense isn't always about brute strength. The most powerful animal doesn't always win. There is a natural equilibrium.

Humans, with their unique mental abilities, have gradually developed more and more efficient means of defense. That's one reason why physically smaller and weaker people can survive against attacks by animals and other humans.

[Ryfyle]

You have a childish sense of morality.

[Leopard23]

Home defence just and hunting. I'm a big glock guy and have 3, I've a glock 17 L which is my go to home defence weapon in the gun safe in my bedroom, 9mm with a 30 round magazine. I' tend to buy a lot of military surplus and ex police guns rather than brand new as you can often get them cheaper depending. I've 2 m1917 American Enfields, an m1903(sights bust), 3 M1 garrands, 1 Lee Enfield and one finish Mosin Nagant even with iron sights they are good for hunting. I got my M1A Springfield bought by my Daddy in the early 80s and a mossberg 500. I've an m1917 revolver which is a solid reliable weapon, sometimes I wonder if I'd be better off keeping it as my bug out gun instead of my glock 19. Recently got rid of my mini 14, I've had a few in place of buying a good AR15 and everyone of them has let me down. I've an old AR15 from the 70s my Daddy bought for target shooting, I'd never sell it, it shoots true and almost ad good as any modern AR15 even without pictany rails. Kinda hoping that i can get a surplus m4 or M16A4 as soon as the Army adopts the new XM7 and the surplus 5.56.

[AmeerX]

Not from US but having weapons is not the issue. It's actual more important to keep a weapon because of corrupt police officers and bureaucrats raiding you in middle of night.

I have weapons but I use them as last resort. Weapons create fear in the hearts of the corrupt. They know you will retaliate so, they won't mess with you.

Luckily for Ireland, they have good corruption levels.

For Pakistan and many countries beyond the 100 ranking actually need weapons. Police is fuckers group if you ask me They cannot be trusted with your safety. Police in my own incident took money from the enemy to make fake cases. Fake medicals and so on. Luckily the enemy had to face defeat as they were proved wrong in trial but then the remands in my country are indefinite if you don't pay a bribe and we didn't. If anyone thinks it's fake be my guess come settle in my country form a big enough wealth the right way and you will see how much jealousy locals will use to try to corrupt you too

[MysticDevice]

I bought my first one as a hobby. My country friends took me to their cabins and to the rifle ranges when I was much younger and I was hooked. The satisfaction of hearing the pTINNNGGGG when your round hits the steel target plate down range is a lot of fun. I bought an AR-15, not because it's a "military rifle" and I wanted to be cool, but because quite simply that's what was available. The hunting rifles were running as high as 2,000$ but the ARs started at 650$ at the time. And with smaller, cheaper rounds the choice was pretty obvious. Its just a good platform for beginners. I followed up with a shotgun I bought for 100$ for clay pigeon shooting. Clays pigeons are small cereamic disks that are launched from a small catapult for you to shoot at. Also a lot of fun.

Fast forward after the last two elections, people were just crazy. Getting dragged out of their cars and beaten, rioters buring gas stations down and attacking bystanders, and home invasions were becoming a problem. I bought a pistol for personal defense. The odds of me needing to ever use it are low, but not zero. At the same time pistol shooting at the range is good for blowing off steam and just dealing with stress.

The rest of mine are collector pieces. I have a reproduction musket and a Russian Mosin Nagant bolt-action rifle from 1935.

The final reason is for the wildlife. Where I live in the US, we have Black Bears, Grey Wolves, and Timber Rattler Snakes among other predators.. While encouters with these animals are rare they do still happen. And they remind us that we are not actually at the top of the food chain.

[Red_Arrow]

Your husband has "a lot of guns" but you call it a "very small collection". Plus you have a revolver and a glock, which is a serious gun preferred by many cops. So the question is, why do you two have so many guns? Keeping a gun that is ready to use in the car is illegal in many parts of the United States. Most people in the US do not have many guns and do not keep them with them when they leave the house. You say you never encountered people having a lot of guns in Ireland, but you have many more than most people in the United States.

[Asker]

I was given the guns. HD says its a small collection not me

[Lliam]

@Red_Arrow. What makes a Glock a "serious" gun? Do you know anything about calibers and velocities?

[Red_Arrow]

@Lliam A little. The Glock is a well made gun that can function well in many different situations. The Glock 19 is highly effective while remaining simple. It is the choice of armed professionals across many spectrums of law enforcement and warfare.

[OfMiceandMen]

Nope, don't want one, don't need one.

I have a compound bow, throwing knives and axes. The knives and axes are for fun, have a target at the end of the deck and play while I am bbq'ing. I've taken down a black bear with the bow, didn't want to, but had to.

[exitseven]

I think that the compound bow is an amazing weapon. It won;t help much in a home invasion.

[OfMiceandMen]

@exitseven I guess if there is more than one person, the draw would take too long, even if you were ready for them. Those are very rare in Canada especially where I am out in the sticks.

[Anonymous]

Yes I do. I have them for a number of reasons. One because I love them, I spent 10 years in the military. Aside from that as far as why I have them. One is for the home, although we live about a mile from the police department it takes forever for them to show up. Not that I’ve had to use it for at home as we live in a descent neighborhood. I also have one for when I go camping, actually two just in case nature’s wildlife tries to get a little wild. I also have a BB gun lol that’s just for shooting small targets for practice, nothing living. I also have a rifle for long range target practice, also an AR just for shooting at the range.

[mstbooblover]

Although I maybe won't say no to owning a gun, here in my country it's illegal and subjected to licences difficult to obtain. Meaning I don't have a gun. In the army I wasn't bad at all at target shooting.

Keep still in mind that guns in the hands of idiots and criminals cause worldwide damages.

[Iron_Man]

I own a shotgun because I was robbed a long time ago house robbery when I was in Las Vegas vacationing. It sits back in the room never touched in a box. It’s only for home invasions, but I sleep in the living room so what good will it do me not very much.

[anon171999]

No. I have a sword and other weapons. I don't believe in guns. They're for cowards and people with no skill or talent in my opinion. Guns build no character and require no patience. Swords, bows, etc require patience to learn and master. I believe learning those skills builds character, mental fortitude, and self control. Guns don't do that. Anyone can kill anyone with a gun, regardless of talent. It's not a fair or honorable fight.

[Berethor]

The last samurai, that's why guns replace swords and bows, easy to use and deadly.

[exitseven]

Never bring a sword to a gunfight.

[Ryfyle]

You are exhibit a painful naivety. Do you know how easy it is to miss a 25m? You clearly have no idea what your talking about.

[exitseven]

Between defunding the police and the runaway crime wave during the last two years. i bought a handgun a d a shotgun and took a week long training course meant for law enforcement last spring. When I was recovering from surgery at home last year the cops came to the door and told me the house next door was broken into and did I see anyone. It could have been my house that got broken into and in my present condition there was not much I could have done about it.

[Fireguy17]

I own a number of hand guns.
I do a lot of target shooting, and 1 of them is my go to carry.
I have it for personal protection>
Before I retired I owned a jewelry store and worked late quite often, so if something bad happened I at least had something.
I have never had t pull it out, but there was a situation right before I closed one night I made very sure it was very visible on my side.
To this day I don't know if I prevented something or not, but I had itnjust in case.

[Anonymous]

I have four.

30.06

two.38

.25

[Asker]

Numbers?

[Opinion Owner]

Those are the caliber

[Berethor]

No, not easy to get gun in my country, but it's useful against islamic terrorists.

https://www.thereligionofpeace.com/attacks/attacks.aspx?Yr=Last30

[Dargil]

I have 3. A 9mm semi auto pistol, 12 gauge shotgun and lever action Cowboy rifle.
Why? So I can water my lawn with the blood of home invaders, AntiFA and BLM.

[SnowedIn]

We don't have one. My wife and one of my sons each want one but they haven't put the money or effort into getting it. I'd enjoy having one left at a range; I enjoy shooting when I get the chance.

[musicbrain5]

I like target shooting and I have a firearms license (a PAL in Canada), but I do not currently own any guns. I've never owned my own guns actually, I always used my dad's gun at the range.

[AimeeKyle]

I have multiple kinds / types. Why, because I can. Ultimately I use them mainly for sport and have them for personal/family protection/security.

[Sparkie460]

I don't have any guns because my wife doesn't like them

[PraviteliNahuiValite]

Every human on earth needs a gun AND a brain.

Stupid people can harm others without a gun.

When you're being harmed, you need a gun to protect yourself.