Has anyone actually purchased a gun because of the political climate?

[solinvictus]

I mean purchased one when otherwise, you wouldn't have considered it.

[RaleighNCDUer]

1. I've not touched a gun since I left the service, 28 years ago.

But I've been seriously considering it.

[benburch]

2. Yes.

Several. And 1000 rounds for each.

[Swamp Rat]

25. Oh yeah?

I got a fucking Panzer tank that flies with double-decker turrets, a flamethrower, a laser gun, and BIG Howitzers, with an infinite supply of ammo and plasma energy shields! I can defeat any fascist 'dictatership' if I want, all by myself! :P

[benburch]

29. Whoa!

I want in on that laser gun action!

I could trade you a phased plasma rifle in the 40-watt range for it.

[Ravenseye]

48. Hey Buddy...

...Just what you see ok?

[The Doctor.]

39. "Death Star"

I win.

[napi21]

3. No, but I bought one when my friend was raped.

I carried it for a few months too, until I realized I didn't have the guts to shoot someone without trying to talk them out of hurting me first. I knew then it was a bad idea to carry it. Probably would have been used on me!

[The Doctor.]

13. It's not difficult to get yourself some pepper spray...

I've taught tactical martialism for years and can just about guarantee that you would have no reservations about using it if you had to.

And if you feel you must, please don't take an 'afternoon self-defense course'. Most of the jokers that run those are serious wannabes - talk to a marine or special forces alumni instead.

One of the hardest things to learn is to willfully hurt someone. We are taught throughout our youth to settle things in a civilized fashion. So much so that we never learn How to resort to violence EVEN WHEN WE HAVE TO.

My technique for getting people past that is simple - I hit them.
Not hard, but a lot.

They whine and cry and complain, "please stop... cut it out!" an awful lot.
But I tell them before hand - "I will not stop until you hit me back... hard."

Some break down crying and curl up in a ball... they have been so conditioned to be non-violent that they cannot raise a hand against an assailant.
The rest hit me. And when they see how I smile, they are relieved... until I tell them that an attacker wouldn't even be phased.

Only then can I teach them to become truly vicious - and it's hard to do.

[ashmanonar]

19. there are some good karate instructors out there too.

don't count them all out as saturday night special phoneys. i knew quite a few senseis coming up through the ranks that i wouldn't have trifled with in a dark alley (while holding a gun in my hand...:wow:)

[The Doctor.]

22. For most people I recommend Judo...

A 'hard-contact' instructor would take years to teach half of what he knows, and only make the student a little bit combat-effective.

A grappling or 'soft-contact' instructor can teach even a very small person some effective techniques in just a couple of months.

I love the look on a students face when they throw me with 'O-goshi' the first time with very little effort.

That and some nasty tactics can go a long way.

Of course I recommend trying to learn all one can - but the 'soft' arts take quickly for most students.

[ashmanonar]

52. yea, for a short term instruction

karate is too indepth.

[davsand]

38. I took a semester long class on personal defense in college.

I needed two PE classes to graduate, and I couldn't get into Ballroom Dance--so I took Personal Defense...

Anyhow, I was AMAZED at the number of women in there who said they could never hurt anyone. First, I was amazed because it was a self defense class. I'm not sure exactly WHAT they thought they'd signed up for, but you'd THINK they'd have been mentally prepared for the idea that they might have to hit somebody--ya know?

Second, I was amazed because I'd have thought that it'd be a sort of survival thing to fight back if threatened. Maybe I'm just particularly obnoxious or maybe I was just not well socialized when I was young, but I have NEVER had any qualms about protecting my own safety or that of my kid.

Something I DO think more women need to consider, however, is the entire "PICK ME!!! I'm a victim!!!" message that they give off sometimes. I have NEVER understood why more women don't use programs like Night Rides (rather than walk alone) or even being out in groups. That kind of prevention just makes so much sense and yet it isn't used as often as it should be.

I am not opposed to gun ownership, and in fact, grew up hunting and eating wild game. I am horribly disturbed whenever I see discussions on DU about guns, however, because without fail I see somebody say they own a gun but don't know if they could use it against anyone. I have actually seen it said on here that you should try and shoot someone in the leg and then run away.

I have been criticized for saying this before, but I keep repeating it because I honestly believe it:

If you pull a gun you better be mentally ready to KILL or else you may have that gun used against you.

It isn't "machismo" (I'm a woman) speaking when I say that, nor am I a big fan of the NRA. What I'm talking about is the idea of mental preparation and decision making ahead of time. Don't buy a gun and then wait until somebody is kicking in your front door to consider if you can actually shoot anyone. That is a hell of a time to have to wade thru your moral fibre...

If you pull out a gun, you better be shooting for the center of the target and you better mean it.

I also agree that a shotgun is probably the best gun for most people who want to defend the home and hearth. In the general confusion that takes place in some kind of dire circumstance, pointing at the center of the target and counting on the spread pattern is probably the easiest to deal with. Additionally, a shotgun really does have enough power that most folks are not gonna get up and run after you after taking even a partial hit in the midsection.

Right now, my guns are stored someplace where my kid isn't. I have been ok with that since before she was born, but we also live in proximity to neighbors and in a VERY small town. If we lived outside of a town and if anything changes my feeling that it is safe here, I'll go retrieve them and lay in a bigger supply of shells.

My main concern is not so much the government coming for me--hell, they have to FIND us before they can do that--but I am wondering about the stability of our society if something drastic hits like they are talking about with Peak Oil. In that scenario, my rural location will be a horrible liability because we'll be seen as having food when nobody else does...

Let's hope none of us ever need these guns and survival skills--eh?


Laura

[The Doctor.]

42. Good tactical points all...

And you're right - it's a shame that women are brought up to be victims. (IMO)
Even many men are.

Yes, I too am bothered by the idea that you should "just try to wound" your assailant and then run away.

That attitude is nearly guaranteed to get you dead, because you are very unlikely to score a hit. (unless you have a double short-barrel shotgun, but even then...)

Teaching strategic and tactical self-defense is far more than just showing people some moves, you have to teach REAL aggression.

BTW- it sure sounds like you've have the requisite will-to-act, and little fear of causing necessary harm. I do highly recommend some Kodokan Judo, it is very precision oriented and I can guarantee you would learn to toss a 200lb person around like a doll after just a month or so. (provided of course that they were not trained in any grappling art that is.)

Here are some sources;
http://www.judoinfo.com/
Some of the guys I've trained with came from here, and they're very good;
http://www.geocities.com/kintora/kintora.html

I've made the mistake of teaching O-goshi (major hip throw) to girls who would then go toss a guy at a bar or something... but once they spend the hour or two getting it down- they just can't wait.
Oh- and don't try to learn from a book.

As for the oil crash - Make sure you and some very close neighbors have a plan of action if things really hit the fan.

Decide on tactical arrangements for large and small incursions,
Come up with signs to post outside of town telling visitors how to properly enter and what is expected of them.

All that sort of stuff.

Is the town small enough that you can get the info around?
Are they sheeple or will they listen and think critically of these concerns?
I live in a big burg, and most people don't care.

It'd be nice if our fears were wrong, I'd rather be wrong and ridiculed than right and fighting for survival.

Let's pray for the 'being wrong' part.

-Garth

[davsand]

53. I've always wanted to study Judo.

I went to dojo for a few years and studied TKD as well as Karate. I was not impressed with the Karate discipline I was exposed to, however. I gave it up after about a year. Seemed to me it was a lot more brute force than thought--but that may have been that particular instructor, too, I dunno.

I quit going to dojo when I had my daughter 8 years ago. To be honest, I am probably so slow now I would be next to useless in most situations. (Talk about pathetic!) Anyhow, I have been looking for a good Dojo for my daughter to attend, and maybe the Judo idea would be a possibility for us both.

Thanks for the suggestion!


Laura

[Bigmack]

44. Pepper spray....

jsut pisses 'em off. My wife and I bike a lot, and dogs are unimpressed by pepper spray. Wasp/hornet spray works a little better, but Bear Spray (we got ours from Sportsman's Warehouse) is truly amazing. Twenty feet of REAL spray. A pitbull/cross was still screaming and pawing his face as we wheeled out of sight.

I DO have the "nuclear option" - a 9mm if the Bear Spray doesn't work.

[Nite Owl]

4. I never thought I would

ever consider it but I am. Haven't done it but I'm serious about it.

[cestpaspossible]

5. I purchased a gun

after I confronted some trespassers, and it turned out they were armed. It just made me realize my potential vulneribility out here in the woods.

[The Doctor.]

12. Two words...

"German Shepherd"

- two would be good.

[kenny blankenship]

26. .

self deleted

[OnionPatch]

36. Yup

We live on the edge of a national forest and have a shepherd. What a wonderful watch dog she is! Recently we adopted a stray that just happens to be part pit bull. She's as sweet as pie and I don't think she'd hurt a flea, but she looks scary, especially standing next to the shepherd. Dogs are the best home-security devices around. ;-)

[cestpaspossible]

40. I have one, but she's not bullet proof

good warning system, though

[The Doctor.]

43. Hahahahahaha!!! You got me picturing

a Shepherd in flack armor!

I would hate to lose mine to some jackass with a gun, but at least I'll have their position and the drop on them if they're dumb enough to shoot my dog.

"Best alarm system ever..."

[onehandle]

6. Lots of Freeps and other McVeigh types bought plenty in the 90's.

With an eye on President Clinton and his family just waiting for their chance.

The Secret Service did a great job and didn't have to hide Bill like Rove does smirk. Of course that's not to protect Bush but to isolate him from questions.

[Greybnk48]

7. Yes x2 plus ammo n/t

[Mr_Spock]

8. I've thought about it - just don't know what use it'll be

These people can get you when/if they want. You'll never have time to reach for a weapon. It may help one sleep better at night though - so I'm glad I at least have 1 firearm.

[bperci108]

17. Here's one reason:

The Founding Fathers referred to arms in the hands of the general citizenry as "Liberty Teeth".

I believe that violence is an absolute LAST resort, but may indeed be an eventuality as events in Germany, Cambodia, etc. bear testament.

Much better to be a good Boy Scout and "Be Prepared" than to not be.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

24. I totally agree.

I go out of my way not to step on bugs because I respect their life. I have not owned a gun since I was a kid. I shot a Robin when I was about 12. I felt so bad that I vowed never to kill another creature unless it was attacking me.

I will be buying a gun (probably more than one) in the near future because of the Neo-Nazi climate we find ourselves in. I will not intentionally kill innocent creatures but I will fight for Democracy. When the Bushbots come for me, and they will because I will not be assimilated, I intend to take some of them with me.

Many people find this position ingongrous. A flameing liberal who wants the right to bear arms. Well, here I am. A flaming liberal, self avowed Socialist, who does not trust the people in power enough to give up my right to fight them. I think our founding fathers understood this.

To quote one of my personal heroes, "Better to die on your feet than live on your knees". E Zapata

Will I fight and kill for Democracy? You bet your ass!

Bud

[Mr_Spock]

27. I did say that I have one firearm ;o)

I just haven't decided on what else to get yet :D

Any suggestions?

[okasha]

28. If your first one's a handgun

a shotgun's a good option for the second. It doesn't need to be aimed beyond being pointed in the general direction of the target and will do a most efficient job at close range.

[benburch]

31. Amen!

I've been telling people that a shotgun is the best home defense weapon for years!

And if things get really bad, you can hunt for food.

[Mr_Spock]

33. mmmmm, wild turkey

filled with buckshot :rofl:

There are lots of wild turkeys around these days though - not sure why...

[benburch]

41. Actually...

I wouldn't use buckshot with foul! You'll tear it to ribbons!

Birdshot is a much better choice! :)

[bperci108]

51. IMHO...

A good rifle is always the most utilitarian firearm.

A bit big for close range stuff, but it will not only defend your home if the need arises (God forbid) but it will feed your family in a pinch.

My suggestion would be:

Bolt action, a medium caliber like the 308. Winchester/7.26mm NATO is best, because ammunition for it is a commonly used military caliber and is available worldwide, some sort of synthetic/laminated stock since it is temperature and humidity proof, and a good set of rugged well-made open sights.

Some such examples:

Remington Model 700 or Model 7 ( a nice, smaller carbine based on the 700 design - great for smaller individuals) Winchester Model 70, Ruger Model 77,

Even if you are on a tight budget, you can find an old British Enfield #1 Mk. 3 or a #4 Mk.1 for less than a hundred dollars (less than fifty, if you know where to look, but those are getting rare).

They look beat up as hell, but they are quite tough and still very serviceable. The .303 British caliber is rather uncommon on the surplus cheap ammo market, but it will still do the job and stand up to a lot of punishment.

Learn how to use it, teach you children what is appropriate for their age range about it, teach your spouse/significant other to use it safely and effectively and store it safely.

Practice makes perfect and familiarity leads to safe handling.

It's a valuable tool with many uses.

(Lord, I sound like a Militia nut......) :wow:


My two cents worth, anyway... :)

[OnionPatch]

37. We were talking about that

just yesterday, I mean like in what situation would it be needed, etc. and decided that, among others, the most likely scenario would be something like this:

A terror attack or something similar happens and Chimpie puts the nation under martial law. Some local, redneck RW, self-appoint militia, decide they need to patrol the neighborhood, maybe just check out what those "commie, traitor liberals" down the road are up to......

[emc]

45. Heres another

Your in a restaurant, and some nut open fires, or a sears or a kmart---what are you going to do, attack him with judo---what a bunch of crap----take a good gun coarse, learn the ins and outs of the weapon and carry the damn thing concealed, which many states are giving to people these days after the proper courses and field training has been done----I don't like to carry a weapon either, but it beats being gunned down by some nut case who has a grudge and wants to take a bunch with him---there have been many cases where people could have been saved if someone had been carrying a concealed weapon----get real---

[The Doctor.]

9. I own a few, and I'm training my family to use them responsibly.

But I have recurring dreams about going into gun shops and looking at revolvers. (I don't own a revolver)

I'm thinking it's a sign.

:patriot:

[solinvictus]

11. I looked at a revolver last weekend.

It was a slightly used Taurus .38 Special with a 2" barrel. It was priced at $170, which was a steal. The shop also had a S&W Model 10 at the same price.

[The Doctor.]

15. That's a great price...

I've been looking a S&W .500s


Not cheap... but hey, maybe if I look on E-bay...

(A man can dream)

[yella_dawg]

18. It ain't the price of the 500 that's the problem.

Ammo is just insane for the thing. $2 or more a round. By the time you practice enough to be dangerous to anything or anyone but yourself, you will have spent a fortune.

Doesn't keep me from wanting, though.

on edit: eBay doesn't allow guns. Try www.gunbroker.com. It's eBay for guns.

[The Doctor.]

23. I know... my kid will only ever get to shoot the .22

and NOT the Savage .300.

I was kidding about E-bay of course, but I will check the site.

Thanks.

[EC]

10. yes... ..n/t

[LiberallyInclined]

14. "legally" purchased...?

no.

[nittygritty]

16. i'm stocking up on hunting ammo

in case of economic downturn....

got a 60x30 organic garden going and an acre of clover sprouting for the deer....plenty of forest filled with deer.

30.06, 7mm, 20 gauge can double for home protection, too. ;-)

[EFerrari]

20. I have thought about it. And if I'M thinking about it, then it's in

the cultural unconscious because I've never touched a gun or known anyone who has. There is a threat here, it's just not the fake one they keep scaring people with, with their LifeSaver alerts.

[johnaries]

21. I bought a shotgun because of the snakes in the grass!

Although that term does apply to most Republicans, I live in the woods next to a wildlife management area and I've had to borrow a neighbor's gun twice - once for a copperhead and once for a timber rattler - both had made a home in my front yard. Since my neighbor is 1/2 a mile away, I decided to buy my own.

I leave the non-venomous smakes alone, and I don't mind if the rest stay in the wildlife area or are just passing through, but I can't have poisonous vipers taking up residence in my front yard!

Now, as for the poisonous vipers in DC....

[mmonk]

30. Nope,

I own a rifle and shotgun purchased long before today's political climate. I am a sportsman, but not a gun fanatic nor will I allow myself to live in fear whereby I would purchase one on that basis.

[derby378]

32. I've considered it

Actually checked out a few models - just need to get one on a firing range to see if it would be a good fit for me.

[lonestarnot]

34. Even if I did, you wouldn't get an admission here.

:*

[OnionPatch]

35. Didn't need to but

we have made sure our ammo is stocked up. :evilgrin:

[Bigmack]

46. Extra ammo... nt

nt

[NEDem]

47. Yes

I bought a shotgun and a rifle. And a bunch of ammo.

I was one of those who wondered "Who needs a gun?" After November I decided that I needed one, just in case.

[catmandu57]

49. No, but

my stepson has a small arsenal and I'm thinking very seriously about borrowing a shotgun.

[undeterred]

50. No but I might have to get a meaner dog

since my current one is a pacifist.

[hollowdweller]

54. No, but I got some high capacity clips and a pistol before Brady and AWB

Clinton and his gun control had people running to the gunstores like a fire sale. I think it really helped business.

[Moxygirl]

55. Yup

[mvd]

56. No - I live in..

a pretty peaceful place where there are no right wingers that would threaten me. But, I'm watching things, as I won't let things get too late to move or defend myself.