"Handguns...exacerbate our flaws, tempt us to escalate arguments, and bait us into embracing....

[bvar22]

123. I practice at 30 yards with handguns because...

..that is the distance across my pond, and getting closer just makes it too damn easy.

I also like being competent with all my tools and toys.
If I can hit at 30 yards, 10 yards is easier.
I live in a very rural area where guns are a part of the culture.
I enjoy shooting with friends and neighbors who have never tried to hit anything at that distance with a hand gun.
I usually end up earning some respect.

I don't particularly like hand guns,
but I will carry THIS one when working or hiking in Bear country.
I HAVE thought about shooting a Bear with this pistol,
but ONLY so that I am clear with myself exactly WHERE the Shoot/No Shoot line is.
That is something I don't want to have to think about when there is no time.

I was shooting my deer rifle in the back yard this afternoon,
iron sights at 80 yards, and during the entire time, I never thought about actually shooting a deer.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1182456


I strongly believe that some people should never be allowed to own fire arms,
but don't believe that the availability of guns is what is causing our problems.
Our problems are rooted in a sick/violent, self-absorbed, pre-adolescent, greed & consumption culture,
and this IS getting WORSE, not better.
Maybe the "Survivalists" are right, and a collapse is near,
because it is obvious we are a nation in decline.

Some of "those" people (Survivalists) live back up in these Woods, and they are scary people. They fantasize about the day when it will be OK for them to shoot hungry people. They are certain the Apocalypse will start tomorrow, and they stockpile Guns, Ammo, and MREs. They are creepy, and we avoid them.
You would think they would spend some time actually Growing Something and Producing MORE instead of trying to figure out how to live in a hole.

This IS absolutely TRUE:
If guns are outlawed, then only outlaws will have guns.
AT this point, I see NO viable way to restrict gun ownership.
Any effort expended on this is wasted.

I also agree with the gun nuts about an Assault Weapon ban,
because HOW do you define an Assault Weapon?
I know what one looks like (and don't own any), but that is not objective enough to formulate a LAW.
If you define one by function, then my semi-auto .22 varmint rifle qualifies.
I see no viable way to implement a law banning "Assault Rifles" since the definition is so vague and subjective.


Our guns stay loaded, and within easy reach on a rack in a back hallway, hidden from casual view by a visitor.
We consider our guns to be a deterrent only in that our neighbors KNOW we are armed and practice with them regularly.
We shoot them on our property enough to stay competent,
but I can not imagine a scenario where I actually shoot another human being.
My wife or critters would have to be under serious immediate threat before that thought would occur to me,
and I would probably attack with bare hands before thinking about going to get a gun.

Out here, it is a safe bet to assume everyone is armed,
but in the seven years we have lived out here (Ouachita Mountains of West-Central Arkansas, adjacent to the Ouachita National Forest) no one in this area has shot anyone, or been injured in an accident.

There IS a huge difference between living Out Here, and living in the Urbs or Sub-Urbs.
How do we pass legislation that recognizes that difference?