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WillyPete · 01-30-2006, 02:57 PM

Gun guys:
Non-criminals don't carry handguns in the UK. Deal with it.

My mum had a gun in South Africa, my dad got it after the family was threatened by some union guys he fired legally.

Beretta 9mm para, but it was too heavy for her to carry and with my twin brothers being 2 at the time of her getting it, it would have been a dangerous option to have on her person with having to man-handle the both of them in buggies and car seats.

About when they were aged 6, someone jumped the fence, beat the dogs to the back door, hit the maid to the ground and then went into the living room where he pointed a knife and a pistol at her. He said "where's the safe?"
(A lot of people in So Africa are under the impression that white people all have money stashed in safes somewhere. Don't ask.)
She had 2 kids in the bedroom and could tell that they were starting to get inquisitive and would be poking their heads out soon.

What the hell could she do?

Don't tell me a gun would have saved the day.
Without the time to practise regularly she would probably have been shot as she drew it.
The guy already had surprise on his side and had the drop on her.
Even with the skills, would you have a gunfight with a weapon wielding crook if he was between you and the corridor where your kids might come out?

Quit making vague and generalised assumptions based on statistics and "I woulda" bravado.

And no, I'm no liberal anti gun person. Given the chance I'd probably carry one as I've had the training.

Back to the important stuff.
SF, glad your mum got away ok.
The hardest part is dealing with how YOU feel mate. As though you should have been there to protect her. You need to get over that, she'll get through it faster than you.

Advice from experience:
Don't get over-protective of her now, it will only increase the feeling of vulnerability she will be experiencing.
Don't get leery and ready to have a go at anyone who looks at her funny, don't put a big stick near the front door. She'll feel like she shouldn't have told you because it got you all worked up.

Make sure all her cards are cancelled and that she isn't at risk of ID theft.

Buy her some flowers.

01-30-2006, 02:57 PM	#25 (permalink)
WillyPete Addict	Gun guys: Non-criminals don't carry handguns in the UK. Deal with it. My mum had a gun in South Africa, my dad got it after the family was threatened by some union guys he fired legally. Beretta 9mm para, but it was too heavy for her to carry and with my twin brothers being 2 at the time of her getting it, it would have been a dangerous option to have on her person with having to man-handle the both of them in buggies and car seats. About when they were aged 6, someone jumped the fence, beat the dogs to the back door, hit the maid to the ground and then went into the living room where he pointed a knife and a pistol at her. He said "where's the safe?" (A lot of people in So Africa are under the impression that white people all have money stashed in safes somewhere. Don't ask.) She had 2 kids in the bedroom and could tell that they were starting to get inquisitive and would be poking their heads out soon. What the hell could she do? Don't tell me a gun would have saved the day. Without the time to practise regularly she would probably have been shot as she drew it. The guy already had surprise on his side and had the drop on her. Even with the skills, would you have a gunfight with a weapon wielding crook if he was between you and the corridor where your kids might come out? Quit making vague and generalised assumptions based on statistics and "I woulda" bravado. And no, I'm no liberal anti gun person. Given the chance I'd probably carry one as I've had the training. Back to the important stuff. SF, glad your mum got away ok. The hardest part is dealing with how YOU feel mate. As though you should have been there to protect her. You need to get over that, she'll get through it faster than you. Advice from experience: Don't get over-protective of her now, it will only increase the feeling of vulnerability she will be experiencing. Don't get leery and ready to have a go at anyone who looks at her funny, don't put a big stick near the front door. She'll feel like she shouldn't have told you because it got you all worked up. Make sure all her cards are cancelled and that she isn't at risk of ID theft. Buy her some flowers.