genuinegirly

Ladies - let's hear your voice.
What do you think (or don't think) about guns?
What shaped your opinions?
Have you shot a gun?
Do you wear one for protection?
Do you feel safe around someone that has a gun?



I get sick when I think about guns.
I wasn't raised around gun, though I did shoot a rifle at summer camp one year. I opted for archery after my first experience. The jarring noise and jolt of the gun was terrifying. Listening to other people shooting their guns was even more nerve-wracking. I was wearing ear protection, but the noise was still quite loud.
I spent a semester in Paris in Fall of 2001. There was increased security all around the town - military uniformed men roaming the metros with rifles of some sort. It didn't make me feel safe. I couldn't help but wonder when one of them would lose it and turn on the innocent passer-by.

My husband is more comfortable around guns. Most of his brothers have a gun to their names, though he does not. He grew up going to shooting ranges on Saturday afternoons for fun with his dad. He was taught to respect guns, taught that they are deadly. When he was around 15, a neighbor kid shot him in the face point-blank range with a pellet gun. After that experience, he wasn't really phased. He doesn't blame the gun, but the idiot kid who was holding the gun. And perhaps that kid's parents for not teaching the kid to respect guns. I feel like a foreign soul when it comes to this way of thinking. I nod, then leave the room when he and his brothers chat about guns. It's not something I can relate to. It's not something I enjoy.

I wouldn't ever carry a gun myself. I wouldn't feel confident shooting it. I doubt I could keep it from getting turned on me if the situation arose where I could use it. I hear that it's essential to carry a gun while hiking some backcountry trails - the only way to protect yourself against bears. But I wonder how much a little handgun would protect me from a grizzly - I'd rather wear bear bells, then run if I happen to see one coming my way.

I become physically ill when I hear a news story that mentions a child dying when "playing" with a gun. It horrifies me that a gun would be anywhere near a child.

__________________
"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq

"violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy

mixedmedia

I simply don't think about guns. No one I know has guns (that they take out around me at least) so I am never around guns. I have no interest in guns, therefore any inclination to learn more about guns. I live a gunless existence (with the exception of the ones I see on cops).

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Most people go through life dreading they'll have a traumatic experience. Freaks were born with their trauma. They've already passed their test in life. They're aristocrats. - Diane Arbus
PESSIMISM, n. A philosophy forced upon the convictions of the observer by the disheartening prevalence of the optimist with his scarecrow hope and his unsightly smile. - Ambrose Bierce

lostgirl

What do you think (or don't think) about guns?
Guns are okay, I don't mind them. I much prefer daggers, knives, and swords, but I would like to learn to properly use a hand gun.

What shaped your opinions?
Growing up around guns, my Uncle had a ranch I visited often while growing up. It was just a part of life. My brother has always owned guns and taught me to respect and not fear them.

Have you shot a gun?
I did once a long time ago. I plan on going to a shooting range in the near future with my SO. I have always wanted to do that.

Do you wear one for protection?
No, I don't think so.

Do you feel safe around someone that has a gun?
Sure, as long as they are not a drugged out crazy person.

__________________
We're about to go through the crucible, but we'll come out the other side.
We always arise from our own ashes. Everything returns later in its changed form. - Children of Dune

Lindy

What do you think (or don't think) about guns?
I think of a gun as a tool. Something that I don't need to or want to use very often. Where I live (Boston) there just isn't any easy and convenient place to keep up my skills. I do often shoot when visiting home in Kansas. I think that guns are often used as a scapegoat for failed social policies.

What shaped your opinions?
Have you shot a gun?
I grew up in rural Kansas. Guns were just a part of life. I first fired a gun (.22 rifle) when I was about ten years old. My first part time job was at an Izaac Walton League shooting range. Later on, I got to be quite a good shot. I broke 50 straight shooting skeet with a 20 gauge shotgun when I was in high school. That is no small feat, and I am still quite proud of it. I grew up going hunting with siblings and relatives. I've picked birdshot out of my teeth.

Do you wear one for protection?
No, partly because that would require a license that I don't have, and partly because I don't feel the need to carry a gun for protection. I try to avoid situations where carrying a gun would be necessary or desirable.

Do you feel safe around someone that has a gun?
Well now, that would depend entirely on the person that has the gun. I feel perfectly safe in my home town with my relatives and their guns, even though some of them are probably Second Amendment fanatics (which I am not.) I grew up as a country hick, and I am always surprised by the irrational fear that some otherwise sophisticated urbanites have of guns which, absent human direction, are just another inanimate object. I must confess that in some areas of Boston I wonder just who might be carrying, in violation of the already strict (but ineffective) laws.

gg, I think that considering your fears and attitude toward guns that you certainly should NOT carry a gun. It sounds like you would be more afraid of the gun than you would be afraid of anything that someone might do to you.

Lindy

hunnychile

It seems that lately far too many people I know and work with - are carrying guns. Even inside my office!! That's scarey, and must be illegal(?)

Last year our step nephew committed suicide with a rifle (yes, he had to rig it just right - I will not go into details) and another older friend of ours killed himself also because of a health problem and meds could no longer help him deal with the constant intense pain.

I've shot guns & rifles, bows and other weapons and I learned how to be safe with them also but I just don't think people need to be so open about what they have & how & when they plan to use their weapons! It's almost like they can't wait to be a hero! Now...Unless you live in a dangerous area and get mugged & or robbed alot or have been assualted and are totally paranoid. Maybe then. I'd understand your mind set. Luckily I live someplace safe & crime free, at least so far. So for me guns are not the norm - but seem to be creeping into society at an alarming rate. And kids are killing more kids. That's just not normal.

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"I need compassion, understanding and chocolate." - NJB

CinnamonGirl

I'm somewhere between hunnychile and lindy on this one... I've learned how to shoot guns (and sort of learned how to use a bow, although I wasn't good at it), but I don't have a need to use them in my everyday life. The most dangerous place I go is Dayton, and while I carry mace, I don't really see the need for a gun. I wouldn't mind trying my hand at competitive shooting, but I'd never use one to kill something (or someone) unless my life was severely threatened (as in, it's them or me.)

I live in Southwest Ohio, and my stepdad's an avid hunter (he's the one who taught me to shoot), so guns were kind of always a part of life.

I certainly trust my stepdad (and his hunting buddies) with guns, and a few of my friends that are into shooting. If I was just, say, at a party or something, and I found out someone was carrying, I'd probably leave. In a situation like that, too much can go wrong.

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"...for though she was ordinary, she possessed health, wit, courage, charm, and cheerfulness. But because she was not beautiful, no one ever seemed to notice these other qualities, which is so often the way of the world."


"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

*Nikki*

I don't like guns at all. I will never allow a gun to be kept inside my home.

I am all for stricter gun laws and cannot believe the loop holes that are out there that allow just anybody to have one.

cadre

What do you think (or don't think) about guns?
I love guns. It's a simple as that.

What shaped your opinions?
Growing up around guns probably shaped my opinions, that and having many friends who are in the military.

Have you shot a gun?
Many times, I own a couple.

Do you wear one for protection?
Most of the time. I've been assaulted twice in my life and I'm not going to let it happen again.

Do you feel safe around someone that has a gun?
Well it depends on the person of course. Guns aren't dangerous, it's the person holding it that's dangerous.

The biggest thing I've noticed in the gun debate is that people who didn't grow up around guns have only seen them used as weapons. Therefore these people can only think of guns as weapons and they don't like them for that reason. A lot of us have used guns as for sport or as a tool, I think that's why some people are so okay with guns and others aren't. Just something to think about.

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My life is one of those 'you had to be there' jokes.

hunnychile

The Biggest Question In My Mind Lately:

How do we (the USA) keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people who use them to kill others or threaten people, as in a robbery or assault?

__________________
"I need compassion, understanding and chocolate." - NJB

SabrinaFair

I grew up around guns. To be specific, I grew up in rural Kentucky with a cop father. Once I reached high school age or so, it wasn't a big deal for my dad to ask me to handle his gun--he'd forget he had it on, and ask me to put it on top of the fridge or back in the car. I actually drove around with his gun in my car for about a week in high school--completely unintentionally. I was taught from an early age that this was not a toy, this was something to be handled carefully, and all that.

That being said, I'm not a huge fan of guns. I see no need to own one. I don't have a problem with responsible people owning guns--if I felt uncomfortable around people who own guns, I probably wouldn't be able to hang out with most of my family. I DON'T think that average citizens need assault rifles or that it is unconstitutional to put some reasonable restrictions on gun purchasing. (waiting periods, background checks, etc.) But that's another post. :-)

__________________
"With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
-Desiderata

cadre

You can't. Outlawing guns all together does not affect those people. It only affects spur of the moment killings by otherwise law abiding citizens.

I agree with this to an extent. There should definitely be some restrictions in place for firearms but I don't think we should be making certain kinds of guns illegal just because they're big and scary. Personally, I'm happy with the laws currently in place here in Az.

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My life is one of those 'you had to be there' jokes.

snowy

I agree with this. My family has always owned a gun, as when I was born my father owned a farm in the rural PacNW, and needed a gun. We always knew the rifle was in the house and knew it was not a toy; Dad always kept it locked up away from us kids and kept the ammo in a separate location. I didn't even know where it was in the house until I was older and Dad showed it to me.

It's not uncommon for people in these parts to own guns for hunting, and I really don't have a problem with that. The majority of hunters I know are very responsible with their guns. At my SO's uncle's house, the first thing you see when you walk in the front door is the gun safe, and I feel safe there--they are responsible people. I do agree with Saby that assault rifles are unnecessary, and that we should have some restrictions on gun ownership. I wouldn't wear one for protection--I'm pretty sure a gun in the hands of someone untrained is not really a safe prospect, and I'm not really willing to pursue training in that vein to protect myself. I'd be more interested in learning a martial art.

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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

ametc

My dad has tons of guns all hidden in a cabinet or box or SOMEWHERE in the house. He has a few he uses for work. I'm not afraid of guns.. but I respect them as I've been taught at an early age that they can do a lot of damage... especially when used improperly.

I would not own a gun since I have depression. I don't want to lose control of my emotions and hurt myself or somebody else. I have razors hidden but you can do way less damage with an instrument that gives you time to think about what you're going to do next.


I think people should own one if they are willing to be responsible with it. They should not intend to hurt anybody with it. In fact.. they should buy it on the premise that they're never going to have to use it. But, then what's the use? If they EVER have to use it to fend off somebody then they have it.

My father never locked his cabinet when I was younger and I opened it a few times by accident.. forgetting what it was for.. and seeing his guns.. not knowing if they were loaded or not.. I left them be.. and did not touch. Ever. They are simply something I never have wanted nor needed.

Shaindra

What do you think (or don't think) about guns?

To be honest, guns scare me. I wasn't raised around them. But I also know that they're a tool just like any other.

What shaped your opinions?

Well, not being around them, I'm uncomfortable with their presence. However, I've dated cops and military types, some of whom carried at all times. I got used to the lump on their side, but I never quite relaxed seeing the gun on the nightstand.

Have you shot a gun?

No, but I've talked to my boyfriend about it. He's all for taking me to the range. If we progress to a live-in situation, I know guns will be in the house and I feel like I need to be educated about gun safety and handling them.

Do you wear one for protection?

No, I'm not licensed. If I were licensed, I probably still wouldn't carry because I have small children.

Do you feel safe around someone that has a gun?

I feel safe around some people with guns. The men I've dated have been responsible gun owners who are educated about gun safety and practice safe handling of their weapons. They carefully secure them when not in use and do not advertise their presence when carrying in public. So yes, I feel safe around them. Other people, I don't trust with a butter knife, never mind a weapon.

Do I feel safer *because* of the gun? I admit at times it is nice walking down the street with them and knowing that if something were to happen, they could react. However, the men I've dated have also been protective types who would react regardless of whether or not they were carrying.

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"Never regret something that once made you smile."

Eweser

What do you think (or don't think) about guns?

I was raised with guns in the house, was taught how to use them and to treat every gun as loaded unless I check it and know it otherwise. I live in rural Oklahoma where it seems like everyone has a gun. There are a lot of hunters here. As others have said before, it's not the gun, it's the person holding the gun.

What shaped your opinions?

My family and how they view guns and being around them from a young age.

Have you shot a gun?

Yes, quite a bit, but it's been a while.

Do you wear one for protection?

No. I don't feel the need. And I'm not licensed.

Do you feel safe around someone that has a gun?

Again, it depends on the person. If I'm ever uncomfortable around a person that has a gun, I'll take myself out of that situation. I can't think of too many times where I've felt that way though.

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"Whoever wrote this episode should die!"

SabrinaFair

I'm not familiar with AZ law....what restrictions are in place there?

__________________
"With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
-Desiderata

noodle

What do you think (or don't think) about guns?
I don't think about them that often. We have a glock 19. I just learned how to shoot it last year. It's here, but it's not really in my head unless the doorbell rings. We don't have kids, there are never kids in the home so I'm not worried that it's not locked up. It's not anywhere it could be found by someone else if I was in the home and needed it.

What shaped your opinions?
My SO. He taught me to shoot. Before I met him, I didn't really like them.

Have you shot a gun?
Yes. It's significantly harder than I thought it was. The one we have now is a little big for my hands and caused a few casing burns the last time I shot. I'm much more comfortable with the smaller Walther PPK.

Do you wear one for protection?
I never "wear" it. It's always put in its place or in the glovebox if we're travelling. I carry my pepper spray that the dudes at the gun store recommended. It's about the most hardcore thing I can still get away with carrying while I'm working in the field.

Do you feel safe around someone that has a gun?
I feel safe around skilled, sober and sane people that have guns.
Stupid people, drunk people and angry people with guns bother me a lot. And typically I'll remove myself from the situation, if I can.

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ItWasMe

**What do you think (or don't think) about guns?
I am comfortable around guns. I prefer to have at least one in the house that I can handle. We have several.

**What shaped your opinions?
Being around people who own guns and practice gun safety. (i.e. locking them away from kids, target practice, not pointing them at random, not playing stupid tricks with them like the one I saw on the internet)

**Have you shot a gun?
Oh my, yes. Many times. Some of ours are a bit more than I feel physically comfortable with (especially one of the rifles). But my .38 super is a competition handgun, so it has about as much kick as a bb gun.

**Do you wear one for protection?
No. I don't feel confident that I could prevent someone from taking it from me if I don't see them coming. Hubby will carry if the need arises. In the home, the dog let me know when to get the gun. That's part of his job.

**Do you feel safe around someone that has a gun?
Around sober, responsible, experienced folks, yes.
Around people under the influence of any drug, people who are goofing off, people who go looking for trouble ... no way.

I feel this way, too. No child should be able to get ahold of one.

I would feel even worse if something happened to one of my kids because I didn't own one. Someone broke into our house 3 years back when hubby was gone with the army. It was the middle of the night, and I had 3 daughters to protect. The youngest was 4-5 weeks old, so Mama Bear Mode really kicked in. I didn't have to use my "insurance policy" as I call it, but I am glad that I had it in my hand. And I'm glad I had the dog was there to alert me to danger. He actually told me before the intruder entered the house, but I didn't listen until I heard the person downstairs.

I was in the TFP chat room June 2007 when I heard several police sirens in our little 1/2 mile by 1 mile country town. Some of you might remember this; I gave the chat room a play-by-play (I know Spec was there). Several police cars were zooming through town, others parked down the street at intervals. Residents received phone calls to let us know to stay in our homes because someone robbed the bank. That bank is 2 blocks from my house. My backyard is a field with trees, and a highway on the other side. Probably the best place in town for someone to run to while trying to disappear. After taking out my gun case, I shoved heavy furniture against the doors, closed the drapes, and chatted with TFP-ers some more. I didn't even take it out of the case that time, as the threat wasn't imminent (and the dog would let me know if it became so). But I was glad it was by my side.

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"Ok, no more truth-or-dare until somebody returns my underwear" ~ George Lopez

I bake cookies just so I can lick the bowl. ~ ItWasMe

Grasshopper Green

What do you think (or don't think) about guns? - Like others have said, guns are a tool. I don't have a problem with guns, I have a problem with people who have no business owning a gun owning guns. I have no problem with waiting periods and background checks before allowing someone to purchase one. I think once a person has used a gun in an act of intentional violence against someone, that person's right to own a gun should be forfeit.

What shaped your opinions? - I was not raised around guns. My father hates guns and makes no bones about it, but my mother now has one for self-defense. I married a Marine and moved to a rural area of the South where practically everyone owned a gun for hunting or self defense. I was introduced to a whole new perspective than the "guns are BAD!" view I was raised with. I think I've kind of meshed the two together in a middle of the road opinion.

Have you shot a gun? - I have shot many types of guns - rifles, handguns, and machine guns.

Do you wear one for protection? - No. I am not licensed to have one and would never carry one until I had training to properly handle it. I am not averse to the idea of owning one for self-defense, although I don't think I would actually carry it with me and would probably get a guard dog before I got a gun.

Do you feel safe around someone that has a gun? - It depends on the person. I know people who own guns and I am completely comfortable with that, and others (including my mother) who should not own one, in my opinion. Mental stability is a big factor in my opinion.

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"They say that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings; steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king"

Formerly Medusa

cadre

Well, as far as carrying goes. You can open carry with a pistol on your hip at the age of 18. If you're in a car it has to be in the trunk or the glove box though. CCW is available at 21 as usual. Some machine guns and assault rifles are illegal but as far as I'm aware, most are not. Oh and like most states, there are no guns allowed on school campuses or in bars. I may be wrong on something so don't quote me of course but that is my knowledge of the subject. Personally, I love the open carry laws here. I like that people keep their distance when they see a pistol on one's hip (particularly in the case of motorcyclists)

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My life is one of those 'you had to be there' jokes.

ametc

If there are guns near a child, it is the parents' responsibility to teach the child about how to be safe around a gun.

I'm not the type of person to think guns aren't dangerous.. they are.. but only when used unsafely.

If a child kills themselves because of a gun... it is not the gun's fault. It is the gun's owner's fault for being irresponsible with their gun. I was taught about how to be safe around guns all the time as a child. I would catch my dad cleaning his guns and he'd always ask me, "Do you ever touch these?" me: "No.." him:"If you ever find one.. do you touch it?" me: "no!" him: "what do you do with it?" me: "nothing.. I run and tell you or mommy." him: "What might happen if you touch it at all?" me: "I might get hurt!"


Guns don't hurt the kids.. the owners' inability to deal with having a gun and keeping the kids safe from hurting themselves with it does.


As for carrying guns around in public.. I don't see any need for doing that nowadays in the US. But, in some neighborhoods and towns.. it may still be neededto help keep their property and family safe. People who own a gun for safety must be taught not to try to kill a person with it as a defense.. but instead aim somewhere where it'd just injure the criminal enough to stop them long enough for the paramedics and police to arrive.

Nowadays we have tazers and I feel those are dangerous in the wrong hands, too. Not as harmful as a gun may be.. but still VERY harmful.

cadre

I don't know if you have any training in self defense with a pistol but you are never taught to "aim somewhere just to maim the criminal." Even cops don't do that. What happens when you miss or you have an injured and really angry criminal on your hands? Aim for the largest mass! I would never aim for someone's leg or arm and hope for the best. When you're in that situation, you just don't take that chance.

That said, there's a big difference between one or two shots and emptying your magazine into someone.

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My life is one of those 'you had to be there' jokes.

Starkizzer

At the moment I am unsure about guns. im2smrt4u wants one in the house for protection but if we have kids I want it locked up at all times. If its locked up at all times doesn't seem like it would be very easy to get to for protection purposes.

I have always wanted to learn to shoot and be good at it. At one point when I wanted to get into forensics and crime scene investigations I was taking lot of justice classes and almost took the firearms course.

I have shot a fake rifle that was weighted like a real one at summer camp. I don't really know anyone who owns a gun well my dad and grandma used to then her sleazy ex-husband and my mothers brother broke into the house and stole them all. I like the loud sounds they make but I do get a slight nervous feeling when I see one.

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Frivolity, at the edge of a Moral Swamp, hears Hymn-Singing in the Distance and dons the Galoshes of Remorse. ~Edward Gorey

Shaindra

I agree. Police and military are taught to aim for the largest body section, generally the torso. The general rule is, if the situation warrants the use of deadly force, be prepared for it to be...well...deadly.

If you want to just stop someone, consider an alternative like pepper spray. (Be warned, pepper spray is illegal in some states as well.)

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"Never regret something that once made you smile."

ametc

I've never been trained around a gun... but I've been taught about how to be safe around one. I would use pepper spray... but not a gun.. other people are different. If they want to choose to defend themselves with a more dangerous weapon.. then they need to have the responsibility to do so.

cadre

Well you have to understand the circumstances, pepper spray is enough in many situations but not in all. And if you're being attacked men at gun point will you really want to defend yourself with pepper spray? Just because I carry doesn't mean I'm going to kill someone every time I feel threatened. I hope that I never have to shoot anyone.

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My life is one of those 'you had to be there' jokes.

ItWasMe

And there it is, the mentality gun owners should have.

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"Ok, no more truth-or-dare until somebody returns my underwear" ~ George Lopez

I bake cookies just so I can lick the bowl. ~ ItWasMe

ametc

agreed