What the gun shop guy said . . . (Monroe, Matthews: military, sick, house)

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by mullman

As the police want us to have conversations and patience with our home intruders late at night I am not sure the news would run such a piece, IMHO.

If they have really said that (I must have missed it) I think it would only be because they can't be seen as promoting the idea of homeowners maybe becoming vigilantes.

Additionally, not every person in this country should own a gun. Some folks get one thinking they will use it to scare someone away - those kinds of folks scare ME! The only people owning a gun should be people who plan to use and know for sure that they could. Otherwise it ususally just gets taken away from the person and used on them. I think law enforcement would be being irresponsible if they suggested everyone get a gun, just my opinion

[carolina_guy]

Originally Posted by lovesMountains

If they have really said that (I must have missed it) I think it would only be because they can't be seen as promoting the idea of homeowners maybe becoming vigilantes.

Additionally, not every person in this country should own a gun. Some folks get one thinking they will use it to scare someone away - those kinds of folks scare ME! The only people owning a gun should be people who plan to use and know for sure that they could. Otherwise it ususally just gets taken away from the person and used on them. I think law enforcement would be being irresponsible if they suggested everyone get a gun, just my opinion

You really gotta read this whole article Loves, but here's an excerpt:

Creative Loafing Charlotte | News | Police plead for mercy

But last week, compliance with criminals is exactly what CMPD once again suggested. In keeping with the department's long-term message on this, Officer Brad Starnes with the police crime prevention unit told News Talk 1110 WBT that robbery victims shouldn't fight back after two recent incidents where victims fought back with deadly results. He was referring not to the deaths of the victims but those of two armed robbers with long criminal records. One was shot and killed by an employee while attempting to rob Floyd's Restaurant and another was dispatched by a Cricket Wireless employee as he tried to rob the store. The victims weren't hurt.

"We don't encourage ending someone's life over money," Starnes said, referring to the life of the criminal. "We would like to handle it through the proper channels if possible, let them stand trial for it."

Instead, victims should remain calm, try to notice details about their attacker, hope, I presume, not to be executed, and call 911 as soon as possible, he said.

That the department would send that message this month of all months is the height of irony. Call 911? You mean like the triple homicide victims at the house on Patricia Ryan Drive did twice before they were murdered? Officers who responded the first time didn't attempt to enter the house even though the victim asked 911 for help. The second time, due to technological difficulties, they didn't respond to at all.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by carolina_guy

You really gotta read this whole article Loves, but here's an excerpt:

Creative Loafing Charlotte | News | Police plead for mercy

Thanks for expounding on the apparent police position - I don't agree, but again, I think that law enforcement has to be really careful what they advocate citizens do, or perhaps find themselves legally libel.

[RuralCoastalGuy]

We have a shotgun, a .357 mag handgun and a .380 semi auto always loaded and ready for use! It is not just about protecting our Second Amendment rights...it is about survival in a world where the home invaders are on and looking for drugs...and/or the cash with which to buy drugs.

We are prepared to be "judged by 12...not carried by six".

[mullman]

Originally Posted by lovesMountains

Thanks for expounding on the apparent police position - I don't agree, but again, I think that law enforcement has to be really careful what they advocate citizens do, or perhaps find themselves legally libel.

As I stated in an earlier post, the CMPD must speak with one voice programmed to the least common denominator.
You, internet savvy forum reader, are probably above average in intelligence.

With a 10+ minute response time, and I am in no way saying CMPD is inefficient, what is a homeowner to do in the current state of affairs?
FWIW yesterday afternoon had a few nice hours of no rain and I got a two wheeler out of the garage and rode to locate the house in Providence Commons that was the site of two invasions within a fortnight. Not that I am anyone special by any means, but I paused and said a prayer for that family.
Having two little ones I cannot imagine what that must have been like.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by mullman

As I stated in an earlier post, the CMPD must speak with one voice programmed to the least common denominator.
You, internet savvy forum reader, are probably above average in intelligence.

With a 10+ minute response time, and I am in no way saying CMPD is inefficient, what is a homeowner to do in the current state of affairs?
FWIW yesterday afternoon had a few nice hours of no rain and I got a two wheeler out of the garage and rode to locate the house in Providence Commons that was the site of two invasions within a fortnight. Not that I am anyone special by any means, but I paused and said a prayer for that family.
Having two little ones I cannot imagine what that must have been like.

I pray for that family too.

As a backpacker I have to tell you that one of the best things anyone can learn from backpacking is self-reliance. When you are out in the middle of nowhere, with no cell coverage and no 911 available even if you did get a phone signal, you learn how very important it is to be able to take care of yourself. KNOWING that you are your own best source for rescue in any situation is a life lesson too many people never learn. I own a gun because I do not expect anyone else to come to rescue me if an intruder bursts into my house. Waiting for someone else to do things for us in general is not a good way to live your life.

[flyingscotsman]

I don't have a gun.

In time I may get one.

If you own a gun and are keeping for home protection, you have to be prepared to use it.

I had the right in the UK to wear the two rifles on my number 2 uniform, I was taught how to shoot.

Most people can not hit a barn door at 50 yards.

[BrianH1970]

Originally Posted by flyingscotsman

Most people can not hit a barn door at 50 yards.

But as long as you can at least hit a kneecap at three feet then you're good to go.

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by mullman

Which Mossberg did you get and what barrel length? Be careful!

I promise to be careful. Luckily, my daddy and g/daddy started me out w/ firearms at 12. Just have not owned a shotgun myself since having children - gave mine back to my daddy a long time ago. That was a double barrel, LOL.

Got the 18" 20 gauge, Mossberg 500 - I think it is called "the Persuader." This is same gun my dad bought recently so my mom could handle it in an emergency and is also the same that one of my close friends has. My dad taught me to just shoot from the hip. I have not tried it out yet but will. Had hoped DS would come home this weekend so we could all try our firearms. We may just go up to my daddy's place and try them out there. He loves target practice, too.

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by Barkingowl

Did it happen to be on the bottom rack facing the door, first gun on the right by any chance?
The shops are generally crowded on the weekends & at lunch time.
Might have been the radio show this morning...

Hey, Barking! DH sends his regards, btw!
Yes, DH says it was gun on the right. This is simple shotgun for me. I like the way it sounds when one chambers the round.

What radio show are you talking about? Did a talk show have something about "right to bear arms" this morning - or was it something local about people gearing up to protect their families?