Mainers ...Do you own a gun? (Kittery, Franklin: employment, buying, high school)

[peachie_in_maine]

Originally Posted by Acadianlion

Very few people who own guns have any real understanding of how to use them, let alone when to use them. If the situation ever arose...and it is a very big IF, that they actually had to use a weapon against another human being, the emotional and psychological scars that would be left behind would likely render that person unable to function.

As a people, we watch too many tough guy films.

Very true. Tough Guy films... very powerful.

I saw the movie "Preditor" ( big tough guy film)
with "Arnold" in it.
Well Jessie " the body ventura" was holding a weapon at the time that I thought would make me feel safe if I was reallllly scare in the situation they were in.

The Gatling gun.
I honestly no nothing about weapons but since I'm a gardener,
I was fond of it' landscaping features (cutting down trees) while trying to hit the "creature".

Tami~peachie

[Zymer]

Originally Posted by Acadianlion

I own some firearms. I have a reasonable level of training for their use. I have carried them for personal protection, and it is in my opinion that 99% of the talk about firearms is just that: expulsion of hot air.

I'm not sure I'd go that high.

Originally Posted by Acadianlion

Very few people who own guns have any real understanding of how to use them, let alone when to use them.

I don't think I completely agree with that statement, but it does fit some.

Originally Posted by Acadianlion

If the situation ever arose...and it is a very big IF, that they actually had to use a weapon against another human being, the emotional and psychological scars that would be left behind would likely render that person unable to function.

I have talked to some people who had no prior experience with guns, and who, due to some frightening occurence, decided that they "needed" one. Further inquiry of many of these elicited the information that they never intended to actually *use* a gun, they just wanted to be able to wave it around to "scare" the "bad guy".

Such people I have tried to dissuade from obtaining a gun, on the grounds that if they are not prepared to use it, and accept the consequences and live with themselves afterward, then having one is likely to do more harm than good. The mere sight of a weapon will not necessarily frighten a criminal accustomed to violence, or one who is high on drugs or booze, especially if he senses a lack of commitment to use it (not unlikely)...and there are some [brain-damaged individuals] who, even when faced with unwavering commitment, will refuse to back down and will continue to provoke the situation until action is unavoidable.

The psychological aftermath depends a great deal on the person and the situation. When the world returns to its normal pace and the adrenaline rush wears off, some will deal with it better than others. An infuriated mother defending her children will likely deal with it better than the lone frightened, "mousy" individual who, perhaps unintentionally, kills an intruder.

Originally Posted by Acadianlion

As a people, we watch too many tough guy films.

Hey, if it weren't for John Wayne, Lee Marvin, and Christopher George (to name a few) I (and likely others) might never have gone into the Army. Ah, to be young and "gung-ho", filled with visions of adventure and glory...except that the reality isn't really glorious at all...maybe you're right...this was going to be longer but I erased most of it, too "dark"...doesn't belong here, and now I need to get out in the sunshine.

[Maineah]

I don't think I would handle having shot someone very well. I have no military hardening and think my conscience would bother me for ever. That said I would do what I have to do to protect my family and myself. I'd rather have to deal with the psychological consequenses for protecting myself than not be around to worry about it.

[Maine Writer]

Originally Posted by Acadianlion

I own some firearms. I have a reasonable level of training for their use. I have carried them for personal protection, and it is in my opinion that 99% of the talk about firearms is just that: expulsion of hot air.

Interesting. Why do you think that?

Very few people who own guns have any real understanding of how to use them, let alone when to use them. If the situation ever arose...and it is a very big IF, that they actually had to use a weapon against another human being, the emotional and psychological scars that would be left behind would likely render that person unable to function.

The man who shot my husband is one of those people who didn't really understand when to use a gun. It wasn't intentional though he purposely fired the gun, and it has been a long time but I hope he does still have thoughts of that day and what he did. I doubt it since he shot a child, knew he'd shot someone, and left him in the woods. If you can do that and never come forward I doubt you think about it much.

If it came to the point of pulling the trigger I wouldn't feel badly. When it's me or him, it's going to be him if it at possible. Would I feel badly? Only if I missed. I think it's hard to value the life of a person who was willing to put me in that much danger.

[CWG]

Does anyone carry a firearm on their boat or ship? Do you recomend something stainless?

[contented]

read an interesting headline today about a couple of the large supermarket chains in this country limiting the amount of rice customers can buy. if that means that americans are starting to hoard rice, everyone who can afford a gun will be getting one..........

[forest beekeeper]

Originally Posted by CWG

Does anyone carry a firearm on their boat or ship? Do you recomend something stainless?

I have seen firearms carried at sea. I have only heard of stainless steel being recommended if you are carrying a firearm next to your skin [an ankle holster, a bra holster, an inside of your pants wasteband holster].

If a firearm is going to contact salt water, stainless steel is not going to help. Clean it immediately and oil it. Throw away the bullets and replace them.

When I carried a firearm daily, if I was exposed to rain, then I had to clean and oil my firearm that day.

[boonelsewhere]

When I carried a firearm daily, if I was exposed to rain, then I had to clean and oil my firearm that day.

thanks forest, now i have to open the gun cleaning kit box and clean my gun, went out shooting at aluminum cans a week ago, it did rain a little.

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

I have seen firearms carried at sea. I have only heard of stainless steel being recommended if you are carrying a firearm next to your skin [an ankle holster, a bra holster, an inside of your pants wasteband holster].

If a firearm is going to contact salt water, stainless steel is not going to help. Clean it immediately and oil it. Throw away the bullets and replace them.

When I carried a firearm daily, if I was exposed to rain, then I had to clean and oil my firearm that day.

A bra holster...I'd like to see one of those!

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by boonskyler

thanks forest, now i have to open the gun cleaning kit box and clean my gun, went out shooting at aluminum cans a week ago, it did rain a little.

You should clean it after every time you shoot it. Gunpowder residue is very corrosive and will promote rust in the barrel.