guns and NH....strong part of the culture?

[Mrtwigg]

Firearms ownership is one reason why the crime rate is as low as it is here.

Look at our neighbor to the east, Vermont.
The firearms laws there are nearly non existant and they also have a very low crime rate.

Contrast this with our neighbor to the south, Massachusetts.

The "Toughest gun laws in the nation". Four levels of licensing. Special discretionary powers to every chief of police, essentially creating medieval fiefdoms where your rights may or may not be granted - or restricited - for literally any reason up to and including excersing your first ammendment right in public. (Yes, really)

Not one but two lists of firearms approved for sale in the commonwealth.
One public and the other "Seceret". (Yes really)

Registering every transfer of a firearm, essentially re-registering the same firearm with the state every time it is sold.

The above is just the tip of the iceberg. Since the passage of Chapter 180 in 1998 crime has increased steadily and continues to rise.

I'll stick with New Hampshire, yes I'm a firearms owner, collector and NRA instructor also.

[NHDave]

Originally Posted by WannaComeHome

yes, it is a little odd phrasing, since New England is the region and NH is the state (subset). but I noticed the line under the OP's name that says 'English teacher in Japan' so I'm guessing that explains the syntax

I nned to start reading those

[GregW]

I am politically far to the left of most of New Hampshire but, as you can tell if you have ever read some of my gun related posts, I am about as far right on people's right to be armed as anyone can be. I own a few firearms and have been in the NRA for decades. I approve and support the New Hampshire state position on firearms but would actually prefer Vermont's less restrictive system.

The attitude Massachusetts seems to be one of severe restriction of firearms will somehow prevent people getting hurt from firearm accidents. It is actually serves as a way to make firearms, particularly handguns, too expensive for most people to own if the wish to be law abiding citizens. The richer folk, that already receive police protection, unlike the rest of us, are not affected by the licensing costs. So Massachusetts, supposedly a liberal strong hold, not only restricts firearms to the well to do, it uses a regressive tax system to do it.

Other then the higher housing costs in Mass, these gun restrictions are why I live in New Hampshire.

[jondoe297]

New Hampshire's friendly stance towards gun ownership, and it's lack of a payroll tax are two reasons why it is near the top of my list of places to relocate this summer.

I visited NH for an overnight stay last month, and couldn't really pick anything out that I disliked about the place.

[greenmartian]

I disagree with much of your politics, GregW. But I'm glad you're in favor of gun ownership. MA laws were one of the reasons I moved out of that state.

I lived in Boston for more than 10 years and had to deal with Boston's idiotic gun restrictions and massively corrupt "licensing process." I obeyed the law to the letter and was issued a crippled, "sport/target license" only. Meanwhile the gangbangers ran wild, shooting and killing whoever they wanted to in Boston (and they still do).

MA's gun control laws are idiotic, to say the least.

To answer the OP, yes guns are a big part of New Hampshire. But they aren't just for hunting. Many people carry firearms concealed for personal protection and some carry openly. If you see someone with a pistol on their hip you ought not to assume they are a criminal or mean you harm in any way.

If guns really bother you or you prefer a corrupt state like MA, NH is probably not for you.

Originally Posted by GregW

I am politically far to the left of most of New Hampshire but, as you can tell if you have ever read some of my gun related posts, I am about as far right on people's right to be armed as anyone can be. I own a few firearms and have been in the NRA for decades. I approve and support the New Hampshire state position on firearms but would actually prefer Vermont's less restrictive system.

The attitude Massachusetts seems to be one of severe restriction of firearms will somehow prevent people getting hurt from firearm accidents. It is actually serves as a way to make firearms, particularly handguns, too expensive for most people to own if the wish to be law abiding citizens. The richer folk, that already receive police protection, unlike the rest of us, are not affected by the licensing costs. So Massachusetts, supposedly a liberal strong hold, not only restricts firearms to the well to do, it uses a regressive tax system to do it.

Other then the higher housing costs in Mass, these gun restrictions are why I live in New Hampshire.

[jondoe297]

Originally Posted by greenmartian

I obeyed the law to the letter and was issued a crippled, "sport/target license" only. Meanwhile the gangbangers ran wild, shooting and killing whoever they wanted to

Sadly, many politicians and lobbying groups (like the Brady Campaign and Ceasefire) can't seem to grasp that gun control laws only impact people who are inclined to obey the law.
There's a lot about gun control laws that makes me do this:

[NHDave]

Originally Posted by jondoe297

Sadly, many politicians and lobbying groups (like the Brady Campaign and Ceasefire) can't seem to grasp that gun control laws only impact people who are inclined to obey the law.
There's a lot about gun control laws that makes me do this:

I'll do you one better

[rscalzo]

'English teacher in Japan' so I'm guessing that explains the syntax

If you look at his bio, he has lived all over the US and all over the world. Highly educated and I take it has NH out of the state in the New England region which makes perfect sense.

[Valerie C]

This is a good question Tiger Beer, and some great responses. I'd like to add that here in New Hampshire, responsible weapons/firearms ownership is something that is learned & taught, passed along to the next generation.

Though I'm not a shooter myself (wish I had the time!), my children are presently taking part in a Junior Rifle/Archery Club. Every other Saturday, they spend 3-4 hours learning about firearms safety, shooting at targets, and learning proper techniques in both rifles and archery equipment,and this program continues through the springtime. In my opinion, programs like this will help to keep these kids safe if they are exposed to guns. How many children have picked up guns thinking it's a toy and had terrible consequences as a result...

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

guns and NH...strong part of the culture?

Seems like NH, particularly in the New England region, seems to have a much stronger interest in guns. Is that part of the culture there?

Much more than other places?

[NewNHguy]

Originally Posted by NHDave

I'll do you one better

I'll see your double face rub and raise you an old lady forehead hold....



hehehehe....see what I can do to my MIL....