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Originally Posted by Platapus
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Originally Posted by gnirtS
At least some sanity prevailed otherwise yesterday could have been countless more killed with panic fired unaimed reflex shots flying everywhere.
If only that similar sanity didn't apply outside and the guy that did the shooting couldnt just have gone to a shop and bought a gun.
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This is an interesting point that is often not considered.
We like to think that citizens with CCWs would be able to lay down accurate and approprate defensive fire in times of danger. However, simply possessing a CCW permit does not mean that the person is in any way qualified or experienced in the proper use of a handgun under those situtations.
In CCW classes you are taught the legal aspects of carrying as well as you are required to demonstrate a very very basic level of skill in the handling of a loaded weapon. It would be folly to assume that this would qualify someone to be able to safely and accurately use their weapon in a crowded panic ridden situtation.
All you have to do is spend little time at a shooting range to see the skill level of many gun owners. Look at their targets and remember that this is in a safe controlled situtation not in an emergency situtation. People miss human sized targets at 7 meters all the time.
Armed citizens have their advantages and disadvantages and is important to realize that just the existance of armed citizens does not guarentee a safer situtation.
Imagine a group of really scared "dirty harry" types blasting away in a crowded classroom shooting at themselves because they can't tell which are the "good guys" and the "bad guys". Cops, with all their training and experiences make mistakes in these situtations. Is it safe to assume that unexperienced armed citizens won't?
Personally, I am in favour of armed citizens, but I also recognize that there is a risk that needs to be considered. It is never an easy question to answer. |
Its called - discression. I have a CPP, but in no way would I consider pulling a trigger, or even putting my finger on the trigger until I knew my target. And don't get me wrong, but the cops don't do so hot when compared to many civi's. THey get their butts kicked because many civi's have more training with their weapon.
-S
PS. I will ask for permission to repost a thread from somewhere else that expalins this, but I won't do it unless granted permission.