Stephen King on US gun contols.

Ducimus · 01-28-13, 09:11 PM

I'm not understanding of why firearms/guns being weapons is an issue to be skirted around or affirmed. Yes, all guns can be employed as weapons (as can kitchen knives and baseball bats). It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. However, lawful defense of self and others isn't their only purpose, and even if it was their only purpose, I fail to see what the big deal is. I have every right in the world to defend myself or the ones i love, and i want the best firearm i can get for that purpose. When it comes to defense and preservation of life, i have no intention of "playing fair", and Ill take any advantage i can get.

Now aside from that, Target shooting is no less an art then Archery, and you don't hear anyone badmouth archery. Ive done both. I shot archery every day when i was in high school. I was lucky enough to live on the edge of town with a wooded area. I shot every day with a compound hunting bow, instinctive - which means no sights. (odd i know, you'de expect a recurve bow) At my peak i was able to hit something the size of a rabbit at 50 yards 5 out of 6 shots. Target shooting is very similar in the physical, mental discipline, even a sense of zen. Both are hobbies, and its an art forms unto themselves. Considering that firearms provide this AND a means of self defense, id say that its an invaluable skill in life. One that everyone should have a grasp for the basics for in my opinion.

So, aside from 3 shotguns (two for bird hunting, one for defense), here's the other weapons in my house.

The top rifle and handgun is mine.
- The rifle is a Springfield armory M1A, and is my pride and joy. The civilian version of the M14 rifle, and is arguably one of the most versatile rifles you can own. It shoots a 7.62 X 51 NATO, or 308 caliber, and is great for deer and elk. Seen in this picture with a 20 round magazine, of which I have several if the metaphorical excrement ever hits the fan. 7.62 NATO has been turning cover into concealment for 50 plus years. And I have few 5 round mags for hunting. I also use it for target shooting and its lots of fun. The funny thing is, this rifle is A LOT more firepower then the "evil black rifles" and yet it looks almost like "grandpas deer rifle".

- Handgun is an M9A1. chambered in 9MM. Used for target shooting every weekend and is loaded for home defense when not at the range.

The bottom rifle and handgun is my Wife's. Yes, my wife's, who i am proud to say, is a practicing Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
- Smith & Wesson M&P 15 sport.Semi automatic sporting rifle. Its perfect for my wife. Shoots a 5.55 X 45 NATO, or 223 caliber. Its lightweight, low recoil, and fits her length of pull with the adjustable stock. While your not going to be hunting deer with it, it can be used for varmints. In fact, the 223 caliber is one of the (if not the) most popular varmint hunting rounds used. In any event my wife uses it for target shooting and again if the metaphorical excrement hits the fan, and for whatever reason im not around, I have the peace of mind knowing that my wife can defend herself efficiently.

- Handgun is a PX4 Storm Compact. Also chambered in 9MM, and also used for target shooting every weekend and is also loaded for home defense when not at the range.

All these guns, including the 3 shotguns not pictured have their own purposes. And Yes, it's true, ALL are weapons, but they haven't jumped up on their own and harmed anyone. If they had, i think I would have noticed.

01-28-13, 09:11 PM	#18
Ducimus Rear Admiral Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,987 Downloads: 67 Uploads: 2	I'm not understanding of why firearms/guns being weapons is an issue to be skirted around or affirmed. Yes, all guns can be employed as weapons (as can kitchen knives and baseball bats). It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. However, lawful defense of self and others isn't their only purpose, and even if it was their only purpose, I fail to see what the big deal is. I have every right in the world to defend myself or the ones i love, and i want the best firearm i can get for that purpose. When it comes to defense and preservation of life, i have no intention of "playing fair", and Ill take any advantage i can get. Now aside from that, Target shooting is no less an art then Archery, and you don't hear anyone badmouth archery. Ive done both. I shot archery every day when i was in high school. I was lucky enough to live on the edge of town with a wooded area. I shot every day with a compound hunting bow, instinctive - which means no sights. (odd i know, you'de expect a recurve bow) At my peak i was able to hit something the size of a rabbit at 50 yards 5 out of 6 shots. Target shooting is very similar in the physical, mental discipline, even a sense of zen. Both are hobbies, and its an art forms unto themselves. Considering that firearms provide this AND a means of self defense, id say that its an invaluable skill in life. One that everyone should have a grasp for the basics for in my opinion. So, aside from 3 shotguns (two for bird hunting, one for defense), here's the other weapons in my house. The top rifle and handgun is mine. - The rifle is a Springfield armory M1A, and is my pride and joy. The civilian version of the M14 rifle, and is arguably one of the most versatile rifles you can own. It shoots a 7.62 X 51 NATO, or 308 caliber, and is great for deer and elk. Seen in this picture with a 20 round magazine, of which I have several if the metaphorical excrement ever hits the fan. 7.62 NATO has been turning cover into concealment for 50 plus years. And I have few 5 round mags for hunting. I also use it for target shooting and its lots of fun. The funny thing is, this rifle is A LOT more firepower then the "evil black rifles" and yet it looks almost like "grandpas deer rifle". - Handgun is an M9A1. chambered in 9MM. Used for target shooting every weekend and is loaded for home defense when not at the range. The bottom rifle and handgun is my Wife's. Yes, my wife's, who i am proud to say, is a practicing Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. - Smith & Wesson M&P 15 sport.Semi automatic sporting rifle. Its perfect for my wife. Shoots a 5.55 X 45 NATO, or 223 caliber. Its lightweight, low recoil, and fits her length of pull with the adjustable stock. While your not going to be hunting deer with it, it can be used for varmints. In fact, the 223 caliber is one of the (if not the) most popular varmint hunting rounds used. In any event my wife uses it for target shooting and again if the metaphorical excrement hits the fan, and for whatever reason im not around, I have the peace of mind knowing that my wife can defend herself efficiently. - Handgun is a PX4 Storm Compact. Also chambered in 9MM, and also used for target shooting every weekend and is also loaded for home defense when not at the range. All these guns, including the 3 shotguns not pictured have their own purposes. And Yes, it's true, ALL are weapons, but they haven't jumped up on their own and harmed anyone. If they had, i think I would have noticed.