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Post by Munkie91087 on Feb 16, 2008 13:02:31 GMT -5
My girlfriend who about 6 months ago moved into her own place wants to buy a gun for protection. She feels it will make her feel better about living on her own. She even says she eventually wants to have a collection. Guns make me extremely nervous, and I really do not like them. Now my question is, do I say anything to her about it, or do I do nothing since it is her place and she does have the right to bare arms.
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Post by Mister Pigwell on Feb 16, 2008 13:04:17 GMT -5
If you don't like guns and she does you can do one of two things:
1. Voice your concern and disdain for them and see if she accepts that.
2. Take gun safety classes with her and get comfy with them.
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Post by Kash Flagg on Feb 16, 2008 13:05:20 GMT -5
And get her to bare more than just her arms. That tease!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2008 13:07:10 GMT -5
Unless she lives in a really bad area, isn't a gun a little ... extreme?
If she wants to protect her property, look into getting more security for the place. Don't need a gun to do that, either.
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Post by strykerdarksilence on Feb 16, 2008 13:14:42 GMT -5
I would just quietly and calmly explain that I am not a fan of guns, and ask her to re-consider, but state that if she doesn`t, it is her choice and you will support her.
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Post by Wolfpack Bitch on Feb 16, 2008 13:15:15 GMT -5
Go with the gun safety thing or else convince her to let you move in so YOU can protect her I'm with the "I hate guns" group, but depending on which part of the city she lives in it may not be such a bad idea. There have been a lot of random shootings lately in the 'Burgh
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Post by The Booty Disciple on Feb 16, 2008 14:56:11 GMT -5
If she chooses to purchase a firearm, she needs to get thoroughly trained on it, and also learn to understand the "last resort" ideology. A person that tries to wield a firearm without learning how to properly use one is more dangerous than any other person with a gun.
As far as "last resort" goes, guns have a nasty habit of giving people a false sense of security and having them stand ground when they should run the hell away. If she can accurately and safely evaluate a potential target, assess the risk in running versus opening fire, and then put a round on target under the heavy stress of a crisis, then she might be okay. If not, then its wiser for her not to have one around, since the "flight" part of "fight or flight" will be far more applicable.
Have her read the following:
RULE I: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED
RULE II: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY
RULE III: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET
RULE IV: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET
RULE I: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED
There are no exceptions. Do not pretend that this is true. Some people and organizations take this rule and weaken it;e.g. "Treat all guns as if they were loaded." Unfortunately, the "as if" compromises the directness of the statement by implying that they are unloaded, but we will treat them as though they are loaded. No good! Safety rules must be worded forcefully so that they are never treated lightly or reduced to partial compliance.
All guns are always loaded - period!
This must be your mind-set. If someone hands you a firearm and says, "Don't worry, it's not loaded," you do not dare believe him. You need not be impolite, but check it yourself. Remember, there are no accidents, only negligent acts. Check it. Do not let yourself fall prey to a situation where you might feel compelled to squeal, "I didn't know it was loaded!"
RULE II: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY
Conspicuously and continuously violated, especially with pistols, Rule II applies whether you are involved in range practice, daily carry, or examination. If the weapon is assembled and in someone's hands, it is capable of being discharged. A firearm holstered properly, lying on a table, or placed in a scabbard is of no danger to anyone. Only when handled is there a need for concern. This rule applies to fighting as well as to daily handling. If you are not willing to take a human life, do not cover a person with the muzzle. This rule also applies to your own person. Do not allow the muzzle to cover your extremities, e.g. using both hands to reholster the pistol. This practice is unsound, both procedurally and tactically. You may need a free hand for something important. Proper holster design should provide for one-handed holstering, so avoid holsters which collapse after withdrawing the pistol. (Note: It is dangerous to push the muzzle against the inside edge of the holster nearest the body to "open" it since this results in your pointing the pistol at your midsection.) Dry-practice in the home is a worthwhile habit and it will result in more deeply programmed reflexes. Most of the reflexes involved in the Modern Technique do not require that a shot be fired. Particular procedures for dry-firing in the home will be covered later. Let it suffice for now that you do not dry-fire using a "target" that you wish not to see destroyed. (Recall RULE I as well.)
Rule III: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET
Rule III is violated most anytime the uneducated person handles a firearm. Whether on TV, in the theaters, or at the range, people seem fascinated with having their finger on the trigger. Never stand or walk around with your finger on the trigger. It is unprofessional, dangerous, and, perhaps most damaging to the psyche, it is klutzy looking. Never fire a shot unless the sights are superimposed on the target and you have made a conscious decision to fire. Firing an unaligned pistol in a fight gains nothing. If you believe that the defensive pistol is only an intimidation tool - not something to be used - carry blanks, or better yet, reevaluate having one around. If you are going to launch a projectile, it had best be directed purposely. Danger abounds if you allow your finger to dawdle inside the trigger guard. As soon as the sights leave the target, the trigger-finger leaves the trigger and straightens alongside the frame. Since the hand normally prefers to work as a unit - as in grasping - separating the function of the trigger-finger from the rest of the hand takes effort. The five-finger grasp is a deeply programmed reflex. Under sufficient stress, and with the finger already placed on the trigger, an unexpected movement, misstep or surprise could result in a negligent discharge. Speed cannot be gained from such a premature placement of the trigger-finger. Bringing the sights to bear on the target, whether from the holster or the Guard Position, takes more time than that required for moving the trigger finger an inch or so to the trigger.
RULE IV: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET
Know what it is, what is in line with it, and what is behind it. Never shoot at anything you have not positively identified. Be aware of your surroundings, whether on the range or in a fight. Do not assume anything. Know what you are doing.
SUMMARY:
Make these rules a part of your character. Never compromise them. Improper gunhandling results from ignorance and improper role modeling, such as handling your gun like your favorite actor does. Education can cure this. You can make a difference by following these gunhandling rules and insisting that those around you do the same. Set the example. Who knows what tragedies you, or someone you influence, may prevent?
Excerpted from: The Modern Technique of the Pistol, by Greg Morrison, Gunsite Press, Paulden, Arizona, ISBN 0-9621342-3-6, Library of Congress Number 91-72644, $40
If she has any issues or so much as scoffs at part of those rules, I'd say you're very much in the right to be worried about her using a firearm. If not, then you guys can probably come to an agreement between yourselves.
(I'll be getting my concealed carry permit for Wyoming soon enough, and Wyoming is an open carry state anyway.)
Just some food for thought.
EDIT: To the OP: You might think about putting a mention of firearms in the title, as it would probably garner a few more responses. Also, I'd ask the military/LEO/EMS community here at the forum, since they'd be the ones who have formal training in firearms use, and the consequences of misuse.
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Post by willywonka666 on Feb 16, 2008 15:06:50 GMT -5
Go with the gun safety thing or else convince her to let you move in so YOU can protect her Yea, make sure you flex your arms when you're talking about your "guns" too
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Post by The Booty Disciple on Feb 16, 2008 15:11:15 GMT -5
Go with the gun safety thing or else convince her to let you move in so YOU can protect her Yea, make sure you flex your arms when you're talking about your "guns" too Buy her a ticket to YOUR "gun show." Be sure to show her the Big Bazooka later. /Circa 1998 DX
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Post by Janitor From Mars on Feb 16, 2008 15:57:10 GMT -5
I would just quietly and calmly explain that I am not a fan of guns, and ask her to re-consider, but state that if she doesn`t, it is her choice and you will support her. Alternative: "Honey, I like you but gun nuts are not my my taste."
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Post by Non Banjoble Tokens on Feb 16, 2008 15:59:59 GMT -5
Ooh, a woman with a gun is strangely arousing. I realize what I said can be misconstrued in a different fashion, but I refuse to retract my comment.
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Post by The Booty Disciple on Feb 16, 2008 16:22:02 GMT -5
I would just quietly and calmly explain that I am not a fan of guns, and ask her to re-consider, but state that if she doesn`t, it is her choice and you will support her. Alternative: "Honey, I like you but gun nuts are not my my taste." Off topic, but He-Man looks like he rides the short bus in your sig. EDIT: Strangely enough, a kid who rides the short bus would probably have the most fun pretending to be He-Man.
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Post by Mozenrath on Feb 16, 2008 17:11:29 GMT -5
If you don't like guns and she does you can do one of two things: 1. Voice your concern and disdain for them and see if she accepts that. 2. Take gun safety classes with her and get comfy with them. Also, suggesting a stun gun, tazer, or mace, perhaps, if a proper guard dog is not an option.
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Post by Square on Feb 16, 2008 17:13:11 GMT -5
How about taking her to a martial arts class and getting them to teach her how to use another weapon, like a sword or something
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Post by Mozenrath on Feb 16, 2008 17:17:40 GMT -5
How about taking her to a martial arts class and getting them to teach her how to use another weapon, like a sword or something Or, more practically, stick fighting or unarmed.
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Post by RedSmile on Feb 16, 2008 17:27:05 GMT -5
Talk to her about it. Be honest, fair, and respectful
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Post by The Booty Disciple on Feb 16, 2008 18:39:16 GMT -5
If you don't like guns and she does you can do one of two things: 1. Voice your concern and disdain for them and see if she accepts that. 2. Take gun safety classes with her and get comfy with them. Also, suggesting a stun gun, tazer, or mace, perhaps, if a proper guard dog is not an option. I don't know the national statistics, but I know that in Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona, pepper spray and electronic immobilizer devices (stun guns and/or Tazers) are statistically shown to be more likely used against the victim than against an attacker. They're not all they've cracked up to be because they're usually not used properly. Just like firearms, they're best used in certain circumstances and as last resort type of stuff. If you're not trained how to effectively use them, they just wind up being a hindrance. That's not to say you shouldn't look into those options. Just be sure to understand that things like keeping them in a purse or pocket makes them largely ineffective due to the time it takes to deploy the device (take it out, remove any safety mechanism, and discharge). In a situation where split seconds count, unless you can deploy it immediately, the time it takes to get it out and armed is substantially less than the time it takes an attacker to gain control. If that's an option you choose, be sure she's ready to deploy it. (I really hope I'm not sounding like a know it all. I spent some time on the University of Wyoming Student Senate, and this is one of the big issues we dealt with during my tenure. I recall entirely too much of this information, and its all coming back to me.)
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Post by Mozenrath on Feb 16, 2008 18:49:49 GMT -5
Well, of course, if you have the weapon, you also need training.
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Post by Munkie91087 on Feb 16, 2008 19:30:08 GMT -5
Thanks for all the kind words/suggestions crappers. I talked to her today, and she said she still wants to buy the gun. She will take all the necessary safety classes, and whenever I am around it will be locked up and out of my sight. I think that is a pretty fair compromise.
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Post by Mozenrath on Feb 16, 2008 19:45:35 GMT -5
Thanks for all the kind words/suggestions crappers. I talked to her today, and she said she still wants to buy the gun. She will take all the necessary safety classes, and whenever I am around it will be locked up and out of my sight. I think that is a pretty fair compromise. Cool. Glad you guys talked it through.
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