The Case for Gun Control, Almost

greener · Post by **greener** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 6:17 pm

I dropped by a local sporting goods shop this afternoon for ammo. While I was browsing the handgun cases, two young ladies (mid 20's) came up and started looking at small handguns. They started with a P22 because it was small and cute. When the salesman told one she needed two forms of ID, #2 ran out to the car and brought back a wad of papers. The discussion drifted to a .25 semi-auto. The salesman steered her to snubby revolvers. He had a little trouble getting her to grasp the difference between .22, .25, .32 and .38, until she got the idea it was the size of the hole it made. I'm not sure she was grasping the difference between revolvers and semi-autos. I believe the decision was going to end up with which one fit her purse. They had a 3-year old with them, whom I kept picturing with a hole of some size.

Everyone should have the right to purchase what-ever they want. Anyone legally allowed to own a handgun should be able to exercise that privilege. If you feel the need for one for self-defense you should be able to buy one. However, the scene I witnessed was scary and I am darned glad I will probably never be within a quarter mile of this new gun owner.

Besides, they had an M41 on sale and I couldn't get to the counter.

toyfj40 · Post by **toyfj40** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 7:59 pm

that is a scene that is likely-all-too-often repeated in most communities.
It seems that her (lack of) knowledge of firearms, prior to getting one,
is likely similiar to her (?) knowledge of "***" before trying it, too...
some three+ years ago, as you described...
I, too, hope she has an opportunity to learn/practice soon...
... uh... the Gun.. that-is!

greener · Post by **greener** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 9:11 pm

She probably feels a great need for protection.

I've tried to make sure that my kids knew something about firearms. Two of them have no interest and two of them love to shoot. The two who have no interest know how to load and fire one, and better still, something about handling them.

Post by **Bullseye** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 8:10 am

People have many varied reasons for gun ownership. Someone who is gun naive but interested in owning a firearm has the same opportunity to do so as someone who is more gun saavy. This situation also doesn't reveal if that new owner's intentions aren't to learn more about responsible gun ownership or to store the weapon in a safe manner. Here's where I say we shouldn't prejudge this situation, this is but a fragment of that person's life that was observed and reported. There's no further follow-up as to if they purchased the weapon or if there wasn't someone more knowledgeable at home that would assist the new owner on proper utilization and care for the new firearm.

I have many relatives who years ago were anti-gun, but have since over time modified their position on gun ownership. My taking some of them out to the range and providing a positive learning experiences has helped convinced them to look deeper into their long-held beliefs on gun ownership. A few would have definitely fallen into the senario described above, as they went to a gunshop with intentions to purchase a firearm. But even though I could not be with them because of distance, they did have me advising them on responsible ownership and maintenance procedures. I could see one in particular asking many of the same questions to a clerk, but still asking me many more questions via e-mail in the evenings. The relative I'm thinking of made many trips to local guns shops, after careful consideration finally purchased a firearm, and then went and took NRA Certified courses on firearms ownership and operation from the local shooting range. Today that relative owns, cares for, and stores that firearm with the highest of concerns for safety and goes out, many times on her own, to the local range to enjoy it.

All I'm trying to say here is - there may be more to this situation then the small segment that was observed. That doesn't mean it isn't exactly as described by the witness, just that there could be more to this story. I as I'm sure all of us hope that there is someone who'll help these folks be responsible gun owners, if and when they decide to purchase a weapon.

R,
Bullseye

greener · Post by **greener** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 8:30 am

Bullseye: You are right. One of my Aunts was targeted by a bank robber. She was the selected teller to be robbed at gunpoint three times at three different branches. He told her he was moving with her. She was a nervous type and was absolutely terrified. She decided to buy a revolver for protection and was suprised that she couldn't buy just 5 rounds (you leave the 6th hole empty, don't you?). Fortunately, her brother was around to give her firearms instruction and she asked for help.

The best way to describe the conversation yesterday is she was having a "blond" experience. I doubt very seriously she will ever seek any instruction on shooting. I don't doubt that she was in the shop buying one because she felt a pressing need for self-defense. However, the couple minutes discussion I heard while I was eyeballing the used M41 and waiting for another clerk to get free was not something that gives one warm fuzzies.

Post by **Bullseye** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 8:47 am

I hear you and I understand completely. Sometimes I get the same feeling when I hear snippets of another's conversations too. I also know that when someone is prepared to do something that they're not entirely comfortable with, and then get asked a question out of their realm of expectations, they often get confused or appear dumbfounded. This is a normal human reaction that I've experience a time or two myself. I'm sure we can both agree that we hope she acts responsibly and seeks some professional firearms help if she ended up purchasing that weapon.

R,
Bullseye

Did you get a deal on the M-41?

greener · Post by **greener** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 1:57 pm

No real deal, I think. About $100 under new. Hunting season is cranking up, so the place is a madhouse. Really couldn't get ny clerk attention.

After this morning, I might add someone else to this topic. Bought an M&P9 a couple of weeks ago. Learning to shoot it has been a humbling experience.

Post by **Bullseye** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 7:34 am

I run across deals from time to time. A few years ago (2004), I found an M-41 for a pretty good price so I bought it. It was $400 used and in great condition from a private seller. I really didn't need it, since I already have two others, but the price and the style of barrel attracted me to it. It had a 5 inch field barrel which was something Iwas interested in owning. I knew that this pistol would be a great training instrument for women and young adults. Usually the biggest complaint I'd get was the M-41's barrel was too heavy, but with the field barrel installed the gun's balance and feel is just right.

Keep looking there's deals out there you just have to root them out.

R,
Bullseye

MicroGuy · Post by **MicroGuy** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 10:22 pm

I would have butted in and just started talking to them, telling them they should take a gun course or two.

Just the way I am. I don't mind telling them "Hey lady, if you don't know what you're doing, you're likely to kill yourself or your kid" (but in a nice way).

Those who say nothing, are almost as guilty as those who do (actions).

Now, if you were armed, and saw somebody attempting to rape/mug one of those women, you would have done something then right??

So what's the difference? The danger is still there, or you wouldn't have said anything here.