U.S. most armed country with 90 guns per 100 people

[beevul]

With all the Non-current numbers I have seen posted lately I thought this would be a good time to revisit how many guns there really are in America.

U.S. most armed country with 90 guns per 100 people
By Laura MacInnis

GENEVA (Reuters) - The United States has 90 guns for every 100 citizens, making it the most heavily armed society in the world, a report released on Tuesday said.

U.S. citizens own 270 million of the world's 875 million known firearms, according to the Small Arms Survey 2007 by the Geneva-based Graduate Institute of International Studies.

About 4.5 million of the 8 million new guns manufactured worldwide each year are purchased in the United States, it said.

"There is roughly one firearm for every seven people worldwide. Without the United States, though, this drops to about one firearm per 10 people," it said.

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSL2834893820070828?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=22&sp=true

If gun ownership is really declining... all the guns formerly owned by now non-gun owners, and those 4.5 million NEW guns... where are they going?


Also, If anyone has more current figures, I'd love to see them.


Edited for spelling

[thunder rising]

1. Well I've got 2 cannons so that lowers the neighborhood average.

[OnceUponTimeOnTheNet]

2. Can't help with the current figures, sorry.

I have more than two long arms per household member here. Hope this helps.
My teenage son has three long guns mounted above his bed, in the rack his Father made in High School.

[Buzz Clik]

3. We have 1 gun for eight people in our family.

That means somebody out there has eight guns just for himself.

[idovoodoo]

6. Between my SO and me, we have about 18

:D

[Llewlladdwr]

9. That would be me.

I kid, I kid. I actually only own a couple of Mosins (a 91/30 and an M44), a Mauser Kar98, a Walther P-38, a Jager AP-74 and a Ruger 10/22. I'd really like to pick up a Walther P-99 but I'll probably go with a Glock 27 or a Springfield XD (easier to CC). The Mosins always get noticed at the range (really loud and quite the muzzle flash) but the Mauser's probably my favorite. It's one heck of a well engineered firearm.

[WWFZD]

12. Go with the XD

or at least try one first. I love my XD-40. It fits my hand perfectly and I can put 10 rounds into a propane can from 10-15 yards as fast as I can pull the trigger.

[Llewlladdwr]

14. Thanks for the tip!

Do you have the sub-compact? That's the one I was considering as a carry gun. We've got a local range that rents pistols by the hour so I'll more than likely give one a try soon.

[Buzz Clik]

15. I was all "What the hell is it with all these guns?" and I realized what forum I'm in.

Let me try this again: I have 14 guns. I have an Uzi, five Lugars, a Gatling gun, an elephant rifle, countless handguns, and other stuff.

(Am I fitting in yet?) ;)

[comradebillyboy]

20. no

[Buzz Clik]

21. Gee. That sounded angry.

I'll leave now.

:eyes:

[comradebillyboy]

23. not angry at all, it was just obvious that you

really had no interest in guns and didn't seem to know much about them. Just didn't seem like a wordy response was needed, certainly no offense intended.

[WWFZD]

32. I have the 4" barrel

I believe they call that the compact now as opposed to the 3" barrel sub compact. They have hi-cap mags for the sub-compact that lengthen the grip to the compact length and capacity. The ergonomics of the XD are excellent, at least for me. It points like my finger, target reacquisition is easy, as fast as I can pull the trigger. It's not an HK or a SIG but it's a lot cheaper and reliable as anything out there. It's been put through the Glock torture tests and came out fine. I have one gripe, the finish is not very good on mine but you can pay a few extra bucks and get the stainless slide. I think they have improved the black finish since I bought mine 4 years ago.
Have fun trying one out.

[Llewlladdwr]

35. Hoping to try one out this week.

I'm headed home today (been on a business trip) and I'm itching to get to the range.

[comradebillyboy]

19. I have a Springfield XD 40 and I used to have a Glock 21

I personally like the Springfield better, but my favorite pistol is my S&W 1911 PD, but its only good for winter carry when I wear a jacket or long vest. For warm weather concealment I like the Sig P239 in .40S&W.

[Llewlladdwr]

33. Haven't looked at the Sig.

I'll add that to the review list though. Thanks!

[Mojorabbit]

17. That probably would be me. :) n/t

[postulater]

4. I have three, none of which have been fired in over 25 years.

I only have ammo for one and they all have trigger locks.

[stark6935]

5. I have one

but I will probably end up with like 10. I have friends that probably have 50 for just themselves. I guess it just gets to be a collection, and some of them have cool history to them like ww2 guns.

[Llewlladdwr]

11. "cool history" indeed.

I got my C&R FFL a couple of years ago and started collecting WWII-era smallarms at that time. I think it's given me a much greater appreciation of the technology and capabilities available to the different forces in that conflict. For example, the Mosin M44 is rugged as all get out but a nightmare to operate (recoil is horrid and the bolt is sticky as hell) while the action on the Mauser Kar98k is as smooth as can be. Imagining what actions my weapons may have been involoved in (no way to know, but maybe they were in some decisive battles) makes them even more interesting. Not a hobby for everyone, but it certainly makes me feel closer to the men involved.

[Plucketeer]

28. I have some empty field bandage cans

Imagine the human slant on how they were used in WWII.

[L1A1Rocker]

30. Yep, nothing like taking a weapon off of a dead kraut!

[Llewlladdwr]

34. The original sardine can-type for the Carlisle dressings?

Can you share how they came into your possession? I bet there's a heck of a story there.

[Plucketeer]

43. I can share.....

I was stationed in the Phillipines in '65. I came to be friends with a Filipino family that had lived in the same house since the 1800s. The elder of the house had an attic FULL of war stuff he'd collected during WWII. He gave me some bandage tins as a gesture of friendship.

[slackmaster]

41. My C&R FFL is due for renewal

Thanks for the reminder!

[bossy22]

67. just got my C&R

yesterday, first time issuince, time to order me my enfield

[L1A1Rocker]

7. WE'RE NUMBER 1, WE'RE NUMBER 1

Of course I've got around 20 myself. Guess I'm blowing the average hu?

[1620rock]

8. I have enough....

[WWFZD]

10. Interesting

I have 6, but one of those is WW2 German officers FN .32. All the original markings, took off a dead Nazi, an heirloom locked away and never fired.

[jmg257]

13. The number of gun owners isn't declining - just the PERCENTAGE of Americans. Some numbers..

There are consistently more gun owners every year.



According to the NORC organization, their were 65+ Million gun owners in 2006*, compared to the est. 57 Million gun owners in 2004**, which is atleast 6 million MORE then they estimated (51 Million**) owned them in 2000, compared to the est. 44 Million who owned them in 1997****.

*According to NORC 2006 National Gun Policy Survey of the National Opinion Research Center "the percentage of Americans who reported personally owning a gun has shrunk to just under 22 percent"
**2004 estimates of 26% of adults in the US owning at least
one firearm, Injury Prevention estimated that 57 million adults owned 283
million firearms
***Smith, “2001 National Gun Policy Survey of the National Opinion Research Center: Research
Findings.” (50.6 million individuals who personally own a gun – Applying 24.2% estimate of adult
gun owners to 2000 Census total of 209,128,904 adults).
****. Philip J. Cook and Jens Ludwig, “Guns in America: National Survey on Private Ownership and
Use of Firearms,”

[Boomer 50]

16. Bear one thing in mind

The stats are concerned about "legal" guns produced by licensed manufacturers. When I had a compliance inspection a few years ago, the inspector had his supervisor out with him. His supervisor dropped a bomb on me when he stated that the BATFE estimates that for every 5 guns in the US that are "legal" there are between 3 and 4 that are considered contraband. Out of that number, they estimate that almost a third are contraband NFA items such as machineguns, silencers, short barreled rifles or shotguns, etc. They also have absolutely no idea how many home made legally compliant guns without any information on them may be in circulation at the present time. The 1994 AW ban had the predicted side effect of a major increase in parts kit conversions on "garage" receivers.

[L1A1Rocker]

18. Wow, interesting stuff there.

Question: Would old war trophies, ie bring backs be considered legal but w/o paperwork?

They estimates on the contraband NFA stuff is probably correct. I know lots of people did not register under the amnesty in 86 because they thought it was a trick and their stuff would be confiscated. It also underscores the need for another amnesty period as proscribed in the 86 law.

Also, their assertion of legal homemade "garage" firearms is correct.

[comradebillyboy]

22. What's legal depends on what state you live in. The WWII

rifles and pistols that are not full auto, are considered to be "curios and relics" by the federal govt. Some of those curios and relics are very good semi-automatic assault weapons, like the Russian SKS. If I had a federal Class III firearms license, I could legally buy certain types of automatic weapons like WWII vintage machine guns or silenced pistols. When I was at my gun club shooting last week the people next to my group were shooting a FAL full auto assault rifle (a modern NATO assault rifle). 2 problems with full auto, one-you spend more time loading the damn thing than you do shooting it, second-you spend a fortune buying ammunition.

[stark6935]

24. I actually almost bought,

a mosinagant yesterday (150$), but I don't really know what I want now. I actually looked for a Kar98k, but I don't think I have actually ever seen one for sale. I might just buy a Garand, but who knows. I would love to have an MG42, but...I don't have 7 grand for a gun lol.

[comradebillyboy]

25. A couple of my friends have Mosin-Nagant's

They are actually good rifles for the money and reasonably accurate. Relatively cheap ammo is available as well. I am thinking of going in the other direction and getting a civil war replica 1861 Springfield cap and ball rifled musket. One of my shooting buddies casts his own .58 caliber Minnett Balls.

[virginia mountainman]

36. I collect WWII weaponry..

I have rifles and pistols from the following nations..

United States, M1 Garand (Springfield Amory), and Carbines, 1911 A1 (US Switch and Signal)
Soviet Union, Several different modals of Mosin Nagants (Tula and Iveshek Mfr)
Germany K98k Mauser, P38
Finland, "Kivaari M91-24" w/Sig Sauer Heavy Barrel (SAKO Assembly), {SA} marked Mosin M91
Japan Type 99 Short Rifle (Nagoya Arsenal, 4th series), in 7.7 Jap
England, No 1 Mk III* Lee Enfields, No 4 Mk1 Lee Enfields, {various mfr)
Canada, No4 Mk2* Lee Enfield (Long Branch), Inglis/Browning Hi PowerMk1 Pistol.
Australia and New Zealand, No1 MkIII* Lee Enfield (Lithgow Mfr)

This morning, I am looking to close the deal on another German K98k.


I have most of the main combatants, main "battle rifles" in my collection, now I Need to find me a Italian Carcano, and a French M36, to round off my collection.

I also have a few more modern military type rifles, but since we are talking about WWII, I left them out of the post. These rifles are a very tangible link to our history, we would be remiss if we, as a people forgot about the valiant people that carried many of these arms into combat, or the shear terror the "previous" government approved, possessor of these weapons caused to the innocent.

[Elmer1007]

26. MG 42

The last registered MG 42 I saw sold went for $65,000. plus tax.

[ac2007]

38. I think he was referring to the semi-auto version

Semi-auto MG42s go for around $7K with full accessories (era tripod, ammo belts, original data plates and the like). Gun alone runs around $6000.

[krispos42]

27. It looks like the numbers of gun owners is down slightly...

... but the average guns per owner is up.

Keep in mind that the population of the US goes up by like 4 million per year net, so we're actually ahead of the curve.

[johnbraun]

54. "Hi! I'm from the government and I'm doing a survey! How many guns do you own?"

Anyone want to venture how likely it was that gun owners answered "Zero"?

[slackmaster]

58. "I used to own a Ruger 10/22 and a Smith & Wesson .38 Special..."

"...But I lost them in a tragic boating accident."

[L1A1Rocker]

60. Geee Mr G. Man

I ain't got none of them therr ferrarrrms. Not one, no sirrey.

[Plucketeer]

29. What if...

By some decree - we were forced to use the term "Death Tool" instead of "Gun" when referring to these items? That's all they are. They weren't invented because there was a plague of targets that threatened to smother humanity.

[L1A1Rocker]

31. But what if

We called them life savers. In honor of all the Innocent lives saved by their proper use! Yea, what a great idea you had. A new an more descriptive euphemism. THE LIFE SAVER!

[jmg257]

37. So? I would own 20 "death tools" instead of 20 "guns"? Who cares?

Wouldn't change that they ARE indeed just "tools". But then again - anything is a "dangerous instrument" depending on how it is used - cars, axes, chain saws, 2x4s, matches, etc. We could call cars "death tools" too since they kill so many more people every year - and they weren't even designed to do so!

[Name removed]

45. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[jmg257]

47. Not as dumb an argument as changing the name of an object to try to justify infringing basic rights.

Parsing doesn't help, and neither does cracking yourself up over your stupid ideas; this re-labeling of yours is even worse then the idea of trying to rely on stats to infringe on natural rights. We saw enough of this idiocy with the whole "assault weapon" farce.

If most guns weren't designed to "end life", they wouldn't be so effective at sending out little pieces of metal at such high speeds. They wouldn't be as effective for self-defense, common defense, law enforcement, hunting, target shooting, etc. They also wouldn't be as fun to use, wouldn't have the history they have, etc. But no matter what you want to call them - guns, arms, firearms, or even "death tools" - the fact is we would still own them, and still have the right to do so.

:) Now THAT is worth smiling about! :toast:

[Name removed]

48. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[jmg257]

49. Me neither. Bush WOULD be SO proud of you since you are SO willing to restrict rights for illusions

of safety.

The Patriot Act must make you crack up too!...Laughing your ass off over Gitmo? Waterboarding? FISA?

[Name removed]

61. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[jmg257]

77. Figured such a vision would give you a laugh - the more your boy gets the better, huh? The thought

of more tyranny amuses you, I know - I get it!

[EricTeri]

50. There are MANY of us who support the 2nd Amendment n/t

[L1A1Rocker]

51. Do you have anything to add other

than barbs/insults? If not the exit is that way ------------>

[jmg257]

52. Ahh Heston..."Get your stinking paws off my gun, you damn dirty ape!"

[L1A1Rocker]

53. HaHaHaHa!!! LMAO!!!!

[SteveM]

57. "Is that a pistol in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?" Mae West

[benEzra]

55. This was posted in General Discussion a while back...

Nationwide, about half of U.S. gun owners are Dems and indies. We own guns, and we're keeping them.


----------------------
The Conservative Roots of U.S. Gun Control

Dems and the Gun Issue - Now What? (written in '04, largely vindicated in '06, IMO)

[johnbraun]

59. Why are you being so intolerant of those that make different life choices than you?

Liberals shouldn't act in such a divisive and bigoted manner.

[jody]

63. You don't know the Democratic Party says "We will protect Americans' Second Amendment right

to own firearms"?

Have you considered joining a political party that wants to ban guns?

[Plucketeer]

71. What's the name and strength

of your "militia"?

[jmg257]

73. Not sure, but his is probably the same as ours: "we the people". Strength of approx 300 million.

"we the people" being in the Constitutional sense..the people of the United States &c.

Ya know, those for who such absolute rights are secured by the Law of the Land.

[jody]

75. The militia is defined in 10 USC 311 and may include additional people based on state constitutions.

10 USC 311

Thanks for asking. :hi:

[jmg257]

78. IF you wanted to rely on the militia observation, that is true. Although secures

our right to military arms, I like the self-defense & private use aspect too - allows me to CCW and get all kinds of other good stuff.


Public Law 109-92
109th Congress

An Act

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act''.

SEC. 2. <<NOTE: 15 USC 7901.>> FINDINGS; PURPOSES.

(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution
provides that the right of the people to keep and bear arms
shall not be infringed.
(2) The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution
protects the rights of individuals, including those who are not
members of a militia or engaged in military service or training,
to keep and bear arms.

[jody]

80. I agree re RKBA but the question was a diversion from #45 which referred to "freeper corner in DU".

I was just educating a gun-grabber who obviously doesn't know that the Democratic Party supports RKBA and none of the background for RKBA.

[jmg257]

81. Understood! Cheers! Ok debate is on - have to go watch Obama kick butt!

:toast:

[L1A1Rocker]

82. I believe you need to expand your education

on what the Militia is, every able bodied male.

[Name removed]

83. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[L1A1Rocker]

84. I believe you ment "life saver"

At lease that's what mine are for. Cannot speak for you of course.

[L1A1Rocker]

85. Thank you for admitting that

you really do know what the definition of militia is.

[Name removed]

90. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Plucketeer]

92. It's really terrible, eh?

Funny that's such is a regular feature on the Comedy Channel, where such extremisim is mocked for the lunacy it really is.

[L1A1Rocker]

96. You do realize

that you just used skits on the comedy channel to back up your assertions right?

[EricTeri]

116. Using the Comedy Channel as support for your position?

Says quite a bit about you and your mentality.

[jody]

91. Sorry some states, e.g. Louisiana, include females in the militia and the age to 64.

RS 29:3

§3. Militia

A. All able-bodied persons between the ages of seventeen and sixty-four residing in this state and who are not exempt by the laws of the United States of America or of this state constitute the militia of Louisiana and are subject to military duty.

B. The militia is divided into two classes, the organized militia and the unorganized militia.

(1) The organized militia consists of the national guard, the Louisiana State Guard and other organized military forces which may be authorized by law.

(2) The unorganized militia consists of all other persons subject to military duty.

[Plucketeer]

93. Wall Shoot Haudee!

How's come you ain't petitionin' the guvamints for some free ammo! Seems that's the LEAST they could do for the "reserves". :rofl:

[jody]

94. The issue was your ignorance of certain facts that I have demonstrated. Have a good day. n/t

[L1A1Rocker]

98. Hey Jody

take a look at Article 1 Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. What he says in jest just might be in there.

[jody]

107. I'm familiar with Article I, Section 8, Clauses 15 & 16. Neither of them define the militia but it

is defined in 10 USC 311 and by states in their statues.

I cited Louisiana law that says in RS 29:3

§3. Militia

A. All able-bodied persons between the ages of seventeen and sixty-four residing in this state and who are not exempt by the laws of the United States of America or of this state constitute the militia of Louisiana and are subject to military duty.

B. The militia is divided into two classes, the organized militia and the unorganized militia.

(1) The organized militia consists of the national guard, the Louisiana State Guard and other organized military forces which may be authorized by law.

(2) The unorganized militia consists of all other persons subject to military duty.

My citation was sufficient to refute the assertion in #83 that the militia included only males 17 to 45. That statement is true only under 10 USC 311 but not true for all states.

[L1A1Rocker]

109. My reference

was actually a response to Pluckateer's comment he made in jest about the Feds giving out ammo. I have herd several people that Article 1 Section 8 implies just that.

[jody]

110. Mea culpa. I agree with you that Clause 16, Section 8, Article I requires Congress

"To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia".

That includes both the "organized" and "unorganized" militia as defined in 10 USC 311.

Congress uses that authority to provide token funds for various state "unorganized militias" that vary quite widely from state to state.

One place to get acquainted with state unorganized militias is State Organizations, State Guard Association of the United States, Inc.

ON EDIT ADD:
I believe Senators Kerry and Kennedy voted to eliminate the Civilian Marksmanship Program that was established to partially fulfill congress's responsibility to organize, arm, and discipline the unorganized militia. (Vote No. 325 Oct. 12, 1993; Vote No. 178, June 27, 19)

[L1A1Rocker]

97. Are you referring to Article 1 Section 8

of the US constitution? I agree, congress IS supposed to be giving ammo to the civilians.

[Plucketeer]

111. Well what's wrong with you then???

Why aren't you gettin' yur share and sprayin' metal with abandon??? Gotta keep sharp, ya know! Never know when that first wave of camel calvalry will crest the hill! :rofl:

[L1A1Rocker]

112. Who's to say

that I already have enough to last quite some time. I am curious though, about the "camel calvalry" remark. Surly you are not disparaging an ethnic group are you?

[L1A1Rocker]

113. So you agree with that interpretation of Article 1 Section 8?

Not really sure as you didn't respond to it. You only wanted to make a swipe at me and anyone that rides a camel. Shame shame.

[Plucketeer]

120. OH yeah....

I'm just MELTING with shame here. :rofl:

[L1A1Rocker]

121. Thank you for your agreement.

It is nice to be able to meet in these forums to educate the uninformed. Most people are too closed minded on the gun issue to accept evidence contrary to their pre-conceived ideas. Congratulations on broadening your horizons.

[L1A1Rocker]

114. I notice you have a lot of posts deleted.

Is that maybe do to remarks similar in nature you make disparaging anyone that rides a camel?

[jmg257]

115. Now your talking! Our bristling arsenal of course includes copious amounts of ammo!

Range time is a given too. You have to take the self-responsibility seriously - luck is all well and good, but a little talent will ALWAYS help!

Besides - shooting is such a blast! (shooting is a blast - get it? :rofl:)

[benEzra]

117. Dude, that's "cavalry."

Wall Shoot Haudee! How's come you ain't petitionin' the guvamints for some free ammo! Seems that's the LEAST they could do for the "reserves".

...

Well what's wrong with you then??? Why aren't you gettin' yur share and sprayin' metal with abandon??? Gotta keep sharp, ya know! Never know when that first wave of camel calvalry will crest the hill!

Dude, that's "cavalry." Cavalry is light mounted infantry; calvary is an Anglicized Latin name for a hill in Jerusalem. If you're going to fling accusations of hickhood and stupidity, at least learn to spell.




----------------------
Thoughts on Gun Ownership

Dems and the Gun Issue - Now What? (written in '04, largely vindicated in '06, IMO)

The Conservative Roots of U.S. Gun Control

[Plucketeer]

119. 'scuze me, Ez....

Did they not use camels in that geographic area at one time? I rest your case.

First rule of industry: You must be smarter than the tools you employ.

[jmg257]

102. Same as with guns - the people must supply their own. THAT way the govt can't withhold those

arms and accoutrements in order to disarm the people in violation of the constitution. Which of course is a primary reason for the 2nd amendment. It is a big problem now with the organized militia of the United States (federal NG), it would be little help to oppose tyranny since the state holds the keys to the arms. Even Hamilton, who preferred a select militia, didn't want that militia to depend on the govt for it source of arms.

No one in their right mind would depend on the govt to keep us armed. The framers didn't - they specifically wrote laws against it, and neither should we - as can be seen - they don't do a very good job with the duties with regards to the people they DO have.


Jeremiah Wadsworth of Connecticut: "Is there a man in this House who would wish to see so large a proportion of the community, perhaps one-third, armed by the United States, and liable to be disarmed by them?" "Masters would assist apprentices, and as to minors, their parents or guardians would prefer furnishing them with arms themselves, to depending on the United States when they knew they were liable to having them reclaimed."

[Plucketeer]

72. Well - here's hoping

you're not on the receiving end of someone else's 2nd Am. rights some time. Nothin' like bein' on the receiving end to make you think again.

OH YES - I know - I know, that won't happen becuase YOU will dissuade such aggression with your bristling arsenal. Yeah - sure. :rofl:

[jmg257]

76. Oh it could happen - nothing guaranteed except the right itself. Figure my odds are definitely

better armed then unarmed - something about being a helpless victim isn't so attractive.

Great thing about choice - you can choose to be unarmed, and I can choose to be armed - even with a "bristling arsenal". Ahhh - freedom!

[L1A1Rocker]

86. A bristling arsenal

is probably a tad better then your . . . um. . . . harsh words. Yeah, that'll do the trick.

[krispos42]

99. Ah ah ah....

"deadly assault weapons" is the term now. Plain old "assault weapons" lost its zing, apparantly.

[slackmaster]

39. That would violate the First Amendment

:hi:

[EricTeri]

42. What if

People who insisted upon trying to tell others what to do because they were scared of what someone MIGHT do were legally allowed to be hunted down like rabid dogs? You think that might alter your perception about what was your business and what isn't?

[Plucketeer]

44. Not at all

There's what's right (er Right) and what isn't. I'd rather die for what's right than what isn't.

[EricTeri]

46. I feel much the same way

And it is MY right to be armed if i so choose.

You can laugh it off or attempt to redefine firearms however you choose, but the bottom line is, my rights are my rights. How you feel about them is largely irrelevant.

[bossy22]

56. whats right in this case

is an oppinion. For you to claim that you hold the absolute truth on whats right and wrong is dillusional at best. may this be a warning to you that next time you jump on your high horse- make sure that someone doesnt knock you down :)

[Plucketeer]

62. Private citizens with guns

are either cowards or bullies. And lest you folks start to surmize silly conclusions - I carried an M-16 to war. Tools of death - that's all they are. Justify them however you like - just let your thinking free from the narrow corridor you keep it confined to.

[sergeiAK]

64. Ad Hominem writ large. nt

[virginia mountainman]

65. LOL WOW...

Please back up that statement.....

Only a coward would make a statement that he can't back up.

[fightthegoodfightnow]

74. Back What Up

Cowardly? What part of that makes someone you 'brave'?

Bravery has nothing do to with a gun and everything to do with a man's character.

[L1A1Rocker]

79. It's baaaaaccckkkkk

[DrCory]

106. Do you question the character of the Warsaw Ghetto uprisers? NT

[bossy22]

66. obviously you had a different experience than i did

but that doesnt make your position correct and mine incorrect- or vice versa.

[slackmaster]

68. Oh, so the fact that you served in a war makes you an expert

:rofl:

[Lex1775]

69. I carried an M-4 carbine into war.

Got the medals to prove it.

I love knowing that private citizens in America are allowed to be armed. I saw too many 3rd world hell holes where the local cops/army units/whatever you want to call them, took what they wanted, when they wanted to, because Joe Sixpack had no recourse to stop them. Same thing went for the criminals. Thanks... but no thanks.

[liberal4truth]

87. Go ahead and try to stop the cops when they come to take your guns away.....

.....that should make for a great show on "COPS" !!

Guns are for killing people. Period.

[jmg257]

89. Ahh.. "cops coming to take our guns away" - enforcing unconstitutional laws. Yay Tyranny!

[Lex1775]

100. And the same people are in marches on the local news...

Claiming how Bush is turning America into a police state. Amazing.

[liberal4truth]

118. The "same people"? Sounds like very bigotted statement to me.

[DrCory]

105. Resistance...

Against tyranny is heroic in of itself, regardless of the outcome. To not resist is enabling.

[jmg257]

70. No bully here - I'm a real chicken shit. The more guns I have the better I feel.

I try to have 1 on me whenever I can - that way I don't have to be afraid of NOT having one when I need it.

Shit - I carried 2 on duty because I was scared I might need a back-up. Lots of ammo too. I couldn't switch to the .40 from the 9 fast enough since I was worried the 9mm wouldn't be as effective. Oh and the 870 was a nice bonus.

We rode alone alot.

The FBI shoot-out really bothered me, as did a particular incident with cops getting murdered in NYC, and a State trooper getting killed in a shootout (RIP Troop Aversa) - I knew I didn't want to get caught ill-prepared like those poor guys did. (or caught with a less-effective 9mm). Something about watching the crying widow and her kids in a funeral procession has a way of getting to you.
I must admit I teared up when the band played taps and Amazing Grace too.


I do have to admit that shooting the M16, M4 and M249 are a real blast! No fear there...just total enjoyment.

[liberal4truth]

88. Amen!!

[jmg257]

95. Amen is right! Nothing wrong with a little fear..keeps one from doing ALOT of stupid things, like

not taking on the self-responsibility of being armed, not relying on others for your safety, not replacing batteries in fire alarms, not wearing your seatbelts, not counting on the good-will(??) of the bad guy or 911 to save you, not growing a pair and overcoming any ineptness you might have, not putting fences around your pool, not teaching your kids about matches, etc. etc. etc.

[EricTeri]

101. Interesting thought process you have there...

So because I choose to exercise my rights, and do not depend upon someone else for my safety, I am a coward or a bully.

Meanwhile, someone like you who expects another to put his life at risk to ensure your safety - even though that other person has neither legal or moral obligation to do so, and is willing to attempt to use the full force of government to force people like me to do what YOU want to do, is somehow NOT cowardly and is NOT bullying?

Ignorance is strength, eh comrade?

[slackmaster]

40. Good question about where those 4.5 million go

My collection of more than 50 makes me a significant contributor to the per-capita figure, but nearly all of mine were made before or during World War II.

:shrug:

[DemOkie]

103. Slackmaster, I think I'm reponsible

Well, my wife and I. I think we're well past 70. I just can't bring myself to stop her from shopping.:woohoo:

[jmg257]

104. Your wife rocks! Mine "allows" it, but begrudgingly (I still do Ok though!)

[DemOkie]

108. JMG

I don't really have a choice. Our gameroom is really just there to showcase all of her shooting trophies. To be entitled to my little corner I am compelled to let her buy guns. Such is life...;-)