Possibly I should buy a handgun and get licensed to carry,

[DemocraticPatriot]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by Emile (a host of the General Discussion forum).

in order to protect myself from mad-dog armed and dangerous Republican state legislators,
as well as the average armed magats, who may take offense
when you wrinkle your nose at the flag of their orange god....
or simply say "happy holidays" to them...



Inspired by
https://democraticunderground.com/100219049126

I could have been the "good guy with a gun" in that scenario,
since it obviously was NOT the GOP Michigan state legislator in question---
but sounds like it would have been a 'good shoot' if I had
felt compelled to defend the stripper...

[OAITW r.2.0]

1. All around me, I listen to people shooting. Some are semi-automatics, some are pretty well full auto.

Thinking of buying a Glock, just in case'.

[Dan]

2. Ensure that you are aware of gun safety issues. Not saying that you're not aware, but in case you're not.

Plus, I always tell people, don't buy a gun unless you know what you're doing and if circumstances arise be prepared to do the right thing. If your personal traits/beliefs/values won't allow you to defend yourself with a weapon - don't do it.

[DemocraticPatriot]

3. My personal preference is to NOT have one---

I can be hot-tempered at times...

However, I had experience and education about it in my youth.

This OP is more a dig at the crazy Republicans,
than any real plan...

[Dan]

5. Got it.

Be safe.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

10. Very good advice.

[shrike3]

15. Husband won't carry because he's afraid he might lose it.

He's hot-tempered, especially when he's driving. A late acquaintance of mine, retired cop, also wouldn't carry for that reason. He had a firearm at home for protection -- husband does, too -- but would not carry.

[yagotme]

17. Sounds like good decision-making process on their parts.

If you don't think you can have one safely, don't get one.

[Mopar151]

4. "The crooks who could'nt shoot straight!" ?

Going by the antics of NH's pistol packin' legislators, they are mostly endangering each other, as they drop guns all over the State House.
OTOH, We're kind of light on strippers in NH.. Also, we tend to celebrate any holidays involving ethnic food in plenty!

[brewens]

6. I carry a switchblade. Illegal as fuck but if anyone ever makes a bad choice and needs to find out I have that

I'll worry about legal later.

Besides, guns are heavy, noisy and frankly, they small bad. If I run into trouble, maybe there's no cameras or witnesses around and I can bleed them out real quiet like and no one needs to know it was me.

[usonian]

7. I carry pepper spray.

Chain saw at home.

[Kaleva]

8. What are the odds of you needing a gun to protect yourself from Magahats?

My guess it's pretty much just above 0.

You also have to ask yourself if you are willing to put in the hours upon hours of training.

I have a CPL but since I haven't been putting in the training, the revolver is locked away in a gun locker in the master bedroom closet and the ammo is in the basement in a locked ammo box. It'll remain that way until I resume the training and have reached a level of proficiency that I'm satisfied with in the handling of the gun. Which could take weeks.

Expect to spend several weeks or even a few months in training before you are proficient enough to carry a loaded gun. There's a lot more to this then just taking a basic class and spending some time at the range.

[sarisataka]

13. IME experience the frequency of events

that lead to consideration of introducing a firearm is about once per decade. In over thirty years of carrying only twice have I seriously moved to the mental zone where I was preparing to draw my pistol.

So far, the need to act on that consideration remains at zero. Opportunities for de-escalation appeared in the nick of time.

[Kaleva]

14. I haven't experienced such an event in 4 decades

I don't need a gun for self or home defense because the likely hood of needing such is so remote. At least in my situation.

However, I want to be prepared for the remote chance that the situation may deteriate to the point where I feel I do need one.

Even that, because the likely hood is so remote, alone wasn't enough reason to get a gun. I do like to go to the range with my stepson and son-in-law to target practice so with that, I felt I could justify getting a gun .

At this time, I'm not in the mindset to get back into training for self defense so the revolver and ammo are locked away except for the times I go to the range

[Hotler]

9. If you're going to get a firearm do it before the election. If the fascist take power they will shut down gun sales.

Can't have Dems & Libs arming themselves. You don't have to use it but you have it if needed. In case anyone is interested,
https://theliberalgunclub.com

[Tree Lady]

16. Well I bet a lot of dem would buy from Nov to Jan

if that happens.

[LuckyCharms]

11. I'm 65 and I've shot a gun exactly once in my life.

I didn't particularly enjoy it.

I've gone this long without needing to possess/carry a gun or a knife or any kind of defensive weapon.

That position is right for me, but I do realize that everyone else is not in my location and situation, and there may be some cases where owning a firearm is prudent.

For myself, I see owning a firearm as more of a risk than a benefit.

[sarisataka]

12. I am not sure you are approaching your need rationally and

would strongly advise you reflect before making your final decision.

Word of caution, inserting yourself as a third party in a situation in progress is one of the most legally risky actions to take.

[FakeNoose]

20. Good liability insurance would be a necessity

... also having friends in high places helps a lot.

Just sayin'

[sarisataka]

21. Two things I strongly recommend to anyone who chooses to carry

A firearm specific liability policy and the card of an attorney or legal aid group.
When I teach a carry class I tell the students no matter how clear cut and dry it may appear if you have to draw your gun or especially if shots were fired, expect to be arrested.

[LexVegas]

19. Rightwing nutbags shouldn't be the only ones that are armed. Educate and arm yourself. nt

[dsp3000]

22. Gun toting liberal here.

Would be foolish not to have one when all the nutjobs here are armed.

[Emile]

23. Locking post.

SOP for General Discussion

Discussing the merits of various firearms are not permitted under normal circumstances and should be posted in the Gun Control and RKBA Group.