Reply #17: the key point is practice

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

I've said this again and again-there is no point in buying a gun unless you know how to use it. In fact, having a gun in the house and NOT knowing how to use it is more dangerous than not having a gun at all. Another point: if you buy a gun, you must be aware of what will happen if you do use it. If you get a gun for hunting, you must be aware that killing an animal will not look like it does in cartoons-there is blood and gore and you have a certain amount of responsibility to get the animal skinned and the meat preserved in a quick and efficient manner.

If, for some reason you feel that you may need to shoot a person, you must consider the consequence of THAT action as well. In the coming times, it might be a good idea to have other weapons than firearms at the ready. I speak from experience. About ten years ago, my husband and I were involved in actions against forest destruction by corporations, who were aided and abetted by the Forest Service. Some drunk locals came by our house with loaded weapons, looking to kill or injure someone. My husband talked to them-and, believe it or not, talked some sense into them, and they left.

BTW, he knows how to use his firearms, and would if need be. But he sees their use as a very last resort. Have more than firepower in your arsonal when bad times come.