Sunday, October 19, 2014

Thoughts On Firearm Ownership

This will be a rambling post with no real point. You are warned.

First, I detested the use of the word “gun” unless you are referring to a smoothbore. Firearms have been part of my life since childhood. There was always a .30-.30 over the front door, a rifle in our vehicles, and a .22 in a closet. I can’t tell you how young I was when I first fired a firearm because I can’t remember. Likewise, I can’t remember a first use of a hammer, saw, axe, hay fork, or cow hobbles. They were tools that we used, sometimes daily. From 7th grade through high school, I belonged to the NRA Junior Rifleman program. The weekly range session was the highlight of my life. At no time did I hear anyone referring to a “gun”. Please take my word for it, in the Army, circa 1963, referring to your M-1 or M-14 as a “gun” would bring swift, and unpleasant, attention from the NCOs. Even the .50 M-2 was a “weapon”.

Second, I detest people who don’t handle firearms safely. I think everyone should demonstrate a basic competence and understanding of safety issues before they can own a firearm. Yes, I understand this is not happening because anything of this nature will be gloomed on to by the gun grabbers and perverted. There already exists a model, the hunter safety card.


Does it work? Damn right it works.


Third, I think every household should have a firearm and ammunition, and know how to use them.  Of course, some households have members who are not emotionally stable or mentally competent, and access must be restricted. I say this as someone who has personal experience with the issue. Rapid access in an emergency is compromised, but compromised access is better than no access. As I type this, a revolver is available in the drawer of my desk beside my right knee.

Fourth, I think every business should have trained and armed employees in the workplace. I spent thirty years in the retail automobile business. Believe me; you do not want to rob a car dealership. While some are “gun free”, none I every worked for were, even when the “official” policy was “gun free”.

Two times in my life I’ve faced a criminal armed with a hand gun. The first time was around 1970 in Glendale, CO at a small coffee shop on Colorado Blvd. My employee, Glen, and I were at the cash register paying for our coffees to go when the robber approached and waved a firearm. Glen was an 11B about one year removed from the 173rd in Vietnam. Without a word spoken, Glen and I both tossed our hot coffee in the robber’s face. Soon, the robber was happy to see the police and ambulance.

The second time was mid 1970’s in Renton, WA. I was on a test drive. When I stopped to change places with the “customer”, he pointed a semi automatic p.o.s. at me. Dumb little gang banger, he had the safety on. Funny how your military training kicks in, even after years away from it.

In both cases, I devoutly wished I was armed. Discussing the second case with a supervisor, he told me I was armed, with my wits. Yeah Don, not a substitute for my .44 Special.


I doubt many readers of this blog will disagree with me, even my (p)regressive friends who occasionally wander over here. I believe everyday violent criminals leave potential victims alone because they are afraid of getting shot. That, I believe, is a good thing.

14 comments:

Scotty said...

Amen!!

Like you I was raised early with firearms. My grandfather always had a .22 rifle in the bathroom. All us kids did some shooting from Bappa's favorite spot with him!

Growing up there was always a loaded shotgun sitting in a corner someplace in the house. We were also a hunting family. Not so much anymore mostly because it's hard work and the meat is already cut and packaged at the supermarket!

There are few times that I'm not carrying concealed. I have yet to pull a weapon for protection but, I'm ready if the time arrives. Unfortunately times are much more perilous now than it once was.

Scotty said...

An interesting story: http://www.thefederalistpapers.org/video-2/this-amazing-10-year-old-girl-is-an-inspiration-to-gun-owners-everywhere

Well Seasoned Fool said...

I carry, but don't have a permit. Probably should get one.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Great story.

Scotty said...

Don't know how it goes in your state but, here in Florida it takes about five weeks and a DD214 is sufficient to show competency. No need for gun safety courses with a 214.

In NY it used to take up to eight months and you had to show every handgun you owned on your pistol permit. It was about eight pages, with 6 references of your character.....and even at that it was still illegal to carry concealed in NYC.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Not too difficult. Take a safety course including range time with a certified instructor which I've done (cost me $50 plus ammo). See the sheriff, get fingerprinted, and fork over $160 which I haven't done. Guess I'm still stuck in the 60's resist authority mindset.

Ami said...

Of course you know I agree.
What drives me absolutely bugshit are the guys who say, "Hey, it's legal in this state to open carry, I am going to strap on my arsenal and stroll through the local park full of moms and babies!! Yeah, that's a great idea!!"

I'd actually like to shoot them.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

They are attention seekers. Just because I can walk around in public in a purple Speedo, fuchsia pumps, and silver vest doesn't make it a good idea. Maybe they should seek attention via their wardrobe.

Scotty said...

The last thing I want anybody to know is that I have a weapon. I'm not keen on the open carry thing.

Momma Fargo said...

I seemed to notice there was a lot of detesting going on here. LOL. Gun, gun, gun, gun, gun! There...I used in pure aggravation to you. :) I think firearm safety is paramount for anyone. I don't like idiots who are not safe. I can tell you growing up in the west is a lot different than this place I am in now. I have met so many adults who are absolutely terrified of GUNS.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Open carry when I'm out hiking, fishing, etc. Appropriate places.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

I've noticed that when I get outside my usual circles.

Old NFO said...

Concealed is concealed for a reason... :-) And they are 'tools'... Just like a hammer and saw...

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Find few things more pretentious than a "cowboy" wearing spurs when he isn't anywhere near a horse, but open carry yahoos are right there.