RE: Shot Gun In RV?
Realizing I will not, nor do I intend, to change anyone’s opinion on firearms for personal protection, after being called a “geezer”, an “old excited folk with elite weaponry”, a “gun totter”, being compared to “gangsters”, being told I am “incompetent”, being equated with “old drunk uncle Louie who randomly fires his gun in a celebratory stupor before killing aunt Louise”, I would like to support those of you that do feel secure with personal carry of firearms and hopefully advocate that those of us that do are not paranoid “Dirty Harry” wannabes in need of some machismo fix with our guns. Responding to the “what-ifs”, “innuendo” and “supposition” makes for a challenging if not impossible undertaking. I would like to give it a shot (no pun intended).
Much weight has been put on whether or not armed citizens are sufficiently trained in the use of firearms. Some states do require training courses and thanks to the plethora of successful firearms training courses offered across the country, the actual per capita rate of firearms accidents has been steadily declining over the past few decades. Gun safety depends on education and personal responsibility. I fully support education efforts regarding gun ownership and safety. Personal responsibility issues involves much more than a gun safety course or proficiency exam and are something that is dealt with in all facets of our society.
The statement “that firearm discharges either by accident or just by poor aim kill people with regularity” is misleading. The rate of accidental deaths with guns is at an all-time low, down 93% since the all-time high in 1904. Gun accidents account for less than 0.7% of accidental deaths. One is far more likely to die from a fall, an auto accident, or from natural causes than a gunshot wound.
Then there is the lethal force issue. The quote was “how do you train old geezers, male and female to shoot to kill?” Semantics would lend me to think of this as how “do you train one to protect ones own life?” There are many courses offered through reputable schools like the Lethal Force Institute, The Chapman Academy, Insight Training Center, and Gunsite Training Center which specialize in Personal Protection Firearm education/training. Responsible owners will get training much like responsible drivers don’t drink and drive. We cannot mandate attitudes or personal responsibility.
” So now let me get this clear too, we all, no matter our background, skills, abilities or age, should have the right to carry weapons concealed or in a holster on our hip?” , a statement that most gun owners would think imprudent as well as inaccurate. No one can legally own a gun without first being the proper age and then meeting the requirements of both a Federal and State background check. In addition, most states prohibit open carry. If we are referring to those citizens that don’t follow the laws the point is moot!
The arguments for and against concealed carry seem to have remained the same over the years with few being convinced to change sides. There will always be the “haves” and the “have not’s” with respect to firearms. There are also extremes in both camps. For the most part, those of us that carry have no desire to “have our safety off and guns drawn while walking down the streets”. We are not the “bad guys” just proud Americans exercising a personal right to carry.
Have a great week!
