'More Guns' is simply more of a problem. Here's my solution.
I have been shopping for a pistol for quite a few months now, and was considering buying one for home defense.
I'm an ex-Marine and know how to handle a weapon.
I would be a very responsible gun owner, in favor of limitations, registrations and tracking.
I know how to shop for a pistol. I know what 'single action' means. I know what 'sight radius' is.
One of the big selling points of a pistol is magazine capacity. Seven rounds is two few, the argument goes, because if you are in a firefight you want as many rounds as you can get.
What Firefight? How many times does an incident of gun violence involve a protracted gun battle? Damn few. Gun violence comes out of the blue, when you least expect it. It's just too easy for the bad guys to get the drop on you.
The more I thought about scenarios that would force me to use a gun the more I realized that in order to be 'safe', I'd be forced to keep a loaded weapon within easy reach all the time. The most likely result of that would be an accident. Not more safety.
---------------------------------------
I don't have a solution to the gun problem in America but I have an answer for myself.
I'm not getting one.
Even if I have no loaded gun under my pillow to fight off a home invasion.
Even if I don't have a gun under my jacket to stop a crazed shooter in the mall.
Even if I find myself unarmed when our society melts down from some doomsday event.
I'm not buying one.
Even if I imagine myself to be in danger from gun owners, at least people will be certain that they are not in danger from me.
I took up a weapon in the Marines to protect our country. It's still my country and still my oath to protect it. This time, I can do that by not picking up a weapon. That is a distinct improvement.
= new reply since forum marked as read
