About my husband and the gun

[cyclonefence]

We were just about to leave to visit a sick friend. I was sitting here reading DU, and he announced--after we'd been talking about the possible repercussions from the pardon of Arpaio--that he thought we ought to get an automatic weapon, maybe an AK-47. I posted in shock--my husband is totally anti-gun--and then had to leave. I should have held that thought and posted more fully when we got back.

I'm really not a drama queen, and I'm sorry I behaved like one.

I am worried sick, but not because I'm afraid of my husband.

[renate]

1. I didn't read your original post, but

... I understand why you'd be upset.

I hope your friend is okay.

[boston bean]

2. Your post was fine.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

3. LOL! That happened to me once when I got an emergency phone call and couldn't answer.

Nearly had my head ripped off.

[Warpy]

4. If I lived outside the city in bear and cougar country, I'd have a shotgun

First barrel scares the critter off. Second is just in case it's the one in a million that decides to charge.

However, even though I live in a part of town called The War Zone, I don't have a gun. They're counterproductive.

[panader0]

14. I know that zone--Central between San Mateo and Wyoming.

[hunter]

5. That makes no sense.

What repercussions from the pardon of Arpaio?

Brown people rioting in the streets? Heavily armed fascists feeling empowered?

[MineralMan]

6. Owning a firearm without any training in its use is

not all that useful, really. There are a lot of people, like myself, who do have training in the use of firearms. I own firearms. I know how to use them. However, I don't expect to ever need to use either the firearms or the knowledge. Still, I can and will, if necessary.

Just purchasing a firearm is of little value.

[Not Ruth]

7. Very smart, even well trained police miss 57% of the time from 0 to 6 feet away

One might think that someone with no training or practice could hit the target from 6 feet away using a reliable weapon and one would be wrong.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/09/weekinreview/09baker.html

[Lee-Lee]

11. Stress and movement on both ends makes for difficult shots

Real world where your life is on the line and everyone is mobile is very different from punching holes in paper standing still.

Training matters

[HeartachesNhangovers]

10. It's true. Especially when someone goes from being

"totally anti-gun" to wanting an AK47.

I would suggest to anyone who wants to buy a gun out of fear to first get some training - and I'm not talking about an AK47 urban combat class, but simply a class on "self-defense in the home", so that you can both think about your options before spending maybe a thousand bucks on an AK variant, magazines, ammunition, etc.

[Skittles]

8. he goes from anti-gun to an AK-47?

find out what is really going on

[NutmegYankee]

18. There are a lot on the left worried about a new era of terrorism from the right.

White people can just go silent and blend in and avoid violence. Many others don't have that luxury. And then there are those like me - I could blend in, but I'm not going to - I'm going to speak out, even it it results in my death. And if it comes to a hoard of fascists with torches coming to my home to take me away, I'll at least be comfortable in the knowledge that my trip to the gates of hell has company.

[sarisataka]

9. That clarifies matter.

First a technical quibble, unless he is going to drop $10k, any AK he gets is semi-automatic. Now that is out of the way-

-What leads him, and/or you, to believe there is any civil unrest in the immediate future; specifically where you live? Such events usually have a build up time before widespread violence breaks out.

-Weapons are not the first concern. As in individual situations, avoidance is the best course of action wherever possible. "Prepping" should start with a bug-out kit containing necessities to last until you reach a safe area. Food, water, clothes, first-aid supplies, cash, medicine, important documents will all be much more important.

-Also important, plan at least three safe destinations to have options. Such areas might be a friend three miles away or relatives across the country...

-Does your husband have any experience with weapons. One does not become an expert, or even talented amateur by watching TV. The first priorities learning to handle any firearm are safe handling and storage. Details such as loading and using it come later.

-You should get such training as well. You don't need to know how to shoot if you do not wish but knowing how to safely handle, store and possibly unload it may save someone's life. A gun is not a cobra, it will not turn and bite you but careless handling can be just as deadly.

[ksoze]

12. He can't get an automatic legally

Or would need to modify a semi. All of which he should skip if he is not familiar with firearms.

[Hoyt]

15. Most people find semi-autos are plenty deadly, ask the victims of many of the mass shootings in this

country. And, it's not that hard to modify a semi to auto. Here's a $50 gadget that any gun fancier can buy and use.

[Mosby]

13. Don't worry about it

There are people here who love to pick apart posts.

Don't take it personally.

[Hoyt]

16. There was nothing wrong with your original post or this one.

[politicat]

17. I repeat: go to counseling.

That is called externalizing a fear. It's refusing or failing to articulate the actual fear, and placing it inside a totem object.

Even at $100 a session, counseling is still a lot cheaper than a big swingin' externalized dick of a gun, plus training, plus practice ammunition and range time, and without the risk of someone accidentally or intentionally using it. You can get at least a year's worth of therapy for the cost of acquiring a big combat rifle. There's far more to preparation for emergencies than owning a firearm. Start with first aid kits, go bags, and 7 day emergency supply kits.

I don't think you were being a drama queen.