Reply #7: As far as Maine is concerned, I don't see any need for a change either [View All]

[tech9413]

Everyplace is not Maine. I grew up in SW PA from the 50's on. Most of us as kids had guns and used them regularly for hunting, fun, sport, or just to make noise. No big deal just use your brain and eyes before you use the trigger. Even then you could drive 10 miles to the county seat and you'd have 20 calls to the police if you shot at a squirrel with anything more than a BB gun.

In those years and until today I never felt that I needed a gun. It was just a tool that might be needed. I lived and worked in some of the toughest areas of Metro NY and Pgh but never felt I needed to be armed there.

I agree with you, why mess with success. The more important question is what is the success? Is it the deterrent that everyone else might be armed and be a tougher target? Could be, but the unintended consequence is that law enforcement doesn't know where to point if everyone is armed. Another unintended consequence is that you as an armed citizen thinking you are defending yourself shoot another armed citizen thinking they re defending themselves.

There are hundreds, if not more possible scenarios where being armed might provide as much if not more risk than being unarmed.

The variables are almost infinite but I think I have a few ideas that could be effective when applying only local data to enact laws for that area. Registration and background checks should be based on the type of firearm and the location of owner.

Use of the weapon in an uncontrolled area when deadly force can be had beyond the line of sight the owner/user accepts responsible for any and all damages.

Handguns, shotguns, and rifles should all be considered under different restrictions.
Fully automatic weapons should be outlawed unless licensed for use by law enforcement, military, or for sport usage on licensed firing ranges.

I try and stay away from any posts about guns and legislation because I've always had bipolar views on the subject. I don't want anyone telling me what I can or cannot have but I understand (and have been in situations where I understand the alternative view). If you live in a tough neighborhood or get blindsided by someone with a gun, you've got to consider your options and outcomes in a split second. If I carried CCW, it would be in the safest form, unloaded and unchambered. I'm already down two steps. By the time I got a round in the chamber, I would have to have ducked at least three shots.
That is if I was awake and aware. If I were asleep and had a gun within reach and loaded the chamber while I was still groggy, I'd be lucky if I could shoot my foot before I caught someone aware and awake and high on the chemistry turned on by the excitement.

That's one of the reasons that gun owners most likely get shot by their own guns.

I've got no problem with guns but they have been used as a tool for the NRA for decades. The NRA doesn't represent the interest of gun owners, they represents the interest of the gun manufacturers.

They've done good for the last thirty years Now it's time to fleece the fat cats for all they stole from you.