What have you actually done this year in pursuit of gun safety?

[slackmaster]

I just tallied up my contributions and I am proud to say that in 2004 I have:

- Taught or assisted in teaching basic gun safety to more than two dozen people who had no previous firearms handling experience. My lifetime total is close to 100 people trained, all gratis.

- Donated a gift certificate for firearms training to my local police department,

- Took a two-day edged weapons course that included discussions of legal issues common to all deadly force situations from the perspective of an armed civilian, and

- Bought a new, robust gun safe that holds my entire collection and then some. This ensures that none of my firearms will be stolen and misused. My guns are not just secure, they're very well locked up.

People who want to reduce gun violence and accidents, put your money where your mouth is!

[alwynsw]

1. I'll play!

I've bought 2 new safes for my firearms. Safes are the best way I know of to secure firearms both from thieves and accidental misuse by the uneducated.

I haven't kept count, but I never miss an opportunity at the range to help novices with safety and usage issues.

I also preach safety at our Pink Pistols meetings regularly.

[goju]

2. How bout voting for county sheriff.

That seems to do more to reduce gun violence than any class or gun safe can. No more apologists or social engineers in the sheriff's seat. They are there to cut down on crime, either do it or retire.

[dogman]

3. I tried to get Bush out of the White House.

It didn't work so there are a lot more guns in unsafe hands throughout the world.

[slackmaster]

6. Thanks for trying!

Even if we didn't win it back, your vote counts.

[dogman]

8. Thank you and thanks for your efforts.

It wasn't just my vote, it was money too, but you've reminded me to get some gun locks before the grandchildren get any bigger. But I do keep the ammo and handgun in the safe.

[Old and In the Way]

4. I didn't buy or use a gun.

Does that count?

[slackmaster]

5. You bet your sweet bippy that counts!

Anyone who doesn't feel comfortable owning a gun or can't store it safely shouldn't have one. Nobody who doesn't want a gun should be compelled to have one. Everyone has the right to ban firearms from his or her home.

I commend you on a responsible decision that can't possibly do any harm to anyone.

:toast:

[ScrewyRabbit]

7. Bingo. If I bought a gun, I might use it to kill someone

And I don't intend on doing that.

For what it's worth, I enjoy shooting guns.

[DonP]

9. Taught gun safety to new shooters in 2004

Between helping with the local PP group and family members (nephews that used to be "anti" and my step daughters) I have drummed "the four rules" into their heads.

Now they enjoy the challenge and concentration required for pistol and centerfire rifle with my C&R collection. Next step, the trap range.

The only problem with creating new shooters is, it gets harder to get time with your own guns at the range.

[mosin]

10. Gun safety...

I lobbied for passage of Ohio's new CHL law.

I obtained my Ohio CHL.

I taught Ohio CHL classes.

I took a two-day advanced defensive handgun course.

I continued to teach my two children responsible gun safety practices. They demonstrate excellent awareness and skill both at home and at the range.

I practiced to maintain my skills on a regular basis.

[T Town Jake]

11. Got one on your list...

...I just finished installing a new heavy duty firearms safe myself over Thanksgiving weekend. Anchored to the foundation and wall studs (took four of us to unload and move into position), and large enough that it holds all my firearms plus some other valuables. I then donated my old safe to a friend who had long guns but no safe for them.
Not much, but something anyway.

[slackmaster]

12. I feel much better with a good safe in the house

I know my guns and other valuables will be there when I go home. Someone may break in and steal some things that I would miss, but nobody is going to shoot up a bus full of nuns with my SKS.

I think there should be a federal income tax deduction for people who buy safes for their firearms.

[Wickerman]

15. Excellent idea

I think there should be a federal income tax deduction for people who buy safes for their firearms.

and great thread, btw

[Redneck Socialist]

13. Bought a new safe

and practiced a lot. :) That's the fun part of gun safety.

[TX-RAT]

14. Hid my wifes shells.

[Lefty48197]

16. There must be some mistake

I can't possibly be proud of you too can I?

p.s. The edged weapons, legal issues, deadly force thing still makes me go 'hmmmmm' though...

[Low Drag]

17. Good for you!

That's a good list.

While I try to teach as many as I can any time I can I have not come close to those numbers. It's important to do this since we are no longer a rural culture. Urbanites just don't have the exposure to arms yearly in life and need a little help and guidance getting started.

BTW, that lawful use of deadly force may be the best thing you can teach anyone considering arming themselves. It's a good reality check.

Again, kudos to you!

[Jack_DeLeon]

18. Well...

I havent done anything unsafe, and I've watch my gun to make sure it didnt wander off and kill someone by itself. Does that count? :toast:

[CarinKaryn]

19. I came up with an excellent definition ....

that can be used in future legislation to ban BunkerBusters' (.50 cal weapons of war) possession by common citizens. It's much tighter and definitive than the one passed by California.

I persuaded a friend to get turn in a pistol she inherited.

I wrote about 20 letters to newspapers and legislator's providing them with factual information on the dangers of gun possession by citizens.


The year's not over...