can someone please tell me the point in handguns/pistols other than killing other people? And why would anyone ever want to potentially have that burden of responsibility and own one?
2006-10-20 11:08:42 · 16 answers · asked by kat...grrr... 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I think it depends on where you live and what the 'culture of violence' is around you in that area.
For example, i have always lived in England (UK) and I HATED guns. I do work with offender (prisons) organisations in the USA so am familiar with the 'attraction' that a lot of guys in the US feel in relation to guns and the 'need' to have them.
But 4 years ago I moved to live in southern africa and whilst on my own in a house that was clearly a 'target' for people (we worked for a charity but had NO money - yet lived in a huge house that made us 'look rich') - I DID consider getting a gun. It really appalled me - thinking about getting a gun. I hate them! I hate everything that they stand for!! But my husband had to live most of the week out in the desert in order to do the work he was assigned to do for this charity, and I was stuck in this silly (too big! no furniture!) house with our little baby.
And it was scary. So we talked about a gun.
We didnt get one. The reason? Our immediate next door neighbour had one. We knew if there was any trouble, he would be round to defend us like a shot. But I guess that this is the point - its a terrible, terrible viscious circle where people who dont really want them feel FORCED to have them because they feel vulnerable.
And its wrong and its violent and there is NO excuse for that at the end of the day...
2006-10-20 11:19:15 · answer #1 · answered by zuffin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is the point of futons? I don't know--they please people. Same as fast cars. Same as collecting knives. As far as some huge burden, I own several, and it is not a burden at all. They stay locked up, and when the time comes, they are taken out, and used to shoot some targets at the range (which is like any other game of concentration and practice, toward the end of refining a partiulcar skill, namely, consitancy in aiming). Then they are put back. Honestly, I don't see the burden, any more than owning any other piece of equipment which requires comon sense and responsability.
2006-10-20 18:39:26 · answer #2 · answered by Michael T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My bf hunts and I like target shooting for fun, between the two of us we have 5 guns. Me, 2 pistols, he has 2 rifles and a BB gun.
I don't pack it around but I wouldn't hesitate to use it if someone broke into my house. I don't really see the point in the general public to have access to assault rifles, machine guns, etc. I know some people like to target shoot at the gun range with those as well though. For me, it's a good way to work on my eye/hand coordination and relieve some stress as well.
2006-10-20 18:52:08 · answer #3 · answered by msuzyq 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A hand-gun is for protection, whether it's against small animals or intruders in the home. Also, as with any gun, it can be used for target practice or shooting competitions. It's really no more burden or responsibility than a shot-gun and definitely no more burden than a high-powered rifle (if they kill elk and bear, think of how much more efficiently they would kill a person) or a semi-automatic assault rifle.
2006-10-20 18:24:59 · answer #4 · answered by JenV 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well a good reason to own one is not to kill people but prevent yourself from being killed by all the physcos who acquire them. even if handguns were illegal, people would have no problem getting them off the black market, and then all the inncocent people would be deprived of self defense when the person with the illegally aquired gun breaks into their home. its good to own a gun for self defense, protecting your family and yourself, and to uphold the 2nd amendment. look at washington dc, the city has banned guns yet they have the highest crime rate in the country.
2006-10-20 18:18:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not a burden if you are a responsible gun owner. Guns provide protection. Also, some people just are into guns as a hobby - they like the history, collecting them, building them, modifying them, etc. Target practice is fun - it doesn't mean you want to kill other people.
2006-10-20 18:12:35 · answer #6 · answered by matty.. 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The point of a hand gun is to kill someone, plain and simple.
The reason law abbiding folks own them and want to carry them is to kill someone that is trying to do them or a loved one harm.
the question I have is, why WOULDN'T you carry one? the criminals have them. Would you just rather hand over your child, or yourself instead of killing the lousy mf that is trying to rape you and/or your child? or whatabout someone that decided to beat your father to a bloody pulp just because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or have you ever heard of a home invasion? It's when a gang of thugs kick your door down, then have their way with you, your family, and your home.
People that own and use guns don't usually have to worry about these things.
2006-10-20 18:20:07 · answer #7 · answered by Manny 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't really know. I do not like guns, of any kind, so I see no use for them other than the police and the military. I wish the were illegal to possess.
I worked with a guy once who was involved with 'Civil War Reenactments'. He had custody of his 3 boys. One of the boys, and his best friend, were in the house alone - got into the gun cabinet and one kid ended up dieing (the best friend). The father got rid of all the guns after that but he has to live with it for the rest of his life and so does his son.
2006-10-20 18:16:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
The sport of Pistol Shooting, its a legitimate and globally recognised sport. Its in the Olympics.
2006-10-20 21:03:47 · answer #9 · answered by Mike J 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To coin a phrase I would rather own a gun for personal and familial protection and never have to use it than to need one and not have one.
2006-10-20 18:11:50 · answer #10 · answered by mortgagegirl101 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋