guns - people's views?

Question

I'm curious what people on Yahoo Answers tend to think about firearms. So here are a few questions:

1. What are your views on gun ownership? (hunting, in-home self defense, concealed carry, etc.)
2. What do you think of the current gun laws? Do you know what the guns laws are in your state/country?
3. What is your level of knowledge & experience with firearms?
4. What is your age & gender?
5. Where do you live (what country)?

http://www.a-human-right.com/
http://www.gunfacts.info/

It was probably obvious by the links I posted what my views are, but I'll answer my own questions anyway:

1. I believe everyone should initially have the basic right to own and carry a gun. (That right may be revoked due to circumstances, such as mental illness, conviction of a violent crime, etc.)
2. I think there are too many gun laws in many places. I'm lucky to live in a state with minimal restrictions (and we finally are allowed to obtain CCH permits!) I am 100% against a government gun registration. My gun is my business, not the government's.
3. I grew up around guns. My parents are avid hunters and also just plain enjoy shooting. First time I shot a gun I was probably around 7 years old. I believe education is the key, and that people fear what they don't understand.
4. female, 24
5. USA (Kansas)

(This is short, but I only have so much space here. I think some of the other people's answers have covered my beliefs quite well, no need to restate all of it.)

Answer 1

Let me start of by saying that the ownership of (Small) arms here in the USA was of such importance to our founding fathers, that they made it their second most important priority.
Let me continue, by stating that the keeping and use of small arms by Citizens is >NOT< about hunting.....it's about our ability to resist a tyrannical Government (among other things like personal protection, and defense of our country).
The Idea being that no government force fielded could contain a well armed populace intent on resisting them.

(Answers:)

(1.) I think that here in the USA, anyone who is able to(Legally) and wants to own a gun (or as many as they would like to own), should be allowed to...They should be able to purchase them, Conceal carry them, and enjoy them without all of the B.S. that is stigmatized to them now.

(2.) I >Know< that we have plenty (Too many I think!) of laws regarding virtually everything about guns...Roughly 20,000+ as of my last inquiry...And that simply "Making More" is not a solution to anyones problem(s). Because "Criminals" by definition DO NOT FOLLOW LAWS! only honest people do...and they are the ones you didn't have to worry about in the first place.

(3.) I own, build, repair, and study all types of firearms. I was not raised in a family that had firearms, but became interested in them at an early age. I enjoy the "Mechanics" of them more than anything else.
But I also understand that they are simply tools...It is the intent >Behind< the tool, not the tool itself that makes it's use good or bad.

(4.) I am in my mid 40's, and Male.

(5.) I live in the Metro Detroit area of the state of Michigan, in the great United States of America.

T.S.

Answer 2

1. I believe unless a person is medically excused or has committed a felony involving maiming, robbery, or death, a person should have the right to own a firearm.
I also believe more children should be exposed to firearms at young ages, so the mystery, and hype can be explained, and caution and common sense would prevail.

2. Current gun laws are redundant, oblique, and hard to understand if you are an average American.
The "laws" being enforced now are more policy than actual laws, based on fear in our Law enforcement agencies over the growing crime elements and gangs.
With non uniform gun laws, and different States having different penalties, or concealed carry laws, etc... it is difficult for the average American to feel safe with the idea of guns for protection.

3. My answers should give enough of an idea on my knowledge and experience.

4. I am 41 and male.

5. I live in The United States Of America.

Answer 3

1) I see no problem with honest, responsible citizens owning firearms. That having been said I feel firearm sales to citizens should be restricted to hunting activities (you don't need an AK-47 or an M-16 to hunt rabbits for instance). Citizens shouldn't own or stockpile assault rifles, handguns, automatic weapons ... there's no realistic purpose or need for them. If you want t own a hunting rifle or a shotgun then I see no problem with that.

2) I think the current gun laws in the United States stink, plus they're extremely easy to bypass and ignore. I know all the gun laws in my native State of California.

3) My father grew up on a farm in Montana, so I had a rather extensive education in firearm use and maintenance as a child. I also worked for several years as a Police Officer, so I was required to keep a firearm on my person at all times.

4) 31, Male

5) I currently live in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Answer 4

1) All law abiding Americans should own a firearm if they want one, for whatever reason
2) To strict in some areas "New York City" I am up to date on firearm laws in my state. All gun owners should be familiar with state & federal laws.
3) My knowledge and experience with firearms would be pretty extensive.
4) Male 29
5) US

Answer 5

I submit:
"The right of self-defense is the first law of nature; in most governments it has been the study of rulers to confine this right within the narrowest possible limits. ... and [when] the right of the people to keep and bear arms is, under any color or pretext whatsoever, prohibited, liberty, if not already annihilated, is on the brink of destruction." St. George Tucker, Judge of the Virginia Supreme Court and U.S. District Court of Virginia

And...

"The one weapon every man, soldier, sailor, or airman-should be able to use effectively is the rifle. It is always his weapon of personal safety in an emergency, and for many it is the primary weapon of offence and defense. Expertness in its use cannot be over emphasized." General Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1943.

And...

Ronald Reagan: "When I am President, my number one priority will be to get big government off the back of the American people." And so he did.

Last...

Patrick Henry [3 J. Elliot, Debates in the Several State Conventions 45, 2d ed. Philadelphia, 1836]: "Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our own defense? Where is the difference between having our arms in possession and under our direction, and having them under the management of Congress? If our defense be the real object of having those arms, in whose hands can they be trusted with more propriety, or equal safety to us, as in our own hands?"

A few of my favorites.

2. Current gun laws need to be taken seriously and enforced.
3. Used firearms since the age of 6. Educated and well versed on their safe use and proper operation.
4. 40 yr. old male.
5. USA (Michigan)

Answer 6

OMG- another bunny in the lion's cage...
1- Tired old saw, but true: the 2nd Amendment isn't about hunting. Obviously, I favor ownership .
2- Too many. Misdirected.
3- Knowledgeable enough to be cautious.
4- male, over 21.
5- USA.

Answer 7

1) outlawing guns will work like outlawing drugs.

2) i just moved from new york to north carolina, i'm not up to speed yet. i don't own firearms, nor do i intend to, but i need to check this out.

3) next to nothing, that's why i don't own them.

4) male, 23

5) north carolina, usa

Answer 8

1. I'm for it
2. specifically no but I support them.
3. I am an amateur
4. 50, female
5. USA

Answer 9

Guns are baad, mmmkay?
I'm European (Irish). Gun ownership is miniscule. Gun crime is miniscule (compared to the USA). That sums it up for me. My local post office was held up with a screwdriver and a frozen banana last week.