A gun

[lightningBugout]

Forgive me if this sounds utterly mad, but I am wondering how I will feel, if and when the Internet disappears and all, if I didn't buy a gun. Mind you, I don't have kids, and I'd hide it in my closet unloaded, for now, but I don't entirely mind the idea of having one around depending on what happens.

Thoughts?

[Occult Means Hidden]

I'd like to quote Gandhi or Mother Theresa but I'm not so sure i'd want them watching out for my back if we descend into dark alleyways.

[lightningBugout]

I think the descent into dark alleyways is more of an inevitability than anything else these days.

[monster]

Why would you feel hesitant about buying one?

[lightningBugout]

Historically being a liberal, pacifist type. Alla that.

[justdrew]

my feeling is that if it all goes mad-max, I'm either going to manage to take the guns from the first bastard that comes at me or I'll be dead soon anyway, so I'm just planning on picking up any needed weapons "later" after it all goes bat-shit. If it goes like that. It may not. really.

Honestly, I'm not at all sure how much use a gun would be. It's not clear to me that I'd ever be willing to pull the trigger on someone. Sure there are a few limited circumstances in which most anyone would use the gun to defend themselves or others, but tactically, in the real world, one would rarely be in that simple clear situation.

and yet... having a gun strapped on in lawless situations can have it's benefits, they don't call them peacemakers for nothing. but then, they also make an attractive thing to steal, typically by murder, so having one on display or even known to have one, can also make one a target.

I plan on avoiding the situation ever coming up if at all possible.

[barracuda]

I recommend two guns for personal safety: A street sweeper cut-down, and a mac/Ak (your choice) fully. Glockage for concealed carry, if you must. Plenty of rounds for all.

[justdrew]

well if you are going to get something the FN P90 is nice and has a civil version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C0dmGeE4MI

[Brighid_Moon]

I've already got two inherited antique shotguns in near mint condition.

... I wouldn't know what to do with them if I tried.

Shotguns are going. I wouldn't want them turned on (ignorant) me.

When the shit hits the fan I'll be far enough in the woods that I can hide behind a tree and get'em with an arrow.

[§ê¢rꆧ]

I'm kind of with you justdrew. Although acquiring a firearm and taking the time to train with it now as a precaution, if you are so inclined, may be wise. There are so many other things that seem more pressing - a garden, stockpiles of essentials and luxuries for trading, alternative energy production, ad-hoc wireless networks, a connection with a community, etc. I'm not so sure focusing on a potential violent outcome is best - you may just attract it.

[ninakat]

Historically being a liberal, pacifist type. Alla that.

Same here. But I've been wrestling with this question for a few years now, even moreso lately as the world is getting more volatile. It seems I'm inching toward the inevitability of owning a couple killing machines myself -- not a pleasant thought, but the alternative when faced with protecting myself and my family is even more unpleasant. Professor Pan made a remark awhile back about guns being "shit magnets." That term has really stuck with me, and I expect there's a lot of truth to it.

Last year, in one of my more paranoid moments, I did purchase a stun gun. But I still haven't opened the box. It's a real dilemma for me.

[ninakat]

well if you are going to get something the FN P90 is nice and has a civil version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C0dmGeE4MI

I'm sold, especially if it comes with that cool-jazz, weather channel, elevator muzik.

[Cosmic Cowbell]

Forgive me if this sounds utterly mad,

Not sure I'd take a bus ride without one these days.

One Atomic Particle...

Madness? Um...no. A decision to be carefully made...absolutely.

Good luck with it.

[justdrew]

well if you are going to get something the FN P90 is nice and has a civil version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C0dmGeE4MI

I'm sold, especially if it comes with that cool-jazz, weather channel, elevator muzik.

yeah, the music starts playing automatically anytime you take the safety off. helps keep the shooter in a clam, relaxed state of mind.

before buying one, something to consider is that most areas have gun clubs where you can go and use their guns to practice with, so you don't have to own one yourself. but frankly, I suspect that would get me put on the wrong kind of lists, so I'm going to remain blissfully unarmed for the foreseeable future.

[compared2what?]

Historically being a liberal, pacifist type. Alla that.

The left has s much reason to support the Second Amendment as the right does, and it's one of my personal favorites, though I don't own a gun since I personally would shoot myself if I thought I was going to have to shoot someone else, which would make it kind of a waste of money. But that's an issue of temperament, not politics. From a political perspective, I'd be proud to die to preserve the right of the citizenry to bear arms. I just wouldn't be any good at literally fighting for it. I'd have to work in the canteen or something.