Taking On Gun Control

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Introduction

Guns. Mention that word and watch the reactions. Some will wince or say something of disdain. Others will smile, recalling a long ago day spent with a parent, favorite uncle or other family member, teaching them how to shoot. Some may have tears in their eyes, remembering a lost loved one. Not very often, it seems, can we separate the emotions from the object. Why is it that some people hate guns while others enjoy spending time with them?

Like it or not, we live in a society in which people may own firearms and there is a strong history of ownership of firearms. Some will argue that in a modern society that we no longer need guns to defend ourselves from wild animals, hostile Indians or ruthless holdup gangs, that the police are provided for that purpose. Still others argue that the thin blue line of police officers is thinner than ever. That the masses of people living in one area means that the police can never protect everyone.

On this page I will try to provide information to educate, inform, amuse and some that may even surprise you. And I hope some of it will make you think, whether you are a gun owner or a gun hater. I have no illusions about those who are extreme in their views. These people I'm unlikely to reach nor do I think that anyone could change their views. Those people I am trying to reach are adults and young people who seek more information with a relatively open mind.

No matter what your views are, please feel free to send me e-mail and let me know what you think of this site or about any viewpoints you have on this subject. I welcome your suggestions as well.


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Safety First!

Like motor vehicles, power tools, and many kinds of sporting equipment, guns are very useful and/or fun, but they should be treated with the respect due to any potentially dangerous machinery. There are several different lists of rules of gun safety from a number of expert firearms instructors. My favorite list is:

Jeff Cooper's Four Rules of Gun Safety

No mechanical device has a will of its own. A gun never "goes off" unless something causes it to do so. The aspect of safety is central to gun handling. Memorize the four principles of firearm safety. Treat them with absolute seriousness. Burn them into your consciousness.

Rule One:
All guns are always loaded. Even if you "know" it's empty, treat it as though it were loaded.

Rule Two:
Never let the muzzle cover (point at) anything you are not willing to destroy.

Rule Three:
Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target.

Rule Four:
Be sure of your target. (Know what it is, what is in line with it, and what is behind it. Never shoot anything you have not positively identified.)

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Ten Commandments of Firearms Safety

1. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
2. Treat every firearm as though it were loaded.
3. Always make sure the firearm is unloaded and keep the action open except
   when actually hunting or preparing to shoot.
4. Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstruction and that you have
   the proper ammunition for the firearm you are carrying.
5. Be sure of your target before you pull the trigger.
6. Never point a firearm at anything you do not want to shoot. Avoid all horseplay
   with any firearm.
7. Never climb a fence, tree, or jump a ditch with a loaded firearm.
8. Never shoot at a flat hard surface or water.
9. Store firearms and ammunition separately.
10. Avoid alcohol and other [unnecessary] drugs before or during shooting.

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