Does Taylor getting shot make you feel you may need to purchase a gun?

[heyholetsgogrant]

Assuming that this is some short of Home invasion ( a home invasion has to be the most frightening thing on the planet) make you feel you may need to start thinking of buying a gun? In my case I may actually do so next summer, especially since some MS-13 gang activity has moved in and around my community. Any suggestions on what gun/shotgun/rifle would be good for home protection? I was looking at a Glock 21 .45 the other day, any thoughts?


-Grant

[ATV]

No, it reminds me of how ridiculously easy it is for anyone to obtain, legally or illegally, a handgun in this country.

[SkinsHokieFan]

Yup yup, its always on my list of things to do, get one, be trained in the use, safety etc, and always be prepared. Today's awful situation reminds me of why every home owner should have a gun

[Chachie]

Not until I read this thread, but now? maybe!

[Predicto]

Makes me want a good lock and a home alarm system, but I already have those.

[MSJHWT]

Honestly, I hate to say this, but reading some of the other theads, it's being reported Sean was reaching for a machate, and I'm thinking it might've made the robbers shoot. Just makes me think no posession is worth my life, and just to give the robbers what they want and let insurance and the law figure the rest out =( =(

[kramdizzle]

I hate those damn MS-13 fools. they can lick my left nut

[DjTj]

I think I might get a first aid kit.

We have no idea whether a gun would have helped Sean, but a tourniquet would have made a huge difference.

[Heidenreich]

I have a bat right by my bed. Probably not as good as a gun, but if you hide in the right spot, you should be able to get a swing to knock the guy down.....

[artmonkforHOF]

I was about to start a thread in the tailgate before the shooting on how Gun advocates use home invasions as fear mongering tactics for people to buy guns. It now appears that I dont have to as many of you now beleive a thief will come to your home, armed and ready to kill anyone and everyone inside before robbing you.

The fact is, home invasions are rare, and when they do happen, the intruder is most likely related to the victim in some way. Home invasions are oftend cited on offical police reports when a drug house or marijuana grow op is robbed.

Most criminals, dont want to bother with people or animals inside the home which is why most robberiers take place when no one is home. There is enough work invloved in picking a home to rob, finding out where the valubles are and how to get to them that killing 3- 5 people is really an extra step they dont need or want to take. And what if they finally get caught? Would you rather do 5-10 for robbery or 25-life for murdering a 65 year old lady who wouldnt drop the silverware?

But you Americans, first thing you go for is your gun, and your right to have it. This is the kind of mentality that allows semi and fully automatic weapons into peoples homes, for what they deem is "protection". Protection from what? The spanish army? Gun makers try to sell these guns as safety items, and you guys fall for it, thinking that if my gun is bigger than the gun of my yet-to-arrive-home-invading-rape-happy-robber you will be safe. Thats as dumb as you can get as far as Im concerned.

And another thing, why does everyone jump to the conclusion this was a home invasion or a robbery? There has been no official police report yet this is the conclusion everyone jumps to. it could be that Sean shot himself accidentially or maybe one of the residents of the home shot Sean by mistake or maybe not by mistake. The point is we dont know, but everyone likes hyping it as a home invasion, like its something we all need to be aware and afraid of.

Chances are, neither you or anyone you know personally will be involved in a home invasion, but most of you will go out and buy a gun to protect against that very threat. And for those who think home invasions are a very real threat, go ask everyone you know who keeps a gun in their house for protection to see if they have had to use it to defend themselves. The overwhelming majority will tell you "No I havent, but Im glad its there, just in case."

So you now have a group of people who are armed to protect against something that most likely wont happen. Seems kinda silly dont you think?

[artmonkforHOF]

Oh and I voted no,


because I live in Canada, you gun nuts.

[LeesburgSkinFan]

I already own one, and I bought it precisely for this reason.

[Sarge]

It would be a bad day for anyone that made it into my house in the middle of the night

[twa]

You mean I need more? ;)

artmonkforHOF...Do you wear a seatbelt?

I agree there is fear mongering that goes on,but I also know the police response time in time of need is too long.


btw...you mean fully automatics are legal now?...or are you exaggerating a bit :silly:

[PleaseBlitz]

Makes me want to not have my income and address printed in the newspaper.

Also makes me wish it werent so easy to acquire a gun in this country.

[Blackest Eyes]

My father wants one for this very reason. However my stepmother is strongly against it as I have three pretty young siblings. Personally, I think it is a persons choice to own a gun...just as long as it is registered and the user is safety trained and not a nutjob. I would buy a home alarm system before I buy a gun though. I cannot fathom shooting another human.

[TMK9973]

Yup.
And VT made me quite college so now I cant get a job.
9/11 made me decide never to walk in a high rise again - So now I'm limited on where to go.
the Antrax scare made me stop opening my mail - So I can't even get my goverment handouts.
The OK City bombing made me never walk in a goverment building again - So I can't even go to collect a hand out
And of course the Train Bombings in Europe made never want to take the train again - So I'm limmited on where I can go.
I would drive -But the Princess Diane thing made me scared to do that....

[Burgold]

It's funny how events like this just work to cement the views we already have.

If your pro-gun-- Hell yeah, this just shows why you need a guhn to protect yourself.

If your pro gun control-- We need to get guns off the streets and make it harder for whackos and criminals to get a gun.

Me, I don't have a gun. I have a thermo nuclear device. If anyone attempts to break into my place it will be a bad night for the whole city. Then again, a lot of superheroes might be born.

[One Shot]

Anyone here ever seen bowling for columbine?

[DCsportsfan53]

It's hard to not think that it's at least possible that, were not he following his probation by not owning a firearm, we might be talking about a couple dead intruders instead of ST in the hospital. Obviously, it depends on how it went down. If they shot him before he had a chance to react, it probably wouldn't have mattered. I don't think this situation has any bearing on wether or not I need one but I had already become very interested in getting a gun for home defense purposes.

[jbooma]

Makes me want to not have my income and address printed in the newspaper.

Also makes me wish it werent so easy to acquire a gun in this country.


:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

This is the problem. He would not need a gun if he could hide himself from society. Personally I am not fan of having guns in the home because I have heard of way to many kids who accidently shoot themselves because of the ignorance of some gun owners.

If I ever became someone in the public eye and had to defend my family then yes i would think of getting a gun.

If this was related to the accident a year ago this should send a message to all kids in college right now don't get involved with those in crime, it is as simple as that. There are people in this world that will do whatever they want if you piss them off.

[Rumrunner6900]

I voted no....only because I already have a few.

[PokerPacker]

this incident hasn't really changed my opinion, i plan on getting one anyways.

[Predicto]

It's funny how events like this just work to cement the views we already have.




Yepper. True that.

[KAOSkins]

I have a couple and so does my father. My dad's came in handy about two years ago when he was the vicitim of a home invasion. The red dot on the guys forehead convinced him going out the door was a best course of action. He was finally taken down by the cops trying to break in the next door neighbors house.

[jive_crankin]

not just because of this but unfortunately it IS necessary. You can never win with a knife in a gun fight.

[9_to_42_td]

Assuming that this is some short of Home invasion ( a home invasion has to be the most frightening thing on the planet) make you feel you may need to start thinking of buying a gun? In my case I may actually do so next summer, especially since some MS-13 gang activity has moved in and around my community. Any suggestions on what gun/shotgun/rifle would be good for home protection? I was looking at a Glock 21 .45 the other day, any thoughts?


-Grant


410 pump shotgun. Just the pump noise might be enough to scare the intruder. And not strong enough to go through walls.

[Spaceman Spiff]

I make fun of my dad cause he has a few planted in various parts of the house so if such a thing were to happen, he'd be alright.

Better safe than sorry, right? I guess the anti gun people confuse that with "fear mongering".

[Shilsu]

My father wants one for this very reason. However my stepmother is strongly against it as I have three pretty young siblings. Personally, I think it is a persons choice to own a gun...just as long as it is registered and the user is safety trained and not a nutjob. I would buy a home alarm system before I buy a gun though. I cannot fathom shooting another human.

I dunno about MD, but in VA, you don't need to be registered to own a gun. You have to give some paperwork to buy a new gun, but that's mostly for gun shops to cover their asses. Anyone can buy a used gun without any identification legally.

[stevenaa]

I was about to start a thread in the tailgate before the shooting on how Gun advocates use home invasions as fear mongering tactics for people to buy guns. It now appears that I dont have to as many of you now beleive a thief will come to your home, armed and ready to kill anyone and everyone inside before robbing you.

The fact is, home invasions are rare, and when they do happen, the intruder is most likely related to the victim in some way. Home invasions are oftend cited on offical police reports when a drug house or marijuana grow op is robbed.

Most criminals, dont want to bother with people or animals inside the home which is why most robberiers take place when no one is home. There is enough work invloved in picking a home to rob, finding out where the valubles are and how to get to them that killing 3- 5 people is really an extra step they dont need or want to take. And what if they finally get caught? Would you rather do 5-10 for robbery or 25-life for murdering a 65 year old lady who wouldnt drop the silverware?

But you Americans, first thing you go for is your gun, and your right to have it. This is the kind of mentality that allows semi and fully automatic weapons into peoples homes, for what they deem is "protection". Protection from what? The spanish army? Gun makers try to sell these guns as safety items, and you guys fall for it, thinking that if my gun is bigger than the gun of my yet-to-arrive-home-invading-rape-happy-robber you will be safe. Thats as dumb as you can get as far as Im concerned.

And another thing, why does everyone jump to the conclusion this was a home invasion or a robbery? There has been no official police report yet this is the conclusion everyone jumps to. it could be that Sean shot himself accidentially or maybe one of the residents of the home shot Sean by mistake or maybe not by mistake. The point is we dont know, but everyone likes hyping it as a home invasion, like its something we all need to be aware and afraid of.

Chances are, neither you or anyone you know personally will be involved in a home invasion, but most of you will go out and buy a gun to protect against that very threat. And for those who think home invasions are a very real threat, go ask everyone you know who keeps a gun in their house for protection to see if they have had to use it to defend themselves. The overwhelming majority will tell you "No I havent, but Im glad its there, just in case."

So you now have a group of people who are armed to protect against something that most likely wont happen. Seems kinda silly dont you think?



And yet the fact remains that home invasions are thwarted by homeowners with guns. But I guess that's just fear mongering. :doh:

[Skinfan75]

I wanted one then about two months ago I was holding a pellet gun and shot my friend in the arm. I thought the safety was on. My wife said "See that's why I do not want guns in the house."

[allskins]

Yup yup, its always on my list of things to do, get one, be trained in the use, safety etc, and always be prepared. Today's awful situation reminds me of why every home owner should have a gun

I agree

[jbooma]

And yet the fact remains that home invasions are thwarted by homeowners with guns. But I guess that's just fear mongering. :doh:


A decent security system would also thwart any home invasion :)

[DCsportsfan53]

A decent security system would also thwart any home invasion :)


You think Sean didn't have one? Did you notice the little part about how the phone line had been cut and his GF had to call the police from her cell phone? Conveniently, the security system uses said phone line to alert the police that the alarm is going off. I'm betting on the reliability of a pump action shotgun over the potential smarts of a criminal and the response time of the authorities EVERY TIME.

[zoony]

Pump action shotgun is definitely the best thing.

1. It's intimidating as hell. Ever hear one being cocked? It gets the attention.
2. You can't miss.
3. Shot won't go thru wall and kill innocent neighbors
4. Incredibly Safe


The only drawback is that it doesn't fit in the bedside table or a small lockbox. Which is why I use a handgun.

But if you are just thinking about something for home defense, I would strongly recommend AGAINST a handgun, unless you have the time/resources to really get familiar with it.

[rincewind]

Not in the least. Quite the opposite, actually.

[NattyLight]

I answered no. Reason being that I'm of the opinion that this was a targetted attack against Sean Taylor. Not a burglary. I could be wrong, but we may never know.

[jbooma]

You think Sean didn't have one? Did you notice the little part about how the phone line had been cut and his GF had to call the police from her cell phone? Conveniently, the security system uses said phone line to alert the police that the alarm is going off. I'm betting on the reliability of a pump action shotgun over the potential smarts of a criminal and the response time of the authorities EVERY TIME.


Or a criminal that had an agenda, like I said if I knew my life was threatened and I was a targeted then yes I would do whatever I needed to protect my family.

[zoony]

The fact is, home invasions are rare,



In America. You need to qualify your statement. Because home invasions are VERY common in countries with very tight gun control. What does a criminal have to fear? A frying pan?

So your post is pretty much worthless. :)

[Destino]

Makes me think about installing heavier doors and locks INSIDE the house. The best plan seems to be a barrier between you and the intruder, a good alarm system, and a firearm with you in case the criminal makes it through your defenses. I don't think anyone would expect a heavy door inside and would fail to get through on their first attempt. That might make them leave all on it's own.


The problem I have with the gun leap here is the time. I'm asleep at that time. A gun isn't going to save me while sleeping. A loud bang when the criminals fails to note that my bedroom door is heavy oak... that helps me a lot.

[Ken]

I was about to start a thread in the tailgate before the shooting on how Gun advocates use home invasions as fear mongering tactics for people to buy guns. It now appears that I dont have to as many of you now beleive a thief will come to your home, armed and ready to kill anyone and everyone inside before robbing you.

The fact is, home invasions are rare, and when they do happen, the intruder is most likely related to the victim in some way. Home invasions are oftend cited on offical police reports when a drug house or marijuana grow op is robbed.

Most criminals, dont want to bother with people or animals inside the home which is why most robberiers take place when no one is home. There is enough work invloved in picking a home to rob, finding out where the valubles are and how to get to them that killing 3- 5 people is really an extra step they dont need or want to take. And what if they finally get caught? Would you rather do 5-10 for robbery or 25-life for murdering a 65 year old lady who wouldnt drop the silverware?

But you Americans, first thing you go for is your gun, and your right to have it. This is the kind of mentality that allows semi and fully automatic weapons into peoples homes, for what they deem is "protection". Protection from what? The spanish army? Gun makers try to sell these guns as safety items, and you guys fall for it, thinking that if my gun is bigger than the gun of my yet-to-arrive-home-invading-rape-happy-robber you will be safe. Thats as dumb as you can get as far as Im concerned.

And another thing, why does everyone jump to the conclusion this was a home invasion or a robbery? There has been no official police report yet this is the conclusion everyone jumps to. it could be that Sean shot himself accidentially or maybe one of the residents of the home shot Sean by mistake or maybe not by mistake. The point is we dont know, but everyone likes hyping it as a home invasion, like its something we all need to be aware and afraid of.

Chances are, neither you or anyone you know personally will be involved in a home invasion, but most of you will go out and buy a gun to protect against that very threat. And for those who think home invasions are a very real threat, go ask everyone you know who keeps a gun in their house for protection to see if they have had to use it to defend themselves. The overwhelming majority will tell you "No I havent, but Im glad its there, just in case."

So you now have a group of people who are armed to protect against something that most likely wont happen. Seems kinda silly dont you think?
No, doesn't seem silly at all.

There is quite a bit more to it than that though. Let's say, for instance, your government declares martial law. Next thing you know you have every derelict in town smashing a grabbing people's valuables. I'm sure you and your family are going to feel really safe when your front door gets kicked in.

I'm sure you will be able to reason with them.

The fact that I could own a gun and never have to use it is hardly a bad thing. I'm not sure why you wouldn't want that layer of security?

It is not like a gun ban would keep the crazies from having them. Why would you want to tie both hands behind your back?

[Lady Brave]

I dunno about MD, but in VA, you don't need to be registered to own a gun. You have to give some paperwork to buy a new gun, but that's mostly for gun shops to cover their asses. Anyone can buy a used gun without any identification legally.
Really? Considering that it's against federal law to sell any firearms, subject to the Gun Control and Brady Act, to a person who doesn't possess a valid ID and requiring a NICS check. I'm sure ATF would be very interested in speaking with those FFL's.

[wysknz1]

Got one, and it's handy

[Raub]

Handgun + couple of loud dogs = good night's sleep.

[Barney B]

Pump action shotgun is definitely the best thing.

2. You can't miss.


This is wrong, but it's a very common misconception.

At the distances normally seen in home invasion shootings - 20 feet or less - the pellet spread of even an 18-inch barrelled shotgun will be no more than about 6 inches.



Did you notice the little part about how the phone line had been cut and his GF had to call the police from her cell phone? Conveniently, the security system uses said phone line to alert the police that the alarm is going off.

Better alarm systems use a cell phone connection as a backup. Assuming that Taylor's house even had an alarm, he can afford to spend a couple extra grand for a good one.



There are lots of measures that you can take to make it harder for someone to break into your house. But if you also feel you need a gun, I've got no problem with it. It sometimes takes the police forever to respond to alarm calls, and I can tell you from experience that - at least in some areas - they sometimes don't respond at all.

[SC3]

I already subscribe to ADT. Even if they cut the lines the alarm will go off.

[Ellis]

Sean Taylor getting shot reminds me of why I own one.
And now that I'm buying a house, I'm even more glad I own one.

[No_Pressure]

I said no. I have already purchased 5 guns, no need for an extra one :)

[borninblood]

Get a 12 gauge pump action shotgun and take the plug out..
That is the best weapon for home defense

[.Guy.]

Moving from McLean to Richmond has really made me want to purchase a gun. 18years in McLean and never one threat. Two weeks in Richmond and some thug threatened to kill me and even flashed his piece. Saddest thing about it was that it happened at a McDonalds drive through.

I might need some protection.

[Arlington Supper Club]

I'm not much of a gun guy, but as a policeman, I have one on my hip 24-7.

I do not leave the house with my wife or sons without it. I cant bear to think of the what-ifs if I run into trouble.

But having said that, I have seen enough gunshot wounds to last a lifetime amd I really hate what guns do.

[SUNSTONE]

I was about to start a thread in the tailgate before the shooting on how Gun advocates use home invasions as fear mongering tactics for people to buy guns. It now appears that I dont have to as many of you now beleive a thief will come to your home, armed and ready to kill anyone and everyone inside before robbing you.

The fact is, home invasions are rare, and when they do happen, the intruder is most likely related to the victim in some way. Home invasions are oftend cited on offical police reports when a drug house or marijuana grow op is robbed.

Most criminals, dont want to bother with people or animals inside the home which is why most robberiers take place when no one is home. There is enough work invloved in picking a home to rob, finding out where the valubles are and how to get to them that killing 3- 5 people is really an extra step they dont need or want to take. And what if they finally get caught? Would you rather do 5-10 for robbery or 25-life for murdering a 65 year old lady who wouldnt drop the silverware?

But you Americans, first thing you go for is your gun, and your right to have it. This is the kind of mentality that allows semi and fully automatic weapons into peoples homes, for what they deem is "protection". Protection from what? The spanish army? Gun makers try to sell these guns as safety items, and you guys fall for it, thinking that if my gun is bigger than the gun of my yet-to-arrive-home-invading-rape-happy-robber you will be safe. Thats as dumb as you can get as far as Im concerned.

And another thing, why does everyone jump to the conclusion this was a home invasion or a robbery? There has been no official police report yet this is the conclusion everyone jumps to. it could be that Sean shot himself accidentially or maybe one of the residents of the home shot Sean by mistake or maybe not by mistake. The point is we dont know, but everyone likes hyping it as a home invasion, like its something we all need to be aware and afraid of.

Chances are, neither you or anyone you know personally will be involved in a home invasion, but most of you will go out and buy a gun to protect against that very threat. And for those who think home invasions are a very real threat, go ask everyone you know who keeps a gun in their house for protection to see if they have had to use it to defend themselves. The overwhelming majority will tell you "No I havent, but Im glad its there, just in case."

So you now have a group of people who are armed to protect against something that most likely wont happen. Seems kinda silly dont you think?

It's better to have a gun and not need one than to not have a gun and need one.

You say robberys are rare? I've had people either break in my place or attempted to, 4 times!!!!!!!!!

[squatch66]

i work the graveyard shift and leave my girlfriend home alone at night so yes i have considered getting a gun and getting both myself and her registered and trained to use it.

[BAFGA]

I have ADT. The alarm will make you deaf.

Also, I don't believe in guns, but I'll fight to the death anyone's right to own one. I know that doesn't make sense....

[PokerPacker]

I have ADT. The alarm will make you deaf.

Also, I don't believe in guns, but I'll fight to the death anyone's right to own one. I know that doesn't make sense....
that's right, defend my pistol with your machete, it makes perfect sense ;)

[PokerPacker]

It's better to have a gun and not need one than to not have a gun and need one.

You say robberys are rare? I've had people either break in my place or attempted to, 4 times!!!!!!!!!
and its a good thing you had that sword handy, isn't it?

[72SKINS]

No it doesn't make me want to purchase one.. I already own a few. It makes me want to keep it closer to me now more than ever... Rest in Peace Sean.. God bless your family

[Air Force Cane]

interesting that a liberal supporter of Obama would actually go out and buy a Glock.

Obviously you don't live in the liberal utopia of Washington DC- where it is illegal for law abiding citizens to protect themselves from home invasions..

good for you :cheers:

[stevenaa]

Really? Considering that it's against federal law to sell any firearms, subject to the Gun Control and Brady Act, to a person who doesn't possess a valid ID and requiring a NICS check. I'm sure ATF would be very interested in speaking with those FFL's.


Only if you're a dealer. I can sell my personal firearms to whomever I want. No background check or ID check required.

[CrabR]

No I have 17 already, but i make take one of the secured lockup.

I have had all mine secured inside cabinets since I had kids, now they are grown so I just may take a pistol out and keep it in the bedroom.

I almost shot my own brother when i was 13
When I was 13, my brother used to sneak out of the house and go partying. One night he was sneaking back in the house and make a noise getting through the window and blinds, i awoke and pretended to be asleep. I thought it was a burglar and when he left the room i got up and grabbed my .22 and loaded it and went after him, he turned the corner same time i did and he grabbed the gun before i could react. It was a close call my parents never found out about till years later.After that my brother would tell me when he was planning on sneaking out

[cjcdaman]

It makes me want to purchase a gun so I can shoot the idiot who took his life. :mad:

[USS Redskins]

This whole thing stinks. This was no "home invasion"
Believe me, there is much more to this story.

[National Defense]

and owning a large dog is a much more effective deterrant than any security system or weapon. safer too

[Air Force Cane]

and for the propagandist who is trying to convince those of us in the REAL WORLD that home invasions never happen-

maybe you should actually read the Washington Post metro section sometime..:doh:

[twa]

and owning a large dog is a much more effective deterrant than any security system or weapon. safer too

Cue the large breeds are dangerous group. ;)

[SkinsHokieFan]

and owning a large dog is a much more effective deterrant than any security system or weapon. safer too

Yup, dogs are a major detterant. Every member of my family in Pakistan has 2 mean vicoious guards. Something else I'll consider if I am in a very large home in the future

[DeanCollins]

A decent security system would also thwart any home invasion :)

bingo. It blows my mind that ST had a home envasion a week ago, someone leaves a knife on his bed and he didn't have some additional security installed? He had walls around his house. A couple of rotties or pinchers, perhaps a security guard or some perimeter motion sensors, lights and alarms... What was he thinking about? Also did he ever report the previous break-in to the PD? You'd think it would've been in the news.

I waited for my son to go off to college to buy a hand gun and shot gun.
I've had a security system for 10 years as I travel a lot. FL passed new legislation last year giving the home owner more rights and extended the "Castle Doctrine" to your car and place of business. Anyone can keep a loaded gun in the glove box of the car. If a unwanted stranger jumps into your car, as MSF would say, "Buh Bye"

[sacase]

I have been putting it off for a couple year because I always thought that a handgun in the house would serve no purpose. But I will be picking up a Mark 23 as well as going to go get my conceal carry license. Once I get out of the Condo and get a house I will definitely be investing in a good gaurd dog. I am looking at the Boerboel right now.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boerboel

[Russell Shotgun]

Yup, dogs are a major detterant. Every member of my family in Pakistan has 2 mean vicoious guards. Something else I'll consider if I am in a very large home in the future

I completely agree. There is simply no replacement for the hearing, senses and instincts of a good dog. Probably the single best method of providing reliable security for your home.

It doesn't even have to be a big dog. My Shepherd/Collie mix is only about 35 pounds, but she howls and barks and growls up a storm when anyone comes around the house, or even walks on the sidewalk during the night. And she's also incredibly sweet and gentle with my wife, our family and guests.

As devestated as I am over the tragic loss of Sean Taylor, it reminds me of how thankful I am for my two dogs and the unconditional love and protection they provide every day.

[KingGibbs]

I say no. It may be good protection against intruders, but too much can go wrong with a gun in the house. What you might think is an "intruder" could be a family member just getting up for a glass of water in the middle of the night.

[floydanthony]

no! two wrongs doesn,t make it right, i hope thay catch the killer or killers and put them under the gail.....

[BAFGA]

I say no. It may be good protection against intruders, but too much can go wrong with a gun in the house. What you might think is an "intruder" could be a family member just getting up for a glass of water in the middle of the night.

Bingo. That is why I won't have a gun in the house. I work nights, and if I ever come home early in the middle of the night I might be a dead man.

of course, it is not so easy to get around the "beep beep beep" that the alarm system makes whenever I open the door. That is after disarming it.

[heyholetsgogrant]

interesting that a liberal supporter of Obama would actually go out and buy a Glock.

Obviously you don't live in the liberal utopia of Washington DC- where it is illegal for law abiding citizens to protect themselves from home invasions..

good for you :cheers:


Well, I think its a farce to think every Liberal is against guns. I just don't buy into the whole gun control thing. Look at the skyrocketing D.C Murder rate, you have to effing kidding me you cant own a handgun or use one in self defense in DC... Meanwhile we give more rights to the thugs running around in DC. I'm a firm believer we should be allowed to blast anyone that breaks into your home. If you cant feel safe in our home then where can you feel safe? Its your own home for Christ sakes, its not like every person that owns a gun wants to pull a Charles Bronson and be a vigilante. I just don't get why some liberals get all worked up.


-Grant

[Koolblue13]

Does this make me want to buy a gun? NO. It makes me want to live in the country, like I already do.

I have a 120lb Akita for the break ins, the shotgun is for the bears and coyotes.

[heyholetsgogrant]

and for the propagandist who is trying to convince those of us in the REAL WORLD that home invasions never happen-

maybe you should actually read the Washington Post metro section sometime..:doh:


Thank You :applause: something we can agree on. Look at the current Philadelphia crime rate, a murder and 5 shootings a night. People are afraid in and outside of their homes in Philly.

-Grant

[Midnight Judges]

Nope. This was not a random crime. He was targeted.

[SUNSTONE]

and its a good thing you had that sword handy, isn't it?

That's right.

One time I was home and they just tried to bash the door in.
When they rammed the door the first time, it scared the crap out of me.
Then I immediatly grabbed my sword, and my feelings reversed.
I was kind of hoping they made it in. :D

I grabbed it and said "NOW WHAT *****!!":laugh:

[Rocky21]

The only way to combat violence is with more violence, right?

[twa]

The only way to combat violence is with more violence, right?

Certainly not the only way,but it is the most effective in the short term.

[Burgold]

Honestly, I think this is the worst reason to purchase a gun. Buying a gun should be a cool, sober, and completely rational response. It's about as serious a decision as you can make and if you are going to do it you need to do it calmly and carefully. It should be part of a process that includes gun education, lessons on safety, and gun procedures.

[BawlCoach]

I only said no on the poll because I already have one. ...or two....

Bad guys will always find a way to obtain what we don't have

[Tulane Skins Fan]

I guess, I don't see how owning a gun wouldve saved ST's life. Probably about a 50-50 chance that he couldve killed someone himself, but that wouldnt have brought him back.

So, put me on the side of, this makes me wish we had much better gun control laws... as in, no guns allowed.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Its your own home for Christ sakes, its not like every person that owns a gun wants to pull a Charles Bronson and be a vigilante. I just don't get why some liberals get all worked up.


-Grant

Probably cause they're too blindly partisan in their politics that they just use it as another avenue to bash things conservative? Just a wild guess on my part.

Anyway, it's a simple thought...better be safe than sorry. Can anyone really argue against that logic?

We'll never know if ST would have survived or not been shot if he had a gun instead of a machete. There's just no way to know...but there's always the old say "don't bring a knife to a gun fight."

I think he would have had a better chance, though.

[rincewind]

Probably cause they're too blindly partisan in their politics that they just use it as another avenue to bash things conservative? Just a wild guess on my part.

Anyway, it's a simple thought...better be safe than sorry. Can anyone really argue against that logic?




Yes I can. ST died from a single shot to HIS ****ING LEG!!!! I don't really like those odds. Guns do one thing and one thing only - hurt. I don't need or want anything like that in my house. You never know when an accident may occur and, as proved Monday, it doesn't even need to be a head shot. :(




You want a gun? Fine, its your right. Doesn't mean I should have one and it doesn't mean I have to be happy that you have the right to own one. But I guess some people are too blind to see this isn't necessarily a partisan issue and just love to take shots at liberals... see, I can play that game, too. ;)

[AsburySkinsFan]

I voted no, but that's because I already own a 12 gauge shotgun; I use it for home defense, hunting, and recreational shooting.

[thehogs]

I live in the UK but its good to see most people think getting a gun because of this isnt a good idea.


People have to understand that Sean made a huge error. Dont get me wrong, I'm not having a go at the man for facing up to the intruder (or intruders if there was more than one). He went in to a situation where he was completely isolated, not knowing what he may be facing - one man? two? more? are they armed? knives? guns? where are they? a whole bunch of questions that you dont ask yourself in those situations because you are so pumped up. People understandably think if they have a gun they will be 'safe', but Seans situation is a classic example of how you are actually completely unable to control such a situation even if you have a weapon. Be honest, other than what any of us see in a movie, how many people here could honestly say that they would know how to handle themselves and what to do in such a highly dangerous situation where your heart is probably verging on 200 and your shaking from so much adrenalin.

[cadets08]

I'm going to give a tentative yes. The second amendment of the constitution allows it, and this tragedy shows that even well to do neighborhoods are not safe from criminal activity. But on the other hand, Sean wasn't just anyone and he appears to have been targeted. However, just thinking of the sheer terror of a home invasion, I would consider purchasing a gun for self defense only.

[Larry Gude]

410 pump shotgun. Just the pump noise might be enough to scare the intruder. And not strong enough to go through walls.

That is incorrect. A 12 guage with bird shot will go through several sheets of drywall. So will .410 and if it is bigger shot it will go through even more boards.

Also, racking shotguns, shouting mean words and spitballs have proven inconsistent and often ineffective in unofficial laboratory tests at stopping bad people. If they broke into your home, how much more responsibility should you take on as to testing their motivational level?

[Larry Gude]

Pump action shotgun is definitely the best thing.

1. It's intimidating as hell. Ever hear one being cocked? It gets the attention.
2. You can't miss.
3. Shot won't go thru wall and kill innocent neighbors
4. Incredibly Safe


The only drawback is that it doesn't fit in the bedside table or a small lockbox. Which is why I use a handgun.

But if you are just thinking about something for home defense, I would strongly recommend AGAINST a handgun, unless you have the time/resources to really get familiar with it.


OK, seems I have a full time job around here. You can easily miss with a shotgun. The spread at 12 feet is about 3-4", about the size of a baseball. That's not exactly full proof and, depending on what size load you are using, it WILL go through 2-8 sheets of drywall.

A shotgun is incredibly dangerous which makes it an incredibly good weapon.

[Larry Gude]

I wanted one then about two months ago I was holding a pellet gun and shot my friend in the arm. I thought the safety was on. My wife said "See that's why I do not want guns in the house."

That's why it is a right to keep and bear, not a requirement. If you don't think you should have a gun, you don't have to. Call me pro choice.

[sacase]

Laws against guns do not do anything, criminals are already breaking the law and they know that the people they are assulting do not have them so they have nothing to worry about. Everyone should be REQUIRED to have mandatory firearms and first aid training in highschool and everyone should be required to maintain at least one firearm per household. Chances are violent crime goes down.

[Larry Gude]

Honestly, I think this is the worst reason to purchase a gun. Buying a gun should be a cool, sober, and completely rational response. It's about as serious a decision as you can make and if you are going to do it you need to do it calmly and carefully. It should be part of a process that includes gun education, lessons on safety, and gun procedures.

That post should be read and re-read by anyone considering a firearm.

Good job.

:cheers:

[Cdowwe]

I was thinking about this yesterday. I plan on purchasing one within a month. I've never shot a handgun, so I plan on getting lessons first. I used to live in a suburb of Cincinnati about 25 miles away from downtown...pretty peaceful place and never felt the need for a gun, although my father owned one. Now I basically live within 5 miles, although its one of the better and safer neighborhoods, but you never know. I trust the Cincinnati police to take care of business, mainly because theyre reputation puts fear in everyone's eyes (good or bad reputation, its there), but for that instance I need the protection immediately, I'd rather have protection.

[red95dj]

HEY STUPID... YEAH YOU! Fully auto firearms require a license. As far as semiauto goes that is another story. All you gun control nuts think Oh this gun is more dangerous then that one so lets ban it. Well if you ban this firearm you'll go right after another, and another,and another. A firearm is only as dagerous as the person behind them.

I was about to start a thread in the tailgate before the shooting on how Gun advocates use home invasions as fear mongering tactics for people to buy guns. It now appears that I dont have to as many of you now beleive a thief will come to your home, armed and ready to kill anyone and everyone inside before robbing you.

The fact is, home invasions are rare, and when they do happen, the intruder is most likely related to the victim in some way. Home invasions are oftend cited on offical police reports when a drug house or marijuana grow op is robbed.

Most criminals, dont want to bother with people or animals inside the home which is why most robberiers take place when no one is home. There is enough work invloved in picking a home to rob, finding out where the valubles are and how to get to them that killing 3- 5 people is really an extra step they dont need or want to take. And what if they finally get caught? Would you rather do 5-10 for robbery or 25-life for murdering a 65 year old lady who wouldnt drop the silverware?

But you Americans, first thing you go for is your gun, and your right to have it. This is the kind of mentality that allows semi and fully automatic weapons into peoples homes, for what they deem is "protection". Protection from what? The spanish army? Gun makers try to sell these guns as safety items, and you guys fall for it, thinking that if my gun is bigger than the gun of my yet-to-arrive-home-invading-rape-happy-robber you will be safe. Thats as dumb as you can get as far as Im concerned.

And another thing, why does everyone jump to the conclusion this was a home invasion or a robbery? There has been no official police report yet this is the conclusion everyone jumps to. it could be that Sean shot himself accidentially or maybe one of the residents of the home shot Sean by mistake or maybe not by mistake. The point is we dont know, but everyone likes hyping it as a home invasion, like its something we all need to be aware and afraid of.

Chances are, neither you or anyone you know personally will be involved in a home invasion, but most of you will go out and buy a gun to protect against that very threat. And for those who think home invasions are a very real threat, go ask everyone you know who keeps a gun in their house for protection to see if they have had to use it to defend themselves. The overwhelming majority will tell you "No I havent, but Im glad its there, just in case."

So you now have a group of people who are armed to protect against something that most likely wont happen. Seems kinda silly dont you think?

[Burgold]

HEY STUPID... YEAH YOU! Fully auto firearms require a license. As far as semiauto goes that is another story. All you gun control nuts think Oh this gun is more dangerous then that one so lets ban it. Well if you ban this firearm you'll go right after another, and another,and another. A firearm is only as dagerous as the person behind them.

Read this thread. Notice the tone. Then read yours. Is there really a call for name calling and being disrespectful? For a hot topic, following an emotionally intense event this conversation has been top notch. There is room for disagreement without being rude.

[PokerPacker]

Read this thread. Notice the tone. Then read yours. Is there really a call for name calling and being disrespectful? For a hot topic, following an emotionally intense event this conversation has been top notch. There is room for disagreement without being rude.
while i agree the tone was a little over the top, when the person he's quoting is insulting americans, well i just don't care anymore.

[Burgold]

Must have skimmed by that. I do agree that lumping all Americans into that Yosemite Sam mode is wrongheaded too. Overgeneralization isn't cool either.

[Destino]

Is the reason Taylor didn't have a gun a corrupt DA that charged him for crimes and let the guys that we knew shot at a car, a house, and were caught with stolen ATVs off the hook?

Perhaps the lesson here isn't about buying guns but one of power and denial of protected rights.....

[zoony]

OK, seems I have a full time job around here.

Trust me, you don't want to get in a discussion about firearms with me. :)


You can easily miss with a shotgun.

As easy as a handgun? point, shoot. Tell me a weapon that is easier. There isn't one.


The spread at 12 feet is about 3-4", about the size of a baseball.

What barrell length? What type of choke? 19" barrell?


That's not exactly full proof and, depending on what size load you are using, it WILL go through 2-8 sheets of drywall.

+ insulation + osb board + siding, then all over again? Nope.

A bullet though will, rather easily. a .357 Mag can ricochet 3/4 of a mile.




A shotgun is incredibly dangerous which makes it an incredibly good weapon.

A shotgun is NOT incredibly dangerous. That's just a flat out lie.

[codeorama]

It would be a bad day for anyone that made it into my house in the middle of the night

Same here....

[Larry Gude]

Trust me, you don't want to get in a discussion about firearms with me. :)



As easy as a handgun? point, shoot. Tell me a weapon that is easier. There isn't one.



What barrell length? What type of choke? 19" barrell?



+ insulation + osb board + siding, then all over again? Nope.

A bullet though will, rather easily. a .357 Mag can ricochet 3/4 of a mile.



A shotgun is NOT incredibly dangerous. That's just a flat out lie.


You're right. I don't want to discuss anything with you.