How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your home?

[HollyS]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

That would be nada, zip, zilch.

I know that will surprise a few posters. After all, we Texans have a rep. And can legally carry concealed weapons.

But, I have no fascination with firearms, and DH has less.

Besides, DH would, without a doubt, shoot himself accidentally if we had one. A wife knows these things. I don't allow power tools either. I like my husband with all (5) appendages intact.

 

[natascha]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

.

I don't shoot myself

Nor should you doesn't sound safe at all

Unless perhaps your name is Burress

whoppsy, I really should start proof reading. I guess I will have to blame it on it being 3am (hey and my 3rd language ) and I might have ingested several glasses of wine.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

Zero guns. When I lived in South Africa my dad had a couple of hand guns but thankfully we live in Sweden now so it is not necessary.

I don't shoot myself (freaks me out) but I have no problem watching my SO. Even found it funny when he impressed some military instructors in Thailand, although not so funny when our military come around.

most of us don't...

 

[natascha]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

Zero guns. When I lived in South Africa my dad had a couple of hand guns but thankfully we live in Sweden now so it is not necessary.

I don't shoot myself (freaks me out) but I have no problem watching my SO. Even found it funny when he impressed some military instructors in Thailand, although not so funny when our military come around.

most of us don't...

I seriously must be overtired. When I saw your user name DF I started thinking control pants, control pants which made me giggle. I think you wrote something with the word control before. The brain works in mysterious ways .

 

[justginger]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

Zero. Thank God. Living in Australia, unless you are a hobbyist, you would struggle to find a gun owner. Perhaps even among the criminal population. There are benefits to not sharing borders! The stats of gun deaths here are reassuringly low and the few that do happen are almost exclusively related to bikie gang inner circle violence and doesn't affect the general population.

Growing up in the Midwest, my father had an unknown number of guns in the house. They made me as uncomfortable at 8 as they still do at 28.

 

[ZahraLeyla]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

None. After the Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania (Australia) in 1996, the state and federal governments coordinated to ban and restrict gun ownership in Australia. A buy-back scheme was initiated so that gun owners weren't financially impacted and Australia has been the better off for it ever since.

There is a popular current affairs/panel discussion television program here in Australia. It features a changing panel of prominent politicians, academics, journalists and other high profile individuals, and as a result the discussion does not often lend itself to consensus. However, on Monday night's episode the issue of American's gun ownership and the power of the gun lobby was discussed, and the panel was united in its inability to understand America's approach to gun ownership. A very unusual circumstance indeed.

 

[natascha]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

None. After the Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania (Australia) in 1996, the state and federal governments coordinated to ban and restrict gun ownership in Australia. A buy-back scheme was initiated so that gun owners weren't financially impacted and Australia has been the better off for it ever since.

There is a popular current affairs/panel discussion television program here in Australia. It features a changing panel of prominent politicians, academics, journalists and other high profile individuals, and as a result the discussion does not often lend itself to consensus. However, on Monday night's episode the issue of American's gun ownership and the power of the gun lobby was discussed, and the panel was united in its inability to understand America's approach to gun ownership. A very unusual circumstance indeed.

Very interesting. Was there any significant opposition against the ban?

In Sweden we kinda went the other way. We have a relatively high amount of firearms but through the use of strict regulations we also have one of the lowest homicide rates.

The panel reaching consensus does sound very unusual, usually there is at least one dissenting opinion. Although now that I think about it the only person I know that seems to understand the US way of thinking is a person who grew up there. From what I can gather, it all relates to a very individualistic approach which focuses on certain aspects importance and therefore does not necessarily think in terms of the "whole ..." .

 

[movie zombie]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

my understanding re AU guns was that rifles were still ok for hunting?
and that one could own a handgun but it had to be stored at a gun club?

looked into it when last in Perth. a shooting range in the area catering to women caught my eye.........think it was this one:

[http://www.lrsc.net.au/

and there there is this which is an interest read:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_politics_in_Australia

seems to indicate rifles are still ok; however, i'm betting the city dweller would have a much harder time having a legit reason than an outback resider.

 

[manderz]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

We have zero, however; my dad has been pressing me to get my pistol permit, so that in the event that anything should happen to him, his guns would have a safe home. I don't know exactly how many he has, but I know it's at lead 10+. He hunts, and collects guns and knives.

 

[bluebirrrd]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

I hope never to have to use a gun for personal protection, but I'd feel irresponsible and unprotected without one. It would be nice if no one used guns as weapons, but criminals always will regardless of the law. Neighbors here are not very close by, wild animal predators come through the area, and law enforcement generally cannot respond quickly even in an emergency. For those who feel uncomfortable around guns, I highly recommend a basic safety class and some shooting lessons at a range club (got this for my husband as a Christmas gift). Target shooting is extremely fun, especially if you're competitive.

 

[monarch64]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

None. But I typically keep a bottle of wine handy with which to hit any would-be killers over the head.

 

[ZahraLeyla]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

None. After the Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania (Australia) in 1996, the state and federal governments coordinated to ban and restrict gun ownership in Australia. A buy-back scheme was initiated so that gun owners weren't financially impacted and Australia has been the better off for it ever since.

There is a popular current affairs/panel discussion television program here in Australia. It features a changing panel of prominent politicians, academics, journalists and other high profile individuals, and as a result the discussion does not often lend itself to consensus. However, on Monday night's episode the issue of American's gun ownership and the power of the gun lobby was discussed, and the panel was united in its inability to understand America's approach to gun ownership. A very unusual circumstance indeed.

Very interesting. Was there any significant opposition against the ban?

In Sweden we kinda went the other way. We have a relatively high amount of firearms but through the use of strict regulations we also have one of the lowest homicide rates.

The panel reaching consensus does sound very unusual, usually there is at least one dissenting opinion. Although now that I think about it the only person I know that seems to understand the US way of thinking is a person who grew up there. From what I can gather, it all relates to a very individualistic approach which focuses on certain aspects importance and therefore does not necessarily think in terms of the "whole ..." .

There was opposition from certain groups, particularly rural constituents. These constituents were considered to be the 'base' of voter support for the government at the time, so it was impressive that the government pursued these reforms at the risk of alienating their support base. I am not a supporter of the Howard government, but gun control was certainly a reform that I wholeheartedly affirm.

Yes, the individual approach is not generally popular in Australia (though it is gathering momentum). Anything that has a vague odour of socialism about it seems to be taken very poorly in America, so I suppose that is why it is quite difficult for us in Australia to understand the American approach to gun control.

 

[justginger]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

One study I would honestly love to see are these stats: how many guns used in crimes of varying magnitudes were originally purchased by a non-criminal individual, legally, and then stolen? What you intend to use for protection in some cases are the very weapons that murder others. A sobering issue to consider.

 

[TooPatient]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

One study I would honestly love to see are these stats: how many guns used in crimes of varying magnitudes were originally purchased by a non-criminal individual, legally, and then stolen? What you intend to use for protection in some cases are the very weapons that murder others. A sobering issue to consider.

Which is exactly why people should take the responsibility to educate themselves. Responsible gun owners take reasonable precautions to avoid this.

Of course keeping your gun collection in an unlocked shed and going on vacation..... (there was a police blotter reported that in this city recently!)

 

[TooPatient]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

We've got 9+
Combination of handguns, bolt-action rifles, and semi-automatic rifles.

..please remind me not to rob you...

Okay


We are in a pretty safe neighborhood with people home during the day. Neighbors keep an eye out for each other.

We're on the west coast (Seattle area).

I love shooting paper targets! We have membership at a couple of places and get to practice at different distances and even moving targets (they have a machine that slides them around). It is very satisfying and relaxing to watch the holes get closer and closer to where they should be.

Like MZ, I have never shot at a living thing and hope to never need to.

 

[texaskj]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

9+...This is Texas darlin'.
They all belong to SO and they're long guns for hunting with one handgun. He still has his first .410. He started me out with a pellet gun and a hand-drawn target on plywood.
I went to my first gun show here in D/FW a few weeks ago and I have to say the people watching was amazing. Entire families after church, strollers galore, a teenage girl with a Hello Kitty backpack who was hanging on every word this one exhibitor was saying...it was fascinating.

 

[Laila619]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

None in our household, although I'm not opposed.

My father owns several though (I'd say 5 or more), and FIL owns one I think.

 

[aljdewey]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

I know several people who own guns, and they are all enthusiasts. Love to shoot paper targets, love to reload their own ammo, love the precision and marksmanship aspect of them. One of them has even gone so far as to build a few of his own from scratch.

Every person I know who owns them legally...........every one of them are anti-killing. Won't even kill spiders and flies, for goodness sake.

All of them live in the same state I do, which is one of the two states with the strictest gun control laws.

I think it's easy in times of crisis to blame the guns and think that outlawing guns would solve society's problems, but I heartily disagree. Drugs are outlawed everywhere in this country (medical MJ in Calif notwithstanding) and they are incredibly rampant. Branding them illegal has only served to provide a lucrative incentive for other countries to supply them, but it hasn't eliminated consumption one bit.

Outlawing guns won't eliminate violence; amending the way we treat each other (or, more aptly, mistreat each other) would probably go much longer toward resolving it.

 

[4ever]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

None.

It would be unusual in New Zealand to own a gun, particularly in suburban areas. The only gun owners I know are farmers or hunt for sport. Our police don't carry guns.

We have looked into it - DH used to be in the British armed forces and was a good shot and wouldn't mind taking it up target shooting as a sport. However It seems like particularly hard work to legally own a hand gun here; you need an approved gun safe in the house and the police come for a visit to check the safe and interview you and people in your house and do background checks on you etc.

 

[akmiss]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

We have two but neither are kept in the house and both are hunting rifles. Growing up in rural Alaska, every family had at least one for subsistence hunting. Also, bear mace is not effective

 

[Rhea]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

None. I live in England.

I'm sorry, but are you not allowed to own guns there?
You are, if you have a valid reason for one you are permitted to own a shotgun. Most farmers I know own shotguns.

If so is there less crime, or more because of it?
The area I live in has a very high rate of knife crime. Because I live in a historically higher crime area and because of the population I work with, my opinion on this subject would be skewed. I know I do feel safer here than I ever felt when living in the South of the US. It seems that in the US a shooting happens quite often, I believe there was just one a couple of weeks ago. I don't know, it's so common it's hardly shocking any longer. Knives are very personal. While I'm sure it's possible to go on a rampage with one you probably would fail to kill or harm the same number of people before being stopped.
As far as other, non-violet crime such as burglaries and theft, I'm not sure. And I couldn't comment on violent crimes such as rape and assault at all.
The vast majority of our police don't carry firearms either. There are special divisions that do, but it's very rare to see them on the streets. The last time I saw a police officer holding a gun in England was on patrol around the US embassy in London.

Do criminals in England ever manage to get their hands on guns?
Of course! There's a black market for everything. If one tries hard enough guns, heroin, and anything else banned can be bought.

Was public gun ownership ever allowed in England?
Yes, I understand that it was until fairly recently.

If so, how did they purge them from the public's hands?
It's my understanding, though I didn't move here until recently so didn't experience any of this myself, that there was a terrible school shooting in which 17 children died. I'm sure it's not that simple, but that seems to be the start of the banning of guns. In general, Europe seems to have less problems with guns either because they are banned as the UK has done, or as Natasha pointed out there is very strict control such as Sweden has chosen.

This is some information on the school shooting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunblane_school_massacre

 

[justginger]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

Outlawing guns won't eliminate violence; amending the way we treat each other (or, more aptly, mistreat each other) would probably go much longer toward resolving it.

This cannot be true. People are much the same, around the the world, as most travelers will attest. There's greed, corruption, deception, rage, hand in hand with tolerance, optimism, generosity, and kindness. If access to firearms is not the direct cause of higher death-by-firearm statistics, what is? People in Australia (Canada, England, Germany, Portugal, wherever) still get angry, get revenge, have psychotic breaks - the difference is that, thanks to decent gun regulations, the vast majority of victims recover in the hospital after being beaten by a cricket bat. They're not in the morgue with two slugs in their chest.

 

[Jennifer W]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

None. I live in England.

I'm sorry, but are you not allowed to own guns there?
If so is there less crime, or more because of it?
A popular saying in America is, "When guns are outlawed only outlaws will have guns".

Do criminals in England ever manage to get their hands on guns?
Was public gun ownership ever allowed in England?
If so, how did they purge them from the public's hands?

I'm not Rhea, but maybe I can answer this. Scotland and England have had separate legislatures since 1999, so our laws might be slightly different in this area, but the most relevant statutes were passed before the devolved Scottish parliament first sat, so I think the basics are much the same.

People are not generally allowed to own firearms here, although there are a small number of exceptions within tight controls. The Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 effectively outlawed the private ownership of handguns here. Replica weapons, antique or collectors items which have been disabled but could be converted to working fire arms are also unlawful. Most categories of small arms are banned outright, and no exception would apply to make ownership of them lawful. In Scotland, air rifles are either banned or about to be too, I can't remember if that Act has gone through yet.

Although gun ownership was always rather tightly controlled here, the current law was passed largely as a response to a shooting incident at the primary school in Dunblane in 1996, where 16 five year old children and their teacher were murdered by a man who held a legal firearms licence.

Gun crime is rare here, although not unheard of and yes, criminals can get their hands on guns if they really want to. However, being found in possession of a firearm is a fairly serious offence. Police here confiscate and press charges over more firearms than are ever used in crime and put a lot of effort into removing illegal weapons from circulation. Police here do not carry handguns, although we do have special armed response units (their deployment is very rare in Scotland at least).

 

[Jennifer W]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

Sorry Rhea, I should read more carefully - I realised after I posted that you already answered.

 

[JewelFreak]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

When DH came to the States from Holland, he was thrilled that you can own guns here -- prohibited there. He got himself a Federal gun dealer's license & bought them wholesale. I don't know how many he has & I'm not sure he knows either. We used to go to gun ranges for target practice, which was fun.

Caused trouble when we moved from San Francisco to NYC, though. DH is such a ditz! He packed the guns, empty of course, with our furniture, but ammo isn't allowed on moving trucks. In a rush with all the stuff to do, he lobbed it all into a cardboard box & mailed it to himself at our NYC hotel, a very nice one his co. put us in while we house-hunted. So the postman delivers this box to the concierge when DH was at work. It had gotten pretty beaten up in shipment & as the concierge took it to the storeroom, he dropped it & it collapsed. Onto the marble lobby floor spilled pounds of bullets! Gave the poor fellow total creeps -- he had no idea what kind of nutcase he was dealing with. (I could've told him! ) Nervous concierge calls the police. DH comes back that evening to find a couple of very suspicious detectives waiting for him. They wanted to take him to the station to grill him but he sweet-talked them out of that, though they gave him a very hard time. Unusually for DH, he had thought ahead & put his dealer's license in his luggage rather than a moving box. That straightened things out & they even gave him back the ammunition. Close call! Nowadays, after 9/11, he would've been locked up with the good old boys at Riker's forever!

--- Laurie

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

My husband has a rifle and a shotgun as most boys who grew up in the rural south had. The only time I can recall him shooting them is a couple of times when visiting his family and going out into the country to target shoot. He hunted and fished with his dad as a boy, but he hasn't hunted in the time we have been married. I am not sure if an intruder broke into our house in the middle of the night if he could get a gun loaded in time to use it. But I strongly feel that the right to own a gun is one I would not readily give up. If our lives and the lives of our children are threatened, I absolutely have no problem with a gun being used. As others have said, I desperately hope we never have to use one. And in fact, I think that thing about knife killings above is far more barbaric. I probably would be okay with limiting those automatic weapons that can shoot 100 bullets in a minute or whatever, though.

I haven't ever seen stats on crime, suicides, etc. between states like TX and states with restrictive gun control laws. It would be interesting. I don't really think lack of guns prevents suicide, though.

 

[AGBF]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

There are none in this house, but I have mixed feelings about it. I used to have a very protective dog. Now I have a bigger, but not nearly as protective, dog. (Biscuit would have given an alarm before an intruder came near the house and would have ripped an intruder apart. Probably even with several bullets in him. Griffin would sleep through it all.)

I'd infinitely prefer to have big dogs to having guns, even though I know dogs can be shot. They bark before an intruder is within reach of your home. They bark before he is within range of poisoning them. At least my Lab was a fabulous deterrent. Newfies not so much...unless the intruder sees them. And if they are asleep under bushes, the intruder may not know they are there.

Deb/AGBF

 

[iheartscience]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

None. But I typically keep a bottle of wine handy with which to hit any would-be killers over the head.

 

[iheartscience]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

Outlawing guns won't eliminate violence; amending the way we treat each other (or, more aptly, mistreat each other) would probably go much longer toward resolving it.

This cannot be true. People are much the same, around the the world, as most travelers will attest. There's greed, corruption, deception, rage, hand in hand with tolerance, optimism, generosity, and kindness. If access to firearms is not the direct cause of higher death-by-firearm statistics, what is? People in Australia (Canada, England, Germany, Portugal, wherever) still get angry, get revenge, have psychotic breaks - the difference is that, thanks to decent gun regulations, the vast majority of victims recover in the hospital after being beaten by a cricket bat. They're not in the morgue with two slugs in their chest.

Totally agree, justginger. Clearly, strict gun control works, as the countries you've listed have miniscule amounts of gun crime. (As opposed to the US, where it's only a matter of time until the next disturbed individual kills a ton of people.)

 

[Tuckins1]

Re: How many guns, in total, are owned by people in your hom

6. We enjoy going to the range.