Shoot First — No Questions Asked (mega barf alert!)

NY Times' Terrorist Tip Sheet ^ | August 14, 2006 | Meathead Editorial

[neverdem]

If ever a law was designed as a get-out-of-jail-free card for the trigger-happy gun owner, it’s one that comes to us via the gun lobby and the State of Florida. The law, passed in the last year in 15 states and being considered in eight others, allows the extraordinary use of deadly force when a person simply doesn’t want to back away from a confrontation.

There are legitimate kill-or-be-killed situations, but those are defensible in court already. There seems little reason to legally enshrine the right to maim or kill in response to a perceived threat. These laws do just that, and already a creepy picture of “Death Wish”-style justice is emerging.

In one case, a retired police officer shot twice and seriously wounded an apparently unarmed neighbor who had knocked on his door in a dispute over the number of garbage bags put out for collection. The shooter will remain free as long as his self-defense argument holds, and it well may.

The contorted logic of these laws reverses the notions that favored flight over fight and held deadly force to be a last resort. The Florida law holds that a crime victim may “stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary.” To defend homes and vehicles, an owner can wield lethal force with a freedom not granted to the police.

Redefining lethal force is bad enough, but it also comes with near-automatic immunity from prosecution and civil lawsuits. Florida’s law is a sick cousin of the work of the gun lobby on Capitol Hill, where it has successfully protected the interstate traffickers of guns used in crimes. And it is the evil twin of laws passed in 38 states that allow concealed weapons.

[Killborn]

Thanks. The problem with us conservatives is that we shoot our own quite often. When the left does it, it makes sense because they are purging those who are not 100% committed to form a stronger cartel. Thus they are making themselves stronger. Although we are nowhere near as fascistic or fanatical in our ideology, we tend to shoot the good guys too often. And instead of making us stronger aka the Demontraitors, we become weaker.

[SFC Chromey]

SSSHHHHHHHH don't say that too loud or they will for sure put an end to such logical law.

[RKBA Democrat]

Thanks for the alert. I thought I was prepared, but I'm suddenly feeling this urge to hug the porcelain. I won't be reading the full article.

The NYSlimes should have itself patented as a purgative.

[Cobra64]

As a future fireamrm owner,

It's easy. Just takes a few simple steps.

- Decide why you want a firearm

- Join the NRA

- Take a firearms safety class

- Go to the range with an experienced shooter

- Understand the differences between rifles, shotguns, revolvers, and pistols.

- Decide what weapon is appropriate for your purpose (caliber, nightstand vs. carry, weight, recoil, alloy vs. all steel).

- Ask a gazillion questions (there's a bunch of us here on FR who can help you).

- Make the firearms purchase and don't forget several hundred rounds of practice ammo

- Practice, practice, practice.

Owning a gun is not like a set of steak knives in the drawer. Know your gun and... keep it CLEAN.

Here is my obligatory pic of my Sig P226 in 9 mm. Very simple and very reliable due to its simplicity.

Remeber, Glocks are Good, but Sigs are Supreme.

[Roccus]

I had my Dad by me my first gun at 14 with my paper rout money. A .22 single shot hand cocking Savage. I got to use it one weekend a year when we went to my uncle's farm in CT. Couldn't use it at home as we lived in NYC.
If you want it bad enough, you can get it.

[xcamel]

SSSHHHHHHHH is for keeps.

[Killborn]

What kind of gun is it?

[Killborn]

Thanks for the help. Hopefully that day will come soon. I always liked Glocks because of their unique design.

[Cobra64]

I like Glocks but they are too light, causing too much recoil which translates to pain. See my discussion points. Glocks are more complicated as well.

[Killborn]

Thanks for the tip. They are still massively cool. I guess I'll try to compensate.

[Cobra64]

They are still massively cool.

I like Glocks a lot. But not because they are cool.

My wife likes her gun because it is light, reliable. easy to use, acceptable recoil, and looks nice.

[capt.P]

That IS a nice little purse-piece.

They do say that kind words and a .45 will get the job done faster than kind words alone...

[Roccus]

It was a rifle. As I said, a single shot .22. In thinking about it later, I realized that I bought it when I was 12, not 14. (Hey, it was a loooong time ago) I had to have my Dad get it because I was too young to purchase it, though it was my money. I gave it to my oldest niece about 20-25 years ago for her first gun. Very safe, good first gun.

[Roccus]

I've got shotguns and rifles but have been thinking of getting a pistol for the house. I've been thinking of a .38 snub nosed revolver as it will probably spend most of its time in/on the nightstand gathering dust. Any thoughts?

[Killborn]

I'll admit, I'm kind of shallow in that regards. I saw the boxy style that separates it from other pistols and like that uniqueness. The barrel of most pistols are similar to the one your wife is using and I admired the unique design. :D

[Killborn]

Pics?

[trussell]

Ooooh...gun porn! I like that one!

[Cobra64]

You can check out a variety of German, Swiss, Austrian guns here:

http://remtek.com/arms/

Your best bet is to join a club and talk to the range master. The other shooters will be more than happy to let you fire their toys. Keep in mind, most of us have strong preferences as to why they like their gun best. And that's terrific.

[beericus]

I own a .38 snub nose. I carry it everyday, everywhere and it sleeps next to me. As i live in Phillugia(Philadelphia)where the murder rate is in stiff competition with fallugia.

I like the gun, still getting used to it. I have the laser grip. It is a powerfull snub of a gun.

[Neil E. Wright]

if you wanna see pics of guns, and videos of gun shoots, go to my website and click on the "Shooting Sports pages" link.

The advice from other posters is good. I strongly urge you to follow their advice. :)