Posted on 09/29/2001 4:29:48 PM PDT by TERMINATTOR
Gun sale resurgence: Americans saying with wallet, "We feel safer when armed"
Scripps Howard News Service
Keeping up with the changes in the political landscape as America girds for war could give a person whiplash. The old bedrock assumptions about defense and domestic spending, rights to "privacy" and the operation of law enforcement, even opinions on criminal profiling, are changing with lightning speed.
So, too, has there been another, perhaps little-noted shift: our view of guns. I should say the fashionable circle's view of guns. After all, there are some 200 million firearms in the United States, the vast majority of which are legally owned.
Nevertheless, every time there is any kind of an assault with firearms against innocents, we inevitably hear that more gun control is the "answer" because, according to these folks, guns are the root of all crime and mayhem. Usually there's an attempt, often successful, at more gun-control initiatives.
Then came the horror of Sept. 11. What few have ventured to point out is that in this entire calamitous crime, throughout this act of war and terrorism like our country has never seen before, not a single gun was used. So much for seeing guns as the problem, and gun control as the solution.
Americans want to feel safer, and they want to protect their children, which is why this time they are emptying gun stores, fast. Six eastern states, presumably those with populations who feel most vulnerable as a result of the recent attacks and including several, such as New York, that have lead the way in strictly controlling guns, report that gun sales are soaring. And don't you know that more than a few of the purchasers, who would have been aghast at such a thought just a few weeks ago, are sheepishly purchasing them?
No, guns may not exactly protect their carriers against terrorists - then again, they might - but people are voting with their wallets. And they are saying they feel safer with guns than with those who would "protect" them by limiting or ending their ability to get a firearm. We may be witnessing a change from "gun as menace" to "gun as marvel" mentality. Consider the call for sky marshals on airlines, and now the plea from the Airline Pilots Association that pilots be allowed to pack heat during flights. I'm not exactly sure how the pilots would both fend off hijackers with a firearm and fly the plane, but I think the larger point is one of deterrence.
People everywhere, including criminals and even suicidal hijackers, at some level make rational calculations. If the hijackers had thought for a moment that anyone on the plane was at all likely to be armed and ready to use a gun, they almost certainly would not have attempted their deed, simply out of knowledge their plot would fail.
Talk of arming pilots and the extent to which we're putting air marshals on planes may be one reason they will almost certainly not attempt this particular route of terrorism again. They will likely try other avenues to terrorism against which guns may not deter.
But the larger point is that in times of peace and prosperity, society has the luxury of turning down its collectively turned-up nose on those who would protect themselves and their families with firearms. But in time of war, reality and self-preservation surface.
When the smoke clears, we'll notice something else on the new political landscape: that it will be a long, long time before Gun Control Inc. dares to advocate curbs on the Second Amendment again.
Now...for the handgun! Christmas, anyone?
Can't wait for my daughter to be born. I'm getting rusty without any range time...
Sure is a good looking gun, what is the advantage of .40 cal? I researched 9mm and 45 cal. thought the learning curve would be shorter on the 9mm.
When you hold each gun (Beretta / Glock) the Beretta is a thing of beauty, it fits the human hand so well (I could probably sell things) the Glock is less appealing in both feel and looks IMHO. I am moving to Florida sometime next year, the paperwork necessary for New Jersey just to purchase, would have obtained a carry permit in Florida. Thanks.
Yikes, I was thinking of a Glock for ccw, but not if the trigger will fire that easy! Help, now what do I get?
I've been saving one for a 'special occassion'.
Regards,
L
I picked up 1000 rounds of 7.62x39mm for my namesake and I treated myself to a nice .45 1911. Bring it on!
Make it a .45 ACP, preferably single-action.
Freepers don't let Freepers buy nine-millimeters.
Years ago I purchased a Beretta 21A 22 Cal. LR, to have something in the house, just in case. Got farily good with it, now I feel the need for a higher level of protection. If it was possible to commit to weekly target practice, the choice would be a 1911 45ACP Kimber, but I don't have the time to become an expert shot. Figure a 9mm with a pre-ban clip will overcome some inaccuracies in skill. Thanks
I just pounded my forehead onto my keyboard three times.
Spray 'n pray don't work! Be it 9mm, .22, or better yet .45, you must have enough skill to effectively use the weapon.
A well placed shot with a .22 beats a complete miss from a .44 mag.
If you know a decent gunsmith that can slick up revolver triggers, Ruger would be a good choice also. From the factory, Ruger triggers are profane. Indestructable guns, just horrible triggers. Very economical. If you fancy an autoloader, Colt is currently producing some of the finest 1911s since their glory days. They have recently dropped the "M1991A1" series and replaced it with the old "Colt Government Model" rollmarkings. My recent production Colt is an exeptional display of old-world craftsmanship. Colt is back! Get one before the secret's out.
Callahan
What few remain have a markup so high, you'd be a fool not to buy a Les Baer instead.
Stay Safe Bert !
Knitebane
Stay Safe
A little over a month ago when I ordered mine, Accusport had a bunch of them in stock and ready to ship to ANYONE. Some dealers are getting away with robbery because of the "better hurry" and "get 'em while you can" argument. I've seen 'em advertised for upwards of 1100 bucks. I paid 869 for mine and don't regret it a bit. It is, without question, the BEST 1911 I've ever owned.
Callahan
This sort of quote always bothers me. A strict interpretation of the 2nd Amendment shows, they are all legal.
i.e. what part of "shall not be abridged" do you not understand?
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