[G-Bear]

From the headline, that's what I thought they were talking
about, you could bring your issue weapon home with you.
If every vet had an M-16 in the closet, this would be
a much better country!

[NorthGA]

The Swiss still close off roads periodically for marksman competitions. They take great pride in not only having the arms available, but being able to use them well.

When Switzerland was being threatened with invasion by the nazis during WWII, a German official told a Swiss official that the Swiss were out numbered 7 to 1. The Swiss official just sniffed and said, "So, each Swiss citizen will have to fire 7 shots."

[Freedom4US]

We discussed that when I was in the Army. My roommate made an interesting observation. He asked me if I hunted, and I replied in the affirmative. Then he asked me if I'd ever seen a fellow hunter drop his rifle, or set the rifle down on the ground, or lean it up against a wall or fence or something in such a way that it was possible or likely for it to fall or get knocked down.

Hm. "No, I can't say that I have, Steve, now that you mention it".

His point was, that privately owned firearms (or anything else for that matter) are usually, if not always lovingly cared for, stored and maintained.

We came to the conclusion that upon entering service, a soldier should be issued a brand new service rifle, and that very same rifle would follow them throughout their career, however long or short. 4 years honorable service would allow one to take it home with them upon discharge.

The weapon could then be part of all inspections and part of the total evaluation of the soldier -- if, after 10 years, the weapon is poorly maintained, then there is no one else responsible except that soldier.