“You Don’t Need a Gun” … Remember That?

 

All over the country, Americans are learning the truism that Second Amendment supporters have known: When you have seconds, police are minutes away.  And this week, they aren’t just minutes away, they’re probably not coming and you’re on your own. And so, how have Americans reacted?

From sea …

To shining sea…

Here in the Marland suburbs of D.C. the line wasn’t quite as long, but on my way home from an errand I swung by and took this shot of United Gun Shop in Rockville:

After the dust settles, it’ll be interesting to see how the gun debate shifts.

 

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  1. Henry Racette Member
    Henry Racette
    @HenryRacette

    Silver linings.

    • #1
  2. Jules PA Inactive
    Jules PA
    @JulesPA

    Black Lives Matter. I’m happy to see those black lives standing in line to purchase a gun. Hopefully, they never need it, but if ever there was a time, it is now. 

     

    • #2
  3. Lockdowns Are Precious Inactive
    Lockdowns Are Precious
    @Pseudodionysius

    Just remember if he has a knife to just shoot him in the hand.

    #bidenyourtime

    • #3
  4. Headedwest Coolidge
    Headedwest
    @Headedwest

    Suddenly, when you understand the police will not be there and there is a real chance you may need to defend your house, the picture becomes clearer.

    • #4
  5. Ontheleftcoast Inactive
    Ontheleftcoast
    @Ontheleftcoast

    Jules PA (View Comment):

    Black Lives Matter. I’m happy to see those black lives standing in line to purchase a gun. Hopefully, they never need it, but if ever there was a time, it is now.

    Maj Toure has been doing good work in the black community.

    As the saying goes: 

    When your government tells you “You Don’t Need a Gun”

    You need a gun

     

     

    • #5
  6. Hammer, The Inactive
    Hammer, The
    @RyanM

    Jules PA (View Comment):

    Black Lives Matter. I’m happy to see those black lives standing in line to purchase a gun. Hopefully, they never need it, but if ever there was a time, it is now.

     

    I just hope there are more people standing in line to protect against rioters than to engage in riots. I’d imagine there is a mix of both.

    • #6
  7. philo Member
    philo
    @philo

    Headedwest (View Comment): Suddenly, when you understand the police will not be there and there is a real chance you may need to defend your house, the picture becomes clearer.

    I’ve had this nightmare since 1991 when I first read about the Clutter family murders (Capote). Thankfully, once achieved, this “understanding” tends to stick with you.

    • #7
  8. CarolJoy, Above Top Secret Coolidge
    CarolJoy, Above Top Secret
    @CarolJoy

    For those of us who live in Calif, I can state my big fear, and that of many others, is that of arsonists.

    A gun, even in the hands of a well trained gun fighter, can offer no protection from fire.

    The winter offered the area little in the way of rain.

    The ground under my feet is as dry as it would be in mid-July and it is only the beginning of June.

    Last night various thuggy types were shooting off firecrackers, and starting fires. This happened one community to the south of me. Luckily nothing spread as diligent first responders took care of things.

    I envy those who live in an area where guns could keep some types of thuggery at bay.

    • #8
  9. Douglas Pratt Coolidge
    Douglas Pratt
    @DouglasPratt

    Firearms are tools of civilization.

    Another way of putting it: God made man and woman, but Col. Colt made ’em equal.

    • #9
  10. Jules PA Inactive
    Jules PA
    @JulesPA

    Hammer, The (View Comment):

    Jules PA (View Comment):

    Black Lives Matter. I’m happy to see those black lives standing in line to purchase a gun. Hopefully, they never need it, but if ever there was a time, it is now.

     

    I just hope there are more people standing in line to protect against rioters than to engage in riots. I’d imagine there is a mix of both.

    I don’t watch the news, how much have guns been used in these riots? It seems more like fire, bricks, and rocks.

    Oddly enough, that speaks of organization, and planning. Rioting with a gun is a different league. And the rioters seem to know that. 

    • #10
  11. Valiuth Member
    Valiuth
    @Valiuth

    Got to be armed to defend yourself against murderous cops. 

    • #11
  12. Percival Thatcher
    Percival
    @Percival

    I said this already in the PIT. The NRA should be walking down those lines handing out safety cards, safe storage recommendations, membership applications…

    • #12
  13. Stad Coolidge
    Stad
    @Stad

    Bethany Mandel: After the dust settles, it’ll be interesting to see how the gun debate shifts.

    I’m tempted to send a letter to our local newspaper:

    “Any antigunner out there still want to debate why I don’t need a thirty round magazine?”

    • #13
  14. Aaron Miller Inactive
    Aaron Miller
    @AaronMiller

    The rioting is happening in areas controlled by Democrats. That means not just the mayors but the district attorneys are Democrats. Hopefully, juries refuse to convict anyone who responsibly defends life and property while police are unavailable.

    If they can understand that concept in extraordinary times, perhaps they can understand it in normal situations as well. There will never be a time when police can regularly defend us from momentary threats.

    • #14
  15. Victor Grant 1865 Coolidge
    Victor Grant 1865
    @VictorGrant1865

    As a former Marine, I have always been comfortable with guns, but after years of shooting and cleaning my M-16,  I never felt the overwhelming desire to have a gun at home. I had a 44 Magnum for a while, but realized, if I ever shot someone, the round would go through them and the wall and the next house and whatever might be on the other side of that wall, so I got rid of it. In February I bought an assault-style shotgun (has a pistol grip and short barrel) for my wife to have when I travel. However, two days ago I bought my first AR-15 after watching the DC riots, as well as protests here in Fredericksburg, VA. The store owner told me the first day the opened last week, which was only for 5 hours, they sold more weapons than they ever had. He said the day I was there was on track to be their best day ever. The folks in the store were from every age and race demographic. The couple next to me were looking at handguns for the man’s wife. She was wondering if she could get her handgun in pink. There were several other couples also picking out guns for their wives. These are some troubling times, but I am thankful to live in a country where we have the right to protect ourselves. I plan on going to the NRA gun range on Friday to shake off some of the dust from my Marine Corps days, but hopefully I will never need to use those skills outside the range.

    • #15
  16. JamesSalerno Inactive
    JamesSalerno
    @JamesSalerno

    Percival (View Comment):

    I said this already in the PIT. The NRA should be walking down those lines handing out safety cards, safe storage recommendations, membership applications…

    Exactly. I’m glad that all of the sudden everyone is 2nd amendment “woke,” but I’m pretty sure 75% of these people in line literally have no clue what they are doing. That’s pretty dangerous on it’s own.

    • #16
  17. MichaelKennedy Inactive
    MichaelKennedy
    @MichaelKennedy

    Douglas Pratt (View Comment):

    Firearms are tools of civilization.

    Another way of putting it: God made man and woman, but Col. Colt made ’em equal.

    That goes with “An armed society is a polite society.”

    • #17
  18. MichaelKennedy Inactive
    MichaelKennedy
    @MichaelKennedy

    Jules PA (View Comment):

    Hammer, The (View Comment):

    Jules PA (View Comment):

    Black Lives Matter. I’m happy to see those black lives standing in line to purchase a gun. Hopefully, they never need it, but if ever there was a time, it is now.

    I just hope there are more people standing in line to protect against rioters than to engage in riots. I’d imagine there is a mix of both.

    I don’t watch the news, how much have guns been used in these riots? It seems more like fire, bricks, and rocks.

    Oddly enough, that speaks of organization, and planning. Rioting with a gun is a different league. And the rioters seem to know that.

    A number of black “good guys” have been shot and killed by rioters or snipers.  One, a federal officer in Oakland and another a retired police captain in St Louis. You just don’t hear about it.  The police captain was trying to stop looting. Not all black lives matter, you know.

    • #18
  19. MichaelKennedy Inactive
    MichaelKennedy
    @MichaelKennedy

    JamesSalerno (View Comment):

    Percival (View Comment):

    I said this already in the PIT. The NRA should be walking down those lines handing out safety cards, safe storage recommendations, membership applications…

    Exactly. I’m glad that all of the sudden everyone is 2nd amendment “woke,” but I’m pretty sure 75% of these people in line literally have no clue what they are doing. That’s pretty dangerous on it’s own.

    A gun shop and shooting range in CA that I used to use for practice was over whelmed by gun buyers recently, not just the riots but this year.  What was amusing was that most buyers were first time and were complaining about the paperwork and waiting period. They had no idea about all those laws they had voted for.

    • #19
  20. Douglas Pratt Coolidge
    Douglas Pratt
    @DouglasPratt

    Percival (View Comment):

    I said this already in the PIT. The NRA should be walking down those lines handing out safety cards, safe storage recommendations, membership applications…

    I’m an NRA Instructor, and I’ve been offering free online basic safety classes. I printed cards to hand out at the local gun shops.

    • #20
  21. Douglas Pratt Coolidge
    Douglas Pratt
    @DouglasPratt

    MichaelKennedy (View Comment):

    Douglas Pratt (View Comment):

    Firearms are tools of civilization.

    Another way of putting it: God made man and woman, but Col. Colt made ’em equal.

    That goes with “An armed society is a polite society.”

    RAH is responsible for a lot of my values and beliefs, starting in childhood.

    • #21
  22. Douglas Pratt Coolidge
    Douglas Pratt
    @DouglasPratt

    JamesSalerno (View Comment):

    Percival (View Comment):

    I said this already in the PIT. The NRA should be walking down those lines handing out safety cards, safe storage recommendations, membership applications…

    Exactly. I’m glad that all of the sudden everyone is 2nd amendment “woke,” but I’m pretty sure 75% of these people in line literally have no clue what they are doing. That’s pretty dangerous on it’s own.

    Darn right. And as soon as one of those clueless newbies has a problem, it’ll be all over the press that gun owners are irresponsible and dangerous. That’s cut-and-paste. Honestly, though, I’m more concerned with preventing negligence than preventing bad press. And I have a bad feeling that an awful lot of those people bought the wrong gun, either because they didn’t get good advice or because there wasn’t enough selection to make a good choice. 90% of the gun store employees I have met would not sell you the wrong gun, but in these circumstances even the good ones can get swamped.

    • #22
  23. Ontheleftcoast Inactive
    Ontheleftcoast
    @Ontheleftcoast

    Percival (View Comment):

    I said this already in the PIT. The NRA should be walking down those lines handing out safety cards, safe storage recommendations, membership applications

    GOA and the state organizations, too. JPFO, too   ;-o

     

    • #23
  24. Juliana Member
    Juliana
    @Juliana

    I heard this third hand, but I understand that in Minnesota you cannot legally shoot anyone trespassing on/stealing your property or in your home unless you are in genuine fear for your life (not property) AND you do not have an exit in order to flee. You are expected to abandon everything to the criminal.

    • #24
  25. Percival Thatcher
    Percival
    @Percival

    Juliana (View Comment):

    I heard this third hand, but I understand that in Minnesota you cannot legally shoot anyone trespassing on/stealing your property or in your home unless you are in genuine fear for your life (not property) AND you do not have an exit in order to flee. You are expected to abandon everything to the criminal.

    From the StarTribune a couple of years ago:

    The general rule in Minnesota is that unless you’re in your home when threatened, you have a duty to retreat if possible.

    • #25
  26. Hammer, The Inactive
    Hammer, The
    @RyanM

    Jules PA (View Comment):

    Hammer, The (View Comment):

    Jules PA (View Comment):

    Black Lives Matter. I’m happy to see those black lives standing in line to purchase a gun. Hopefully, they never need it, but if ever there was a time, it is now.

     

    I just hope there are more people standing in line to protect against rioters than to engage in riots. I’d imagine there is a mix of both.

    I don’t watch the news, how much have guns been used in these riots? It seems more like fire, bricks, and rocks.

    Oddly enough, that speaks of organization, and planning. Rioting with a gun is a different league. And the rioters seem to know that.

    There have been cases of armed burglaries.  There was a gun shop owner in Pennsylvania who shot 1 of 3 armed looters.  I imagine if they had managed to steal even a fraction of his inventory, a lot of those guns would end up being used for additional burlaries.

    • #26
  27. Douglas Pratt Coolidge
    Douglas Pratt
    @DouglasPratt

    Juliana (View Comment):

    I heard this third hand, but I understand that in Minnesota you cannot legally shoot anyone trespassing on/stealing your property or in your home unless you are in genuine fear for your life (not property) AND you do not have an exit in order to flee. You are expected to abandon everything to the criminal.

    The general principle is that you can uses lethal force to defend your life or the lives of others, but not your property. If someone comes at you with hostile intent, shoot. If they steal your purse and run away, don’t shoot. If they steal your car, don’t shoot unless your kid is in the back in a child seat.

    Home invasions are different. If someone breaks into your home, hostile intent is assumed and force is justified in repelling them.

    IANAL and this doesn’t apply in the UK, but it does apply in NY and CA, which are about the worst anti-gun states.

    • #27
  28. MichaelKennedy Inactive
    MichaelKennedy
    @MichaelKennedy

    Percival (View Comment):

    Juliana (View Comment):

    I heard this third hand, but I understand that in Minnesota you cannot legally shoot anyone trespassing on/stealing your property or in your home unless you are in genuine fear for your life (not property) AND you do not have an exit in order to flee. You are expected to abandon everything to the criminal.

    From the StarTribune a couple of years ago:

    The general rule in Minnesota is that unless you’re in your home when threatened, you have a duty to retreat if possible.

    A cop told my wife many years ago that, if you shoot a prowler, drag him into then house before calling 911.

    • #28
  29. Bryan G. Stephens Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens
    @BryanGStephens

    It takes me time to earn money to buy things. That time cannot be restored. It is my life.

    Morally I should be able to kill any thief.

    • #29
  30. Barry Jones Thatcher
    Barry Jones
    @BarryJones

    MichaelKennedy (View Comment):

    Percival (View Comment):

    Juliana (View Comment):

    I heard this third hand, but I understand that in Minnesota you cannot legally shoot anyone trespassing on/stealing your property or in your home unless you are in genuine fear for your life (not property) AND you do not have an exit in order to flee. You are expected to abandon everything to the criminal.

    From the StarTribune a couple of years ago:

    The general rule in Minnesota is that unless you’re in your home when threatened, you have a duty to retreat if possible.

    A cop told my wife many years ago that, if you shoot a prowler, drag him into then house before calling 911.

    Really, really bad idea. If you do that and the authorities learn you did that (not that difficult with modern forensics) then you will loose any presumption of innocence you may have had. If you have a gun get educated on use of force law…

    • #30
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