I know that gun ownership is a hot button issue but I was just wondering how you all feel about nurses being gun owners. I recently acquired a very nice hunting rifle that was handed down from my dad. None of the boys wanted it so I jumped at it since I had many happy memories of hunting and target shooting with my dad. It is a stunningly Beautiful Henry Golden Boy in perfect condition. I have not gone shooting in almost 30 years so I took it to the range and familiarized myself again with all aspects of the gun and how to clean and store it with a range master.
Someone at work asked me what I had done that weekend and I said I went shooting. She arched her eyebrows and said something guns weren't very nurse-like.
This is not a handgun - but a family heirloom. I doubt I'll ever shoot it off the range but I may give it to my son when he is a grown man.
You are right, I have no idea of the training you have. But I have a clear understanding of the training you don't have. You make statements like "That is unlikely to happen." Well it is happening all across the nation. If you choose not to arm yourself that is your choice. Do you think all home invasions happen only to drug dealers? Do you think that bad things only happen to other people? I read what you wrote, maybe you need to re-read it.
Same here in the south. The local courts let hardcore criminals slide many times. Those that are sent to prison get out after a fraction of their time served. Unemployment, substance abuse also play into the crime problem. I think folks that ignore reality are making themselves an easy target. You have to be mindful of your surroundings at all times and be ready to deal with any threat. I find it amusing the responses I'm getting to my take on this topic.
You are right, I have no idea of the training you have. But I have a clear understanding of the training you don't have. You make statements like "That is unlikely to happen." Well it is happening all across the nation. If you choose not to arm yourself that is your choice. Do you think all home invasions happen only to drug dealers? Do you think that bad things only happen to other people? I read what you wrote, maybe you need to re-read it.
Why are you so threatened by my choices? I'm not arguing against your decision, just stating that mine is different. I'm sure your fears are justified. I don't share them. I'm sorry you're so offended by that.
I was trying to address the assumption that anyone who chooses not to use firearms automatically opposes those who do. From your response I'm starting to believe the inverse is true.
The AR-15 style. The evil black rifle is my favorite I'm definitely a proud 2A supporter. I think I have an addiction problem, but I consult another forum for that
LOL, I'm not threatened, offended at all by you. You responded to me with a flippant attitude about crime. I respect all American's opinions, that is why I served this great nation. I don't care what you do, I really don't. I have no fears, that's the point of being prepared. You still never answered the question. What would you do if your home was broken into early hours of the morning?
LOL, I'm not threatened, offended at all by you. You responded to me with a flippant attitude about crime. I respect all American's opinions, that is why I served this great nation. I don't care what you do, I really don't. I have no fears, that's the point of being prepared. You still never answered the question. What would you do if your home was broken into early hours of the morning?
You may be projecting a bit. It wasn't my intent to be flippant - just stating my own viewpoint. If it came across otherwise I apologize.
The thread seemed primarily to be a bunch of people who are involved with guns, enjoying the chance to talk about their gear. I think everyone agreed early on that the nurse quoted in the OP is an idiot, and the conversation moved on to something more fun. I was enjoying that.
I had nothing to contribute, though, and just dipped into the thread here and there because I enjoy listening to people talk about something they care about. Then you asked a pretty direct question addressed specifically to people who don't want a gun. I gave you my reasons. You obviously don't like them, but since it was an honest answer, there's nothing I can do about that.
I don't think it's appropriate to derail the thread, however.
The bunch of people you are referring to are RN's. It's not about what I like or don't like. Like I said earlier, I really don't care what you think, but I respect others opinions. No one is trying to derail the thread. Again you did not answer the question. Can you not face the reality of answering it? Not being able to defend yourself against intruders is your choice. Will you call 911 and wait for the Police officer who will have a gun to arrive? How long will it take them to get to your home? If you can't answer you are wrapped in your blanket of denial. 30 years ago one of my friends was raped during the early morning hours. She is armed and trained now and will never be a victim again. Another friend was jumped by two men beaten almost to death for his wallet, watch and car. He spent 4 days in the hospital. He is now armed and vows to never be a victim again. So owning a firearm takes on a new perspective to some people.
My perspective on this subject is really simple. I own guns, I carry them, I train with them and I know (unfortunately) that I'm a better marksman than most cops. I very much respect the 2A and support a very unrestricted right to keep and bear arms. Here's where I will probably surprise most: Just because I support my 2A rights, I will not force my rights upon you. I will not make you buy guns just to make me feel better. My choice to carry firearms has NOTHING to do with your choice not to and you will not be in any increased danger from me as long as I'm not under attack from you. You may or may not benefit from having me around but that's my choice whether or not to engage someone attacking you. Law Enforcement doesn't get that option. My sole reason for carrying firearms is to protect myself and my family because I can't carry a cop in my back pocket. Too often they arrive too late to do anything but take reports because violent incidents are often completed long before their arrival.
I will also very much support your choice NOT to buy guns as long as you do not try to limit my rights to do so. In fact, if you choose not to get a firearm, I will very much applaud your choice as long as it's not based in fear because you will have made a deliberate, conscious, reasoned decision and not an emotionally-charged one.
Now then, I would be thrilled if we didn't have to worry about those would would visit violence upon us. I have a couple of good friends that are here because they had a firearm available when they needed it, and like many instances before, not a shot was fired nor was there any new story about it. These instances are very difficult to track. I do not follow the belief that getting rid of guns would get rid of violence. Violence committed with knives can easily be just as lethal and completely silent, though usually at a face-to-face distance. Guns and knives are tools that can be used by good and evil alike and it's the user that determines this.
The bunch of people you are referring to are RN's. It's not about what I like or don't like. Like I said earlier, I really don't care what you think, but I respect others opinions. No one is trying to derail the thread. Again you did not answer the question. Can you not face the reality of answering it? Not being able to defend yourself against intruders is your choice. Will you call 911 and wait for the Police officer who will have a gun to arrive? How long will it take them to get to your home? If you can't answer you are wrapped in your blanket of denial. 30 years ago one of my friends was raped during the early morning hours. She is armed and trained now and will never be a victim again. Another friend was jumped by two men beaten almost to death for his wallet, watch and car. He spent 4 days in the hospital. He is now armed and vows to never be a victim again. So owning a firearm takes on a new perspective to some people.
Why are you badgering someone who chooses not to have guns but doesn't have a problem with you having yours?
Not everyone SHOULD have guns. We have a family member who endured a trauma that was life changing. This person lives with PTSD and for a while was having suicidal thoughts. Seems okay now, but occasionally does suffer flashbacks and depression. It was recommended that we never have a gun in our house while this person so dear to us was here.
Secondly, I can be absent minded from time to time. Therefore not appropriate to have a gun in the house if I can't be 100% sure of being the perfect responsible gun owner.
We are the exact people who shouldn't have a gun, know it, and act accordingly. We had to assess our risks, and it was determined that having the gun was more of a risk than not. We live in a guarded, gated community that is far less likely to be vulnerable to "home invasions" than the average city home. Every home in the neighborhood additionally has security systems. Of course, nothing in life is guaranteed, but the risk assessment tells us a gun is more likely to cause a tragedy in our home than to prevent one. No denial at all going on.
I'm totally fine with people owning guns if they are responsible with them and it is appropriate for their family. And those that choose not to are not necessarily sitting ducks who will rue the day that they didn't pack heat. Thinking that our own choices are the only correct ones is rather arrogant, so I leave it to the individual to make the choice that is right for them and avoid lecturing people with my better opinion.
As said earlier, my DH has two hunting rifles left to him by his grandfather. He doesn't hunt, and doesn't have any ammo. Now they are just sentimental objects with no real function.
I'm definitely a proud 2A supporter. I think I have an addiction problem, but I consult another forum for that 
Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN
11,305 Posts
It is pretty bad here in the northstate. Meth labs, meth addicts, and heroin is burgeoning now as well.
Also, we are the drop-off point for most of the parolee's and our state just passed a new law increasing the number of folks let out of prison.
I'm not one for hyperbole at all - but there are risks out there.