only in the US

[TimberWolf]

Statistics: there is a correlation between:
- owning a gun
- thinking that you need to own one
- actually being right, you need to own one (location, situation, etc)
- being shot.
That's not a chain that you break by opting out of owning a gun yourself.

My point was that in owning a gun your chances of being shot and killed are higher (quite often by a relative) in the US than if you didn't have a gun.

[d000hg]

I think owning a gun would be quite fun, mainly for use on a range but also for out in the open if you own land in the country.
However the idea of keeping it close by to threaten someone with is scary. I think I'd rather leave it at the range to remove such temptations.

[AtW]

The one thing that makes UK imperfect in my view is lack of right to bear firearms for all decent citizens who choose so (and can pass tests etc). God damn Labour for banning handguns

[TimberWolf]

The one thing that makes UK imperfect in my view is lack of right to bear firearms for all decent citizens who choose so (and can pass tests etc). God damn Labour for banning handguns

What happens to the person who gets between you and your squirells though?

[AtW]

What happens to the person who gets between you and your squirells though?

Nothing that would involve firearms or anything illegal. Generally my squirrels avoid other people and come down when they see me. Clever animals.

[TimberWolf]

Nothing that would involve firearms or anything illegal. Generally my squirrels avoid other people and come down when they see me. Clever animals.

Okay, what would happen if someone kicked a squirrel?

[AtW]

Okay, what would happen if someone kicked a squirrel?

That's impossible

[TimberWolf]

That's impossible

I'm happy that you cannot own a gun and I suspect you are better off for it too. For my own part, I have never felt I have wanted or needed to own a gun, and I don't really see any non-criminal use for them other than law enforcement and a few other isolated professions.

On a lighter note, there was a squirrel in the park the other day that appeared to delight in jumping up on people legs, and even on to a child's pushchair.

[AtW]

I'm happy that you cannot own a gun and I suspect you are better off for it too.

Why?

I legally owned 9mm handgun in Russia (while I was in Uni), well, it was gas gun but still was pretty cool. Never had to use it but it was good to have it just in case.

For my own part, I have never felt I have wanted or needed to own a gun, and I don't really see any non-criminal use for them other than law enforcement and a few other isolated professions.

Guns are not for everyone. It takes prepared mind and not everyone should be able to get a gun - you need maybe 10% of population to own them and this would cut down crime because it would create enough uncertainity for criminals who would have high enough chance to get shot dead if they commit crime.

On a lighter note, there was a squirrel in the park the other day that appeared to delight in jumping up on people legs, and even on to a child's pushchair.

Squirrels are very good at amusing people - just need to give them some treats and they will be hard at work to earn them

[TimberWolf]

Guns are not for everyone. It takes prepared mine and not everyone should be able to get a gun - you need maybe 10% of population to own them and this would cut down crime because it would create enough uncertainity for criminals who would have high enough chance to get shot dead if they commit crime.

I strongly believe that it is the people that want to carry guns that are the ones that should never have them. It is extremely rare to be in a situation where a gun is necessary in the UK. I've never been in such a situation. As for whether they reduce crime, is that just a feeling/wishful thinking or something based on fact? The reverse appears to be true in the US.