How do you view guns?

[Fjolnirsson]

Last night, I was thinking of a topic which has come up on a few boards I am a member of. None recently, but it happens from time to time. That is, when you visit someone at their home, do you make a point of letting them know you are armed or do you just proceed with your day?

In thinking about this, it occurred to me that a person's attitude in this largely depends on how they view firearms. For example, in my view, a firearm is a tool, and a daily piece of my wardrobe. I would no more leave my house without it than I would go outside naked. It is a part of being clothed, and I treat it as I would my leatherman or my belt. I don't think it needs special consideration, and I don't expect to have to declare it to my friend as though I were going through customs. I would as soon expect them to ask if I am wearing a certain color underwear, as ask if I am armed. I haven't been without a knife since I was 12 or so, and I have not been without a firearm on my person for four years now. If I have on pants, I have a gun, simple as that.

Some have the viewpoint that you should declare it to your host out of respect, but I don't follow that thinking. That to me, seems to ascribe some sort of unique trait to firearms, as though they are somehow infectious or something. My gun will not leap from it's holster and commence to slaughtering innocents, nor will I turn into Mr. Hyde. It is a tool, and if I am to ask permission before entering their home with it, what else? Shall I show them my underwear, or provide a list of foods I have eaten within 24 hours, lest I am not following Kosher?
If I have been invited into someone's home, I expect they know or trust me well enough not to think me a psychopath, and as such, I do not expect a quiz, nor will I offer myself for extra scrutiny.

If I knew someone was uncomfortable with my carrying, I simply would not go there.

Thoughts?

[FMJ]

agreed  A firearm is a tool and nothing more; it cannot posses a will of its own.

[JesseL]

Wear a gun to someone else's house, you're saying, 'I'll defend this home as if it were my own.' When your guests see you carry a weapon, you're telling them, 'I'll defend you as if you were my own family.' And anyone who objects levels the deadliest insult possible: 'I don't trust you unless you're rendered harmless'!

 L. Neil Smith, The Probability Broach

[Old Grump]

Keep it to yourself unless its a fellow gunny and you are comfortable playing the 'I'll show you mine if you show me yours' game.  No use stirring the pot if there isn't a good reason. 

[Skunk Ape]

I tend to view guns from behind glass, as I am on something of a tight budget.

That said, equating a gun to a hammer or a crescent wrench is insufficient.  As Mas Ayoob succinctly put it, "These are lethal f---g weapons, people."  A better analogy is to a power tool, such as a chainsaw.  Used properly and with respect, it is very efficient at fulfilling its purpose.  Used carelessly or through ignorance, and there is an excellent chance that blood will be spilt.

The exact same analogy applies to cars.  I find it ironic that we are expected to believe that sixteen-year-olds have the emotional maturity to operate automobiles but cannot be trusted with firearms.  A gun is far simpler to operate than a car.

[grampster]

I've been carrying a concealed firearm almost daily since around 1964.  The only concern that I have with it is deciding which one is best concealed by what my clothing choice is for the day.  I don't mention it to anyone.  Most people who have been friends with me for a long period of time probably have forgotten that I am armed.  Some that do remember, are not concerned.  It's a non issue.

People who don't know me well would not know I am armed.  I don't feel it's incumbent on me to mention it.

So, I guess I'd equate a handgun as just a part of my everyday life, sort of like an article of clothing, except that It gives a bit of security rather than a vanity.

I don't have to practice putting on a shirt, but I do have to practice using my firearm.

As for long guns, since I don't hunt anymore, they are like big boy toys.  I just like shooting them and cleaning them when I get the urge.

[762]

Wear a gun to someone else's house, you're saying, 'I'll defend this home as if it were my own.' When your guests see you carry a weapon, you're telling them, 'I'll defend you as if you were my own family.' And anyone who objects levels the deadliest insult possible: 'I don't trust you unless you're rendered harmless'!

 L. Neil Smith, The Probability Broach

They are merely intricate pieces of machinery; mechanical devices no more able to kill a man than a baseball bat.

[Thernlund]

A gun is a tool.  Sure, sure.

Maybe I'm the only one here, but I think of guns like a child might think of Hot Wheels cars.  Or like a classic car collector might views Alfa Romeo's.  Or like a coin or stamp collector might view coins or stamps.

I enjoy firearms.  To me they're a hobby first, a tool second.  Hopefully the day doesn't come when they become a tool first, eh? 


-T.

[Elza]

A gun is a tool.  Sure, sure.

Maybe I'm the only one here, but I think of guns like a child might think of Hot Wheels cars.  Or like a classic car collector might views Alfa Romeo's.  Or like a coin or stamp collector might view coins or stamps.

I enjoy firearms.  To me they're a hobby first, a tool second.  Hopefully the day doesn't come when they become a tool first, eh? 


-T.

That is the single best description of a firearm that I’ve ever heard.  It describes my feelings perfectly.

As to declaring my carry weapon before entering someone’s home?  Nope.  Concealed means concealed.  If by some chance they notice it (I haven’t been made yet) then we’ll talk about it.

[sixboysdad]

How do I view guns?  Quite often with my nose pressed up against the glass of the display case, my fingers leaving prints on the glass, and my breath leaving a vapor cloud.     

[loudsixstring]

Don't ask, don't tell. I don't go anywhere without my wallet, pocket knife, cell phone or sidearm.  I don't tell anyone about the first three, why should i feel obligated to tell them about the other?

[Bo Smith]

Sure, firearms are tools; but they're also powerful symbols. They represent liberty. "I'm a freeman. I carry a firearm." To that end, I don't ask permission to bring it into another's home. Firearms are part of my being, not literally, but part of my psyche. I would feel unwelcome, if my sidearm were similarly unwelcome. I bear the consequences for its carry and use; and I hope that people that I meet would understand that they can count on me to bear it and use it responsibly and judiciously

-Bo.   

[Gundoctor]

Wear a gun to someone else's house, you're saying, 'I'll defend this home as if it were my own.' When your guests see you carry a weapon, you're telling them, 'I'll defend you as if you were my own family.' And anyone who objects levels the deadliest insult possible: 'I don't trust you unless you're rendered harmless'!

 L. Neil Smith, The Probability Broach

Thats a fantastic quote. Im going to have to save this one. Thanks much.

[Thernlund]

How do I view guns?  Quite often with my nose pressed up against the glass of the display case, my fingers leaving prints on the glass, and my breath leaving a vapor cloud.     

ROTFLMAO!!!


-T.

[springmom]

ROTFLMAO!!!


-T.

But he forgot....

"....and a puddle of drool dribbling down the front of the display case." 

Jan

[JesseL]

Thats a fantastic quote. Im going to have to save this one. Thanks much.

You're very welcome.

The whole book is good. It's available free online in graphic novel form here. It's also what got me interested in owning a .41 Magnum.

[ZeroTA]

A gun is, simply, a machine. Parts that move with an end result (launching a projectile).

Some are tools. For HD,SD,you pick the right tool for the job. For our military and LE,they are necessary tools just like Dewalt saws and Milwaukee drills are necessary tools for my job. Some of you have rifles,shotguns,and even handguns that are hunting tools. Beats a pointy stick,right?

Other guns are toys. Powerful, big boy toys. Owning or not owning them would not change my life either way. My Savage .308? Range toy. I do not intend to be in any tactical-style situation. But it's fun to shoot. Most of my rifles and handguns fit into this category.

In the spirit of preparedness,I have an HD 12 gauge, .45, and AK. I would consider those to be tools that I would be wise to have around in the case of emergency,just like I keep extra water, TP, gasoline and canned food handy. The rest of my guns are luxuries that I could do without. I have them because I want them. And there ain't a thing wrong with that.

[Pat-inCO]

...... OK ........, what punched your button?

[THE NORSEMAN]

It's also what got me interested in owning a .41 Magnum.

  No, no, no.  If you have foolishly acquired one, send it to 'ol Norse here for proper disposal.  They're crap.  Useless caliber.

On the serious side here: Concerning anyone I really spend a decent amount of time with, especially if we have a relationship that's close enough that we're spending time in each others homes, it's pretty much assumed that we are mutually armed.  It's rarely spoken of, just something that is known.  Kinda like wearing pants.  It's expected. 

I've found that folks with a similar mindset in this area of life mirror a lot of my other personal values generally as well.

[Outbreak]

I carry when I can, and I've never been made or asked to leave a home or business because of having a gun. I can't carry everywhere and I'm ok with that. I won't boycott anyone's home for asking me to not carry there. Their home their rules. I can leave it in the car for a few minutes.