If you could, would you have a gun ?

[J4CKO]

For UK folk, and yes I know you can have a shotgun and various other calibres for specific purposes under strict conditions.

But, would you, if a new government got in and introduced US style gun "laws", i.e. do whatever you want as per some states, would you have a firearm, and what type, would you routinely carry one ?

Personally its a no, I expect I would have shot several people already this year, am joking of course but I dont think humans are, on average stable enough, enough of the time to be entrusted with lethal weapons.

[Lefty]

Do you mean handguns?

I have shotguns and an FAC with a slot for a high capacity shotgun. I could easily get slots for rifles but have no real need or want.

Would i want a handgun? Hmmm, probably. Would i carry it in my car or on my person? No.

If i lived in the USA would I carry one in the car? No probably not. Even in New Mexico where i visit quite often, it's really common there but i'm not sure i would feel the need.

[K87]

No, I would shoot people.

I like wet shaving, but for the same reason I wouldn't have a cut throat razor.

[_Rodders_]

Nah, I've got it out of my system and if I'm ever invited to shoot I just borrow one.

All the fun, none of the hassle.

[TV200]

I wouldn’t want to and am glad we don’t have guns like the Americans, but if I was there I would have one for security only as there would be a real risk any intruders would be armed. I’m sure it’d end worse than if everyone was unarmed.

[Jonmx]

I used to shoot competitively, both full bore and small bore. I very much enjoyed shooting during my time in the military and I maintain an interest in firearms, particularly historic ones.
However, I was diagnosed with Bipolar 10 years ago and I refuse to touch a firearm or shotgun as a consequence. So in answer to the question, no I wouldn't have one.
I do however feel the firearms laws in this country are far too draconian and and are punitive to an overwhelmingly law abiding section of society.
I know folks who suggest we ban all privately owned firearms; I point out that Mexico did that years ago, and ask them if there's any gun crime there.....

[vixen1700]

Had a couple of shotguns for clay shooting, a semi-automatic Franchi Affinity and a lovely old mid '60s Nikko Shadow over and under. Used to love taking the Nikko apart and cleaning it.

After 2020 it all got rather expensive and I got rid of them both.

Don't think I'd have a hand gun if the laws in the UK changed to be honest.

[CSR Performance]

Nope. I have an anger management problem

[Funk]

Nope. Look how well it's going for the US...!

[bigandclever]

If it was only me that could have a gun, no.

If *anyone* else could have one then yes. Have you met people? They're unhinged!

[Last Visit]

Currently no and long may that continue. Thankfully no need.

If however it was legal, and my neighbour loony Larry, the craziest guy in the neighbourhood was 'tooled up' to the max with an arsenal of weaponry, the likes of which you could invade a small country with then I may reconsider that position.

[LunarOne]

I would but only if the laws changed so that you could use it when defending yourself, your home and family. Otherwise it could only be for target shooting. And then we'd need outdoor gun ranges and training organisations to make sure people are safe.

Having said that I have several shotguns of varying types and I only use those for clay target shooting.

I don't know what kind I would have but the choices are basically revolver-style or magazine style. Probably 9mm.

Even though I would have one or more handguns if allowed, I don't think we should be allowed. Things are fine the way they are.

[mac96]

I have always fancied a Winchester 66. Comes of watching too many Westerns

Serious answer is that there has been one occasion when had I had a gun to hand I would probably have shot someone. Once is all it takes, so I wouldn't have one. And you don't need a rifle for protection against bears in Cheshire .

[BrabusMog]

Absolutely not. Would be quite cool to say I own a .45 but it would serve no purpose, so absolutely not.

[Landlubber]

Oh yes, im a big fan of revolvers, I'd have a replica Smith and Wesson for fun and a .38 for edc. Perhaps a Glock 9mm for targets at the range. But we're not in America so it's never going to happen.

[southendpier]

bigandclever said:

If it was only me that could have a gun, no.

If *anyone* else could have one then yes. Have you met people? They're unhinged!

i think this will be the fear and then reaction of many people.

[Pit Pony]

bigandclever said:

If it was only me that could have a gun, no.

If *anyone* else could have one then yes. Have you met people? They're unhinged!

You've pretty much described the US problem.


Anyway. Even if everyone had guns I wouldn't have one.

Same reason I don't carry a knife around.

[simon_harris]

I'd have a room full of every type imaginable, full auto, 50 cal sniper rifles the lot.

Not sure I'd bother with an EDC but I wouldn't not either.

[DannyScene]

For target shooting I'm quite happy with my various air rifles, would I ever EDC a real firearm no absolutely not

[5s Alive]

J4CKO said:

Personally its a no, I expect I would have shot several people already this year, am joking of course but I dont think humans are, on average stable enough, enough of the time to be entrusted with lethal weapons.

Wouldn't trust myself with one and suspect I'm one of the more amenable people around who has in the past attempted to listen and to de-escalate confrontations. Ignoring criminal actions, there are far too many deaths involving 'good guy' shootings and accidental discharges, especially amongst children.

However I say this living in a country where threats to my wellbeing are few and far between - and usually self inflicted! In certain parts of the world though ...