Gun Shaming

[N3Hd3LS]

*Warning- This is a screen shot off FB which is VERY Long*

I usually don't respond to ignorant comments but this one just irked me.

The way my friend "William" responds, well I'll let you decide.

[postal]

RF150 has good advice about being the 'grey man'- Just like Merc, about not moving valuables in front of the nosy neighbors.

It depends on who you feel like being today.... and who the person is.... and what your BS limit is that particular day.... Keep your mouth shut and let it run its course, curb stomp them...... up to you.

I do like your screen name though..... I would add sharp as a nerf ball! LOL

I had a knife I called 'nerf knife' cuz it was about as sharp as a nerf ball no matter what I did trying to sharpen that low quality steel....


As to "N3"^^^^^^ I couldnt even get a quarter way through that........ I'd be unfriending some people...

[SharpAsABall]

I actually didn't think of that before, Merc. I'll be sure to keep that in mind next time I move.

N3H, if this is what the future has in store for me...better get crackin' on a lot of reading soon. Thanks for the example. And thank everyone who talked about their own personal experiences. I definitely don't feel as isolated as I did when I first got into firearms. I love that random "Christ is the answer " post during the conversation.

Edit: glad you like my name. That's funny, my very first pocket knife I called "butter" as in a "butter knife." You can only imagine why.

[Merc1138]

I actually didn't think of that before, Merc. I'll be sure to keep that in mind next time I move.

It's not just something to keep in mind while moving, it's something to keep in mind at all times.

You might have a friend that you discuss your gold purchases with. That doesn't mean you tell them exactly how much you have, but maybe you talk about places to buy. Nothing unreasonable about that at all.

Now would you want that same person running their mouth telling random people you might have a pile of gold in your possession? Hell no.

A couple of guns could mean a couple of highpoints, it could also mean a couple of guns worth $10,000. No matter how much they're worth, they're a target for someone looking to steal guns. So not only do you have someone you don't know running their suck-hole about your property to who knows who else, they also know where that property is, and it doesn't take a private investigator to see when you come and go for work.

Am I saying that such a thing is guaranteed to happen just because someone said something? No, but it's certainly worth considering that your valuables(not necessarily valuable just due to dollar amount) aren't advertised to the whole world to risk being a target.

[Divernhunter]

Grow a pair and stand up for yourself.
If they do not like it ----too bad.
Have some facts and figures and be able to show what is called a machine gun on TV is really not.
They can either shut up or change the subject. Just let them know you will not just take the rubbish they are spouting off----In a polite way and a calm voice.
If they really cannot take it let them find other friends who are like morons and you find a better group of friends instead of some sheep follow the media wishes.

My 2 Cents

[Snoopy47]

[John Joseph]

The thing is, the OP's friend still respects the OP and vice-versa. We can hold different opinions and discuss them. The idea of gun shaming---anti's ridicule of gun owners runs counter to the idea of polite public discourse just as shaming someone who is uncomfortable around firearms also runs counter to polite public discourse.
The OP didn't sink to the same level as his anti gun friend and the lines of discourse is still open. The anti my never be on board with the 2a, but being respectful of the OP who is a gun owner---his friend---is a big step in the right direction for him. We'll hope he refrains from juvenile "gun shaming" the OP again out of this respect.

[Gem1950]

I will let you in on my process:

1. If I have to maintain an amiable relationship with someone (Say coworker or supervisor) and I know them to be Anti2A. I just let them yap on about it, or politely change the subject. You have to pick your battles.

2. If someone is verbally attacking you for the choice of guns your own or for the very fact you own guns, there probably isn't anyting you are going to say that is going to change their minds. Remember, the majority of the Anti-gun argumentation strategy is based in appeals to emotions and opinions. It's extremely difficult, if not impossible, to change how someone else *feels* about something. If you get into a debate with someone like this, they aren't going to change their mind, they are just going to argue until one of you gives up. A lot of people aren't great with confrontation so I understand that for many people the best course might be to do the same as No. 1. Unless.....

3. If you're sick bastard like me and you enjoy the confrontation and the ultimate mental and emotional crippling of your opponent, argue away....But be smart about it: be informed of the actual stats of gun violence and how the gun industry and laws actually operate operate. Antis are generally "Sound bite" people, meaning they can regurgitate a Brady Campaign slogon or stat they heard one time, but beyond that, it's pretty much a void of emotive rhetoric and insecurity. At the very least you will walk away the victor by the virture of being the obvious knowledgable party. I maintain you will still not change the mind of the person you debate with, but someone listening who is on the fence might take notice.

^ ^ ^ I was reading this and it occurred to me that it could be applicable to damn near any social/political topic - on both the right and the left. Although I doubt the poster was thinking in those terms. Good comment in any case.

[Eagle Eyes]

My standard reply:

"The U.S. Government is For, By and Of the people

If guns are good enough for the Government then they are good enough for me as being one of the people."

That statement makes people think a bit before starting on the government should only have guns since we are ALL part of the government. No need for facts or 2nd vs 1st and crime statistics just a straight forward stripped to the basics of the arguement used by the other side.

[SharpAsABall]

I must say again that I am most grateful for the outpour of suggestions. As of now there are plans to take two people shooting next weekend. Here's to hoping for the best.

What were your experiences, if any, on taking new shooters out? Quite a few people here have suggested it. I should probably say again that I'm not exactly great/good/average/below average when it comes to marksmanship. But I'd like to say I have a good handle on being safe.

[The War Wagon]

How did (or do) you guys handle that?

I laugh at them... and demand they turn over their MAN card.

[HPBrowningMK3]

I must say again that I am most grateful for the outpour of suggestions. As of now there are plans to take two people shooting next weekend. Here's to hoping for the best.

What were your experiences, if any, on taking new shooters out? Quite a few people here have suggested it. I should probably say again that I'm not exactly great/good/average/below average when it comes to marksmanship. But I'd like to say I have a good handle on being safe.

Just make sure they have fun and hit their targets. Make it as easy as possible for them to score and start them at 3 yards at first. Reinforce anything they do right and show them how to do it better. Just remember to be patient with them and keep everyone safe.

I'd start with a .22 because its easy to shoot. If you dont have a 22, start with a 9mm.

Forgot to add: Everyone I have taken shooting had fun. It's important that their first exprience is fun and memorable. Take a photo of them with their best target and make them the star of the show.

Have fun!

[sl0re10]

I must say again that I am most grateful for the outpour of suggestions. As of now there are plans to take two people shooting next weekend. Here's to hoping for the best.

What were your experiences, if any, on taking new shooters out? Quite a few people here have suggested it. I should probably say again that I'm not exactly great/good/average/below average when it comes to marksmanship. But I'd like to say I have a good handle on being safe.

Start with 22

if you have any semi auto pistols make sure they understand the slide comes back so their thumbs need to be in the right place to not get hit.

tell them that the gun recoils; they don't need to help. Watch them with the 22s to make sure they are not adding any uplift motion... because when you move to a cartridge that has some they might hit themselves in the face.

If you have a pistol with really serious recoil; start em with one round so if they lose control of the pistol no one gets shot.

If it is outdoors; variety is fun. I bring the Saiga 12 semi auto shotgun and a black powder pistol and people have a lot of fun trying them both. Sometimes they even want a picture of themselves shooting with them. The winchester AA shot shells have proven mild enough for everyone thus far (even 120 pound people).

[postal]

Depends on the range rules......

One thing new shooters really like... is reactive targets.....

Clay pigeons on the ground are always a hit. Put them close enough to where they can hit them with some regularity. (if the range allows it)

Agree- a semi auto larger handgun... start with 1 round only.

[readysetgo]

Gun Shaming

Start with 22

if you have any semi auto pistols make sure they understand the slide comes back so their thumbs need to be in the right place to not get hit.

tell them that the gun recoils; they don't need to help. Watch them with the 22s to make sure they are not adding any uplift motion... because when you move to a cartridge that has some they might hit themselves in the face.

If you have a pistol with really serious recoil; start em with one round so if they lose control of the pistol no one gets shot.

If it is outdoors; variety is fun. I bring the Saiga 12 semi auto shotgun and a black powder pistol and people have a lot of fun trying them both. Sometimes they even want a picture of themselves shooting with them. The winchester AA shot shells have proven mild enough for everyone thus far (even 120 pound people).

^^^ He's done this before.

Safety, safety, safety. Drill it, quick but thorough. They will forget, keep an eye on them while the guns hot. If possible, demonstrate function and safe handling in a quite, safe place away from the range.

+100 for .22 first.

Load one round, let them see what happens (recoil, bolt holds open or not, chambers empty etc) and demonstrate they weren't just nodding during safety lesson. Have them clear the firearm. Repeat until comfortable.

BIG targets! Misses are discouraging.

Have fun!