Gun Shaming

[John Joseph]

There is absolutely no reason to be ashamed of having the capability to defend your loved ones.

[Beelzy]

I tell sheeple that I own guns to study ballistics and trajectories of projectiles.
Then I open a hand loading manual and let them focus their eyes on the tiny
printed tables. They shut down fairly quickly.

Nobody shames me, I shame them for being defenseless and ignorant.

[mstlaurent]

Just have to say: This is one of the reasons I love living where I do. If I bring up guns with a bunch of random people at a social function the worst I can expect is a Glock vs. 1911 argument. I read the editorials in the local online paper, and any anti-gun posters get shouted down pretty fast.

Funny story: Our new pastor at church came here from Southern California. Last Sunday he was comparing spiritual warfare to an invasion, and he brought up the movie Red Dawn as an illustration. As an aside he says, "But apparently we don't need to worry about that here, since everyone in this entire town is armed." That got a good chuckle and some scattered applause from the congregation.

[Ronin2]

The only "gun shaming" I can think of is when your shooting a Hi Point SiG Sauer or Custom 1911 and the guy next to you is shooting a Wilson Combat Hi-Point.

(FIFY)

Beat me to it...

A far as anti gun opinions in a social setting, I don't seem to have many anti gun friends left so the question is kinda moot. If I do get into a discussion on the topic, I simply like to be well versed in the facts and offer them, knowing I will not be changing the anti gun persons mind but maybe I can have an impact on fence sitting bystanders listineing in. I like to, obviously as possible, frame it as "my facts" and the anti gun persons "emotions"....

The gun facts bible;

http://www.gunfacts.info/pdfs/gun-facts/6.2/gun-facts-6-2-screen.pdf

[Frito Bandido]

Just look at it as an opportunity to educate not only that person, but the other ones there... and possibly convert someone to the gun rights movement.

Arm yourself with knowledge and facts, be prepared to cite studies and statistics that refute all the BS the anti-self-protection crowd spout. I've had this discussion with family members who don't like guns, and mostly they just don't know what they're talking about and will often be surprised and shocked to learn the real facts.

Unless someone is a bona-fide "true believer" anti-gunner (and very few are, most are just ignorant/scared about guns), they'll be receptive to what you have to say.

Some people here will tell you to be dismissive and "not bother", but do yourself and the rest of us a favor and do your part to educate people about the facts.

[SharpAsABall]

Unless someone is a bona-fide "true believer" anti-gunner (and very few are, most are just ignorant/scared about guns), they'll be receptive to what you have to say.

So far, the the guy who said guns were for "the crazies" has accepted that I'm a sane and responsible person. I didn't think about that before, the aspect of fear just being fear and not a completely cut-throat attitude against guns. Thank you for that.

I've been reading up a lot on firearm accidents and fatalities. Apparently the President asked the CDC to do a lengthy study and the results may not have been exactly what he was looking for.

That, and I have a shooting engagement this weekend with two people who have never fired a gun. Things seem to be looking up on this end. Thank you guys for all the advice!

[L84CABO]

First, welcome to the gun world and our little corner of the interwebz. As many new gun owners find out, it's almost impossible to get into the sport/hobby without becoming political. Because the other side won't let you be non political. As you've found out, it's only a matter of time before you are attacked either politically or personally...or both. The choice is yours, however, as to whether or not you want to play.

Many people decide it's better not to engage in conversations of politics, religion, abortion, etc. There's nothing wrong with changing the subject or simply saying, "why don't we talk about something else." Stay in the sport long enough, however, and you generally find yourself trying to become better educated on the politics of it. And you will eventually become tired of being attacked and the ignorance that often comes from the other side. A very high percentage of the anti's arguments are based on incorrect information or worse, emotions. As you become more educated, you will become better able to respond to them.

Some things to remember though:

Always take the high road. The second you lose your temper and become emotional, you've lost. You can win simply by keeping your cool. Even if you're knowledge of the facts isn't great yet.

Choose your battles wisely. Remember that it's very hard to change someone's mind. Not every battle is going to be worth fighting. Invest your time and emotions wisely. Fence sitters and those open to calm rational discussion are worth the time IMO. Angry, emotional, die hard liberals are not. But there's no reason why you have to tolerate being called names. A simple, "You're the one who is angry, emotional and calling people names but I'm the 'nut,'" can work wonders sometimes. Or at least it usually makes me feel better

You can accomplish more in an afternoon by taking someone shooting than any amount of conversation ever will. This is always a good argument..."Have you ever fired a real gun? Would you like to so that you at least understand your side of the argument better? I'd be happy to take you shooting sometime."

And as others have said, you should never feel ashamed. Don't let people have that affect on you. Self defense is your right as a living, breathing free human being. It's not a right granted to you by your government or a piece of paper. The Constitution simply affirms the right you were born with. That all free men were born with. The world is full of ignorant and rude people. It's your right to stay silent if wish. Nothing wrong with that. But never feel ashamed for owning a gun.

Let us know if we can help you on your journey in any way. There's a few trolls out here, but lots of knowledgeable people who are willing to help too.

[L84CABO]

Protection? That's what cops are for. For fun?

As part of your education...when this topic comes up, point them to Warren vs. District of Columbia. This was the landmark case where it was determined that the police have no legal duty to protect you. In more recent times we saw the recent NYC subway instance where officers sat behind a locked door and watched as a subway passenger was attacked by a man with a knife. Fortunately the passenger was able to subdue his attacker. The cops came out AFTER it was all over and made the arrest.

You can also ask them what the average response time is of the police for the high priority calls in your town. You can usually find this with a little Google fu. The last time I looked in San Diego, for example, the goal for the police was 7 minutes. Ask the person what they intend to do for 7 minutes while they wait for the police to arrive? And that doesn't include the time it takes to get them on the phone. Ask them if they are literally prepared to bet their life and the lives of their family on the police getting there in time. And whether or not they're certain that the police will intervene once they do get there.

[Mayor McRifle]

I'd like to be proud, or at least, unapologetic when it comes to owning a gun.

Then be that way. Don't care so much about what others think. Just be yourself.

It I just rolled with the punches, spat out vague statements like "oh, shooting is fun. I can see how some people wouldn't like it. Sorry if I scare you."

Sounds like a reasonable response to me. You don't need to "convert" anyone. Just leave it at that and move on.

[sl0re10]

Glock vs. 1911 argument.

Yeah right, tokarev TT man.

[readysetgo]

L84cabo Knocks one outta the ball park! Extremely well put.

[Rosereader]

Well friend, you are much better at it than me.

Personally I am a fan of relieving yourself to the restroom then coming back strapped like you just walked out of a 90's FPS (See ridiculously weighed down with more weapons than one man could possibly use/carry) and choosing not to mention it, continuing on with the same conversation regardless (which never works but, hey).

[MultiCaliber]

When I first saw "gun shaming" I thought it was going to be about some elite range operators making you feel bad for not being a crack shot or having guns that aren't the awesomest name brands. You took the moral high road, OP, but that's never as satisfying as speaking your mind. As others have said, know your facts and set them straight in a coherent and rational manner. If they become agitated or act crazy that's then that's when you tell them to &@%* *%#!


Someone who feels as you do shouldn't feel obligated to remain friends with the enemies of rights. What you may find is yourself hanging around with an older crowd because unfortunately, my friend, most people In the younger age group either have no opinion or they drink the Koolade.


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[NorCalAthlete]

As part of your education...when this topic comes up, point them to Warren vs. District of Columbia. This was the landmark case where it was determined that the police have no legal duty to protect you. In more recent times we saw the recent NYC subway instance where officers sat behind a locked door and watched as a subway passenger was attacked by a man with a knife. Fortunately the passenger was able to subdue his attacker. The cops came out AFTER it was all over and made the arrest.

You can also ask them what the average response time is of the police for the high priority calls in your town. You can usually find this with a little Google fu. The last time I looked in San Diego, for example, the goal for the police was 7 minutes. Ask the person what they intend to do for 7 minutes while they wait for the police to arrive? And that doesn't include the time it takes to get them on the phone. Ask them if they are literally prepared to bet their life and the lives of their family on the police getting there in time. And whether or not they're certain that the police will intervene once they do get there.

Your last 2 posts nailed it, but I've had people say "5 minutes isn't THAT long to wait! You could wait 7 for the police!"

I like to point out that a UFC round is 5 minutes long, and ask them how long they think they could last - and if they think they'd be able to last 5 minutes with multiple opponents. That usually gives pause. If it doesn't, it's because they're already on to the next counter "yeah but that'll never happen/almost never happens/what are the odds of that happening" etc.

[wpod]

I ask them if they'd feel safer in Mexico, then inform them of Mexico's gun laws.

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