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We’d never discussed gun ownership before — and I don’t have many opinions on guns, other than I like shooting my dad’s .22 at hay bales. So my head reeled a little bit when hub said, “I’m just not sure I feel comfortable with what owning a gun for self-defense would mean — that I’d have to accept that any time I might pull the trigger I might kill another person.”
The question just rolled around in my head for a few months, until Lindsay McCrum’s book Chicks with Guns came out. It’s a collection of portraits of American women and their firearms, and it’s…diverse.
To have a gun or not to have a gun is a strange conversational space for a woman. Women with firearms are still sort of a novelty — even in the Midwest, I see at least one human interest story a year where a local news crew talks about some lady who likes to hunt. The thought! At the same time, one of the few people I know who owns a gun is my lady housemate (even though she doesn’t keep it here).
In popular culture, the talk about women and guns often centers on how we should use “less-lethal” methods to protect ourselves because our weapons are likely to be turned against us, and that’s sometimes as deep as it goes.
That conversation happened months ago, and I’m still not sure if I’m comfortable with owning a gun. Of course, I know deep down in the heat of a scary moment I might feel differently, but right now I don’t know if I trust myself enough to make the right decisions when adrenaline is pumping and fight or flight decisions are happening. I don’t know if I could own a gun, knowing that I might kill somebody with it, whether they “deserved” it or not.
For now, we’ve decided we’d rather not have a gun in our house because we aren’t ready for that commitment. Have you had this conversation at home? Did you have any weird adult realizations when you did? Dish.
Yes, husband and I not only have a gun, we have several, and several types. We often shoot clay pigeons as our favorite pastime and hobby, but we also have antique guns and handguns, as well as home defense shot guns. (Just call me when the Zombie Apocalypse happens.)
Like any tool or appliance, it’s important to practice good habits and safety, and also to carry the proper insurance. As the saying goes, guns don’t kill or make mistakes… people do. (Sorry, it’s true…)
YES, there’s always the threat and the unease of the idea that you have something in your home that could kill someone. But to follow that logic, many things in the home can be used in that manner.
I can tell you that I’ve never slept so soundly in my life; and it can impart a sense of responsibility and power to a person to be able to operate and trust oneself with a firearm.
Again, it’s imperative that if you choose to own firearms, you not only know where it is at all times, but that you know how to buy, store, keep, carry, and operate it SAFELY, RESPONSIBLY, and within the bounds of the law. And be prepared to be extra vigilant in the case of guests and children who are invited into your home. (Gun safes are a very good idea.)
My boyfriend is in the army and I have at least pseudo discussed this with him because of that.
I told him that either there were no guns in the house or that I learned how to shoot it. And that given my personality and need to be medicated, I frankly didn’t think I should be allowed a gun.
I respect you a great deal for making that decision for yourself. You – and no one else – can truly determine whether you should be trusted with a firearm.
This is a point that hasn’t gotten much consideration yet… Research shows that suicide attempts happen pretty spontaneously– if people have the means, they go for it, but if they don’t the feeling will pass. Does anyone here with kids feel certain that they won’t ever be depressed? What about your partner(s), or when your sister moves in with you for a little while post-breakup? I don’t want that for my family, and I don’t want that in my home.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/14/guns-suicide_n_3240065.html
We do own guns, my husband is a former farmboy and an excellent shot (seriously, during the testing for his concealed carry license, the rear sight of his gun fell off, and he still got a 243 out of 250). I, on the other hand, had never handled so much as a BB rifle before I met him, and I’ve still never fired a gun.
I know my husband would have no problem shooting and killing an attacker (as well as avoiding shooting, say, our son as a teenager coming home after sneaking out), and in theory, I don’t either, but I know enough to know it’s different in practice. I really want more practice and training, too, because if my husband’s home, we’re safe, but if it’s just me, alone, the gun’s just a liability at this point.
I got my first gun as a birthday present from my step-father when I was 13. (Best birthday gift ever!) It was a single shot .22 with a .20 gauge barrel that could be switched out. I used it all the time, mostly on cans or flimsy paper targets. My step-father took me to one of the courses for youth’s on gun safety. I love shooting any kind of gun and my family does a lot of recreational shooting.
My mother was a real estate agent for a while and one day showing a house someone was squatting in the house. It scared the pants off of her, so she decided to buy a hand gun after much research. She got a .357 and then took the classes to receive her permit to carry concealed. She practiced every weekend for two months straight. Later on my step father purchased himself a gun and then my grandfather and my uncle too. Hand guns became popular with my family, but they were always extremely safe about it.
For instance, my parents bought a safe to keep the guns in, which only they know the combo to. When they took the classes to carry concealed the first lesson is that “when you shoot at someone, be prepared to kill them.” It’s the best thing to keep in mind when you do own a gun specifically for self defense.
Personally, I love guns so this a no brainer. Also, if someone were to invade my house I would have no problem shooting them, possibly killing them. That might make me a bad person, but honestly if someone is going through the trouble to break into my house… well, you get what you ask for. Having children really cemented this for me. My husband agrees. We keep our hand guns unloaded high up in our closet normally, but we keep ‘old faithful’ (my single shot .20 guage) by the bed with bullets easily accessed. (Our son has no access to our room, and the gun goes up during the day along with the bullets.)
My in-laws absolutely hate guns however. They have two young kids and live in a rough area, but they really just aren’t comfortable with the idea of having a gun in their home, let alone using it to possibly kill someone. I can totally understand not wanting to have a gun, but like the boy scouts say “Always be prepared.”
When my uncle was still alive (and living in a neighborhood that still has a Mafia presence), he had quite the collection of new and antique weapons. He also pulled a .45 on my grandmother when she let herself in one night without calling him first. (It was unintentional – he assumed she was a burglar.) Coming that close to killing his own mother bothered him until he died.
That said…he was a very sensible gun owner. The antique guns were on display, but he’d disabled all of them so they couldn’t be fired. The newer guns, meant for defense, were locked up in discreet locations. Ditto the boxes of bullets.
He didn’t have to rely solely on firearms, though…my grandfather used to teach martial arts, so my uncle knew how to disarm an attacker.
I do not have a gun (ironically, an email pal in Canada kept trying to talk me into buying one for protection…I told him I would probably accidentally shoot myself while cleaning it). Uncle taught me how to quickly improvise a weapon out of almost anything, and I live in an area with extremely low crime, so I don’t see myself buying a firearm.
My brother inherited Uncle’s guns, but he also lives in a safe area and only uses them at the firing range.
Wow, how weird and fascinating. As an Australian, this is such an alien discussion. I couldn’t imagine living in a house with a gun (they scare me). It wouldn’t even be allowed here (having one just…loose…in the house).
When my brother lived with us there was about 5 rifles in a bolted, locked safe in the garage (three stories down) with ammo locked away elsewhere (as required by law). He had them for hunting out on a friend’s property, which is the only time they ever left the safe. That’s about as close to living with projectile weaponry as I’ll ever be likely to get.
In case of home invasion (unlikely in our current apartment), we’ve always thought we’d just wallop the dude over the head. Worse case, I figure he might have a knife.
How terrifying if they’d be more likely to have a gun. Not sure what I’d do. Hmm.
Interesting discussion.
Yes, Americans are insane. We need guns in our homes. While those same guns are used in school shooting after school shooting. But no, “I” am responsible with my guns. Whatever.
We’re crazy gun nuts who deserve what we get.
I have to say, I’m absolutely thrilled with how…mature…this discussion has been. Normally, if firearms are brought up in discussion it leads to OMG BAN ALL GUNS RAWR by the masses. That this discussion stayed on topic without devolving into a slapfest gives me hope.
I completely agree. One of the best things about the OBH readership is that we pride ourselves on being…well, mature! No matter what, I know I can come here for a really awesome discussion and I know that my viewpoints will be heard, even if others don’t agree with me. Way to go, team!
I guess I’m used to forums and websites where the majority of the readership is younger or less mature…this place consistently reminds me that there are mature people out there who can have a discussion about a particularly volatile subject.
I grew up in a home where guns where considered nothing different, Southern state, family went hunting, guns were used for protection if necessary, etc. I like them, but I also have a healthy respect for them. Our children were taught they were tools, just like our power tools, not to be played with but used for a specific purpose. My husband and I have eight now, mostly for hunting and protection as we live in a very rural area. I have absolutely no probelm with shooting someone who comes in my home and offers me or my family violence. I guess I basically am a violent person when it comes to that. I used to keep a baseball bat near the door when my kids were small since we lived in a rough neighborhood. The thought of going out and looking for someone to harm or kill is, indeed, repugnant. But it’s a different story for me when someone comes in my home and tries to hurt or rob me. I am now considering getting a handgun and going to concealed carry classes for self protection. I am also willing to trust my own judgement about what to do in an emergency, a benefit of age and having been through a lot of experiences where I had to rely on myself.
We haven’t talked about having a gun for protection but that’s mostly because the odds of a gun being useful to us during an invasion while simultaneously being stored safely during all other times = basically 0. The logistics of keeping a loaded gun at the ready just don’t work for me in my current living situation.
That said, there are rifles here, because I hunt (for meat). I am pretty “pro-gun” in the sense that I do want to own them, use them, etc. But for home defense … I think I would do better to grab the cell phone / lock myself in whatever room I’m currently in.
As someone from the UK this conversation is SO VERY WEIRD. How do you all have guns? So many people with guns! This freaks me out no end. In my head only bad people have guns.
Actually last time I was in the states I saw someone walk into McDonalds with a gun on a holster and no one reacted whilst my heart was racing.
I think allowing just anyone to own a gun is completely ridiculous, but I am clearly from a very different culture.
As a Canadian people talking about owning guns seems bizarre to me. In fact in the ongoing recent store break-ins that have been occurring in my city in which knifes, and actually nothing at all have been used in the break in. (also have heard of assaults with needles just not in those particular robberies) I never hear about guns being used in the hold up. For me protection really comes down to prevention. Parking under street lights (dark at 5:30pm today), not wandering around in bad neighbourhoods, and locking my door etc. Oh, and my city was just rated murder capital in Canada for the second year in a row.
I am American, and I agree with you. No one NEEDS a damn gun in their home.
I have always wanted to join the FBI, so one point I mentioned that to a (now ex-)boyfriend and he completely freaked out at me, telling me in no uncertain terms would he ever have a gun in his house. I was pretty taken aback by this – at that point it was just that it would be a job requirement after all to have one, not that I would cover the house in rifles. That wasn’t his only problem – there’s a reason he’s an ex, but that was by far the most bizarre conversation I ever had about owning guns – and I wasn’t even that gung ho about them at the time. Now, I have a concealed carry permit and a 38 special revolver. I’ve taken the concealed class and two yearly shooting training through work. I keep mine in my gun safe, unloaded because frankly, I’m not quite ready mentally to carry consistently. I want to train much more on my own prior to doing so. My husband is not thrilled with guns but unlike the ex understands the path I’m on (which will hopefully one day still lead to the FBI!) and has been his usual live and let live self about it.
If anyone is thinking of getting a gun, specifically a handgun, a revolver is the most reliable. A semiautomatic can jam and can be difficult to un-jam in a hurry if you’re not comfortable with guns. Most everyone in my office carries .38 special revolvers. The ruger lcr is pretty light and concealable.
The hubs and I happen to be far-left libby feminist academes and I happen to have been born in Appalachia to a gunsmith.
So I have a gun, and I always will. I grew up watching guns used as a craft, an art, a skill, and a means of feeding our family healthy, organic, inexpensive, free-range meat that died very humanely. In a house of 20 guns and a converted garage-cum-gunshop, I never once saw one of them used to create danger, threat, or harm.
I moved to a major city a few years ago; guns are different here. Obviously.
In May 2011, my home was burglarized. We weren’t home. If I had been, I don’t know what what would have happened. I don’t know if I would have used my .38 or not.
Above all, I do know that gun has never had power or control: we do. It’s an object, and it’s as inanimate as my dirty house shoes.
For the record, while I don’t oppose gun ownership, I will never have one in my house. I am close to someone who once tried to kill himself and for this reason I would never ever ever have a gun in my home. My gun-owning friends don’t get it, since this family member now lives far away. But my experiences mean that I’m far more scared of someone harming themselves than of a possible home intruder. I just couldn’t forgive myself or whoever brought in the gun if something happened.
Obviously this situation doesn’t apply to everyone, but you should consider the possibility of suicide or accidents and how that may affect you.
This is such a massive culture shock for me – living in Australia, the thought of owning a gun is bizarre! This debate has totally opened my eyes to another side of gun laws, and while I don’t agree with ‘the right to bear arms’, and could NEVER own a gun, this has been fascinating. And why I love the OBE!
My knee-jerk reaction has always been, “No Gun! Guns are bad!”
However we live on an isolated mountain in the Colorado Rockies and have two dogs. A mountain lion ate our neighbor’s goats. She figured she no longer had livestock to protect and gave us her shotgun. We have it not so much for shooting a predator but for scaring off predators were they to attack our little mutts.
And it seems like much less of a big deal than I thought it would be! I’m the last person I ever thought would have a gun in the house, but I’m actually glad of the thing.
Zombie plan anyone?
Ok, that’s not why my fiancee and I have gun. We’re both 24 and have four guns in our home (three rifles and two shotgun). All are functional, and two are loaded as I type. We don’t have children and we don’t live in a neighborhood with a lot of people. We love target practice, and I seasonally hunt with my family. I am one of those people who is comfortable around guns.
My fiancee and I have had to defend out home once. My home was willed to me by my uncle. He was sometimes involved in…questionable activities to say the least. One evening a man started hatcheting the lock on our door to get in the house. When he opened the door he was confronted with two (we were both 19 at the time) teenagers with shotguns aimed at him. We each took a side and held him there until the police arrived.
Of course I can speak for the dangerous side as I have shot myself accidentally. My first hunting trip I fall due to a crumbling old wall I was trying to climb over. I did not hold my shotgun away from me. I was lucky that I wasn’t badly hurt, but I did need to have over 40 pellets removed from my calf and ankle. Despite that experience, over a decade later I still have gun.
I think there are many other wonderful ways to protect your home with fewer variables, but as a child free home in a small neighborhood, I’m happy with my guns.
My husband has about 10 guns in our house. One stays in the bedroom with the bulletts hidden across the room. The rest are locked up in a gun cabinet. I have never really been around guns so Im always nervous of them. My husband, on the other side, is a firm believer in protecting what we’ve worked for. We live in a bad area with a lot of break ins. I dont think that I would have the ability to shoot someone, but if my baby is in risk, I’d be more liable of doing something, but I’d doubt it would be with a gun. I’ve seen my husband run people off with one gun. They seen it and ran. The police told us that 9 times out of 10 that a gun is never even fired; its just seen.
My husband and I are in the no guns club. EVER. I personally cannot grasp the idea of it being okay to kill someone, even in defense of children. I guess I am just not wired that way. Neither of my parents approved of gun ownership or hunting either, so that gave me a shove in the right (for me) direction. My dad immigrated here in the 1950s to escape WW2 Hungary and saw so much violence first hand that he couldn’t stomach it. I have been robbed at gunpoint 3 separate times and would still never own a gun.
I would like to make one point, though. Gun culture =/= polite society. Some comments have blamed Mexico for the import of illegal guns, but the statistics actually show the flow of guns going south. The huge gun problem in Mexico that has violence creeping over our border starts in the US. http://www.factcheck.org/2009/04/counting-mexicos-guns/
You do realize that link is horribly out of date, as our own government is responsible for funneling firearms to drug cartels in Mexico…right?
I didn’t grow up with guns, but I like them, although I don’t own one at this point. I am almost fearfully respectful of them, as in untrained hands, anything could happen, and if ever one is handed to me, I check that it’s unloaded almost constantly. I’m not sure whether I’ll ever get one, as MadCat has pointed out his psychotic episodes and warned me that if one should be in the house, I would have to take steps to make sure it’s accessible only to me. That’s no problem; I’d be extremely gun-conscious in any event. That said, MadCat has an air rifle, which we use for target shooting, and we are both exceedingly careful with it – those things can still put out an eye!
Having had more than one break-in in my life, one of which was very violent and ended up in a sexual assault, I keep all manner of weapons at my bedside to protect myself. Currently, I have four very sharp swords scattered around my bedroom, one of which is always close at hand – I’m alone at home every second week and South Africa is known for violent crime that, more often than not, involves torture or ends up in rape and/or death. I’m taking no chances and I have no compunction about causing as much bodily harm as possible to anyone breaking into my home.
MadCat and I have also discussed the use of paintball guns filled with pepper shot and solid shot, as a deterrent. They’re relatively inexpensive, don’t require a licence, are easy to equip and are bloody painful on the target. It’s that or, as a police reservist advised us recently, a crossbow, which is quite capable of delivering a killing shot.
Again, having been attacked by someone without a conscience, who did his level best to kill me, and knowing what kind of violent crime is endemic to my country, I have absolutely no issue with taking the life of someone who’s endangering me or my family (which, yes, includes my four-footed kids). That’s not to say I don’t understand those who would prefer not to take the violent route, but I’ll take what works for me.
I grew up with guns. My parents gave me a respect of exactly what a firearm can do to a person and they were NEVER,EVER to be touched unless an adult was with you at the range. Safety was always number one.
That said, my mom is an excellent pistol shot. Her father (a Marine who served in WW2, Korea and Vietnam conflicts) taught her, and myself well.
That came in handy one night when a man, high on something, broke into the house. He was ranting and raving, saying he was going to kill everyone. My mother told me to hide under her bed. She then pulled her .38 from her nightstand drawer, went to the top of the stairs, (the assailant was half way up, standing on the landing) she ordered him to stop or she would shoot.
He didn’t, she did. She shot both of his knee caps and then his shoulder because he wouldn’t stop. My mom did this to protect herself and her 7 year old daughter. My dad was out of the country at the time.
My mom is not proud of this, but it was something she had to do. Again, my mom is an excellent shot. I’m not as good as she is with a pistol, but I will not hesitate to pull the trigger if I am aiming at a human being. If I have a gun leveled at you, that means I am in fear for mine, and my loved ones life. I will soot to kill.
That is the question you should really consider when thinking about buying a firearm for protection. And for the love of peanut butter, take concealed and safety courses, and spend LOTS of time at the range!
In my house, we are all armed, have had the appropriate training in firearms as well as edged weapons and martial arts. But that is also a art of who we are. If this isn’t who you are, please don’t buy a gun. That gun will be of no use if you can’t pull the trigger and be willing to kill another human being in defense.
Wow. Go, Mom!
There are two things I actually don’t remember learning because I was so young when my parents introduced it. The first is skiing. The second is shooting. My parents both were big believers in introducing us to guns at an early age so that they would have no mystique and we would know how to handle ourselves around them. We used to go to the rifle and pistol ranges with my dad every month or so during the warmer time of the year.
I actually find shooting to be a very zen-like experience. At the range you try to lower your heartbeat and breathe in a controlled fashion to be as steady as possible. It’s very much like meditating. Hunting is the most primal way of getting back in touch with nature – rejoining with the reality that steaks and porkchops aren’t magically brought into existence at the grocery store and I can’t take that food for granted.
When I was twelve, dad showed me and my sister where he kept the revolver he used for protection and the speed loader. I still remember what he taught us.
1) Don’t pick it up unless you’re prepared to use it
2) The first five shots were the bird-shot sort. Drywall would stop them.
3) The last round was one meant for serious killing power. If someone was still coming after you fired five shots then the last one would stop them.
4)Let them take your stuff. Stuff is just stuff and it’s covered by insurance. Stay in the bedroom and call the cops.
5)Fire the first shot out the window at the lawn or someplace equally harmless. This will let the intruder know you are armed. If they keep coming then it is safe to assume they have intent to harm you or your loved ones
6) Fire at the center of mass.
I don’t have the guns for protection. I have them because I enjoy using them in a safe, controlled environment. However, I do have a speed loader so they can be used for protection if needed.
Like several of you, I grew up in a home with a dad that hunted and was not only interested in teaching me personal safety but spent hours making sure I learned my way around several kinds of firearms: shotguns, rifles and handguns. When I lived alone with my elderly great aunt, he put the old five-shot in my hand and told me “if someone tries to come in, aim at his center of mass and shoot until he stops moving.”
Crazy? Maybe. But he didn’t want anything bad to happen to his little 22-year-old girl, or his aunt.
I live in the same house now and I have two babies. And my choice is between the intruder, who has no legitimate business being way up on this hill, or myself and my two babies.
For me it’s not so much a question of whether I’m prepared to take another person’s life. It’s a question of whether I’m willing for them to take my life or my children’s lives.
I am not willing that myself or my babies be hurt, sullied, or otherwise offered violence.
Under those circumstances, I am absolutely willing [though not happy] to take another person’s life. I didn’t choose for them to come up here looking for trouble, any more than any other woman asks to be abused, violated or taken advantage of.
So I pack heat, and I know how to use it. And I might have to go to counseling after the fact and deal with the consequences, but my babies are going to be able to rest without fear knowing their mama loves them and will do whatever she has to for their protection.
Just my two bits. I’m a fussy mother hen most of the time who can’t remember the last time I ate or slept four hours together, I’m sidetracked and forgetful and a little hazy.
But there are matters upon which I have absolutely frightening clarity.
Blessings.
The answer in our house = crossbows, swords, throwing knives, and a set of bows. Potential to be lethal, yes, but not as likely. We feel we have more “control” over these items (less likely to misfire).
I grew up with guns but no one in my family was hunters. As a military brat I have seen handguns and rifles as part of everyday life but also part of that daily life is safety and regiment. As much as I would never walk into a strangers house, I would never point a weapon at anything I did not fully intend to shoot. I can’t explain it anymore other than to say: these are things that you just do not ever do under any circumstance. There is no thought or discussion about it (to me) how to handle a firearm.
Dad, brother, and husband’s birthday is always spent at the range. Safety is reviewed each time before and weapons are properly cleaned each time after. We have a dozen handguns and rifles properly locked and stored in our house in the farthest corner away from any entrances. We have a small handgun in our bedroom (which stays locked when we have guests) for protection that is loaded with rounds intended to kill. If my life or my husbands life is threatened, the threat will be killed.
I realize this might sound a little fanatical (I swear I’m not!) but I intend to be this serious about it because it is a very serious matter to have a gun for protection. I’ve also grown up with a very real awareness of death, knowing every time my father was deployed he might die and now knowing the same for my husband.
On a lighter note, I belong to a group we call the BFF’s (Bitches, Firearms, and Fondue) made up of military women and a few wives from early 20’s to 60’s who get together once a month for range time and then have fondue and martinis afterward. It started because several of the women were having difficulty weapons qualifying after being excused for maternity for lengthy periods. There are 15 of us that go to the police range together to support and encourage each other. Oh yeah and we do it in heels; because if someone tries to attack you late at night on the street they aren’t going to give you a minute to take your heels off before trying to defend yourself.
I should caveat here that I live in Florida and therefore have the right to own all of these weapons without permit and also have the right to defend my life on my property or anywhere in public without having to retreat first. This is a very distinct right in the state of Florida and is not common throughout the US and especially not outside of the country. If you are considering owning a gun for protection I suggest you sign up for a concealed carry permit in your state because they will teach you the rights and laws concerning guns and defense in that state even if you don’t intend to carry it with you. Also, you could talk with your police department or nearby range about a women’s shooting group for training, safety, and some solidarity. And if you don’t think you could shoot and kill someone, do not keep a gun at hand in your home. I have several friends (male and female) that would be more of a danger to themselves with a loaded gun and would never suggest that they keep one at the ready.
I used to be all against guns. So many things could go wrong, and accidents happen every day. But I was also young, and very optimistic about pretty much everything. I had that untouchable feeling like nothing bad will happen, I’ll die when I’m the average 72 year old woman.
Then I got pregnant right out of highschool, and I started to worry. Worry about everything. Some things, I’ll admit, were irrational (zombies, for example). Most however were completely justified, like a flu pandemic, the government collapsing, nuclear attacks, extreme natural distasters (like tornados, I live in Leavenworth, Kansas), peak oil, or some kind of foreign invasion. Even though they think I’m crazy, I tell my family all the time that they are very real dangers that can happen at any time. It’s not “if” one of these will happen, it’s “when”.
Shortly after I realized it wasn’t just me that would need protecting, I started to prepare. Yeah, sounds pretty serious. And yes, sometimes I laugh at myself. But still, I began collecting canned goods, flats of bottled water, putting together Bug-Out-Backpacks for everyone in my house, making first aid kits, and buying tons of Instant Lunches (You just need hot water, only cost 35 cents, and are surprisingly nutritious! Talk about a preppers dream).
Protection took an important role in this. If there is any form of anarchy or lack of food, home invasion and defense is inevitable. Because I’ve always been scared of guns (especially pistols! unbelievably easy to shoot) I opted for a cross bow. My boyfriend bought one for me this last Christmas. Will it do more damage than a gun? Yes. But you really have to work to cock it and aim to shoot, so I’m guessing anyone would be more careful and concentrated with a bow. Not to mention it’s pretty scary looking, more like if-I-saw-one-pointed-at-me-I-would-shit-my-pants-looking.
Foremost, I can use it to hunt if we are ever scarce on food. Which is the only time I would hunt.
For the “real world” my boyfriend owns a pistol. We both know how to shoot it and have a gun safe, since we now have two kids. Safety first.
So firearms in the house? Or a crossbow, if you’re a little obsessed like me? Personal preference, obviously. Two years ago I would have freaked, but now I would feel vulnerable without them.
I hope someone posts an article about Preparedness on here soon! If not, maybe I will start working on one. 🙂
On the topic of preparedness: This tongue-in-cheek yet valid article from the CDC has information on how to deal with an impending zombie apocalypse. http://www.bt.cdc.gov/socialmedia/zombies_blog.asp
I saw that! Pretty funny.