Basics?

[jonnyc]

I'll assume most of you are like me and frequent a few on-line gun sites over the course of a week or so...........some more, some less. Do you find that there are some questions asked that are so basic that you are actually concerned that the person owns firearms and might actually be at the range next to you?
I realize that few people are real experts with firearms, and I don't consider myself to be among them, but there should be some basic technical and safety knowledge before somebody actually tries to fire a firearm.
Am I wrong???

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[Patrick Chadwick]

I realize that few people are real experts with firearms, and I don't consider myself to be among them, but there should be some basic technical and safety knowledge before somebody actually tries to fire a firearm. Am I wrong???

No, you are quite right!

Here in Mauserland you actually have to pass a "basic training" course as a condition of acquiring a gun licence. It covers safe keeping, transport, handling and operation - and legal aspects. You also have to have been a proper active member of a gun club for a year before applying for a licence (using a club gun loaned at the range). Since the club has to confirm this as well, they also act to impart proper, safe behaviour and handling in their members.

So the biggest idiots either learn to behave sensibly or are weeded out. And why not? After all, if you drive a car you have to pass a test to get a licence - and I never heard of anyone saying that this was infringing a basic right! In the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness, my right to life is more important to me than someone else's freedom to misuse liberty and enhance his happiness by endangering me and others.

[WarPig1976]

and I never heard of anyone saying that this was infringing a basic right! In the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness,

Because it's not a right, it is a privilege and privileges can be taken away by we know who, pretty simple concept I think.

Only onetime did I have to insist a man stop shooting in the name of safety. Long story short, he had a pair of FTFs, so being he was a very senior fellow I stepped over to help him out "he was right next to me". It turned out he had a squib and the two proceeding rounds were so loose they set back in the case but thank God they didn't chamber. He was shooting his reloads and I inspected the bunch, they were all trash. He was in his late 70's maybe 80's and was very stubborn but after a while he got the idea he wasn't shooting those rounds anymore that day. It shows it goes both ways, you can be inexperienced and stupid or too comfortable and arrogant.

[Aragorn243]

Because it's not a right, it is a privilege and privileges can be taken away by we know who, pretty simple concept I think.

Must say I'm surprised to see that comment.

It IS a right in the United States and there is nothing short of committing a crime or possibly mental issue that takes that away from you. Most states at least have hunter/gun education before you can get a hunting license but restricting access to the firearms themselves can't be stopped.

There is a distinct difference between a right and a privilege. Our "rights" are outlined in the "Bill of Rights" and they cannot be taken away without extreme just cause. Being stupid isn't one of them. Many states have attempted to regulate firearms and have passed laws doing so but they are repeatedly struck down by the Supreme Court when they are found to infringe on the 2nd Amendment. Privileges on the other hand can be regulated to the government's content. Driving a car for instance, you must be a certain age, have a license, pass tests, have the car inspected for safety, etc, etc. It can be taken away for a variety of reasons. Standards for a "right" are much, much higher. It can be done but not easily although it seems it is getting more so with each year.

Doesn't really answer the first poster's question. All you have to do is look at a few video sites in the internet to see that there should be concern with some people having guns. Everyone needs to be aware of what is going on around them.

[WarPig1976]

Aragorn, I'm referring to Patrick's comment about no one complaining about getting a DRIVERS license. RIGHTS do not require permission to be exercised,,period.

To put it into context for our friends outside the U.S. To an American firearm licensing is as abhorrent as requiring a license to drink tea or drink beer, regardless what one may see in the "news",,,Ain't gonna happen.

[Peter Laidler]

Just be vigilant war pig.......... VERY vigilant. We thought that over here and guess what? It is a little known fact that YOUR right to bear and carry Arms comes from the rights we had here. That is why even today, it is enshrined in our law/Firearms Act, that the Chief Constable WILL grant a firearms licence to......... Alas, over the years it has been watered down until today that simple interpretation is hardly worth the paper it's printed on.

Just my 2c's worth. But just be very careful, alert and stay awake. Or guess what could happen......?

[Paul S.]

......... It is a little known fact that YOUR right to bear and carry Arms comes from the rights we had here. That is why even today, it is enshrined in our law/Firearms Act, that the Chief Constable WILL grant a firearms licence to......... Alas, over the years it has been watered down until today that simple interpretation is hardly worth the paper it's printed on.

Just my 2c's worth. But just be very careful, alert and stay awake. Or guess what could happen......?

Peter is correct on all counts. It is much the same as what transpired in the U.K has taken place in Australia. One's rights regarding firearms - even individual self-defence is grossly restricted - have been thoroughly eroded into virtual non-existence with restrictions and qualifications all in the name of 'public safety'. I assure you that the safety that comes from all legislation is an illusion at the best and subjugation at the worst.

[WarPig1976]

It is a little known fact that YOUR right to bear and carry Arms comes from the rights we had here.

We'll have to agree to disagree on that point. Aragorn's post made the point I'm trying to make but much better. To avoid the forbidden subject I'll just point to the events that transpired at the Bundy ranch this year, that was only over grazing cattle. Believe me,, our eyes are wide open.

[Paul S.]

... It is a little known fact that YOUR right to bear and carry Arms comes from the rights we had here. ......

A point of clarification here.

Peter's statement is correct and accurate. What Peter is referring to is that English Law and hence American, Australian, Canadian, Kiwi, etc. law derives from the Magna Carta which, amongst other things guaranteed one's right to arms, trial by one's peers, etc. The Magna Carta is a cornerstone of the laws of almost all English speaking countries.

Magna Carta: Cornerstone of the U.S. Constitution | EDSITEment

[WarPig1976]

Are these the morons you speak of Jonnyc?...