Sangiovese wrote:I think that we're talking apples and oranges here. The big difference is that not knowing how to use every feature on a cell phone/vcr/etc... does not have the potential ramifications that not being proficient with your carry weapon. There is a HUGE difference between missing a text message and missing a guy charging at you with a knife. Consider the fact that my 15 year old daughter might be standing behind the guy charging with the knife and wind up taking your errant bullet... and I think it is obvious that the comparison doesn't hold water.BigBlueDodge wrote:Actually, I think you will find that MOST people buy stuff and don't take the time to learn how to fully use it. Let me ask thisBut, seriously, I can not understand anyone carrying a firearm and not practice with it. That's a little scary, you know?
1. How many hear know how to use every feature on his/her cell phone. My father in law has been using Cell Phones for years, and he still doesn't even know how to enter in a contact or check his text message (or even know what a text message is).
2. How many licensed drivers, feel like they could stop right now, walk right into a DPS and pass the written part of a drivers license test.
3. How many here, now how to fully use all of the features of their TV/VCR/DVD players ?
The problem is that guns are amazingly simple to use. Most people know that you chamber a round, point the gun, pull the trigger and it goes bang. Given that most occurances I've read about happn in 3-7 yards, there isn't alot of accuracy needed. What i'm more worried about are the people who get their CHL, and never read the pamphlet containing laws after their class. Those are the people that scare me.
I think that carrying a weapon in public for self defense is a right that all law abiding citizens should have. I also believe that if we choose to exercise that right, then we take on a tremendous responsibility. You can scoff all you want at how much accuracy is required at 3-7 yards... but when you and the target are both moving, your hands are shaking from adrenaline, you are point shooting, you have extreme tunnel vision, and you may be injured... well, the fact that you can shoot a dime sized group at 7 yards while standing at the range doesn't mean beans. Look up some statistics about how many rounds in those close range gunfights actually hit their targets.
I don't care if you can program your VCR. I don't care if you know the penalty for failure to display your CHL when asked by an officer. I do care that when you are carrying in public, you are competant to handle your weapon safely, use good judgement about when you have a clear shot, and put your rounds very close to the point of aim.
You have the right to defend yourself. You also have the responsibility not to endanger innocents. BOTH of these require you to be proficient with the handling and use of your firearm.
- very strongly.