Why I own firearms

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CWL

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Folks,
This isn't a post bragging about how much stuff I have, I just wanted to share why I own firearms, and why I spend time and money training with them.

We live in the heart of Silicon Valley, CA. Both my wife and I are still doing well in this economy, and we moved into a new home in a gated community this January. There are private patrols every hour. Why? Because we like the house and neighborhood -and I'd like to think we're getting away from a lot of the headaches, petty crimes and shady people that seem to be increasing here.

So did this make us safe?

Early last Saturday, I was dozing in front of the TV at about 1:00AM when I was awakened by BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! and after a second BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! The noise came from the backyard -where there are other houses. -what the hell? Was this a dream? Is it the TV? But I knew what I heard and my dogs were "on alert". These 7 gunshots were from very close by.

I already had my M1911 handy and in another few seconds, my shotgun.

After about 6-8 minutes, I began hearing sirens wailing and finally police cars flooded the neighborhood and began searching our streets with their floodlights. Seemed like the area was getting secured and I went to bed after a bit.

I still don't know what happened, but I do know that even if you think you are in the safest place that money can buy:
1. Bad things still happen;
2. Gates or regular patrols can't prevent them; AND
3. It takes at least 6 minutes for the police to show up after a crime has been committed.

Folks, this is why I own and train with firearms.
 
Hey Duke,
Next time just c'mon over.

We've got a pool and a pond...pond be good for you!
 
These 7 gunshots were from very close by.

I already had my M1911 handy and in another few seconds, my shotgun.
Click to expand...

Also why a lack of mandatory registration in a central database is critical to our freedoms. 7 shots heard, this guy owns a 1911...
 
Also why a lack of mandatory registration in a central database is critical to our freedoms. 7 shots heard, this guy owns a 1911...
Click to expand...

There are 7 shot DA revolvers. Both S&W and Taurus offer 7 shot .357 mags. S&W even offers an 8 shot .357 mag.

Heck it could've been 2 different guns. First 3 from the perp., next 4 from the homeowner finishing the dispute. There is really no telling what went on until the SD/PD releases info.

Wyman
 
There are 7 shot DA revolvers. Both S&W and Taurus offer 7 shot .357 mags. S&W even offers an 8 shot .357 mag.

Heck it could've been 2 different guns. First 3 from the perp., next 4 from the homeowner finishing the dispute. There is really no telling what went on until the SD/PD releases info.
Click to expand...

So? Let's say, theoretically, only one person in the neighborhood (CWL) owned guns. The police get a report that someone heard 7 gunshots. They check the record, and find that this CWL guy is the only one around there with guns, and he owns a 1911 and (let's assume, just for the example) a shotgun that also holds 7+1 shots.

What do you want to bet they would have been "knocking" on his door after driving around the neighborhood a bit?
 
Just an update, all I could find in the online crime report is:

Weapons discharge, suspicious circumstances. Resolution: unsolved.
 
I own firearms because I like to shoot them and I enjoy the sense of history and craftsmanship exhibited by well made firearms. I might own two or three for self defense/home defense, but honestly one is probably enough for that anyway.

Glad things worked out in the neighborhood for you. I have always found it un-nerving that if you call the police about a certain incident and what was the result, they almost never know or are willing to tell you anything of much value.
 
Assuming it was a shady character, doesn't it make sense they would be in the part of town where the money was? Another example of there being no safe zones.
 
When seconds count, the police are just minutes away. I had gunshots in my back yard last summer. the police found nothing. The next day I found the spent .40 cal shells.
 
CWL,

Wow, you're lucky,
After about 6-8 minutes, I began hearing sirens wailing and finally police cars flooded the neighborhood and began searching our streets with their floodlights.
Click to expand...
I'd be happy if a sheriff's deputy showed up in 30 minutes. I live outside of Santa Fe, NM and that's why I own guns. Not because it's New Mexico but because I live so far out of town.

Before I retired, I was at work one day when I got a call from my alarm company saying that they had a report of an alarm going off at my house. I jumped in my car and raced home hoping to find a deputy searching the premises. I got there in about 20 minutes but I was the only one that showed. The authorities never arrived and I never did find out why, the alarm company said they had called them. Fortunately, it was a false alarm (a short in the wiring) but I don't trust my safety to anyone but myself anymore at least at home.

Before anyone suggests that the deputy had come and gone, I checked with them and no one was dispatched. I can't totally blame them, it is hard to locate my house but that is just another reason to own guns.
 
After about 6-8 minutes, I began hearing sirens wailing and finally police cars flooded the neighborhood and began searching our streets with their floodlights.
Click to expand...

Had this not been a gated community, I fear the response time would have been much different.
 
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