Doctor's Advice on Guns?

[OkieGentleman]

35 Years Ago in Oklahoma

Never asked about guns on a form, but was once hosptilized for an unknown problem (turned out to be ulcers) and the subject came up about guns with my doctor. I had a gun book by the bed. He says he has a Luger his dad brought back from WWII and could I tell him anything about it? Me. Sure!! Bring it by, and the next morning while on his rounds he pulls it out of his coat pocket and hands it to me while I am lying in a hospital bed. I proceed to field strip it which freaks him out. I am in the bed for the next two days with the Luger laying on the hospital table with a book on Lugers a friend brought me researching all of the proof marks on the old Luger. I did take it out and shoot it before returning it nice and clean with a typed sheet that detailed all of the proof marks and what they meant. I cannot imagine something like that happening today in this political climate of repression.

 

[CDR_Glock]

I am curious to what experience you all have had with doctors giving (or trying to give) you advice on firearms. I know this thread will probably include some "where do doctors get their firearms certifications"- and "what part of shall not infringe"-type comments; and that's part of the fun!

But I'm mostly interested in what your actual experience has been--what the doc has said to you, vs what you said in response. Or any printed info they handed you.

You may click all choices that apply, or post the right response if I missed some options--I might ask in that case that you still click the closest option that applies to you.

Thanks, all.

I recommend buying a gun that you can afford to buy, afford the ammo to train, and afford the time to train. I also recommend learning the law and practice every aspect of concealed carry: concealment, drawing, shooting from different positions and shooting weak or strong handed.

For beginners I recommend a revolver, like a GP100.

For women, I recommend a gun that she can handle and shoot confidently.

For most people I recommend carrying a gun that is reliable and expendable. Do you want a $2000 gun locked up while the investigation/trial is taking place? Some people don't get their gun back.

Last but not least, I stress the importance of gun safety, both at home, the range and on the street (legal carry). It is important to have proper training. IF you are ever intoxicated or under the influence, NEVER EVER HANDLE A FIREARM.

I am a doctor, myself.




iPad/Tapatalk

 

[Loosedhorse]

For beginners I recommend a revolver, like a GP100.

For women, I recommend a gun that she can handle and shoot confidently.

This sounds like the standard "take two guns and call me in the morning" brush-off!



Thanks, doc--sound advice!

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I refuse to go to doctors........ because I hate them.

 

[marv]

My family guy would buy my collection/assortment tomorrow if I decided to sell them.

 

[Loosedhorse]

It's an indictment!

324 votes.

The subject never came up 75%. Not sure how to interpret that: that docs don't take antigun precepts too seriously; that docs are doing a very poor job in checking on safety topics; that non-pediatrics docs don't tend to focus on guns; or that docs are just too busy to check on everything they're "supposed" to.

About 8% of docs ask about ownership, but don't give advice. Unless a lot of that 8% were also the docs that offered to go shooting, this seems bad: docs asking a question but then not offering appropriate safety advice--

--unless all 8% got a resounding "NO GUNS!" answer , and so there was no reason to give advice!

Good news: only 3% of docs are giving the (wrong) advice to get rid of guns. Seems that most are less antigun than some of their journals and associations!

Nearly 5%--maybe more--are giving good advice; at least, advice consistent with the NRA's advice about storage. And some are advising training, probably the best advice.

Who knows? Maybe we'll get ot 500 responses, but I'm guessing the trends will stay about where they are.

It does make one wonder why FL is in the middle of a fight to "outlaw" the dreaded "gun question". Loosedhorse.

Yup, Johnny--I put that comment up, but then took it down again. Since you CAUGHT me (), I guess I'll put it up again.

 

[DeadLiver]

Came up at the pediatrician's office when he asked my 4 year old what she got for Christmas. She exuberantly told him all about her pink cricket rifle. He asked me if she had access to the guns in the house. I said "Yes. Whenever she asks to see them, I pull one or more out and we look at them. Then I quiz her on the parts." He said he's more comfortable with parents who educate their children to keep them safe as opposed to people who hide guns from their kids and never talk about it.

 

[Sniper66]

My primary care doc is a woman and cattle rancher. She likes that I kill prairie dogs. Her new boyfriend bought her a 20 GA for her birthday. My optometrist offered to outfit me with special contacts to make shooting easier like she did for her father. I have good friend and shooting buddy who is a GP and owns dozens of guns. The fact is, the majority of people, docs included, are supporters of shooting sports and gun ownership.

 

[TanklessPro]

It has never come up at my GP.
If it makes any difference, at my local gunshop there is 6 or 8 Dr.'s that also are regulars.