Guns and alchohol consumption - Poll

[Erik]

I think of it like other potentially dangerous activities, i.e. driving, etc: don't do it while impaired. I rely on the local laws to determine "impaired."

Erik - who does not consume alcohol while or before driving, carrying or shooting as a general rule.

---

Another who can't find an answer close to mine among the poll.

 

[zxcvbob]

That doesnt look like a poll, it looks like an exercise in self-righteousness.

If I were to humor it, I can't find any answers that fit. Sorry. I'm voting "None of the above"

 

[bear71]

Then kindly post elsewhere or refrain from whining.

 

[Black Adder LXX]

I had to go to the first choice, since it resembled my attitude toward drinking and shooting. I do have a beer every once and a while though.

 

[Biker]

bear71...

Bob's post wasn't whining - it was an accurate observation.

Someone die and make you a mod?

Biker

 

[mekender]

Never a drop, it's disgusting behavior I don't condone.

had to answer that way, but ill throw in a *.... i drink like a fish... but ill NEVER handle firearms while drinking

 

[CAVHOOAH]

Well heres my .02. I agree with bobs observation, and Bikers comment. Nothing wrong with having a few brews or shots when a man/woman wants too. No one here should be looked down on for grown folks having a nip every now and then. Shooting firearms while drunk is a different story though. I feel that as long as a fella is a responsible drinker, ie.. a FEW beers (one and hour or so) while shooting, I dont have a problem with it. If I know the man to be an uncontrollable stumbling drunk, I will suggest he put them up or ill leave. I personally dont have a problem with moderation, someone who dosnt have to get blitzed everytime they start to drink. CCW carry is asking for it while drinking though.

 

[Officers'Wife]

Hi Supernaut,

Would this exclude the physically handicapped and/or aged?

The ancients and handicapped would be at 100% until they started taking drugs that downgraded them now wouldn't they? I do not expect perfection from anyone, I do expect them to behave responsibly. I'm not doing a Carrie Nation here, I'm just saying if you drink leave your firearms in the closet and the car keys in your pocket. You seem to be implying you support the habit of shooting while intoxicated. Please let me know which areas you shoot in so I can avoid them. Thank you in advance.

Selena

 

[JerryM]

I have never seen a single benefit in drinking alcohol. I have seen, or am aware of, many auto accidents, gun accidents, violent acts, and tragic consequences in marriages, health, and personal lives as a result of drinking alcohol.

Every alcoholic, drunk driver, and accidental shooter was sure he was mature, had good judgment in knowing his limit, and could handled his drinking, but they did not.

I do not drink, and believe that a CHL holder that takes one drink while carrying should lose his license. The same for driving and drinking.

Jerry

 

[meef]

Oh brother.



Threadlock...... please!

 

[bear71]

"bear71...

Bob's post wasn't whining - it was an accurate observation.

Someone die and make you a mod?

Biker"

400+ people found a suitable entry from the many options. Those that cannot read the title header "firearms and alcohol consumption" are either reading impaired or whining.

This thread is not about everyday average drinking habits...that would be off topic for this thread and this forum in general. I have a right to request that responses to a thread I have created remain on topic.

 

[bear71]

"Threadlock...... please!"

4,100+ views and you want a threadlock? Sounds like censorship to me because it doesn't personally suit you.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

I have never seen a single benefit in drinking alcohol. I have seen, or am aware of, many auto accidents, gun accidents, violent acts, and tragic consequences in marriages, health, and personal lives as a result of drinking alcohol.

Funny, a lot of arguments from the antigun crowd start out with them declaring there's not a single benefit to civilian gun ownership, but they are certainly aware of all the tragedies guns cause. If you've never seen a single benefit, that's because you are just like an antigun person who has never gone shooting and can't imagine why anyone would want one of those nasty things.

I've addressed the supposed lack of benefit in an earlier thread.

What about the people who enjoy the way they think a glass of wine enhances a good meal?

How about those guys that find nothing more refreshing than a cold beer after working in the yard all afternoon?

Perhaps you could tell that to the chef who imparts a particular flavor to a meal by using alcohol?

But those only merely aesthetic arguments for why alcohol might not "only do bad things" and can be easily dismissed. I mean, who cares if someone likes it?

Fortunately, there's some pretty good medical research stating that moderate consumption of alcohol is actually a good thing. Here's a good link to start with: http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/AlcoholAndHealth.html

While one can find studies which disagree (many of which show the effects of abuse), the majority of the evidence supports moderate consumption as a positive factor in overall longevity.

Just like most gun owners are safe, law-abiding citizens; most people who imbibe aren't drunks.
​

I also posted this awhile back in another thread, but it seems like it would fit here:

Why is that when someone commits a crime involving a gun, the problem is the criminal and not the easy access to guns, but if someone commits a crime involving alcohol, it's always the accessibility to the booze.

Guns don't make people into violent criminals, do they? What would make you think that a bottle of beer there would force someone to become a drunk?

Just about every argument in favor of controlling alcohol is used to promote gun control.

But, the only purpose of alcohol is to get drunk and avoid life's problems!
The only purpose of guns is to kill.

The perceived benefits of drinking are far outweighed by the risks of alcohol abuse.
The chance of using a gun in self defense are far outweighed by the danger of hurting a loved one.

If someone is drinking in a bad situation, it could turn violent!
If someone has a gun in a bad situation, it could turn violent!

Easy accessibility to alcohol leads to abuse!
Easy accessibility to guns leads to violence!

We shouldn't sell alcohol at grocery stores because it makes it too easy for drunks to get to it! Only state liquor agencies should sell it, that way it is properly controlled!
We shouldn't let sporting goods stores sell guns because it is too easy for bad guys to get them! Only state armories should sell them, that way they are properly controlled.

I just don't understand why so many gun folks are so quick to blame the criminal for gun-related crimes and so quick to blame the alcohol for alcohol-related crimes.

You either believe in personal responsibility or you don't.

Sadly, the only difference between many of those who call themselves liberals and many of those who call themselves conservatives is which things they want to see controlled.

My apologies for turning this slightly political. The parallels between those who blame guns for societies woes and those who blame alcohol are too strikingly similar to ignore.​

Why is it that the same people who insist that packing a gun doesn't mean they are going to whip it out and shoot it at the first sign of an argument seem to think that if someone has a beer they are going to pistol-whip a puppy and then promptly drive their car through a school.

While there is no doubt that becoming drunk while carrying a firearm or shooting is a foolish choice, insisting that there be a zero-tolerance policy regarding a single drink is as absurd. While bear71's intent may have been to question the views of those regarding alcohol and firearms, it's become quite clear this thread has shifted from that to a chance for the teetotalers to condemn those who choose to imbibe.

 

[Officers'Wife]

Hi Jerry,

Proverbs 31-6

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

Everything has it's place, even alcohol. It's only a danger when it's abused. But that goes for everything in life as well.

Selena

 

[LAK]

I am with the Old World traditions in such matters. A shot of good scotch, brandy or a small glass of wine on an autumn or winter shoot. The bottom line is do not drink more than you can handle - if you can not control yourself do not drink at all.

 

[bear71]

Very reasonable post, LAK. Makes sense to me. Sounds like you aren't shackled by a black or white type mindset.

 

[meef]

bear71:

4,100+ views and you want a threadlock? Sounds like censorship to me because it doesn't personally suit you.

No pal, not because it doesn't personally suit me.

Because it has gotten a bit ridiculous and self righteous. Regardless of how many views it has gotten from the morbidly curious (myself included).

The holier-than-thou stuff gets old real quick.

This thread has degenerated into nothing so much as the Temperance League espousing their views for everybody else. zxcvbob said it very well in post #177. Personal opinion (and I freely admit its merely my opinion) - your reply to him sucked.

Got it?

Threadlock. Please!

 

[SuperNaut]

you seem to be implying you support the habit of shooting while intoxicated.

Only if you haven't read any of my posts in this thread.

 

[bear71]

"(and I freely admit its merely my opinion)"

You know what they say about opinions.....

 

[meef]

"(and I freely admit its merely my opinion)"

You know what they say about opinions.....

Yep. And I don't suppose you are aware of what I say about self righteous posters in a thread such as this one.

They are similar.

Threadlock please!

 

[bear71]

Settle down, meefie babe....

You know what Mick Jagger had to say about that.

U cant always git wot u wont

Funny, with about 150 excellent threads going on you find yourself here pleading.

 

[meef]

bear71:

Settle down, meefie babe....

You know what Mick Jagger had to say about that.

U cant always git wot u wont

Funny, with about 150 excellent threads going on you find yourself here pleading.

Actually bear71, what Mick said was:

"You can't always get what you want."

He was a bit more literate than you seem to exhibit.

As to settle down, I'm doing fine. How are you?

Threadlock please!

 

[bear71]

Look, meef, I'm not even sure who you are criticizing here in this thread. Me for starting it, a bunch of people who voted "not a single drop" or those that elected to choose one of the other options.

In my opinion it boils down to this. Should it be considered dangerous or irresponsible behavior for a 300 pound man to handle and discharge a firearm after he's had a 12 ounce can of 3:2 beer (that's the weak stuff in case you don't have it out west).

This thread has been popular and some interesting debates have developed. It's a sensitive subject that most people wil feel strongly about one way or another.

I, myself, don't even drink, doesn't taste good to me anymore. Back in the day I've participated in shooting excercises on private land where a bunch of guys have had a few beers apiece and commenced responsibly and enjoyably discharging firearms. It was, frankly, a non issue, much like a crew of guys might share some brews while tuning a V-8 or clearing a field with implements.

I'm curious what exactly is your complaint with the thread, it seems to have garnered significant interest from people from all walks of life.

 

[meef]

bear71:

In my opinion it boils down to this.

I'm not going to bother to remind what you said about opinions a few posts ago.

And I'm likewise not going to continue arguing (or whatever we're doing here) with you.

I think I have stated repeatedly what I feel this thread is worth and won't bother to pitch in any more.

Enjoy.

 

[savetheclaypigeons]

I have 36 gallons of wine just fermenting in the basement along with a growing wine cellar. I have over a dozen guns upstairs. I enjoy both worlds but never at the same time