Things I can't prove, but believe...

[HoosierQ]

I would agree that Open Carry causes problems for us. Can't prove it. But if I see somebody in the grocery store, who clearly isn't an LEO, with a big 6" revolver on his hip, I know, down in my brain that he is exercising a right that he has (assuming he is legal in doing so in the state). But, in my heart, I just gotta wonder what he is trying to prove. Now, me, understanding guns, I leave it alone, and think little of it.

Somebody who is scared of guns, but let's just say is not fundamentally anti-gun...just somebody who doesn't really get the whole thing...I think they are going to come away from such a thing really freaked out, things like "gun nut" rolling around in their head...and thus such a person might be lost forever into the camp of the anti's instead of remaining on the fence where we could maybe have some education or "conversion" if you will.

Now I am not talking about somebody out fly fishing or Alaska or something here, I am talking about the grocery store or the drugstore here in the midwest where concealed carry is legal with permit.

 

[18DAI]

I believe shot placement trumps everything else.

I believe six shots is adequate for 99% of all situations.

I believe Smith & Wesson went out of business in 2001.

 

[mbt2001]

I Believe

1.) ...in the Categorical Imperative

2.) ...that in shoot outs you stay low and keep firing

3.) ...that ALL men are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, among those are LIFE, LIBERTY and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.

4.) ...that "as long as mankind shall continue to bestow more liberal applause on their destroyers than on their benefactors, the thirst of military glory will ever be the vice of the most exalted characters."

5.) ....that I will "... see my Pilot face to face when I have crossed the bar."

 

[Noxx]

Things I believe -

(I belive I may have posted this list before)

I believe every able bodied man should be responsible to know the following things, and that failure to do so is of great detriment to the overall health of our common fraternity...

-How to safely operate, break, and clean the basic types of firearms.

-How to operate and perform basic maintenance on an automobile, be it automatic or standard, including tree shift. The same for a motorcycle, a small watercraft, and a snowmobile.

-How to start a fire without modern tools.

-How to hold a damn door open.

-How to catch, clean and prepare a fish.

-The fundamental principles of the gasoline engine, electricity, indoor plumbing, and elevation of the toilet seat.

-How to saddle, care for, and ride a horse.

-The fundamentals of pugilism. In fact, if you've never been drilled in the nose, have someone do it for you today so you can associate yourself with the sensation.

-The broad range of basic first aid, from a splint to CPR to a chest wound.

-When to shut up. The less you say, the more you hear, and the more you hear, the better off you are.

In addition to these standards of manhood, I believe the following things to be true.

Every house should have a shotgun.

God created the seven iron to show his pity for golfers and our plight.

Carnivores are pets, herbivores are food. (Horses excepted)

Colt revolvers are shiny, but they turn the wrong way, and should be relegated to collectible status.

Paying property tax is just a polite way of saying you rent what you're supposed to own, from the government.

People with mustaches and no beards are either cops, creepy, or both.

People who don't like dogs are not to be trusted.

The Russian influx of 7.62x54R milsurps is part of a plot to destroy the American labor force through shoulder injury.

I don't care how exotic it is, if it makes the kitchen smell like feet, you probably shouldn't eat it.

Date a redhead, but marry a blond.

Middle management is the polite American version of welfare. They don't do, produce, or really affect anything, but they put on a tie and show up so we give them enough to live on.

Johnny Carson was better.

An education is a lot like a firearm, it's not worth much if you give it to an idiot.

People take themselves too seriously 90% of the time, and other people too seriously 99% of the time. Nobody's getting out alive, relax.

I believe someone should pay me for sitting around thinking up this stuff.


I believe I could do this for hours, but I should probably go change the oil in my bike.....

 

[mgregg85]

Hmm,

Well I believe that Taurus might as well make a CCW version of the Judge because its really only good for shooting at extreme close ranges(say under 7 yards) and that is the most common distance separating people in a shooting.

I believe the .30-06 is the ideal all-around rifle caliber for all North American big game and lots of African game too.

I believe Kel-Tec is one of the coolest American firearms manufacturers(innovation and originality) and that Ruger should come up with it's own designs.

I believe that manual safeties are pointless and completely unnecessary on double action only pistols with medium to heavy triggers(glock, XD, P3AT, etc).

I believe that the 1911 is perhaps the greatest .45 ACP handgun made and the Hi-Power is the best 9mm handgun made. I also believe that John Moses Browning is the greatest firearms designer to date.

 

[crushbup]

Obviously written by a virgin

Sure, sex is nice, but until you've tried it while shooting tin cans with a .22, you haven't lived.

 

[steveracer]

I just came back from a week in England, and I can tell you:

I believe that we've got it pretty good here.

I believe that there's a good way to do everything, and a bad
way to do everything, and that we do most things in the middle.

I believe that there's more to this life than we know about, and we'll NEVER know while we live.

That the HiPower is the greatest and best 9mm handgun on the planet, and the CZ-75 is the second greatest.

That S&W got revolvers right, and that Colt's got things almost right.

That we are never going to improve on the Model 10.

That if you own a .22, a 12 gauge, a .45, and a 30-06, you've got the bases all covered, and the rest is gravy.

That if those of us trained and experienced to carry a gun are actually an asset to the people around us, not a danger.

 

[Geronimo45]

Snakes should stay off of planes.

Shiny things are good.

Sex is overrated.

CSI Miami can be hilarious.

.32 ACP is great fun.

9mm weapons will be more reliable than .45 weapons due to the easier taper of the 9mm round.

There is less authoritative data on handguns than on any other type of firearm.

All that matters in shooting is that the bullet travels where you want it to go. How you manage that is up to you.

Nukes will be launched by somebody at live targets within 50 years.

 

[harmon rabb]

Sex is overrated.

No. It's not. Sorry.

 

[GoodKat]

Proof exists only in the realm of mathematics.

As for things that I cannot substantiate with logic and/or objective empirical evidence(assuming that my senses are indeed reliable and that other people exist in the same way I do) nothing I can think of. I made up my mind long ago that it was supremely arrogant and foolish to disagree with anyone without an objective reason, and no matter what you believe, someone will disagree with you. I actively purge all unsubstantiated beliefs and cognitive biases from my mind in order to be right as often as possible.

 

[vanguard]

- Any caliber will do the job if you shoot him in the chest, even a .22

- Honest men lie about their shooting accuracy and the fuel economy of their diesel trucks

- Lots of guys hate some guns simply because they can't afford them

- Grammar nazis are generally disliked but they perform a vital role on the internet

- Guns must be stored in holsters or gun safes. Loose guns get people shot by accident

- You don't have to carry *all* the time to find guns useful. Having it in the car, house, and when you're leaving your safe routine isn't so bad.

 

[Baneblade]

Unfortunately I have found the open carry issue to be mostly true... (location is very important)
"Officer, that person over there has a GUN!"
I look and respond, "okay." (Knowing I am about to get a complaint)
"Well, aren't you going to do something about it?!"
In my mind... don't get yourself fired, don't get yourself fired...
"I will go talk to them."
After which I have a 1/2 hour conversation with the retired New York firefighter who is enjoying his right to open carry in Arizona.

Unfortunately many people do not see those who open carry as honest law abiding rights exercising citizens.

As a LEO, do you know what I see when someone is open carrying? My backup. Those are the people I look to for help. And I know many of them would love nothing more than to stumble on a situation where I look at them and yell, "HELP!"

If you ever find yourself in that situation, try not to smile as you come to the officer's aid, it can be difficult to explain to an attorney.

By the way, revolvers draw much less negative attention than autos, and single action revolvers combined with a cowboy hat, boots, and excessively large belt buckle (based on my experience in Arizona) never draw negative attention.

 

[General Geoff]

Unfortunately I have found the open carry issue to be mostly true... (location is very important)
"Officer, that person over there has a GUN!"
I look and respond, "okay." (Knowing I am about to get a complaint)
"Well, aren't you going to do something about it?!"
In my mind... don't get yourself fired, don't get yourself fired...
"I will go talk to them."

What you should do:

"Officer, that person over there has a GUN!"
"I see."
"Well, aren't you going to do something about it?!"
"They're not breaking any laws so far as I can tell, so no."

 

[76shuvlinoff]

and the winner is!

People take themselves too seriously 90% of the time, and other people too seriously 99% of the time. Nobody's getting out alive, relax.

I believe the road is wide and there's an ass for every saddle...
...or is it a saddle for every ass??

I believe I forget things.

 

[Baneblade]

General, that is what I would like to do. Hense the "complaint" comment. The part where I should be able to say "They're not breaking any laws SO FAR AS I CAN TELL, so no" is where I get the complaint and get in trouble. The complaint is easy for my admin. Someone stated to me they believed a firearm carrying person was breaking a law, why didn't you investigate? I am obligated to based on state law, department policy, and the oath I took when I became a police officer.

I have had very bad luck on duty when it comes to explaining gun laws to those who think no one should have guns. I'm not necessarily talking about outright Anti, but people have made up their mind and are not interested in a knuckle dragging simpleton telling them otherwise. (they never bother to ask what kind of training, experience, and education we have)

Generally, the original reporting party is not happy until they see me contact the person with the gun. They want me to arrest the person. These are the same people at colleges, in municipal and county governments, in varying groups who absolutely believe in their Constitutional rights... but don't believe in someone elses.

So I go talk to the firearm carrying person. It has always been a friendly conversation. And the original reporter never sticks around to see what happens. They are content that this "criminal" is being dealt with and that they have fulfilled their civic duty.

I also have one big disadvantage in this situation. I have to be careful to keep my personal opinions and beliefs out of it. I have a job to do, a duty to fulfill, and my personal beliefs will get me into trouble... even when they are based on support of the Bill of Rights. 1st, 2nd, and 10th amendments in particular.

 

[shiftyer1]

I believe that plinkin at coffee cans with my grandfather was probably the most memerable part of my childhood.

I believe he really could light a match shooting from 100 yards. I just wish the wind would have let up just 1 time in all those years so he could have shown me. lol

I believe if you don't fight for your rights you will lose them.

I also believe that 99.9% of shooters are introduced to the sport by a family member, so try to include your sons, daughters, neices etc.

And I believe that polite society has ruined this country which is why oc scares people.

 

[CoRoMo]

DUDE!!!!! This should be a sticky on the General Gun Discussions page!!!!!

I love this thread!

I believe:

...that we are our own enemy when it comes to [strike]ammunition scarcity[/strike] compromises with the anti-freedom crowd on issues like...

• permits for concealed carry
• skill/achievement test for a concealed carry
• disenfranchisement of felons
• NICS checks at point of sale
• fill in the blank with your favorite gun-control law

 

[loop]

Baneblade,

I sincerely apologize for the difficulty I may cause you, however I am always happy to chat with our local law enforcement officers so, please, say hi when that Kalifornian whines at you.

There are only three exits on I-40 between me and California so I understand your dilemma.

I open carry every day. I would also be the first to act as backup with or without a request.

There is no way in h*** I would tolerate anyone opening fire on our guys.

The region has a lot to do with it. There isn't a lot of help out here. You can be hours away from backup and not even be that far away in terms of miles.

We live in the rural boonies, but we are fortunate enough to have a convenience store relatively nearby. The folks there are always happy to see me. They know that when I walk through the door there is a first line of defense.

When they run low on my favorite commodities and vices they put them in the office for me to ask for the next time I happen to stop by.

Local LE knows who I am, they know my car and my truck. Of the few times I've been stopped it has been to chat. I was stopped two weeks ago. We talked for about a half hour. On a clear and sunny day I drove away with a warning about turning on my windshield wipers. Guess he needed an excuse for BSing.

You're right, big old cowboy hat, turkey platter belt buckle and jeans tucked into the boots doesn't draw a look.

A 1911 and jeans over the boots makes Kalifornicators freak.

There have been many times I've heard a young one say "momma, is that a real cowboy?" Only to see her clutch her child to her side and whisper something to them. My answer is "I'm not a cowboy. I'm a wrangler. Wranglers work with horses. I teach cowboys' horses to do their job."

I admit, I do not understand why anyone would want to try and hide the fact they are carrying a gun, unless it is their backup gun. I want the bad guys to know that as long as I am standing there is no easy target.

Make me the first target. That's OK, I've lived a long life. If I am the first target the last one comes up at least one body less.

I thank you for your service.

I will be at your service should the occasion arise.

 

[BADSBSNF81]

I know for a fact that point shooting is viable.

Anti-gunners - I know for a fact that some anti-gunners sincerely believe that if there were no guns there would be less crime. I also know for a fact that some believe that only those in power should have any type of firearm and "in power" does not equate to law enforcement or military.

Facts - Ammunition scarcity is a combination of folks not trusting the sitting President/Democratic party, the on going war, priority of production capacity of the makers and less than ethical retailers who make it "appear" that ammunition is scarce in their shop so they can make a profit.

Plinking - It is not the most fun you can have, but, it rates a place in my top 10.


Open carry - Fact - merely exercising your right to open caryy does not cause a problem Uneducated people and criminals are the problem.

Criminals - Fact - None of the ones I've met wanted to get shot, hit, cuffed, stabbed or tazed.

I believe that there are enough laws regarding firearms already in place. Enforce what's on the books for 10 years then ask me again.
I believe that everyone wants to go to heaven, but, most don't want to die to achieve that goal.

 

[RobMoore]

I believe - that unsighted shooting isn't any faster than sighted shooting, and that you don't get the instant feedback of being able to call your shots. By only looking at the target, imperfections in your grip/aim aren't readily apparent, and the only feedback you have in order to make corrections is your target's continued ability to return fire. At least by having your sights in your eyeline, you can see if you're hitting where you want to be.

 

[SureThing]

I believe....

Excluding slavery, the nation would be better off today had the South won the war of Northern Aggression...AKA The Civil War.

 

[.38 Special]

"that shooting tin cans with a .22 is the most fun you can have, ever."
Obviously written by a virgin

Or a man that's been married for a long time.

I believe that point shooting is a non-issue. If you want to demonstrate your bravery, you'll advocate for hip shooting!

 

[Ala Dan]

-that selling alcohol in establishments that are open 24/7, in a state
that allows carry into bars; is only inviting trouble~!

 

[crebralfix]

I believe that 90% of the American population has no idea what liberty means. They have no idea what living in liberty means either.

 

[GoodKat]

I do not understand why anyone would want to try and hide the fact they are carrying a gun, unless it is their backup gun.

Not that I would actually do this, but if I were planning to rob a store, and I saw you standing in there with your gun on your side, I would probably either not rob the store, or walk up behind you and shoot you in the back of the head. Not letting anyone know about my gun means I can shoot the robber in the back.