Do you think that more lawfully armed Americans is a good or bad thing and why?

SGT Chris Wagoner — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 06:15:25 -0400

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2017 6:28 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 06:28:14 -0400

That's a good question. There is not enough evidence too clearly say yeh or nah.

Response by SFC William "Bill" Moore made Aug 28 at 2017 7:47 AM

SFC William "Bill" Moore — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 07:47:06 -0400

Lawfully armed and trained = Good
Lawfully armed and Untrained = Not so good

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Aug 28 at 2017 8:34 AM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 08:34:06 -0400

I would say it's a good thing. I say that from a law enforcement perspective. After 30+ years on the job, I can tell you that bad guys will always have guns. All the laws in the world won't stop them because they don't follow laws.

The only way to combat the bad guys is to have good guys with guns. Prison doesn't scare bad guys, the police don't scare bad guys, what does scare them is Joe Citizen who isn't afraid and is willing to send them to Hell.

However, I would require mandatory training and yearly update training for anyone who is carrying a gun. Along with the usual criminal and mental health checks.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Aug 28 at 2017 5:30 PM

MSG Stan Hutchison — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 17:30:17 -0400

I worked in a pawn shop, and then a gun store for over 8 years, selling guns. I then opened my own shop, got an FFL, and sold guns for another 5 years.

It would amaze some of you if you saw and heard some of the things I did over those years.

I support ownership of guns 100%,,,, if the individuals know what the hell they are doing. I saw far too many people attempting to buy a weapon when they had no concept of how to operate it, what "gun safety" meant, and other issues, such as penetrating power, where and when to shoot, etc.

My fear is if more and more of these type folks go around carrying a firearm, the potential of a disaster, big or small, will also continue to grow.

By the way, just being " a good guy with a gun" is not sufficient recommendation, IMO.

Response by SPC(P) Mike Conley Jr. made Aug 29 at 2017 9:53 AM

SPC(P) Mike Conley Jr. — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 09:53:01 -0400

Most certainly a good thing. Laws only effect people willing to follow them. Gun free zones create targets and venerable groups of people. I carry and will always carry where legal.

Response by SGT Harvey Watson made Sep 2 at 2017 8:01 AM

SGT Harvey Watson — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 08:01:12 -0400

I support American Citizens being legally armed 100%. "better to be the wolf than the sheep"
I do believe in smart gun ownership. I would never take an American Citizen's guns away based on age, my grandfather kept his until the day he died and he suffered from Alzheimer's. He was never a threat to anyone or himself and respected the importance of his Right but also Privilege to Bear Arms.

Criminals will always find a way to get the better of you, wouldn't you prefer to have something in store for them if that day ever comes? I know I would. I think the more important issue is legislation that protects the gun owner better than it currently does. In acts of self defense a CC permit holder should not have to have insurance for the pending lawsuit that follows protecting yourself and family. When did it become the honest citizen on trial when a criminal with deadly intent gets a taste of their own medicine?