This one is not for hunting, best suited for home or self defense.
This is something I see mentioned alot on another American based guitar forum I go on that has a massive gun culture on it and I always think of 1 thing: what could possibly come into your house where you'd need an assault rifle to take it down?! Surely a handgun would suffice in most places? Also, if you live in an area where you need something such as this to defend yourself or your home; wouldn't you be better off moving to a different area? :lol:
The last bit is said partly tongue in cheek but it always springs to mind whenever I see someone say it on the other forum.
Btw, I'm not anti gun in any way and ask purely out of interest. I know the USA and UK are different cultures, and I also respect the 'right'/laws you have to own guns etc, just thought I'd ask as think I could get a decent answer from here instead of the typical gun toting redneck stuff that gets spouted on the other forum :lol:
one problem with using hand guns for home defense is that it takes quite a bit of practice to become a decent enough shot to use accurately in a situation that is high stress. Also, through my line of work I have seen people shot multiple times by "assault" type weapons and survive and take themselves to the hospital. So, an "assault type weapon is not necessarily any more lethal than a bolt action for hunting. They shoot the same calibers, but just happen to look more intimidating and carry more bullets.
one problem with using a rifle as home defense is that the bullet travels very fast and has a tendency to travel through what you are shooting at. There is a good chance if someone breaks into your house and you shoot the intruder with a rifle, the bullet will go through the intruder, your wall, and anything else for a fair distance before stopping. It is always important to know your backdrop when shooting.
If you are going to own firearms, at least be responsible enough to practice properly and know how to safely handle one. Also, take care in how you store your fire arms.
I personally own 46 guns (mostly hunting rifles and shotguns) and grew up around guns. I mainly use them for hunting, but i keep my sidearm near me at all times an a shotgun upstairs. I respect everyones choice to own a firearm, if you do not feel the need, do not get a gun.
Also, i do not necessarily understand why having a 30 round magazine always is brought up because reloading a "hunting rifle" does not take long enough to make a difference in a rapid deployment situation. Is a semi auto handgun be a "assault weapon" because it carries more rounds than a revolver? i reality i can reload my revolver just as quickly as someone can drop their mag and reload their semi auto pistol.
I've rambled enough, hope i didn't come across as a huge gun toting southerner (i am), but i have no problem understanding why firearms should be better controlled and see the other side of the argument. I just happen to disagree.
One problem is that, in my line of work, most of the guns i run into, being used in the commission of crime are stolen. To quote a past arrestee "what do you think im gonna shoot someone with MY gun" the guns are going to get into the hands of the wrong people, no matter how much control you try to put on the sale of firearms. All banning guns would do would disarm the law abiding public.
