So I'm thinking of buying a gun.

[stumpjumper]

I don't own a gun but I was thinking of purchasing one primarily for target shooting.

My dad has always owned a gun (a few) and he taught me to shoot when I was of age.

It has been a while since I shot a gun but I went for a couples weekend to the Poconos last weekend and one of my buddies brought his handguns (two 22's) and an assault rifle (M-13 I think).

I gotta admit. I had a good time at the shooting range.

Do you all think there is anything inherently un-Christian about owning a gun? I don't think so but I thought it might make an interesting discussion.

[MrJim]

:D first uberLutheran and now you~you're screwing up all my prejudices of liberals^_^

I've got a fair amount of handguns, just renewed my concealed-carry license for PA~if you have any gun questions I can probably answer them.

I've neither shot nor carried in a couple years-not sure why, guess mostly time. I've got the following: Mk2 Ruger .22 auto, Beretta Tomcat .32 auto, Smith & Wesson Model 60 .38 Spl, Thompson/Center Contender with .22 & .357 Magnum barrels, Beretta 92S 9mm auto, Charter Arms Bulldog .44 Spl, Ruger Redhawk .44 Magnum

While as anabaptist I wouldn't go to war nor actually use a weapon to defend myself, I would defend the defenseless around me if necessary. I love to shoot; I love the feel of a well built firearm; I love the different mechanisms of the handguns; I love the accuracy of a precision weapon; but also have to deal with the inherent power a firearm brings ("God created man; Samuel Colt made them equal" ;) ).

Things are not inherently evil~a good kitchen carving knife can do more damage in close range than some of my guns. You want to use it as a target shooter~great sport-ask any Olympic (http://www.usashooting.org/) shooter ;)

[stumpjumper]

Thanks MrJim.

I'm probably going to start with a rifle. I've shot my dad's 38's and his old Army .44 handgun but he never owned a rifle. I really liked the feel of a rifle and sport shooting was a thrill.

The precision on that assault rifle was pretty incredible.

[Tavita]

I don't think there's anything wrong with having guns. I would love to own a gun and be able to go to a gun club for training and practice.

In fact, a few years ago I was invited to a rifle range at the local Army Camp with some other civilians. It was like a PR type of day. I used a rifle and handgun, and was told by a couple of Commandos and one Special Air Serviceman that I should have been a sniper and was asked if I did shoot in a gun club. Wish I did, and could...

I love that movie, Sniper... :P

[Rowan]

I really really want to go to a shooting range. Me and my mom think it will be a good thing to do together as mother and daughter.

Un-Christian? I think it depends on intention. I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with target practice or self-defense. I also don't think war is inherently un-Christian. Shooting to kill innocent people is obviously not cool.

Other things should be considered, too. Since I'm single with no kids, I can talk about getting this or that gun, but I have to admit, my conscious would prick me if I owned a gun in a household with kids. Sure, my dad owns the same rifle he's had ever since I was born, easily found and loaded, but still...accidents happen.

[MrJim]

Thanks MrJim.

I'm probably going to start with a rifle. I've shot my dad's 38's and his old Army .44 handgun but he never owned a rifle. I really liked the feel of a rifle and sport shooting was a thrill.

The precision on that assault rifle was pretty incredible.

I would actually recommend starting with a bolt action rifle. Sounds like you appreciate accuracy, and other than single shot you're best bet is a bolt~main reason most sniper rifles are bolt action is because of the accuracy. .22LR is a great caliber to start on~ammo is inexpensive and comes in a huge variety, and more practice the better. Can't go wrong with Thompson/Center, Ruger, Savage, and Remington. A lot of the autoloaders are capable of great accuracy too, just generally takes a bit more tinkering.

You probably have friends/relatives that have a .22 in the closet, ask around~gun people generally love to help out. If you can shoot a few different types/brands you'll find a preference.


http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/images/Product-Models/40.jpg

The only .22 rifle I ever owned was this Ruger 77/22. It had a 4x Leupold scope and was a real beauty~sold all my rifles...:doh:

[Joykins]

As someone who can't hit the broad side of the barn, I affirm that the world is a safer place when I do not have a firearm. ^_^ I don't think there's anything wrong in target shooting though.

[MrJim]

As someone who can't hit the broad side of the barn, I affirm that the world is a safer place when I do not have a firearm. ^_^ I don't think there's anything wrong in target shooting though.

I bet you just need a little practice, that's all:thumbsup:

[longhair75]

As a gun owner, I think Mr. Jim is correct. a .22 rifle would be an excellent choice for you.

[porterross]

.357 magnum, hammerless revolver :)

I only LOOK defenseless. ;)

[Izdaari]

Customized Browning Hi-Power .40 S&W. I don't particularly look defenseless (think early Joan Jett) and I'm not. ;)



Jim, a .22 rifle would be a fine choice.

[Tenebrae]

I hate the things, however I've grown up in a country with really tight gun controls.

I dont see owning a gun as having any impact on ones faith though

[Lisa0315]

I don't own a gun but I was thinking of purchasing one primarily for target shooting.

My dad has always owned a gun (a few) and he taught me to shoot when I was of age.

It has been a while since I shot a gun but I went for a couples weekend to the Poconos last weekend and one of my buddies brought his handguns (two 22's) and an assault rifle (M-13 I think).

I gotta admit. I had a good time at the shooting range.

Do you all think there is anything inherently un-Christian about owning a gun? I don't think so but I thought it might make an interesting discussion.

There is definitely nothing WRONG with owning a gun. I think that those who claim it, and those who are trying to take away the right, blame the object, rather than the people who misuse guns.

I say, it is UBER American to own a gun as you are entitled under the Constitution. As for whether or not it is a Christian thing, well, that is your Christian liberty. For some, such as our Amish type brothers and sisters, yeah, perhaps it is. It is their belief I suppose, but I imagine that they own guns, just do not go to war with them. I really don't know. There is nothing in Scripture that prohibits owning a weapon.

Lisa

[GreenMunchkin]

Don't like guns :( Hate guns.

It may be cos in the UK they're really uncommon, but mostly, they were created to kill. That they're also used to target shooting, etc is a by-product. They were created by man to kill another man, and I think they're scary :(

[Joykins]

I bet you just need a little practice, that's all:thumbsup:

No, I grew up with some vision problem similar to lazy eye that I compensated for extremely well and is pretty much gone but I still have hand-eye coordination problems. Target shooting is not very enjoyable when you rarely hit the target.

[MrJim]

.357 magnum, hammerless revolver :)

I only LOOK defenseless. ;)


http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/images/ssi/31866.jpg

ok I see what the hammerless business is~bet that's a handful:ebil:

[MrJim]

Customized Browning Hi-Power .40 S&W. I don't particularly look defenseless (think early Joan Jett) and I'm not. ;)

http://bestsmileys.com/drooling/3.gif

When I was shopping for a 9mm 10 years ago I almost got a Hi-Power, but I didn't want a Single Action Auto, so went with the Beretta (HK & Glock didn't fit my hand as well as the Beretta). I would like to at least shoot one someday. It's neat how small they are yet fit my hand well and held what, 13 rounds I think?:thumbsup:

[MrJim]

No, I grew up with some vision problem similar to lazy eye that I compensated for extremely well and is pretty much gone but I still have hand-eye coordination problems. Target shooting is not very enjoyable when you rarely hit the target.

My wife has something similar...guess that's why shotguns were invented ;)

http://bestsmileys.com/shooting1/3.gif

[porterross]

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/images/ssi/31866.jpg

ok I see what the hammerless business is~bet that's a handful:ebil:

And it slides in and out of your pocket with ease. ;) My buddies in law enforcement introduced me to these beauties and being in Texas and all. :sorry: :tutu:

Really, I'm pretty easy going......until you get on my bad side. :P

[Rhamiel]

a good bat or night stick is just as good for home defense and you are less likely to hurt a loved one by mistake.
but if you want a gun I am all for it, it is your right after all.and wow is that magnum sure is pretty

[stumpjumper]

I've been looking at bolt action rifles.

My buddy had a 30-06 that he offered to let me use for a while.

[MrJim]

I've been looking at bolt action rifles.

My buddy had a 30-06 that he offered to let me use for a while.

:D well don't turn it down~there's a plethora of ammo for that caliber, including some particularly interesting saboted .22 rounds:ebil:(never replace a 22-250 but interesting anyhow).

Gotta place to shoot?

[stumpjumper]

Gotta place to shoot?

Yup.

We have a family cabin in Albrightsville, Pa.

Nice shooting range.

[chaoschristian]

This NRA card-carrying Christian has no problems with owning guns, it's what you do with them that counts.

Home-defense is not in picture for me. My guns are locked up in the basement and the ammo is locked up in another room. They're all rifles anyway, not really practical for stopping someone who's already in the house.

Target shooting is what we do, and it's a great challenge and great fun. If that's what you want to do, Stump, then bolt-action is certainly the way to go.

[Ishida]

No worse than archery I would assume. But I'm not a gun man. (If I were, I'd wanna dual-wield em. >:])

[GratiaCorpusChristi]

I own a Third Reich Mauser made in Yugoslavia in 1944 (8mm), a Rock River Arms AR-15 (civilian model of the M-4, 5.56mm/.233 cal), and a Springfield Armory 1911 A1 Mil-Spec .45 pistol.

I highly recommend all three. The American World War II M1 is also an excellent choice.

[Izdaari]

http://bestsmileys.com/drooling/3.gif

When I was shopping for a 9mm 10 years ago I almost got a Hi-Power, but I didn't want a Single Action Auto, so went with the Beretta (HK & Glock didn't fit my hand as well as the Beretta). I would like to at least shoot one someday. It's neat how small they are yet fit my hand well and held what, 13 rounds I think?:thumbsup:
That's right, 13+1 in 9mm, 10+1 in .40 S&W. I prefer SA autos carried in "Condition One" (aka "Cocked and Locked"), but DA autos have advantages too, mainly legal IMO. If I wanted DA I'd get a Glock. I'm tall and have very big hands for a woman so it isn't really an issue for me, but the Browning fits people with smaller hands very well for a double column magazine. It points well, feels good and is a simple and reliable design. It's also quite slim except for the grip, so it conceals better than a full size auto has any right to.

[porterross]

That's right, 13+1 in 9mm, 10+1 in .40 S&W. I prefer SA autos carried in "Condition One" (aka "Cocked and Locked"), but DA autos have advantages too, mainly legal IMO. If I wanted DA I'd get a Glock. I'm tall and have very big hands for a woman so it isn't really an issue for me, but the Browning fits people with smaller hands very well for a double column magazine. It points well, feels good and is a simple and reliable design. It's also quite slim except for the grip, so it conceals better than a full size auto has any right to.


:bow: I repsect you, Izdaari.
Semi-autos scare me and if I were shaking at the idea of having to actually use a weapon on someone, I know I'd be too weak to cock one. :sorry:

You lot would enjoy our Chamber's annual Wild game Dinner. Close to 100 hunting rifles, shotguns and over/unders are raffled off to raise money and the wild game meal is pretty darn good, too. :thumbsup:

.

[Izdaari]

Thank you, porterross! :kiss:

You know the real reason I prefer semi-autos? It's because I can't shoot worth a darn with revolvers, at least not in rapid-fire DA mode.

[longhair75]

Thank you, porterross! :kiss:

You know the real reason I prefer semi-autos? It's because I can't shoot worth a darn with revolvers, at least not in rapid-fire DA mode.
You just need to get the revolver tuned. Most of them, off the shelf, have very stiff actions. Lighten the springs and smooth off the edges of the working parts and a S&W .357 will shoot very nicely in DA mode.

[MrJim]

...who'd a thought these easy-goin' moderate christians would be so well armed :)

[longhair75]

...who'd a thought these easy-goin' moderate christians would be so well armed :)
I have:

Remington 870 Wingmaster 12 gauge shotgun
High Standard "Riot" 12 gauge (18 1/2" barrel) shotgun
Remington 20 gauge shotgun
Ruger 10/22 rifle
Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 Magnum pistol
Smith & Wesson model 19 .357 Magnum pistol
Belgium made Browning HiPower 9mm pistol

[Izdaari]

You just need to get the revolver tuned. Most of them, off the shelf, have very stiff actions. Lighten the springs and smooth off the edges of the working parts and a S&W .357 will shoot very nicely in DA mode.
You may have a point there. As a former IPSC competitor, customized, tuned SA autos are what I'm used to shooting, but I've never shot a tuned DA revolver. I also never practiced with a DA revolver enough to develop any real skill with them. I almost bought a Colt Python .357 once, just because I loved the look and feel of it. Maybe I'll give revolvers another chance.

[longhair75]

You may have a point there. As a former IPSC competitor, customized, tuned SA autos are what I'm used to shooting, but I've never shot a tuned DA revolver. I also never practiced with a DA revolver enough to develop any real skill with them. I almost bought a Colt Python .357 once, just because I loved the look and feel of it. Maybe I'll give revolvers another chance.
Back when my eyesight was a little better ( I am up for cataract removal in a month) I shot a six shot, two inch group at fifty feet from a rest with my S&W Model 19 .357 (four inch barrel)

Off hand, I can usually get all six on a playing card at fifty feet.

[Izdaari]

Back when my eyesight was a little better ( I am up for cataract removal in a month) I shot a six shot, two inch group at fifty feet from a rest with my S&W Model 19 .357 (four inch barrel)

Off hand, I can usually get all six on a playing card at fifty feet.
I can do that rapid fire with an auto. I can do it slow fire with a revolver, cocking it each time. But rapid fire DA with a revolver, I'd be lucky to keep them all on a man-size target at 50 feet.

Good luck on your cataract removal. :hug:

[MrJim]

:cool:

[longhair75]

I can do that rapid fire with an auto. I can do it slow fire with a revolver, cocking it each time. But rapid fire DA with a revolver, I'd be lucky to keep them all on a man-size target at 50 feet.

Good luck on your cataract removal. :hug:
Tuning the revolver makes all the difference. A hard stiff trigger pull throws my aim up and to the right (or left depending on which hand I am using) lighter springs and smoothing the action down brought my DA trigger pull weight to less than the semi auto pull weight on my browning HP.

Thanks for the well wishes. The other eye was a success, so I am optimistic

[MrJim]

Fast wheelguns and I always think of Jerry Miculek (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Miculek)

Dude if freakin' inhuman with that gun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uisHfKj2JiI


youtube (http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=miculek&search=Search) has a mess of clips of this guy...

[BenedicamusDomino]

I almost bought a Colt Python .357 once, just because I loved the look and feel of it. Maybe I'll give revolvers another chance.


Colt Python...got to be the best wheelgun ever produced!



:thumbsup:

[SumTinWong]

I have a sling shot and three smooth stones as my protection ;)

No guns here but my family has and had guns, they go hunting all the time. i never caught the bug and my wife is deathly afraid of having them int he house so i will have to just rent dirty harry movies or something to get my fill :)

[MrJim]

I have a sling shot and three smooth stones as my protection ;)

No guns here but my family has and had guns, they go hunting all the time. i never caught the bug and my wife is deathly afraid of having them int he house so i will have to just rent dirty harry movies or something to get my fill :)

^_^