George Zimmerman is not your typical gun owner. Just FYI.
There are a lot of myths about gun owners on the Interwebs. For whatever reason, people seem to believe everything they read, watch and listen to about gun owners. Not good — because most of what people read, watch and listen to is B.S.
So, in any effort to dispel some of the myths about gun owners and to disabuse those with anti-gun sentiments, here are 10 untruths about those who embrace their Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms:
1. Gun Owners Dream About Killing Someone
Not true. Certainly we prepare to use deadly force, but we don’t yearn to take a life. Would we fatally shoot a serial rapist, pedophile or spree killer who was about to perpetrate an act of violence? Absolutely, but it’s not something we dream about doing.
2. All Gun Owners Are Republicans
Not true. Many are, but many are not. For the record though, the GOP tends to be more gun-friendly than the Dems.
3. Every Gun Owner is a Member of the NRA
Nope, not true either. There are approximately 100 million gun owners in this country, of which only 5 million are official members of the National Rifle Association. While the NRA fights to protect the rights of all gun owners, it only represents a fraction of the gun-owning population
4. Gun Owners Are Mostly White, Old, Fat, Bald Guys
Meet urban gun enthusiast Colion Noir (see below). He is neither white nor old nor fat nor bald. There are many others like him. Hank Strange for example, is also not a white, fat, bald guy.
5. Gun Owners Only Socialize with Other Gun Owners
Not true. Many gun owners have coworkers, friends, wives, partners, boyfriends, girlfriends, children that just aren’t into firearms. We peacefully coexist with mostly everybody.
6. The Bigger the Gun the Smaller the “Gun”
Not true. Just because someone prefers long arms or large caliber weapons doesn’t mean they are compensating for a anatomical deficiency. Trust me on this one… Wait, that sounds weird.
Nothing against this man, but why this picture?!
7. All Gun Owners Believe in God
False! There are atheist gun owners, like myself.
8. Hunting Is the Reason Why Gun Owners Support the Second Amendment
Hunting is a reason why gun owners support the Second Amendment, but it isn’t the only one. The primary reason gun owners support the right to keep and bear arms is for self-defense — not only against evildoers, but also against government tyranny.
9. All Gun Owners Rightly Believe 9mm is Superior to .45 ACP
Nope. Believe it or not, some actually think that .45 ACP is superior to 9mm. Crazy, right? We call these gun owners, “noobs.”
10. Gun Owners Don’t Have a Sense of Humor
False! Read number nine (it was a joke). Also, maybe number six (I’m not saying we’re funny, just saying that we have a sense of humor).
#10 is honest and funny and almost makes up for part of #8. The Second Amendment is second, not first. It is a mere instrument to protect what is natural to us, namely a free conscience. A man without consciousness, and all that implies, is simply not man at all–not if he is defined as a thing that “thinks.” The Founders knew this. The Second Amendment is there, in second place (get it?), to insure that we are able to do something to protect that which defines us as MAN, i.e., free to think and free to speak as we think. Hunting is not mentioned in the Constitution. Why? Because the Founders were knew that it is “not by bread alone” that man is man, i.e., they were wise men. Man lives as man by a thing we all have access to internally, and may or may not act upon as we wisely or foolishly decide, eh?
So, let’s not confuse people who are already confused and who, for example, think that “all men are created equal,” and at the same time, and with equal indifference to reason, think that a woman can not decide what to do with her own body; or, who believe that the state has no right to establish laws that define or control what we believe, but that being “Christians” we can make state and federal laws that enforce our own religious beliefs over others. Is that clear? JWC
Well, I think the discussion of #9 proves #10 is “True,” not False.
Could have done without that picture, too. Will have nightmares tonight.
I know Tom, that shit stained my brain, and ruined my Martini.
The s&w 629 is the only handgun I need I can conceal it with the right clothes. it prints but I don’t really care about that. nobody notices ,people don’t expect someone like me to have that iwb. I am 6’1 200#s and my smallest ccw is the g17 it’s definitely uncomfortable at times always carrying full size pieces, but guns are Not supposed to be comfortable they are supposed to be comforting.
Guess I am one of the typical gun owners, now. I have grown older with less hair and more weight and yes I fear God and respect him. One thing might want to consider is if most gun owners are old why? Could it be the self defense thinking is more than just being armed but also carries to even driving? I think so. Could it be self defense thinking has preventing them being in dumb situations which is much better protection than any handgun. Oh the list goes on and on.
I am seeing with females being much more concerned and willing to be armed and studying to do so carefully. Sadly too many women and men will say I probably can or think if I have too would be able to use my gun. Any tool you do not know is dangerous, none more so than the chain saw.
But my main reason to post is the advantage the smaller person has in a gun fight, please no instructor or law officer or such here, just a person thinking while sitting watching long line of law officers one day at buffet. I realized the smaller lady would be a very small target compared to the man who was four times her size (yep right beside each other in line). I understand in many cases size matters and as to targets I like bigger much better. Maybe the heart is no larger but the area of flesh which can hurt and bleed is major! Also often the big fat guy does not run as well. I know that for fact! lol
For those who may not know it you may be surprised to learn God says the wise man protects his household.
Please do not take my comments as throwing off any a person who says they have no need for God or even believes there is not one or such. They are entitled to their opinion as I am. Honest people can work with each other, regardless the differences we may have. Just as I have no problem with the person who totes a 22 or pocket knife. In my area many have died from the hands of a pocket knife. Still a very feared weapon.
I was once in situation following business being broken into where I thought was going to have to defend myself and found my heart was beating so hard thought it would jump out my chest, realized it was me and there was at least two on the other side of the plywood put up to cover busted door during early morning hours and was so thankful when as I did listen carefully at each words and their walking realized they were not crooks returning. Very much realized how different when you are in or possible real situation you best have a clear mind and be thinking very second. You best be able to control your heart and mind or you will not control what ever size or type of gun you hold.
What worries me the most is the politicians we elect. Some of them have done more to create tension and killings any gun company every could.
My girlfriend has a .380 & a retired deputy sheriff I once hunter with that was in a bunch of shootouts & was the best pistol shot I ever saw had a .380. He was fantastic with it. They didn’t have exploding bullets in those days but I still agree with Bill Jordan. A .357 magnum is the least powerful cartridge that will reliably kill a man. You can about catch a .380 in your hat at any significant range but it sure beats nothing when an intruder breaks in your bedroom. I don’t have any dedicated self defense guns so my hunting guns serve a duel role. I like the .44 magnum. Loaded to full power, it has too much recoil but drop the velocity to 11 or 12 hundred fps & it shoots nice & has more power than any .45 acp. I once used it to hog hunt with dogs but I just shoot it for fun these days. Yea, it is too big for a carry gun. I’m thinking .357 mag. for that. Like Bill said, “a pistol is because you always have it with you, if you know you are going to get in a shoot out, forget the pistol, carry a shotgun”. I will do everything I can to avoid a confrontation but if the former poster is right I would probably be good at it. I don’t get scared in a crisis, I don’t start shaking until it is over.
it all depends on what works best for you. 45apc, 9mm. or anything else. the important thing is that you realize you need the possible protection and are prepared. as the old saying goes (i.d rather have 12 jurors then 6 pallbearers).
your are right it isn’t what you own, but how well you can use it safely.
As a long time owner of 45’s and 9’s I feel strongly that 9’s were introduced because the users aka (the female and slightley built male soldier) were afraid of the 45 calibre was too heavy, and had too much recoil as well as too powerful for the job at hand. i.e. no one used the used the term ” double tap” until the 9’s were introduce to the American military. I do recall a statement made by a captured German soldier climbing out of the rubble and saying as he looked at the American’s .45 and then said “no wonder we are losing the war”.
And I recall that, the Seal teams were given their choice of calibre, and the majority choose the .45 over the .9. The reason is that the .45 does not need a “double tap’.
I agree that the 45 is superior fire power, but my 9 is less expensive at the range for those with small budgets. I can’t afford $1000 pistol and 50 cent rounds AND a $500 9mm with 25 cent rounds fit the budget better. Critical duty +P’s will still get the job done!
XD Mod.2 and a non religious democrat NRA member, who is a white male with a full head of hair, 6’2″ 190lb, and 42 years old. Not exactly the stereotypical gun owner!
‘#9. All Gun Owners Rightly Believe 9mm is Superior to .45 ACP;’
‘Nope. Believe it or not, some actually think that .45 ACP is superior to 9mm. Crazy, right? We call these gun owners, “noobs.”’
‘Noobs’, as in ‘Newbies’? Not So ! I was weaned on a .45ACP M1911A1, by my old Uncle Sam, at the tender age of 17 years, 3 weeks and 12 days of age, way back in 1970. It remains my favorite to this day, as does it remain a favorite amongst SOCOM Operators, as well. The FBI Hostage Rescue Team also utilize a .45ACP. The US Military is seriously considering returning to a larger diameter projectile, such as the .45ACP, once again itself, as the current 9mm simply cannot do the job that is expected of it. Just as the .38 Spl couldn’t stop Muslim radicals seeking Martyrdom, in the Philippines, in the last century, prompting our military to upgrade to the .45ACP M1911 to begin with.
While it’s true, that a 9mm Hollow Point expands to a diameter similar to a .45ACP Full Metal Jacket, It doesn’t compare to a .45ACP Jacketed Hollow Point round for wound size and pure energy upon impact. The military doesn’t utilize hollow point ammo, at any rate, leaving the poor little 9mm in a bad situation. A .36 cal. hole going in and coming out, as well.
Yes you have to determine which JHP ammo your .45ACP 1911 prefers, but since mine likes a 230grn JHP, I see no problems whatsoever.
Rocky. Thank you for saving me a lot of typing. I think the adoption of the weaker 9mm round is also responsible, in part, for the police now shooting people 12-15 times. Shot once with a 9mm just doesn’t seem to do it. Shot once with a .45 ACP, start digging a hole. Not a “noob” either, 40+ years in this game.
It was a S.H. BLANNELBERRY joke you guys.
See the answer to #10
I like all calibers.
They have a specific duty.
We put them to work.
actually, that’s not true. .45 ball is better than 9mm ball(both of which kind of suck) but there is literally no evidence that .45 hollow points are superior to 9mm hollow points. all evidence, from actual shootings, shows that there is virtually no difference between 9, .40, and .45. and 9 holds more rounds, is easier to shoot and get follow up shots with. people have the mistaken impression that people are comparing .45 ball to 9mm ball, and then comparing 9mm hollow points to .45 ball. that isnt the case. when using modern hollow point ammo, the differences and advantages disappear. yes the .45 expands slightly larger, but the difference in size is nowhere near as important as people think it is. all of these pistol rounds are far inferior to a 5.56 round, which is only .224 inches in diameter, compared to a .45 hollow point which can be almost an inch in diameter.
yes, the old .38 revolvers were definitely underpowered compared to the .45. there is definitely a minimum threshold for pistol rounds. but again, all of the evidence shows that the difference between modern hollow point ammo in 9mm, .40, and .45 is negligible, and there is no evidence that .45 is superior at all to 9mm. but there are advantages to carrying 9mm, because you can carry more rounds, there is less recoil, so it is easier to shoot, especially for follow up shots, and the gun can also be made smaller than what would be needed for a .45. plus, if you really wanted to you could just carry +p, or +p+ which would end up being more powerful than standard .45 anyway, and you could still hold 4-6 more rounds in an equal sized gun.
that being said, if one is comfortable with .45, and likes it, and feels safer carrying it, more power to them. to each their own. i personally prefer 9mm, but that is based on my own personal research. obviously others have varying opinions.
They weren’t “radicals” but freedom fighters. We were not there to liberate them, hadn’t you heard? You might want to read Mark Twain on this. Oh, and we are not in Afghanistan to free anyone either, or in Iraq–though I hope you are up on this it being closer to us in time.
And I do not think it was the .38 Special, but an earlier version that was less powerful. You might want to check on this. As for the Philippine “radicals” I’m sure about them. We were in their country in violation of our own American principles. Since that time our only principles have been the “interests” of international money interests–though they are sold with the high sounding rhetoric of universal truths.
In the end it is a good rule to not repeat these old prejudices/lies like Muslim “radicals” in the Philippines, and/or that “Oswald was a “lone gunman,” etc. JWC
Somebody enlighten me. If the number of shots fired is the controlling factor, why were certain famous or infamous characters of the 1800’s able to be so deadly with single action, cap & ball revolvers? To quote Admiral Bull Halsey when viewing some rapid fire ordnance the Navy was looking at during WW II (not an exact quote but you get the idea). The tech rep. said something like, “what do you think of that fire power”. Halsey said, “That ain’t fire power.” The rep replied, “If that isn’t fire power, what is?” Halsey’s answer was, ” a direct hit!” There isn’t any doubt that there are situations where a lot of bullets in the air can carry the day but I like good bullet placement better. There is no doubt that a 9 mm bullet in the right place is better than a .50 BMG that misses.
There is nothing new about automatic handguns. They have been around since WW I. Texas Ranger Bill Jourdan has to be one of the deadliest lawmen in a gun fight that ever lived & he refused to use one. The best gun is always the one you can shoot best & a bigger bullet (all else remaining the same) will always kill better. Not exactly a good carry gun, but I like my .44 mag. Ruger. The best policy with a gunfight is don’t get in one but if push came to shove, that would be my handgun of choice. It’s deadly accurate. I never was a good shot with most autos.
To answer your question, CHARLIE AYCOCK, “why were certain famous or infamous characters of the 1800’s able to be so deadly with single action, cap & ball revolvers?”
Because some people are calm and without fear in stressful and chaotic situations, enabling them to think quickly, and can take great aim without adrenaline fucking up their actions.
Fight or flight is the quick reaction your brain will hand you to deal with your reactions in a shooting scenario.
Smart fighters are the characters you speak of.
Don’t forget the fastest growing contingent of gun owners – WOMEN. I teach Concealed Carry classes and in each class, there were several women and 1 man. My teaching partner and I are both NRA-certified pistol instructors and, yes, are females. We have started a women’s organization that meets monthly were we cover self-defense and firearm topics. Since October 2014, we have grown from one group in the central city in our County to a group in each of the three main cities. Men are buying memberships for their wives/girlfriends.
That’s great. A firearm, properly employed, negates the physical disparities that often disadvantage females attacked by males. I have armed my mother, wife, sisters, several female friends, and am beginning to train my daughters. Keep up the good work.
I spent the weekend teaching half a dozen nurses from the Philippines how to safely handle firearms.
The largest of these was about 5 feet tall and 90 lbs.
The oldest was in her mid 30s.
None were bald.
All were victims of assault and rape. One had been stabbed over a dozen times in a murder attempt.
Not one reported having thanked God they had no gun while they were being attacked.
Here’s an example of a fine “Liberal Gun Nut”. Dunno if he’s an Atheist, but he does appreciate a good Asian midget hooker now and then. =P
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheYankeeMarshal
In the past when a Criminal has it in their mind the intent to commit a violent act or break the law with the use of a Firearm, they believe that their victims are defenseless and that they are safe and in control. When you add the element of uncertainty, that the presence of concealed carry exist, the criminal then thinks of the dangers involved to their self this is the deterrent that is needed in our society to prevent these violent criminal acts. Criminals will always find a way to acquire illegal weapons, Banning them from ownership by Responsible citizens will not stop Crime, but just the opposite, make the criminals feel at ease to commit crime. ( Do you feel Lucky Punk? Well do Ya )
Well, I’m “old” (70), but I’m not fat (5’10”, 180), and I’m not bald — at least not yet. I don’t dream about killing people, although I have had a recurring dream that I was put in a position where I had to use a gun to defend myself, and the trigger wouldn’t pull. I always woke up before I suffered the consequences.
I think such dreams are common – I have them too. But years ago, long before I started carrying, the weapons in my dreams were always swords, and they wouldn’t cut! These dreams seem to occur at times of my life when I feel that events are out of my control, and that would make perfect sense (at least I think so).
They’re called frustration dreams.
Atheist gun owner FTW!
It seems there are TWO of us!
Three.
Four.
Make that at least 4 of us.
Agnostics, Deists, Wiccans , and Transcendentalists, as well. And that’s just the group I took to the range yesterday.
No. There’s more. Atheist gun owner here as well.
It’s the Unitarian gun owners that are a real minority.
another atheist here too. i know many atheist gun owners. very few people realize how many atheists there are, especially in the U.S. which is much more religious than other western countries. probably partly because very few people seem to know what an atheist actually is, and have been raised to think atheism is somehow a religion, or that we are satanists, or that agnostics aren’t atheists(in my experience, virtually every person i have ever met who self-identified as an agnostic, was also actually an atheist as well, and just didn’t realize what an atheist was. agnostic is not a “middle ground” between theist and atheist. gnosticism/agnosticism deals with knowledge, theism/atheism deals with belief. anyone who does not believe that a god(s) DOES/DO exist, is an atheist. you don’t have to claim to know a god/gods don’t exist, or even need to believe a god or gods don’t exist. you just need to lack a belief that they do.)
thankfully, this atheism is growing around the world, including america(sadly not so much in islamic countries), and especially among young people, where it is estimated that about 1/3 of young americans are now non-religious/atheist/agnostic.
Well said, and I believe pretty accurate regarding the percentage of young folks who aren’t “automatic Christians” because their parents raised them that way. Of course, today’s parents, I suspect, attend church at a far lower percentage than when I grew up in the 50s. I was the church organist and occasionally taught Sunday School (as a teenager), but by the time I was about 18 it slowly dawned on me that I really did NOT believe that the Bible was anything more than a collection of old myths and occasionally accurate history.
My son was raised primarily by a devout Christian mother and stepfather, though I never, ever disputed the stuff he was being spoon-fed by them. I simply told him that some people did NOT believe, including me, but that everyone had to make up their own mind. Generally I would not even bring up the subject. He has been an atheist since he was about 16 (now 31), and an ardent gun aficionado.
Another aging atheist here, with two cabinets full of firearms.
Too bad you are an atheist!
Where did you get these ridiculous statements?
I know you said you are kidding about the 9mm to the .45acp , but I’m a old medic and anybody thats taken a round from a .45 will be on the ground wishing they would have been hit with 9mm. I speak from years on experience, next you’ll probably bring up a .233 ar to a 7.62 ak , and please a 7.62 will penetrate the side of a armored personnel carrier or ACP and bounce around inside doing even more wounded . I know the .233 was bad to tumble on impact to sub stain the maximum amount of a casualty but that 7.62 will go through a small squad of Taliban with 1 round. If you want to talk about the easier weapon to shoot than I will go with the 9 and .223 the ar has that large buffer spring it doesn’t even kick and place a 9mm next to a .45acp and you can guess the recoil.With less recoil comes more target acquisition at most range between the 2. In my grandpa age thr .45 acp Thompson was called the cutter cause it could really blow a man into upper and lower pieces and a lot not to be recovered between the 2. That is what I think.
New 9mm rounds do just as much damage as a 45…per FBI tests…and their interviews with hospital ER docs? They can’t tell the difference between 9mm, 40 or 45 by wound tracks and entrance and exit wounds…
Stopping power? None of the above calibers has it…it has to do with blood loss, organ damage, or skeletal damage. 45 hit is NOT going to lift you off the ground or throw you back…that is all acting…. .Maybe a 50BMG hit. Maybe.
As for military.They use solid ball ammo…so bigger round makes a bigger hole…go for it.
9mm holds more rounds,is easier to control,easier to get back on target.
In FBI results…something like 75% of ALL rounds never hit their mark…even from experienced , trained officers. So…the more rounds the better…especially if if you can better control the weapon and get it back on target faster after each shot.
THAT is what I think. With evidence to back it up.
Read an article written by a Dade county M/E about the effects of different calibers on the human body. (I’m looking for the link) His abbreviated opinion was that only gangbangers and fools used a 9mm. His opinion was based on first-hand observation of tissue damage to real people, not gelatine. So far he’s the only credible source of an opinion I’ve come across. It’s hard to argue with the real McCoy.
You said 12 untruths in the 2nd paragraph but there is only 10. Is that part of having a sense of humor or a type-o
Good catch! Typo
“While the NRA fights to protect the rights of all gun owners, it only represents a fraction of the gun-owning population” While I am NOT a continuous member of the NRA……I believe the correct way to say this is…..the NRA fights to protect the rights of ALL gun owners with the funds provided by only 5 million of the 100 million gun owners in the US. While they may appreciate their members more(understandably), they fight for ALL Americans 2nd Amendment rights….not just their members.
Wait till the gun grabbers make internet gun boy their poster child. Lets hope that they already “posed” this picture.
True: Its not what you pack but how you use it! LOL
That’s a pretty old picture – they’ve already used it as an “example.”
Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter – we’ll be seeing it again, soon, now, unfortunately……
Actually, it’s like this. “It’s not the size. It’s the pile driving ass behind it.”
What do they call some one who thinks 10 mm is superior to both 9 &45
Needing an intervention.