gun control

And now for a little clarification.  First off, this is not entirely a firearm-related weblog…  As my wife could probably tell you, I go through phases more often than I would like, and occasionally get fixated on some really random ideas.  I even wanted a tattoo for a while (still idly do, but not so much these days)…  This blogging on pistols and pistol-related topics is one of those phases, though something tells me that my fascination with the 1911 frame will not be dissipating any time soon, fortunately (for me) or unfortunately (for my checkbook).  Regardless, it will soon pass, and I will get on to other, slightly more varied topics. 

However, I wanted to ensure that something was not misunderstood…  I realize that my last post concerning my Baby Eagle and the 1911 I rented could possibly come across as a little flippant, or, at the least, overly enthusiastic.  Well, part of that stems from being a relative newbie when it comes to firearms, and part of it stems from being slightly enthusiastic about the topic, and part of it stems from just me being me.  However, to try and balance it out a little, I will now provide you with a "public service" post, just for good measure. 

I will semi-preface this post by saying this – I believe in gun control.  That is right, a religious radical (semi-practicing Christian), self-avowed conspirist (conservative), violent anarchist (fire-arm-user) just admitted he believed in gun control.  Before the liberals start cheering, and the conservatives disown me, allow me to explain. 

Gun control means using both hands. 

Well, that is the most basic explanation, but it does go a little deeper than that. 

First, always handle all firearms as if they were loaded.  Sure, you check the chamber when you take possession of a firearm.  You take out the magazine, rack it back to clear it, check to see if any rounds are inside it, and allow the slide to travel forward again.  That is standard operating proceedure when receiving a firearm from someone else, or picking one up yourself for the first time.  However, it is the gun you believe to be empty and cleared that is the one which will put a hole in something that probably did not need it. 

Second, never point the gun at anything you are not willing to destroy.  This rule follows very logically off the first one.  Never, ever point the firearm at any one else, your television, your pet dog, or anything else you would not shoot.  Even though you checked the firearm like you were supposed to, and was illustrated in the first rule, strange things happen.  In the end, this boils down to keeping the barrel of the weapon pointed down-range, at the deer, or at your home-invader. 

Third, keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard until you have made the decision to fire the weapon.  This is possibly the single largest mistake newbies make when handling firearms.  It is a perfectly natural movement and reaction to want to get the most solid grip you can on a firearm when picking it up, and that almost invariably involves using your index finger.  Well, to put it simply, do not do that.  At all.  When picking up a firearm, rest your trigger finger on the trigger guard or on the frame…  not on the trigger.  Sure, you checked the gun when you took possession of it.  Sure, you are not aiming it at anything you did not want to destroy.  However, accidentally discharging a firearm is almost invariably a bad idea, and putting your index finger on the trigger is a surefire way to accomplish that – in fact, one of the only ways to do so, given modern drop-safeties and the like.  And, yeah, you may think you would not accidentally pull the trigger… but if you are somehow surprised – say by someone else shooting on the range – your fingers will involuntarily clench on whatever they are holding, and lookie there.  And, in all honesty, not using your index finger to grip something actually makes your grip stronger, so there are no worries about dropping the firearm, or losing control of it. 

Fourth and finally, know your target, and know what is beyond the target.  Additionally, know your bullets.  Regarding the first, if you are shooting at a paper target, realize that it will not do diddly to stop or deflect the round as it passes through.  A human, on the other hand, changes the ballistics and dynamics of the round, though it is sometimes a complete gamble as to the specific results.  Rocks, on the third hand, tend to cause very bad effects when they are shot.  Understand what you are shooting at, and how it will affect the bullet as it passes through, stops, or is deflected or fragmented.  Regarding the second, lots of things you shoot at will not stop your bullet entirely.  It might stop most of it, but bullets have a tendency to fragment on impact, so some of it may get through, or all of it might.  Who knows?  The point is to understand what is beyond the target you are shooting at, because the odds are, your bullet will find out too.  For example, throwing full-metal jacket rounds at a paper target is a good way to have fun… but setting up the target in front of a large rock will seriously ruin your day.  Additionally, shooting a hollow-point at a home-invader will drop him down hard, but those rounds will also probably pass right through the drywall comprising your apartment walls without hardly a deformation, or loss of energy, and will then ruin your neighbor’s day instead.  Think before you shoot, as always. 

So there you go.  Gun control in a nutshell.  So the next time someone starts harping at you about that, hit them up with whatever quip you prefer…  In the end, liberal "gun control" comes down to less about the guns, and more about the control.  If you get the time and the inclination, check out the site to the right…  It might open an eye or two for you. 

Anywise, last gun post for a little bit…  I think it is time for some Halo .