| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Mollie |
Posted - Jun 21 2005 : 06:19:47 AM
I have been thinking about this. Do you own a gun? What kind? Can you use it? And more important, have you ever had to use it? I am not comfortable around guns, BUT my husband works late sometimes and I'm alone even though I have 2 precious golden retrievers that stay in the house with me (not sure about their guard dog resumes). I think I would be more comfortable with a shotgun because I wouldn't have to get close and not be a precise shot. But, my son, who is an avid outdoorsman, recommended a handgun. I NEVER remember my family using the gun. My Daddy had a shotgun of my grandfather's in the back of the closet (it never moved in all the time I lived at home). My parents were not very concerned about break-ins, etc but the times have really changed, now several farms I know of have been broken into when people were in town, the sheriff says it is just probably "young people" looking for something they can sell for drugs. What do you think? Mollie |
| 24 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Jana |
Posted - Jul 17 2005 : 11:30:42 PM
I also grew up in a home where dad and brothers hunted. We had a variety of shotguns, rifles and a few handguns, all secured. Each of us kids knew where the key was and where the key to the ammo drawer was, as dad told us. It would never have occured to us to take a gun and use it inappropriately.
I didn't actually learn to shoot until I was married and although I'm a pretty good shot with a shotgun, I have a hard time holding it in tight, due to fibromyalgia, and usually end up with a bruised shoulder!
I think owning a gun is fine and even necessary if you are going to be in the wild for any reason. Handguns are just more convenient. I have one brother who traps and occasionally he will need to use a gun and with all his gear and pack, a handgun is the best choice for him.
Oh, we also have a golden retriever and though she is usually a big old cream puff, I wouldn't doubt for a minute that she would take on any preditor.
Jana |
| thehouseminder |
Posted - Jul 15 2005 : 09:33:05 AM
I will admit that guns make me uncomfortable. I grew up with a father, two brothers, and numerous uncles who all hunted. Dad taught me how to use both the hunting rifles and a small handgun. I am grateful to him for teaching me. It is good to know that if it ever becomes necessary, I could use one.
The problem is, my first husband commited suicide a week after we were married. 23 years later, I am in a pretty good place but, the sight of a gun still causes rising panic for me.
I am pretty handy with a crossbow and we do have one of those in the house.
I think it is good for people to learn to use and store firearms responsibly and to respect them. |
| DaisyFarm |
Posted - Jul 11 2005 : 5:39:08 PM
Never thought I could shoot anything until a mink tore up my chicken coop one night...puts you in an entire different mindset. Being the good farmer I am, I had locked the chickens down tight for the night as I suspected the mink was around...well you guessed it, I locked him in the barn. You can stop laughing now...
Diane - trying my best on Vanc. Island
Live a good and honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time. |
| quiltedess |
Posted - Jul 11 2005 : 09:01:35 AM
We have guns. Handguns too. I'd like to think I could use one if necessary, even against a person who is intending harm to my loved ones. I know my grandmothers, great-grandmothers, etc., would have done the same. There is unfortunately evil in the world and I don't intend for it to come into my house without a fight. As Robin said: Guns are not bad. Irresponsible people with any kind of weapon are dangerous.
Nancy |
| ArmyWifey |
Posted - Jul 11 2005 : 08:38:37 AM
Don't own one but can use one.(My Mom used to call me Annie Oakley but I am WAY out of practice). Well I guess techinecally we do as Son has a beebee gun at grandparents......when hubby comes home we may get another one, it's just a pain living on post to register everything but there is a range here for trap/skeet and target shooting so I would like the kids to be able to use them too.
¸...¸ __/ /\____ ____
,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/\
```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | || |l±±±± |
¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
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| ThymeForEweFarm |
Posted - Jul 11 2005 : 04:28:08 AM
Nine guns here. We have one hand gun. It wouldn't be used to kill anyone. If it came to that there are more powerful rifles to use. Two muzzleloaders. One is an antique but fully useable. The second is new and sited in accurately. My husband took his last deer with a muzzleloader in the special season. A variety of shotguns and rifles.
We are very careful. My husband was shot in a hunting accident. He has a large scar in his thigh from the bullet and a larger scar (both are 1/4" deep) from the drain tube in the back of his thigh. We hunt with very few people and on private land now.
My rifle is a .243 Rossi that converts to a .20 guage shotgun. I use it for bird and deer hunting. I can use all of the guns. My 12 year old daughter has a .22 Rossi rifle that converts to a .410 shotgun. She can use the rifle fairly accurately but is sometimes a few inches outside the target. She's excellent with the shotgun. She bird hunts with it. She started hunting when she was 10. There's an amusing story to go with that for another time.
I am most comfortable with my .22 long barrel pistol. It sits in a holster when I'm on horse back or four wheeler. After having a bobcat growl and snarl at me 6' from my head I carry it more often in the winter than I used to because predators get hungry and more daring when the snow has been deep for a long time. We live in the woods with coyotes, fox, bear, deer, moose, bobcat and other critters. I can't carry 100 pounds of feed and a rifle at the same time. We occasionally have problems with coyotes when they're teaching pups to hunt and youngsters are on their own in the fall. We don't usually see bobcats until January or February when they've had a hard time hunting due to deep snow or lack of rabbits. Our working dogs have done a good job at keeping predators at a distance but when predators are hungry things happen. I don't carry on a daily basis. It's a pain. If there's a problem I do carry daily.
The reality of farming is that animals sometimes have to be destroyed. It's an unpleasant job. I won't spend $125 to have the vet put down a goat I can manage on my own. If the animal is down it's a simple job. If it's on its feet it will eat a pan of grain and then suddenly and without the animal knowing, it's over. We have taken more lives here with knives and clubs than guns.
I've carried a rifle with me while dealing with people a few times. A woman alone in the woods without neighbors in sight needs protection from certain kinds of people.
Guns are not bad. Irresponsible people with any kind of weapon are dangerous.
Robin
Thyme For Ewe Farm
www.thymeforewe.com |
| KarenP |
Posted - Jul 11 2005 : 03:50:03 AM
I feel everyone should know something about firearms.
I think the biggest danger is the unknown, for kids as well as grownups.
Being a kid raised on a farm, guns were around and we all knew what damage they can cause. the healthy respect was there and not the curiousity (sp).
Even the rifles my dad had could "bite" with out firing a shot.
(he caught the meat of his hand in the bolt action, don't ask me how, but he bled and bled)
Handguns were new to me, but my husband has shown me how to handle it and I can even out-shoot him on some days.
I know firearms don't go off by themselves, I know to handle a empty gun as if they are always loaded, etc.
Personally, a gun safety course would be great for young and old alike.
I could even use a refresher I'm sure.
KarenP
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
| DeborahJean |
Posted - Jul 10 2005 : 5:38:35 PM
I've never handled a gun in my life, but DH grew up in a hunting family. We'll be moving to the country next month, and are planning to have at least two guns, a rifle and a shotgun, and possibly a pistol but not sure about that. His SIL has posession of his two guns and we would have to drive over to Colorado to pick them up. Robert has had these guns for over 40 years. I would be willing to learn how to use them in case the need arises. I expect that there could be trouble with varmints or dogs from time to time. I feel safest when I have guard dogs, though. When I lived in a semi-country area (it was once full country but was being taken over by the Seattle spread), we had 4 big dogs and that gave me a great sense of security.
Deborah
p.s. our children are all grown. If they were still living at home, I would not want guns in the house.
Farmgirl wannabe |
| connio |
Posted - Jun 28 2005 : 11:35:44 AM
Hey FarmGirls
I grew up in a family that had handguns and shotguns in our home. They were used for hunting and protection--we actually had an attempted break in, but when the guy saw the shotgun poking around the curtain, he took off. He had attacked a neighbor woman in her home the week before. As children, we all played with bb guns, and as an adult, I have attended what is called the Citizens' Police Academy in Dallas. We went to the shooting range, but I am just not comfortable with guns as an adult.
My friends and family think that I should have a gun now that I am in the country, but I just won't do it. My neighbors, who are close by, all have guns, and I could easily call for help. I also know that my 12 dogs are very protective and will sound the "bark alarm" as needed or not needed! I have several pit bulls and chows who would fight to the death to protect me. When I am in my car commuting late at night, I feel that my cell phone is my best protection. I really believe that an attacker could get a gun away from me and harm me.
So that's my story on guns!
Connie
cozycottage |
| TheSoapMaven |
Posted - Jun 26 2005 : 04:52:21 AM
I understand your point Kathy. And while I won't completely change my stance, I do see how it would be useful to you. In my life however, that would not be the case. Our purchase of a handgun would be for another reason entirely. And at this point I cannot agree to it. Things could change and I could change my mind. My knowing how to use a rifle or shotgun is enough for me at this time. And yes we shoot often so I can remain comfortable with them.
I cannot imagine your feelings bayoubunch! Times are changing.
On a lighter note: You have to tell me sometime how you came here from Vermont. A place I have always thought I would love to live.
Blessings & Bliss!.· ´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ .·´ -:¦:-~Susan~
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
Wife, Mother, Natural Woman, Savonnière, Writer, Baker, Gardener.
Soulmate to Jerry for 30 years
Mom to Zach, Gesikah, Nathan, Hannah, Rachel and Benjamin
Yetta to Sam
"It's no bad thing to celebrate a simple life" ~ Bilbo Baggins
If your knees aren't green by the end of the day, you need to seriously re-examine your life. |
| bubblesnz |
Posted - Jun 25 2005 : 11:12:04 PM
Like you said Alee, I have had to learn how to handle a gun incase an animal needs to be shot and Jeff isnt there to do it. Thankfully this has never happened yet, and I hope it never does!! New Zealand is also getting more and more violent, with home invasions and people using the "P" drug getting very aggressive. I hate guns always have, but unfortunatley when you live away from neighbours etc, your on your own. I know I couldn't shot anyone, or don't feel I could, (hard to know without being in that situation) but feel safer knowing I have a gun I can get too, and opefully a warning shot in the air would act as a deterant. |
| countrykat |
Posted - Jun 25 2005 : 11:08:38 AM
Lori, I can't even relate to the sex-offenders living near by. Makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck just thinking about it. As far as living near drugs, I did that. I used to live in Dorchester Massachusetts. This is part of Boston, and there was a crack house just around the corner. The sounds of sirens during the night was as common as the sounds of the freight train we now hear. I am glad to have moved away from that. I haven't heard of any meth houses in our area. But I am always watching the news.
Jenny, you are welcome. I had planned to attend the program a couple years ago but we ended up moving around the time it was planned and since then I have been raising my son and getting used to being home. I had thought it would be great to meet other women who were interested in outdoor activities, networking as it were. Then I found this site and have resources all over the world. |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - Jun 25 2005 : 08:06:02 AM
Thanks for the link Kathy. We own guns, and I do know how to use them. My Dad taught me from the tender age of 12 ( started with a Daisy BB gub shooting tin cans off a saw horse) how to handle use and respect a gun. I started target shooting at 15 with a rifle/shotgun. Our guns are locked safely. DH likes to hunt pheasant. I am not a fan of pheasant meat, but I will prepare it. The feathers are beautiful in fall arrangements. At Thanksgiving sometimes our family and friends go out into our pasture and shoot clay birds. DH's occupation means he is gone a great deal of the time and it has been this way all of our married life. Like Kathy, I am a stay at home mother with no neighbors nearby. We have had drug activity further down the road and intruders and vandels on our propery. I have had to call law enforcement too many times in the last 20 years. But it is my right to protect my propery and my family and myself from harm or death. I will exercise that right. Not because I am a "gun nut" or want to harm another living creature. These are dangerous times.
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
| countrykat |
Posted - Jun 24 2005 : 10:47:24 PM
Own a gun? - yes
Used a gun? - yes
We have shotguns (3), rifles (3) and a compound bow. At this time, all are used for hunting. My husband and I both hunt.
I disagree with Susan on the handgun comment she made. I have carried a hand gun on a couple of occasions and it's intent was not to "kill another human", instead I was carrying the weapon for my, and my horses, protection. We were camping in the mountains of Colorado, the boys were off hunting and I had stayed in camp to cook. I found myself with a few spare hours and decided to go for a ride. I had a rifle for protection in camp but decided that the pistol would be easier to handle from horseback if the need should arise. I was not protecting myself from humans, by the way, but from bears and mountain lions, both of which were evident in the area that we were camping and riding in.
I have also on occasion had a shotgun within arms reach in the house. I am a stay at home Mom and have no neighbors within shouting distance so I feel safer having the shotgun. I did use it one day to scare off some dogs that had decided my chickens made a nice buffet. After losing 6 hens (I started with 11) in less than 1 month I staked out my chicken coop to see what was going on. I knew they were disappearing in the daytime because I would shut them up at night and let them out each morning. After two days of watching the culprits showed up, two of the neighbors dogs and one interloper. Two dogs went in the coop while one hen was in there laying, the third dog was standing guard. I shouted, this scared the two dogs out of the coop (no damage done to the hen, thankfully) and fired a couple shots over them as they were running up the drive. Later that evening I called the neighbor to ask him to please keep his dogs off my property. Even though I get the feeling they wouldn't come back anyway, I just wanted him to be aware that they would not be welcome.
Under the right circumstances weapons are useful and knowing how to properly use a firearm is paramount to safety. Kansas offers a program called Becoming an Outdoors-Woman in which you can learn how to use firearms, cook over an open fire, set up a tent, read a map/compass, etc.
http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/other_services/education/becoming_an_outdoors_woman
I think that similar programs are available on a national level. |
| brownswissgal |
Posted - Jun 24 2005 : 8:05:46 PM
Personally.... I own 3 shot guns.... but I trap/shoot and upland game hunt... that's it... I always grew up with respect for guns and I guess I wouldn't be afraid to use it if I needed to...
I don't believe in shooting any wild game if you're not going to use the meat/hide etc... but i do have a BIG problem with the people who misuse guns. We have always kept our guns in a locked gun cabinet where they should be. Children should always be taught gun saftey in order to use a gun for any reason...or not at all...
We can't stop the loonitics that run around with weapons and kill people for no good reason because of drugs or what have you... but if I knew that giving up my rights to own a gun would stop those folks from killing others etc... I would in a heartbeat!!!!
I have plenty of guard dogs standing guard of my precious family/farm... including geese :)
Have a good one,
Julie
I never met a cow I didn't like |
| Alee |
Posted - Jun 24 2005 : 4:54:41 PM
My boyfriend and I currently don't have any guns in the house, but he owns a .22 rifle.
I learned how to shoot my father's winchester .22 rifle (and I must say I am a darn good shot!) Plus his crossbows. I like going out target practicing and I would like to go deer hunting soon.
I love being self-reliant (even though I am not exactly self reliant right now) and I think every farm girl should know how to shoot because there may come a day when you need to hunt, OR when (god forbid!) a large farm animal will have to be put down in a crisis. Lets pretend that your horse just fell and broke its forelegs (I've seen it happen) and it is screaming in agony...I would hate for my horse to suffer any longer than necessary just because I was squemish or did not own a gun.
However, growing up, I never knew where my father kept his guns, and my grandfather had a VERY SECURE gun cabinent. I think guns are a dangerous tool, but so are electric saws and even hammers! *LOL* Anyway, there are ways to keep kids away from guns (like educating them about their dangers and benefits) and hopefully they will only ever be used for sport.
Ciao
Alee |
| sleepless reader |
Posted - Jun 24 2005 : 3:58:47 PM
Like many of you, I grew up in a home where my dad hunted. There were shot guns and bow and arrows.In those days I don't think anybody locked up their firearms, but my sister and I knew that they were not for us to touch, and the wrath of dad outweighed any amount of curiosity. Sadly, a friend of my father's lost a son when his other son accdently shot him on Christmas day. That stuck with me and when I became a parent I started asking about firearms if my son was asked for a play date. Like Bramble, some of those dates were canceled (by me if they didn't lock up, or by them if they were offended by my questions), but I always felt better to ask than regret. We don't have any guns in our home. I don't feel the need from a safety standpoint, and nobody hunts. I honor and respect the right to own arms, but can't see any reason for anything other than a shotgun for hunting.And why would anybody need an automatic or semi-automatic? If you need that to hunt, maybe you should find a different way to get meat!
Sharon |
| Fulminous |
Posted - Jun 24 2005 : 3:41:28 PM
I do not currently own a gun, but have to agree with psouper that a gun is a useful thing to *know* how to use. Whether you choose to take one into your home or not. I am in th process of saving for a shot gun to do some bird hunting this fall, eventually I'd like to work of hunting for bigger game such as deer or moose. Theres nothing like a freezer full organic meat!
Bramble, your concern for guns in your child's playmates home is a very valid and acute one to be watchful for. Small children are always more likely to do bolder things that they would be unlikely to do otherwise to win a friendship by attempting to impress another.
As for handguns, most "accidents" and suicides that occur are done with handguns, as compared to full-barrel types. A gun-lock is a must, if you don't feel like you'd have time to deal with that in the moment you feel you would need a gun maybe reconsidering your ways of ensuring you security are the way to go.
Agreed also that only you will know what is best for you. |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Jun 22 2005 : 10:36:23 AM
No guns here. My husband has a shotgun he inherited but that's all. I should take some gun training from a professional as I am scared to death of them. Can't even stand to touch one!!
Kay
Proud Member of Farmgirls of North Clark County |
| psouper |
Posted - Jun 22 2005 : 06:52:41 AM
Guns are tools that I think farmgirls should know how to use.
I have a .22 pistol that I use for occasional target shooting - we also have several shotguns and one .22 rifle. Even though I'm comfortable with my little revolver, I'm not sure it would stop a drug crazed assailant - probably just fill them full of holes and they would keep on coming. I'm saving up to buy myself a used youth-size single shot shotgun.
Our state passed the concealed carry law last year. Husband and I plan to get permits. I don't forsee us wearing holsters, but believe we should exercise our right to get the permit, just because we can.
Polly, currently dying a slow death by poison ivy!!
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| Kim |
Posted - Jun 21 2005 : 5:55:30 PM
I grew up around guns and have never thought twice about them We too have more guns than people in my house. Mollie, I used to wonder about my Golden's resume as a guard dog, but after seeing her react the way she has a couple of times not recognizing our neighbor, I think I have underestimated her!
farmgirl@heart
Be at peace with yourself and the rest will follow |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jun 21 2005 : 09:41:03 AM
I grew up in a hunting and fishing type of family...always guns (secured) in the house. Same now, but even more secure and I don't like handguns either, altough I guess I understand the reason for them. We have hunting guns.
Jenny in Utah
The best things in life arn't things! |
| bramble |
Posted - Jun 21 2005 : 09:03:23 AM
Molly-- I grew up with my Dad and Uncles hunting but was never comfortable as a child with guns in the house. Even after I was taught how to handle a gun , I wanted no parts of it. To me it is a tool of agression. As a parent, my response to you is not now, not ever. The potential for tragedy is too high and I don't want to take that risk. Our county Sheriff's son died in a hand gun "accident' and I never want to be a part of the agony and anguish that those parents experienced.
When my son was in kindergarten he was invited to the home of a policeman. When I asked the Dad how his guns were secured , he said very well .Strangely, the play date was cancelled. About a week later he stopped me and told me he owed me an apology because he had taken offense to my question. But after he had a chance to think about it, he thought he would check and see what his kids knew. He discovered they both knew where the key was but hadn't found the case yet! He was floored. He also told me he had started to wonder why other people hadn't asked him that same question.He and the Sheriff began giving talks to the PTA and even came to my son's cub scout pack to talk to the boys about gun safety. Alot of parents learned something
and I have had parents ask me that question before their children came to the house.
I have always taken the approach in life to not put myself in hazzardous situations, be prepared for emergencies and always be aware and awake about my surroundings. This has helped out in a few difficult and potentially dangerous situations that a gun would never have been useful (or available in). Just my opinion Molly, but my answer will remain :not now, not ever. (my husband does not feel this way, but respects my wishes and keeps his hunting equipment with a friend who has no children , since they always go hunting together it makes sense for us. And strangely, they seem to go less and less and bring little home with them these days so...maybe it's becoming an old habit that's fading)My husband would much rather be sailing any day!
As for you, only you will know what gives you a comfort level that's right for you, but are there perhaps other steps you could take to secure your situation w/o the gun? You could have a friend over anytime you needed to have a service person enter your home, that way you wouldn't be alone with a stranger. Kids and dogs seem to be great deterents also. When our neighborhood was being robbed several years ago , our house was skipped probably because there is too much activity going on here that they couldn't figure out!Good luck with your decision... listen to what makes you feel ok and not stressed , that will be your answer.
with a happy heart |
| TheSoapMaven |
Posted - Jun 21 2005 : 06:49:46 AM
We have more guns than people. But no handguns. My husband and I have discussed it but, I am not comfortable with the idea. The guns we have - shotguns, 30.30, .22's - all are for hunting. The only reason one would have a handgun for would be to kill another human being. Yes, all those other guns will as well but a handgun serves NO other purpose, as far as I am concerned. To me it would be as if I was planning to do just that. And I never plan on having to. Could I? Yes. If I were protecting my children. But I could easily use a gun we already have. I completely believe in our right to bear arms. But handguns and assalt rifles are for the sole purpose of killing humans.
Just my 2 cents.
Blessings & Bliss!.· ´¨¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ .·´ -:¦:-~Susan~
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
Wife, Mother, Natural Woman, Savonnière, Writer, Baker, Gardener.
Soulmate to Jerry for 30 years
Mom to Zach, Gesikah, Nathan, Hannah, Rachel and Benjamin
Yetta to Sam
"It's no bad thing to celebrate a simple life" ~ Bilbo Baggins
If your knees aren't green by the end of the day, you need to seriously re-examine your life. |
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