Repealing the Firearms (Amendment) No.2 Act

[Dougan]

Why out of context, if we're talking about how shooters are perceived by the public?

You were referring to the scum that murdered Rigby, and while I fully understood your anger at them (and didn't think you meant it either), my first thought was that it was a silly thing to say, especially on a shooting forum.

Why is it silly, out of context because we were talking about a made up scenario, how many people out there in the pubs/workspace/twitter/busstop are saying similar things without being shooters because they believe passionately about something? Why silly, I tell you what I think is silly, the way the public perceives us, shooters. No matter what we do, say, we are doomed. We are the scum. That is unfortunately where we, the shooters, have ended up because nobody stands up for us. The public has a certain perception of us and we can't change that, that train has long since left the station.

Bang on Christel! I've spent many hours at a freshers and refreshers fayres in university recruiting members to the uni club, those who are interested tend to be very keen, some need a little persuading, but many of them have become our strongest members! Then there is a number who simply either look at me in disgust, be rude or in one case say that I was an idiot and a sick f*** for wanting to shoot. The Student Union media (student tv and radio) both took the attitude of us having to prove we were safe and not nutters.

Despite this, we are one of the, if not the largest 'special interest' societies on campus, and certainly the fastest growing. Shooting is not dead yet! All of those who we recruit express and interesting in nearly all forms of shooting (only real exception is TR). The only thing that lets us down is the committee can be apathetic at times to pro-gun campaigning, something I working to rectify in the next couple of weeks.

So if you have experienced how anti some folk can be; would you not agree that it's foolish for gun owners to comment or even joke about shooting someone...?

[Sandgroper]

How do you convince people that .22 rifles and shotguns should be allowed in civilian hands.

For a start; NOT talking on a shooting forum about shooting criminals (no matter how vile they may be) in the stomach with a .22 to give them a slow death would be wise...

Dougan,
The quote you referred to was made in the GoM section of FB, which is closed to none members - this means you've put it out to the general public...nice!

Not meaning to suggest that we (shooters in general) should be seen as secretive but how about - "What is said in GoM, stays in GoM." Just a thought.

[Blu]

Alpha1,

have you ever tried shooting a hand gun off hand accurately at a .22 pistol card at my age its not worth the bother.

Yes, I do it at least once a week and thoroughly enjoy it and pal you aren't much older than me. I also disagree that it's not worth the bother, it might not be to an old fart like you but I'm sure there are plenty of other old farts out there who would love the chance to do it again.

Blu

[Dougan]

Fair point SG...I should have made my point at the time on the thread in question.

That said though, do you think that every member on this site is a shooter...is it impossible that there are a few anti 'lurkers'...?

[Christel]

So if you have experienced how anti some folk can be; would you not agree that it's foolish for gun owners to comment or even joke about shooting someone...?

No, I do not think what I said was foolish, you really have taken what I said totally out of context. In fact you are implying that I would shoot someone which I can assure you is not the case. More to the point, no matter what I say in public, to the public, it won't change their perception. In their eyes I am still a gun nutter.

[ordnance]

That said though, do you think that every member on this site is a shooter...is it impossible that there are a few anti 'lurkers'...?

I don't think there needs to be. Some of the posts from guys that do have firearms , come across as anti-gun or at least anti shooting any type of firearm they have no interest in shooting. Especially handguns.

[dave_303]

So if you have experienced how anti some folk can be; would you not agree that it's foolish for gun owners to comment or even joke about shooting someone...?

As previously mentioned, it all depends on the context. However, how pro self defence is the public? I remember Richard Law in 'Does The Trigger Pull the Finger?' mentioning a large poll was conducted about what should a certain MP put forward as a Private Members Bill. The overwhelming response? Being able to defend oneself and ones property without repercussion. Think of the outrage that was caused when Tony Martin was sent away. The public are quite open to this concept, just seemingly as long as it's done with a shotgun or a baseball bat

[Alpha1]

[quoteYes, I do it at least once a week and thoroughly enjoy it and pal you aren't much older than me. I also disagree that it's not worth the bother, it might not be to an old fart like you but I'm sure there are plenty of other old farts out there who would love the chance to do it again.

Blu ][/quote]

Well Pal no its not worth the bother to a old fart like me. But if you want to waste your time trying to get hand guns legalised be my guest and if you want to shoot your hand gun once a week I assume its either a black powder or a long barrelled revolver then be my guest I would not entertain either of them. Pal.

[dromia]

Dave, Blu now lives in the USA.

[Dougan]

No I am certainly not implying that you'd shoot anyone (that IS being silly) - I know you, so know you're not being serious; but for someone who doesn't, whether a member on here or not, they might have found the comment a bit strong...

...as SG said, I shouldn't have brought it up here, but as we were discussing how to promote .22 as 'non-dangerous' in the eyes of the antis, then it was in context.

Anyway, I have no intention of falling out with you over this (partly why I didn't say anything at the time), so will have to agree to disagree...

...also it would be unfair to condemn the dogs to night behind the sofa razz