You've chosen to be prepared to defend your family if necessary. That seems far better than just hoping that being defenseless is a defense. I do however suggest to ensure confidence with training & practice. It's amazing how everything on this topic you learned from movies could be so wrong. I'd be happy to assist.
Thanks, Dave. I’ve actually done quite a bit of training and practice, in fact, recently receiving my CCW.
And you’re right, as I went through all the training, it was eye-opening how many things I had wrong about guns, from exactly what you talked about, the movies and TV.
Awesome, appreciate the vote of confidence. I’ve spent quite a bit of time at the range recently in order to get my CCW. But to be honest, I’m not that big a fan of firing the gun :)
Tough one, Brian. I would trust your feeling that the gun is needed. With the best of intentions you unknowingly allowed yourself to take on Gary's karma.
People can be trapped in a state of consciousness and/or behavior pattern that will not change unless they are self inspired. We have big expectations that our good actions will bring about a change quickly... Our timing is probably never correct as to when the self inspiration arrives, if it ever does in this lifetime.
Those who wish to help another should not be discouraged to do so, however, they must recognize that the level of mental or emotional attachment to another's problem involves you personally in ways that are not expected.
This is obviously a thorny issue, with no simple answer. But dealing with Gary‘s karma seems like more of a metaphysical issue, whereas I was trying to protect myself and my family from what could be a real world issue.
In the 15 years since I got the gun, I haven’t had any problems, either from Gary or the gun. So maybe I was a little overcautious. I guess that’s one of the things about being a parent, you often err on the side that (you hope ) will keep your family safe.
I agree... I'm a parent and grandparent and certainly understand and practice an abundance of caution. Things begin as something metaphysical but then they manifest as something real world. Looking back its easy to see the flaws and vulnerabilities (similar to looking at the price pattern on a chart) but I believe you handled it all well. Thanks for sharing the story.
Wow. That’s intense. I feel like I just read a pilot for a new series. About your question, I’m not sure honestly if I would get a gun or not… tough question. I also shot cans with a BB when I was a kid. I have so many questions??? Have you practiced shooting? Do your kids know about the gun? Do you hide the gun from your wife? I’d be worried that I might be tempted to use it on my boyfriend when he pisses me off 🤣
-Yes, I’ve practiced quite a bit, and recently received my CCW.
-Yes, my kids know about the gun, but have never showed the slightest interest in it. Although, I recently took my son (now 15) to the range and he shot it. Fairplay, I also offered to take my daughter, but she declined.
-No, I don’t hide it from my wife, but she has less interest in it than the kids. Fun fact: we sleep in separate bedrooms by design. That will be the topic for a future addition of ‘The Anecdote.’
That's great that you've taken some of your kids to the range with it. Among other attributes, that can reduce the mystery and increase the respect & safety. Sounds like you're on top of this, but for everyone else, let me just say; It's really important that your family understand some basic safety issues about it. Such as which end the projectiles come out of, and how to tell if it is empty or loaded. How to hold it so your hand or thumb doesn't get injured. How to unload to make it safe.
The most basic rules I'm sure you've heard 100 times; always keep it pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. Always be aware of your target & what is beyond it. Those are all rules that everyone in the household needs to know, and a trip to the range is not required.
Some day someone in your family may be presented with a situation where knowing those very basics may be important.
I remember one summer day I was at a rural "cowboy museum" where the cowboy docent was wearing a six gun in his holster. At one point of his story the elderly docent pulled his gun out and passed it around for the group to appreciate.
I was the 3rd person to receive the gun & when it got to me, I opened it & checked for empty. (it was empty). No one else had done that. As I was checking it, the 5th guy in the row looked at me and said; "thank you". Safety first! No assumptions. Education is important.
You've chosen to be prepared to defend your family if necessary. That seems far better than just hoping that being defenseless is a defense. I do however suggest to ensure confidence with training & practice. It's amazing how everything on this topic you learned from movies could be so wrong. I'd be happy to assist.
Thanks, Dave. I’ve actually done quite a bit of training and practice, in fact, recently receiving my CCW.
And you’re right, as I went through all the training, it was eye-opening how many things I had wrong about guns, from exactly what you talked about, the movies and TV.
Lifetime NRA member and retired cop here. (Did some trading events too. :). Good for you to be prepared. We should go to the range together sometime!
Awesome, appreciate the vote of confidence. I’ve spent quite a bit of time at the range recently in order to get my CCW. But to be honest, I’m not that big a fan of firing the gun :)
Uff Da! You did the right thing.
I figured you’d see it the same as I did, Jeff. 👊
Tough one, Brian. I would trust your feeling that the gun is needed. With the best of intentions you unknowingly allowed yourself to take on Gary's karma.
People can be trapped in a state of consciousness and/or behavior pattern that will not change unless they are self inspired. We have big expectations that our good actions will bring about a change quickly... Our timing is probably never correct as to when the self inspiration arrives, if it ever does in this lifetime.
Those who wish to help another should not be discouraged to do so, however, they must recognize that the level of mental or emotional attachment to another's problem involves you personally in ways that are not expected.
Hi Chris, thanks for the feedback.
This is obviously a thorny issue, with no simple answer. But dealing with Gary‘s karma seems like more of a metaphysical issue, whereas I was trying to protect myself and my family from what could be a real world issue.
In the 15 years since I got the gun, I haven’t had any problems, either from Gary or the gun. So maybe I was a little overcautious. I guess that’s one of the things about being a parent, you often err on the side that (you hope ) will keep your family safe.
I agree... I'm a parent and grandparent and certainly understand and practice an abundance of caution. Things begin as something metaphysical but then they manifest as something real world. Looking back its easy to see the flaws and vulnerabilities (similar to looking at the price pattern on a chart) but I believe you handled it all well. Thanks for sharing the story.
You just don't seem to have much luck with pot, do you...
Haha, right. #msos
Good on you for electing to protect yourself and your family.
👊
Wow. That’s intense. I feel like I just read a pilot for a new series. About your question, I’m not sure honestly if I would get a gun or not… tough question. I also shot cans with a BB when I was a kid. I have so many questions??? Have you practiced shooting? Do your kids know about the gun? Do you hide the gun from your wife? I’d be worried that I might be tempted to use it on my boyfriend when he pisses me off 🤣
-Yes, I’ve practiced quite a bit, and recently received my CCW.
-Yes, my kids know about the gun, but have never showed the slightest interest in it. Although, I recently took my son (now 15) to the range and he shot it. Fairplay, I also offered to take my daughter, but she declined.
-No, I don’t hide it from my wife, but she has less interest in it than the kids. Fun fact: we sleep in separate bedrooms by design. That will be the topic for a future addition of ‘The Anecdote.’
Ooo. I am curious about the separate bedrooms situation. My boyfriend and I have discussed how that could be better. Looking forward to the read!
That's great that you've taken some of your kids to the range with it. Among other attributes, that can reduce the mystery and increase the respect & safety. Sounds like you're on top of this, but for everyone else, let me just say; It's really important that your family understand some basic safety issues about it. Such as which end the projectiles come out of, and how to tell if it is empty or loaded. How to hold it so your hand or thumb doesn't get injured. How to unload to make it safe.
The most basic rules I'm sure you've heard 100 times; always keep it pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. Always be aware of your target & what is beyond it. Those are all rules that everyone in the household needs to know, and a trip to the range is not required.
Some day someone in your family may be presented with a situation where knowing those very basics may be important.
I remember one summer day I was at a rural "cowboy museum" where the cowboy docent was wearing a six gun in his holster. At one point of his story the elderly docent pulled his gun out and passed it around for the group to appreciate.
I was the 3rd person to receive the gun & when it got to me, I opened it & checked for empty. (it was empty). No one else had done that. As I was checking it, the 5th guy in the row looked at me and said; "thank you". Safety first! No assumptions. Education is important.
Side with Jim on this one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TWbnLvjRB8
Hah, such a bad take.