Just as Europeans are astonished by gun ownership in America, those on the AmericanLeftWrong are embarrassed by the so called "gun culture" in America because of how Europeans view us. They want to be like Europe, and so gun control goes hand-in-hand with this objective.
One thing that totally amazes me about America (well, certain regions in America at least) is that guns are considered such a normal everyday tool that even children are provided with guns. The other day, I even heard that there exist certain rifle models that are designed for kids and advertized as such.
Being European, this is culturally totally alien to me. And it strikes me as completely insane, no matter how I turn it. I bet the reaction of most of my fellow countrymen is similar. When there were cases in the news about 4 or 5 year old American kids shooting their younger siblings with guns their parents had given them, that was just one big "I told you so"-moment, as horrible as these cases are. I really think the parents should go to jail for this irresponsibility.
Seriously: How can anybody give a child a gun? How stupid can one be? Guns are not for kids, period.
Or do you seriously think kids should have access to deadly weapons that can kill in an instant and are exclusively designed for that purpose, but are not responsible enough to drive before they turn 16, or to drink alcohol before they turn 18/21?! (Or to have consensual safe sex, for that matter.) That simply does not compute.
So what do you think? Which age is appropriate for kids to have access to guns?
Shot my first weapon at 6, a little .25 revolver. Shot my first rifle shortly thereafter, around 10, little .22lr. But before I ever had a weapon in my hand my dad drilled and re drilled safety into my head until I showed safe handling was natural to me.It's appropriate whenever the kid has proven that they are responsible enough to handle owning one. I'll probably start teaching my kids to handle a gun at 5 or 6, though only under strict supervision, and only if they are mature enough to take it seriously at that age.
More people are killed in car accidents than firearms any given year in the U.S. and many of those are teens. Motorcyles are less prevalent here so I think they have a lower total fatality number than cars, but they have a higher mortality probability during an accident. Low alcohol drinks in the U.S. were actually considered for the longest time to be more dangerous due to the assumption that the low alcohol content would not have a negative effect on driving skills, wine coolers for example were abused heavily in the 80s and 90s because drivers assumed they could have more and not be effected.I'd argue that cars/motorbikes and low-alcohol drinks are much less dangerous than guns and rifles, and thus the latter should not be given to kids before the former.
First of all, one can't legally own a gun in this country until the age of 21.
I was introduced to firearms around the age of 5 or 6 but, only while observing adults on hunting trips. Around age nine I was allowed [on my own] to access any gun in the cabinet and was trained in care and safety of said guns. (we lived in a small town with lots of open country around)
I hate to bring this up but, Germany in particular, probably has a negative attitude about guns due to the WWs. (misuse of power, disarmament, political chaos, etc)
I would bet before those wars, it was very common for young European boys to hunt and target practice with their families. There's also a long line of fine gun makers from that region of the world.
First statement is not true, I bought my first 12ga. pump for my 18th birthday.
One thing that totally amazes me about America (well, certain regions in America at least) is that guns are considered such a normal everyday tool that even children are provided with guns. The other day, I even heard that there exist certain rifle models that are designed for kids and advertized as such.
Being European, this is culturally totally alien to me. And it strikes me as completely insane, no matter how I turn it. I bet the reaction of most of my fellow countrymen is similar. When there were cases in the news about 4 or 5 year old American kids shooting their younger siblings with guns their parents had given them, that was just one big "I told you so"-moment, as horrible as these cases are. I really think the parents should go to jail for this irresponsibility.
Seriously: How can anybody give a child a gun? How stupid can one be? Guns are not for kids, period.
Or do you seriously think kids should have access to deadly weapons that can kill in an instant and are exclusively designed for that purpose, but are not responsible enough to drive before they turn 16, or to drink alcohol before they turn 18/21?! (Or to have consensual safe sex, for that matter.) That simply does not compute.
So what do you think? Which age is appropriate for kids to have access to guns?
Sure they are. I learned how to shoot when I was about ten. Received my first rifle when I was 13.Seriously: How can anybody give a child a gun? How stupid can one be? Guns are not for kids, period.
So what do you think? Which age is appropriate for kids to have access to guns?
Sorry, 21 for a handgun and 18 for a rifle or shotgun.First statement is not true, I bought my first 12ga. pump for my 18th birthday.
Love the post. Yes indeed, freedom is a strange thing in that some things seems so alien and crazy from one perspective, and so normal from another. I don't have a great answer for that per se. I wonder if southern households where guns are common are much worse off statistically than not (when being southern in general is eliminated as a variable !!! ). Me personally, I have no interest in my child knowing how to operate firearms until they are older at the least high school age, but she's in 1st grade so I may change.One thing that totally amazes me about America (well, certain regions in America at least) is that guns are considered such a normal everyday tool that even children are provided with guns. The other day, I even heard that there exist certain rifle models that are designed for kids and advertized as such.
Unless, of course, they are from Vermont: Arguably, the "leftiest" state in USA - and the most "pro-gun" at the same time. That's another great thing about America: we just too big and diverse to fit any stereotypes.
One thing that totally amazes me about America (well, certain regions in America at least) is that guns are considered such a normal everyday tool that even children are provided with guns. The other day, I even heard that there exist certain rifle models that are designed for kids and advertized as such.
Being European, this is culturally totally alien to me. And it strikes me as completely insane, no matter how I turn it. I bet the reaction of most of my fellow countrymen is similar. When there were cases in the news about 4 or 5 year old American kids shooting their younger siblings with guns their parents had given them, that was just one big "I told you so"-moment, as horrible as these cases are. I really think the parents should go to jail for this irresponsibility.
Seriously: How can anybody give a child a gun? How stupid can one be? Guns are not for kids, period.
Or do you seriously think kids should have access to deadly weapons that can kill in an instant and are exclusively designed for that purpose, but are not responsible enough to drive before they turn 16, or to drink alcohol before they turn 18/21?! (Or to have consensual safe sex, for that matter.) That simply does not compute.
So what do you think? Which age is appropriate for kids to have access to guns?
Uh huh, Obama speaks for you, so dumby up with that Vermont stuff. He sets the tone in Washington, and he wants us to be like Europe, cause he thinks that's how to achieve social justice.
One thing that totally amazes me about America (well, certain regions in America at least) is that guns are considered such a normal everyday tool that even children are provided with guns. The other day, I even heard that there exist certain rifle models that are designed for kids and advertized as such.
Being European, this is culturally totally alien to me. And it strikes me as completely insane, no matter how I turn it. I bet the reaction of most of my fellow countrymen is similar. When there were cases in the news about 4 or 5 year old American kids shooting their younger siblings with guns their parents had given them, that was just one big "I told you so"-moment, as horrible as these cases are. I really think the parents should go to jail for this irresponsibility.
Seriously: How can anybody give a child a gun? How stupid can one be? Guns are not for kids, period.
Or do you seriously think kids should have access to deadly weapons that can kill in an instant and are exclusively designed for that purpose, but are not responsible enough to drive before they turn 16, or to drink alcohol before they turn 18/21?! (Or to have consensual safe sex, for that matter.) That simply does not compute.
So what do you think? Which age is appropriate for kids to have access to guns?
I'd argue that cars/motorbikes and low-alcohol drinks are much less dangerous than guns and rifles, and thus the latter should not be given to kids before the former.
Sorry, 21 for a handgun and 18 for a rifle or shotgun.
It is actually several questions...
1. When is a child old enough to handle firearms in the presence of/under the tutelage of a responsible adult? (not on the own you see)
2. When is a child old enough to be allowed access to firearms unsupervised on private property? (ie in the home, on the farm)
3. When is a person old enough to buy or possess firearms unrestricted as an adult?
4. When is a person old enough to carry a firearm in public places, as in concealed carry?
1. I started shooting, with adult supervision, at age 4.
2. I'd say around 10 or so.
3. Age of adulthood. I'd say fifteen, most people don't think "kids" are adults until eighteen.
4. Age of adulthood again.
maybe that is why our 17-19 year old boys kicked the living crap out of the German army?
Here is my kid at age 14 with a glock 17. That is a high level instructor behind him. He is at one of the very best tactical training facilities in the USA-its prominent internationally. He has had over 72 hours of high level formal training, and hundreds of hours of training with me-another high level instructor.
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