Guns in America
“There have never been as many fire weapons in America as now. At the same time crime level has been lowest since 27 years.” (National Rifle Association)
This inverse relationship between the number of firearms in the hands of the public and the amount of violent crime has, in fact, been proven beyond any reasonable doubt. (John R. Lott Jr., "More Guns Less Crime," University of Chicago Press, 1998)
There’s no other western country with so many fire weapons, so many homicides and so little political will to break the deadly spiral (that would cost way too many votes…). It’s a long, bloody tradition, going back to the cowboys and the early days of the Wild West. In 2004 more people died in cities and villages because of fire arms, than on all US war battle fields together.
Still, most Americans cherish their gun, feel they have the right to own one, and feel safer with it. Being pro or contra is a issue here the size and dimension of being republican or democrat, being for or against capital punishment, being for or against the president.
But, as a European it was an opportunity couldn’t be left untaken: we got ourselves informed and checked out “Sam’s shooting range”: a range in Everett where all Boeing employees have special rates :o). A nice evening out with the lads and great fun. We were six, so we tried all kinds of guns, from an M16 to several 9mm and a smaller Luger from WWII (see pics).
For 25$ we rented a lane, a gun, and 50 bullets each.
I wanted to try the famous and powerful Smith&Wesson “MAGNUM”, and got the "beautiful" .357 version, loading the chamber cylinder with 6 long bullets.
It’s damn difficult to keep your hand steady and the recoil is tremendous. A great experience, and in these conditions (a safe shooting lane and paper bad guys to pound), a safe and enjoyable way of entertainment.
More info:
http://www.guns-in-america.org/
http://www.gunlaws.com/noble.htm
http://www.enotes.com/gun-violence-article/
http://www.enotes.com/can-gun-article/
This inverse relationship between the number of firearms in the hands of the public and the amount of violent crime has, in fact, been proven beyond any reasonable doubt. (John R. Lott Jr., "More Guns Less Crime," University of Chicago Press, 1998)
There’s no other western country with so many fire weapons, so many homicides and so little political will to break the deadly spiral (that would cost way too many votes…). It’s a long, bloody tradition, going back to the cowboys and the early days of the Wild West. In 2004 more people died in cities and villages because of fire arms, than on all US war battle fields together.
Still, most Americans cherish their gun, feel they have the right to own one, and feel safer with it. Being pro or contra is a issue here the size and dimension of being republican or democrat, being for or against capital punishment, being for or against the president.
But, as a European it was an opportunity couldn’t be left untaken: we got ourselves informed and checked out “Sam’s shooting range”: a range in Everett where all Boeing employees have special rates :o). A nice evening out with the lads and great fun. We were six, so we tried all kinds of guns, from an M16 to several 9mm and a smaller Luger from WWII (see pics).
For 25$ we rented a lane, a gun, and 50 bullets each.
I wanted to try the famous and powerful Smith&Wesson “MAGNUM”, and got the "beautiful" .357 version, loading the chamber cylinder with 6 long bullets.
It’s damn difficult to keep your hand steady and the recoil is tremendous. A great experience, and in these conditions (a safe shooting lane and paper bad guys to pound), a safe and enjoyable way of entertainment.
More info:
http://www.guns-in-america.org/
http://www.gunlaws.com/noble.htm
http://www.enotes.com/gun-violence-article/
http://www.enotes.com/can-gun-article/
posted by Stan (Stijn) at 11:12 AM
3 comments
