# Nut With Gun at Town Hall **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [August 14, 2009, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377 "2009-08-14T03:04:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/101 "2009-08-15T22:24:42Z")
Guns are tools. The less scared people are of them, the more people know about them, the less scary and dangerous they are. Public open carry is designed to try to reduce that ‘antsy feeling’ people get when they’re around someone with a gun. Personally, I’m in favor of that. I’m also in favor of high school gun safety courses, like driving courses. Optional, of course, but I think they should be provided. I also think that someone who grows up knowing how to shoot is a superior soldier to someone who doesn’t, so there’s a logical common defense issue there. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/102 "2009-08-15T22:51:04Z")
> [@Squink](#): > > Lord, I wish we fucking _would_! > Up until 9/11 I used to carry a little pocketknife on my keyring. It was handy for all sorts of random stuff. After Bush’s great push for national paranoia, it became more trouble than it’s worth to carry such a useful tool. I got stopped once, for having a little P38 can opener. I mean come ON. A P38 can opener. If I tried to menace anyone with it, I’d have my ass kicked long before I had any remote chance to use it. To me, a gun is a gun. I’m not anti-gun. I don’t want to “disarm the world”, I don’t feel inclined to carry one around all the time either. ---
**Author:** ![Miltonyz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Miltonyz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miltonyz)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/103 "2009-08-15T22:53:04Z")
I like the concept of the open carry rallies. I don’t think that the rational response to seeing a gun carried in a holster is fear. It should be context sensitive. That being said carrying anywhere near the president, legal or not is incredibly stupid. I own guns, two pitbulls, and if I had the money would drive a Mustang. My junk shrank so much it inverted and I have a little tail now. ---
**Author:** ![Jettboy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/85e7bf/32.png) [@Jettboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jettboy)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/104 "2009-08-15T23:01:37Z")
> [@E-Sabbath](#): > > Guns are tools. That tired bullshit doesn’t cut it, pal; guns are not tools, guns are _weapons_. A gun can’t weed my garden, cut wood into perfect 2’X3’ segments, or drive a 3/16 screw into a plank. A gun has only one purpose; to fire a projectile into a human being with the intent of killing or maiming him/her. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/105 "2009-08-15T23:11:07Z")
> [@Jettboy](#): > > That tired bullshit doesn’t cut it, pal; guns are not tools, guns are _weapons_. Guns aren’t tools: violent protesters are tools. ---
**Author:** ![Miltonyz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Miltonyz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miltonyz)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/106 "2009-08-15T23:16:33Z")
> [@](#): > > A gun has only one purpose; to fire a projectile into a human being with the intent of killing or maiming him/her. Not at all true. Mine are designed to put tiny little holes in paper or target. Here is a picture of a gun very similar to mine minus the scope. [Photo Storage](http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v238/Gixerman1000/Handguns/RugerMarkIICompetitionTargetLeupold.jpg) As you can see it is too long and large to carry concealed, it is also very heavy making it uncomfortable to put into a holster. It a 22 so its stopping power is nonexistent. Stamped into the sides are the words Target competition and that is what it is designed for. A gun is like a knife. Both were originally designed to cut and maim and both were used in war. But a butter knife != katana. A steak knife != broadsword. A target pistol/rifle != a snub nosed revolver. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/107 "2009-08-15T23:21:26Z")
> [@Jettboy](#): > > That tired bullshit doesn’t cut it, pal; guns are not tools, guns are _weapons_. A gun can’t weed my garden, cut wood into perfect 2’X3’ segments, or drive a 3/16 screw into a plank. A gun has only one purpose; to fire a projectile into a human being with the intent of killing or maiming him/her. In the past, I owned plenty of guns. I put little holes in paper targets, I blew up milk cartons, and fired at (and missed) more than my fair share of clay pigeons. I never used one to kill anyone. I believe I am the norm, rather than the exception. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/108 "2009-08-15T23:54:09Z")
> [@emcee2k](#): > > That sounds like being scared to me. Do you have a spare tire on your vehicle? Why? Are you scared? ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2009, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/109 "2009-08-15T23:58:01Z")
> [@Jettboy](#): > > guns are not tools, guns are _weapons_. Weapons are tools. ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2009, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/110 "2009-08-16T03:34:23Z")
Weapons are tools. A tool is a device for performing a task. In this case, moving a lead projectile somewhere else very quickly. Generally, this tool is used to kill people, animals, or pieces of paper. But it’s still a tool, and not a talisman. Don’t be afraid of what it represents. Deal with it as it is. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2009, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/111 "2009-08-16T03:46:22Z")
> [@Jettboy](#): > > That tired bullshit doesn’t cut it, pal; guns are not tools, guns are _weapons_. A gun can’t weed my garden, cut wood into perfect 2’X3’ segments, or drive a 3/16 screw into a plank. A gun has only one purpose; to fire a projectile into a human being with the intent of killing or maiming him/her. A Hammer cannot weed your garden or cut wood into perfect 2’x3’ segments. Several of my guns would work as well for driving a 3/16" screw into a plank as that hammer, which isn’t the ideal tool for driving screws. I carried a gun for two years on the job. The purpose then was as a deterrent to STUPID. At no point was it’s purpose to kill or maim others. I’ve owned guns for 35 years. While I’ve shot a number of animals in the many thousands of rounds of ammunition I’ve fired, I’ve never shot a Human. Therefore I can safely conclude that none of my firearms are purposed as Human maiming and/or killing implements. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2009, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/112 "2009-08-16T05:29:10Z")
What is the purpose of a Smith and Wesson Model 940 Centennial? What 'nail" was this gun designed to hammer? ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2009, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/113 "2009-08-16T05:39:28Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > What is the purpose of a Smith and Wesson Model 940 Centennial? To accurately shoot a projectile with ample velocity and momentum. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2009, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/114 "2009-08-16T05:45:27Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > To accurately shoot a projectile with ample velocity and momentum. [Cute.](http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disingenuous) ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2009, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/115 "2009-08-16T05:50:40Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > What is the purpose of a Smith and Wesson Model 940 Centennial? What 'nail" was this gun designed to hammer? If I was to own that particular firearm, which I do not, the “nails” it would be designed to hammer would be; To give me enjoyment of ownership. To be easy to use and to clean. To give me pleasure in shooting it. To do a really good job of accurately punching holes in paper targets, blowing up cans of pop and water bottles, or knocking things off a fence post. Ain’t for nothing I call my Taurus 689 a “tack hammer”. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2009, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/116 "2009-08-16T06:03:23Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > If I was to own that particular firearm, which I do not, the “nails” it would be designed to hammer would be; > > To give me enjoyment of ownership. > To be easy to use and to clean. > To give me pleasure in shooting it. > To do a really good job of accurately punching holes in paper targets, blowing up cans of pop and water bottles, or knocking things off a fence post. > > Ain’t for nothing I call my Taurus 689 a “tack hammer”. 😉 Anyone else want to claim that the reason [this gun](http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/2500/2594.htm) was created to shoot at paper targets? ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2009, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/117 "2009-08-16T06:12:26Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Anyone else want to claim that the reason [this gun](http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/2500/2594.htm) was created to shoot at paper targets? Please show me some statistics on the number of these firearms that have been produced, the number that are used for target shooting, the number that are carried by people who carry a gun for a living…versus the number who purchased this particular firearm for the purposes of murder. In other words, please provide some proof for your assertation that this gun was produced for non-legitimate and legal purposes. Because the look of any particular weapon scares you does not translate into “this was made ONLY for murder”. ---
**Author:** ![Miltonyz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Miltonyz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miltonyz)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2009, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/118 "2009-08-16T06:16:26Z")
> [@](#): > > What is the purpose of a Smith and Wesson Model 940 Centennial? What 'nail" was this gun designed to hammer? That one there is a killing people gun. My fiances uncle owns one chambered in .357. It is inaccurate, kicks like a mule, and is just plain not fun to shoot. It is his carry gun and it is good for that purpose. It’s small size makes it very concealable with the reliability of a revolver. He has a laser grip on it. I never used a laser before but he claims that his CCW instructor said that the laser increased the chances of a confrontation ending without shots fired. The point I was arguing above is that the contention that **All** guns purpose is for killing human beings. In fact I would say that most guns made are not intended to kill humans. And even the majority of those that are bought are used for plinking purposes. A quick website I found, that is actually anti-gun and makes the claim that our large number of guns in America leads to increased gundeaths. [http://www.huppi.com/kangaroo/L-gunownership.htm](http://www.huppi.com/kangaroo/L-gunownership.htm) But according to the article "In 1991, there were 211 million privately-owned firearms in the U.S., which then had a population of 252 million people. Of these firearms, about 71 million were handguns.(10) The long-term trend in both handgun production and criminal use has been away from manual revolvers and towards rapid-firing, semi-automatic pistols. " “Since 1989, manufacturers and importers introduced an average of 3.5 million new guns into the U.S. market each year.” Out of 211 million guns there was Types of Firearm deaths, 1993 (19) ## Suicide 18,940 Firearm homicide 18,571 Handgun homicide 13,980 Justifiable homicide 251 Accidental 1,521 Undetermined 563 Total 39,595 Which means that the vast vast majority of firearms are not used for killing people. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2009, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/119 "2009-08-16T06:23:34Z")
Does anyone know why I am asking about that particular "tool’? ---
**Author:** ![Miltonyz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Miltonyz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miltonyz)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2009, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377/120 "2009-08-16T06:27:55Z")
Explain please [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nut-with-gun-at-town-hall/506377.md?page=7)