# So if Trump wins- do you arm yourself? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [July 1, 2024, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591 "2024-07-01T18:30:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Strenger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecae2f/32.png) [@Strenger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Strenger)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2024, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/123 "2024-08-16T04:39:41Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > I expect both documents to arrive by mail before the election. Here’s crossing my fingers. Exactly. It’s a bit sad that (I presume!) reasonable people feel the need to have not just their “papers” in order, but go all out for super duper papers…just in case. But, here we are. Granted, a CCW permit (or whatever it might be called in one’s area) is useful for other purposes, even if one visits a range maybe once a year or whatever, as is, I suppose, the “Real ID” (I’m kind of stuck in the past with the good old passport and state-issued ID…I’ll do the Real whatever when forced to, though). It’s a bit depressing, but what isn’t these days? ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2024, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/124 "2024-08-16T20:02:01Z")
Just because it’s about the thread title itself, AND we’ve had a lot of commentary in this and other threads about underestimating Democratic/liberal leaning gun ownership, I thought I’d put in a poll. _Poll ([view on site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/124))_ ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2024, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/125 "2024-08-16T20:11:11Z")
There are good and legitimate reasons to own a gun- after due consideration, including proper safe storage if you have kids. Make sure you know Gun safety, do some range shooting etc. But this isn’t one of them. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2024, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/126 "2024-08-16T20:21:56Z")
You forgot, “No, because it’s a stupid question.” ---
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2024, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/127 "2024-08-17T12:31:58Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > If you are worried your neighbors will invade your home, I’d suggest that reinforcing your walls and doors, and investing in solid locks, is more likely to be useful. We’ve done this (reinforced and armored the house). But against criminals, not the gummint or whatever the yahoos might do after the election. I doubt if much will happen locally no matter who wins, and won’t be doing anything different afterwards. > [@Zakalwe](#): > > I’ve got brick walls and solid doors, but I also have windows and I suspect the HOA would frown upon iron bars. Windows are merely a cultural taboo. They’re just stiffer Saran Wrap to some types of crooks. With a skilled enough welder, the bars can be custom made to fit inside rather than out. And coated/painted to match or blend with blinds or even installed inside window treatments. If the HOA can’t see them, they won’t object. Note: if you do this, you’ll find that windows have slightly different dimensions even if they seem identical, and require much more measuring than expected. Also, adhering to fire codes and providing proper escape hatches requires some creativity. You must ensure nothing blocks them (they open inward), and that the release can’t be accessed by crooks breaking glass and reaching inside. We did quite a bit of measuring/experimenting to determine what length must be blocked by welding additional barriers. We are now safe from everything except Orangutans. > [@Odesio](#): > > I’m pretty sure I could kick down just about any door in my neighborhood. Not because I’m a big, tough guy, but because those doors aren’t really designed to stop a determined person. Same here. I’ve visited most of my neighbors, and a 10 year old with a rock could be inside their houses in less than a minute. > [@Odesio](#): > > I’m willing to use deadly force against one or more persons who invades my home. I don’t think that’s unreasonable of me. Same here, it’s the only reasonable response if escape is impossible. But during our research I spent some time with an attorney experienced in this type of defense. I also spent a short time with someone who had actually killed in self defense (he wasn’t charged). The main takeaway is that using deadly force can be _catastrophically_ expensive, even if you’re in the right. As such, our decision was to concentrate on avoidance, rather than defense afterward. Constant armed vigilance is impossible for the average suburbanite. And one important bonus from strong barrier security, is that firearms can be securely stored and locked away. Secure storage and instant availability are mostly incompatible. > [@Strenger](#): > > Granted, a CCW permit (or whatever it might be called in one’s area) is useful for other purposes This is a good point. The carry license legitimizes a lot of things that are edge cases. If I understood the attorneys correctly, there are some odd corner cases regarding responsibility for informing that guns aren’t allowed (for private concerns). With a permit, more of the responsibility rests on the business owner, rather than the citizen to determine whether he’s welcome. In Texas we have constitutional carry, which many seem to think means “anywhere, anytime”. This is not the case and I suspect some yahoos may find themselves in hot water for not reading the fine print. In answer to the OP’s question – No, I’m not the least worried about the fallout from the election and have no plans to change anything. The “current occupant” has a near zero effect on my life, and like most elections I’ll sleep through it and probably find out in the next day or two how it went. If anyone _is_ considering firearms, it’s probably a good idea to talk with an attorney about the laws where you live. I live in the most gun-friendly place on the planet, and it’s still easy to run afoul of the confusing intersections between state and federal laws. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2024, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/128 "2024-08-17T18:43:46Z")
> [@pullin](#): > > Windows are merely a cultural taboo. They’re just stiffer Saran Wrap to some types of crooks. However, windows make quite a noise when broken. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2024, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/129 "2024-08-18T23:48:36Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > Am already armed, quite nicely. _You’ll Put Your Eye Out!!!_ Sorry ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2024, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/130 "2024-08-19T01:56:51Z")
In the end it’s kinda too late, unless you’ve been previously trained(military) to get armed. It’s not prudent to think you can acquire(waiting period), learn to use safely and accurately(not as easy as some think) and figure how not to get it used/stolen by persons you rather not have it, or shoot yourself. Just gotta ride it out. Get a baseball bat. Big outdoor light and a hiding place. ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2024, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/131 "2024-11-06T16:09:26Z")
Thread bump. Well, do you? ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2024, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/132 "2024-11-06T16:12:28Z")
No, I will not. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2024, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/133 "2024-11-06T16:15:20Z")
If I bought a gun it would be the purpose of suicide, which is not what most people mean by “arm themselves”. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2024, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/134 "2024-11-06T17:12:35Z")
I wouldn’t own a real handgun - too much expense and paperwork/regulations, plus risk to children. I have, however, considered buying one of those airsoft pistols that resemble a real gun in every way - painted entirely black/metal, etc. I wouldn’t take it out of the house, but if an intruder broke in, I might be able to bluff with it to get him to flee. I recognize that’s probably a dumb idea in twenty different ways, but it seems better than nothing. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2024, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/135 "2024-11-06T22:55:04Z")
I was saddened and distressed (to put it mildly) about the election. Worse, was what I heard from co-workers and customers today. As I said upthread, I have enough guns. But I couldn’t silence the “but enough ammunition?” anymore after hearing the evil gloating and plans for revenge, even given a large fudge factor for hyperbole. So I bought 3 boxes of practice ammo for my 9mm pistols, and a spare box of JHP. At $60, it’s not too pricey, won’t expire, and provides a tiny amount of piece of mind. It’s almost certainly not necessary, but I’m a lot less certain of that than I was in July. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2024, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/136 "2024-11-07T12:25:11Z")
No. Of course not. The idea of fighting off the feds with an assault rifle remains ludicrous. ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2024, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/137 "2024-11-07T13:24:08Z")
If you do not have training DO NOT USE FIREARMS. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2024, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/138 "2024-11-07T22:51:07Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > No. Of course not. The idea of fighting off the feds with an assault rifle remains ludicrous. Yep. Maybe bands of right wing militias- that you could defend against, so it would be more “if _Harris_ wins do you are yourself”. The chance you can outfight the Feds is 0. Now, I pooh-poohed the idea that the racist militias - mostly fat stupid cowards- would actually do anything serious, but certainly that was within the realms of possibilities. > [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](#): > > If you do not have training DO NOT USE FIREARMS. Yep. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/139 "2024-11-08T06:20:31Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Now, I pooh-poohed the idea that the racist militias - mostly fat stupid cowards- would actually do anything serious, but certainly that was within the realms of possibilities. Keep in mind that it requires neither intelligence nor bravery to attack outnumbered civilians in their homes or on the street. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2024, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/140 "2024-11-08T20:09:40Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > Keep in mind that it requires neither intelligence nor bravery to attack outnumbered civilians in their homes or on the street. Which is why I said it was _just_ possible. So, if trump lost, and you lived in an area where they were around, and this was a concern for you- that _might_ be a good reason- plus proper training, storage, etc. ---
**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:** [November 8, 2024, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/141 "2024-11-08T20:11:22Z")
No, because my beliefs are not convenient and easily set aside. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2024, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591/142 "2024-11-09T01:39:10Z")
Would you defend yourself if attacked? I’ve got a number of guns. I don’t carry. Don’t want to. It’s a pain, both physically and phycological. But I did test a few months ago what it would be like to carry a 1911 Colt .45 Officers model. Wasn’t too bad. Had it on at home for most of the day. But I don’t plan on carrying a weapon. Sucks in many ways. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-trump-wins-do-you-arm-yourself/1003591.md?page=8)