Why? (Reposted from 4 Hours Ago)

Okay, let's keep this civil. I want to know why owning a semiautomatic, military style firearm, with quick change magazines exceeding let's say 8 rounds, is so important to you. Why? What do you use it for that you could not otherwise do with something like a Henry Long Ranger.223 Remington, or let's say a Model 48 9mm S&W Revolver?

I have other questions concerning the whole firearms issue, but let's start with this. I will not be deflected, if you don't wish to discuss this specific question, please move on.

Before you launch into a tirade, know that I started shooting at around the age of 10, am a combat veteran, a retired Mastersergeant, own and always have owned, at least one firearm, and support our 2nd Amendment. I sincerely want to know your reasoning.

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abe182 · 46-50, M

I own a Glock 17 9mm 15 rounds. In case I ever need to use it for defense I'm not stopping to reload, only when the gun is empty or when the threat is no longer. I store the magazine next to it and never inside it. I have kids. I don't own a revolver for this same reason. They aren't safe if God forbid my kids ever got a hold of it. Any questions?

frequentlyme · 70-79, M

@abe182 Yes. Are you saying a revolver is unsafe? If so, why? You say you have a 15 round mag for self defense. Does that mean you expect to have to defend yourself against several armed and/or dangerous intruders? If not, then can you not shoot well enough to take down a couple of intruders with 6 rounds?

luckranger71 · 51-55, M

@abe182 See I think this is a solid response even though I disagree. I can understand the reasoning behind it. Civility on SW! Yay!

abe182 · 46-50, M

@frequentlyme I know two kids personally who were killed my playing with a revolver. To load and fire a revolver is a logical process, bullet in the chamber pull trigger A semi auto requires several steps to load and fire which are not logical to a child.
And your argument for how many rounds is needed to defend myself and others in the middle of the night in the dark with adrenaline pumping, cannot be determined to six or less, and is not your call to make.

abe182 · 46-50, M

@luckranger71 and we can disagree :)

frequentlyme · 70-79, M

@abe182 We do disagree, and that's fine with me.

I will say that if a firearm is properly locked away/secured, then a child cannot get to it. That goes to responsible gun ownership.

Also, the steps to load and fire a Glock 17 or most Glock semiautos is/are quite simple. Insert mag, chamber round, pull trigger. Quite easily accomplished by a child that has seen it done even a single time. It's center "mini" safety is not, other than in name, a safety.

In my mind, a person who cannot deal with the moment of engagement and correctly and accurately put the rounds where intended, is a danger to all in the home.

abe182 · 46-50, M

@frequentlyme pulling the slide is quite difficult for a child. I'll choose the semi auto as one more layer against an accidental shooting. Also the safety you say that isn't a safety, it most definitely is a safety if ever dropped. It will not fire!
As for your argument about the number of rounds, let's make it just two rounds, you get to miss once.

frequentlyme · 70-79, M

@abe182 Okay, you are saying that it's your choice to have 15 rounds. That's an honest answer. I said six, but let's just say 15 in a weapon that does not have a rapid change mag feature. Is that something you would think adequate?

I do understand the desire to protect your family. Totally get that. In fact, I have them same drive.

abe182 · 46-50, M

@frequentlyme yes I think 15 rounds and not have a rapid change magazine would be adequate.

frequentlyme · 70-79, M

@abe182 I do appreciate your civil responses. I'm looking for answers to questions for which I don't have the answers. You have helped me in that journey.

abe182 · 46-50, M

@frequentlyme thank you and you're quite welcome.

luckranger71 · 51-55, M

@abe182 Abe, unrelated to the reloading issue, why do you feel you need a gun for defense of your home? A lot of home invasions in your area?

I’ll hang up and listen.

abe182 · 46-50, M

@luckranger71 because I had someone bang on the front door in the middle of the night, probably on drugs. But what if that door didn't hold? I'm not at all confident that I could handle the situation without a weapon. Nor why would I put myself and my family in that situation?

luckranger71 · 51-55, M

@abe182 Thanks for the answer.