Posted on 10/28/2004 7:35:42 AM PDT by blam
S Africans 'armed to the hilt'
South Africans own more guns than the police and army
South African civilians own more guns than the police and military combined, according to a study by Gun Free South Africa and Cape Town University. Some 8.4% of the population own a gun, which amounts to 3.7 million firearms, the researchers found.
In the region, on average 2.27% of the population own guns, while Mozambique has a rate of 0.04%, the study says.
South Africa has one of the world's highest incidences of gun-related crime which has led to new fire arm laws.
Apartheid legacy
According to the legislation, which came into effect in July, gun owners now have to reapply for their licences, undergo stringent checks and sit an exam.
South Africa's high rate is a result of the legacy of apartheid where members of the white community were encouraged to own a firearm
The act also raised the legal age for owning a firearm from 16 to 21.
"South Africa's high rate is a result of the legacy of apartheid where members of the white community were encouraged to own a firearm," report author, Guy Lamb, from Cape Town University's Centre for Conflict Resolution, told BBC News Online.
He said South Africans widely regard their environment as dangerous and so are looking for ways to protect themselves.
Additionally, members of the security forces were previously allowed to keep their firearms when they left the force.
He said that gun shops reported that black South Africans now accounted for most of their customers.
There are some 500 gun shops in the country.
Strict laws
In spite of its 16-year civil war, Mozambique has the lowest level of gun ownership - at 0.4% of the population, the study says.
In Swaziland 0.95% of the population owned firearms, in Botswana 1.9% and in Zambia 0.86%.
GUN OWNERSHIP RATES
South Africa 8.4%
Namibia 5.4%
Zambia 0.86%
Swaziland 0.95%
Mozambique 0.04%
Malawi 0.26%
Botswana 1.9%
Zimbabwe 0.32%
"Colonial laws in some countries... were very strict on firearms. These laws were maintained after independence," said Mr Lamb.
"In some countries, people don't feel the need to carry guns."
He also said gaining access to a gun in many countries was difficult, especially as guns are often not made locally.
"Many people do not have the capital to buy a firearm," he added.
The report, Hide and Seek: Taking Account of Small Arms in Southern Africa, was published this week.
Byrd is a DemoncRAT. He's your guy.
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Got me.
Is that a result of all the government checks and handouts you receive?
I think what will eventually happen is that there will be so much turmoil that the place will undergoe a revolution, giving the Marxists the complete power that they have strived for in that country.
It's a sweet looking revolver isn't it? It was an older model that has recently been introduced to the marketplace, and I'm dying to get one.
The Marxists are already in charge, any semblance of moderation is pure window dressing.
Would you believe me if I tell you I don't receive any handouts???
But again, for you, anyone who's not white is surely receiving gubmin cheese. Nice. (/barf)
You are correct. Texans do not own all that many guns. If anyone is taking notes, for the record my wife and I, for example, only have about 3.
Point well taken
The photo web address has M-29 in it. Suspect Dirty Harry nickleplate.
I doubt it.
The words "Smith and Wesson" are clearly visible on the barrel.
Sure they are, but it could be a M-25 .45 Colt, which refers to a cartridge, not the manufacturer. The M-25 was made in both .45 ACP and .45 Colt versions.
.45 Colt is sometimes referred to as .45 Long Colt.
Truth is, the image posted is a nickel plated M-29, .44 caliber. (Think Dirty Harry)
you win a nickel!
Already have two, after all I have two hands.
I was corrected earlier in the thread and admitted my mistake.
Yeah, but where's the fun in reading through an entire thread for rebuttals when I can just jump in with both feet.
OK, you get a nickel too!
Who got sold the el cheapo cigarette lighter instead of a firearm?!
I am only telling you this because I just recently figured it out myself and it is quite useful; you can click on "View Replies" below a post and see all the replies that have been made to it.
I've used that button occasionally, but again, where's the fun in that!
On the upside, I bet by now you'll never forget that .45 colt is a caliber as well as a six shooter.
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