Americans brush aside gun fears in desire to bear arms

ft.com ^ | October 3 2001 | By Betty Liu in Atlanta, Sheila McNulty in Houston and Christopher Bowe in Chicago

[George Smiley]

After they made us dress paramilitarily in a style that looked like the police summer uniform (especially in less than ideal lighting conditions, I *bought and wore* a vest when I did paramedic duty in the slums of Atlanta.

They're pretty damn uncomfortable but better that thoracic perforation by projectile.

[wcbtinman]

Although to some, this may be semantics, there is a difference between a dealer who is in the business of selling guns in order to produce a profit, any profit from the sale of even one firearm,(that's essentially the ATF's definition) and a private individual who is at a gun show. It is already illegal for a dealer to sell a firearm without the background check and applicable waiting period.

If you want to restrict the ability of private individuals to sell firearms, then just say so. But, don't use inappropriate language (the lie) to promote that agenda.

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

That'd be all right with me!

[Jefferson Adams]

One result of the terrorism crisis has been a rush by Americans to the nation's gun stores in a spending spree that promises to complicate the already complex debate on gun control.

A more significant result is that a higher percentage of Americans will be capable of taking care of business if it becomes necessary. About time.

[Jefferson Adams]

Concerning concealed carry -

An important part of making concealed carry comfortable is having a quality holster. It makes a world of difference.

I carry a Sig Sauer P229 in .357 Sig / .40 cal. It's not a small gun, but it fits comfortably in a Milt Sparks Executive Companion inside-the-pants holster. Many people consider Milt Sparks to be the best in the world; I certainly do.

Check 'em out. There's a 4-6 week wait for your holster, as it's made for YOU. It's worth it, and the prices aren't bad at all.

[Inspector Harry Callahan]

Many people consider Milt Sparks to be the best in the world; I certainly do.

Me too. I'm at the very end of my estimated wait for a VMII holster. Spoke with Scott yesterday and he said my holster was currently being handcrafted by James and was on the "floor" right now. He said that early next week I'd be seeing the UPS man. I feel like a kid on Dec 24th right now!

Milt Sparks Holsters. Best gunleather on the planet.

[from occupied ga]

Brady and the three tyranny enablers who wrote the egregious piece of drivel (notice one of the bedwetters was from Atlanta)

[Jefferson Adams]

I feel like a kid on Dec 24th right now!

LOL - I know the feeling :)

It's amazing how good those holsters are. To carry a Sig P229 behind your hip and be comfortable sitting in a car seat is a Wonderful Thing. Wouldn't have thought it possible before I got my first Milt Sparks holster.

[The KG9 Kid]

Ah, right: 2004. I'm still living in the 90s, I guess.

[B4Ranch]

"By Betty Liu in Atlanta, Sheila McNulty in Houston and Christopher Bowe in Chicago"

Who is the anti-gun journalist in these three? Or were the last four paragraphs added by the Editors.

[gnarledmaw]

"...it has suddenly become harder to focus Americans on issues such as gun violence in schools..."

Someone who shoots defenseless kids....wouldnt that be a terrorist? the very kind of people that the gun newbies are arming against?

[RetiredArmy]

I have a carry permit and normally carry all the time except to work. After the bus incident yesterday, my wife demanded that I carry it on to work also. So, today it is in my backpack (Glock 23). Saturday, we are going to buy her a new pistol, a smaller one she can put in her purse (we both have carry permits). As with many, I don't expect to get into a gun battle on the street with a muslin raghead, however, the other garbage is still out trying to take advantage of these incidents and now by golly I am ready 100% of the time. When winter gets here, I can wear my heavier coat and use my shoulder holster. Carry on folks!

[gnarledmaw]

Nice carry! The Mrs has been pestering to get her a new one too but wont tell me whether she has made her final decision of Glock 17 vs Baby Eagle. Im guessing I know your answer.

Speaking of carry, would you mind helping out a few disarmed eskimos on the frozen tundra?
Wisconsin CCW Petition

[Steve0113]

"People can buy guns at these shows from certain dealers without undergoing background checks. A terrorist could purchase all sorts of weaponry from these shows," says Mr Riley. "For us, it's a great opportunity now to educate Americans about how easy it is to get guns because the ones buying the guns could be terrorists."

One of the 9/11 hijackers was a naturalized citizen with no criminal record. How would a background check have prevented him from buying a gun?

[300winmag]

Did we ever have "gun fears?"

I fear I will never be able to afford all the guns I want. That's the only fear that really matters.

(I've been doing okay, in spite of my fears.)

[Billthedrill]

As with many, I don't expect to get into a gun battle on the street with a muslin raghead...

You know, I thought the same thing...right up until yesterday, when the first bus was hijacked. I ride a bus daily. Hmm...an armed hostage is not a hostage...

[technochick99]

I was surprised to see this article in a London newspaper ( one of the 'real' ones).

[Mulder]

Those of you who believe that 'gun control activists' are merely a misguided but loyal opposition with whom we have a 'disagreement' over 'policy' are deceived and defeated before you ever leave the gate. These people are damnable traitors, plain and simple, whose goal is to destroy our Constitution and our way of life. But they can't do it without your acquiescence.

I agree 100%