Pro-Gun Experts Prove Handguns Are Ineffective Self-Defense Tools(VPC BS ALERT)

VPC - ^ | November 19 | Naomi Seligman

[Dan from Michigan]

Pro-Gun Experts Prove Handguns Are Ineffective Self-Defense Tools, New VPC Study Reveals

WASHINGTON, DC—In response to the reported spike in handgun sales since the September 11th attacks, the Violence Policy Center (VPC) today released Unintended Consequences: Pro-Handgun Experts Prove That Handguns Are a Dangerous Choice For Self-Defense. The 90-page study demonstrates through the writings of pro-gun experts the ineffectiveness and dangers of handguns as alleged self-defense tools.

"While the gun industry has greedily hawked its wares in the aftermath of the September 11th tragedy, they have worked even harder to keep hidden from the American public a secret they readily share among themselves—handguns pose grave dangers to their owners and families," states Tom Diaz, author of Unintended Consequences and VPC Senior Policy Analyst. "This study is comprised substantially of writings from pro-gun experts who readily admit handguns are basically impossible to use effectively in self-defense."

For example, Massad Ayoob, a legendary firearms instructor and respected pro-gun author has cautioned, "The uninitiated tend to make two kinds of mistakes with firearms: they either use guns when they shouldn't, or do not use them properly in the rare circumstances when they should." Ayoob has pointed out that, "The average American has more misconceptions about lethal force in the home than in any other self-defense situation. He not only has little understanding of his legal position under these circumstances; he has no idea of how to conduct himself if, by infinitesimal chance, the day comes when his home actually is turned into a battleground he must defend against armed criminals."

In fact, in 1998, for every time that a civilian used a handgun to kill in self-defense, 51 people lost their lives in handgun homicides alone. Yet, there have been an increasing number of news reports that women are a prime target for the gun industry as first-time handgun buyers. Left out of those reports is the fact that in 1999 for every one time a woman used a handgun to kill in self-defense, 120 women were murdered with handguns.

Handguns in the real world—as opposed to the industry's fantasy world of virtuous defensive gun use—make people who own them much less safe. The study reveals that according to leading pro-gun experts the overwhelming majority of people who own handguns:

are ignorant of—or ignore—basic handgun safety rules;

do not have the necessary handgun combat marksmanship skills to effectively defend themselves without harming innocent others; and,

are not prepared for the extreme physiological and psychological effects that the experts, many of whom have on-the-street law enforcement experience with firearms, agree inevitably occur in an armed life-or-death confrontation (the only situation in which lethal force is justified in self-defense).

[Dan from Michigan]

Unintended Consequences - I prefer the version from John Ross.

As for Ayoob's comments, his solution isn't banning guns. Knowing what I know about him, his solution is TRAINING.

As for self-defense, that's BS. Most of the time, the gun ain't fired. This is BS, which I expect from VPC.

[Dan from Michigan]

BTW - I bet Ayoob's comments were taking out of context. I know his daughter carries as well, and I believe she used a gun in self defense(Story he told in Lansing).

[Dan from Michigan]

Ping

[Gumlegs]

Yeah. I read a report once proving that bumble bees can't fly.

[Atlas Sneezed]

In fact, in 1998, for every time that a civilian used a handgun to kill in self-defense, 51 people lost their lives in handgun homicides alone.

Of course, for every time someone killed in self defense, there were 100 people who defended their lives with a handgun without needing to kill.

[technochick99]

How do these people even sleep at night? Have they no consciences?!?

[alieno nomine]

PING

[Cold Heat]

Out run this.........Blam! Blam!..... I think handguns work quite well thank you.

[Wonder Warthog]

"In fact, in 1998, for every time that a civilian used a handgun to kill in self-defense, 51 people lost their lives in handgun homicides alone. Yet, there have been an increasing number of news reports that women are a prime target for the gun industry as first-time handgun buyers. Left out of those reports is the fact that in 1999 for every one time a woman used a handgun to kill in self-defense, 120 women were murdered with handguns."

Typical VPC propaganda/distortion. Most instances of firearm useage in self-defense don't result in the death of the committing criminal, as in the vast majority of cases, simple display of a firearm terminates the criminal action. If the incident actually results in discharge of the firearm at the perpetrator, death of the criminal is again a rarity, as wounding is sufficient to terminate the criminal action. DEATH of the perpetrator is EXTREMELY rare.

One wonders why the VPC keeps pushing such transparent propaganda.

[INSENSITIVE GUY]

this commie garbage should be given the usual treatment,"trash it"!

[OnSafariInBlueZone]

If handguns are "ineffective", why do so many police carry them?

[.38sw]

Ok. I'm convinced. No, not to get rid of my guns, but to sign up for that combat pistol course being offered next month. As a woman, I am not convinced that i'm safer if I'm unarmed. Go peddle that garbage someplace else, VPC.

[paul51]

In fact, in 1998, for every time that a civilian used a handgun to kill in self-defense, 51 people lost their lives in handgun homicides alone

I have a feeling that if those 51 had weapons, the number would be a lot lower.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Talk about quoting people out of context! All this proves is that the only tool the anti-gunners have is lies.

An Army of Gun Lies

[Dan from Michigan]

Have they no consciences?!?

LOL. I doubt Josh Sugarmann knows what a conscience is.

[George Frm Br00klyn Park]

{1} In fact, in 1998, for every time that a civilian used a handgun to kill in self-defense, 51 people lost their lives in handgun homicides alone.

{2} Left out of those reports is the fact that in 1999 for every one time a woman used a handgun to kill in self-defense, 120 women were murdered with handguns.

DfM, {1} Where are the verifiable stats to back this up?
{2} Where are the stats to back this up also? And, the supposed stats don't seem to include those civilians who by merely having the means of self defense [or not in the criminal's mind{?}] of "civillians" of either sex saved themselves a LOT of grief, if not murder? Typical slanted "statistics" of liars in order to pass laws to control YOU and NOT "guns". How IS Michigan's concealed carry law working out? Peace and love, George.

[DoughtyOne]

VPC's opinions and all the skewed statistics in the world won't change one simple fact. "The right of the people to posess and bear arms shall not be infringed."

All else is hogwash!

[Pharmboy]

In response to the reported spike in handgun sales since the September 11th attacks, the Violence Policy Center (VPC) today released Unintended Consequences: Pro-Handgun Experts Prove That Handguns Are a Dangerous Choice For Self-Defense.

They sure are a dangerous choice: DANGEROUS FOR THE PERP.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[phasma proeliator]

Definitely take the course - being armed and un-trained is not a good idea. Part of the responsibility in owning/carrying a handgun is knowing how and when to use it (and when not to).

Attitude is a huge part of self-defense and you must be confident in yourself and your firearm so that when the moment arises - if it ever does- you can act without hesitation and without mistake.

[Billthedrill]

For example, Massad Ayoob, a legendary firearms instructor and respected pro-gun author has cautioned, "The uninitiated tend to make two kinds of mistakes with firearms...

Ayoob's correct. The uninitiated tend to hit their thumbs a lot with hammers, too, but the tool industry has been suppressing that for years...