Posted on 11/19/2001 12:49:32 PM PST by 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).
I would not be alive to whine about this if it wern't for a handgun.
You are correct!!!
Eaker
A short, plated 12ga. is an excellent choice. Loaded with birdshot, which may not penetrate the hull, may be a good idea, too. Flare pistols are also handy...but have an extra fire extinguisher around, too. Better have to swim than be found dead at home, I figure. I'd also consider a stainless revolver, a .357 or .44 Special. If you're not on salt water, pass on the shiny, plated shotgun, too. Get a black one.
By the way, a short shotgun, counterintuitively, may not be your best choice. Leopard/jaguar hunters have found that a short-barrelled, standard STOCKED pump-action is best for defense against a sudden, CLOSE charge (as in a boat, at close quarters), because one can better control the weapon by pressing it against one's hip, preventing it from being easily knocked aside, the muzzle no longer facing the target. That said, with a pistol it is best to practice "shooting from the hip," etc., keeping it close, rather than present the weapon to the attacker.
Not a clue, although I would most definitely not want the boat behind my target, if you know what I mean.
I would imagine you would be governed by the laws of the land adjacent to wherever your boat is. And when you're on the high seas, well look at international law and the laws of the country of which you are a citizen. I'll bet a search of the internet with words like "gun laws," "high seas," "international gun laws," stuff like that might yield a favorable result. Or the library.
Good luck.
The VPC or anyone else can spout all of the out-of-context, made up statistics they want, but I will never give up any of my firearms, and I will carry when and where I deem appropriate.
These people are pushing an agenda that will have but one tragic consequence.
I'll post any updates.
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.
Notice the lack of quotes around this. I see the books have been cooked some more, it used to be only 43 to 1 now it's 51 to 1. Both ratios equally meaningless, since it's good guys (and gals) saved per unjustifiable homicide, rape, robbery etc., that tells the true tale. whether the perp was armed with a gun, knife, electric cord, or just bare hands.
That said, of course you should never use a handgun if a long arm of comparable or greater power is available. Ayoob would same much the same I'm sure.
A little opinion or perhaps wishfull thinking creeping in here? Depending on what jurisdiction one lives in, there may be other legal justifications. Like if someone is stealing your horse, or your fancy wheels (yes wheels not necessarily the whole car). A few years ago a guy shot some kids who were stealing the wheels from his car in Dallas, during the night. He fired at them with an SKS, killing at least one, IIRC. In any event the grand jury no-billed him, quite properly under Texas law.
Ayoob himself tends to argue this way, from a moral rather than legal perspective, one suspects in part due to living in the northeast, where it's pretty much the law too.
From what I have read in his articles, Ayoob is a straight shooter. Please flag me on his response.
And being, well, handy, you are much more likely to have one available when you need it. Long guns can be awkward in close quarters too. Still, most people can place their shots more accurately with a long gun, and they also are generally more powerfull. Even a pistol caliber carbine would be better than a pistol in most situtations, but decidedly unhandy in others.
VPC spun it to look like he did. I think Kellermann provided that. I know Michigan law says it has to be life and death as well.
BTW, is salt good for this week or is it the week where it is deemed bad.
Whatever happened to ALAR?
tarpon
VPC is a full of crap organization full of scared people who think the authorities are responsible for their well-being. What idiots.
Interesting constuction.
See, pulling the trigger in self-defense causes 51 people to lose their lives.
A powerful round indeed.
--Boris
Or isn't yet in range, his range that is.
Dr. Mr. Ayoob,
I recently saw a posting on FreeRepublic.com with a quote attributed to you in a report from the "Violence Policy Center." Here's the link http://www.vpc.org/press/0111unin.htm . The third paragraph quotes you directly, although the source isn't cited. While this quote sounds genuine, the report is titled, "Pro-Gun Experts Prove Handguns Are Ineffective Self-Defense Tools, New VPC Study Reveals." It's nothing new that you've championed training for anyone who wants to have a firearm for self defense, but I believe that this press release really twisted your words.
I thought that you might be interested that you, as a "Pro-Gun Expert" believe that "handguns are ineffective self defense tools."
Sincerely,
Mark Levy
Lee's Summit, MO
Whoa there! You might want to do a bit of checking before you decide to "deport" Mas Ayoob.
He's a renouned expert when it comes to justifiable shooting defense in court. He's a terrific writer (be sure to check out "In The Gravest Extreme"), and a former police officer. He runs the "Lethal Force Institute"
In other words, He's one of the good guys!
Mark
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