Should all firearms be banned for private use?

I just spotted this category and funnily enough I was talking to Mark about the very same thing yesterday - we had a booze fuelled 'put the world to rights' brain storming session and this is basically what we discussed. We live in Birmingham and I don't know how much those of you living outside the Midlands hear about it, but there's a gun culture developing round here. We hear on Central News of shootings that have left people dead, attempted shootings and gun amnesites and we hear this on a weekly basis. There's parts of Birmingham that are controlled by American style gangs who carry guns ... more

This was written originally for an American audience. According to the American Constitution, we have "the right to bear arms." However, this is prefaced by the phrase ""A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State...", please note WELL REGULATED. When I published this originally, I got both praise and scorn. Some people subsequently refused to read anything else I might write. In the US, the subject is THAT volitile. I don’t imagine for a minute that this essay (or indeed, any others on this topic) will actually change anyone’s mind. If you feel that ... more

~ ~ “Should all possession of firearms be banned for private use?” Well, on the face of it, and in light of the recent dreadful incident in Germany, where so many innocent pupils in a school were shot to death, then the answer should be fairly straightforward. A simple “Yes”. The totally understandable reaction of most people when an incident like this occurs is to throw their hands in the air in horror and scream for more rigid gun control. Indeed, on reading the news of this latest atrocity, it was my immediate reaction as well. “Remove the means to obtain the ... more

Should they? I have to say my argument here will be a little one sided, as in the simplest terms I see no valid reason why anyone needs a firearm – apart from sporting reasons, in which case they should be kept at the residence of the sport leader/manager. The use of firearms in the UK is spiralling out of control, and it is worrying. Ok, so stiff penalties my well be imposed on those caught with such weapons, but whatever is being done to date, it is clearly not enough. Why should anyone own a gun at home? Apart from self-defence (and that is as bad as the criminal) there is no true and valid ... more

I would like to begin this opinion by saying that I personally do not own a firearm and have no intention of ever owning one. I have no use for one and, frankly, I am terrified of them. I've never held a handgun. I have, however, handled a BB Gun and an old empty hunting rifle that belonged to my grandfather. I didn't like the feeling of either of them in my hands. Unfortunately, handguns are necessary for some individuals. In today's society, there are many people who find that it is beneficial for them to own a handgun. My father is one of them. If you've read any of my earlier opinions, you ... more