Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with firearms

How to correctly hand over a firearm.

gtr — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 21:13:32 -0800

How do you correctly hand a firearm over to another person? My mother, who lives alone, has a 38 revolver for protection. She goes to a shooting range often. I'm confident in her shooting abilities.

However, she's going to take her revolver into a gun shop to answer a few questions. I asked her if she knew exactly how to hand the gun over, and she really doesn't know. I'm fearing that she's going to whip it out and everyone in the store is going to hit the floor.

Can anyone tell me (I know very little about guns) what the proper procedure is for bringing her gun to the counter and handing it over for inspection without causing a scene?

Am I crazy or what?

Anonymous — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:44:24 -0800

Am I crazy or what? Not long ago, I'd voluntarily checked myself into a mental hospital for severe depression caused by a bipolar disorder of some stripe. Over the course of five days, I was given a cocktail of antidepressants and monitored (asked dumb questions) each morning.

Not knowing the limits of confidentiality, I'd mentioned owning a firearm during an early evaluation. When I decided to voluntarily check out, one of the formalities that I couldn't avoid was signing my gun over to a friend for thirty days. I did this, and reclaimed it after a month, as was allowed per the explanation of my case manager.

I'm assuming that because my stay was voluntary, and the remission of the firearm temporary, that I am not considered to have been committed to a mental institution, or adjudicated as mentally ill.

One of my favorite hobbies is taking a big group of friends to the shooting range. That's why I bought a gun, and all my friends own them as well. I didn't buy it so I could snuff myself out or hurt anyone else. What I'm unsure of is whether it's legal for me to own this weapon, and whether I'm eligible to purchase another, or to apply for things like ATF pyrotechnic licenses.

If you wanna lecture me, go ahead. I appreciate the concern, but am not really interested in ditching one of my few joys.

Handguns for Dummies

Anonymous — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:49:46 -0800

What are some good resources for a novice looking to purchase a handgun? I am considering purchasing a pistol for 1) home protection and 2) general target shooting. And I will probably only buy one (right now, I'm leaning toward Sig Sauer, but for strictly aesthetic reasons), and have it serve double duty (I don't want to be a "collector"). But I am fairly new to firearms. Where can I go to learn more? About guns in general, but also info on topics like; what makes a good gun for a particular use (not maker, but issues like caliber, stopping power, weight, etc.), price paid vs. overall quality, expert opinions, safety/etiquette, training, etc. Think "if you're a newb, you MUST read X". Even (especially?) if it's overly technical. Online info is good, but printed material is also welcome - as are your recommendations/advice.

FBI Agent Firearm(s)

sperose — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:14:56 -0800

What kind of service firearms would a female FBI agent carry (main and backup?) from approximately 2000-present. (If the real answer isn't out there, what would be a reasonable approximation of a gun that would make sense for a story.)

How safe is a Glock?

Burhanistan — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:54:07 -0800

PistolFilter. I know there are lots of gun related forums/resources on the web (and am looking at those also), but I'd like to query AskMe about Glocks. Specifically what are the practical advantages and disadvantages of the Glock safety trigger mechanism versus traditional safetys? I'm kicking around buying my first gun. I've had experience with handgun shooting before and am fairly competent with 9MMs. I'm just thinking of buying a gun as part of a broader package of survival/emergency gear so I'm not really looking for something that is high maintenance and can handle being stowed away for long periods. So, bonus points for gun recommendations. Thanks!

How did Civil War soldiers reload and fire the .58 Springfield?

jackypaper — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:45:50 -0800

How was the Civil War .58 Springfield rifle reloaded? I understand that it was a percussion-cap rifle rather than a flintlock, and that it fired a muzzle-loaded minie ball. But what was the reloading process? What did the ammunition look like? There was no metal cartridge involved? How long did it take to reload and fire one of those things? Thanks, from a firearms n00b!

OK to discharge firearms in Pennsylvania yards?

leahwrenn — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 15:05:58 -0800

Is it legal for my neighbors to shoot in their yard, in a suburb of Philadelphia? I'm living in Perkiomen Township, about 30 miles outside of Philadelphia. This evening (while my daughter was playing outside) it sounded like my neighbors were shooting at something, presumably in their yard. We live near a creek, and apparently it's legal to shoot (hunt) near a creek...

Does anyone know anything about where it's legal to discharge a firearm in Pennsylvania, or where I can find more information about firearm discharge (not ownership)? I'd like to know it's illegal before I call the cops...and google fails me.

Nuthin' Up My Sleeve...

plaidrabbit — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:27:42 -0800

What Are The Logistical Challenges of Carrying a Concealed Firearm On A Daily Basis? I (after much thought and debate amongst myself, friends and family) have decided that I would perhaps like to obtain a personal conceal and carry weapon permit. I reside in a state that allows them, and frequently travel in states that have full reciprocal agreements with the state I'm currently resident in.

However, my biggest question at this current juncture is the ability to carry the weapon amongst the public and friends without either causing a scene or a ruckus. My logic goes something like this: Since I have decided to carry a weapon for personal protection reasons, the dumbest thing I can do is not carry the thing. However, since I usually am in a pair of shorts and a tee-shirt, I've got some issues as to how to conceal the thing.

All the solutions I have come up with beg more questions: Alright, I decide to carry the firearm in a shoulder holster; now, I have to wear a coat everywhere, lest when I take off the coat, everyone freaks out that I've got a gun. I decide to wear a belt holster; now, it's just really inconvenient and not that concealed. I keep it in my briefcase/backpack; now, it might not be near me when I needed it. The list goes on and on.

This problem does not dissuade me from arming myself with a CCW permit - obviously, someone does this on a daily basis that isn't a law enforcement officer, and they're able to do it discretely, or else I'd imagine I'd have seen someone out and about with the gun.

So, fellow MeFites - for those of you who hold CCWs, how do you carry your gun while in casual clothing? For those of you who don't, what are your ideas as to how a person could go about carrying a gun, daily, with casual clothing on, and not freak anyone out?

On a side note: I'm not really interested in any ethical debate here, if you please. I know this is a touchy subject, and I've done as much research as I feel is necessary as an intelligent human to make my decision as to the matter of carrying a gun on me.

U.S. Police Firearm Usage Statistics

NotMyself — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 12:43:27 -0800

Where can one find good statistics on the use of firearms by police officers in the line of duty for the States? A friend and I were discussing the recent events in Virginia. He is from Denmark and quoted an interesting statistic concerning the use of guns by police in his home country. He stated that in a recent year, only 70 rounds of ammunition were used by police officers in the line of duty for the entire year.

I suggested that contrary to popular belief the same is probably true in most U. S. cities as well. I feel that gun usage by police is a last resort situation and very uncommon.

Any thoughts on where I could educate myself more on the subject? Google, it does nothing.

Gun ownership/manufacture in a philosophical sense?

owl — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 12:31:26 -0800

Gun ownership/manufacture in a philosophical sense? It seems that pro-gun groups are much louder than anti-gun groups. As such, it is difficult to find anything that creates an arguable philosophical stance against guns.

I'm looking for something that addresses guns objectively, in the same way that a book might objectively address whether it's right or wrong to eat meat.

What are the moral issues concerning owning and manufacturing guns? Where can I find a non-partisan, objective, philosophical resource (not a pro or anti resource) like in a college textbook?

Are there any legitimate philosophical arguments that deal with the morality of gun ownership and manufacture?

Please: Do not include politics and or opinions.

Hopefully This Stays In The Realm Of Theory

absalom — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 19:03:47 -0800

If someone walks into my classroom (filled with students) wielding a gun, what should I do? I have recieved no training or input in this area, and while I cannot imagine it ever happening at my school, if it ever does happen, I'd like to make sure myself and my children see the event through safely.

What is the etymology of the phrase "to shoot the shit?"

jrb223 — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 08:41:01 -0800

What is the origin of the phrase "to shoot the shit?"

IDPA transit woes

Netzapper — Sat, 25 Jun 2005 13:59:19 -0800

IDPAFilter: Are there any Philadelphia mefites who shoot in the IDPA? Are there any IDPA clubs that are reachable via SEPTA? I'm trying to get into practical shooting sports, but am having a rather large problem: transportation.

I've found a few IDPA clubs that are close enough to Philly to be viable... if I had a car. But, I don't have a vehicle, so I'd be stuck using SEPTA to get there. Naturally, the idea of taking the train with a bag full of pistols, ammo, and then humping it X miles to the actual range leaves me a little dismayed. Is it possible? Is it legal?

Any suggestions?

If you shoot IDPA (or, hell, IPSC... I'm not real picky) and live in Philly, would you be into carpooling? I'll pay for gas.

Guns for US Soldiers in WWI

dagnyscott — Tue, 26 Apr 2005 09:58:44 -0800

What sort of guns (by model) were issued to United States soldiers in the first world war? Smaller guns in particular.

Is longer better?

Wulfgar! — Thu, 17 Mar 2005 21:19:40 -0800

The decision is made, and a Ruger Blackhawk .44 mag pistol I will buy. But, is the longer barrel better? For concentrated accuracy, obviously the 10 and 1/2" barrel is superior. It's also harder to find or make a holster for, harder to draw, and harder to keep clean in field conditions. I really want the firearm for field conditions. I desire maximum accuracy with one shot of powerful damage. But I also want a certain ease of use. Is the extra barrel length really a plus over the 7 and 1/2"? I've never fired a handgun with a barrel length over 6" so I really need to know from those who have. Hope me, gun gurus ...