"More about guns" by From the editor | The Pilot: Southern Pines, NC

More about guns

April 30, 2012

Regarding my column from Friday -- http://www.thepilot.com/news/2012/apr/27/whatcha-doin-with-that-gun-in-your-hand/ -- the website ended a rather interesting string of comments about gun control and gun safety. I wanted to continue the discussion.

The column is merely a first-person observational piece about my evening on the gun range with some peers and the Southern Pines officers. I don't mean it as a commentary about gun control, the sport of shooting or anything else.

The point I do want to get across is that the act of holding and firing a weapon carries with it a tremendous responsibility that some don't exercise in this country. The vast majority of individuals practice with their weapons, shoot them properly and stow them safely. It is a sport of precision and skill that I respect.

But there are plenty of others who can't get past that first initial feeling of power in their hands. Perhaps they have only known a life of strife and struggle. Perhaps no one has ever listened to them, given them the authority to make decisions, listened to them. For those individuals, their sense of power -- of control -- comes from the gun in the hand. It bestows it freely and without favor.

My column was meant for those who have never held a gun in their hand and who fear or legislate without understanding. Only when you wrap your fingers around the grip of a gun or lean your shoulder into the stock can you come to terms with the power it conveys.

It was Abraham Lincoln who said, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."

Bentpan 1 year ago

Mr. Nagy you're absolutely right, But those that have and use weapons as a power trip are generaly fringe ( stupid or criminal ) or beginners. The majority of gun owners are in fact responsible citizens and many of those belong to the NRA, not just to protect our 2nd Amendment rights but also to educate ourselves and keep abreast of news and events. Guns are an interest to sportsmen/women, historians, collectors and of course defence, most owners to one degree or another dabble in all the above. If you enjoyed your excursion might I suggest you check out one of the sporting clay facilities, great fun and quite challenging ( moving targets).

Courseaire 1 year ago

As a student in Jr High, I belonged to a competitive gun club where we were taught gun safety 1st, then practice shooting in the school gym, then competed against other school's clubs. You were taught a healthy respect for firearms. When my daughter turned 13, I bought her a .22 rifle and taught her the same. If you educate the kids on firearms, teach them safety and respect, you won't have a problem with them later.

fwm2 1 year ago

"'Happiness is a warm gun -- (bang,bang, shoot, shoot.)" The Beatles

Courseaire 1 year ago

"There's something happening here - What it is ain't exactly clear - There's a man with a gun over there - Telling me I got to beware - I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound - Everybody look what's going down" Buffalo Springfield

JohnANagy 1 year ago

Bentpan, agreed. Most folks know how to handle the power and authority of a gun responsibly. It's knowing what that gun does for the person behind it that helps you to understand the fringe, stupid or criminal operators' motivations.

Bentpan 1 year ago

I do believe we're going to get along just fine Mr. Nagy, welcome to the neighborhood.

skylinefirepest 1 year ago

Interesting perspective, Mr. Nagy. I'd like to see more articles of a local nature such as this one. There is also a Moore County Wildlife Club that, for a family membership, offers a ten, twenty five, and hundred yard range, inspected and approved by the NRA, as well as other benefits such as fishing, hiking, nature trail, etc. You can check it out at Ed's Gunshop on U.S. 1 North of Southern Pines and they can tell you who to call for more information. Shooting is great recreation, fun, and provides a basis for hunting, target shooting, or self protection.

debsalomon 1 year ago

I didn't say this...and can't remember who did, but it may be suitable here: "If I need a handgun for 'protection' I'm living in the wrong place."

skylinefirepest 1 year ago

Deb, don't you read the Pilot or other papers or watch the tv news? While we are not in a high crime area we certainly have our fair share. Some of it violent and some of it deadly! Call the Chief at Southern Pines and ask him his opinion. Are you a kung-fu fighter or something? Or do you feel, as many do, that if you simply don't resist you won't be hurt? Studies have shown that to be dead wrong, by the way. I'm old and carrying a handgun is easier than carrying a cop...it's awkward and they generally weigh a lot!!