I never knew anyone who grew up with more guns in their home than me and my siblings. I am speaking literally, not figuratively. Every wall in our family room, den and bedrooms, had “unlocked” rifle racks. There was also a large unlocked cabinet with dozens of handguns, of all kinds of different types and calibers, including working flintlocks.
Why did we have so many guns, because my dad was a collector. A true gun aficionado. He was also a hunter and he taught all of us not only how to use guns, but also respect them. He was a conservationist in his own way. A member of of ducks unlimited and other programs that ensured that wildlife in Saskatchewan could be sustained for future generations. This sounds like a paradox, even hypocritical, doesn’t it. The idea that a person could go out and shoot animals and use guns, but then say they were “environmentalist”.
As a little boy growing up on the prairies in the 50’s and 60’s, I played “Cowboys and Indians” and other such violent oriented fantasy games I received toy weapons for almost every birthday and Christmas. My favourites were my “Fanner 50”, a Colt Peacemaker replica with a real leather holster,and fake bullets inserted in my holster to give that “authentic look. Also my the Johnny-7 one man- army or my Davy Crockett musket that shot out cork musket balls. Even with all of these weapons around me, constantly, I never felt that they were making me more violent. Perhaps it’s , because in my childhood games and fantasies, I was always on the side of the good guys, my heroes, like Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and Audie Murphy.
When I was 14, I joined the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve (called the Militia back then). There I was trained in the use military weapons. Back in the 60’s and 70’s the Canadian Army main personal weapons were the 9MM submachine gun, the Belgian made 7.62 caliber FNC1 and AR FNC2. I spent 6 years with Militia and I learned a lot about weapons of war and the purpose for what they were designed for, which is to kill PEOPLE.
I tell you all this to show that I know guns and gun owners. I DO NOT object to people having guns. My concern is the reason why a person has guns, or why they think they need to have guns. I am excluding the military and police from this group for obvious reasons. I am talking about the average civilian person living in Canada. Note I am talking to Canadians, not our American neighbors. We do not have a 2nd amendment in Canada, which is a whole other issue.
If you own agricultural land, farmers, ranchers or an outrigger and , then a gun is most likely a useful tool. The same goes for indigenous people in Canada, whose culture is living off their land. If you are an avid hunter and outdoor sports person, then a gun is probably needed. If you are a competitive shooter, or a bi-athlete then you require specialized guns.
For all of these individuals, I ask, what type of gun is needed for their activities. If anyone thinks that an AR-15 with a 30 round clip is the best gun for deer hunting or a short barrel 12 gauge with a folding stock is good for duck hunting or upland game, your an idiot. The same goes for handguns. A 9mm Glock with a 17 round clip or SIg Sauer P320 or Colt Python are not designed for target shooting. The have one purpose and it’s not for shooting or hunting 4 legged “varmints”.
Recently Canada experienced one of the worst mass shootings in our history. An obviously unstable individual with access to assault type weapons went on a rampage and murdered over 20 people in Nova Scotia. In reaction to this the Federal Government implement new laws restricting or banning several assault type guns. This action has gotten all kinds of reaction from both sides of the argument.
As is all debates there is a range of the Pro and Con positions. Of course the far PRO gun side sees this and infringement on their “so called” right to own guns to the far Anti-gun side who want a ban on all weapons. Let’s be reasonable, though. like it or not guns are part of our canadian fabric. There is a place and a need for them, but they are not a RIGHT ( no 2nd amendment in Canada). Who has them and what they are used for MUST BE regulated. No different the getting a driver’s license. And just like cars, and vehicle licenses, those people who want to have a gun need to show that they are responsible enough to use a gun.
If you think you need a handgun for “home security”, you need to explain why? Is there a problem where you are living? Is having a gun in the house going to make you sleep better? I doubt it. Afterall, the gun needs to be kept in a locked case, separate from the ammo. So, you aren’t going to able to access quickly in an emergency. How practical is that going be.
Of course, if you don’t follow the rules for keeping a guns on your property, then who are you going to blame when there is an “unspeakable” accident or if they are stolen? These regulations are in place and have been in place for some time. They are there for the protection of others, not just the gun owner. I am pretty sure anyone who says they are a “responsible” gun owner and don’t follow these rules are selfish and think their “rights” are being infringed upon. Too BAD, NO 2nd AMENDMENT in Canada. Gun ownership is a privilege. “ABUSE IT or LOSE IT!”
Regarding the argument that “criminals” don’t follow the rules. That is CORRECT. Why, because they are CRIMINALS. I do believe that the criminal code should be strengthened and a minimum sentence attached to any crime committed with a weapon. Also heavier penalties for anyone owning or dealing or smuggling illegal or prohibited weapons into Canada.
There are interesting facts about gun ownership in Canada. It’s a fact that the majority of Canadians DO NOT own a gun of any kind. The actual number of people that are affected by the “new” restrictions on gun owner is also very small. Those few very VOCAL individuals who are BITCHING about the infringement of their RIGHTS, I say again, NO 2nd AMENDMENT in Canada. Be a responsible gun owner and only have a gun for the proper legal reason and show that you care about your fellow Canadians.
Finally, I want to say I am so glad to be a Canadian and that we do have these strict regulations and control over gun ownership. I feel bad for our US neighbours and their guns laws or lack thereof. Almost weekly they report mass shootings and innocent people being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Their 2nd Amendment (the right to bear arms) was put in place so their citizens at the time of the american revolution, could arm themselves against the British Army. This archaic thinking has been bastardized by people and organizations like the NRA. Fortunately today a majority of Americans know they need to change their gun laws, hopefully they will be change sooner than later, and more American lives can be saved.