Gun crime in countries where carrying handguns is illegal is far far far less than in countries where the population carry guns routinely. Most studies show this clearly. In 2001 for example there were over 10 deaths per 100,000 relating to guns in the States whereas in the UK it was less than 0.5 per 100,000.

However, having said that the likelihood of it happening to you even in the states is still extremely remote compared to the chances of death from cancer, heart disease, traffic accidents etc. Did you know that around 100,000 Americans (and 12,000 brits) die every year from drugs prescribed to them by their doctors? So although it is good to be prepared mentally and physically for a violent encounter it is bad to focus on the chance of being attacked to the extent of paranoia.

I don't carry a weapon and don't advocate it for another reason which is that most people who carry them psychologically rely on the weapon and forget other skills. Time and time in class I show that people who are armed with a knife or stick will focus solely on the use of that weapon forgetting other skills that might be more appropriate at that time. If you carry a weapon learn to use it alongside your other skills. It shouldn't be MA or Weaponry but adding the weapon to your own natural weapons which takes skill and practice.

Your point doesn't prove making guns illegal. It only shows that the U.S. has a higher murder rate than the UK which was true even before the UK implimented it's gun control laws. The fact of the matter is in the US there is a different mentality and no matter what kind of gun control laws you put in place the people doing the armed robbery and killing are going to continue. Gun theft is nothing if your willing to kill someone.

The discussion isn't about drug use or smoking, it's should a person carry a weapon on them. We are in full agreement that people tend to rely too much on their weapon of choice.I feel it tends to get some people in more trouble and place themselves in situations they normally wouldn't have been in if they didn't have it. But thinking a gun ban is going to reduce or eliminate gun crimes in the US is a fantasy. It has nothing to do with gun control, it has eveything to do with the country in question. There is too much of the "i want it right now" attitude in the states and some are going to get it no matter what it takes.

Besides, didn't you know that 75% of all statistics are made up?

http://www.guncite.com/gun_control_gcgvinco.html

I love this talk about making guns illegal, because in Nigeria (where I'm from) normal citizens don't have guns. However, criminals do lol. It doesn't matter if you outlaw it or not; people will have them smuggled in. oh yea

i didn't get into martial arts to become paranoid to the point of feeling the need to carry a weapon 24/7.

i agree with zach, if more people had guns, more people would be dead, which would spawn more revenge, and revenge begets revenge, and it never ends...next thing you know you have a war.

just take away everyones guns and let them fight it out like men rather than cowards hiding behind their glock.

handguns have one main purpose and it isn't killing deer. so why does anyone need one?

I carry a pocket knife. I live in a not-so-great neighborhood.

I have a concealled carry permit and use it.

Most states have a very good backgroung check system, and licensing procedure. Some however do not.

In Oklahoma there have been no convictions of a violent crime by a concealed carry permit holder.

Even if they were illegal like someone above said the criminals do not care and would still have them.


I study martial arts, but in certain situations not having to be within an arms, or leg reach to end a deadly confrontation.

Just my opinion, your millage may vary

i dont think gun control would do much good. most gang bangers are already felons, and therefore it is already illegal for them to carry guns. most of them do, which is illegal...and most of the guns are stolen.