The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Politics & RKBA => Topic started by: long762range on June 09, 2009, 12:46:28 PM
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http://www.the-signal.com/news/article/14177/
I bought a gun. It's just a little .22 caliber rifle to teach the kids how to shoot.
When it came, there was a National Rifle Association sign-up form in the box. I chuckled at the thought of me being a card-carrying NRA member.
Our new squirrel gun sits next to Grandpa's old 12-gauge, double-barreled, side-by-side shotgun that I inherited several years ago.
The shotgun is from the 1890s and has the words "King Nitro" inscribed on the side. It's really a piece of junk - the stock would fall off if it weren't for the piece of string tied neatly around the barrel.
Grandpa notched the stock so that the string would sit in the notch and not bother his hand while shooting.
The shotgun is truly a family heirloom. Grandma tried to kill Grandpa with it one time. Fortunately for Grandpa, her daughters were a bit stronger than she was and managed to wrestle it away from her.
Now I know where my insanity comes from. Anyway, back to my new rifle.
The ".22" I bought is actually considered a small-bore rifle. Gun sizes or "calibers" actually refer to the inside diameter of the gun barrel. "Caliber" is interchangeable with the word "inch." So, a 0.22 caliber gun fires a bullet that is 0.22" across.
I would think that a gun that fires such a little bullet would not worry the anti-gun folks so much. Boy, was I wrong.
I have never purchased a gun in the state of California. I had been through a gun class recently, so I was aware that there was a 10-day waiting period. I guess that helps stop "crimes of passion" where people rashly go out and buy a gun to do someone in.
I'm really glad we have that law. Now, instead of guns, all these angry people can use knives, baseball bats, rat poison and any one of myriad other methods to kill someone. That's much more humane.
I had shopped around and knew guns were very hard to find these days.
All the latest moves by the Obama administration have convinced the gun community that guns will soon be very hard to acquire.
This created a huge demand with gun dealers selling out of all the popular models.
Fortunately, I found exactly what I wanted over at our local Big 5 sporting goods store by the mall. It was a bolt-action .22 with a black stock and notch sights.
After checking out the goods, I decided to get it. Little did I know I was going to fall into Gun-Control Hell.
The pimply-faced, 18-year-old employee told me that there were a few formalities to take care of before our transaction was complete.
After fingerprinting me, verifying my driver's license, doing the laser eye retina scan and testing my DNA, he presented me with a small form to fill out.
"Small" is a relative term, of course. The extensive list of questions included queries about my criminal record, my relative mental stability, and whether I was a fugitive from the law.
I dutifully answered the questions knowing that I had responded truthfully, since my parole officer said I was doing much better since the Prozac was kicking in.
The next twist was that pimple-boy had to verbally question me and record the responses.
Resisting the tremendous urge to be a wise-guy (the same urge that nearly got me arrested at the airport when asked if I was carrying a bomb), I passed his interrogation.
I was next informed that a background check had to be performed to ensure that I was the correct type of person to buy the peashooter.
A $25 fee was assessed by the state to the total of the bill to perform this service for me.
It's clear that someone is making money here, and it isn't me.
After half an hour of fun and games, I was allowed to pay for the gun and leave the store- without the gun. I was now in my "waiting period."
This was fine with me because I now had to go find ammunition since a gun without ammo is like a Democrat without union money. Impotent.
After checking several stores including Wal-Mart, I eventually found what I needed online. But even the Internet store was back-ordered with no firm date as to when ammo can ship. Thanks again, Mr. President.
Once my 10 days of purgatory were complete, I returned to Big 5 for my gun.
Another 45 minutes of waiting, signatures, waiting, laser retina scan, waiting and more waiting, I was finally given the opportunity to take my purchase home.
Curious, I asked about the background check. "Oh, I'd better take a look to see if you are on the list. Nope, you're clean," was the pimply-faced response.
After all of that, I could have been a serial killer with a long rap sheet and still defeated all of this legislative mumbo-jumbo bureaucracy intended to keep a gun out of dangerous hands.
Of course, if I were a bad guy, I could have gone to some "friends" who could have procured a weapon on the same day for forty bucks. With no background check.
Does all of this make us safer? Unfortunately, the Legislature and the anti-gun lobby have merely made it more difficult for honest, law-abiding citizens to obtain firearms.
I have never been a "pro-gun" person but this experience has changed my mind.
Let's see - where is that NRA sign-up form?
Steve Lunetta is a Santa Clarita resident. His column reflects his own views and not necessarily those of The Signal.
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Dang Long,
Thanks for the reprint. Aren't you glad you live in Texas where you walk out with your new gun after a flash of your CHL and a quick phone call. No wonder they call California the land of fruits and nuts. I'd go nuts going through all of those hoops just to get a .22 cal pop gun.
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I bought a handgun when I lived in the bay area in 99, They didn't have retinal scan technology then (like the microstamping now) but the only 0ther thing they missed was a colostomy.
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I bought a handgun when I lived in the bay area in 99, They didn't have retinal scan technology then (like the microstamping now) but the only 0ther thing they missed was a colostomy.
Now that is one hell of a tough state to buy guns in! They take their pound of flesh in intestines!!! ;D
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They almost rejected me, when they asked where Grand Ma was buried. I guess they didn't believe me when I said "in the ground" ;D
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Holy smokes!
The 10 days of purgatory? It's only 5 in Fl. As far as crimes of passion, it doesn't work. Too many other items available with no waiting period. Hammers, shovels, baseball bats, etc,...
"A cooling-off period for handgun purchases requires a number of unlikely assumptions in order to work. First, the potential murderer - denied a handgun immediately - must then decide not to buy a rifle or a shotgun, which the Brady Bill will allow him to do. Then he must not know how to buy a handgun on the black market, or how to obtain one from friends, relatives or acquaintances. In addition, the type of murder he intends must not be one for which readily available alternative weapons, such as knives, automobiles, or bare hands, will work. Finally, the person who was literally ready to commit a murder on Day One of the waiting period must calm down by Day Seven and stay calm from that day forward."
David B. Kopel, in Policy Review
Sorry for your down right "ordeal". But you got it know, enjoy it with the family, and never let it go.
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I traded that sucker off LONG ago, It was the one that made me swear off any Beretta designs. ;D
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Holy smokes!
The 10 days of purgatory? It's only 5 in Fl. As far as crimes of passion, it doesn't work. Too many other items available with no waiting period. Hammers, shovels, baseball bats, etc,...
"A cooling-off period for handgun purchases requires a number of unlikely assumptions in order to work. First, the potential murderer - denied a handgun immediately - must then decide not to buy a rifle or a shotgun, which the Brady Bill will allow him to do. Then he must not know how to buy a handgun on the black market, or how to obtain one from friends, relatives or acquaintances. In addition, the type of murder he intends must not be one for which readily available alternative weapons, such as knives, automobiles, or bare hands, will work. Finally, the person who was literally ready to commit a murder on Day One of the waiting period must calm down by Day Seven and stay calm from that day forward."
David B. Kopel, in Policy Review
Sorry for your down right "ordeal". But you got it know, enjoy it with the family, and never let it go.
Sorry, TW but you be WAAAAAAY wrong on this one. It is 3 days as mandated by state law. Miami/Dade is breaking that law.
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It is 3 days as mandated by state law.
A three day wait still stinks. No wait here in Old Dominion, unless of course you want to buy more than one handgun at a time (can only buy one handgun every thirty days).
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Sorry, TW but you be WAAAAAAY wrong on this one. It is 3 days as mandated by state law. Miami/Dade is breaking that law.
Are you fellas saying that you have a wait period before you can bring home a handgun? Even with a CC Permit?
I thought FL was one of the easier places to buy firearms!
I have no waiting other than the fifteen minutes to fill out two forms and give them my NICS fingerprint! What gives?
I can also buy every handgun in the store if I want too!
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Are you fellas saying that you have a wait period before you can bring home a handgun? Even with a CC Permit?
I thought FL was one of the easier places to buy firearms!
I have no waiting other than the fifteen minutes to fill out two forms and give them my NICS fingerprint! What gives?
I can also buy every handgun in the store if I want too!
NH is like that, Show ID, (Drivers license) Fill out form while dealer makes NICS call, walk out with what ever you or however many, you can pay for, then of course there's "Private sale", no paper, no call.
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NH is like that, Show ID, (Drivers license) Fill out form while dealer makes NICS call, walk out with what ever you or however many, you can pay for, then of course there's "Private sale", no paper, no call.
Same here on Private Sales.....up to the purchaser to fill out the transfer paperwork and have the seller sign it. Buyer and Seller both must have LTC. No calls but limited to four (4) per year, otherwise you must have an FFL.
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Holy smokes!
The 10 days of purgatory? It's only 5 in Fl. As far as crimes of passion, it doesn't work. Too many other items available with no waiting period. Hammers, shovels, baseball bats, etc,...
"A cooling-off period for handgun purchases requires a number of unlikely assumptions in order to work. First, the potential murderer - denied a handgun immediately - must then decide not to buy a rifle or a shotgun, which the Brady Bill will allow him to do. Then he must not know how to buy a handgun on the black market, or how to obtain one from friends, relatives or acquaintances. In addition, the type of murder he intends must not be one for which readily available alternative weapons, such as knives, automobiles, or bare hands, will work. Finally, the person who was literally ready to commit a murder on Day One of the waiting period must calm down by Day Seven and stay calm from that day forward."
David B. Kopel, in Policy Review
Sorry for your down right "ordeal". But you got it know, enjoy it with the family, and never let it go.
Actually you are, and very, very sadly wrong. Fl state law requires a 3 day wait for hand guns and zero wait for long guns. However Dade and Palm Beach county ignore this and impose a 5 day wait. Not a problem for those with a CCW, but blatently illegal and very annoying, just in principle. I didn't realize Dade did this as well, I thought we here in PB were "special" however, with two out of five county commisioners in the process of going to federal prison on corruption charges, there is a chance for a change. Have I mentioned how much I some times am not proud of this state? :P
FQ13
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I know what you mean FQ. PB county seems to exist in a continuous state of not-quite-right.
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Good Lord, I love TEXAS!
Dang Long,
Thanks for the reprint. Aren't you glad you live in Texas where you walk out with your new gun after a flash of your CHL or a quick phone call. No wonder they call California the land of fruits and nuts. I'd go nuts going through all of those hoops just to get a .22 cal pop gun.
I'm with you Kid. Walk in, fill out my yellow form, hand over DL and CHL, numbers written down, handed back my cards, fork over money, and out the door I walk.
Even without the concealed handgun license, it still takes 30 seconds for the FFL dealer to call in and get a response. That and you can buy as much and as many as you want. If they are called in, you might just end up on a little 'list' somewhere but I can't say for sure on that.
My gun dealer always says to me as I walk out the door, "Guess I'll see you tomorrow or next week!" That old codger... he knows I'll be back.
Maybe I can get a doctor to sign off saying I have a "Have to buy guns & gun accessories" condition. Kinda like kleptomania... Now what would that be called?? ;D Possibly get government aid towards the treatment for said condition? ???
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Good Lord, I love TEXAS!
I'm with you Kid. Walk in, fill out my yellow form, hand over DL and CHL, numbers written down, handed back my cards, fork over money, and out the door I walk.
Even without the concealed handgun license, it still takes 30 seconds for the FFL dealer to call in and get a response. That and you can buy as much and as many as you want. If they are called in, you might just end up on a little 'list' somewhere but I can't say for sure on that.
My gun dealer always says to me as I walk out the door, "Guess I'll see you tomorrow or next week!" That old codger... he knows I'll be back.
Maybe I can get a doctor to sign off saying I have a "Have to buy guns & gun accessories" condition. Kinda like kleptomania... Now what would that be called?? ;D Possibly get government aid towards the treatment for said condition? ???
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Remember those SCARY words "We're from the government and we're here to help".
They would 'help' you right out of your guns!
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Maybe I can get a doctor to sign off saying I have a "Have to buy guns & gun accessories" condition. Kinda like kleptomania... Now what would that be called?? ;D Possibly get government aid towards the treatment for said condition? ???
Hey True, I'll bet you're right. With the current administration giving out zillions for everyone in need, we just need to start up an organization for all of us with this pesky gun addiction. We could call it a pyro upper limb addictive disorder. (Firearm addictave disorder) PULAD for short. Let's start up our non-profit and begin raking in the dough for the Poor Lads of PULAD.
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AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Remember those SCARY words "We're from the government and we're here to help".
They would 'help' you right out of your guns!
But remember, most gubment aid is stupid and reckless with the money they hand out, so like Kid says:
With the current administration giving out zillions for everyone in need, we just need to start up an organization for all of us with this pesky gun addiction. We could call it a pyro upper limb addictive disorder. (Firearm addictave disorder) PULAD for short. Let's start up our non-profit and begin raking in the dough for the Poor Lads of PULAD.
Then once they realize they have screwed up, it will be too late! And the only thing they will help me with, is disposing of a 'few' rounds of ammo. AAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHahahaha!! *clasping hands evilly* - fully realizing the mind was always lost cause it was never there in the first place.
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Actually you are, and very, very sadly wrong. Fl state law requires a 3 day wait for hand guns and zero wait for long guns. However Dade and Palm Beach county ignore this and impose a 5 day wait. Not a problem for those with a CCW, but blatently illegal and very annoying, just in principle. I didn't realize Dade did this as well, I thought we here in PB were "special" however, with two out of five county commisioners in the process of going to federal prison on corruption charges, there is a chance for a change. Have I mentioned how much I some times am not proud of this state? Tongue
FQ13
What am I wrong about? You neglected to mention the very important part of the South Florida tri-fecta, Broward County, where I reside, which has a 5 day wait unless you have a CCW.
Palm Beach, is it's own mix of Dade & Broward. Which gives me every motivation of what not to be.
If it weren't for the job and the money, and believe me it took a bunch, I would not have come back.
Winter's are still great.. 8)
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TW, what I am saying is that it is illegal for them to make you wait 5 days for any gun. The Sate law says 3 days for handgun and lets counties decide on long guns with the waiting period being no longer than 3 days. CCW holders are exempt.
So 5 is ilegal, period.
Here is the law.
790.0655 Purchase and delivery of handguns; mandatory waiting period; exceptions; penalties.--
(1)(a) There shall be a mandatory 3-day waiting period, which shall be 3 days, excluding weekends and legal holidays, between the purchase and the delivery at retail of any handgun. "Purchase" means the transfer of money or other valuable consideration to the retailer. "Handgun" means a firearm capable of being carried and used by one hand, such as a pistol or revolver. "Retailer" means and includes every person engaged in the business of making sales at retail or for distribution, or use, or consumption, or storage to be used or consumed in this state, as defined in s. 212.02(13).
(b) Records of handgun sales must be available for inspection by any law enforcement agency, as defined in s. 934.02, during normal business hours.
(2) The 3-day waiting period shall not apply in the following circumstances:
(a) When a handgun is being purchased by a holder of a concealed weapons permit as defined in s. 790.06.
(b) To a trade-in of another handgun.
(3) It is a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084:
(a) For any retailer, or any employee or agent of a retailer, to deliver a handgun before the expiration of the 3-day waiting period, subject to the exceptions provided in subsection (2).
(b) For a purchaser to obtain delivery of a handgun by fraud, false pretense, or false representation.
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0790/SEC0655.HTM&Title=->2008->Ch0790->Section%200655#0790.0655
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A week and a half ago I walked into the gun store, handed the guy my CCW, along with my DL and my MasterCard and walked out with the UGLIEST .40 caliber handgun you ever saw. 5 minutes from start to end of transaction.
It was tougher than that to buy a .22 Remington rifle at WalMart a couple of years ago. On the other hand, with the exception of not knowing the difference between a magazine and a clip, the guy at the gun store actually had a clue, UNLIKE the dude at Wally World.
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walked out with the UGLIEST .40 caliber handgun you ever saw. 5 minutes from start to end of transaction.
Just curious, who makes the ugly .40?
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Just curious, who makes the ugly .40?
Hi-Point. The thing is butt-ugly, but it's made in the USA, Haz says they go bang everytime time you press the trigger, they have a lifetime warranty and NIB it was less than $200!! ;D
(http://www.hi-pointfirearms.com/images/guns/40SWb.gif)
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And it's the heaviest polymer pistol I've ever wrapped my mitts around.
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Hi-Point. The thing is butt-ugly, but it's made in the USA, Haz says they go bang everytime time you press the trigger, they have a lifetime warranty and NIB it was less than $200!! ;D
(http://www.hi-pointfirearms.com/images/guns/40SWb.gif)
I suggest a grip sleeve for it. It seemed to me that the grip is a bit slippery. I put one on my compact.
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I suggest a grip sleeve for it. It seemed to me that the grip is a bit slippery. I put one on my compact.
Actually I was thinking about that. Haven't yet had the opportunity to see if it'll jump out of my fist, although as friggin heavy as it is I'd be HIGHLY surprised.
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Hi-Point. The thing is butt-ugly, but it's made in the USA, Haz says they go bang everytime time you press the trigger, they have a lifetime warranty and NIB it was less than $200!! ;D
(http://www.hi-pointfirearms.com/images/guns/40SWb.gif)
An American made .40 for 200 bucks that goes bang every time. I don't know jack about Hi-Point. It seems like I vaguely remember the name from my youth. If Haz says it's a winner and you can get 'em at that kind of price. I want one. I've only been around here a few days but Haz keeps proving that he knows his stuff.
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An American made .40 for 200 bucks that goes bang every time. I don't know jack about Hi-Point. It seems like I vaguely remember the name from my youth. If Haz says it's a winner and you can get 'em at that kind of price. I want one. I've only been around here a few days but Haz keeps proving that he knows his stuff.
This is a guy who said no when I offered him a Glock 17 for $250 on his birthday. Yet he endorses the Highpoint. I like Haz too, just remember the salt shaker, and the cat nip. ;D
FQ13
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This is a guy who said no when I offered him a Glock 17 for $250 on his birthday. Yet he endorses the Highpoint. I like Haz too, just remember the salt shaker, and the cat nip. ;D
FQ13
zero cash right now.
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It's a clunky piece of shit compared to a Sig or 1911, but they DO work.
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zero cash right now.
And on that I hear you.I bought two guns I can barely afford, and I mean eating Ramen noodles for a couple of weeks barely, just because it began to seem prudent. Its what happens when you let your gut override your head, but at least I'll have fun on the range when I can actually afford enough ammo to do more than sight them in. :P
FQ13
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And on that I hear you.I bought two guns I can barely afford, and I mean eating Ramen noodles for a couple of weeks barely, just because it began to seem prudent. Its what happens when you let your gut override your head, but at least I'll have fun on the range when I can actually afford enough ammo to do more than sight them in. :P
FQ13
Whad ja get? Whad ja get? Two new guns, you lucky devil !!!
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And on that I hear you.I bought two guns I can barely afford, and I mean eating Ramen noodles for a couple of weeks barely, just because it began to seem prudent. Its what happens when you let your gut override your head, but at least I'll have fun on the range when I can actually afford enough ammo to do more than sight them in. :P
FQ13
What guns is ya talkin about?
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What guns is ya talkin about?
A maverick/mossberg M88 security model with 20" barrel and 8 round tube, and a saiga 7.62x.39 with three 30 round surefire mags. Both NIB and for less than $700. Not a bad deal, just a lot of money to me right now.
FQ13 who is now on the list
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Eating Ramen noodles is cool when you have a variety of flavors like shrimp, pork, beef and chicken. Tastes great and I love the way my stomach swells like a starving Ethiopian after eating them. The gas creates moments of entertainment for me with my wife in the same room. ;D
A college secret: Get taco sauce from Taco Bell and mix it in. Adds flavor. When you have money again try Pace and shredded cheese and then you are living large.
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Eating Ramen noodles is cool when you have a variety of flavors like shrimp, pork, beef and chicken. Tastes great and I love the way my stomach swells like a starving Ethiopian after eating them. The gas creates moments of entertainment for me with my wife in the same room. ;D
A college secret: Get taco sauce from Taco Bell and mix it in. Adds flavor. When you have money again try Pace and shredded cheese and then you are living large.
Ping you and I both know Ramen noodles come in one flavor and it starts with an S. ;D However, as much as I did not want to relive my college days, the deal was too good to pass up, unemployment or not. I am getting a share of a nice real eastate deal I helped arrange next week and will be solvent (sort of) and a lot better armed, next week. Its all good. Just a little skinny until Monday. ;D
FQ13
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A mossberg M88 security model with 20" barrel and 8 round tube, and a saiga 7.62x.39 with three 30 round surefire mags. Both NIB and for less than $700. Not a bad deal, just a lot of money to me right now.
FQ13 who is now on the list
Sounds like an awesome deal and I say again.......You lucky devil.