Do you really think you need the gun here? Just glance at the jerk, then look away, ignoring the fool, and go ask a girl to dance.On more then one occasion I have been asked , " Do you really think you need the gun here?"
I have thought on how to answer it, I have come up with this response,
Do I think it need it, probably not.
Do I hope I need it, NO...
Am I prepared if I do need it....YES.
Food for thought.....
Beautifully said! Please, don't be another a$$hole with a gun! WE ALL HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY to the educate the public that just because we carry a firearm, we are just like them except we exercise your right to protect our selfs and the others around us!I open carry everywhere, every single day
I don't get that question very often here in Wyoming, but I do hand out cards when someone expresses interest, whether questioning my need to carry or just being curious what I have - my business card as a certified firearms and self defense instructor.
The answer that seems most effective, however, is this:
I own myself completely, and I am therefore the only one who is responsible for that life and my safety. I carry this gun to protect myself and any innocent people around me, where necessary.
Seldom do I find a negative response, and there are many thoughtful conversations that result from these encounters.
Please, people, be respectful and gentle. We will make no friends with anger and snide remarks. We do NOT abdicate our rights in any way by trying to educate those who have been brainwashed by those who would disarm and enslave us.
+1QUESTION: "do you really think you need that gun in here?"
ANSWER: "no."
I think that's the best response. To me it's a question that demands a yes or no answer, anything else is preaching.
If the person follows with more probing questions, by all means answer them. But in most cases I think the best, most honest answer would be simply...no.
I avoid smart-ass answers for the simple reason that they serve no viable purpose for either myself or others who also chose to carry. I much prefer we all be seen in a positive light when out among the public. When I do give a funny, cute, or off-hand answer, it is because the conversation is lighthearted and a bit comic.A lot of the answers given here are wonderfully clever. I like the way most of you guys think!
Just one caution though: When you answer this question for real, what is your goal? If it is to tick off the questioner, to make him feel stupid, to make yourself feel smart, or just to have some good old fashioned fun, give that clever response.
If your goal is to change hearts and minds, find a simple answer that respects the question (no matter how holier-than-thou the questioner was).
I think I'll say, "That's a good question. I don't know. But, if I always have it, I will have it when I do need it. Thanks for asking." Maybe that will prompt the person to ask more questions, seriously trying to learn something. Maybe that will start one more person thinking instead of emoting.
The snarky responses just feed the emotion and solidify the stereotype they already have of gun-owners.
But, they sure are fun to read!
QUESTION: "do you really think you need that gun in here?"
ANSWER: "no."
I think that's the best response. To me it's a question that demands a yes or no answer, anything else is preaching.
If the person follows with more probing questions, by all means answer them. But in most cases I think the best, most honest answer would be simply...no.
I agree with you. I have had convo's and responded with similar to your response and it always has ended up with "well have you ever actually needed it? I've lived x number of years and not needed one.". or the ever so popular "they'll just take it from you, just call the cops". Aggravating. I do enjoy these people's responses on here. I feel more pity for the people who don't understand...too much that I don't think I could respond like these guys do with a straight face.A lot of the answers given here are wonderfully clever. I like the way most of you guys think!
Just one caution though: When you answer this question for real, what is your goal? If it is to tick off the questioner, to make him feel stupid, to make yourself feel smart, or just to have some good old fashioned fun, give that clever response.
If your goal is to change hearts and minds, find a simple answer that respects the question (no matter how holier-than-thou the questioner was).
I think I'll say, "That's a good question. I don't know. But, if I always have it, I will have it when I do need it. Thanks for asking." Maybe that will prompt the person to ask more questions, seriously trying to learn something. Maybe that will start one more person thinking instead of emoting.
The snarky responses just feed the emotion and solidify the stereotype they already have of gun-owners.
But, they sure are fun to read!
That's easy for someone to say when seated in the comfort of their living room or entertaining like-minded friends all huddled in the kitchen sipping wine and eating finger food. People like this try their best to outdo others in the conversation by spouting off more and more outlandish and insensible garbage.Always remember - no serious answer is ever acceptable to the truly dedicated gun-grabber.
We have one here of some renown, who has stated publicly that she would much prefer to be raped and murdered than have one of those "gun nuts" protect her.
What is amazing is that these people haven't a clue how fast a bad thing can go down and how quickly they can be attacked and at the total mercy of their attacker. Where's the police when that happens?eye95 wrote:I agree with you. I have had convo's and responded with similar to your response and it always has ended up with "well have you ever actually needed it? I've lived x number of years and not needed one.". or the ever so popular "they'll just take it from you, just call the cops". Aggravating. I do enjoy these people's responses on here. I feel more pity for the people who don't understand...too much that I don't think I could respond like these guys do with a straight face.A lot of the answers given here are wonderfully clever. I like the way most of you guys think!
Just one caution though: When you answer this question for real, what is your goal? If it is to tick off the questioner, to make him feel stupid, to make yourself feel smart, or just to have some good old fashioned fun, give that clever response.
If your goal is to change hearts and minds, find a simple answer that respects the question (no matter how holier-than-thou the questioner was).
I think I'll say, "That's a good question. I don't know. But, if I always have it, I will have it when I do need it. Thanks for asking." Maybe that will prompt the person to ask more questions, seriously trying to learn something. Maybe that will start one more person thinking instead of emoting.
The snarky responses just feed the emotion and solidify the stereotype they already have of gun-owners.
But, they sure are fun to read!