Why firearms are so strictly controlled in Ireland and UK

Mech1 · 21-01-2017 10:25PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iSOnbxocEI

corner of hells · 21-01-2017 10:26PM

Johnboner wrote: »

corner of hells wrote: »

In all my years having a firearms licence , it never once occurred to me to shoot a water melon.

But occurred to shoot innocent birds or other animals in Ireland? As I am only aware of hunting licenses in Ireland.

I shot traffic cones, the sky , water , hedges and banks of earth too

Sonics2k · 21-01-2017 10:28PM

Johnboner wrote: »

If you say so, my son.

No really. I say that as someone who was in the Army and also had a gun licence here in Ireland.

Guns have one real purpose, to inflict harm or kill. They aren't needed in society by everyday people.

tomwaterford · 21-01-2017 10:31PM

Johnboner wrote: »

But occurred to shoot innocent birds or other animals in Ireland? As I am only aware of hunting licenses in Ireland.

Guns are built for killing....airsoft/toy guns are what you need

I've shot foxes etc....can't say I found it particularly fun/relaxing tbh

A couple of hours shooting cards with a rifle and it gets a bit Meh. ....though I could see an opening for people to hire guns for shooting ranoes etc alright

blindside88 · 21-01-2017 10:32PM

Our laws are ridiculous. I've been shooting for just over 10 years now (I'm the only one in my family that does). I recently looked into buying a pistol for target shooting and eventually decided against it. You can't buy a pistol in ireland in a calibre greater than .22, you can't hunt vermin with a pistol (even though it is as humane a method as a rifle of the same calibre). you can't have a pistol with a greater than 5 shot magazine. It is illegal to shoot targets (with any gun) on your own private land with the correct backstops in place. You can't licence a number of guns because they "look military". But yet a very small number of these guns are ever used for criminal purposes. I know that I could get an illegal firearm in my town tonight very easily if I so wished but because I'm a law abiding citizen I'm raked over the coals when trying to participate in one of my chosen sports

AndyBoBandy · 21-01-2017 10:35PM

Johnboner wrote: »

This is why our civilization does not advance as people are introduced new concepts they immediately dismiss, condemn or destroy it instead of trying to understand.

When I first heard of the left handed ****, I laughed, I dismissed it as a myth, something that would never happen.

But now, my views have completely changed!!!

21-01-2017 10:35PM

Sonics2k wrote: »

No really. I say that as someone who was in the Army and also had a gun licence here in Ireland.

Guns have one real purpose, to inflict harm or kill. They aren't needed in society by everyday people.

I say this as someone who has known a few criminals in the past, the bad guys can get guns easily. They are everywhere, so why can't law abiding citizens have guns to protect themselves?

uptherebels · 21-01-2017 10:37PM

blindside88 wrote: »

It is illegal to shoot targets (with any gun) on your own private land with the correct backstops in place.

and this is a bad thing?

AndyBoBandy · 21-01-2017 10:38PM

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I say this as someone who has known a few criminals in the past, the bad guys can get guns easily. They are everywhere, so why can't law abiding citizens have guns to protect themselves?

American logic?

Sonics2k · 21-01-2017 10:38PM

Deleted User wrote: »

I say this as someone who has known a few criminals in the past, the bad guys can get guns easily. They are everywhere, so why can't law abiding citizens have guns to protect themselves?

Because the average person would panic in such a situation. Gun crime is not a big issue in Ireland and as any smart person would tell you, if you're being robbed at gun point, the best thing to do is just give them your stuff.

Some bloke walking down the street after a few pints gets mugged and then attempts to pull a gun on the mugger is not going to end well.

In terms of self defence, pepper spray and/or a taser is the best thing to do. Tasers should be legal in Ireland

Little CuChulainn · 21-01-2017 10:42PM

Nothing stopping you shooting watermelons as long as you have a bit of land or are in a shooting club.

blindside88 · 21-01-2017 10:44PM

uptherebels wrote: »

blindside88 wrote: »

It is illegal to shoot targets (with any gun) on your own private land with the correct backstops in place.

and this is a bad thing?

Of course it is, how would it be a good thing that a law abiding citizen that has gone through all of the legal background checks and taken all of the relevant safety precautions cannot shoot their gun at their target in their land?

mynamejeff · 21-01-2017 10:47PM

Johnboner wrote: »

But occurred to shoot innocent birds or other animals in Ireland? As I am only aware of hunting licenses in Ireland.

funny , i use mine for target shooting

if you dont know something just ask dont accuse please

corner of hells · 21-01-2017 10:47PM

Little CuChulainn wrote: »

Nothing stopping you shooting watermelons as long as you have a bit of land or are in a shooting club.

You could pepper spray them and then tazer them too.

timthumbni · 21-01-2017 10:48PM

Deleted User wrote: »

I say this as someone who has known a few criminals in the past, the bad guys can get guns easily. They are everywhere, so why can't law abiding citizens have guns to protect themselves?

We have very strict gun controls due to the terrorist situation but to be honest I agree with it. Most sporting gun/farmers etc know the craic and will have one anyway.

America is just nuts. They are afraid of everything and as such they are in a state of constant paranoia. They should just issue everyone with tazers and reduce the death rate.

Calahonda52 · 21-01-2017 10:48PM

Johnboner wrote: »

Did you ever try it? Pretty sure you would change after shooting things yourself, it is an extremely fun and relaxing activity.

Agree 100%
The pea shooter is a 50 Cal, the scope is $8,000 alone, the shells are $8/a pop.
The target was at 1,000 yds.
Mighty

uptherebels · 21-01-2017 10:48PM

blindside88 wrote: »

Of course it is, how would it be a good thing that a law abiding citizen that has gone through all of the legal background checks and taken all of the relevant safety precautions cannot shoot their gun at their target in their land?

Imagine living next to a guy that spends all day shooting targets, the other side of your garden.

21-01-2017 10:54PM

Sonics2k wrote: »

Because the average person would panic in such a situation. Gun crime is not a big issue in Ireland and as any smart person would tell you, if you're being robbed at gun point, the best thing to do is just give them your stuff.

Some bloke walking down the street after a few pints gets mugged and then attempts to pull a gun on the mugger is not going to end well.

In terms of self defence, pepper spray and/or a taser is the best thing to do. Tasers should be legal in Ireland

Oh I agree with you, anyone who wants a gun should have to go through extensive training courses and background checks. I do think through certain avenues though people should be allowed guns for self defense.

NiallBoo · 21-01-2017 10:54PM

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I say this as someone who has known a few criminals in the past, the bad guys can get guns easily. They are everywhere, so why can't law abiding citizens have guns to protect themselves?

People having guns in a conflict dramatically increases the likelihood of someone getting killed - ie. If you try to defend yourself with a gun then you're more likely to die.

"Defending yourself with a gun" is also quite rightly considered murder in this country. Nobody has the right to take your stuff, but the criminal still has infinitely more right to life than you do to have a TV.

blindside88 · 21-01-2017 10:56PM

uptherebels wrote: »

blindside88 wrote: »

Of course it is, how would it be a good thing that a law abiding citizen that has gone through all of the legal background checks and taken all of the relevant safety precautions cannot shoot their gun at their target in their land?

Imagine living next to a guy that spends all day shooting targets, the other side of your garden.

I'm not talking about shooting it I'm your back garden ffs. I'm talking about shooting it on your own farm, there are laws as regards how close you can be to a property. I'm also not talking about shooting a grenade launcher. Have you ever heard a regular rifle being shot? You'd want to be very close to hear a .22

21-01-2017 10:56PM

NiallBoo wrote: »

People having guns dramatically increases the likelihood of someone getting killed - ie. If you try to defend yourself with a gun then you're more likely to die.

"Defending yourself with a gun" is also quite rightly considered murder in this country. Nobody has the right to take your stuff, but the criminal still has infinitely more right to life than you do to have a TV.

I'd disagree here, I think when someone choses to tresspass on my property and try rob my possessions their 'right to life' is gone until I feel me and my familly are safe. I wouldn't kill someone for the sake of it but I have no sympathy for someone killed when robbing a house.

21-01-2017 11:02PM

Johnboner wrote: »

That's what I am saying, require strict vetting before being able to purchase a firearm.

There is and you can.
What's stopping you getting a gun?

NiallBoo · 21-01-2017 11:05PM

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I'd disagree here, I think when someone choses to tresspass on my property and try rob my possessions their 'right to life' is gone until I feel me and my familly are safe. I wouldn't kill someone for the sake of it but I have no sympathy for someone killed when robbing a house.

Nobody wants to hurt you or your family, they just want your stuff.
Then if you shoot them then you must understand that its just because you value your stuff over a human life -nothing to do with your own safety.

People are people. They're not good or bad, just people. That person taking your stuff might be an asshole, but they're still a person with some absolutely basic rights. I'm very grateful that the law agrees with me on this one.

You're not judge, jury and executioner. You don't get to take the law into your own hands (and even the law doesn't choose kill or maim people).

21-01-2017 11:09PM

NiallBoo wrote: »

Nobody wants to hurt you or your family, they just want your stuff.
Then if you shoot them then you must understand that its just because you value your stuff over a human life -nothing to do with your own safety.

People are people. They're not good or bad, just people. That person taking your stuff might be an asshole, but they're still a person with some absolutely basic rights. I'm very grateful that the law agrees with me on this one.

You're not judge, jury and executioner. You don't get to take the law into your own hands (and even the law doesn't choose kill or maim people).

To be honest there is no reasoning it, if you break into a house and you die while robbing a house you deserve it. Just dont rob houses, its that simples.

The bolded point is right, if someone robs my TV and gets away, I have no right to then the next day go kill him because the act is over and its now up to the law to deal with it. If I catch him in the act and I feel threatened that is fair game.

21-01-2017 11:10PM

NiallBoo wrote: »

Nobody wants to hurt you or your family, they just want your stuff.
Then if you shoot them then you must understand that its just because you value your stuff over a human life -nothing to do with your own safety.

People are people. They're not good or bad, just people. That person taking your stuff might be an asshole, but they're still a person with some absolutely basic rights. I'm very grateful that the law agrees with me on this one.

You're not judge, jury and executioner. You don't get to take the law into your own hands (and even the law doesn't choose kill or maim people).

I'd be of the opinion Padraig Nally deserves a medal so you are probably arguing with the wrong person on this point.

uptherebels · 21-01-2017 11:23PM

blindside88 wrote: »

I'm not talking about shooting it I'm your back garden ffs. I'm talking about shooting it on your own farm, there are laws as regards how close you can be to a property. I'm also not talking about shooting a grenade launcher. Have you ever heard a regular rifle being shot? You'd want to be very close to hear a .22

you said private land, that covers alot more than just farms..I am from the country and a fair distance from the closest neighbour and still wouldn't want it. Again a regular rifle covers alot more than .22. you can still hear it easily at a 1/2 mile id say, depending which direction the shooter is facing, larger rounds further.
What does the law say on distance? 40/50 meters?

blindside88 · 21-01-2017 11:55PM

uptherebels wrote: »

you said private land, that covers alot more than just farms..I am from the country and a fair distance from the closest neighbour and still wouldn't want it. Again a regular rifle covers alot more than .22. you can still hear it easily at a 1/2 mile id say, depending which direction the shooter is facing, larger rounds further.
What does the law say on distance? 40/50 meters?

I think it's in and around the 60 feet range, it's never been of an issue for me. There are also laws in relation to noise pollution. The reason I think it's ridiculous is that there is nothing stopping me going out into the field and shooting 500 clays a day with my shotgun (which will be a lot louder) but yet I can't go out and shoot 10 rounds of my rifle at a target. Do you really think that makes sense?

Berserker · 21-01-2017 11:59PM

Fired handguns in ranges in the USA on many occasions and it is great fun. Would love to see something similar in Ireland but I can't see it happening. The gun laws here are ridiculous.

KingBrian2 · 22-01-2017 12:04AM

We give the farmers guns and they end up shooting animals. People never behave responsible.:mad: I'd sooner trust a monkey with a gun more than a human.

OxfordColours · 22-01-2017 12:12AM

KingBrian2 wrote: »

We give the farmers guns and they end up shooting animals. People never behave responsible.:mad: I'd sooner trust a monkey with a gun more than a human.

Ah yeah, barely sentient beings are brilliant at firearms safety

Why firearms are so strictly controlled in Ireland and UK

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