Why firearms are so strictly controlled in Ireland and UK

soups05 · 22-01-2017 12:12AM

so if you leave out guns, pepper spray and tazers then what are the legal options for defending yourself in the event of an attack?

lawred2 · 22-01-2017 12:15AM

Johnboner wrote: »

Should be relaxed, let's take a look at our European friends such as Germany and Switzerland, soldiers after serving get to keep their firearms at their homes in Switzerland and it is one of the safest countries in the world. In Germany the rules are strict but it is still possible to own a firearm after all the tests. These are only 2 examples but most other European countries have similar rules where it is actually possible to obtain a firearm. I am not talking about the system like in the USA where in many states you just enter a shop like centra, choose a gun you want and walk out. I would love to be able to shoot watermelons if I want with guns as I find that it is one of the most fun activities you can do which is unfortunately illegal in Ireland, it mostly prevents law abiding citizens from obtaining guns as you can see that it doesn't stop constant gang shootings in Dublin with illegaly obtained firearms.
Also why do we copy everything just from the UK?

Yeah your watermelon fantasy has convinced me. Guns and watermelons for all.

endacl · 22-01-2017 12:19AM

Johnboner wrote: »

Why are we doing everything for health and safety, we need a bit of danger in this world, you cannot be protected from everything if that's the case let's ban cars, alcohol and cigarettes as they are huge killers

None of those things are (arguably) designed specifically to be lethal weapons.

Elemonator · 22-01-2017 12:23AM

What is the fascination with guns? Ireland is very safe for gun crime just as much as Switzerland is. It is possible to get guns in Ireland and handguns were available until not so long ago. I'd just like to point out that unlike countries that allow possession of firearms, the Republic of Ireland has never had a large mass shooting ie. school shooting. It probably stems from the fact that Ireland was an unstable country for much of the 20th century between 16, independence, civil war, the Troubles and anger against the Government during the 1980's recession. Add freely available guns to the mix against a small army and unarmed police force, you have got a problem.

And the UK is hardly comparable, we're talking four countries. There is still the remnants of gun shops in Northern Ireland from the Troubles.

22-01-2017 12:30AM

Johnboner wrote: »

. I would love to be able to shoot watermelons if I want with guns as I find that it is one of the most fun activities you can do which is unfortunately illegal in Ireland

Is it illegal to shoot watermelons in Ireland?
Are you sure about that OP?

blindside88 · 22-01-2017 12:47AM

bubblypop wrote: »

Johnboner wrote: »

. I would love to be able to shoot watermelons if I want with guns as I find that it is one of the most fun activities you can do which is unfortunately illegal in Ireland

Is it illegal to shoot watermelons in Ireland?
Are you sure about that OP?

Classed as target shooting so unfortunately illegal outside of an authorised range

steddyeddy · 22-01-2017 12:56AM

In fairness we have a problem with birds of prey bring shot in this country. Less gun control isn't a good idea.

22-01-2017 12:56AM

blindside88 wrote: »

Classed as target shooting so unfortunately illegal outside of an authorised range

Nothing stopping ya shooting them in ranges!

The flying mouse · 22-01-2017 12:57AM

Johnboner wrote: »

Watermelon is just an example, targets are fun too, and other fruits.

Why you want to shoot all our fruits ? Can you not just eat them

Berserker · 22-01-2017 01:54AM

soups05 wrote: »

so if you leave out guns, pepper spray and tazers then what are the legal options for defending yourself in the event of an attack?

You don't. In Ireland, the scumbag attacking you is the victim and it's society's fault that he behaves like a scumbag.

StinkyMunkey · 22-01-2017 03:37AM

Strict gun controls save lives. Preventing gun deaths out weighs people's enjoyment of shooting **** up a thousand fold. The world needs less guns not more.

James Bond Junior · 22-01-2017 03:49AM

Johnboner wrote: »

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

I have, shot a glock and a .357 revolver amongst several other handguns along with an ak47, 7.62 calibre sniper rifle and other high calibre rifles. I've no desire to pick up a gun again. Went full auto on a UZI machine gun and it scared the bejayus out of me, it's a blessing we have the gun laws we do

mikeoneilly · 22-01-2017 06:48AM

Had a family member killed with a legally held gun that got into the wrong hands.

Would quite possibly be alive today otherwise.

Graces7 · 22-01-2017 07:13AM

timthumbni wrote: »

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.[/QUOTE]

tasers kill; google that. In the wrong and inexperienced hands ?

Graces7 · 22-01-2017 07:15AM

uptherebels wrote: »

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

Having lived near crownbangers on 24/7 that does not take any imagination :eek:

Graces7 · 22-01-2017 07:17AM

Deleted User wrote: »

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.

I think that that is called the thin end of the wedge, or the first step on a very slippery slope.

Graces7 · 22-01-2017 07:20AM

Berserker wrote: »

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.

Knocknagoshel near Killarney.

Disagree totally. A gun is not a plaything. It is a deadly weapon designed to kill.

Graces7 · 22-01-2017 07:22AM

steddyeddy wrote: »

In fairness we have a problem with birds of prey bring shot in this country. Less gun control isn't a good idea.

And the recent matter of deer shooting in Killarney National Park..

Little CuChulainn · 22-01-2017 09:31AM

soups05 wrote: »

so if you leave out guns, pepper spray and tazers then what are the legal options for defending yourself in the event of an attack?

Better to prevent the attack in your home. Strong locks, multiple locks on each exterior door, monitored alarm, dog, outside lighting, locked side gate, close blinds at night, light fencing on garden walls that can't hold the weight of a person.

Allinall · 22-01-2017 10:57AM

Johnboner wrote: »

Watermelon is just an example, targets are fun too, and other fruits.

I ate a target once.

Wouldn't recommend them as one of your five a day.

Allinall · 22-01-2017 11:00AM

bubblypop wrote: »

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

From the OPs other Garda bashing thread, they have a conviction on their record, so I for one am glad of the restrictions in place.

Watermelons me hole.

http://touch.boards.ie/thread/2057695670/15/#post102358524

corner of hells · 22-01-2017 11:34AM

Allinall wrote: »

bubblypop wrote: »

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

From the OPs other Garda bashing thread, they have a conviction on their record, so I for one am glad of the restrictions in place.

Watermelons me hole.

http://touch.boards.ie/thread/2057695670/15/#post102358524

Oh you naughty boy.

BattleCorp · 22-01-2017 12:23PM

NiallBoo wrote: »

"Defending yourself with a gun" is also quite rightly considered murder in this country.

Not quite

It all depends on the circumstances. You are allowed to use force to protect yourself if necessary here in Ireland.

But the amount of force you use must be proportional to the threat.

So, if a 6 year old attacks you with a feather duster, you probably wouldn't be allowed to shoot them and claim you were in fear for your life.

But if someone attacked you and your family with an AK 47, then it could be considered appropriate to shoot back. It's a very gray area to be honest.

donegaLroad · 22-01-2017 12:24PM

Johnboner wrote: »

Should be relaxed, let's take a look at our European friends such as Germany and Switzerland, soldiers after serving get to keep their firearms at their homes in Switzerland and it is one of the safest countries in the world. In Germany the rules are strict but it is still possible to own a firearm after all the tests. These are only 2 examples but most other European countries have similar rules where it is actually possible to obtain a firearm. I am not talking about the system like in the USA where in many states you just enter a shop like centra, choose a gun you want and walk out. I would love to be able to shoot watermelons if I want with guns as I find that it is one of the most fun activities you can do which is unfortunately illegal in Ireland, it mostly prevents law abiding citizens from obtaining guns as you can see that it doesn't stop constant gang shootings in Dublin with illegaly obtained firearms.
Also why do we copy everything just from the UK?

partially to do with the legacy of the Troubles... Im sure it has been mentioned already.

soups05 · 22-01-2017 12:31PM

Little CuChulainn wrote: »

Better to prevent the attack in your home. Strong locks, multiple locks on each exterior door, monitored alarm, dog, outside lighting, locked side gate, close blinds at night, light fencing on garden walls that can't hold the weight of a person.

not much use when you jumped in your own front garden

BrokenArrows · 22-01-2017 12:33PM

Why?

No one needs a gun unless you're a farmer, and if you need one you can legally get one here.

There is no need for the average person to own one.

Little CuChulainn · 22-01-2017 12:42PM

soups05 wrote: »

not much use when you jumped in your own front garden

Not much is in cases where you are jumped. Unless you went out with a weapon which would be an indication of your intent to injure someone.

blindside88 · 22-01-2017 12:50PM

While I think that guns are too heavily regulated here I would be completely against people having them for "self protection". In the case above if you were jumped at your front door how would you plan on pulling your gun and shooting the attacker? This isn't the movies. I have several guns and it would not be possible for me to use these for defence as I keep the guns in one safe and the bullets in another, the safes are also in different rooms

mikeoneilly · 22-01-2017 01:00PM

blindside88 wrote: »

While I think that guns are too heavily regulated here I would be completely against people having them for "self protection". In the case above if you were jumped at your front door how would you plan on pulling your gun and shooting the attacker? This isn't the movies. I have several guns and it would not be possible for me to use these for defence as I keep the guns in one safe and the bullets in another, the safes are also in different rooms

Some people keep them loaded beside the bed

Atoms for Peace · 22-01-2017 01:46PM

BrokenArrows wrote: »

Why?

No one needs a gun unless you're a farmer, and if you need one you can legally get one here.

There is no need for the average person to own one.

Totally agree but still wouldn't mind having an m60, just in case those commies get any ideas. :pac:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X517Utblb00

Why firearms are so strictly controlled in Ireland and UK

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