YOUR COMMENTS

Some of you people don't get it. If we allow the current elected officials to redefine or alter the interpretation of the 2nd ammendment, how long do you think it will be before they attack the rest of them?

Look at history and see how Hitler came to hold ultimate power over the German people during the 1930's.
- Ned Kershaw, Colebrook, NH

Tim from Brookline is correct about there already being restrictions on gun ownership.

We don't allow children to carry guns. We don't allow convicted felons to own guns. If you are arrested for domestic violence in NH all guns are removed from your home by the police until that matter is resolved.

I own guns and know many gun owners. I'm not sure if anyone I know thinks any of those restrictions listed above are unreasonable. Someone might me able to convince me but the thought of high school teenagers carrying concealed weapons in school seems dangerous at first glance.

The McCarthyism being exhibited by the far right (calling people commies? really?) makes more moderate members of the GOP outcasts. I am a self employed, gun carrying libertarian and the current incarnation of Republicans has me scratching my head. I am not the type of person they want to vote for them anymore.
- John R, Keene

Dan in Bedford:

I do support the Brady Bill. How does a background check strip you or any other law abiding citizen of your rights? If you have no criminal record and are able to buy a gun your rights have not been infringed.

If you actually read my previous posts you'll see that I am not advocating ADDITIONAL restrictions. My mention of "reasonable restrictions" was in response to your apparent position that there should be NO restrictions. Frankly, I'm happy with what's in place and I don't think the government should be wasting time on this issue.

I'll accept that I'm a "liberal" in your eyes. It seems that anyone who disagrees with you is a liberal commie. I used to be a Republican until the party was seized by the extremist right. Ironically, I became a liberal in response to the Republican party's clear intentions to restrict constitutional rights such as freedom of religion and speech. By the way, if you want to see examples infringement on constitutional rights try reviewing Bush/Cheney administration.
- Tim, Brookline, MA

to Comrade Tim in Brookline, MA: You know as well as I do that "reasonable restrictions" is liberal speak for ban semi-automatic firearms, take handguns away from the general population, ban the ownership of evil black guns. No one is advocating that criminals should be allowed to have firearms. Pretending that the reasonable restrictions you are in favor of is only aimed at keeping firearms away from criminals is dishonest. Laws that do that are already on the books. It really bothers me when Brady Bill supports like comrade Tim pretend to support the 2nd amendment but insist we need to have additional "reasonable" regulations that strips us of our rights.
- Dan, Bedford

To Dan from Bedford:

Let me see...if I support ANY restrictions on who owns a gun I'm anti-Second Ammendment, is that right? If so, that means we shouldn't prohibit criminals and convicts from having them because that would constitute a restriction. I'll stick with reasonable laws that govern who can own a gun.

I own several guns myself -- even in the EVIL state of MA. If you were to go into the woods in MA in the fall you would meet many hunters, in fact I've found that the woods are a bit crowded sometimes. Before you condemn everyone in MA (as I was taught to do growing up in NH) as "commies and liberals" (oh yes -- foreigners, too) think about where the American Revolution began.

I will concede that gun ownership in MA requires much more effort than in NH, and that a concealed carry permit is pretty rare here. I have issues with how much control police chiefs have over the permitting process, but the bottom line is that if you have no criminal record and take a safety course you can buy a gun.

Finally, I read a previous post from you in which you pointed out that another poster was unenlightened because they don't like anyone who disagres with them. By calling me a communist (you called the other poster "comrade") and condemning me simply because I live in MA, you're showing that it's you who needs enlightenment.
- Tim, Brookline, MA

To Tim in Brookline, MA: The only people who say they are pro gun are people in favor of gun control. People who support the 2nd amendment don't run around saying "I'm pro-gun but I support regulations.."

And its questionable how pro-gun you could be coming from Brookline, MA. You can't even get a concealed carry permit there. Everyone left in Brookline is a commie and a liberal. The typical anti-2nd amendment crowd.
- Dan, Bedford

To Greg Harris:

Yes, I HAVE heard of Exeuctive Orders. The only thing the president can do with them is govern the actions of federal agencies with respect to existing law. He cannot establish a new law with an EO, nor can he change the constitution. This was established in 1952 by the SUPREME COURT -- heard of it?

I'm happy to stay in Mass, thank you.
- Tim, Brookline, MA

To Kevin in Campton:

First, your theory on Habeas Corpus comes from where? The SCOTUS just recently restated that it does in fact apply to everyone. Specifically, wherever the US goes, the US Constitution goes with it. So, if I my mindless drivel is backed by the Supreme Court, what is your theory backed up with?

Second, show me which article of the Geneva Conventions allows, “these militants to be summarily executed”. What is the exact wording that allowed you to draw that conclusion?

Third, FISA was created in 1978, not in the 1990’s. Also, under that law they have to seek a warrant within 72 hours not 24. There is no provision that allows for a “practicable” amount of time. Thanks for making my point though. The President went outside of existing law and authorized warrantless wiretapping of Americans. No warrants. Not in 24 hours. Not in 72 hours. There is a reason they had to make amendments to the law after the fact.

Fourth, no one mentioned Sarah Palin. You made that up on your own.

Fifth, I went to private school.

Almost everything you wrote was ill informed and contained many factual errors that took no time to disprove. Address these errors you have made and explain your point of view after you know the falsehoods in your claims. I noticed you have nothing to say about my “leftist, Kos Kooks” stance on the 2nd amendment.
- John R, Keene

First off no one in this country can own a military grade gun. A ar-15 is in no shape form or way equal to the military m-16. If you do your research you will find that a m-16 is way more accurate then a ar-15, the twist rate of the bullet on a m-16 way better then the ar-15 plus the m-16 bullets can punch through armor. The ar-15 can not punch through armor. The m-16 is fully auto a ar-15 is semi auto. The only thing a ar-15 and m-16 has in common is they look a like. Plus a ar-5 will run you about $1000 the average citizen can hardly afford to make their home payment what makes you think they can afford an ar-15. On top of that if you really wanted to own a " military grade weapon" you would have to have a extremely clean record. The license to own a military grade gun would cost you $10,000 or more. The weapon would probably be $5000 or more for a full auto. The fact is your average joe can't afford military grade weapons. People are buying up ammo because the feds want to impose a 10 cent tax per bullet in an attempt to stop people from buying guns. They find it hard to take away you right, so they will just make it cost to much to buy a gun with taxes.
- James, Manchester

It's not "uncertainty" over Obama's intentions that is driving all of these people to buy guns and ammo.

We're very certain about what Obama's socialist intentions are.
- Tom, Campton

Obama will not try to take away anyone's guns, even if he tried he'd get nowhere. Changing the constitution takes more than just a whim. Besides, Obama has a few more pressing issues to worry about at the moment than going through the countryside kicking in doors and taking people's guns away.- Tim, Brookline, MA

*Hey Tim. Have you ever heard of an Executive Order? This guys signed more in his first fifty days than ANY president in history. Get a clue. It has nothing to do with paranoia. It has everthing to do with history and the cycle that governments go through. Every single government in history ALWAYS..ALWAYS ended up turning against its own people after they disarmed them. Do us all in NH a favor and stay in Mass.
- Greg Harris, Manchester NH

Don in Manchester said "How many of you have ever used a gun in self defense? Im guessing 0 and I'm sure im right. I could care less if anyone owns a gun but you people sound like idiots. Paranoia anyone? boo!"

When my sister lived in Tennessee she was a gun control advocate. After she moved to Atlanta she got her firearms carry permit. Twice she faced assailants trying to break into her car when she was stopped at traffic lights. Both times she brandished her pistol and sent the assailants fleeing. Thank God she was prepared. Don, being prepared doesn’t equal being paranoid.
- willbill, Knoxville, TN

Hey SID in PLANO TX: The squirrel guns you refer to where the same weapons that the military was using. There was no difference between what was available to civilians and what the military used.

The intend of the 2nd amendment was to ensure that that citizens would never be in a position where they would be defenseless and subject to tyranny. With that in mind does it not make sense that the writers of the 2nd amendment wanted the civilians to have access to modern firearms to they could effectively defend themselves in times of crisis?
- Dan D, Bedford

Sid -
those were military grade weapons at the time!
- George, Manchester

Cathy,
A few minutes for the police to get there? In lots of areas 15 minutes is a fast response time and usually it's far longer in rural areas. That's a long time to wait.
As far as training, most cops receive minimal training with their weapons and practice once a year if they're lucky, especially with budget cuts. The police are not the military, they're not known for their skill with their weapons, never have been.
- Art, Lancaster

Hey Sid from Plano - the 1st amendment was written before there was radio, TV, copiers, fax machines, or the internet. Do you think they would have written it differently if they knew one day Sid Six-Pack from Texas would be able to post a message on a NH newspaper web site for all the world to see?
- Mark, Amherst

Sid in Plano, TX, by that argument, the first amendment should only apply to parchment and ink pens, as they surely could not have foreseen email and blogs. We should ban high-capacity blogs, because that's just out of control and nobody needs that level of speech.

Your argument is tired and asinine.
- Mike R., Bedford

The 2nd Amendment was written when people were using squirrel guns that fired one shot and took 3 or 4 minutes to reload. I believe the founding fathers, men of the enlightenment, would have worded the Constitution much differently if they knew it would one day be used to justify Joe Six Pack from owning military grade weapons.- SID, PLANO TX

....Sid why don't you read the the Federalist and Anti-Federalist papers. http://www.foundingfathers.info/federalistpapers/
The founding fathers put the second amendment in the Bill of Rights as a check on government power. It couldn't be any clearer what their intent was. Come back when you know what your talking about.
- Nestor Hernandez, manchester nh

Let me get this straight: You're either sitting in your house 24/7 with a shotgun waiting for barbarians to burst through the door, or you're "anti-gun." I'm pro-gun but believe in some restrictions and voted for Obama. But if I read many of these posts correctly, owning a gun doesn't automatically make you pro-gun, it only matters for whom you voted and your level of paranoia.

I'm from NH originally and -- even during the height of cold war propaganda about the red hoards -- I don't remember this level of paranoid delusion.

Obama will not try to take away anyone's guns, even if he tried he'd get nowhere. Changing the constitution takes more than just a whim. Besides, Obama has a few more pressing issues to worry about at the moment than going through the countryside kicking in doors and taking people's guns away.
- Tim, Brookline, MA

The 2nd Amendment was written when people were using squirrel guns that fired one shot and took 3 or 4 minutes to reload. I believe the founding fathers, men of the enlightenment, would have worded the Constitution much differently if they knew it would one day be used to justify Joe Six Pack from owning military grade weapons.
- SID, PLANO TX

Cathy,

When seconds count the police are only minutes away. The average police officer shoots his weapon once a year. I shoot mine every week.

Todd
- Todd, Francestown

State courts throughout the United States have ruled repeatedly that police protection is not a "right", but rather a "service" provides solely at government's discretion. If you want a graphic demonstration of what Barack Hussein Obama and Co. are planning for America, I suggest you Google "South African Farm Murders". Look at the grisly crime scene photos that show what happens to those who are disarmed by a hostile government. And yes, as a survivor of the third-world conditions in in one of America's "inner cities" (I spent the first forty years of my life in one), I can tell you that there are many "youths" who would just love to do the same exact things to you smug, "rational" anti-gun folks sitting pretty in your nice little New Hampshire communities. Civil unrest is not only "coming", in many places it is already part of everyday life.
- Jack, Bradford

Don in Manchester said "How many of you have ever used a gun in self defense? Im guessing 0 and I'm sure im right. I could care less if anyone owns a gun but you people sound like idiots. Paranoia anyone? boo!"

Hey Don...how many times has your house burned to the ground? I'm guessing zero. Do you have homeowners insurance? A fire extinguisher? Smoke Detectors? What... are you paranoid?

The current flurry of gun sales is a "stimulus/response" type of situation. Many who had been debating the ownership of a gun went out and bought fearing that they would not be able to do so one day. Others, including already existing gun owners, knew that an anti-gun President and a largely anti-gun, Democratically controlled Congress will likely push through legislation just like they did with the bail-outs. There was no debate and no politician even read what they signed their name to.

A study by economist John Lott found that a gun is used defensively many, many more times than reported. Not all incidents of defensive use of a gun involve the discharge of that gun. Sometimes the mere possession of the gun is enough to make a potential robber/rapist/etc reevalute their plans.

Criminals are a risk-averse crowd. They would much rather commit a crime against an unarmed victim. If a criminal doesn't know whether someone is armed or not, they will think twice. If they commit crimes in D.C. (where guns have been outlawed), they don't have to worry about being shot.
If you choose not to own a gun, I respect that. Why can't you or won't you respect my choice to exercise a Constitutionally protected right.

For those of you who are rabidly anti-gun, show us how much you believe in your position. Put a 4'x8' sign in front of your home stating "This is a gun-free home". I dare you...
- Jim Powers, Bedford

This headline in the UL says it all "Anxious time: More people want weapons". Anxious people should not have guns. They tend to lose control, under the stress of poverty, drugs, illness and sometimes for no reason. As a parent and grandparent I'd prefer that most people didn't have guns.

There are rarely any "good" gun stories. Most are sad and rarely talk of civilians protecting anything they own or love. Usually, the stories are just the opposite. Innocent people are killed, families destroyed and material posessions lost. Accidents involving guns add to the sadness and hurt.

I love my freedoms, but sometimes we need to think of the larger picture of civilized life in a complex and sometimes unfare world. Some freedoms are worth the sacrifice of not having a gun to protect myself from unnamed enemies.

Most crimes involve people who know each other. How sad. Consider, which person you know, that should receive the instant judgement, from the firearm you own.
- Dave D, Nashua, NH

To John R of Keene
>Why don't more people support the entire >Constitution? Warrantless tapping of >Americans and Habeas Corpus are clearly >covered in the US Constitution but where >were all these people I read here when >that destruction of liberty took place >under Bush 43.

>Habeas Corpus gets nothing? What good >will your guns do when they snatch you >up and deem you a subversive with no >ability to defend yourself? Get a clue >people.

What mindless drivel...habeas corpus is a right etended to US citizens, not militants fighting on the battle field OUT OF UNIFORM!!! According to the Geneva Conventions, these militants are supposed to be summarily executed....much less given constitutional rights. The other point about warrantless wiretaps, is another myth. Under the FISA guidelines (instituted by BJ Clinton) intelligence agencies are allowed to wiretap, provided they seek a warrant within 24 hours, or as soon as it is practicable to do so. Stop parroting the Kos Kooks, and state the facts instead of repeating leftist truth-speak. Its kind of like almost every democrat, upon exit polling believed that Sarah Palin actually said she was qualified for the VP job because she could see russia fro her house, when in reality it was a line spoken on Saturday Night Live, in a parody, but many on the left actually believed that Palin spoke those words. What a wonderful generation our public schools have produced, mindless zombies, who cannot think critically, nor reason logically.
- Kevin, Campton

The old cliche is true,the reason we are all here enjoying our first ammendment rights is because of the second ammendment.Washington doesn't grant these rights, the Constitution does.
- Tim, Boscawen

Geez - what a radical bunch you guys are. Sorry, but you've only convinced me that we definitely should have gun laws. I'm not anti-gun. My husband helped keep the family fed with his rifle many times. I'm just saying that it should be regulated. Look what just happened in Alabama and Germany. I stand by my comment about the police being better trained (even it takes a few minutes for them to get there). How many hours do you guys spend on practice? A lot, I hope, to be accurate with all those semi-automatics that are out there (unless you're lucky enough to get 'em on the first shot). I stand by my comments.
- Cathy, Northfield

I have a 50 cal on a tripod in my living room! Just let some crimnal come in and try to steal my big screen tv or my lazy boy! Oh, and I got something for the gubment too should they come through the door trying to take it away from me! Wait, I think I see a Boogey Man trying to sneak up on me...nevermind, it was just the cat.
- SID, PLANO TX

Dave, Sandwich:

If one of the people he met along the way had been armed, he could have been stopped. Millions of people in the US own guns and they do not go beserk. We do not yet know what caused this or if he even had the guns legally. Be carefull of what you read on MSNBC!

It is very difficult to have a gun in Germany. Obviously, their anti-gun laws did NOT work.
- sally, candia, nh

Who amongst us are not paranoid enough to have smoke detectors? Is "paranoia" the correct word or is "prepared" or "cautious" better descriptors?

I bought my first firearm after I saw what happened in New Orleans after Katrina. I pray that my gun remains locked up forever but...
- bandofotters, Hampton NH

One thing I think needs to be corrected here -

Obama has in fact stated that he supports a handgun ban in cities and in fact voted for one in Chicago while serving as a state senator.

He voted yes in one Dem primary survey over whether he favored a DC gun ban and yes on another survey that asked if he favored citizens only being allowed to own "hunting" firearms.

The Senate vote is part of the public record and the surveys are available online.

Nice to know, though, how many Obamanics actually understood what their savior believes. Talk about an ignorant mass.
- William Simpson, Concord

Two more mass shootings withing 24 hours of this article- one in Alabama, One in Germany. At least 19 innocent people dead. The only reason citizens need guns for protection is because citizens have guns.- Dave, Sandwich

-The only reason citizens need guns? You think you know better than the founding fathers? I don't need your permission to have a gun. Like you don't need permission to spew anti-gun rhetoric.
- David Parent, Manchester

Two more mass shootings withing 24 hours of this article- one in Alabama, One in Germany. At least 19 innocent people dead.

The only reason citizens need guns for protection is because citizens have guns.
- Dave, Sandwich

BC, Salem, I don't have any children that live in my home. Every one who lives in my home is over 18. I have owned a gun for four years. I learned how to use my gun at a firing range. I don't keep my gun lock up, when some one breaks in to your home every second counts. I keep my gun loaded at all times, the only thing I don't do is chamber the first round. I wait to chamber the first round until I plan on firing the gun. If you have children in your home you should keep the gun locked and in a safe. You can not carry a load gun unless you have a pistol permit, this can be obtained through your local police department. I would not recommend keeping the gun loaded until you fully understand how the gun works. With my gun I can not fire it until I chamber the first round and take the safety off.
- JW, Manchester

Gun control laws only affect law abiding citizens, not criminals. That's why they're called "criminals".

Law abiding citizens are legally purchasing guns because they have a legitimate fear of the current administration..and they are trying to stimulate part of the manufacturing portion of our economy, namely the gun manufacturers, who are some of the best in the world, if not THE best.

All of you lawful gun owners, join the NRA and the Gun Owners of NH. Your dues will ensure the security of this great republic. Do it now.
- Melvin, Keene

For those who haven't read it, the NH Constitution is clear. The right to keep and bear arms is a natural right (i.e., it's not granted by the Constitution, but rather codifed by it). It also clearly states that the right is there for the defense of oneself, families, property and the STATE. Semi-autos are great for these purposes.

http://www.nh.gov/constitution/billofrights.html

Why do I carry a gun? Because cops are too heavy.
- Chris L, Manchester

I feel safe in my home cause I have ADT alarms and they will send help right away!
- Bill, Manchester

How many of you have ever used a gun in self defense? Im guessing 0 and I'm sure im right. I could care less if anyone owns a gun but you people sound like idiots. Paranoia anyone? boo!
- Don, Manchester

Mike in Hampstead, try thinking instead of echoing the stupid Obot talking points.

Why on earth would Mexican drug gangs go through hoops to buy sporting rifles that only look like AKs in the US, when they can just get full-auto military weapons from the Mexican army when they recruit the soldiers into their ranks?

News flash. THAT IS WHAT THEY DO!

Try watching some of the gun battle videos down there. You'll hear lots of full-auto fire from the druglord side.

Do you know how hard it is to buy a full-auto in the US?

See? Thinking isn't so hard, is it? Try it before you vote next time, since that sort of thing is what got us Obama!
- Mike R., Bedford

I am a strong supporter of the 2nd amendment. I carry concealed (HK .40S&W), own one of the AR-15's mentioned in the article (M4A3) as well as a tactical shotgun (Benelli M4).

For the record my Bushmaster is not simply just a semi-auto rifle. That's like saying a Ferrari is just a little car. I'll defend your Constitutional right to own one but don't down play what it is. There is a reason I dropped $1000 on the rifle and another $900 on a scope. My semi-auto .22 cost me under $500 with a scope. That's a "simple semi-auto".

I'll let others debate the anti-gun/pro-gun argument here and simply ask this question:

Why don't more people support the entire Constitution? Warrantless tapping of Americans and Habeas Corpus are clearly covered in the US Constitution but where were all these people I read here when that destruction of liberty took place under Bush 43.

Habeas Corpus gets nothing? What good will your guns do when they snatch you up and deem you a subversive with no ability to defend yourself? Get a clue people.
- John R, Keene

So how long will it be before some lunatic blows in half a Jehovah's Witness ringing the doorbell? That's called murder under any circumstances. A 12 gauge semi-auto shotgun to protect WHAT, two rakes and a shovel out in the garage?

This whole article is insane, people lining up four deep to buy guns they have no need for. Might have to change the state motto: Live free AND die.

Get a grip. This isn't the Bronx and the crime rate for most of NH is so low that owning a pellet gun is a joke. 90% of the so-called victims involved in robberies are into sketchy things to begin with. Normal, law abiding citizens have no need for shotguns to protect anything.
- Bills Cat, Hudson & Boston

Folks, if you are unfamiliar with guns and you feel that you need to have one because you are nervous or scared or for whatever reason, take a look at the pictures of the gun salesman. There is the gun that you need to get. Forget a handgun unless you plan on getting a permit to carry. For home defense that 12 ga. that he's holding is the perfect gun. If someone comes into your home at night and it's dark and you hear them on the stairway and they don't respond to calls to stop or say who they are you don't even have to turn on the light to stop them. Buckshot will clean out a stairway in a hurry, don't even need to aim. Many people can't hit a person 10 feet away with a handgun even in daylight. And the bonus is that you can use it for hunting if you desire. The last deer I shot was with a 20ga. single shot H&R. Best multi-use gun available and cheap.
- Tom, Dover-Foxcroft, Me.

Hey SID in Plano,

You wondered what Freud would say about that picture? Well...let me enlighten you. This is a direct quote from the man himself.
"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity."
- Jim Powers, Bedford

Jay, Simpson:

And why do you think this is one of the safest states to live in? t is because the bad guys know that most of the residents are armed and they are unable to tell the, as you say, liberal tree huggers from those who are armed. The last thing they want is to try to rip off an armed person. By the way, a lot of tree huggers are armed, too.
- sally, candia, nh

to mike, hampstead: Military weapons are already regulated. Grenades, etc are classified as destructive devices and are highly regulated. The argument that making gun laws in the US more restrictive will help Mexico is faulty. One, Mexican crime lords are using fully automatic weapons, those are already restricted under current laws. Two, US Laws restricting citizen rights shouldn't be enacted in the hope that they will help another country do their job.
- Dan D, Bedford

Cathy of Northfield said,"I'll stake the odds on a highly trained police officer any day of the week for dealing with the bad guys."
My answer to a person such as this is just simply this,"When Seconds count, Police are only minutes away."

Bick in Az. used to be in Northfield NH
- Elbert Bicknell, Wickenburg,Az 85390

Mr. D in New Boston,
I am the wife at home while my husband is on a business trip. I know where the gun and ammo are located. I have had training and am realistically a good shot. If the necessity arose to protect my kids I can gladly say "I've got a gun and I'm not afraid to use it!"
- Patricia, Raymond

Jay, Simpson, do you lock your doors at night? What, you do? What are you "scared" so you have to lock your doors? Is it paranoia causing you to do that?

Also, lot of "liberal tree huggers" also own guns. You know what state might be considered even more gun friendly than NH?? Vermont. That's right - a state full of tree hugging socialists. But they know one thing - they have the right to keep and bear arms and even their socialist legislators don't dare mess with that. Vermont is also a very safe state. Coincidence? I think not. You say: "knowing that their safe in one of the safest states in one of the safest countries in the world"

Jay - why do you think this is? Think about it. And also think about the victims of home invasions (yes, Jay - it DOES happen) who have been beaten, raped, or murdered before you give us your dime store psychology. Your casual dismissal of these victims is offensive.
- Mark, Amherst

FYI: The Citizens of the United States of America will not lose the right to bear arms unless we allow ourselves to lose this right.

Anyone here actually know what it takes to revoke a constitutional amendment? Ever hear of one of the Bill of Rights being revoked? It won't happen.

Enough with the scare tactics, this right isn't going anywhere soon.
- S Perreault, Milton, NH

Ok, I've come under fire from a number of people here on this board. Can someone please someone define "arms" for me. Because there are plenty of items that we are banned from owning right now that qualify as arms, that I don't hear a big stink over. Weapons of mass destruction like grenades or shoulder fired missles, etc. Are those not arms because they don't shoot bullets? So where do fully and semi automatic guns fall in the "weapons of mass destruction scale?
It just seems to me that there is a line that even gun advocates would agree on, and this debate is over where to draw that line. My view is that military grade weapons designed for the sole purpose of killing human beings should be banned, same as a grenade. That is all. I have no problem with self defense, I have no problem with hunting and any other legitimate use. But these are offensive weapons we are talking about.
America's lax gun laws are providing terrorists with easy access to weapons, which is a big factor in the increase in violence along our Mexican border.
We spend billions making sure that I can't carry toothpaste onto a plane, but any nutcase can walk to walmart, buy a gun, and head to the school next door with it.
That just seems really dumb to me. (queue the inevitable list of people calling me dumb now...)
- mike, hampstead

to Comrade Jay, Simpson: Just because I prepare myself for the worst case scenario doesn't mean I wish it to happen. I assume you have your vehicle insured? Do you hope you get into an accident so your insurance pays off?

From the tone of your message I think its safe to assume you are an anti-gun person. It also sounds like you really don't like anyone with an opposing view. How enlightened of you!
- Dan D, Bedford

Could someone explain why all these tough "patriot" Americans are so terrified everyday of their life that they need to have a gun within reach while they're in their own home? - Jay, Simpson

- We could tell you. But why waste the time. The constitution says we can. Case closed.


In the meanwhile, all the liberal tree-huggers these guys like to make fun of are happy and fine in their house, knowing that their safe in one of the safest states in one of the safest countries in the world, not spending half their day dreaming about some sick fantasy of being attacked by hordes of robbers. - Jay, Simpson

- Yes, I agree, ignorance is bliss. Darwin’s theory will take care of them when the day comes. Now go hug a tree. But watch out for those hungry squirrels, they make mistake your head for an acorn.
- David Parent, Manchester NH

To Jay, Simpson

Your statement is tragically offensive to every law abiding citizen that has been on the receiving end of a violent criminal bent on mugging, assault, home invasion or worse.

NH has a much lower crime rate in part because Criminals know that there is a very very good chance that they will encounter a Citizen that is capable and determined to protect themselves and their families in places that they have a right to be.
- JP, Warner

BETTER TO HAVE A GUN AND NOT NEED IT....THEN TO NEED A GUN AND NOT HAVE IT.

All law-abiding armed citizens know this. If you do not trust yourself with one, then by all means, don't own one. No one wants you to have one if you do not learn how to use it properly. Sign up for a basic safety course and you will feel better about your abilities if that unfortunate day comes when you must protect yourself. Sooner the better.
- Rick J, Manchester, NH

Could someone explain why all these tough "patriot" Americans are so terrified everyday of their life that they need to have a gun within reach while they're in their own home? I think what we're really talking about is people that are suffering from chronic anxiety, are afraid all the time, but don't have the guts to admit it because they have to pretend to be so tough around their friends.

What I find absolutely hilarious is that all these "tough guys" are terrified to be in their home without being surrounded with weapons; and you know what I'm talking about. Most of these people don't just get one gun; they have rifles and handguns and maybe a pretend assault rifle or two. All of this spending in the middle of the biggest recession in years; it's just ridiculous!

In the meanwhile, all the liberal tree-huggers these guys like to make fun of are happy and fine in their house, knowing that their safe in one of the safest states in one of the safest countries in the world, not spending half their day dreaming about some sick fantasy of being attacked by hordes of robbers.

Sick-sick-sick-sick-sick...
- Jay, Simpson

I wonder what Freud would have to say about that pic? There's more to gun ownership than just paranoid delusions.
- SID, Plano, TX (X NH rez)

To BC in Salem: how you store your handgun depends a lot on your situation. If you have children at home you should have everything locked up. However if there are only responsible adults in the home you can don't need to lock things up. If you do need/want to have things locked up but still be able to get to them quickly they sell mini gun safes that are designed to store a loaded handgun and can be opened very quickly. You could store it under the bed, in the night stand without worrying about someone unauthorized accessing it. If you do decide to purchase a gun you should look into someplace to get some training, so you know how to aim/shoot/clean your weapon. Where ever you buy your pistol from should be able to direct you to someplace where you can get training.
- Dan D, Bedford

Hmmm, Harold from Bedford is RICH!! Good info to know!
- Ben, Manchester

harold, bedford...prove how rich you really are and give us your address in bedford. we'd all like to see your collection of firearms and how well your living. show us losers how it's really done.
- fpc, manchester

My bills are paid to include the children’s braces and college, my closets and safes are packed with guns and ammo and I can’t wait to spend more money on the same.

After all, our Government has always had our best interests at heart and would never infringe on ones individual rights, freedoms or liberties.
- Wally, Manchester, NH

When was the last time you heard of the police stopping a home invation? When seconds matter the police are only minutes away.
Tim R, Bedford
- Tim Roberts, bedford

Just a reminder to folks where President Obama stands on the Second Amendment look no further than http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/urban_policy/ and the appointment of AG Holder who has a storied history in his assault in the Second Amendment.

Add to this the stated goal to reject the Tiahrt Amendment which allows Law Enforcement access to gun trace information relevant to an investigation but prevents cities and police from arbitrarily running and collecting information on WHO owns firearms.

The Tiarht Amendment protects gun owners from being targeted by arbitrary government and bad actors like the senior Senator from New York.

Lets remember folks that additional gun control laws are NOT going to reduce crime; it will only harm otherwise law abiding citizens who happen to be gun owners
- JP, Warner

( I'll stake the odds on a highly trained police officer any day of the week for dealing with the bad guys.
- Cathy, Northfield, NH)

and will there be a highly trained police officer there at the split second you need them...I don't think the Bad Guy will wait for you to dial 911.come on sheep,uncover the wool that has been pulled over your eyes..it's a sad,sad thing the world has become when most believe their only way to survive something is to depend on others.
- matt, epsom,n.h.

Only ignorant people refer to the AR-15, the civilian equivalent to the military's M-16, as an "assault" rifle.

Looks ain't function.

It's a semiauto rifle, meaning one round is discharged at each pull of the trigger. No military in the world uses such venerable, old technology. They all have rifles that can go "rock 'n roll," fully automatic, which means one engagement of the trigger unleashes a torrent of rounds.

Jeez!

Also, the article completely overlooks a concomitant feature: ammunition. Buying guns isn't enough when proposals coming down the pike that would effectively limit ammo by making it prohibitively expensive mean smart, prudent people realize ammo will only get more expensive. Much more. Stock up on ammo, people.

This phenomenon is a reaction to the nonentity in the White House--who doesn't even know which end the rounds comes out of--and his virulently anti-gun Attorney General, Eric Holder. I've never been so assaulted and threatened before in my life as when I lived in Washington, DC, which had an outright ban on handguns until Heller.

I'm in agreement with the organization Jews for the Preservation of Firearms, an NRA on steroids. Liberals are often pathetic when it comes to the Second--Second!--Amendment, the ultimate guarantor of liberty.
- Brent, Moultonborough

If I catch someone breaking into my house, I'm willing to bet that they're not there just to take a look around. I'll stand behind my gun and if I have to stand in front of a judge later, so be it. I'd rather stand in front of a judge than be lying in the morgue, or standing next to a casket at a funeral home.
- Pete, Manchester

Many people posting here are greatly misinformed. Obama is anti-gun, and is a liar. During his presidential run, he clearly stated that "he isn't out to take your guns" --to put in his own words during a town hall forum. A few weeks ago, the administration announced they would push to reinstate the awb ban. The administration's excuse is because of the violance in Mexico, they believe by restricting firearms it would somehow curtail the drug fueled violence in mexico. This administration is a sham, and I urge the fellow readers to get their facts straight before posting. Lets hope people will wake up to the lies and deception in time for the next presidential election.
- Erik, Manchester

Loooosers! Pass out the tissues, the losers are having a gun hobby lobby rally!

I own a number of expensive shotguns and large calibre rifles, and no I didn't buy them this week in response to stupid fear and loathing on the part of GOP koolaid addicts. I bought them while a made a tidy fortune on mortgages you loooosers were sucked into! The rich (me) get richer! The poor buy guns! You can use them to shoot yourselves when you are done giving your money to people like me:)
- Harold, Bedford

Bob from Nashua, do you what a semi automatic firearm is? It is one pull of the trigger, one shot fired. The only difference between a semi auto handgun and a revolver is the spent casing is ejected from the semi. Once you get the semis banned I would assume revolvers to be next.

To all those who believe that President Obama is not anti gun, one only needs to look at the answers he supplied to a 1996 questionaire given to candidates for the IL state senate. Still refuse to believe that he is anti gun? Read the legislation he co-sponsored in 2000 attempting to restrict access by limiting purchases.
- Frank, Londonderry

I have been thinking about purchasing a hand gun for a while now. But I have some questions/concerns. I know there are many gun owners who post here who may have an answer for me.
I usually hear that if you own a gun you should have it locked away with the ammunition stored seperately.
MY question is if I do buy a handgun and store it this way, what good is it if an intruder breaks into my house? I can't ask him to please wait while I go unlock my weapon.
So what do most of you do about this? Do you keep the handgun loaded next to your bed? My house is a single level ranch. If somebody's breaking in, how do you get to your handgun in time to protet yourself.
- BC, Salem

I would not put pass the government to out law guns. It is because of all the dumb people out their who think that if we stop selling guns criminals wont have them. The fact is criminals will still get gun. If guns are banned the average citizen wont be able to buy a gun. When this happens all those dumb people who thought that the ban would decrease crime will be wrong. Crime will increase people wont be able to protect them self's because criminals and police will only be the ones with guns. There will be a decrease in police because the state can not afford to pay the police. It is just dumb to try and ban guns, but the government wants this to happen. If this happens then you will be in fear which means you will depend on the government to protect you. Most people fail to realize that there is a black market, in these black markets you can buy any thing. These black markets are all over the country, for all you know there could be one next door to you. Some of these black markets only sell drugs, some sell drugs and guns, this is where the criminals will buy there guns. Right now most criminals get guns at the local black market, or they steal them. The only thing I can say is for all those dumb people out there is you will deserve what ever out come there is from banning guns, and you will have no body but yourself to blame. Wake up stop trying to live a dream, get educated. The problem is when dumb people ban together they hurt this country.
- JW, Manchester

Honey the kid's braces will have to wait, I read in the Union Leader there may be "civil unrest!" We need more guns!

Not all gun hobbyists are fools, but apparently some are!
- Grover, Dublin

The overwhelming number of responses to this story is a clear indication of how (mostly) NH residents feel about guns and gun control. As I remember the stats, more than 70% of NH residents own guns.

I think the issue is clear to Washington and I have no fear of Obama taking this liberty away. However, the rising incidence of Home Invasions worries me. Our law enforcement people MUST take serious action when bringing these criminals to justice. By the way, the home invasion in Hooksett a week or so ago, were they ever caught?

I've seen nothing about it recently in the UL. Someone please advise.
- Bob Ahern, Derry

Bryer, Obama is the best thing that ever happened to gunstore owners?
They are one of the few businesses making money right now?

This just may be one of your most accurate comments yet. Congrats!
It's just to bad that one of, if not THE, only economically stimulative thing(s) he's done has been unintentional.
I guess it's true: Even a blind squirell finds an acorn every now and then.

Bryer, Chief of Staff Rhambo just called. He begs you to STOP HELPING!
- Mike P., Manchester

Joel(Nashua), WADR, maybe it's you who needs to stop listening to Alan Colmes and the (Sarah) Brady Bunch.

Thanks for your offer of aid in the defense of liberty, Joel, I believe you are sincere. Then again, my belief in your sincerety may be just my hysterically fevered mind talking.
Take a look at some of the info cited on this thread, Joel. You may just learn that you are putting way to much faith in your man, Obama. Or maybe you are just trying to 'muddy the water' in service to him. It's so hard to tell anymore.
- Mike P., Manchester

The push against semi-automatic weapons is clearly coming from the Zombie lobbyists, who want us to remain unprepared when the undead start their invasion on society, right?

(I mean, aside from mowing down a zombie army or some other form of armed combat, what's the legitimate argument that demonstrates a NEED for semi-automatic weapons?)
- Bob, Nashua, NH

Obama should also come out against cars and houses. Sales will go through the roof. Economic crisis solved.
- Bob H, Londonderry

Gene

Don't misunderstand I am not saying there is no great cause for worry. Opposition to gun control takes an engaged citizenry. In 1994, 21 Democrats in the House of Representatives lost their seats to gun control including NH's Dick Swett.

Obama's intentions are clear and are on the White House Web site in the agenda section. This isn't the time to back down if you care about gun owners rights and you are not a member of a gun rights organization like the NRA, Gun owners of NH or Gunowners Action League (GOAL) in MA the time to join is now.
- Chris, Merrimack

To Charles in Hooksett,

Look in the mirror! Also, Al was not displaying a semi-auto rifle!! It was a pump shotgun! Get your facts straight! Liberal yuppies are going to ruin us all in this country. It'll be a long time before anybody takes your rights away as a gun owner and your guns.
- Michael, Manchester

Mike(Hampstead), thanks for at least acknowledging the Constitutionally mandated concept of states rights. No matter how self-serving it may have been. Would you support those same states rights if, say, abortion were involved, or does it become a 'thorny issue' under that scenario?
Also, Mike, since when is it wise practice to consider only what comes out of a politicians(or any person for that matter) mouth? Shouldn't the astute among us also look to their past deeds, or misdeeds, when considering their veracity, or lack thereof? Well, Obamas record on gun rights is, at best, spotty.

Tracy(Manch), Huh?
Let's try this: Wake up silly people, abortion 'rights' are not liberty, you are deluded by the evil 'Big Abortion Industry'. Gals are so funny. I guess they'll do anything to avoid personal responsibility for their actions.

Tracy, do your sentiments, after having been rephrased, still sound as erudite as you first thought, or have they suddenly taken on a darkly partisan tone?
It is most certainly an argument about liberty. A quick reading of the Founding Fathers thoughts on the subject tells us so.
Given the fact that the Founders vehemently supported private ownership of firearms and just as strongly opposed abortion "rights", far too many in our society seem to view these two issues exactly a$$backwards. At least when our Constitutions original intent is considered.

Original intent? What an increasingly quaint concept.
- Mike P., Manchester

Did we not learn late last year that if we wait until we need something we may be out of luck? We were fortunate that the lack of generators when our homes needed power was simply a supply issue.

The threat to legal gun ownership is much more sinister, because if we collectively lose our ability to purchase guns there most likely won't be a grace period. We won't be able to wait patiently with fingers crossed at Sears until the next delivery arrives.

My emergency preparedness kit includes food, water, warmth, basic medicines, and protection from 2 or 4 legged animals. Other than the lack of a generator (eye roll please) preparations turned the ice storm into a camp-out at home. A good Girl Scout or Boy Scout is always prepared.

If someone doesn't like guns, and/or doesn't think they could use one to protect themselves should the need arise, then they should make a decision about their personal ownership of guns. They should not, however, make the decision about others ownership of guns. I have come to terms with the implications of protecting myself and my family, should the unthinkable happen, and therefore am confident that this woman would not yield a weapon to an intruder.

Remember, when guns are outlawed only the outlaws have guns.
- Erica, Derry

Do you all think that Dick Gardner would still be with us if, he had been carring a side arm, on the night he was murdered ?
- Paul, manchester

Tracy as usual you are delusional... these wacko liberals are always yammering about gun control, including the wacko-in-chief. I am pleased that more women out there are taking up shooting as a hobby... and will be able to defend themselves, especially if they find themselves alone which is often the case.

Obama was supposed to bring unity, honesty, transparency and prosperity and he's been nothing but a divider and made everyone fearful for their possessions and their rights. His supporters are more strident in insisting that we have no freedom of speech and have even done some really nasty things, while at the same time touting peace and harmony. (I can't give an example as a lawsuit is pending) The next big move is the legislation that will try control FOOD. Watch for that one. It's coming up soon.

This whole Rush thing is a diversion -- to take the focus off the criminales in the WH and what they are doing to us.

And yes we all hope Obama will FAIL -- fail to ruin this country, which he seems to be doing at an alarming rate.
- Sue, Manchester

you're either with us or against us. if you voted for obama, then you are against gun rights. if you own firearms and voted for obama, then you're ignorant and don't deserve the right to bear arms. those of us that new this would happen when the socialist, anti-individual responsibility, anti-constitution hacks took control. will not give up our rights. the liberal agenda is waking a sleeping giant...the silent majority has had enough!!
- fpc, manchester

Obama IS anti gun. He says he supports the second amendment but he has never voted against a gun control law in his career. Its all lip service.

His AG even says they want to resurrect the Assault Weapons Ban. A useless law if there ever was one.
- Bill Dutton, Derry, NH

Obama is not anti gun anyway, this is just foolishness.
- Tracy, Manchester

Keep drinking the Cool-Aid Tracy from Manchester. B.H. Obama's negative stance on the second amendment is FACT, proven by his track record and confirmed by his cabinet appointments, i.e. Holder, Biden, Clinton, etc., etc.

Brian
Exeter
- Brian, Exeter

Who needs an AR-15 for home defense? If I'm his neighbor, I'd be pretty worried about stray bullets.
- Greg, Manchester

To mike in hampstead
A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
I take this to mean that the state has the right to establish a militia. Then the People have a right to be armed too.
From the Virginia Declaration of Rights 1776
SEC. 13. That a well-regulated militia, or composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defense of a free state; that standing armies, in time of peace, should be avoided as dangerous to liberty; and that in all cases the military should be under strict subordination to, and governed by, the civil power.
Today they are training the Army to quell domestic unrest in America. Totally opposite of what the founders intended.
Here are a few definitions of militia.
1. An army composed of ordinary citizens rather than professional soldiers.
2. A military force that is not part of a regular army and is subject to call for service in an emergency.
3. The whole body of physically fit civilians eligible by law for military service.
BTW Obama's Chief of Staff, Rham Emanuel authored the 1994 omnibus crime bill. The public was told it was to ban semi-automatic guns. It was 1000 pages long and criminalized a variety of action, unrelated to guns. So any legislation that even comes close to violating an amendment to the constitution should be suspect. So this is not "paranoia", it is reality.
These people are the same ones like Governor Dukakis, who want to disarm you one day then let a murderer who disemboweled his victim alive, out on furlough the next. Ask yourself, Do I want this?
- Steve, Raymond

Yes you have the right to bear arms. No you don't have the right to bear any arm you want.
mike, hampstead

Actually, Mike we Americans DO have the right to bear any arm we see fit. DC and Chicago may enact laws surrounding licensing, background checks, registration, etc. but as stated in the constitution and reinforced by the supreme court, states may not declare an all out ban on an individual’s right to own one or many firearms. This is the law, which differs from your convenient exclusion of the truth. If you don’t like guns, don’t own them. I don’t like to listen to people like you speak but your covered under that pesky first amendment.

Brian
Exeter
- Brian, Exeter

Yes he has Mike in Hampstead.

John R. Lott Jr. is a senior research scientist at the University of Maryland who has studied and researched many firearms issues. He recently wrote:

“I knew Obama during the mid-1990s, when we were both at the University of Chicago Law School. Indeed, when I introduced myself to him, he said, "Oh, you are the gun guy." I responded, "Yes, I guess so." His response, as I recall it, was, "I don't believe that people should be able to own guns."”

No president has ever had as strong and consistent an anti-gun record as Obama – not even close. Study his extraordinary anti-gun record. Here is a politician who supported a ban on handguns in 1996, backed a ban on the sale of all semiautomatic guns in 1998 (which would encompass most guns sold in the country), and advocated banning gun sales within five miles of a school or park in 2004 (a virtual ban on all gun stores). He also served on the board of the Joyce Foundation, the largest private funder of anti-gun research in the country. Check out his current anti-firearm agenda (it’s hidden on the White House web site under “Urban Policy”). He’s hyper-anti-gun.

Are people’s fears legitimate? You decide.
- Larry, Lancaster

I would like to know how many of the people that are tryng to buy Guns now also voted for Obama? Beacuse if they did vote for Obama and are already Gun owners than they deserve to lose their Guns. We all knew this would happen once the left got control, it is what they have been waiting for. the meida (not the Union Leader) will hide the facts and go right along with them! If I owned A gun shop I would not sell anything to some who I even thought was an Obama supporter. Thank You
- Mark Norris, Andover

Okay Mr. D from New Boston. All of us wives are not wimpy little females. I for one have been an active NRA member for over 30 years and shoot regularly at the Londonderry Fish and Game. I have no doubt that if someone came into my home and threatened me or my children I wouldn't even hesitate pulling the trigger. I am 130 pounds and would give this guy one hell of a fight before he could lay hands on my weapon. How dare you make us sound like we can't handle ourselves. In my opinion, women are the ones who should be loaded for bear. Now go pick on someone your own size!
- TS, Bedford

The leftists in this article thread who keep claiming that Obama doesn't want to restrict or remove 2nd amendment civil rights are either lying or are simply ignorant of the facts.

See this page on the NRA's site about why Obama is a direct and dire threat to the 2nd amendment and why he would ban far more than assault rifles if he got the chance:

http://www.nraila.org/OBAMA/

To those who are buying their first guns, congrats and welcome. The more gun owners there are out there, the better. Please take a moment also to join the NRA:

https://membership.nrahq.org/forms/signup.asp
- Bob Thornton, Milford

Obama is anti gun. Check out his record in the Illinois legisislature. And Tracy, we "jokers" are going to be your last line of defense in the case of civil unrest or catstrophe i.e. LA riots, Katrina
- fred, Londonderry

Tracy, why do you assume it's only men buying guns? I'm sure smart, independant women are buying guns as well. And regardless of what Obama says, actions speak louder, and his socialistic agenda can lead one to question his sincerity when speaking about gun control.
- Sheana, Chester

President Obama is the best thing that has ever happened to gun store owners! They're one of the very few businesses making money right now. And to make things even more interesting, Obama hasn't done anything that even remotely implies any future 2nd Amendment restrictions. This might be the most effective and efficient stimulus plan Obama has. All the fear, none of the substance. Needless Fear = $$$
I'm waiting for a story about the rise in wooden stakes and silver bullets too. I got an email from my crazy aunt saying that Obama's gonna allow illegal-werewolves to roam the streets.
- Breyer S., Manchester, NH

Hmmm..........there's a lot more crackpots in NH than I thought.
- Charles, Hooksett

I have commented before but after thinking about this, I find it interesting that we are more concerned over guns and ammo, the we are over the financial stability of the country. AIG, for one, takes all this bail out money and acts recklessly with the money and the people who are in charge of the recklessness are still in charge. And no one does any thing. The president makes a simple comment and every one runs to protect them self's, so they think. As long as we all tolerate what big business does recklessly, we will all be subjected to what Government does. For what they think is best for all of us.
- John Croteau, Candia

Mike, you are correct about the assult weapons, those are what Obama specifically names but dont you think that will just snowball and include everything? look at what he has done in just his first 100 days in office! I am already scared. luckily i have guns now so i am mostly worried about getting the ammo. First because there is low or no stock at the shops i visited the past 2 weekends and second who knows if this supposed 500% excise tax will happen. Its time to stock up because we will have our rights taken away just to be at the mercy of criminals. you know they will always find a way to get their hands on things and then we will be helpless against them. and as most gun owners, the hope is that it never comes to that point, but good to be prepared and have the protection!
- JN, Merrimack

Tracy,
Where do you get off saying Obama isn't anti gun?He voted in Illinois many time against gun rights!!
- Paul, Nashua

Tracy, Thomas and Mike,
It must be nice living in the comfort of your Alice in Wonderland world. Many of us prefer reality.
While you can choose to believe that our President won't lead an effort to restrict our 2nd Amendment freedoms, his actions show otherwise. President Obama is from one of the most anti-gun states in the entire United States. He selected the virulently anti-gun Rahm Emanuel as his Chief of Staff and rabidly anti-gun Attorney General, Eric Holder to his cabinet. He tried to get Tom Dasche into his cabinet but (sigh) he just "forgot" to pay his taxes (like just about everyone else in Obama's circle.)

Our country was founded on self-reliance. Sadly, too many people (like those who waited helpless on their roofs during Katrina) expect the gov't to help them.

The 2nd Amendment has never been nor will it ever be about duck hunting. When politicians (excuse me while I rinse my mouth out) say "We don't want to take away your hunting rifle", they are disingenuous. Politicians, especially those of the Liberal/Democrat persuasion, are all about controlling people.
To quote our first President and founding father "Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master."

We should all protect and cherish ALL of the Amendments enumerated in the Bill of Rights. So many before us gave up their lives so that we would have these freedoms.
- Jim Powers, Bedford

Think about it. You're away from home and your wife is alone in the house. In the middle of the night a drug-crazed guy breaks into your house. (Hasn't happened too often in NH, but it's a theoretical possibility.)

Your wife grabs a shotgun and confronts the guy. She's 115 pounds and has never killed a thing in her life. She needs to shoot this guy dead or incapacitate him. I'm betting that in 30 seconds you will have an angry drug-crazed guy in your house who's now armed with a shotgun.

I'm a gun-owner, but my guns are locked up safely and separate from the ammunition.
- Mr. D, New Boston

Our freedoms were won with the aid of guns, and they are and will always be defended with the aid of guns. Bravo.

Mike, Hampstead - yes, Holder is already taking steps to limit an individual's right to keep and bear arms.

Hopefully, Obama's disregard for the Constitution will widen the nascent wedge between him and the blue-dog Dems.
- Tom, Campton

Tracy of Manchester: Obama wants to reinstate the Assault Weapons Ban after promising you can take him at his word! Read the articles from a week ago...
- Tony, Londonderry

Tracy in Manchester, put the Obamer Koolaid down and get informed. You support a guy who's policies you obviously know nothing about. Ignorant liberal like you are the reason this fool got elected.
- Mike, Concord

What happened in NH since I left? Is there civil unrest? Skirmishes in the streets? Come on you folks are getting a little silly I am not saying to ban guns but we have several organizations to protect us in times of war. Save your money and put your kid through college for God sakes instead of wasting it on something that will sit in the closet waiting for the wrong person to get a hold of.
- Doug Marion County, Marion County Florida

Hey Tracy, Obama IS anti gun. He always has been. If you don't believe this just go to whitehouse.gov, click on agenda, and look under his urban policy. Then scroll about two thirds of the way down the page and it's under paragraph four in the Crime and Law Enforcement section. This is the Brady campain's agenda and it was proven to have no impact on crime when it was origionally enacted under Clinton. This is NOT about buying a new "toy" but rather a buy them while you can before the liberals strip us of our rights. It is the way of the liberals to restrict firearms as much as they can get away with. Don't believe me? Look at Boston. Increasing taxes and escalating crime, and some of the most restrictive gun control laws in the nation. If you are curious, check out opencongress.org and look up H.R. 45. It was written by Illinois rep. Bobby Rush, one of Obama's political allies. Once you look up these things, plus looking up his entire career as a politician and what his attitude towards the second amendment has always been, see if you can honestly say that he is not anti gun. If your only source of information on this was the ten second sound bite where he told people in pennsylvania that he wouldn't take away our guns then you are sadly mistaken. When has a politician ever been honest?
- Wayne, Manchester

Obama is the best gun salesman this world has ever seen!
- Ben, Manchester

I'm just waiting for the day when we start hearing on the news "Man with gun saves wife and children" more than "Man with gun kills wife and children" instead of the other way around like it is now. Then I'll believe you guys. Anyway, I'll stake the odds on a highly trained police officer any day of the week for dealing with the bad guys.
- Cathy, Northfield, NH

Law abdiding citizens know that there is no such thing as a liberal that supports gun ownership and anyone who believes that President Obama supports gun ownership is evidently ignorant of Obama's voting record, his agenda, and his new Attorney General's domestic priorities.

My hunch is that Obama's new health care project will declare that gun violence is an epidemic, that it costs billions of dollars a year in emregency room visits; that our health as a nation will depend on the elimination of gun onwership or the allowance of ownership under the most strictest of regulation.

Buy now!
- Nicky Saints, Milford, NH

I truly wish some of you folks would calm down with the hysteria and use the brains the good Lord gave you. For once. Obama never said he was "going to take away your guns". That fallacy is right up there with the idea that he was going to nationalise 401k money.

Even IF he was in favor of banning guns, it would still have to pass the US House and the US Senate before it got to his desk for a signature. Mid term elections are next year...do you truly think any Democrat is going to do anything to rile up the folks in his or her district back home? Especially when it involves legislations to ban guns?

Get real. It's not going to happen now. There may be moves in the future to put restrictions on gun ownership, after the economy has righted itself, but for right now, as it's said, it ain't happenin'.

And I mean this with all sincerity...some of you folks need to get off the paranoia bandwagon. No one is trying to pry the guns from your hands. I can't stand guns. I don't hunt. But this is one liberal, Obama voting Democrat who would fight for your right to keep and bear arms. And I'm not the only one. But you need to start paying attention to more than Rush Limbaugh and the NRA. Because they're only telling you what they think you want to hear rather than anything close to the truth.
Peace
- Joel, Nashua

Chris, Tracy, I suggest you go back to Mr. 0bama's pre-campaign rhetoric and yes, indeed, he is anti-2nd Amendment and a 'gun-grabber. All politicians 'moderate' their views at campaign time. Mr. 0bama doesn't operate in a vacuum or rule by fiat. The Democrat leadership in both houses of Congress are rabid anti-gunners as are many of their vocal fringe group supporters. There is great cause for worry.
- Gene Smith, Contoocook, NH

Shoot someone who'd breaking into your house and you're in for a lawsuit that you will probably lose - it happens all the time.
- Brian, Farmington

I've got more guns than I need but not as many as I want. That's all it comes down to. Right?
- Rich, Hudson

Self preservation is the most basic human right. The fact that police cannot protect any of us from a planned home invasion is simply reality. Arm yourselves, preferably with a semi- auto loading shotgun. Practice and learn how to safely use it. Make a detailed home defense plan which incorporates the understanding of all family members. The justified fear we now see in America is just the beginning.
- Bob, Flat Rock, NC

I really don't think our new president will achieve any sort of gun control. Too many people are totally against it in this country, including politicians.

Will we ever really need semi automatic rifles to protect ourselves? I think people are getting a little paranoid BUT I do support having a firearm in the house for protection. Home invasions are way up.

I have a handgun just for that purpose. As well I have a real safe to protect it.
- BC, Londonderry

For those of you still operating under the delusion that this administration does not want to ban guns please refer to the recent comments by the Attorney General clearly stating that intention.

For those of you who consider firearms a "hobby", I will tell you that protecting my life and the lives of my loved ones is a full time occupation. For you to casually refer to our security as a hobby shows you have little regard for human life or civil rights. You should check your attitude on this.

And for those of you who want to ensure that our right to keep and bear arms is NOT infringed, two action items for you:
1. If you have not done so - join the NRA. If you are already a member, give a gift membership to a friend of family member.
2. Write, call, email your representatives in Congress and let them know you will not stand for any additional gun control legislation and that includes any new regulations regarding ammunition. DO NOT wait until such legislation is proposed. Contact your representatives now.
- Mark, Amherst

Obama is THE most anti-gun president in our history! Anyone who thinks otherwise is just plain stupid or ill informed; probably both.

The exact situation vis-a-vis ammunition and the scarcity of handguns exists here in Florida; all over the state ammo is low or out of stock, gun inventory is lower than I've ever seen it. And this is all due to the real fear that this pinhead, Obama, is going to allow his attorney general, that race baiting nitwit Holder, to do his bidding on all things gun related.

You are wise indeed if you have a firearm and know how to use it; there is a serious disruption of our society and civil order coming. It is better to be prepared, trust me. The cops are NOT there to protect you; they are there to investigate after the fact.

And, yes, I do want Obama to fail; socialism is NOT what we need now or ever. And Obama IS a radical socialist and anyone who doubts that is naive and/or stupid to the bone.

Have a day. Bang Gunley
- Bang Gunley, Pensacola, FL

Folks who say 'Obama isn't against guns' are missing a key point that is leading to this fear: Our new President is making decisions day after day that contradict the positions he took during his campaign. And in almost every case his 'new' position parallels that taken by the extreme left. Folks that favor a more traditional American approach feel they have good reason to fear and to act on those fears.
- Peter, Manchester

Al runs a great shop - a true gentleman. As for all the frightened commenters to this story who lament citizens buying guns of their choosing... go bake a pie.
- CB, Derry, NH

Well call me crazy but when they have to pry my gun out of my "cold dead hands" they will be stepping over a lot of bodies to get it!
- Mike Bodruk, Manchester

You are all talking crazy, a gun in the hands of an unskilled shooter is worse than the criminal him self. It takes a special person to be able to kill some one, when you are looking at him. And you all talk big, but when time comes, and God forbid it should happen, you will hesitate, and now you just put a gun in the hands of another criminal. Ask any drill Sargent in any Army how many have the ability to kill with out training. Very few. If you are all that concerned, get a well trained dog that attacks upon command, and you can call him off, and after the dogs takes half his leg off. You have done the job and nobody is dead. Most importantly, ... you.
- John Croteau, Candia

To Tom in Laconia, I have spent $500 on home defense weapons that I leave in the closet. If I never use them I still consider them money well spent. Kind of like the money you spend on smoke detectors and fire extinguishers for your home. You hope you never need those as well, but you buy them anyway.

To Mike in Hampstead, President Obama is not in favor of guns and private ownership. Look at how he responded to a 1996 questionaire on guns when he was running for the State Senate in IL. Look at the legislation he co-sponsored in 2000 that attempted to limit purchases. As for states rights, all powers not specifically enumerated in the Constitution are assumed to under state direction, That's where that pesky little 2nd Amendment pops up. You seem to think that the other nine amendments in the Bill of Rights applies to individuals, but not the 2nd. Why is that?
- Frank, Londonderry

Run out and get 'em, as we have a huge epidemic up here in NH of people breaking into innocent homeownwers' residences, and shooting them. "Most" but not all of these people can't afford to take care of their homes/kids/clothes, but they don't hesitiate to buy 500-700 dollar guns..sorry if the truth hurts.

There's a lot of stuff in the Constitution, but these people just use it as an excuse to justify their obsession with playing with guns, plain and simple.

If you are not a convicted felon, there's nothing to worry about......................
- Mike D, Concord

This is absolutely HILARIOUS!!!!
Obama never said he was taking anyone’s guns away and Biden said he does not support taking guns away.

The NRA, gun manufacturers and the Republicans are saying these things to create hype around the purchase and sale of guns. What you are witnessing is a sales tactic and a fabricated fear. It’s too funny to watch so many people fall for such a transparent ploy.

Think of how much money the gun manufacturers are saving on promotion. All they have to do is say “Obama might take this model away” and poof sales are through the roof to the point where orders are backlogged for years.

I just can’t stop laughing.
- Jim, Raymond, Nh

Second Amendment = Hobby? I'm happy to have a "hobby" that can protect me, my girlfriend and my kids. Oh and the "ball and chain", she believes that money spent on a gun is (in her words) money well spent. Boo yah!
- Chris L, Manchester

John Lott has written (FOXNEWS) about his time at Univ. of Chicago when President Obama was an instructor there. Obama did state he did not believe people should be allowed to have guns. Given how the far left learned to keep that under thier hat in the election of 1994, 1996 and 2000, I don't blame them for hiding that part of thier agenda. I do not believe gun control will be a big issue with this administration as there are just not that many far left democrats or "moderate" republicans who are willing to sell out the constituition yet. I do expect to see an effort locally by the Brady organization to take advantage of the "crisis", and given the cover they will recieve from the main stream media, there will be some errosion of public safety and constituitional rights. When the Brady's win, crime and violence increase. When the NRA wins, crime and violence decrease. I own primarily for hunting, but I recognize that my deer rifle is called a sniper rifle by those who don't want me to have it. My .22 is an "assault weapon" because it is an auto loader. If you are a gun owner and don't think you have a firearm that the Brady bunch wants to ban, you aren't paying attention.
- jeff, Goffstown

Wake up you jokers, it's not liberty, it's a delusion in your mind. Guys are funny, anything to justify a new toy! Obama is not anti gun anyway, this is just foolishness.
- Tracy, Manchester

Thomas Laconia, Maybe you keep your gun in the closet. Mines on my hip. another on the gun rack in my pickup.
- Horace, Salisbury

There is reason for hope here. They are at least a handful of Democrat Senators that are NRA supporters. That would be enough to stop a bill from coming to a vote. Never mind a large number of "blue dog" Democrats in the House who oppose gun control. Between a large number of American citizens calling and emailing their reps and Democrats breaking with their leadership gun control could be Obama's 'Waterloo".
- Chris, Merrimack

To Chris King, Has Obama EVER said he wants to take away handguns and hunting rifles? Please stop with the paranoia, lies and disinformation.
We all agree there is a line to be drawn over arms that should be available in this country. We can't buy tanks, grenades, shoulder fired missles or artillery. So this debate is over two things. A) where to draw that line (including automatic and semi-automatic or not) and B) State and Local government's rights to set their own laws. Where are all the state's rights advocates on gun control when DC and Chicago wanted to enact their own laws? Yes you have the right to bear arms. No you don't have the right to bear any arm you want. What part of a "well regulated militia" do you not understand?
- mike, hampstead

What is more frightening to me is a newspaper who publishes a picture of a pump action shotgun, and calls it a semi auto rifle. Same uninformed people who call a semi auto an automatic. There is so much anti-gun hype written by uninformed crusaders that its hard to know what they are talking about.
I am a sport shooter, competitor, veteran of 2 branches of the armed forces and not a hunter. Shooting is as legitamate a sport as baseball, except the tools used are the target of people who probably have never tried to shoot for fun in their lives, and want to deny those of us who enjoy the sport our hobby. By the way, Union Leader check out how many people are killed and mamed by baseball bats in attacks each year and do an article on that. Or at least proof read your front page for accuracy.
- pete, sunapee

I have been planning on purchasing a shotgun and a handgun by the end of this month, though it has nothing to do with administration policy on the 2nd Amendment.

Thomas, I would prefer that my guns remain in the closet and for them to not be needed. I don't consider that to be a waste, rather I consider that to be good fortune.
- DM, Hampton

it is the best $500.00 i have ever spend in my life time

a cheap expense for LIBERTY
- dennis chapel, manchester

One man cannot take away our Constitutional freedoms. Keep after our elected rperesentatives and let them know our right to keep and bear arms will not be infringed.
- Bill, Auburn

When a home invader enters your house and threatens your family and seconds count, count on Smith & Wesson.
- Michael King, Epping

Thomas in Laconia, more money spent on police, so...? Do you think they can magically appear the moment you pick up the phone?

If a home invader were in your home, you might have seconds to react to protect your family, and the police, while helpful and courageous, can be there in minutes. They cannot magically appear.

Some people realize that too late. Other people arm themselves and get training, taking responsibility for defending their own families.

Because if you think "It only happens to other people", YOU are the "other people" to everyone else.

Yes, I shoot targets for sport, it's fun competition, but I also have a handgun and semiautomatic rifle I am proficient with in case bad things happen. Because it's my right.

You do not need to own such, or bear such responsibility if you do not want to, but do not insult those who do, and do not infringe on those rights in any way.

A lot of Katrina survivors were glad to have a neighbor with guns to run behind when the police couldn't come. Law-abiding gun owners are good, peaceful people with a tool and skill that they will use to defend their family, friends, even neighbors from harm. That's what the Founding Fathers intended.
- Mike R., Bedford

The removal of legal ownership of firearms will cause more problems than it solves. Use the example of "illegal drugs", they are everywhere. Now envision a black market where you can purchase "sterile guns". These are guns manufactured with no serial number. No way to trace ownership. Now imagine the guy with an untraceable gun. That means much less chance of apprehension. There would be little inhibition to use a shoot out to settle problems. After it's done, just drop the gun. Go see "Benny the mole" and get another one.
Moves to outlaw guns would have a drastic effect on the streets. These "illegal guns" would also be available with silencers. A perceived bad driving action could become fatal. Imagine the law enforcement quagmire this could create.
Gun laws have always resulted in increased assaults and robberies where ever they are enacted. The average citizen, fed up with being a victim, could decide to arm himself illegally. And with little or no chance of prosecution for using the firearm, may opt to stop being a victim.
So before you support any gun laws, just look at how well the "drug laws" are working.
- Steve, Raymond

Ha ha funny people! Good time to blow money on a hobby you'll leave in a closet! Civil unrest, you kidding? The UL has a front page article on more money going to police. Tell the truth guys, you are just using scare tactics to can the old ball and chain into letting you blow $500 on yourself.
- Thomas, Laconia

Al Bacon is a great guy, and he is always friendly and helpful to those of us at Chester Rod & Gun Club (CRnG).

Hopefully, gunowners -- especially new gunowners -- will join a club like ours to improve their skills, build friendships, and network with others who enjoy the shooting sports. Find us at www.ChesterRodAndGunClub.com
- Ed Holdgate, Sandown, NH

Shame on you Rep. Frank Sapareto. As a Republican, its really sad to see you sell out to the Democrats fear tactics over Rush Lumbaugh.

If you listened to what Rush said, he NEVER said he wanted Obama to fail. He said he wanted his socialist policies to fail. He said that if Obama stands for fiscal conservatism and acts like Reagan, he would support him 100%. But apparently you're just playing into the Democrats and being scared of being labeled as a true Conservative. If you disagree with Rush, that is fine, but don't manipulate his words. Or better yet, just don't even mention Rush at all.

I wish you were in my district sir because a comment like that would have assured that you lost this Conservative's vote in 2010 not for disagreeing with Lumbaugh, but for manipulating another Conservative's words in order to appease others.
- Fred Jenkins, Manchester

I don't blame people for being afraid that Obama will infringe on gun rights. He has already begun to drastically alter this country into something totally different than we ever could have imagined.

Its honestly just a matter of time until he starts in on the right to bear arms. First it will be semi-automatics, then it will be hand guns, and finally rifles/shotguns. Welcome to European style Socialism everyone....
- Chris King, Manchester, NH

"Al Bacon and his son, Chuck, display a semi-automatic rifle..."

Or a pump shotgun. Practically the same thing, right?

Sometimes we need an eye-roll emoticon on here.
- Kevin, Lancaster