Comments on: Those Tiny Guns

By: Abi

Abi — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:58:32 +0000

I do have a permit to carry. Have my own little LPC love it.

By: Elizabeth Lane

Elizabeth Lane — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:50:41 +0000

Thanks for adding the UK perspective, Sarah. From what I’ve read, a lot of those old duels ended with both parties missing and walking away, honor satisfied.

And yes, we are bloodthirsty little critters, aren’t we? But romance is about risk and danger, so I guess that includes guns. Enjoyed your comment. Please come back and visit again.

By: Sarah Mallory

Sarah Mallory — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:21:03 +0000

Hi Elizabeth. Fascinating post, thank you. The law is a little different in the UK so we can only get a gun licence under very strict circumstances (although living on a farm I do qualify). However, I researched English duelling pistols for my own novels (a bit earlier than yours, though) and I am amazed that anyone can hit anything with them! Of course, with the smaller pistol one can get a lot closer to the victim/target. I am always surprised how bloodthirsty “romantic novelists” can be when discussing these things (and I include myself in this!).

By: Elizabeth Lane

Elizabeth Lane — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:21:06 +0000

Well said, Patricia. I was expecting some diverse viewpoints with this blog and we certainly got them.
Gun laws are meant to put weapons only in the hands of responsible people, but we know that doesn’t always prevent tragedies. Too bad there are no easy answers. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.

By: Patricia Barraclough

Patricia Barraclough — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:34:57 +0000

Interesting post. I am really torn about gun ownership. We have guns for hunting. No hand guns though. I will say that hiking in the woods up north there was a problem with wild dogs. Here there are bear and some wild dogs. A pistol won’t help much against a bear, but it would against the dogs. It is really the only reason I’d carry a pistol. I learned to shoot as a teen and was a pretty good shot with a rifle.
I can see no reason for the assault guns and other high powered guns that people are allowed to own. They are not for hunting anything other than a human. From what I’ve seen there are too many gun owners who are not responsible enough to be carrying pistols and in some cases anything else. There have been too many instances of sheer stupidity when using a gun or just not storing it properly. We have the right to own guns, but that right entails a lot of responsibility. Just like driving a car, it is dangerous if you don’t take it seriously and know what you are doing.
I don’t want to live in an armed camp with a Dirty Harry mind-set.