14 Year old Indiana boy shot in groin

[Slammr (imported)]

Thats why tighter gun controls are needed

I'm politically liberal in most respects, and while I don't think anyone needs assault weapons or fully automatic weapons, I'm generally against gun control. I got my first gun when I was thirteen, and I've owned guns ever since. In Oregon, where I live, as long as you get a permit, you can carry a concealed weapon, and it doesn't appear to cause problems. I never see anything in the news about anyone with a permit shooting anyone.

[The Lurker (imported)]

Any significant gun control would not have any effect on hunting. Nor should it.

[clysmaniac (imported)]

I agree with targeted gun control. Anyone incompetent enough to shoot himself in the nuts should never be allowed to carry a gun again.

[Slammr (imported)]

I agree with targeted gun control. Anyone incompetent enough to shoot himself in the nuts should never be allowed to carry a gun again.

I would guess more 16 year-olds are killed by automobiles than are by guns. The world's a dangerous place. If you shoot yourself in the nuts, you're probably going to be a little more careful in the future. A gun would probably be safer in his hand than in another boy's hand.

I once shot out my mother's dresser mirror with a gun she and my father didn't know I had. I had a difficult time making up a lie to cover that. I was practicing fast draw with a revolver, for which I'd traded a .22.

Kids do stupid things; but the things I did in my car were more stupid and more dangerous than any thing I did with a gun. It's a wonder I survived some of them.

[jab (imported)]

Gun accidents happen. Almost anything involving a child and a gun, can fall into this category.

The only realistic, effective short-term solution is education. Teach kids certain gun habits, every time, as part of the culture. Insist on formal training, rewarded by insurance companies but not compulsory. (We have exactly that with "driver's ed" in schools - you don't have to take it, but insurance is less if you do.) Note the purchase of bullets and the like, by minors and perhaps push for parental permission for that purchase. Forbid internet sales of the blame things.

[JesusA (imported)]

My grandson got his pellet gun at 7 years old. He's had careful training with it and uses it for target shooting (and the occasional gopher dumb enough to stick his head up at the wrong time). He wanted a .22 for Christmas, but will have to wait for his birthday. The 8 year-old girl in his carpool to school is an expert shot (at varmints) with a .22.

Kids (and adults) need careful instruction before using firearms. I wouldn't trust them with a car without careful instruction, either.

There are places in this state remote enough that 12 year-olds can get a special driver's license valid ONLY for driving to and from school. Kids have been driving for a long while. My grandfather's first paying job, at age 12 in 1911, was teaching first time car owners how to drive at the first car dealership eastern Los Angeles County. He was still driving until he was 86. He was probably a better driver at 12 than he was at 86.

He was also probably a better shot (and safer shooter) at 12 than at 86, too.

.

[Dave (imported)]

Thats why tighter gun controls are needed

Every hunter I know is safe with guns. I haven't met anyone who goes hunting that is bad with guns.

The problem in the USA is not hunter. It's not with the guns that hunter use. Hunter's don't need gun controls. If the state has a waiting period for a gun, hunters don't care because they plan ahead. If ID is required and a background check, hunters don't care because they don't have to worry about being found out as criminals or mentally ill or on a watch group. The hunters I know are good, solid citizens.

The problem in the USA is those who only want "handguns" for "protection" or some "safety" issue. I've known women who have carry permits and keep a gun in their purse. They aren't the problem. There are too many people who do not understand what a "handgun for safety" means, nor do they take the time to shoot, nor do they take the time for safety courses (beyond the superficial) or the care of their weapon.

Then there are criminals and they don't deserve to have guns. The mentally ill should never handle guns. Children without supervision shouldn't have access to guns.

Then there are the politicians who use guns as leverage to keep themselves in office. They are irresponsible.

And I'm one here who thinks we need some other gun laws. I think some of what laws we have are ineffective...

[DavidB (imported)]

I dont live in Indiana but I cannt believe that it is legal for a 14 year old to own a gun and or use one with out parental supervision. And if they do, thank God I dont live there.

As for all those against gun control, you are living in a fantasy world. The US has the highest per cap murder rate in the industrial world the majority of which is caused by guns. Owning a hunting rifle and unlimited gun control are 2 very different thing. And why the hell does anybody need to walk around with a concealed weapon.

[gareth19 (imported)]

Why was a 14 yr old let out to hunt with a shotgun??

Because you only use a rifle if you are going after bear or deer; shotguns are best for pheasant, quail, rabbits or squirrels, and that's what you take beginners to hunt because there are many of them around and if they make noise or such, you can always find more, but if a kid startles a buck or bear, it is likely that that's the last one you will see that day.

[kyennamo (imported)]

I have never been an advocate for gun controll. idiot controll on the other hand is a great idea but much more difficult to impliment. I myself posess a great deal of weaponry. everything from old cowboy 6 shooters to REGISTERED fully automatic silenced assault rifles ( contrary to popular belief registered automatics and silencers are legal in over 30 states ). none of my guns have ever hurt anyone on their own but as a law abiding citizen i would be forced to comply with changing gun controll laws. Its the poeple who dont respect and follow the law that cause the trouble with guns anyway so creating tighter gun controll laws only effect the law abiding, not the criminals who get them illegally anyway. therefor its rediculous. that being said, what kinda moron lets their 14 year old out unsupervised with a shotgun. pellet gun maybe. but shotgun........come on