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Time For Modern Minutemen ?

14K views 298 replies 29 participants last post by  locutus 
#1 ·
Like most prudent people in today's America, I keep a pistol handy . Doing so is a nuisance but not a danger . If I never need it, the nuisance will be the only price paid for preparedness . So.....I've covered all the bases, or so I thought !
About 2 active shooter massacres back, a former NRA instructor got an AR-15 out of his safe and ran toward the danger, loading a magazine as he ran . He shot the murderer and we're grateful for that but ---- the hero was obviously not prepared for an active shooter situation . If he had kept his AR-15 loaded and accessible, he could have probably saved more lives by getting to that church sooner . ( And people would have called him a paranoid nut for thinking he needed a loaded AR-15 in his house .)
Question : Are active shooters and ISIS " lone wolves " reason enough for citizens to keep rifles ready and should local police and elected officials be encouraged to call on such citizens in emergencies ?
Perhaps it is time to unleash a " well-regulated militia " on the occasional mass killer .
Your thoughts and comments are invited .
 
#2 ·
an unloaded gun is at best an expensive club.

yes, guns should be loaded at the very least. chambering, should be optional, depending on the gun and it's storage, or whether it's a primary or secondary weapon. but with that said, each person needs to look at their specific circumstances and security to determine what is best for them, and to evaluate exactly who can or will have access to the weapons.

in an active shooter situation, it's very doubtful that LE would call upon private citizens to intervene in such an incident. more than likely they would caution, or advise against intervention. and if LE is on scene, it might be much more dangerous to get involved in any way.

now if LE wasn't on scene, this would be a situation that would have to be decided upon the individual, as to insert themselves into such an event. there are way too many variables to come up with any sort of conclusive answer to such a situation.
 
#3 ·
There is such a thing as being prepared, but once you try to be pro-active for every scenario than it is possible to cross the threshold and now you are in the land of paranoia . To have a loaded firearm inside the house not locked might be irresponsible if you have children. We do not know and we can not see the big picture and all we do is assume...and you know what that spells. Live your life to the fullest and not in fear, prepare for the unexpected but do not imprison yourself with thoughts of ISIS and such because than, the terrorists have won. It is like not going out in the rain because you may get struck by lighting. Heck you do something more dangerous every day for without realizing the danger and that is get behind a vehicle and drive.
 
#4 ·
No kids in the house, firearms ready pretty much everywhere. Only "locked and loaded" ones are revolvers, my EDC, and my shotgun. All others require just a racking of the slide, safety off.

Not paranoid, just prepared. When our grandson is around, we're a bit more cautious (things are made "un-accessible"), but he is well-versed in gun safety/avoidance. That happens about once a year (sadly), and by next year, he'll be of the age of responsibility and capable of providing supporting fires.

We're on a farm miles away from a significant highway: a dead-end road off of a dead-end road, both gravel, with a gate before entering our 800' driveway with a "Beware of Dogs" and "No Trespassing" sign at the gate. Not going to be any "casual" folks here - particularly at night when the gate is closed.

I'll come to the aid of my neighbors (as they would for me - hopefully), but I'm not going to leave my family to defend strangers unless things get really bad. At almost 65, I know my limitations.
 
#5 ·
I'd say that a blanket statement like "he should have kept his AR-15 loaded and ready" is not right. First, his security decisions in his home are likely to be based on different conditions than the next person. So, his decision about keeping the gun loaded are likely to be different. Second, instead of focusing on how many could have been saved in the short time while he was loading, we should be applauding him for taking prompt action.
 
#7 ·
I thought my post was pretty clear ; I wasn't finding fault with the hero for not keeping his AR-15 loaded and handy . If you read it over, you'll see that I myself don't keep a rifle ready .
The question I was posing is whether we should plan for offensive action or continue to think in terms of defense of home and family .
I wonder if large numbers of " minutemen " would deter potential active shooters. I bet my ideas would work better than the current system of 24-hour newscasts showing the carnage along with panicky pleas for more gun laws .
 
#9 ·
I keep a red dot equipped AR with magazines in the safe. I do have my HD guns out and loaded as well as my carry. I live in a residential neighborhood so I have to be very conscious of where my rounds are going. It would have to be very dire for me to break out a rifle with long range capabilities.
You never know where or when an incident will happen and you have to be prepared but not paranoid. Yesterday my wife and I were walking in our neighborhood minding our own business when some guy walking a dog started ranting about politics. We kept walking as he was pretty irate and I did not want an argument or incident.
 
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#10 ·
I noticed very early on that whenever there was a negligent/accidental discharge, invariably the first words uttered were "I didn't know the gun was loaded". Then there is the turkey who shoots himself or another cleaning a loaded gun!
In this house I have kept it simple, all guns are loaded all the time and they always have been. There is a sign on the gun cabinet stating so and no it's not locked! All my children are proficient in their use as are the grand-kids. I've done my best to demonstrate to them the destructive power of firearms as well as the recreational side.
One of my grand-daughters, eleven years old is a virtual Annie Oakley and I suspect it will soon be embarrassing to shoot against her.
I understand my way is not for everybody and it's up to the individuals to do what is prudent for them.
 
#11 ·
I noticed very early on that whenever there was a negligent/accidental discharge, invariably the first words uttered were "I didn't know the gun was loaded". Then there is the turkey who shoots himself or another cleaning a loaded gun!
In this house I have kept it simple, all guns are loaded all the time and they always have been. There is a sign on the gun cabinet stating so and no it's not locked! All my children are proficient in their use as are the grand-kids. I've done my best to demonstrate to them the destructive power of firearms as well as the recreational side.
One of my grand-daughters, eleven years old is a virtual Annie Oakley and I suspect it will soon be embarrassing to shoot against her.
I understand my way is not for everybody and it's up to the individuals to do what is prudent for them.
I remember when this was pretty much SOP, at least where I grew up.
Except we didn't have a sign! Of course this was a time when the AG teacher would take his high school Seniors dove hunting after school...so the students interested brought their shotguns to school that day...on the school bus. And the teacher would take them home after the hunt in his car.
ellis
 
#14 ·
While the idea sounds good and in some instances put an armed person on scene much faster than LE, other instances it wouldn't.
In TX the man lived right beside the church..
I like the idea but LE would need to be willing to play ball too.

Most LE agencies would be loathe to to do anything but condemn any armed groups with better response times and results than themselves. Have to remain relevant don't you know. That's why FOP, and other LE agencies routine oppose pro gun laws or repeal of anti gun laws.

I'd personally be more comfortable involving myself in such a scenario and done before LE arrived.

The answer is to remove GFZ from the equation and encourage People to arm themselves .

The victims are by far the first people on the scene to any crime and in the best position with more motivation to put these animals down. Right then.

That is done you'll see mostly the end of mass shootings.

The increase in such shootings if one looks went hand in hand with the increase in gun regulations and GFZ.
 
#22 ·
Most LE agencies would be loathe to to do anything but condemn any armed groups with better response times and results than themselves. Have to remain relevant don't you know. That's why FOP, and other LE agencies routine oppose pro gun laws or repeal of anti gun laws.

Having spent much of my working life putting my life on the line every day to protect the public, I rather resent that remark! A hell of a lot of officers from my department were up at the state Capitol *SUPPORTING* constitutional carry.
If you don't like cops, the next time you're in sh!t up to your eyeballs, call some pro nazi militia or the looney-toons oath keepers.
 
#15 ·
unless some of you people have a crystal ball telling you when, where, and who of an active shooter incident, i seriously doubt having any sort of "minutemen" is a pipe dream at best.

and in an active shooter situation, if you are dealing with someone who is mentally unbalanced, who isn't using rational thought, please explain how you would deter such a person? and what if the motivation is political or religious ideology, and the person is committed to his cause? again, i seriously doubt there is any deterrence.
 
#16 ·
Armed citizens on the spot when the attack occurs. No need for crystal balls.
Weve been by and large turned into a nation of sheeple depending on LE to protect us when that isn't even their job.
Loosen gun regs, outlaw GFZs, and watch the "mass shooters fade into history. Attacking what you know is likely a bunch of armed people who will end you quickly makes attacking or sending some fool to do so becomes pointless.
Just like they increased when such foolishness was implemented.
 
#19 · (Edited)
ellis

It is obvious we live in a different society today!
Not all but a lot of the issues with guns around the home loaded or not loaded is a derivative of improper up brining IMO!
Without discipline and accountability! Too many parents want to be a Friend only and Not a Parent!
As a very young child hunter and shooter, later the Military and a carrier in Law Enforcement guns have always been a part of my life. I think nothing more of a gun than I do a car. However I have the upmost respect for both. And have taken time to raise 4 Children, have seven Grandchildren and soon to have our third Great Grandchild in May.
And thank God with all the guns they have been around not one issue. All but the Great Grandchildren like to shoot. And they may in the future?
Where I am going with this, is children and education is critical when it comes to children and guns. IMO the Key! Beginning with eliminating their curiosity and using good common sense! When they wanted to see, feel or shoot guns, WE DID! as I supervised and taught them safe handling lessons.
Loaded guns or *Readily available in todays time is very important. I am so thankful for the NRA Instructor who ran to defend those people and shot the killer!
We live in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains as most here know in the Boonies.
So the laws response at best would be 15 - 20 minutes if they were in the area?
So you can bet we have several loaded guns around the home and property and my wife is also very competent with them as well. Any outside assistance that would take 15 -20 minutes in a life or death situation is seemingly an eternity.
I am not at all paranoid! Been there and done that regarding incidents! But try to be the best prepared I can be should a bad situation raise it's head. Also as mentioned here in the secluded areas we take care of our own in the area. On occasion when we see a strange vehicle or person in the area or on our distant neighbors property we make note. You can bet we will be checking them out. I assure all that when we do we will have a loaded gun with us. That is the way it is in Tennessee! Bottom line unless our guns might be a danger like someone's children coming over, loaded guns are always readily available here!
ARs with Optics/Pistols/Shotguns/ NV and other surprises for the possible attacker!;)
Guns and Ammunition not readily available are next to useless!
TRAINING:
I would suggest with all safety regarded one might want to do some scenarios. Like imagining you have an attacker. Jump out of your Lazy Boy Recliner or out of Bed and see how well you can do getting to your weapon, ammunition and loading! Obviously dummy ammo in a magazine or loading devise is highly recommended. (No Live Ammo!) You can order dummy ammunition online since they make them for most all calibers. Repetition is the best training you can do! You might set there and think you are prepared but just try the above. Most will realize they are NOT! And TIME is of the essence of if someone would survive or not! Practice-Practice-Practice!! This still will not create the adrenalin rush that you will also deal with in a live situation. But it is the best you can do.!
And Minutemen do exist in America!
03
 
#24 ·
Quote from Sniper:
It is obvious we live in a different society today!

Indeed we do, Sniper! And I would be the first to say that, judging from the kids I see in my extended family, I would be extremely concerned if any of them had access to ANY firearm, firecracker, gasoline or matches around my house or property. They don't seem to have any reasoning ability at all. Hell, I wouldn't trust some of the adults!

Congratulations on your family. You and yours appear to be doing it right.

ellis
 
#30 ·
I see again, children in the home, so no loaded firearms, no firearms.
There are some kids that should never be around a firearm, as most Liberals should not be allowed around a firearm.
We have firearms around the house, loaded and ready. They are of no use locked up or unloaded and locked in a closet, in agreement with what everyone else is saying too.
So train the kids to know how and when to us them and never to play with them.
I let my kids at, a very young age fire one of my revolvers, with hearing protection and my hands on the gun and their hands.
That is all it took to remove the "toy fascination" with them.
I had Step Grand kids, in our home a while back and no way would I trust them with firearms.
If I had the chance, over a few months, I might change them.
First thing the kids need a heifer or pony, each to teach them responsibility and consequencies.
 
#31 ·
I see again, children in the home, so no loaded firearms, no firearms.
There are some kids that should never be around a firearm, as most Liberals should not be allowed around a firearm.
We have firearms around the house, loaded and ready. They are of no use locked up or unloaded and locked in a closet, in agreement with what everyone else is saying too.
So train the kids to know how and when to us them and never to play with them.
I let my kids at, a very young age fire one of my revolvers, with hearing protection and my hands on the gun and their hands.
That is all it took to remove the "toy fascination" with them.
I had Step Grand kids, in our home a while back and no way would I trust them with firearms.
If I had the chance, over a few months, I might change them.
First thing the kids need a heifer or pony, each to teach them responsibility and consequencies.
please explain why a liberal should not be allowed around a firearm. are you saying that because of someone's political viewpoints, or opinions that they should be prohibited from possessing firearms?
 
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#43 ·
Just to be clear in my initial post I stated that all my guns are loaded all of the time which is true. All family and friends were and are aware of my policy on this but not to be misunderstood it is not because I/we are expecting problems but it is my way of ensuring there are no mishaps, ALL THE FREAKIN GUNS ARE HOT ALL THE TIME! No one here can say I didn't know the gun was loaded!
Where I live I'm hardly a target, long way in and a long way out and this is a very low crime area.
 
#46 ·
i think i will exit this thread as the radical extremist feels he's been the recipient of personal attacks by myself, and and i wouldn't want to hurt his delicate feelings any further.

seems kind of like a liberal tactic to portray yourself as the victim!

nuf said.
 
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#52 ·
The simple fact is that an overwhelming majority of the population accept rulings of the SCOTUS as The Law of The Land.

A very small minority on both the extreme left and extreme right do not.

As long as the legal community, business, labor, churches, civic organizations, social organizations, etc and the overwhelming majority of the American people accept the SCOTUS as the final arbiter of the Constitution, then it will remain so, regardless of what the 2 or 3 percent on the fringes think
 
#53 ·
exactly my point. what some fail to see is that there are always two sides of the far extreme radicals who see things differently than the general masses.

most people tend to approach things in a mature and common sense way of dealing with reality. they tend to realize that we need laws to be civilized, and to act in a responsible manner. laws are in place to provide for penalties when those who don't abide by our laws are punished. laws are what we as civilized society will, and will not tolerate. and for the most part, the general majority have decided what is, or isn't acceptable behaviour. we have agreed that we are going to abide by the laws as they are set forth.

and of course, there are laws that are passed that some will disagree with. that is just part of life as we know it. but one thing i have learned about life, is that it's not always fair, and sometimes things are never going to ever be perfect, or that everyone is going to agree with them. my advice? suck it up cupcake and act like an adult and deal with it! don't like the laws or how things are ran in this country, or feel that we are not following the Constitution? fine, then move to another one of those third world countries, and live there for a while and then tell us how bad things are here in this country! i'll bet the perspective would change radically!

without laws and a society that decides to follow those laws, or people deciding what laws they will, or will not follow, you end up with anarchy. what if everyone decided to pick and choose which laws they would abide by? or decided that no laws had any authority over them and decided to do as they wished? you would have severe breakdown of society and complete anarchy.
 
#57 ·
You have to be careful that the cure is not worse than the disease. Nothing is ever as simple as it seems, otherwise, all of our problems would have been solved long ago.
 
#58 ·
Hind sight is always 20/20.

Who knows if he had the ar loaded and ran out sooner he may have been clipped himself.

I keep the majority of my weapons unloaded. I figure at this time the greater danger to my house is a fire and a round cooking off. I just couldn't forgive myself if I was shoot by my own weapon.

But then again I don't live across the street from a church.
 
#59 ·
There is a long history of judges legislating from the bench. They frequently make decisions that are unconstitutional but the population sits still for it. They need to be removed when they violate the responsibilities of their office or encroach on another branch. SCOTUS is responsible for interpreting the law yet they make decisions that institute law instead of interpreting. If Obama had been able to appoint enough liberal judges to SCOTUS the 2nd would have been reinterpreted. Liberal judges have allowed California, New York and some other states to shut down the 2nd amendment thereby violating the rights of their residents. The legislators and governors responsible should be facing civil rights violations but they get away with it and get bolder each time. If the trend keeps going we may well see a good sized segment of the population organize to implement the intent and purpose of the 2nd Amendment.
 
#73 ·
Ghost, your posts sound very much like the so-called "Sovereign Citizen" idiocy that a few far right anarchists tried several years ago.

If you really think that a majority support your position, remember that Hitler-ee won the popular vote.

The sheeple in the cities LOVE big government, and, unfortunately, they have become a majority.

The only way to dismantle big government is by force of arms. Do you support that?
 
#74 ·
The problem many people have experienced with replacing governments is ending up with a government that is worse than the one they replaced.

Now, if you are looking for the excitement and adventure that comes with civil war, chaos and anarchy then revolution is all the rage.
 
#76 ·
You still haven't answered my questions.

Do you think your position is supported by a majority of Americans?

Do you support armed insurrection??

You've already said that you are under no obligation to obey the law. So do you support anarchy?

And btw, Mr. Justice Scalia was one of the staunchest pro-copnstitution judges ever to serve on the court.
 
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