I'm curious about the percentage of people who keep a gun by their bed and if there is any correlation to their politics in making this decision.
I keep my Springfield XDM 45ACP within reach at all times, no matter where I am. I also have a Mossburg tactical 12GA shotgun within easy reach in the bedroom. The wife keeps her Kel-Tec .380 in her CCW purse on the nightstand as well.
I am an independent free-thinker, and I keep a Walther PP pistol right next to my bed. Underneath the bed is a Mossberg .12 gauge shotgun, and my wife has a Walther P22 in her bedside drawer. There are other weapons in and about the house, but I won't mention what and exactly where. (Just in case one of you is a cunning, internet-savvy house-breaker who would descend upon my house while I am away at work.)
Your options are far too limited which is why I lied. I do not lean to the left or right but am quite libertarian or perhaps even objectivist. I have 3 firearms next to or near my bed and am thinking of adding another.
One should not be saying they own guns, as Obama's clandestine security forces, including NSA, might pick up on it. Moreover, those who keep guns by their bed are biggots. When some young gentlemen invade your home at night, you should simply invite them to take what they want. They need your stuff more than you do. Also absolutely nothing you own is worth the life of one of these young men. By being reasonable you can avoid taking a life -- and avoid getting into trouble with the police. A public service announcement by nome de plume.
Not really and yes three. The first is a Taurus model 85, .38 special five shot capacity with a two inch barrel. It's loaded with glasers. This is what I grab if something unidentified gets me concerned. In other words it may be nothing, an animal prowling around, a drunk who got lost and confused my house with his ( both have happened ). I may not have to shoot someone but just in case. The second is a colt 1991 with 185 grain hydroshocks. This is for if and when I know there is a potential threat and serious defense is needed. Finally I have a Remington 870 for if and when it is not just a potential. That's the one I am thinking about replacing with an M4.
I have a 30/30 under my bed, and even though I lean left, I'm right handed. I also have kind of pre sighted my walls, so if I hear somebody bumping around in the living room or kitchen, I know appx where to shoot through the walls to hit someone around knee level. And after I empty that, I have a 12g ready to go with .00. But I live in a very low crime area, so I'll probably never need it.
I have both. The 870 is a much better choice, imo, for home defense, though the M4 is a whole lot of fun to shoot.
Lean right, no gun. There are firearms scattered around, unloaded. Just feel no need to have one loaded within reach. If my neighbors feel the need to have loaded firearms next to their beds it's none of my business.
Keep a gun by your bed...and you are likely to end up like Oscar Pistorious. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26432447
I have, for over 30 years, kept a gun by my bed. I personally know of many people who have also. Not one has ended up like Oscar Pistorious. So.... I ask you to define the use of your word, 'likely'. It apparently doesn't mean the same thing to you that it does to others.
I believe it has to do with comfort level of shooting. Granted according to many expert the 870. is one of the best ( if not the best ) pump action shotguns and close range defense weapons available. I am simply more comfortable with a rifle or pistol than with a shotgun. The M4 is more flexible in my opinion I do not need such a stable posture or position to shoot it from. I don't have to be concerned about the shot spread taking out more than one target, and I have a lot of experience with it. - - - Updated - - - It is possible you will end up like him but not likely the odds are against it since his example is a fluke and anamoly. On the other hand do not keep one next to your bed and you are likely to end up like millions of Polish Jews
My all time favorite movie line. Rooster Cogburn in true grit. ( both the original and the remake ). When asked in court if he approached two wanted felons with a deadly sex gun revolver in his hands he answered " of course " When asked if this revolver was " cocked and loaded ?" his answer was " A gun that's unloaded and cocked ain't good for nothin "
To each their own. Everyone's personal threat assessment is different. There are other ways of dealing with intruders besides getting my guns all bloody. The beasts gotta eat ya know.
California still has kind of tricky laws about how to kill armed intruders. I'm really just trying to scare them off. Plus if I aim too high, I run the slight risk of shooting my nieghbor's house through the wall. Finish em' off w/.00 if I need to. And BTW, to contribute to the politics of the topic...I think the threat of someone coming for my guns, or making laws against them, is remote. Even in CA. I'm not worried about my @nd Amendment rights being infringed
Have an HK .40 cal handgun locked in its case by the bed and a flashlight. If I actually thought armed bad guys were coming (hardly likely unless during a SHTF event) then I'd put on Level 3 armor and load my HK 91 and find cover. My thinking is that I need to do what at least the average police dept would do when facing an armed threat. Is that rational?
No choice for someone like me- Left leaning, I love guns, I have kids in the house- no guns by my bed.