Bright Raven
Well-known member
Oh my, it has changed.
Let's go back to the hills of Kentucky where I was born in 1950. When I grew up, very few farmers had handguns. Their homes were not arsenals. Most farmers had a single barrel break down shotgun, usually a 12 ga. That was used to kill rabbits, squirrels, varmints, etc. Almost everyone had a 22 rimfire rifle to kill hogs, woodchucks, varmints, etc.
No one locked a door. If a stranger pulled up, it was great excitement. They were lucky if they got away without a meal and for sure had to stay for coffee and a biscuit.
When I read all the threads on here of people calling the sheriff and the paranoia about theives, vandals, drug heads, etc. it sure makes me realize how much rural American has changed.
My dad would not allow a handgun in the house. My Uncle had several handguns and I wanted one. I will repeat what my dad said when I ask him if I could have a 22 handgun to carry on my trapline. "Ronnie, get that bullshyt out of your head. No one in this house needs a handgun. What to heII good is a handgun? Only something someone would want to shoot someone. You got a 22 rifle. By Gad, that is all you need."
To him, a handgun was a tool for doing bad.
I am not disparaging those who feel a need to protect their property or family. But it is a very sad commentary on how far rural America has fallen.
Let's go back to the hills of Kentucky where I was born in 1950. When I grew up, very few farmers had handguns. Their homes were not arsenals. Most farmers had a single barrel break down shotgun, usually a 12 ga. That was used to kill rabbits, squirrels, varmints, etc. Almost everyone had a 22 rimfire rifle to kill hogs, woodchucks, varmints, etc.
No one locked a door. If a stranger pulled up, it was great excitement. They were lucky if they got away without a meal and for sure had to stay for coffee and a biscuit.
When I read all the threads on here of people calling the sheriff and the paranoia about theives, vandals, drug heads, etc. it sure makes me realize how much rural American has changed.
My dad would not allow a handgun in the house. My Uncle had several handguns and I wanted one. I will repeat what my dad said when I ask him if I could have a 22 handgun to carry on my trapline. "Ronnie, get that bullshyt out of your head. No one in this house needs a handgun. What to heII good is a handgun? Only something someone would want to shoot someone. You got a 22 rifle. By Gad, that is all you need."
To him, a handgun was a tool for doing bad.
I am not disparaging those who feel a need to protect their property or family. But it is a very sad commentary on how far rural America has fallen.