Georgia woman fires gun in McDonald’s after receiving cold fries

In most situations when you can reliably assess that someone is attempting to cause you harm they're already within arms reach. While a gun might be the most effective choice of weapon in self-defense it's also infrequently used and most people aren't trained to use it defensively. We agree on the importance of gun training but there's no incentive to certify or train gun owners in America. Hence why you have a problem of perspective from people who say they could defend themselves with a gun but in reality (and based on studies) most likely won't.

https://www.npr.org/2018/04/13/602143823/how-often-do-people-use-guns-in-self-defense

Everyone likes to think they'd react like a Navy SEAL in the moment but you're more likely to react like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QjZY3WiO9s

Interesting that you draw the line at explosives. Why there? Arguably you don't need an automatic rifle for self-defence and statistically you're never likely going to use it throughout your lifetime in a defensive situation, especially not away from home, so why isn't the line drawn there?

Americans are however more likely to be killed by firearms than most developed countries. I'm referring to all gun-related deaths because suicide is one of the most prevelent forms of gun deaths in America. Ease of access to firearms for suicidal people are more likely to use them than other methods. Firearms are so devastating there's no time to reconsider unlike with other methods such as overdosing and knives where there's still time to call for help after the fact. People also die unnecessarily due to accidents caused by inappropriately stored firearms or lack of training, and people are more likely to use them in an argument, especially in domestic abuse cases or crimes of passion.

/r/news Thread Parent Link - toc.com