I don’t profess to be a Constitutional scholar, but I do proclaim to be a Constitutional adherent. This means that I believe the Constitution is and was the document that described how the United States of America should be governed; that neither the Constitution nor the government grants rights to the people, but rather enumerates the rights bestowed upon man by God, and limits the government’s ability to restrict or revoke them.
Thus, I believe the Second Amendment was presented in that order to demonstrate that the First Amendment’s protections of free speech, free assembly and the free exercise of religion was backed up by the force of arms, should the government ever become tyrannical. To that end, I am part of a “well regulated militia.” As a gun owner, I attend classes, train regularly, clean and inspect my firearms, and do not break the law or behave in a manner that would draw attention or disdain.
Much of the reason that I behave the way I do is because owning and carrying a gun is a tremendous responsibility. Because I have the means to defend myself with deadly force, and understand the repercussions of doing so, I prefer to avoid confrontations or situations where I would have to use my gun. Pulling a gun is the very last resort; it means that I am in a position of having to defend myself or someone else from lethal harm with no other recourse.
Years ago, the very idea of carrying a concealed weapon was so far from my mind that I would have rebelled at the thought. That was before the growing incidences of “active shooter” reports and the shadow war that is being waged against fundamentalist terrorists. Knowing that the police are not legally obligated to protect anyone (see Warren v. District of Columbia, 444 A.2d 1 (D.C. Ct. of Ap., 1981)), it becomes clear that the Constitution affirms a person’s right to defend himself.
Thus, I am now a gun owner. In fact, I find I really enjoy going to the range and learning how to shoot. I’ve started a small collection of guns, and appreciate their mechanical engineering and their aesthetics. Here then, are some photos (incorporating one of my other interests) of my weapons.
Sig Sauer P938 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol
My first gun. A Sig Sauer P938. This is a subcompact 9mm (caliber) semi-automatic pistol that is modeled after the Browning M1911 that was the standard issue sidearm of the U. S. Armed Forces from its introduction in 1911 (hence its name) to 1986. The 1911 is still favored by a large number of gun owners today.
Smith & Wesson M&P9 Pro C.O.R.E.
Next, is a Smith & Wesson M&P (designated for “Military and Police”) 9mm Pro Competition Optics Ready Equipment (C.O.R.E.) . This is a full-sized handgun, and on it I’ve mounted what is known as a “red dot” sight. The sight adds a bright red dot that lines up with the gun’s sights and lets the shooter focus on the target quickly and accurately. Red dot sights are becoming the standard in competition shooting.
Springfield Armory XD-S .45 ACP 3.3″
Wanting to go to a larger caliber, yet stay in the compact (i.e., carry-able) size, I added a Springfield Armory XD-S subcompact pistol in .45 ACP. With a 3.3″ barrel, this little handgun can pack a terrific punch!
Physics would suggest a .45 caliber round would produce too much recoil for a weapon this size to handle, but I’m happy to report Springfield has managed to make this a very “shootable” gun!
Here are some group shots.
Trio of Pistols
The trio posing together.
Second Amendment