[Info-vax] OT Guns

[Richard B. Gilbert]

On 8/9/2012 7:45 AM, Paul Sture wrote:
> On Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:54:58 -0400, JF Mezei wrote:
>
>> Single Stage to Orbit wrote:
>>
>>> Switzerland lets people keep assault rifles in their homes yet the rate
>>> of criminality is quite low.
>>
>> Actually, it isn't quite that. In Switzerland, after the formal
>> compulsory military service, you are still somewhat part of the military
>> and are expected to have your military riffle handy in case you are
>> called back to duty (or something akin to this).
>
> That's more or less right if you leave out the "somewhat".  The Swiss
> army is a part time army and after the initial compulsory period(s) you
> are expected to do a certain number of days a year.  Some folks choose to
> get more involved than others - a former boss was a Major and took more
> time off than other colleagues.  Regular shooting practice is also
> mandatory.
>
> If you are retired from military service due to medical reasons, you do
> have to hand your weapons back.  This happened to one guy I know;
> perversely he ended up with hearing damage from shooting.
>
> The big difference here IMO is that they have had proper training in the
> care and use of weapons.  My brief stint in my (UK) school's Officer
> Training Corps (OTC) taught me basic lessons I don't think I'll ever
> forget here, such as never pointing a weapon at anyone even in jest.
>

I can't help thinking that you would be a very poor combat soldier.
You are supposed to point your weapon at enemy troops and even to 
squeeze the trigger when given the order to fire!  Oh, and don't forget 
to load your weapon!

I was taught never to point a firearm at ANYONE I DIDN'T INTEND TO 
SHOOT!  I've never fired at a human being.  With a bit of luck, I will 
never need to.