Unfortunately all of the Molson's will be finished, and empty cans don't do much damage
Seriously though, I don't even worry about a criminal breaking down my door in the middle of the night. There isn't nearly the extent of crime in Canada as there is in the US. On the very slim chance that someone did break down my door in the middle of the night, I wouldn't need a gun to protect myself, because odds are that the "bad-man" wouldn't be carrying a gun either!
As far as American's having a fierce love of independence... all the power to you. You guys make it pretty damn clear that you are big supporters of independence, and I trully repect that. I still don't see the need to tote guns around though in order to do it.
Maybe if the gun laws were a little more strict, the "bad-men" wouldn't be able to get their hands on the weapons so easily, thus negating the need for you to purchase a gun to "protect" yourself and your family.
It seems to have worked up here!

 

Do criminals in Canada carry weapons of any kind? I've not spent much time in Canada, so I have no idea what kind of violent crime takes place there.

I'll admit that I am considering purchasing some form of personal defense (Springfield .40 cal?). I've had 2 crackheads break into my apartment while I was home. At the time, all I had was a hammer, a box cutter, and the deepest, toughest voice I could muster as self defense. I'd called the police, but it took them a good 20 mins. to show up. In the meantime, I just threatened these two a-holes from the top of the stairs. The police showed up just in time to grab one guy as he ran out, though the second got away. Turns out they were both carrying knives, so I guess I just got lucky. . . which is why I'm consider something a bit more convincing by way of self defense. God knows what these two were planning on doing to me or my neighbors if I and one other guy didn't step in while waiting for the police.

Right now I have a 28" Louisville slugger next to the door, though even with that, I don't want to encounter someone with a knife or a gun. I'd rather take my chances defending my house with the biggest weapon in the fight.

So, that's why I ask what violent criminals in other countries carry when comitting their crimes.

Oh yeah, and regardless of my ability to purchase a weapon (of any kind), criminals will always be able to acquire guns illegally. I guess that's why people in the U.S. fight so hard for the right to legally buy guns. . . though that's always open to debate.

Back on track now, I've been looking at small handguns from Springfield Armory lately. They seem to be of relatively high quality at about $50-100 less than an HK. . . though this is all through internet perception. I second the idea to go to a range, rent a few things, and see what you like.

 

We have the same crimes being committed here as you do in the States, and the criminals are carrying virtually the same kind of weapons (except now, your criminals will be carrying military weapons, due to the end of the ban ). The difference is that our crime level is much lower, so the occurance of murder, rape, robbery, etc., isn't a such a concern that the "good-guys" feel a need to "protect" themselves.
'Bowling for Columbine' has an excellent example of the difference between our cultures' sense of security. The scene when Michael Moore is in Ontario, opening up peoples' doors. Being that the crime level is so much lower, there isn't a need to barracade ourselves in our houses with assault rifles behind locked doors. Now, I realize that example is taking it to the exteme... crime greatly depends on your living situation. If you lived in a small city in Oregon, and read about the crime in Montreal (infamous for their chapter of the Hell's Angels), you could come to the conclusion that Canada is a violent, crime filled country. The fact that the US has many more Big Cities than Canada, certainly boosts your crime rate.

 

Gotcha, thanks! I was imagining violent crimes being commited by criminals with their fingers in the shape of a gun, yelling, "Give me your wallet, or I'll say 'bang'"

I guess growing up in NY, then living in Philly has jaded my view of guns in society. It always seems to me that gun-related crimes are perpetrated by ill-begotten weapons, whereas most legal gun owners do not commit crimes.

Is crime in Montreal really that bad? I was planning to go up there for a week of snowboarding. . . but I don't want to get jacked on the slopes!!!

 

No, crime really isn't THAT bad in Montreal
They have a Hell's Angels chapter that is known for their bad behaviour, but if you're skiing, I don't imagine you'll get mixed up with them. I've never been to Montreal before, but from all the stories I've heard from friends who have been, it's a helluva city (very sexual place, lots of sophistication, lots of drinks, lots of fun!)
I'm sure you'll have a blast if you go snowboarding there. You should also take in a Montreal Canadiens game... oh wait, nevermind

 

My problem with your Canadian's point of view is this:

1. Criminals in the US can get guns illegally - we can ban guns altogether and it'll be the law-abiding citizens that will be barred from having a weapon. If you're a criminal would you be that stupid to go into a gun shop and try to purchase a weapon through legal channels?

2. I have a few weapons of choice at home: Shinai, Bokken, Chinese Dao, Japanese Katana, and wooden sticks that I would pickup BEFORE resorting to my 357SIG (P229) or 45ACP (P220) SIGs. Just because we Americans are conscious about self protection doesn't mean firearms are the only lethal force many of us can incur on someone else. I prefer not to do hand to hand fighting - getting bruised, cut, and blood all over my shirt from me tearing out his eyeballs, breaking his eardrums, cracking his windpipe, dislocating his arms, or shove his nose bones into his brain are not the most pleasant things to do.

I'm certainly not a violent man - but if my family is in danger, especially now I have an infant son, I would be fanatical.

Good guys always need to protect themselves - cops are great but they can't be everywhere at once, and the time it takes for an armed response from the security company will be too late to prevent any bad things from already happening.

 

I'm not going to enter the debate about owning guns versus not owning them. Except to say if you don't want to own a gun please don't, just don't force your beliefs on the rest of us k? And put a sign on your door that says "this is a gunfree home", let us know if any robbers show up.

As for what gun to buy go rent or at least dryfire as many as you can find, see what feels best in your hand and meets your budget. The offerings from Sig, Glock, HK, etc. are fine firearms. If your interested in a 1911 type firearm then check Springfield Armory, Kimber, Colt, and STI.

 

[QUOTE=rtr,Sep 17 2004, 11:57 AM] I'm not going to enter the debate about owning guns versus not owning them.

 

..you cant buy handguns at walmart.

 

Fair enough Monkei, if you truly believe to live and let live then that is fine, I will never understand why someone would not want to be empowered to defend himself, just like you will never understand my opinion.

If the likelihood of you being attacked in your home, car, at work, etc. were zero your argument would make sense. I do not know of a place on earth where that likelihood is in fact zero, therefore I advocate for those who are of sound mind being able to defend themselves from lethal threats with a firearm.