Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Right to bear arms

294 replies

Another2356 · 13/12/2025 18:19

I lived in the USA for 8 yrs and all my neighbours had guns, as a Brit I totally disagreed with this…. However since returning to the UK over the last 10 years, I’ve started to think they have a point. If UK law changes and I can purchase guns to protect myself and my family, I will absolutely do this. I feel I have the right to protect myself as the police are not available.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
SingingSands · 13/12/2025 20:20

Genuine question OP, why don't you feel safe? Do you genuinely feel "unsafe" every day, everywhere you go? Is this real or perceived threat?

Just wondering if you need a handgun or to realign your perceptions?

Talkinpeace · 13/12/2025 20:18

20,000 suicides by gunshot per year in the USA

who is made safer by easy access to guns ?

HelenaWaiting · 13/12/2025 20:15

Another2356 · 13/12/2025 18:19

I lived in the USA for 8 yrs and all my neighbours had guns, as a Brit I totally disagreed with this…. However since returning to the UK over the last 10 years, I’ve started to think they have a point. If UK law changes and I can purchase guns to protect myself and my family, I will absolutely do this. I feel I have the right to protect myself as the police are not available.

Well, the law isn't going to change so you'll just have to suck it up.

kenadams5 · 13/12/2025 20:13

IngridBurger · 13/12/2025 20:04

Do you think there's less male on female violence in the US? I'm not sure that chucking guns into the situation would(/does) help women.

Show quote history

If you read my post I did say that guns were not the answer. My post was in response to you asking what would people be scared of in the UK or something to that effect and I replied about the overwhelming amount of violence that women are facing. I do believe we should be able to carry something that would stop an attack, though not fatally like a firearm.

ilovesooty · 13/12/2025 20:12

Another2356 · 13/12/2025 19:32

Actually I was not seeking fighting posts but genuine positive or negative reaction to my post. As a women in the UK I no longer feel safe & I genuinely would aquire a handgun and carry it if allowed. Shotgun or rifle dont work for protection. It would have to be a handgun. But as they are not permitted I won’t do this… but I don’t feel safe in this country anymore.

Feel free to return to the US if you feel safer there.

IngridBurger · 13/12/2025 20:04

kenadams5 · 13/12/2025 19:56

I mean how about the overwhelming amount of male on female violence? Not saying that guns are the answer obvious my but it’s not like the UK doesn’t have genuine issues that would make some feel unsafe.

Show quote history

Do you think there's less male on female violence in the US? I'm not sure that chucking guns into the situation would(/does) help women.

Ukholidaysaregreat · 13/12/2025 20:00

What the fuck are you on about?

ShesTheAlbatross · 13/12/2025 19:58

What exactly is it that convinces you? The US’s low murder rate? They even have far more stabbings than we do.

ShesTheAlbatross · 13/12/2025 19:58

What exactly is it that convinces you? The US’s low murder rate? They even have far more stabbings than we do.

ShesTheAlbatross · 13/12/2025 19:58

What exactly is it that convinces you? The US’s low murder rate? They even have far more stabbings than we do.

ShesTheAlbatross · 13/12/2025 19:58

What exactly is it that convinces you? The US’s low murder rate? They even have far more stabbings than we do.

kenadams5 · 13/12/2025 19:56

BlossomLeaves · 13/12/2025 19:52

What makes you feel unsafe in the UK? Actual lived experience? Or the agenda ridden client propaganda that tries to pass as media these days?

I mean how about the overwhelming amount of male on female violence? Not saying that guns are the answer obvious my but it’s not like the UK doesn’t have genuine issues that would make some feel unsafe.

PollyBell · 13/12/2025 19:53

So how do you know you won't come to harm with your own weapon over someone else's?

BlossomLeaves · 13/12/2025 19:52

What makes you feel unsafe in the UK? Actual lived experience? Or the agenda ridden client propaganda that tries to pass as media these days?

CheshireCat1 · 13/12/2025 19:49

We’re okay as we are thanks

MissyB1 · 13/12/2025 19:47

Another2356 · 13/12/2025 19:32

Actually I was not seeking fighting posts but genuine positive or negative reaction to my post. As a women in the UK I no longer feel safe & I genuinely would aquire a handgun and carry it if allowed. Shotgun or rifle dont work for protection. It would have to be a handgun. But as they are not permitted I won’t do this… but I don’t feel safe in this country anymore.

Oh well back to the USA for you then.

IngridBurger · 13/12/2025 19:45

Greggsit · 13/12/2025 19:38

Well you would be putting yourself in much MORE danger.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/apr/07/guns-handguns-safety-homicide-killing-study

'Researchers find ‘zero evidence of any kind of protective effects’, with women at particular risk"

Show quote history

Facts and evidence are soooo boring. More guns please. You know it makes sense!

kenadams5 · 13/12/2025 19:44

I’m all for being able to protect yourself. I feel we should be able to carry something that could stop an attacker but not in a lethal fashion? But guns for all?

no.

look how well that works where you are…

HoneyParsnipSoup · 13/12/2025 19:43

Poms · 13/12/2025 18:31

I doubt the goady OP will be back.

Who cares, it’s good to reaffirm once in a while and see 95% of posters aren’t weapon crazy maniacs.

Arlanymor · 13/12/2025 19:43

You feel less safe in the UK? You're five times more likely to be murdered in the USA. If you live in a place where you feel unsafe, wearing a weapon is unlikely to change your feeling of safety. I always think of poor Ralph Yarl - thank god he survived.

SeaAndStars · 13/12/2025 19:42

PrincessofWells · 13/12/2025 18:23

I always bare arms in the summer . . .

Sun's out. Guns out. Oh, hang on a minute........

UxmalFan · 13/12/2025 19:41

Another2356 · 13/12/2025 18:19

I lived in the USA for 8 yrs and all my neighbours had guns, as a Brit I totally disagreed with this…. However since returning to the UK over the last 10 years, I’ve started to think they have a point. If UK law changes and I can purchase guns to protect myself and my family, I will absolutely do this. I feel I have the right to protect myself as the police are not available.

Oh God, please don't. More guns does not make the place safer. Look at the gun crime in the US.

SeaAndStars · 13/12/2025 19:40

Another2356 · 13/12/2025 19:32

Actually I was not seeking fighting posts but genuine positive or negative reaction to my post. As a women in the UK I no longer feel safe & I genuinely would aquire a handgun and carry it if allowed. Shotgun or rifle dont work for protection. It would have to be a handgun. But as they are not permitted I won’t do this… but I don’t feel safe in this country anymore.

What sane/legal steps are you taking to help you feel safer?

Have you done a personal safety or self defence course? Our local police team run free courses and they are great for building confidence. They might really benefit you.

RhwDjj · 13/12/2025 19:39

Another2356 · 13/12/2025 19:32

Actually I was not seeking fighting posts but genuine positive or negative reaction to my post. As a women in the UK I no longer feel safe & I genuinely would aquire a handgun and carry it if allowed. Shotgun or rifle dont work for protection. It would have to be a handgun. But as they are not permitted I won’t do this… but I don’t feel safe in this country anymore.

I have watched a tiktok of an American woman practicing her CCW quickdraw. Since she started she's so much faster now.

Greggsit · 13/12/2025 19:38

Another2356 · 13/12/2025 19:32

Actually I was not seeking fighting posts but genuine positive or negative reaction to my post. As a women in the UK I no longer feel safe & I genuinely would aquire a handgun and carry it if allowed. Shotgun or rifle dont work for protection. It would have to be a handgun. But as they are not permitted I won’t do this… but I don’t feel safe in this country anymore.

Well you would be putting yourself in much MORE danger.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/apr/07/guns-handguns-safety-homicide-killing-study

'Researchers find ‘zero evidence of any kind of protective effects’, with women at particular risk"

People in homes with handguns more likely to be shot dead, major study finds

Researchers find ‘zero evidence of any kind of protective effects’, with women at particular risk

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/apr/07/guns-handguns-safety-homicide-killing-study