Gun sales "explode" in Oregon

When I first started reading about this virus, I decided to do something. Mental coin toss: get a gun or an amateur radio rig.

Recently got the radio set up, passed the test. Not sure if it was the right choice.

 

Sorry, but I have no idea what drives people to get guns to feel better in uncertain times. I just don't get it.

 

tech? General? or Extra.
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right now, my uncle is in his concrete bunker with a 6 month supply of food, guns and ammo

he's been ready for this for 50 years

 

Consider how long you would have to study and how many licences would be necessary to get a gun, in comparison.
One can always buy a gun....

 

Likewise, here.

 

Just the tech; I haven't got much interest beyond 2m at this time.

 

you can't just necessarily run out. There's a 10 day wait where most folks live (Cali) but your state may likely be more liberal what with regulations varying from handguns, to shotguns, to semi auto rifles. Think how lame it is for legislators to try & 'ban' AR 15's ... & yet a Mini-14 can hold just as many rounds & reload just as quick ... just like a semi auto Russian SKS can. But pandering politicians gotta pander.
As a 10 year old, my dad already had me hunting - & practicing shooting - & well versed in gun safety.

That said, there are a lot of folks that ought never even pick up a firearm because they don't truly grasp the danger. Not unlike drunk drivers. Heck, not unlike some sober drivers.
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Yeah we can pretty much put firearms on a shopping list like mustard and potatoes here. There is a form to do and a fee to pay but it looks easy.

Still thinking the radio might be enough.

 

what are you listening to, radio free europe?

 

Well I turned it on this morning and heard one of my neighbors talking about the line at the gun store.

 

it tells you who they are, or you recognized the voice?

 

a 2m amateur radio can link into a repeater that sends the signal to other locations, as well as onto the internet, where you can talk to anybody around the world with a transceiver small enough to fit in your shirt pocket.
Or you can have a unit big enough to wipe out your neighbor's cable TV. It's a hobby. If you think that's strange oh, you can always collect stamps.

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when i was a kid, my dad got hold of an old army surplus receiver. it pulled in stuff from all over the world, but i had no idea what they were talking about. still, it was fun to scan around and listen

 

It's a fairly short range system so there's a 90% chance the guy talking lived within 10 miles of me. That level of "neighbor."

it's not hard to figure out where various operators live, it's a pretty open system.

 

Other than taking prudent hygiene precautions for everyone in the house, I'm not going to worry too much about this virus until I see zombies. Then **its gonna hit the fan!!! ...Once me and the missus' run out of 40s (caliber, not ounces, but it could go either way depending on how we stock up), we'll retreat to the rooftop and hit 'em wit da 223. Got one of 'dem 'dere crazy Colt AR15s and a bunch 'o ammo. Dang zombies will never get me alive. Now, where did I leave that .45 tommy gun...…

 

and how will this supplant shooting your neighbor?

 

Gun is not going to stop the virus. I just don't understand how people can feel safer by buying a gun. When all the pandemic drama is over, we may realize that guns kill more people than the virus.