Meanwhile, in the Real World

Today's Washington Post reports the strange story of Maryam Williams, who lives with her mother and her daughter in Northeast Washington (D.C., that is). On her way to school Tuesday, it seems that said daughter, age 7, retrieved what she thought was her own designer purse (DKNY) from the trunk of mom's car. As it turned out, she had mistaken mom's purse for her own and, later that day while at school, while rummaging around in the purse, came upon mom's .38 caliber semi-automatic pistol.

The second-grader wisely turned the gun over to her teacher. This being the District of Columbia (a city where it is illegal to have any sort of gun whatever, but where street shoot-outs are alarmingly common -- go figure) there followed much hand-wringing, counseling of presumptively-traumatized tykes, and court appearances. I pass on the comments by Magistrate Michael J. McCarthy who, after observing that Williams "should have been more careful," (wow -- you think maybe?) could not control himself, and added, "It's reprehensible behavior."

Since it seems clear that the Mom didn't hand the gun to her daughter, nor leave it laying around the house (it was locked in her car trunk), the only aspect of this tale that is left to be "reprehensible" would appear to be mere ownership of a gun.

Aside from that, her actions might be stupid, or careless, or thoughtless, but I can't quite get to "reprehensible." Child abuse is "reprehensible." Murder and rape are "reprehensible." If a fellow leaves the gas can used to fuel his lawnmower in an unlocked garage, where his 7-year-old might get at it, would Magistrate McCarthy describe that behavior as "reprehensible?" I think not.

You see: It's the gun, stupid.

Meanwhile, out in the real world, "Miss Kelly" is soliciting home security shopping advice:

National Buy a Gun Day is only 30 days away! I have a great little .22 Browning rifle for plinking, but my husband and I are looking to purchase a shotgun for home security. Not sure what's the best shotgun to get for this, although I'm leaning towards a pump action for the sound effects, which I'm told can be a good deterrent. Would love to hear recommendations from folks. Also wondering if we can get a shotgun that can also be used for trap or skeet, or are guns just too specialized these days? Looking for cost info too, for new and used. Thanks for your advice!

Showing that she has an audience of well-informed readers, their advice has mostly gravitated toward the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500, both good choices. Personally, I'd like to own a Browning Citori, but who can afford that, at a minimum of three times the cost of the basic Remington or Mossberg?

Although, as you can see, it's a real nice gun. A real nice gun. (Come to think of it, the Gentleman Farmer has a milestone birthday coming up. Hmmm . . . .)

p.s. I think I'd take a pass on that "sound effects" thing, Miss Kelly, and go for surprise.

[UPDATE] One of Miss Kelly's commenters, responding to a previous observation, calmly points out:

As regards someone taking a shotgun away from you - simple drill is - if someone grabs the barrel, pull the trigger. It takes a very great presence of mind to hang onto the barrel of a 12-gauge shotgun from the muzzle end as it is being fired.

Good point.