@Ken Anderson : My thought was, that the variety and types of firearms discussed here would be "open fodder" for the regulators in the anti-gun States. I wondered what the official stance was in Maine, compared to, say, Mass. They erected huge signs, we heard, at highway borders, proclaiming that entering the State with a firearm was prohibited. This caused great difficulty for folks travelling through Mass. to attend various shooting competitions. Some instances resulted in news stories of folks detained and jailed. The intent behind your post escapes me. I am interested in how the various states, Maine included, handles the enormous number of laws involving firearms possession.
My intent was simply to join in the conversation. Since people were talking about cane guns, I found that they were very expensive, but still available in some forms. Even the more powerful antique cane guns can still be bought and sold. I don't known of anyone in Maine who has one. As for guns in general, many states have been relaxing their gun laws, allowing people to carry handguns without a permit; including Maine, but several other states as well. I bought a handgun when I lived in California and it wasn't particularly difficult for me to do so, since I don't have a criminal record. Buying a gun in Maine is about the same. Although there is no specified waiting period, as in California, a background check can take anywhere from a half hour to a couple of weeks. Since I have a very common name, it takes longer, since there are more people with criminal records who share my name than if my name were less common. Although the opening post was about guns made to resemble a cell phone, most of the discussion here has been about cane guns. To the topic of the opening post, I have read that also, and I think that it is unfortunate. Even without producing guns to look like cell phones, people with cell phones have been shot by police who mistook a cell phone for a handgun. Producing a gun that looks like a cell phone doesn't seem like a very good idea to me. Police (or anyone else, for that matter) may have only a second to determine whether someone poses a threat to their life or not, and they make the wrong decision far too often as it is. It seems that this will simply make the problem worse.
All very well taken! IMO, the less said to others, regarding one's propensity toward being lethally armed, the better. Unfortunately, a great majority of Gun Culture enthusiasts are also borderline Ego-maniacs. If only we could somehow bring everyone to understand that the carrying of a form of "lethal force" involves personal self-deprivation of ego, understanding of the laws of self-defense, and awareness of the implications associated with actual use of lethal force, we would have the best circumstances.
The one in the photo is a .22 caliber. No one would want a .22 bullet in the head fired from close range. Would give one a "splitting headache".
These are basically my same thoughts when I read my tread topic. It seems that if we can hide guns by making them look like something else...especially like something that is in everyday use by the majority of people...it will only make it easier or criminals, etc. to hurt even more people. I'm not against owning guns, but I think a gun should look like a gun and not something else entirely. Maybe "James Bond" needs those kind of oddities...but I don't think we do.
I think the older hidden type of guns are pretty cool, especially because they weren't carried by those I'd consider dangerous. The cell phone resembling guns scare me, though, because there are already issues with people being shot because their cell phones have been mistaken as guns, and I think this product will muddy the waters. I also think something with 2 shots isn't going to be of much use if you're facing someone such as George Hennard (Luby's shooter, Waco, TX) or James Huberty (San Ysidro, CA McDonald's shooter), since they were well armed. Unless you were extremely competent and trained in responding to such situations, it's unlikely you'd be able to take someone like that down with 2 shots.
It seems most folks similarly concerned have since forgotten about the Waco Luby's incident. The aftermath involved testimony before Congress by lady doctor Susanna Grazia-Hupp, whose parents were both killed during the incident, as she cringed helplessly with everyone else. She testified that normally she carries a handgun everywere with her, but due to restrictions by the restaurant, left it in her car, then went to meet her folks. She firmly believed after the fact, numerous chances had presented where she could have stopped the carnage if armed. Following that time, Ann Richards, Texas Governor, vetoed legislation allowing concealed carry of a weapon. The measure was passed later, and more recently, "open-carry" was passed, amidst much hoopla about creating a "vigilante" society. What utter rubbish! Given the reality of the lack of public safety in today's ghetto-like society, perhaps more public involvement may be exactly what is needed. Watch Charles Bronson's movie series "Death Wish". Frank
I've seen Death Wish a few times. I saw it about a year ago, as a matter of fact. I read an interview with Susanna Grazia-Hupp, as well, and my heart went out to her. We do have concealed carry here in Texas, as well as the Castle Law, which is a type of stand your ground law. Open carry here in Texas, at least, relates only to those who have concealed carry permits. I agree about society having changed, and I do think it's a good idea for some to carry, if they so choose, particularly if they live or travel through dangerous areas, or work in/own cash businesses. I know many have talked about getting certified, but most I know aren't, at least at this time. That's not to say they're not carrying, just that they're not concealed carry permit holders.