HAPLESS 15 YEAR OLD ROBBER IS SHOT

There are millions of people who have been robbed at gunpoint without being shot

Overall, Branas's study found that people who carried guns were 4.5 times as likely to be shot and 4.2 times as likely to get killed compared with unarmed citizens. When the team looked at shootings in which victims had a chance to defend themselves, their odds of getting shot were even higher.

Or, he could not have pulled a gun, lost some credit cards that he could cancel,
and likely not have a bullet in his stomach.

But that's cool, I'm sure the court costs and hospital fees can be covered just fine by a robber, and that
the vic will sleep MUCH better with the bag he'll have to change out every night.

This is interesting (answering my own question)

Quote:

Overall, Branas's study found that people who carried guns were 4.5 times as likely to be shot and 4.2 times as likely to get killed compared with unarmed citizens. When the team looked at shootings in which victims had a chance to defend themselves, their odds of getting shot were even higher.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17922-carrying-a-gun-increases-risk-of-getting-shot-and-killed.html

Actually, I am a poker player. But that is not the point.

Let's say the real goal is to minimize the chance of getting shot. If you are in Southern Nigeria I would say that having a gun (or better yet a squad of marines) is a damn good idea.

Being in an American city is quite different. Obviously having a gun doesn't guarantee you won't get shot. And it is a fact that millions of armed robberies happen each year with no one getting shot usually when the victim is unarmed.

I suppose there is a mathematical question here, whether having a gun decreases your chance of getting shot, or increases it. I certainly feel like my chances are better, even in North or West Philly, without a gun.



I do think this boils down to a question of manly pride
more than it does to any objective reason.

Obviously having a gun doesn't guarantee you won't get shot.

There are millions of people who have been robbed at gunpoint without being shot

You a poker player? Im not. I deal primarily in situations in which I can control an outcome to the best of my ability. I have BEEN shot at and accosted by gun thugs and mercenaries in foreign countries and , having a gun available is always a comfort to my sense of control.
My best driller was gunned down in front of me by Biafrans who, he thought were only interested in our goods .They were not, they were interested in taking all our lives. We were accompanied by a small squad of Marines and I too was armed. NONE of the rebels completed their tasks, and I hope someone mourned them. I sure as hell didnt.

I would never be diverted from my normal routine , were I in the city of Philly . BUT, (and I hate to agree with DAve), I would not venture anywhere where the horizons are unknown such as N or West Philly, without a bit of contingency.

Well, actually, The probability was high that Ells would be robbed AND shot, had he no gun.

Obviously having a gun doesn't guarantee you won't get shot.

and thats not the point either.
I imagine that most all pf the "armed yet shot" folks, had little experience with shooting anything other than targets.
Being able and willing to kill someone who threatens you IS the point.
Show me the stats where the armmed individuals were either law officers or miltary or private guards

I agree that carrying a gun doesnt guarantee anything. BUT, being trained and disposed to its use as a weapon that may require taking a life, does tip it in your favor. Most people who carry would probably fork over any money without engaging in a duel.