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I don't see how you can realistically have either of these extremes. In Ireland handguns, with the exception of a particular class of law enforcement and compet

I don't see how you can realistically have either of these extremes. In Ireland handguns, with the exception of a particular class of law enforcement and competition .22 calibre guns, are illegal - period. You can buy firearms but it's a very drawn out process and the ultimate decision lies at the discretion of your local police Superintendent. There are still murders committed in Ireland with handguns between rival city gangs but the common mugger will not have one. Do I feel safer? Yes It seems that Switzerland has a low gun-crime rate but I wouldn't be so quick to give credit to their gunlaws for this. Switzerland and the United States are very different places. Again this is just my $0.02

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dkersten 15y ago
If you live in the country, getting a rifle isn't thaaaat dificult. There are still a bunch of hoops to jump through, of course, but it doesn't take a lot either. And if the local Superintendent says no, then you're out of luck, of course. I do feel safer knowing there aren't a lot of guns around. I lived in Ballymun for a year and witnessed all sorts of craziness - arson, vandalism, stabbings - but not once a gun crime. I've never been attacked or robbed myself either, thankfully.
- rubashov 15y ago
  Last place I lived the dude in my basement had three guns and the guys on either side of me each had shotguns and rifles. I felt very safe. I think the difference is that due to demographics the Irish don't face the constant threat of the urban zombie hordes attacking.
  - Anti-Ratfish 15y ago
    Interesting medical perspective. http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;105/4/888 http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediat...