this post was submitted on 29 Oct 2025
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Since Trump's election, gun groups catering to progressives and people of color report a surge in interest as they look to defend themselves in a country that, to them, feels increasingly unstable.

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[–] DarkFuture@lemmy.world 16 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

Lifelong anti-gun libtard here.

I've been doing my research and talking to friends with guns so I can begin the process of arming myself.

Fascism is here and I passed my history classes. I know where this is going. It's time to make sure you, and everyone you know, is armed to the teeth.

If things keep escalating, which they will, because that's what fascists do, then there will come a day when they attempt to prevent anyone who registered/voted Democrat from purchasing firearms.

Buy them. Now.

[–] wookiepedia@lemmy.world 8 points 2 days ago

Never voted for any Republican anything my entire life. Have been buying guns for myself and my family for over a decade.

Please share your viewpoint with those in your circle of influence, as we will need more of this going forward.

Also, don't just buy a pistol. Buy a shotgun and a rifle.

Be safe.

[–] betanumerus@lemmy.ca 9 points 2 days ago

Because masked people with no ID think they can trespass on their property and rob them of their rights?

[–] zeroday@lemmy.blahaj.zone 9 points 2 days ago

Trans person here who's been attacked by a neo-Nazi - I really, really wish I had my gun at the time. Because, without it I was in a situation where I either had to let him kill me (not a good option) or pull a knife on him and at least try to seem crazy enough that he knew he'd be badly hurt too. Luckily that worked for me. If I'd had my gun, I could have at least drawn on him and told him that he was going to leave me be or die. My chances of survival would likely have been higher had I had my gun on me at the time.

[–] Gammelfisch@lemmy.world 7 points 2 days ago (2 children)

Gun owner and former military. One can purchase a rifle or pistol, but if you are not constantly training, muscle memory, with live rounds and maintaining your physical and mental fitness, you will fuck it up. The things I could do in my past, I can no longer replicate them with the speed and efficiency I once had.

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[–] ayyy@sh.itjust.works 40 points 3 days ago (4 children)

To shoot ICE in their stupid fat faces.

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[–] frog_brawler@lemmy.world 38 points 3 days ago (2 children)

Liberals, LGBTQ, whoever else was mentioned in this headline should have been training with guns for years at this point. The writing has been on the wall for a while.

I was anti-gun until I was 37. That’s when I realized it doesn’t matter about my political viewpoint regarding guns, the right has been using it as leverage for my entire life.

I’m 42 now. I got my first rifle when I was 38. I got my first shotgun when I was 39. I got my first pistol when I was 40. I go bi-weekly to the range.

The writer of the article should try harder to not confuse “interest” with preparation. This shit is an unwelcome use of my free time, but I’m probably a better shot than 90% of MAGA at this point.

[–] EightBitBlood@lemmy.world 21 points 3 days ago (5 children)

As someone who used to create judgemental use of force firearm training simulators for law enforcement, I can tell you right now you're likely a better shot than 90% of our police force too.

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[–] TheCriticalMember@aussie.zone 11 points 3 days ago (2 children)

The writing has been on the wall for a while

I saw this coming when the tea party appeared. Moved my wife and daughters out of the US in 2015 for precisely this reason. When I lived there I owned a rifle and a shotgun, not because I thought I'd need to defend myself against criminals or immigrants, but because I thought there was a pretty good chance I'd have to defend myself against right wingers.

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[–] quick_snail@feddit.nl 23 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

Also leftists. Also rightists.

So, basically, people from every political background are buying guns.

[–] RememberTheApollo_@lemmy.world 15 points 3 days ago (1 children)
[–] SereneSadie@lemmy.myserv.one 16 points 3 days ago (3 children)

While the pacifists did jack shit to stop this.

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[–] BarneyPiccolo@lemmy.today 5 points 2 days ago (3 children)

Don't forget silent weapons like slingshots and bows/arrows. It's going to freak them out when they look down and see an arrow sticking out of their chest.

[–] Worstdriver@lemmy.world 7 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

Contact or join your local SCA group. They may be anachronists as opposed to anarchists, but if you want to learn how make and use weapons and armor of that sort there are few more accessible teachers and trainers.

One of them made large amounts of basic body armor from heavy gauge plastic barrels for use by protesters a few years back. They may not stop bullets, but they are very_ effective versus "non-lethal" rounds and similar.

And yes, the person did get a visit from the FBI, who let the person keep on making as they weren't working on weapons of any sort. Just the armor.

[–] Krompus@lemmy.world 3 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

Slingshots are an effective deterrent, extremely compact. Get one with a forearm brace for increased stability. Best to use spherical ammunition (ball bearings, marbles), but pebbles will do in a pinch.

I shot a recurve bow for a decade. With a moderate draw weight and sharp arrowheads they can be lethal. Takes much more practice, strength and patience than a gun. You can attach fur to the bowstring to make it quieter. Impossible to conceal, and quite conspicuous.

Compound bows and crossbows are even more lethal with great precision and range, but louder and heavier.

[–] BarneyPiccolo@lemmy.today 2 points 2 days ago

I tried to order a slingshot and ammo on Amazon to send to my son, but it wouldn't send it to his state (NY). So I sent to myself, and I sent it to him.

I doubt slingshots are lethal, but they can cause damage, and they'll hurt real bad, enough that a barrage of them could make a bad character pause. Even just having them pepper the street around the target would be enough to back them up.

What if citizens started carrying slingshots everywhere, and using them? Imagine if ICE was trying some shit in the street, and they were barraged by slingshots from apartment windows all around them?

[–] ChonkyOwlbear@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago

Also arrows will go through the average kevlar vest.

[–] nondescripthandle@lemmy.dbzer0.com 37 points 4 days ago (71 children)

Every american should be familiar with how guns work because we have to live in a country with more guns than people. Imagine if you've never drove, been inside, or even seen a real car your entire life then one day you have to cross a NYC street. Its hard to be safe without the right knowledge.

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[–] 4grams@awful.systems 4 points 2 days ago (4 children)

I’m still not willing to get one. I am statistically safer without one in the house. I do have a couple large dogs, I collect knives and I have collapsible batons stashed in key locations.

Maybe once the kids are out of the house.

[–] Devjavu@lemmy.dbzer0.com 6 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I was like "Just get a safe, store them outside, yada, yada". The I read about the kids. Yeah, That's a wise decision.

[–] 4grams@awful.systems 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Yeah, I’m not anti-gun, I just follow the stats. Multiple children in the house and they are more clever than I am.

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[–] 3abas@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago (3 children)

That's just not understanding the statistics. Lots of people leave their chambered weapon wherever, they keep it on the kitchen counter, on the couch, on the bed, etc. then their kids find it and accidentally fire it.

Crazy violent people also have guns, and they will use what they have at their disposal to be violent. The gangster wannabe meth head that shot his roommate over an argument is in that starts m statistic.

Buy a safe, learn to use the gun and store it properly in the safe. You're not less safe than before.

An armed minority is harder to oppress!

[–] 4grams@awful.systems 1 points 2 days ago

Already reflected on but

An armed minority is harder to oppress

The oppressors will always have better weapons. The best way to lose a fight is to be overconfident. A smart and organized minority is even harder to oppress.

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[–] PhilipTheBucket@piefed.social 54 points 4 days ago (25 children)

I really thought about this last year, took the class and everything. In the end I decided not to get one. My reasoning is this: Having a gun and not a lot of experience in what to do with it is like playing a board game for life-and-death stakes that you have never played before.

Maybe I will regret at some point in the future, but I had trouble coming up with scenarios where I wound up thinking "Thank God I pulled my gun out, now all my problems are resolved."

[–] 13igTyme@piefed.social 57 points 4 days ago (22 children)

That's because pulling a gun out for most things just escalates the situation.

Which is why if ICE is knocking at the door, the situation is already escalated and it's better to die and try to take a fascist with you than go to a second location.

[–] Sabata11792@ani.social 22 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (1 children)

Rather have ICE kill me in the comfort of my own home instead of going to a death camp I can't find on the map.

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[–] JesusSon@lemmy.world 45 points 4 days ago (45 children)

Unless you plan to carry concealed or get a concealed carry license skip the pistol for your first gun.

If you want something for home defense that sits by the bed get a 20-gauge pump shotgun. I've never met anyone man woman or child that couldn't shoot one and #3 or #4 buckshot is hard to miss with within 20 or 30 yards. You can go to almost any sporting goods store and pick one up for about $250. I like the Maverick 88.

If you want something to hunt with or just have in case of "troubles" get yourself a decent bolt-action rifle with a 3x9 scope in a popular caliber such as 308 or 270. Rifles are easier to shoot and you can use them for hunting. Once you shoot the rifle a few times and are comfortable with it you can put it away for those "troubles."

If the US gets ripe enough you need to stack bodies you are going to want a rifle more than a pistol and if you have a shotgun or a rifle you can pick up a pistol, there will be plenty on those bodies you are stacking.

That's my extremely qualified opinion, but with that said opinions are like assholes, everyone has one.

Good luck out there, be safe.

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Ah the illusion of safety.

[–] Credibly_Human@lemmy.world 11 points 3 days ago (3 children)

Too few, too little, too late.

I hope not, but I think a lot of them are still living with the fear of yesteryear that has not updated with the times and the threat of their neighbors having it in for them, and not being as worried about the legal repercussions.

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[–] Formfiller@lemmy.world 20 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (6 children)

Do stand your ground laws apply when a warrantless unidentified “federal agent” comes to your door because anyone with sense would fear for their lives?

[–] Malfeasant@lemmy.world 17 points 3 days ago

People have legally defended themselves in that situation, yes- but first you have to survive until your court date.

[–] frog_brawler@lemmy.world 13 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

Short answer is “It depends.”

If a masked, unidentified individual with a weapon is in your home, it will very likely apply.

Interestingly enough; this hasn’t happened yet. It’s almost like they know which places not to fuck with, even though there isn’t an official national gun registry or anything.

I mean… Amazon purchases can be tracked. I wonder if buying CLP or a boresnake gets someone put on a “do not try” list.

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