Something that has been in the media a lot lately, is smart gun technology. Most gun owners are against it, while most of the folks on the left are all for it. What strikes me as odd, is that there are some on the left who don't think it'll work. But, that isn't the point this time around.
There are two sides to every story. To be honest, I actually do see valid points to both sides, even though I know where I stand on the matter. Personally, I like dumb guns. You'd never see me with a smart one, not even in a firearms test. There are too many issues and obstacles to overcome for me to ever feel comfortable with a “smart gun.” After all, my phone is supposedly smart, and it crashes on me all the time.
What a smart gun is:
A smart gun is a newer type of firearm that some companies are trying to develop to help combat illegal gun use. There have been several different types of technologies, some of them more than a decade old. Companies like Colt and Smith & Wesson have each began looking into this tech. On its most basic level, the point of the smart gun is to prevent guns from being used by anyone it isn't intended for. In other words, they are only to be used by the person the gun is connected to.
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Positive points:
I'm willing to say that a little kid being prevented from finding his dad's gun, and shooting his brother or sister because it isn't coded to him is a good thing. Of course, if the gun is safely secured,and/or the child is properly educated, this wouldn't even be an issue.
Another positive point for the smart gun, is that they are rendered useless if stolen. Basically, anyone who steals one, is stealing a paperweight. Of course, it should go without saying that it can still be used in crime to effectively rob people. After all, those who are being robbed won't have the slightest notion that the gun won't work.
Negative points:
Just like with any car, the more “options” you put on something, the more likely it is to break. This is especially true when you have electronics. For example, today's televisions break every 3 years, or so. That said, those of us who carry firearms, do so for self-defense. The last thing any of us want to have happen, is for it to malfunction when we actually need it to do its job.
And, now it's time for me to put my tinfoil hat on…
Is it possible that they can put something in those smart guns to make them inoperable should a major disarmament come around? It isn't so far fetched when you consider that they don't want us to have guns to begin with.
Conclusion:
Perhaps smart guns aren't so smart, after all. But, then again, maybe the market needs to decide for itself. If someone will buy and shoot a smart gun for self-defense, that's on him/her. I believe, however, that a majority of the gun community will keep their simple weapons that don't need electronics in order to be operated.
As for me, I'll keep my stupid guns. After all, I keep my children educated about firearms and have them out of reach for the littlest one who is still learning to respect them.
Let us know what you think about smart gun technology. Do you think that it has a place in society? Or, are you full out against it? Maybe you're like me and are personally against ever owning one, but would like to let the market decide on production. Either way, let us know in the comments below.
I think it is a GREAT idea . . . right up to the point when you actually need it and it fails. Look, the whole idea of a gun for self protection is to have immediate access to it and knowing it will WORK when you need it. The concept of “smart guns” is not only stupid but dangerous. What makes a whole lot more sense is LEARN how to shoot. After that I have only three words: PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.