"Capt. Mooron" wrote in message ...
Well of course.... but the problem with a mentality about firearms like Ganz
has stemmed from media reports and no actual experience. I was taught to
handle firearms when I was 5 years old. I've always had them and have never
considered them more than a tool. Like a knife they have to be treated with
caution and respect.

Like I said before in this thread... the 2 worst prospects for guns aboard
are the "Rambos" and the "Wimps" . The Rambos think a gun will get them out
of any trouble and the wimps think it will get them into all the trouble.

As a survival tool a shotgun can't be beat. Cut the shells to have gunpowder
to start a fire. The sound of the gun fired in the international distress
code of 3 shots can be heard for miles. Food can be secured and self defense
capabilities are increased. I don't view self defense against people...
because were I have been the animals are way hungrier.

If you want to avoid "trouble" when sailing... use your wits.. not a gun.
Avoidance is by far the best defense. Never shoot at something you cannot
positively identify. Never use a firearm as a bluff or deterrent.... if it's
use is required it should be unseen, unexpected and direly required. I can't
remember too many occasions where that scenario has occurred.

Sir Peter Blake was a prime example of how not to use a firearm. I use #9
copper coated bird shot for in house rounds and since I reload my own shells
I reduce the powder load to allow it to just penetrate a piece of plywood to
below the veneer at 10 paces. Unfortunately my reloader and shotgun are
currently in a secure location at a cabin in the NWT. I'm having it shipped
down next week. Damn gun control and registration is screwing things up.

Agreed. Learnt to shoot as a kid. Always owned guns, used to carry
when working in the NT back in the 80's - crocodiles. I've never
pointed a gun at a person and hope never to need to; I've seen what
they can do. But if you ever do, you point & shoot, not wave it about,
and if you're not gonna do that - don't even think of 'scaring'
someone. They may not scare and now you have a bigger problem.

Back to cannon, I'm in Sydney in a couple weeks. See what I can dig
up. IIRC, there was some heavy wall pipe about perfect for a patched
golf ball.

Peter Wiley