Should Quadriplegics Be Allowed to Purchase a Gun?
posted on Dec 30 by Stacy in the Disability News, Opinion and Discussion category
When Jamie Cap of Clinton N.J. applied for a firearms purchaser’s identification card through his local police department in spring of 2007 he never dreamed that after a 20 month wait it would be denied. Not because he didn’t pass the background check, but because it was thought that gun ownership by Cap would represent a public safety issue.
Jamie Cap is a quadriplegic.
Last month, after a 2 1/2 year battle, a state superior court judge defined the conditions that Cap must abide by in order to obtain the ID. He must store any guns in a safe and have them transported, loaded, unloaded and cleaned by someone with a valid firearms ID card or who would be eligible for one.
Here is what Cap said last week after firing a rifle for the first time in 3 decades: “I don’t know if there are words,” he said. “I’m so happy. When you find you can do something again after 30 years, you can’t put a price on that. Some people think it’s nothing, but try being paralyzed for 30 years and then come talk to me.”
If you are paralyzed or have a disability, have you ever used a gun? Why or why not?
5 Comments
Bill Maynard, posted this comment on Jan 18th, 2010
I am a Para and been in the chair for 35+ years and have owned and used, hand guns, rifles and shotguns.
I have primarily use my for target shooting and limited hunting. Most recently I have taken up trap shooting and while not yet competitive I’m getting better.
I would hate to think that my disability would somehow void one of my basic civil right - to own and bear arms.
Stacy, posted this comment on Jan 19th, 2010
Thanks for your comments, Rick & Bill. I definitely agree with you two, there is no reason a person with disabilities shouldn’t be able to own a gun if they can operate it safely… after all, safety is important for everyone, paralyzed or not!!
Buddy, posted this comment on Jan 20th, 2010
I am a 42 y/o quadriplegic and am deeply disturbed by the question alone! I have been a quad for 15 years and I have used and owned many firearms since I was 10. I had my pistol permit before my accident and although the laws may be different between states, NO disabled person should be denied their legal right to own and bear arms! While I am not currently active with my love for hunting and target shooting, I maintain my collection because of my legal rights!
Bob, posted this comment on Feb 24th, 2010
I agree - quads should be able to have guns.
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Rick Walberg, posted this comment on Jan 18th, 2010
As a kid, grandpa would take me shooting out on the farm in N.D. I was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at age 21. I stopped walking at 40. I still work, I still drive my van. I started shooting again this past year and found that I am still very accurate with both a pistol and rifle. I now have several guns with more to come in the future. I can’t wait to take my grandsons shooting this summer. Everyone is different. Tell me I can’t own a gun? I’ll show you many non-handicapped that I believe shouldn’t have a gun either!