This is what you get in the absence of a full understanding of the 2A: paranoia, denial, and intractability. Circle up the wagons — even if there are no Indians.

Right. And Dave said.. "But the sales at gun shows are largely by licensed dealers."

Which means there are some that aren't licensed... this is what all the hoopla is about.

I point to the numbers and get.. well.. the numbers aren't that big.
So what? Whatever the actual number is, can we not reduce it?

I point to gun shows where there aren't always proper procedures followed... and I get... well, most of them are doing it right.
Huh? I'm only referencing the one's that are not doing it right.
Hellloooo?

Yeah BUT Steve... there might be some out there... lurking in tha dark... just waiting for the wagons to be uncircled... ready for attack... just maybe... gotta be ready ... just might be ... out to get ya, when you're not lookin' . . .

woo-oo-oo-oo-oo !!

Shaddap, paleface!

If you see rifles mounted in the rear window on an old rusty pickup truck......you're probably getting close to the Ozarks

OK Tonto !

Naw, my weapon of choice is Single Edged**

("Now THAT'S What I Call 'A KNIFE'!" )

and my "Ironwood" Hiking Staff which I
keep within arm's reach of the front door.

**My Solingen Steel Argentine Short Sword circa 1909

I sed I don't own a gun, not that I stay unprotected.

And every self respecting Pirate has a cutlas sitting around the ship ...up close and personal

Believe it or not
I picked that baby up in a yard sale almost 30 years ago.
The sword & scabbard are a matched numbered set, and
that German steel holds a razor edge.
Very much like a cutlass in length and heft it's definitely
made more for 'chopping' rather than 'stabbing' in close
quarter jungle fighting as yours is for on or below deck.

The staff was a found object that I cleaned up.
Some fool had sawed down a sapling to burn as firewood.
Not only was it wet wood, but American Hornbeam to boot.
No way was it going to burn, so they sawed off the branches
and used it as a fire poker. Dint poke much fire judging by
the scorched LOGS left behind, so the poker came home with
me to season into a 1st rate quarterstaff for the last 20 years.

Hornbeam is tough, usually reserved for hoe handles and such.
by the weight I imagine it'll leave a considerable part in your hair.

I had a 2D '69 Cutlass 350 that would haul ass.