Putting a sign in my front yard warning I have guns, good or bad idea?

[bob308]

the only time a bad guy should know you are armed is when he has the barrel stuck between his eyes and he watches the hollow points going around as you cock the hammer.

[Emptymag]

I can't believe people are arguing over an old, old, old, commentary about gun control.

If you think your home is safer without guns, then surely you wouldn't mind putting a sign in your yard that says "This is a gun-free home".
- Author unknown

The faked photo in the OP is a play on the above.

Sheesh.

[biggs88]

Bad and stupid idea.

Funny none the less.

[Hawk]

Originally Posted by Emptymag

I can't believe people are arguing over an old, old, old, commentary about gun control.

If you think your home is safer without guns, then surely you wouldn't mind putting a sign in your yard that says "This is a gun-free home".
- Author unknown

The faked photo in the OP is a play on the above.

Sheesh.

What else is there to do with this thread?

[Bruce]

Caveat: I am not a lawyer, judge, cop, burglar, robber, or professional sign maker.

To me, I would equate the sign depicted (in the fake picture) to a homeowner standing on his front lawn (without any signs) and loudly reciting what it states on the sign while pointing, arm extended, towards his neighbor's house.

While I think it's annoying and boorish, even downright rude, (like Mr. Ugly) I don't actually see where a specific "invitation" of any sort is actually being made.

I was a professional in the field of private security for years (I owned/operated an agency) and I picked up a few axioms that were actually true.

Like most animals, criminals tend to take the path of least resistance.

The most likely candidates for a robbery/burglary are people who've already been in the place (at least once).

All things being equal, if a criminal has decided to rob/burgle a house in your neighborhood, they will pick the one(s) with the least 'security'. Next to a small pack of rottweilers, the very last thing a burglar wants to find in your home is - you, with a firearm.

Try as you may, most people just can't 'think' like a criminal; well, like one who does it for a living, anyway.

While you might not think it so, "advertising" that there are armed people in your home actually and truly would be a strong deterrent to all but the most clever and calculating (or insane) criminals.

As bold and brave as their actions may seem to you and me, most criminals are pretty much cowards at heart.

It would flash through the criminals mind: 'Maybe his car is in the shop, and he's just waiting in there for me.' or ''That was probably his brother-in-law who took the wife and kids out. Oh, he's one of those wacko gun owners; he's in there, alright.'

Trust me, if they believe you are a gun owner (especially an 'in your face' gun owner), they'll pick your neighbor's house.

All that said, it doesn't diminish the fact that the sign is pretty annoying and boorish. "This house protected by Mossberg." should accomplish pretty much the same exact thing (and without any implicitly uncouth remarks).
.

[LittleRedToyota]

Originally Posted by Bruce

Trust me, if they believe you are a gun owner (especially an 'in your face' gun owner), they'll pick your neighbor's house.

depends on the type of burglar. crackhead looking for quick and easy smash and grab, sure.

a real burglar on this other hand is quite likely to case your house until they learn your routine. then, when they know no one is home, they will break into your house specifically because they know you have guns to steal.

[H.E. Pennypacker]

Be good to let 'em know you have some cash stowed away, too.

[Hawk]

Originally Posted by Bruce

To me, I would equate the sign depicted (in the fake picture) to a homeowner standing on his front lawn (without any signs) and loudly reciting what it states on the sign while pointing, arm extended, towards his neighbor's house.

While I think it's annoying and boorish, even downright rude, (like Mr. Ugly) I don't actually see where a specific "invitation" of any sort is actually being made.

.

The sign clearly advertises (to the public) private information that the next door neighbor is anti-gun. Also it is implied, via the sign, that because of his anti-gun politics, his house, him, and his family would be an easy target (not being armed). Not only that, but the sign states that the pro-gun guy will be happy to turn a blind eye to anyone that wants to victimize his anti-gun neighbor. This screams an invitation.

[GHogHarvester]

I slept at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Change the wording to "Warning: SATIRE. Someone on this street...", remove the arrow, and I think you'll be fine.

[Hokkmike]

A small sign on the front door or corner of a prominent window would be read only by a person considering illegal entry and make the point just as well. You then don't advertise "guns here to steal' or "my neighbor is a jerk", etc., and etc.

The posted sign was an attempt at humor (with a salient message to anti gunners) that has been around for some time. It makes a good point!