Not to start up any controversy, but I think MacGyver's views on this subject are wrong. I know his childhood accident did involve a gun, but it wasn't the gun's fault that his friend was killed, it was a freak accident. That boy just happened to be in the wrong spot and the gun landed in his direction, guns don't aim themselves. So MacGyver probably blamed the gun simpy becouse the bullet killed his friend and he needed an explanation, he didn't want to blame anyone either probably. He should have realized though that it's not guns that kill people, its the people behind the gun. Thats like saying that knives kill people, but you don't hear anything about knife control. So I do disagree with him on blaming guns for murder. The criminals are the ones responsible. I am a hunter, so I know alot about the subject. People do have the right to bear arms for self defense, hunting, and sport shooting. If you don't believe me simply read the Constitution. Gun Control is totally unconstitutional. And Mac should have realized that. Just think, if gun control was in effect, we couldn't defend ourselves from govermental oppression if that would occur. Mac believes that if guns are taken away, crime will drop dramatically, not true. Last time I checked,criminals don't care about the law. Which means that the only people that could have guns would be the Police and Criminals! So it wouldnt help matters that much. I do have sympathy for Mac becouse of his tragedy, but to blame a tool for somthing is totally wrong. People are killed by so many things besides guns, so to blame those items doesn't make any sense,machines and tools don't have minds of their own. Those are my views, care to share yours?

Firstly let’s keep this on topic and about why MacGyver doesn’t like guns, not about your own personal views on gun control, or constitutional rights or anything else. There are plenty of places on the internet where you can argue the pros and cons of gun control until your hearts content… this isn’t one of them.

Now for the topic at hand…

You’re slightly off in your understanding of why MacGyver didn’t like guns. It’s wasn’t because his friend was killed so much as because the incident and later understandings, made him realize that a gun is an instrument of death. Their main reason for being is to kill or hurt things; they have no other real purpose. I knife’s main purpose it to cut things and they are more a tool in that sense.

We know that MacGyver despised killing (of humans and animals) so it’s a natural progression from there that he would also despise anything which was primarily designed to achieve or greatly aid that goal. He also showed great discontent for missiles in Ugly Duckling, so it wasn’t a hatred of just guns; it was more of an overall hatred of killing and things which are designed to aid killing.

The other main reason (which comes from RDAs own ideas about guns, but has been conveyed a little in the story lines) is that guns allow a person (or animals) life to be taken without thought. The idea that you can just blindly point a gun at someone, pull the trigger and walk away, there’s no effort or thought required on the shooters part. You can’t be so blasé with a knife-like instrument.

I think the scenario is somewhat realistic, in that people, who experience tragedy due to a particular activity, often disassociate themselves from that activity. Kind of like a child having a bad scare in water can become afraid of swimming, or at the very least very insecure about being in the water, there’s lots of example of people being in bad situations and never returning to that activity again because of it, and I think this is along those lines also.

I don’t recall the issue of gun control ever really being raised in any episodes? Correct me if I’m wrong. And I don’t thing MacGyver really had an issue with the right to bear arms. I always thought that he was more concerned with making sure children couldn’t get hold of guns to play with and that people understood that guns aren’t toys to play with because in a split second someone can die.

I also didn't agree with mac on this topic but I will not get that in depth on the topic. I think if I had to pick one thing about mac that I didn't like, that would be it. I think because of his past and the people that got killed throughout the series by guns aided in his hatred for them. I always liked the scene at the end of the gun where the cop or detective says that guns can be used for target practice and hunting basically for good things as well instead of for killing and death as macgyver feels.

The subject is brought up in "Blood Brothers" when Mac is talking to his sportsman friend. And in "The Gun" Mac argues with the arms dealer about the subject. And not all knives are tools either. SAKs are, but Military knives and Combat Knives are meant for killing. Why do you think they have blood grooves in military knives? MacGyver was right in his belief of not MURDERING people, but KILLING is different. Servicemen don't murder, they kill for self defense. I'm not saying everybody should like guns, some people don't and thats okay. If MacGyver despised the killing of animals, why did he eat meat and wear leather? Doesn't make much sense to me.

defining murder and killing is really just splitting hairs. it's still taking a life, which is what MacGyver was against.

Remember MacGyver hates violence in all it's forms. We really don't know his feelings about knives..
I don't know, but I would think he probably doesn't like anything which is designed to be used as a weapon, so military knives, flick knives, those kinds of things probably get his back up as well.

Do you disagree that he didn't like killing animals? you seem very defensive.

I'm a firm believer in the right to bear arms but I would never be so audacious to say another person's views on the subject are just flat out wrong. That's why they're called views.

I'm also a firm believer in gun control. There's a licensing and process to be followed for driving a vehicle, hunting... fishing?? but the idea that any idiot can get their hands on a gun on a whim disturbs me. (And should probably disturb any rational being)


“Guns don't kill people, people kill people. And monkeys do too... if they have a gun.”

There's a difference between killing an animal for clothing or food and killing an animal because it was something to take target practice on.

Splitting a hair would be pretty fine, I suppose. Sorry- this is off-topic. I just started wondering where that phrase came from exactly.

Anyway, I thought I'd also point out that the word "murder" usually does imply pre-meditated action whereas "kill" can be relegated more to accidental deaths.
But either way, MacGyver is definitely against people dying- especially when it's at the hands of another person.

And the U.S. Constitution does allow citizens the right to bear arms (I bear two of them protuding from my shoulders )

And while I definitely would prefer people didn't even have guns and didn't kill people with them, the saying comes to mind- "Where guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns."

But that's true anyway. So I guess I'm saying I don't personally believe in using guns myself, though I understand that hunters and other people do believe in owning guns, for hunting, target practice and protection.

Of course, I think the thing most can take from MacGyver's stance on guns is passing tighter gun control laws that offer more complete background checks on who owns a gun and such like that- and makes it a bit harder for people to readily obtain one. It would also be nice to have a gun safety class as a requirement for owning a gun. I'm not totally sure what gun control laws are in place at the moment, but I would agree that a dangerous weapon like a gun should definitely not be so easily accessible as it seems to be now.

And though I'd like to think that getting rid of all the guns in the world will cease all killing, that just really isn't true. Because though guns do kill people, other people pull the triggers. The primal evil nature of people is the root problem that is still there, whether guns are in the picture or not.
I think MacGyver believes that this is something that everyone works on to improve (as he says in "The Stringer", 'We should be telling ourselves we're better than this.')

...This has turned out to be a rather interesting topic...

MacGyver never blamed the gun used in Blood Brothers. He blamed himself over it, for taking his dad's gun without thinking of the consequences. When Jesse got killed he took the blame for it because he realized what happened. That's why he hates guns, because indirectly he's responisble for Jesse's death. He wants to keep guns as much as possible out of the system. You saw that look on his face when that kid took the gun in the store? It's understandable for what happened to him that he despises them.

I think you're right there, MG...Mac owned his responsibility (or lack of) in his choice to take a gun that didn't belong to him, and that he had no business using. He's not the kind of person who's going to say "it was the gun's fault," not with his sense of justice.

I think we've had a similar conversation before about this, but we need to keep in mind that the "Blood Brothers" incident wasn't necessarily THE moment of truth for Mac. I look at it as more like it was something he remembered because he was reminded of it by what was happening. I don't think it was meant to be the defining moment where Mac decides guns are bad, but it probably helped solidify his feelings about violence, and particularly guns, after later experiences...he did, after all have some sort of military career...which probably involved guns.

Yes he did, which I think might also explain the scene in the pilot episode, where he shoots back. I tend to agree that MacGyver grew to hate guns over time rather than from the moment his friend died.

Did MacGyver say somethign once about the difference between owning a riffle for hunting and a semi-automatic? or am I imagining that? I seem to have it in my head that MacGyver's idea of gun control was more aimed at removing the military type guns from the public arena, while still allowing sane adults to purchase hunting guns for illegitimate purposes.

I think his main reason for being against hand guns was because they always seem to turn up in crime, so from that angle they don't have any real legitimate purpose for the general public.

But I really don't think MacGyver was ever against people owning guns genuine hunting etc, even though he didn't actually like blood sports in the first place.

He blamed himself for everything.. all the time Thats one aspect I think they overworked in the show. It got old pretty quick.

My first thought is that I don't remember that differentiation, but now I'm second guessing that. I don't really think so, but don't quote me on that.

Oh man, very interesting topic.

I don't remember MacGyver ever owning a hunting rifle. The major difference between a hunting rifle and a semi-automatic is the number of rounds each is capable of firing. Semi-automatics fire a greater number of bullets in a shorter amount of time than a hunting rifle.

Semi-automatic and automatic weapons were designed with military applications in mind. Weapons designed for military use, regardless of the type, serve the primary purpose of killing other people.

Even if all guns of all types were destroyed, people would still find a way of killing each other. It never fails to amaze me how good we are as a species of developing newer and deadlier ways of killing each other.

MacGyver despised needless killing..........of anything. After all, he did kill lizards for food in The Gauntlet, and the rattlesnake in Final Approach. Although MacGyver didn't specifically advocate hunting, he engaged in this activity when survival dictated it.

As for gun control laws, they do exist. Creating more laws is not the answer and neither is arming any damn fool who wants a gun. How about actually enforcing the current laws? How about holding accountable, the people who illegally purchase and sell guns?

A year ago, a "troubled young man" was abled to purchase 2 guns, a semi-automatic handgun and a pistol grip shotgun. He was not old enough to legally purchase either weapon. One was purchased for him, the other sold directly to him by a private seller who was not required to do anything more than cash the check. This kid than planned a bloody massacre and bragged to his buddies about his plans. No one took him seriously.

February 12, 2007, he took his new toys to a crowded mall and opened fire on the people who where shopping, dining, and living. He did not know a single one of the 9 individuals he shot. He had never met the 5 people he killed that night. He hunted them with impunity,enjoying himself as he shot them over and over. He was finally killed by police.

A year later, the people who obtained the weapons for him went to trial for their crime of violating gun laws and selling/giving guns to a minor. The family of one of the murder victims applied for the right to testify and file a victim's impact statement at the trial. Their request was denied. The two gunsellers were given the equivalent of a slap on the wrist for their role in this murder spree.

If we truly are serious about ending gun violence in the United States, then anyone who sells the guns should be held equally accountable if the gun they sold is used in a crime. The victims of gun crimes should have the right to testify and file victim impact statements in the sentencing of the gun sellers. Crime victims should have the right to file civil suits against them.

This is just one example from one crime from one city. It sticks in my mind because it happened in my city. It sticks in my mind because my husband was going to go to that mall that night. He detoured to StarBucks for coffee first and so wasn't there when the killing spree began. He owes his life to a caffe mocha. Had he made a different decision, things could have been very different for my entire family. It is a lesson that I have taken to heart. Never take for granted the little things.

And if someone tells you that they empathize or sympathize with a purpetrator of such a killing spree: BELIEVE THEM. Every single person who has told someone that they planned to carry out this kind of attack has always followed through on the threat. If someone tells you, report it to the authorities. Believe me, the families of the might have been victims will appreciate it every day of their lives, even if they never know.

I know this is a very long post and thank you for taking the time to read it. If I have offended anyone, I apologize. That was never my intent. I live in a part of the USA that has some of the least restrictive gun control laws in the country. We own a gun in our home (and yes it is under lock and key). My son routinely gets the "don't touch, tell a grow-up" talk, and when he is old enough, he will attend a gun safety course.

I think MacGyver's stance against guns is their availability, immediacy to violence, and their finality when that violence is enacted. I also think that MacGyver tried to educate other people as much as he could about guns and violence. In MacGyver's world, if he could change just one mind about using a gun, then he made a difference. Imagine that possibilities if we all practiced that philosophy.

Well, he was part of the Bombs Disposal Team in 'Nam. Those guys carry them guns? OK, you never know when under attack.

That might indeed seem like a more reasonable way.

Nope. In some ways MacGyver is a hunter himself, in case of wilderness assignments.

Yep, we still got knives, grenades, rockets and bombs.

Nope, he didn't kill the rattlesnake.

And more recently another shootout happened somewhere in the States, I think also in a school or a mall, where some kid said, he wanted to be famous for a few minutes ending in his own death.

And he did. He talked Ellen Jerico out of it and Sam as well.

Yes he did. After he delicately lifted the snake from the sleeping bag and took it outside, he said "well that takes care of lunch". The killing and eating of the snake is implied, even though it wasn't shown on camera.

correct, we also hear a hitting type sound.

Yes he did. After he delicately lifted the snake from the sleeping bag and took it outside, he said "well that takes care of lunch". The killing and eating of the snake is implied, even though it wasn't shown on camera.

Sounded more like sarcasm to me. And the hitting sound of course when it hit the ground. I think a snake can survive being thrown in the air and hitting the ground. Than slithering off to hide. I haven't seen a dead snake, so it's not dead. Unless it now died of old age.

I think that if a person is caught using a gun for purposes that involve killing innocents, then that person should not be allowed to purchase guns legally anymore. I do believe in the Death Penalty too, so I think all murderers should be brought to justice. I'm not pushing my beliefs down anyone's throats either so I apologize if I may have offended anyone. And I may be a hunter but I don't believe in killing animals for sport. EVERY animal I hunt and kill, I eat and enjoy the meat. Self-defensive killing and just flat out murdering someone is different. Peter Thortan and the Coltans for instance used a gun for self-defense, while Murdoc used one for assasinating. So Gun Control could be a good thing if used moderatly for certain purposes. Not everyone should have to suffer for something that criminals do. I only use guns for target practice and hunting.

I'm a firm believer in the right to bear arms but I would never be so audacious to say another person's views on the subject are just flat out wrong. That's why they're called views.

I'm also a firm believer in gun control. There's a licensing and process to be followed for driving a vehicle, hunting... fishing?? but the idea that any idiot can get their hands on a gun on a whim disturbs me. (And should probably disturb any rational being)


“Guns don't kill people, people kill people. And monkeys do too... if they have a gun.”

"I'm a firm believer in the right to bear arms"
"I'm also a firm believer in gun control."
How does this make sense? What are people supposed to do with thier guns here?

Not sure where the confusion lies but let me explain....

I believe in the right to bear arms. If I want a gun I want to be able to go out and buy one. And I have no problem going through the process of getting one legally. I have nothing to hide and no immediate need to get my hands on one. The control would be keeping guns from people who have something to hide and immediate need for a gun.

Gun control means to me... Keeping firearms out of the hands of people who are not of age to possess them and people who have lost their rights to own them.

I also think that people who own guns should be responsable for what happens to that gun when it's not in their possession, meaning if you own a gun, it should be succured at all times so that a 12 year old (or any other idiot) can't take it and kill a bunch people who slighted them in some warped (in their mind) way.

The problem is the sellers don't always know what it's for. They say it's for hunting others will say it's for defense. How do you know?

Who's taking this literally what the bible says? Meat eaters are killers? Vegetarians don't eat meat, they eat fish. What about oceanic life? Doesn't the fish has parents. Actually they should forbid us to eat at all.

So do you think World War II was necessary? 9/11 and the war against the Middle East? I just read a book about survivors in the concentration camps and the main question of that book was, why? Why do we do this to ourselves? Because no matter how you look at it, war is ethnic cleansing, genocide pure and simple. Is this necessary? In the book I read, the nazi's reduced their prisoners to animals because of the opinion of one man. Was that really necessary?
You say according to the Bible war is necessary sometimes. I wonder which bible you've read because I can't imagine that is written in it. If you're at war and you're fighting with a nazi or other foe, can you come to realise that your enemy could've been your best friend?

And I think it is used for those certain purposes. Keep guns away from children for instance.

Well, my friend, that's life. Innocents suffers and dies while the real criminal walks away.

You know, first of all, you don't need the repeat what she said with those '' ''. We can read that.
She believes in gun control that the ones who would like the carry guns are restricted and knows how to handle a gun are disciplined in it and aren't loose canons. And those are the ones who has to right to bear arms.

On these forums? Nothing. We're contra guns even though MacGyverGrrl owns one. But I wonder how many times she has used it and what kind of bullets she uses. My guess are blanks. Because I think if you shoot someone with blanks and the person didn't know it either it's the shooter or the victim, I'd say you have something to think about. If you shoot someone thinking with life rounds and it appears to blank, you may come to realise you could've taken a human life.

The problem is the sellers don't always know what it's for. They say it's for hunting others will say it's for defense. How do you know?

You/they don't. Unless someone walks in and acts like they're insane or wired on crack, you process the paperwork, do the criminal/background check. Sell them a gun if they pass. I'm guessing an insane/wired on crack person wouldn't stand around and fill out the paperwork and/or a reputable dealer would refuse service based on their right to do so. *does little prayer*

She believes in gun control that the ones who would like the carry guns are restricted and knows how to handle a gun are disciplined in it and aren't loose canons. And those are the ones who has to right to bear arms.

I... you.. I can't believe you... *faints*

If we didn't have war, then blacks would still be slaves in America. And We would be living In Britian because the colonists had to fight for our freedom. So war is necessary sometimes. America wouldn't be what it is without it. And the Bible I am reading is the authorized King James Version. I don't promote war but I understand if it's needed, I would be the first to bear arms against any country that would try to take my freedoms!

You don't know that. The first to bear arms and the first to be buried. Than we can speak of late MacGyverfan717. So if I'd come along and try to take your freedoms, you'd simply kill me? Instead of talking you'd just take your gun, pull the trigger and shoot me down? Maybe we don't need to take your freedoms but simply drop the A-bomb on your country.

Never mind, I don't believe it either. *faints too*

OK, I said at the start of this thread, that I didn't want this turning into gun control argument so lets stay on topic.

I can't help thinking that MacGyver's idea of gun control was more about controlling what kind of gun was available to the public. Meaning automatic and semi-automatic weapons should be only available to military people who train to use them, and not your average Joe Blog on the street. I think he was also very concerned about children having access to guns.

This wasn't really covered in that much depth so, we're really only left with various comments made by MacGyver in the couple of shows which related to this subject.

And that's what gun control for Mac is all about. And he's right. Or at least he gotta point.

You don't know that. The first to bear arms and the first to be buried. Than we can speak of late MacGyverfan717. So if I'd come along and try to take your freedoms, you'd simply kill me? Instead of talking you'd just take your gun, pull the trigger and shoot me down? Maybe we don't need to take your freedoms but simply drop the A-bomb on your country.

Never mind, I don't believe it either. *faints too*

So you're saying that I don't know whats true? Sounds like you need a little lesson in History my friend. And you make it sound like I would enjoy killing anyone. I'm saying that if another country such as Russia or China would try to take over America, I would fight to preserve our freedoms. I am a Patriot, I'm very thankful to those who fought for this country to keep it free. Becouse Freedom is not free. WE do have the right to defend ourselves and what we believe in.

I'm not really sure what your arguement is. You believe in the right to bear arms, right? To own a gun and defend yourself if necessary, right?

From what I gather, you have one, you're enjoying that right. What are you agruing?

You don't know that. The first to bear arms and the first to be buried. Than we can speak of late MacGyverfan717. So if I'd come along and try to take your freedoms, you'd simply kill me? Instead of talking you'd just take your gun, pull the trigger and shoot me down? Maybe we don't need to take your freedoms but simply drop the A-bomb on your country.

Never mind, I don't believe it either. *faints too*

So you're saying that I don't know whats true? Sounds like you need a little lesson in History my friend. And you make it sound like I would enjoy killing anyone. I'm saying that if another country such as Russia or China would try to take over America, I would fight to preserve our freedoms. I am a Patriot, I'm very thankful to those who fought for this country to keep it free. Becouse Freedom is not free. WE do have the right to defend ourselves and what we believe in.

I don't know. Am I?

And why would Russia or China even bother to take over? The problems are in Middle East.

Very good question.

Well see, I'm guessing you don't read the Bible because it's Bible prophecy. But I'm not allowed to express my religious beliefs here. Plus Russia hates America for it's freedom. Communist China hates us too becouse of our christianity. Hope that cleared things up. Sounds like I'm the only conservative on this forum!