Happiness is a warm gun.

I recently bought a new pistol, and I figured that what it really needed was a pink crocheted cozy to keep it warm.

This was done with pink acrylic yarn and a size H crochet hook. I didnt' have a pattern -- it was pretty much free-form. I crocheted it in rounds, mostly, except for where I needed to add flat panels to allow for the diameter changes for the trigger guard and the grip. I started with a chain of 6 in a circle, then did single crochet outward and finished with double crochet for the last three rounds, for a slight finish to the border.

The crocheting is a bit uneven on one side -- the flat panels done in rows where the bottom of the cozy had to drop down for the trigger guard and the grip were slightly askew. Also, a few of the corners in it are a bit uneven. Overall I think it came out pretty well and as I expected.

I am considering making a pompom from pastel pink and purple sparkly yarn and sewing it onto the barrel tip of the cozy.

Comments

[sergio00]

don´t touch shasha¡¡¡¡¡he is sleeping¡¡
:)

[leebryuk]

Sadly this looks like my home state of Florida. It's legal to shoot people in the back here. We can thank Jeb Bush for that legal innovation. My Nana would probably knit this herself, God rest her zombie bones. Before you begin, I grew up with rifles and guns. I actually had a shotgun rack in my bedroom from 7th grade on. I've shot a lot of types of guns. Revolvers, semi-automatic handguns, various caliber rifles. Everything short of an assault weapon. Discourse: I contemplated buying a handgun, but then realized that I'd just find myself in bad situations. A bad guy who feels under control is more predictable. A bad guy who sees someone fumbling for a gun gets spooked and then really bad things happen. I was taught that if you decided to pull your weapon you have already decided to kill. The rest is just the motions to implement your will. I've decided that I can't kill, ergo no gun. I agree with harlyquin. Gun shops will preview movies and look for the weapons used. Because sure as sh*t there will be a surge in purchases in that particular weapon. The individuals who buy them tend to be in their young 20s, or parents buying that special "reward" for their child. Should we really personalize a weapon that is designed to kill? I would be irritated if an Eagle Driver painted a Disney Theme all over his/her plane and visited day schools. An F-15 is a machine designed to kill, as is a gun. We should not forget these things. As an individual who has friends who died from gunshots, and have had guns pulled on myself, I can say that they really doesn't make a difference owning one. You just tend to get yourself in more trouble (overconfidence.) I've had friends march around sketchy parts of town thinking they are invincible because they have a gun on them. They found out that they were very wrong. Normal folks tend to negotiate with their target when they draw (leave me alone or I'll shoot!) Opposition does not typically think that way. So you end up getting shot anyways. My friend, who was a marine scout sniper (63 kills), has one handgun, but it's locked in a case. The way he looks at it is that there is no way in hell he can get a gun trained on a target, fire and get his three pops in (2 body mass center, 1 head shot) if opponent barged into his house while he is watching TV with his kids, or at the drive thru. He keeps it as a reminder of a former life, and perhaps for bizarre emergencies (social breakdown after a disaster i.e. hurricanes.) He knows that the kids are more likely to kill themselves with the gun. And I can promise you a large dog will be a much more credible deterrent, and will not hesitate if the time ever comes. People love them (dogs), and you keep them in public (chicks dig them.) Doing that with a gun doesn't get the attention you want.

[mgalyean]

You are astute in knowing that you should not own a gun because you couldn't use it. But beware of feeling morally superior because of that stance (not that you were). To my mind, there is nothing morally superior about a woman getting gang raped, then her corpse thrown into a ditch, or a child losing their parent or their own life. Self-defense is highly moral. What are the moral implications of Jared Loughner not getting shot after his first victim was shot? Is it morally superior for him to have been allowed to kill several others? All tough questions to some. Seems crystal clear to me. But again, props for knowing your own heart as many don't and use a gun as a talisman to ward off evil; which is futile.

[PetBennett]

whoa. that is deep dude.

[carpfluff]

it's true. I'm a floridian chick and i dig it. =D

[PKTraceur]

 Late comment, but nicely said.

[Coffee bean]

Just a not someone is in my house and I'm pointing a gun at someone him my house the I'm most likely yelling stop and pulling the trigger at the same time. Gun shops buy what sells well not what is in movies, go into a gun shop as for a good rifle, they aren't gonna point to there 50BMGs because the no good and well you don't have the kinda money .As far as your friend goes, didn't you have a shotgun rack in you bedroom in the 7th grade did I miss the part where you accidental killed yourself with one? Kids want to play with everything they can't, so if that safe somehow finds it way open that kid is more that likely to hurt someone by accident, instead of being trained and aware of how to handle a firearm. Final note, I have a dog it licks people to death, I could train the dog to bark at people but then again chicks don't dig dogs that bark at them. Also it would be awesome if a had a f-14 visit my school! Now I'm stepping off my soap box, and reminding myself that gun ownership isn't for everyone but I just don't want you discouraging anyone.

[Danny]

I bet your great at parties.

[reagansmash]

troll detected on another note, interesting instructable, i had a good chuckle

[elmster]

(removed by author or community request)

[abadfart]

lol futurama

[ckosel]

You seriously need to lighten up. Self-defense is a God given duty (and right). If I want to customize my pistol with some beautiful Pearl grips, do I then, not cherish life as being precious? I wouldn't kill an aggressor without good reason, but if I did, those pearl grips wouldn't have one iota of relevance to the act. Believe you me, I pack daily and if required to protect my life, or the life of my loved ones, I will take the life of an aggressor without hesitation. This is not macho, it is truth.

[merseyless]

this is American logic, it does not work. look at Vietnam.

[clay_modeling]

I think the cozy is imaginative and useful. I agree with leebryuk, if you can't kill, you shouldn't use a gun for protection. It's an individual decision. You can't draw and then negotiate. However, I believe that I have at least a chance with one than without, that's just me. And I don't have a problem killing someone who is threatening to kill me or my family. By the way, I have 3 chihuahuas and 3 toy poodles to alert me to intruders (or friends coming to visit). Odds are, you will never need one, but why take a chance? Honestly, have you ever been to a gun shop? I find that your statements are not generally true, at least here. Most people that I have known in gun shops are young kids who have gone on to police academies, have become cops, and unlike the popular media portrayal, actually are very idealistic (like you) about making a difference in helping people. Good luck.

[emuman4evr]

Your answer is simple, get a tazer.

[bob.smitty]

wow! i read it twice, just to make sure... there is no point. (there is also no Marine sniper with 63 kills, i checked the registry) i'm curious where you got the idea that a "kill" requires there "pops" - i've seen what a gun can do, and trust me, either "body mass" (is that a thigh?) or headshot will put a bad guy down.. the other two will get you at least indicted, possibly convicted.

[emuman4evr]

Can i have a link to that registry?

[leebryuk]

This will be the last word about this.

Not all business is listed on public records. People can work with different organizations at different times. You should know that.

Center Body Mass = torso
Head shot = head

Thigh = best bought from KFC with original 7 spices and herbs.

Depending on a situation, (as in close quarters) the most probable method of a kill is getting two body shots (2 bullets) into someone followed by a head shot if possible.

Read the sum of these posts if you have any other questions.

And that's all I have to say about that.

[georgy.k.zhukov]

I don't normally post comments, but after reading your posts I felt compelled. Coming from the UK, I'm afraid my overall impression of Americans is that they are war mongering, gun toting lunatics. So to read your posts and their subsequent replies, it was both refreshing and reassuring to have that myth dispelled.

[stoobers]

Quit spreading rumors!

Most American's are gun toting lunatics = myth.

Americans are gun toting lunatics = truth.

The key word here is "most".  This is called "freedom".  300 million people.  290 million guns.  Now, how do we get the other 10 million armed?

Since our new president got elected, ammo here is in perpetual shortage.  Especially 45ACP.  9mm supply is limited.  Even 357Mag is hard to find.  Its super inconvenient.

[Coffee bean]

Just because some of us tote guns means we are lunatics?

[ReCreate]

War mongering LOL , You need to come here to understand it is not like that XD

[mg0930mg]

Not all of us are like that. :)

[Dillis]

I'm relieved you feel that way, I am an American as well, and I doubt id have what it takes to fire a gun knowingly it'll Kill/hurt someone, even if I'm put in danger, however living in Canada I hear alot of hateful comments about Americans. I was wearing a jacket I got in America and it said "America" on the back of it, one guy said "You know you're not in America, right?" I was thinking to myself... "So... you must not wear/eat/play or use anything from another country, huh?" And btw so many Canadians where I live think we love guns. Keep safe :P

[leebryuk]

Candians are an interesting bunch. In my time in the UK, I found them a bit hostile to Americans in general (they hated when your refer to the US as America. They are quick to point out that there are other countries.) It got to the point where it was insulting when I was summarily dismissed as being "an American" as if it were an insult. So I had fun with the Nationalist Canadians. And for the record, the vast majority of Canadians are friendly people. My favorite was when I would accidentally ask someone if they were from America or the States. If they were Nationalistic they would huff something about there are other countries in North America. I would act portray ignorance and state "Oh, I thought that Canada was the 51st state." Man that really upset them. One morning a girl was wearing all Canadian kit. A jacket, athletic track pants, and even a maple leaf gym bag. I asked her if she was from America. It was too easy to pass up. I've also found that they take South Park a bit too seriously. Some seem to think that a chunk of Americans hate Canada. I try to explain that the humor comes from Canada being such a nice and friendly place, but they don't get it. Good luck in those winters, or if you are in BC, try to stay dry.

[JordanZed]

Most people I know (I'm Canadian) refer to the US as America. I guess it's different for some people hearing it from an American?

[p2y2r7o]

I'm sorry you think (or thought) that of most Americans. Actually, that really sucks because there are plenty of us who aren't "war mongering, gun toting lunatics." I hate that so many people see us that way...it just isn't fair to those of us who are sane.

[bob.smitty]

hmmm... so having a gun automatically makes you insane, in your view?

[leebryuk]

Thanks. Always keep in mind that the US is an enormous place and that we take up a better part of a continent. The population is about the size of the EU, and parts of the country are as poor as the Eastern Blocks and others are wealthier than the Western Nations. I think it is very safe to say that we are a welcoming and inquisitive nation. If you come here be ready to answer where your accent is from at least a million times, and explain what life is like in the UK (they might mistake England as being the sum of the UK, but again we look more inside as a nation.) The cities of New York and Boston are more of a European design, but they also tend to be less friendly (sorry.) Another piece of advice is that our Coach system (Greyhound) is nothing like like yours. Do not think you can use it to travel the US. Rent a car and have more fun. And take the backroads. Best of luck

[Theodora12]

Beautifully stated.

[James (pseudo-geek)]

That was the first time I've seem someone state that without being a jerk. Good job. I own guns because, frankly, I like guns. But I'm not gonna go running around in gang infested areas just because I have a gun. leebryuk is right, people, don't be overconfident because you pack a mag. Now dont get me wrong, carry a gun if you want, but don't flaunt yourself and by all means, only use it if you are 100% sure its necessary, and your 100% sure your going to kill your target without getting killed yourself, and be 100% sure your not going to get locked up because you couldn't provide proof that you where acting in self defense. kudos.

[leebryuk]

Thank you for that. I don't want to come across as a weenie. I have seen both sides of the debate personally and it is a nuanced issue that deals with the American sense of identity, self-determination and our history. It also speaks to the darker side of the US. Target practice can be a lot of fun. And if someone kicked in the door to my home and was going to kill my family I would want all options available. But the reality is more like "Cops." They storm into drug houses that are littered with all sorts of guns and rifles. If anyone was going to shoot, it would be them. It just happens so fast, like a car wreck. But the reality is that I would never get to a gun in time. Instead, my girl is more likely to kill herself with it by fooling around with it. Thanks again for the compliment.

[black bike]

The fact that you "would never get to a gun in time" is due to a lack of training. Your girl is "more likely to kill herself with a gun by fooling around with it"? Either your girl is in possession of an intelligence quotient south of 80, or you are a misogynist.

[wtf_steve]

I also walk around "sketchy" areas thinking I'm invincible, not because I have a gun (I live in Canada so any concealed weapons are illegal) likely due to my combination of being naive and too cool for school. Seriously dude, don't rag on the guy/girl for owning a gun when they're just providing people with something cute they can make for a friend whom may also share an interest in guns. Furthermore just cuz they have a gun (even a handgun) doesn't mean they carry it around, they may keep it in the house for added protection within the house or maybe they're marksmen and like to shoot at a range, they're are many reasons to own a gun and killing is just one.

[leebryuk]

I liked the too "cool for school" part. That made me laugh (in a good way.) I'm not giving her a hard time about gun ownership. You can own a gun to practive marksmanship. There are actually MUCH better pistols and rifles for that. Watch the Olympics and you'll see what I'm talking about. They are single shot, small caliber bolted rifles and pistols. And those guys and girls are incredible. The winter Olympics features a sport where you cross-country ski from one target to another. What makes them extraordinary is that their score is based upon speed of course completion and marksmanship combined. It's like sprinting between targets. They immediately get into place, are able to drop their heart rate from the mid 100s to the mid 60s in spite of oxygen demand and fire off a round with incredible accuracy. Heart rate and breathing control are critical for precision shooting. Some carry firearms professionally. Besides the military, law enforcement crosses my mind. Oddly, they tend not to have the cutting edge weapons. People also collect historical weapons like flintlocks and percussion cap rifles (the successor to flintlocks.) The history behind dueling pistols can tell a lot about the culture. These disputes was often settled by both parties turning and shooting into the air. Sort of a chest thumping thing. But guns like hers are designed for killing. They would be pointless if they did not do this job precisely. I would hate to think of the gun jamming or a primer dud if she needed the gun at her second of peril. The point of a modern weapon and it's practice is to kill. May she never have to use it for that. The cozy illicited a visceral reaction. I thought of my daughter's head covered in her little pink knitted hat as she lay in my wife's arms. It didn't seem right. And I felt it trivialized the point of a gun by making it a bit more cute, sidestepping what it is for. Whenever I handle a gun (and that is rare) the first thing I do is safe it. Drop the clip and frighteningly enough eject the bullet already in the chamber. I will say that it would make an interesting art display. I could see a strong commentary on guns and their integration to society. However, I don't think she meant to do that. So, no I am not questioning her right to own a gun. I hope that no one ever has to use one again. I hope you all feel the same way. And thanks for addressing me calmly and respectfully.

[regisd]

My intent was definitely not to trivialize, and while i was not going for a commentary precisely the societal integration of guns, i *was* intentionally going after the juxtaposition between the pistol and something as incongruous as a fuzzy pink crocheted cozy. And the sexual not-very-subtle subtext was just more fodder for the cognitive dissonance there. (Someone off-instructables commented to me that it was oddly both phallic and yonic.)

[writinginmyhead]

I totally "got" what your intent was with the gun cozy, and thought it was hilarious! I personally, am not a "gun person" though my dad was in law enforcement for most of my life and still owns guns--though he is not a "gun toting crazy..." Anyway, yeah, I think the comments might have a have strayed a bit from the topic. Anyway, I cam here because I found the link in my Lion Brand newsletter and then found your gun cozy on the site, and just had to see what a gun cozy would look like! I thought is was very funny & cute! Well done too! Maybe you could make other ones that go around the handle with some sort of closure--to keep the whole gun warm ;-)

[Very Keri]

"Maybe you could make other ones that go around the handle with some sort of closure--to keep the whole gun warm ;-) " I agree. I think it needs a flap closure with a little button or something. :)

[allen]

For what it's worth, I don't agree that your cozy trivializes the firearm. There's certainly a jarring juxtaposition but that's hardly indicative of a cavalier or irresponsible attitude towards firearms. As far as I'm concerned the only conclusion supported by the facts is that you possess a skill - crocheting - that you enjoy and decided to put it to use in this somewhat unlikely manner. The 80+ comments are entirely a product of the political debate that swirls around the private ownership of firearms. I imagine if you'd have, for instance, knitted a rechargeable drill cozy this little tornado wouldn't have been spawned.

[DELETED_GuardianFox]

(removed by author or community request)