Why Guns?

[Missy1961]

In short, I don't have any desire to own a gun.

But given the basis upon which this country was founded, it will remain a fundamental right of the people to do so.

What he said. Not for me, but I don't mind if others want them.

 

[beckanoah]

Second Amendment Constitutional Right to Bear Arms. However, I don't HAVE a gun of my own.

 

[Andy B]

Summarising so far with people giving more than one answer;


Hunting 3
Target 4
constitution right 7
Proptection 3
Other 2
No Gun 6

 

[Biscuitsmom31]

I hate guns but my DH loves them. We have clashed about it many times. We have several in the house. I guess he loves them more than I hate them.

As for why, I couldn't say. They are a hobby for many I think.

 

[pperfectmom]

We have quite a few for various reasons. Some are family heirlooms that I would never ever consider selling(or using for that matter). Some are for hunting, some for security and some for good old fashioned hillbilly recreational activities such as shooting cans and clay pigeons.

 

[Christopher Robin]

Why do you own or want to own a gun?

Why? Lexington and Concord for starters.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

DH is a law enforcement officer, so it's part of his gear. We also have others that he doesn't use on duty. we believe very strongly in the second amendment and the right to protect ourselves. We also enjoy going to the range on occasion.

 

[GinCar]

For protection. The criminals are never going to get rid of their weapons and I want to be equally matched.

Sad, but true. I can't find the email, but I have seen the stats that show countries who have "taken away" the public's guns and crime goes up. The law abiding citizens give them up, but the evil keep theirs.
We own them for hunting (we eat every bit of the elk) and protection.

 

[CapeCodTenor]

For protection. The criminals are never going to get rid of their weapons and I want to be equally matched.

Sad, but true. I can't find the email, but I have seen the stats that show countries who have "taken away" the public's guns and crime goes up. The law abiding citizens give them up, but the evil keep theirs.
We own them for hunting (we eat every bit of the elk) and protection.

This is why stricter gun laws are a bad thing, or will never work.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

This is why stricter gun laws are a bad thing.

 

[FayeW]

I have to admit that I have never understood American's fascination with their Second Amendment. So you are allowed to own guns. Big deal. I could take a safety course and buy a rifle if I wanted to, but in truth I can't imagine even contemplating that.

Is my country less violent than yours? I don't know...but I would have to say yes since other than my father (who lives in the country and hunts) I don't have a single friend or member of my immediate family who owns a firearm. Guess we just aren't that concerned with "protection". That's what security systems are for.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

We own three guns, but only one is easily accessible. By that I mean in a lockbox under my bed. The other two are securely locked in a gun safe in our closet. We have a right to own them.

I owned my first gun when I was in my 20's. It was a little .22 handgun. I was a single mom living alone in a rural area - enough said. It was eventually stolen when my house was broken into, while I was at work. Go figure.

We got another one when we moved into our first home. It was in an area that had a high crime rate, and break-ins were not uncommon in our neighborhood. There were a few incidents of night-time burglars, and that was it - we got a gun. My dh's a fireman and is sometimes gone for a few days at a time, so we felt safer knowing that I had a way to protect myself if someone should break into my home.

I don't understand why there are people that are so against gun ownership. The people who legally own handguns aren't the ones you have to worry about. Even if guns were illegal, just like drugs, the thugs would find a way to get their hands on one.

And as for kids getting their hands on one, impossible in our house.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

That's what security systems are for.

Yeah right, not around here. Law enforcement gets so many false alarms that it takes them forever to respond. We don't even own a system anymore. The last time it went off - accidently but they didn't know that - it took them over 30 minutes to show up to the house.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

That's what security systems are for.

Ask a police officer how he or she feels about security systems. A dog would be better than a security system. All security systems do is provide a false sense of security. And you would be AMAZED to find how many past convicted crimials are employed by these companies.

 

[glasslipper]

In short, I don't have any desire to own a gun.

But given the basis upon which this country was founded, it will remain a fundamental right of the people to do so.

We've come a long way since our founding fathers saw the need for the right of individuals to bear arms. I think it's a right we don't need.

 

[Andy B]

This was not meant as a debate on the principles of gun ownership (that may come later) but as a gathering of real reasons why individuals own a gun.

As a bit of background my Neice has just emigrated to Hilton Head Island.

 

[CapeCodTenor]

I have to admit that I have never understood American's fascination with their Second Amendment. So you are allowed to own guns. Big deal. I could take a safety course and buy a rifle if I wanted to, but in truth I can't imagine even contemplating that.

Is my country less violent than yours? I don't know...but I would have to say yes since other than my father (who lives in the country and hunts) I don't have a single friend or member of my immediate family who owns a firearm. Guess we just aren't that concerned with "protection". That's what security systems are for.

I was watching a show on the History Channel about moonshine, and someone that was interviewed (a fellow American) said this about Americans, "American's are a naturally defiant people." I think that's true, and I think it goes to show why we love our guns so much.

 

[CapeCodTenor]

We've come a long way since our founding fathers saw the need for the right of individuals to bear arms. I think it's a right we don't need.

Then you're more than welcome come and try to take my guns from me.

 

[glasslipper]

Then you're more than welcome come and try to take my guns from me.

I'll guess you'd shoot me if I tried?

 

[Mickeyluver37]

I have to admit that I have never understood American's fascination with their Second Amendment. So you are allowed to own guns. Big deal. I could take a safety course and buy a rifle if I wanted to, but in truth I can't imagine even contemplating that.

I'm surprised that so many people listed it as a reason. I thought it was more of a defense. I don't quite understand the reasoning of "The only reason I have a gun is because I can." Surely you (general you) have some other reason for wanting it?!?