[DevLcL]

What do you say when someone asks you "Why do you own guns?" I suppose this is a PRK kind of question, but maybe some of you know what I mean. Sometimes I'll have company over and most of the time they are not gun owners or familiar with guns at all. It's mostly the girls who ask the dumb questions and the most popular is "Why do you own guns?" I always tell them the same thing. "I shoot innocent babies in their sleep."

-Dev

[Berek]

I've gone hungry (not that you could tell by looking at me now...) and, to quote one of the most famous movies in history: "As God as my witness, I shall never go hungry again." And neither shall my children.

And a modification of the adage: "Give a man a fish..."

I forgot that I've also used the "terrorist" angle. I have heard the "Yeah... right..." reply, I just tell them "That's what I thought all day September 10th."

[ingram]

"To keep them out of the hands of violent offenders, you should be thanking, not questioning, my efforts."

[Taurus 66]

What do you say when someone asks you "Why do you own guns?" I suppose this is a PRK kind of question, but maybe some of you know what I mean. Sometimes I'll have company over and most of the time they are not gun owners or familiar with guns at all. It's mostly the girls who ask the dumb questions and the most popular is "Why do you own guns?" I always tell them the same thing. "I shoot innocent babies in their sleep."

-Dev

"Why do you own guns?"

I haven't been asked this question by any company thus far, but if it should happen, I would just put them back on the answering end of their own question (the defensive) with a simple reply like, "Why are you asking?" and take it from there using the psychology of questioning every question they ask, for as long as it takes, until they are burned out.

Nobody has to needlessly justify their reasons to anyone else why they have sharp edged silverware in the kitchen drawer, a pencil on a desk, a hammer in the tool box, or an axe in the shed. Why then a gun in the house??

"I shoot innocent babies in their sleep." is a poor answer.

[solareclipse]

"for the same reason you drive a hummer to wal mart"

that shuts them up. replace hummer with whatever truck they are totting around.

[fjolnirsson]

"Why do you own guns?"

So's I can defend myself when them dang ol' black government helicopters touch down on my front lawn!!!:neener:

[jtward01]

I was hospitalized last year and my wife brought my gun mags (the reading kind) to the hospital. One nurse tried to confiscate them, then tried to get security to confiscate them (they refused) and after she realized she'd lost the argument she said "why do you want to have guns, you seem like a really nice guy."

After I started explaining that I like to target shoot, and the historical aspect of gun collecting she sat down and we had a nice conversation. We flipped through the pages of the mags and after I showed her how the only real difference between an "evil" AR-15 and a Ruger Mini-14 "hunting rifle" was cosmetic she seemed to start coming around a bit. Then I showed her a picture of an S&W 617 (.22LR) with a 10-round cylinder and a Ruger Mark II .22LR with a 10-round mag and explained that I could shoot either as fast as I could pull the trigger, and explained that some people thought the Ruger was more dangerous because it was a "semi-auto." I also named some of the doctors that I knew were shooters, and some of the celebrities. By the time we were done she had a whole new perspective on guns and shooting.

[1911Tuner]

My standard response after a look of slight puzzlement and amusement:

"If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand the answer."

[Alex45ACP]

1. Protection from criminals.
2. Protection from my government.
3. Fun :D

[rms/pa]

because bad things happen to good people in "safe" places.

rms/pa

[LadySmith]

What do you say when someone asks you "Why do you own guns?" -Dev
I used to have a bunch of replies ranging from smart-aleck to earnest explanations. Now all I say is: Come with me to the range and I'll show you.

[Igloodude]

I used to have a bunch of replies ranging from smart-aleck to earnest explanations. Now all I say is: Come with me to the range and I'll show you.

Thank you, that one is definitely going on the list.

The couple times I've been asked, my response has been some variation of "It's a proactive supplement to my life insurance policy."

[Herself]

For several years after we'd really been getting into shooting, Hubby and I would reply, "For the same reason we own a fire extinguisher: to deal with trouble when it happens."

...Then we realized we didn't own a fire extinguisher. :o Bought one that same day. Duh!

Any more, I think that, "Come to the range with me and I'll show why!" is a better response. (And that's one of the reasons I try to always bring a .22 pistol along; that, and for loaning to new shooters struggling with more gun that they are comfortable with).

--Herself

[f4t9r]

"To keep them out of the hands of violent offenders, you should be thanking, not questioning, my efforts."

Thats a good one

[Falconeer]

As gun owners, we're representatives of a subgroup of the culture we live in. If we're truly interested in promoting the right to keep and bear arms, it behooves us to cut the confrontational crap.

If someone asks you why you own guns, answer them. If they don't like your answer shrug and say 'You asked' and drop it. But being belligerent is going to reinforce the stereotype of gun owners as aggressive, bullying, unsocial sociopaths.

Besides, you might just intrigue them enough to want to learn more and that's how minds are changed. :)

[cambeul41]

. . . "because I choose to be part of the answer rather than part of the problem."

[geekWithA.45]

The only time I was ever asked this question, complete with the implied "you otherwise seem like a nice person", I replied that I had guns for a number of reasons, including the fact that I instruct others in their safe care and use. The first lesson, I said, is always free, and when could I expect her? ;)

(Incidentally, I have -yet- to -actually- charge anyone for instruction, but I leave it implied that I do. People don't value what they get for free)

[bumm]

Falconeer makes a very good point. If someone asks you why you own guns, they're giving you an opportunity to "evangelize." If we shuck off that chance with some snide remark, we've only helped reinforce their anti-gun opinions. Instead, we should take the opportunity to respectfully and truthfully answer their question.
As for me, I own some because I inherited them from my father... they're family heirlooms. Some I own as historical collector's pieces. A couple I own to keep my family safe in the admittedly unlikely event of a home invasion. (I'd go nuts if it happened, and all I could do is allow them to victimize me...) Others I own because it's just so fun to go out to the range and see how close together I can put the little holes... and most of those are semiautomatic handguns. (!) The offer to take them to the range is an excellent idea!
They've given you a PULPIT. Take what may appear to be a self-righteous, accusatory question, and in a freindly manner, spread the gospel!
Marty

[middy]

My signature is my standard answer:

"Why do I own guns? Well, you just never know when you're gonna need to shoot something."

[TallPine]

I guess I miss out on a lot of interesting conversations by living in Montana ...;)

I routinely open carry around the house and our land, and none of our visitors has ever said a thing about it.

[Rock45]

There are a lot of great responses here

The short answer is . . .
. . . "because I choose to be part of the answer rather than part of the problem."

I will sometimes respond with "More importantly, why DON'T You?"

I also like to explain, if given the opportunity, that it is both my right and my responsibility!

Bryan

[Mongo the Mutterer]

"I own guns so you can choose not to. The Bad Guys won't know which one of us has one, so they will leave us both alone... ":D

[Taurus 617 CCW]

My reply to a sarcastic type of question is, "It keeps everyone polite." If they ask an honest question and have a couple of minutes then I explain the reasons why I CCW and my civil responsibility to watch over the public. The next question I get asked is, "Are you a cop?" I ask them, "Do you need to be a cop to protect the public?" That usually gets them. People are so set in their ways of thinking that they assume that you are a cop if you carry a gun. A few explanations usually clear that up.

[LJWebster1]

I read somewhere else that even anti-gun people have a smile on their face after then finish firing a magazine at the range. A reasoned, respectful response, with follow-up questions answered, and an offer to take them to the range, is a great way to go.

I actually like the implication that I'm "otherwise a nice guy". It means they know me, understand something about me, and so will be able to change their attitudes and feel comfortable with their own gun ownership should they decide to switch sides.

We have to understand that we are on the leading edge of this debate, and we know how the MSM, the Brady Bunch and others are manipulating most people, BUT the people being manipulated don't know that. They think their question is perfectly reasonable, and to respond with acrimony or sarcasm only reinforces the negative stereotype the MSM is creating. If every gun owner a person meets is opposite of what they see on TV, they'll soon start learning that they are being manipulated, and when that happens, we have a new member in the club.

[Nitrogen]

"I've been a victim once, never again. My ancestors were constantly victims. I won't be one without a fight."

[scout26]

Depending on the person(s) and the situation:

"So Auschwitz (or Rwanda) can never be repeated."

"To put low cost, high quality, free range, hormone and anti-biotic free, low-fat meat on the table."

"Wanna go to the range and find out ???"

"You don't ???" (Best done with a raised eyebrow ala --> :scrutiny: )

"Same reason I have a fire extingusher."

"Burglar insurance."

"Just to make Mayor Daley and Gov. Blago mad."

"How do you feel at 0230 in the morning when you hear a strange noise in your house ???"



I'm going to add a few more from here to my repetorie'.

[M-Rex]

"Because I can."

No more needs be said.

[aguyindallas]

"Why do you own guns?"

Oh, thats easy, please refer to 2A....BECAUSE I CAN!

[ball3006]

I can.....................................................chris3

[Nytelyte]

I don't remember who said it, but my signature explains pretty well.

P.S. I signed up to reply to this post. Been lurking too long. :)

[wrench]

because I like 'em...

[engineer151515]

...because if a bad guy comes, I can't hide behind you. But you are more than welcome to hide behind me.

:)

[Werewolf]

As gun owners, we're representatives of a subgroup of the culture we live in. If we're truly interested in promoting the right to keep and bear arms, it behooves us to cut the confrontational crap.Depending on the questioner and his attitude you are correct sir.
If someone asks you why you own guns, answer them. If they don't like your answer shrug and say 'You asked' and drop it. But being belligerent is going to reinforce the stereotype of gun owners as aggressive, bullying, unsocial sociopaths. :cool: Please. That tactic works quite successfully for the leftists. Why shouldn't we use it too - especially since it seems to work for them so well. And I don't wanna hear "because it would be stooping to their level". What ever works is the tactic we should be using.
Besides, you might just intrigue them enough to want to learn more and that's how minds are changed. :)Maybe, maybe not.

I'm reminded here of the old adage that one catches more flies with honey than with vinegar (man I must have heard that from my mother a million times). That saying is true but what is truer is that one catches the most flies with feces!

[Justin]

"Why do you own guns?"

Because guns are cool.

Duh.

[Turkey Creek]

My response " for me it's an intellectual exercise to target shoot, I enjoy it, and it's cheaper than therapy"- I get some mighty weird looks-

[superhornet]

M-REX +1:)

[slopemeno]

Dont be jerkey...

I've had this same question lots of times out here on the left coast. You would be suprised how many times the person who you considered an "anti" from the questions they asked will catch you later, away from their friends and say "Say, uh, next time you go shooting, could you give me a call?"

[Bobarino]

i keep it simple.


"because i want to."

Bobby

[Jubei]

"Because borrowing them is really bad form."

"Because if I am to become a victim, it won't be for lack of a defense."

"Because my sparkling smile and winning personality won't stop a Bad Guy."

"Because pathetic, pedantic, pacifistic no-loads like yourself make being a victim in fashion."

"Because they go 'BOOM!!"

Jubei

[Falconeer]

Depending on the questioner and his attitude you are correct sir. :cool: Please. That tactic works quite successfully for the leftists. Why shouldn't we use it too - especially since it seems to work for them so well. And I don't wanna hear "because it would be stooping to their level". What ever works is the tactic we should be using.Maybe, maybe not.

I'm reminded here of the old adage that one catches more flies with honey than with vinegar (man I must have heard that from my mother a million times). That saying is true but what is truer is that one catches the most flies with feces!
I really don't care about the questioner's attitude or who a tactic works for. My beliefs and attitudes are my own. I don't feel a need to shove them down anyone else's throat, nor will I let anyone shove theirs down mine. I will NOT sully my own personal honor and integrity to behave in a manner I find offensive just because "it's a tactic that works".

[DevLcL]

One time I was asked this question and I replied something to the effect of stopping an intruder if needed. Of course the girl asking the question realised this isn't a complete answer and she then asked "Do guns make you feel cool?". I said "No... I AM cool. Guns make me feel safe. You have ADT? I have Mossberg"

-Dev

[NineseveN]

Why do I own guns?

Because Rosie O'Donnell took away all my spoons.

[mustanger98]

I can think of several good honest answers, some of which have been covered here. If the asker is just a flaming anti picking a fight, just a few well placed facts stated calmly should put them down in a hurry. But I haven't had much problem with that around here... antis don't tend to hang around me.

"Check out the 2nd Amendment"... "because I can"... those seem to go well together, but the 2A is the one that recognizes the citizens' right to protect the public as well as the individual by being armed. I think we're all supposed to be able to watch each other's backs on that principle, but the way society is, I know better than to count on it.

Sheriff Jim Wilson, in this last issue of Shooting Times, said "The civilian who carries a defensive handgun uses it as an exit ticket out of a bad situation, not as an excuse to engage in a pitched battle." I think that about says it for the defensive purposes.

[Missouri Mule]

"Because unarmed victims look like well....YOU!"

[Hawkmoon]

I was recently asked this by my step-daughter-out-law (so what else would you call the unmarried mother of your step-son's child?). She was (I believe) seriously curious, so I had to think about it. I finally explained that I had been taught by my grandfather that a gentleman has an affirmative duty to make himself proficient in the use of arms for the defense of his home and family. I told her that I considered my grandfather to be an exceptionally intelligent and well-educated individual, and therefore I accepted this as a valid reason to learn how to shoot.

Having done so, I further informed her, I also discovered that I enjoyed it.

Let's face it, before people had guns "gentlemen" walked around with 3-foot swords hanging off their belts and it was commented upon only if a gentleman for some reason did NOT wear his sword one day. Guns have replaced swords, but why do we now question when a gentleman DOES wear a gun, rather than wondering why he does not?

[Standing Wolf]

I keep and bear arms for the same reason I vote, pay taxes, and answer jury summons: it's my civic obligation; as well, it's a moral obligation, and I've enjoyed target shooting three decades and longer now, and intend to continue doing so the rest of my life.

[aerod1]

Why do I own guns?
Well, why do you play golf?
I own guns because I want to.

Jim

[Farnham]

If I know them, and more importantly, if they know me:

Them: "Why do you own guns?"

Me: flat, unfriendly stare :scrutiny:

Them: "Ahh...gotcha"

If we've just been introduced:

Them: "Why do you own guns?"

Me: "Because it is shirking your responsibilities not to be able to defend your family and yourself; from criminals, from wild animals, from zombies, from terrorists, from the invading Chinese, and most of all, from your government."

Them: :uhoh:

Me: "I like to be responsible... Hippy." :neener:

S/F

Farnham

[Declaration Day]

If asked why I own guns, I say "Because it's my reponsibility to keep me and my family safe."


One time I stopped in at my dad's work, and guns came up in conversation. One of his co-workers asked "What do you do that you need to carry a gun?"

I assume he expected to hear something like "I make daily bank deposits of several thousand dollars."

Instead I replied "I take personal responsibility for my own safety."

[MinScout]

Turn it around on them. Why do you [B]not[B] own a gun? Do you vote? Do you pay taxes? Then why do you not exercise your right as an American to own a firearm? Now get the hell outa my house! ;)

[mustanger98]

Turn it around on them. Why do you [B]not[B] own a gun? Do you vote? Do you pay taxes? Then why do you not exercise your right as an American to own a firearm? Now get the hell outa my house! ;)

Yah, ya'betcha!!!:D

[AR-lover/hater]

"why do you use birth control when you have sex" ----- same reason it is fun :) actually more fun sometimes not because you want a kid or want to hurt anyone

[MTMilitiaman]

I guess I miss out on a lot of interesting conversations by living in Montana ...;)

I routinely open carry around the house and our land, and none of our visitors has ever said a thing about it.

Me too. I have had someone ask me just once but it was an honest open-minded question, not negative or condensending in any way. I told her they were fun and offered to take her with me shooting and she loved it.

I think if it was ever asked of me in a negative way in which it was clear their mind was already made up against gun ownership, I'd just grin and nod and say "You can thank me later."

I also have been asked why I take my Glock with me pretty much everywhere I go. We were just running to town to rent some movies and I grabbed the keys, CDs, and my Glock 20 in its Uncle Mikes from the head of my bed. One of my friends asked me why and she asked if I thought I'd need that. I said, "For the same reason I wear my seat belt and carry a condem in my wallet. I would rather have it an not need it 10,000 times than need it and not have it once."

[All-Around-Shooter]

The same reason people own golf clubs. Recreation, and possibly self defence.

[NineseveN]

Do you guys get asked that often? I try to be low key, not many even know I own guns. So I would say it is rare...well, except for sites like this, and it's rare there as well.

[outofbattery]

I usually reply with a question :"Have you ever fired a gun yourself?I think they're lots of fun,some guys play golf,I shoot pistols" and invite them to come out to the range with me.I find that approach not only works better than brow beating over RKBA or using scare tactics of self defense issues to introduce the notion that firearms are inanimate objects that can be used as safely as a butterknife but also increases the chance they'll want to come shoot.I've never had someone come shoot say " that sure was a sucky time and you reinforced my feelings that guns are horrible objects that only cause violence".I don't care if they never shoot again or if they still vote for anti-gun polititians and so on as long as they get the opportunity to have their mind changed about guns and gun owners in general.

[DevLcL]

Do you guys get asked that often? I try to be low key, not many even know I own guns. So I would say it is rare...well, except for sites like this, and it's rare there as well.

The thing is my house is a "open house" meaning all sorts of people come through this place on a daily basis. My gun safes are kinda hard to hide, also, whenever I have the time I'm either doing a little smithin or a little cleaning. People can always catch me doing something with my guns so its hard to hide. I know its really not a smart idea to let the world know about your guns, which I don't do, but like I said, it's hard to hide. Most people ask me in more of an honestly curious manner, and I give them an honest thought out answer.

-Dev

[trickyasafox]

What do you say when someone asks you "Why do you own guns?" I suppose this is a PRK kind of question, but maybe some of you know what I mean. Sometimes I'll have company over and most of the time they are not gun owners or familiar with guns at all. It's mostly the girls who ask the dumb questions and the most popular is "Why do you own guns?" I always tell them the same thing. "I shoot innocent babies in their sleep."

-Dev
i usually say there's an entire sport associated with firearms. im a hunter, but i often don't emphasize that point. i tend to lean people toward the fact that shooting limits no one. you dont need to be fast or strong or young or old to participate, it treats everyone fairly, and favors no god given talents. it allows full participation by anyone willing to give it a try, and can be extremely satisfying. also i point out anything that gets people outside is a good thing.

[TequilaMockingbird]

Me: "Because I carry precious cargo that deserves protection."

Them: "Really? What's that?"

Me: "My life, and the lives of my loved ones."

Gets a smile. Then I follow up with "I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by six."

Getting asked about carrying firearms from a non-gunowner is a good opportunity for dialogue, even if the questioner is obviously prejudiced, "leftwing," or just misinformed. My approach depends upon the listener. One time young woman at the Whole Foods checkout asked me about my Ruger hat while she was running my items across the scanner.

"Oh, they make rifles," I answered, and then she gave me a look and asked whether I hunted.

"Oh, no," I answered honestly. "I don't like to kill, so Bambi and Thumper have nothing to worry about." At this she smiled. And then I said with a smile, "But paper targets fear me."

And if they ask why I own an EBG, I answer with "Just in case there's a Katrina situation." People around here in Houston pretty much get it.

[TallPine]

I also have been asked why I take my Glock with me pretty much everywhere I go.
Because you never know what you will find back at your house when you come home, for one thing.:uhoh:

You probably heard about that incident a while back where two guys escaped from a jail in Great Falls. One of them ended up at a house near Cascade. When the owners came home, he was waving a .22 rifle at them and demanding the "clip." :rolleyes: The home-owner said something like "yeah sure, I'll go get it for you" and then came back out with a .38 revolver instead and shot the fugitive once in chest, killing him.

Quick thinking on his part, but I prefer to have something with me (at least in the vehicle) at all times.

[MM]

"Keep It Stupid, Simple" -- Answer is "'cause I like 'em!"
SatCong

[erh]

Because, I am very familiar, competent, and safe with them, (Worked with for 14+ years daily) and am now a handgun collector & enthusiast. Lastly, but not least; I am an absolute believer in my (and our American) right to protect ourselves & our stuff within reason, & to help other good & honest people, friends, loved ones and/ or anyone that just plain needs help if appropriate, & given that the situation is at hand that helping is not actually a hindrance, or unnecessary risk to anyone or everyone involved... I would never allow myself to escalate anyone's situation without due cause, etc...!) Just my own .02 cents worth. (erh)