Why do you own guns?

I own guns so that I can reload for them.

What's with their statistic on the number of "registered" firearms per state? That makes me suspicious of the whole thing.

Because it is my second amendment right

I always thought they were neat. I collect stamps too but they are not as much fun to play with.

Because I enjoy them, no other reason, they have always fascinated me.

I own different guns for different reasons.

I don't own my bolt action rifles for protection, and I don't hunt with my NAA mini.

At the end of the day, I don't need a reason and I think it's kind of silly to try to put everyone in boxes, or pie charts in this case.

Raised on a farm and carried a rifle since I was six. Just seems natural to own guns plus I enjoy shooting.

I fit into, or have fit into, all of those pie chart categories at one time or another. Not counting Debbie Defense, as that's just a gender separation.

I was introduced to guns when I was in grade school. It was normal and expected, like learning to ride a bicycle.

That introduction stuck, and once I had the money to purchase my own guns, I did.

Why do I own guns? Because I'm not a slave to the state and never will be.

I own guns so I have a convoluted means of turning money into smoke and fire that is more entertaining than simply throwing paper money into my fireplace.

Because cops are too heavy to carry around.

Like Chicharrones, I fit into most everything listed so far. Started playing with guns at about age 5...... squirt guns, cap guns, etc.......and just progressed from there. Sort of a natural progression back in the 1950's & 60's when toy guns were widely available and parents would actually purchase them for kids to play with. Nowadays that would probably be called "Endangering the welfare of a child".

Because I can.

okayletsgo said:

Anyway, why do YOU own guns?

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Almost 60 years ago Dad had me shooting a JC Higgins Model 103.181 22RF bolt rifle (it is in my North gunsafe), here at the farm where Mom grew up ... and the rest is history, as they say.

A decade later, he introduced me (and himself) to reloading.

I ceased the hunting component of the hobby a few decades ago.

EDIT: BTW, while I stopped hunting, I still always walk the woods & fields with a rifle ... and I thoroughly enjoy whenever the opportunity presents itself for me to stalk/"walk-up" a critter that I can then carefully take aim at ... before lowering the rifle and just take pleasure from watching the critter.

hdwhit said:

• Protection
• Recreation
• Hunting
• As a bulwark against government abrogation of civil liberties.

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I can't state it better than that.

I have to question the statistics given as xx number of guns per 1,000 residents. Firearms are not registered in the State of New Mexico, any number given as xx / 1,000 is purely an extrapolation of some type as the State does not track gun sales. Where did the numbers come from and how did they verify the accuracy of the statistics?

Because I have owned guns since my Dad gave me my 1st .22 at age 14. I have never really thought that much about it; I enjoy shooting, hunting & protection is nice too.

They also don't seem to know the difference between .22 LR and .22 L. It is also implied that the 22 long is only shot out of AR 22 pistols and rifles. Have to wonder about their firearms knowledge.

Because I can!!!

Personal protection and the fact shooting is fun as hell.

Function and Habit, much like a Watch only more deadly.

Because its hard to kill something with a rock, let alone hit a clay pigeon.