Ever successfully persuaded an anti?

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Yes, actually, but only the generally open-minded, non-willfully-ignorant ones. Taking them shooting usually seals the deal, but it starts with making them aware that they haven't thought the issue through from every perspective. I don't consider these folks true, dyed-in-the-wool antis, however--the only thing that ever manages to convince those is actually being powerless against somebody who threatens to kill them, and even then many (most?) ardent antis would simply blame guns even more and call for their abolition.
 
In my own personal discussions with friends. The most common type that I've had little difficulty in convincing typically fall under two categories:

1) They've grown up in an environment where they know the world isn't just flowers and butterflies. Crazy stuff happens, and sometimes crazy people will try to do you and your family harm.

2) Women that have either been already assaulted or they came within a fine line. E.g. Shady guy following them, etc.

The hardest ones I've found to convince are the people that haven't faced dangers in their life, often middle/upper middle class people that haven't had to live in the more harsh areas of town and they feel that the government will always be there to hold their hand.
 
Sgt.Murtaugh

Have him/her explain EXACTLY what an assault weapon is. Is a pencil not an "assault weapon" used under the circumstances of murder? Is an automobile not an "assault weapon" when used by a person/bad guy to attack a LEO? Is a tire iron used to murder a young lady stranded on the road after being brutally attacked and raped not an "assault weapon"? So many more.

In answer to the initial question, yes I have. As with most, it did involve a trip to the range. But on a few, few, occasions, it came with the "spur of the moment" arguments and discussions that prove the Pro point irrefutably.

Not saying they all went out and bought a pistol directly but, more than one came back to me for buying suggestions and guidance.
 
It only takes once. My wife is not so much anti-gun as someone who just rolls her eyes about them, and has a "boys with their toys" attitude. When I got my CHL, I carried all the time, but didn't mention it to her. About 6 months later she said something about how I never carry...she was shocked when I told her I am carrying almost every time we are going out (unless we are going somewhere I know I can't carry - hospital, to vote, etc). The nearest Wal-Mart to us is not in a very good part of town. One night when we were getting out of the car, she said "you're packin', right?". When I nodded, she just said "Good!". That was one convert!
 
There is an avid hunter that I work with who doesn't believe in "assault weapons". I'm slowly convincing him that any gun ban or restriction against law abiding citizens is not in accordance with the U.S. Constitution. I'm actually his boss, and I'm really walking a tightrope, trying hard not to tell him "what to think", merely encouraging him to think on his own and come to his own conclusions.

It is slow work, but I'm making progress. The key is talking to him instead of talking at him. We agree that violent criminals have no business with firearms. He supports firearms for sporting purposes but doesn't think citizens should own "assault weapons". I've explained how, over several decades, the United Kingdom eroded private gun ownership, targeting the military rifles, semi-autos, handguns, and bolt guns in succession until only break action shotguns, .22 rimfires and air guns were left for gun enthusiasts.
 
I have never converted an anti, but I have made them admit that gun regulation has no effect on violent crime. They want to ban them anyway. I generally try to avoid direct conversations with them because it's like arguing with a moon hoaxer. However, in public forums (facebook for example) where others can read and follow the conversation, I make a point to present our side of the argument in hopes of converting their neutral friends.

True antis are pretty rare. Most everyone I've met who isn't pro-gun is gun neutral as opposed to anti. They might be temporarily persuaded by the antis that "something has to be done" but they can be set right with the right information.

I've converted quite a few neutrals to pro-gun people.
 
I guess I can say yes, but I can't take all the credit. My older sister has been anti-gun for decades, I've never understood why, we were raised with them in the house, but after many years of talking with her, Myself and some other friends of hers, from her church, have finally turned her. She applied for and received her FOID card a few months ago, and is asking for advice on what gun and if I will teach her to shoot.
 
Killian,
You have a very good argument. You should be working on the NRA's strategy committee!
 
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