Reach out to an anti-gunner if you can.
gamestalker
(edited for focus)They wouldn't ask a police officer why he wears one, simply because it is obvious it is for self defense.
Not the complete story. The police officer rarely uses his gun for self-defense, but it is one of certain physical tools that are named the "Tools of Arrest". Handcuffs, firearms, Taser, baton, etc. The gun is just one of those tools that enable the police to do the job required by law. You might as well ask why a policeman drives a car with flashing lights and a spotlight.
Why I would carry a gun (or, more to the point of the thread), how (or if) I would explain (in no particular order, but which answer depends on the questioner);
1) Because I can. I have the right.
2) To protect myself from people or animals who would do me (or YOU) harm.
2a A gun available immediately is more effective at preventing crime than a police officer who, perforce, will almost ALWAYS arrive on the scene after a crime or animal attack has been committed.
2b The same reason I carry a flashlight, fire extinguisher and first aid kit in my car and a digital camera, too. Just in case I need it.
3) if the question is posed as "Why a gun instead of something less controversial?". I will invite the questioner to a cup of coffee for a probative discussion if he/she seems genuinely interested.
4) If the questioner is being obnoxious or argumentative, I refrain from responding in kind. I will try my best to be a good ambassador, but I will also try to point out the lack of ambassadorship on the questioner's part. Usually, I will soft-pedal my response by asking, "I do not mean to offend you or alarm anyone. I carry for reasons of my own. Why do you ask? I might be willing to discuss the concept with you." Such an answer (though wordy) does keep the corridors of diplomacy between pro-gun and anti-gun individuals (if not the groups) open.
Reaching out to anti-gunners one at a time is probably going to be the most effective tool any of us individually can use in reinvigorating the Second Amendment.
Lost Sheep
p.s. I love it (them).
Pilot said:
Because it makes me feel like a citizen, not a subject and confirms I am an American.
VA27 said:
Smile and say, "It's a fashion statement. Don't you think it simply shouts, Don't mess with me?"
How about combining concepts:
"It's a fashion statement. Don't you think is simply shouts, "I am a citizen, not a subject."?