Why are you a gun owner?

[Geneseo1911]

I'm interested to learn why we're all here. I got to thinking about this as i was reading an article about NRA challenging a lawsuit & uniting traditional gun owners with groups like the pink pistols. This made me curious as to what kind of group shows up on this forum.

I made the poll multiple choice, and I realize that to some of us all but the last one apply, but I'm mainly interested in your top 2 or three.

 

[Zoogster]

I am a gun owner for the same reason I am a fire extinguisher owner.

Tools to deal with problems that may arise.

I wouldn't call the professionals to come deal with a small kitchen fire, helplessly letting it spread while I await thier arrival.
Planning to run to the phone when an immediate armed threat presents itself as a danger to yourself, family, or friends is just as foolish.
Letting people die or be victimized while you call the 'professionals' and await thier arrival is a foolish plan of action, and rarely works in the real world.
Things happen fast, you either can deal with them immediately or you can't.

Many problems in life may present themselves. General purpose tools you are proficient with help you be prepared.
Most tools do not have political groups trying to take them away though. I have yet to find myself defending my need for a fire extinguisher, or having to look up various laws to drive with one in my vehicle. I don't need to worry about crossing the wrong border with my fire extinguisher, and politicians are not creating unnoticed legislation to further remove my ability to deal with fires while I am busy living my life.
As a result a lot more time and effort and as a result more interest in firearms exists than in firefighting tools.

If nobody was working day and night to figure out ways to further deprive me of my rights, rights supposedly guaranteed under the supreme law of the land, and uninfringable, then I would probably treat firearms and shooting like I do medical supplies and first aid.

 

[edSky]

Shooting stuff is fun ... but the gentlemen at the range would yell at me if I said we were plinking. Shooting at targets is a tad more refined. (Though shooting at "stuff" is fun too. that's what pellet/varmint guns are for, IMO)

 

[CountGlockula]

Self defense and 2nd A.

 

[Geneseo1911]

I'm sad to see I've already been called a dufus twice....wondering if those are smart-asses or they would like to expand on what I missed.

 

[jdc1244]

I'm a collector, firearms are works of art

I of course enjoy the shooting sports, support the 2A, and have them for self defense but this was the best option if I must be ‘classified.’

Family Tradition would also be a good option; my father and his father were gun owners, I grew up with them – born into gun ownership, as it were.

 

[SsevenN]

Originally?

Me and friends bought long guns as part of our duty to our local town, and to the citizens of the US. Basically, in case of threat from an oppresive gov't.

Now I own for additional, equally as important reasons.

Shooting IS fun.

Self defence, life IS worth living.

I now really WANT to get into IDPA/IPSC/3GUN (that order too.)

As I own more and more firearms, I REALLY enjoy the collecting side!
(admittedtly I have no 'collection' pieces, just enjoy collecting.)

 

[FoMoGo]

You are a doofus...
Thats OK... I am a doof sometimes too.
I own mine for many of the reasons listed... but you can only check one box.
First and foremost, I have them for protection of myself and my family.
I own them because it is my right.
I own them because I enjoy range time and reloading.
I like to hunt... to put food on my families table.
I enjoy cleaning and fondling them.
I like sitting with friends talking about them.

I think it would be a sad world if I had them for only 1 reason.


Jim

 

[Prepster]

Shooting is fun

Self Defense is your responsibility, and yours alone.

Keeping and bearing arms gives us an edge over the sheeple, they can be forced, but we must be persuaded.

I would enjoy all of these things, but I lost my firearms in (insert accident here).

 

[Topkick]

Why have guns

I am a staunch believer in the Constitution of The United States, without the 2nd Amdt. there would be NO other!!!, I am a loyal citizen, a patriot, a retired Master Sergeant, U.S. Army and I absolutely refuse to be a victim!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Geneseo1911]

You guys can pick as many as you want...

There's some good commentary here. It's pretty much running about the way I would have expected it to.

Seven-3 gun looks awesome, doesn't it? I wish I lived within 2 hours of a rifle range, let alone a 3 gun.

 

[jakemccoy]

At the moment of this post, over 26% are saying that NONE of their guns are for self-defense or for home-defense.

That's incorrect, sorry.

This poll could be useful if people answered truthfully and while sober.

Also, some of the poll options are not answers to the original question. The question assumes you're already a gun owner. The last two options assume you're NOT a gun owner. Those options mess up the poll a bit.

 

[Merkelman]

You seem a little defensive about being a DOOFUS! We have all had our Doofus moments.

 

[denfoote]

Jesus told me to!!

Luke 22:35-37 (King James Version)

35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

 

[2RCO]

I unfortunately lost all mine when the SS2RCO tragically sunk in a lake somewhere between New York and LA I can't remember where exactly because of the traumatic stress caused by the incident and the death of my pet cricket chirpy.

On a serious note I collect because of Art and History. I also feel a duty to uphold the 2A.

 

[Glock River]

I didn't mark you a doofus, but I like my option:

"I hate government, especially the tyrannical abomination passing itself off as a federal government, and it, plus many state governments don't WANT me to have certain guns, therefore I am morally obligated to have them."

 

[pharmer]

Over 400% of us have good reasons to have guns Joe

 

[shotgunjoel]

FYI, if you don't know Red Dawn was a movie about a Soviet invasion of the USA. There were some high-school students who hid in the mountains and waged guerilla war on the occupying forces.

 

[2RCO]

Pharmer I see you did the math as well.

 

[Eightball]

You forgot "because it's legal."

That's all the reason I need.

 

[matrem]

Most of the above

 

[XD-40 Shooter]

Guns are fun, shooting is a blast, and I want to be able to protect my family. I believe in individual liberty and I cherish the second amendment.

Plus, in a natural disaster type of emergency, guns can put food on the table. I live out in the country and we have deer in our front yard all the time.

 

[jakemccoy]

Over 400% of us have good reasons to have guns Joe

OK, that's funny if you're joking.

 

[Rem700SD]

Zombies.

 

[brin747]

Reason # 1: To defend self and family

Reason # 2: Because I can