Why do you own a gun?

[yeti]

I grew up with guns always being a part of my life. I do not even consider why I have a gun. It is a part of my growing up.

For me this is like asking why I have a car / telephone / etc.

Because I can, and always will.

That pretty well sums it up.
I may own any certain gun for some specific reason, but, in general, like the air and sunshine, they have just always been here.

 

[abrink]

Because it's my right as an American citizen.

I like that one.

You should have allowed for multiple options and an all of the above option. It would make for a better poll.

 

[JoeSlomo]

All of the above...

For hunting, for competition, for protection AND because I was fortunate enough to be born an AMERICAN.

 

[wyocarp]

I own guns at least for all the reasons listed so we needed a poll with a all of the above and more option.

 

[give]

dont forget because i want to,lol

 

[Shung]

Because not owning is senseless

 

[22-rimfire]

Other =all of the above for me and additional reasons as well. How about because it's fun to shoot?

 

[dracphelan]

Because I want to.

 

[xsquidgator]

I grew up with guns always being a part of my life. I do not even consider why I have a gun. It is a part of my growing up.

For me this is like asking why I have a car / telephone / etc.

Because I can, and always will.

Same here. I'll admit that recent events have moved this topic up to the top of my priority list, though, like 9/11 and the chaos after Hurricane Katrina.

So my reasons are
1) Because I can and it's no-one else's business to say me nay
2) Because I like 'em and enjoy shooting them
3) For self- and home-defense

 

[lee n. field]

All of the above.
And the occasional zombie invasion.

What he said.

It's my right, enumerated in the US Constitution. Self defense (hasn't happened yet, hope it never does). Civil disorder (ditto). The most dire, avoid at all costs, option spoken of in the US Declaration of Independence. Plinking & light target shooting. I get a charge when the steel plates go down. I like well made things.

 

[Vaarok]

Collector. I hardly shoot at all, and when I do, it's usually either killing vermin around the farm or euthanizing a cow. But I love owning, tinkering, and hoarding guns.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

As recreation, a sport and a hobby, oriented towards self-defense.

 

[Mr White]

Why did I first buy my first gun? Self defense. There were some shady people living up the street from me a few years back. There were several break ins around the neighborhood and a few people beaten by the burglers. And this was out in the sticks where nothing like that ever happened. I was just married and was scared by some of the goings on so I bought a High Power. Never had to use it or even come close. I've since moved to a better neighborhood. Still have the HP.

Why did I buy all the other guns?
Hunting
Plinking
Self defense
Competition
Other (to piss off the antis)

 

[SAG0282]

Self-defense...everything else is just a happy side benefit.

 

[Neo-Luddite]

Other-

Holocaust Prevention.

 

[Curiousity]

I am addicted to buying them. I love the loud noises, also fireworks!

I want more...

 

[Robby]

Actually I tried to buy a cop! But my LEO son, said my offer was too low!!

I have seen the response time to injury accidents within sight of my house, including a death. I know I am on my own here on the farm for far too long.

 

[XD-40 Shooter]

I voted "other" for all of the above. I own guns because its an awesome hobby, guns are fun, and the challenge of target shooting in general. Its a lot tougher than most people think, to hold a pistol steady, squeeze the trigger, and not flinch or jerk the gun off target, takes a lot of practice, but its very rewarding when you get good. Self defense is the fundamental reason for gun ownership, mine serve as a hobby, but they are always ready to defend my life, which I hope never happens. I also very much enjoy the camraderie of gun ownership, going to gun show's, and just talkin' guns with friends. Gun ownership leads to other off-shoot hobbies, such as reloading, which is awesome and fun. I consider myself to be a "gun enthusiast", which compels me to stay abreast of current issues and politics, again, another good benefit. This is why I very much enjoy gun ownership.

 

[jpsimms]

All options.
Because it is my right and duty as an American, because I can, for fun, For food, for sport, and when the time comes I won't be defenceless. To my thinking it would be stupid not to

 

[Ala Dan]

how 'bout- "all of the above"~?

 

[DaveBeal]

Mainly for friendly bullseye league competition, plinking, teaching my kids gun safety and because guns are cool. I don't feel the need to carry.

 

[K5mitch]

I've got a little of everything

All the above.

 

[Kevin108]

I bought mine first for self defense and second because killing cans is fun.

 

[KI.W.]

I own guns because I can. :

 

[ronnieevans40]

Why

Because I am an American. Because the right of the people must be defended by the people. Because I enjoy shooting and hunting. Because I feel that there will come a time when those without will regret it. Because history shows that those who can not defend themselves end up in camps, or worse. The question isn't why do I own a guy but why don't you own one.