Why do people REALLY own guns?

Question

Why own them? I'm not trying to say it's not in the bill of rights, or that the right should be removed, but I'm surprised by the amount of people that enjoy having a weapon. I'm not a hunter, but I'm also not a vegetarian, so I completely understand hunting for food.

But I cannot understand hunting for sport, but that's just because I can't enjoy taking something's life just for my own pleasure. I also don't understand the need for overpowered or automatic weapons, which are not used for hunting. I understand the need for self protection, but a pistol under the bed will do the same job as a case of guns in the closet in a home invasion.

I'm not bashing guns, I'm actually quite open-minded if someone has logical reasoning that can away my opinion, I just don't understand it on my own.

Answer 1

My first need for owning is to have the capability to protect my life or my family from anyone who would or not be armed with a gun. There are many many situations where a gun can save lives and there have been situations where even producing a gun has stopped crimes from happening.



Hunting for sport - The only versions of this that I can accept is for pest control, population control, and to put food on the table. To plain out kill an animal to get one's 'killing fix' or to have a moving target that's alive is just wrong.



What do you consider to be an overpowered weapon? As far as automatic weapons goes, I have no problem with anyone legally owning an automatic weapon. Most Americans don't own automatic military style looking rifles. Some do, but those that do go through more paperwork and wait a long time to be approved to own one, then the next issue is finding one for sale and forking out the money to own one.

Most Americans that have AR15, for example, own a semi-auto version (1 round fired per trigger pull), not full auto or 3 round versions.



I built a semi-auto AR15 for around $650 not long ago. I heard that to buy a full auto AR15 version is somewhere over the price range of $10,000+, if you can find one.



While it must be an empowering feeling to waste 30 rounds in a few seconds with an overpriced Automatic AR15, I'd rather have a semi auto version and not waste my ammo.



AR15's are and can be used for hunting. There are larger calibers that can be fired from the AR15 platform with the appropriate upper. Some of these calibers are even larger than the common 'hunting' calibers.



Another important reason for owning guns is to protect the other rights of Americans. If the people were stripped of owning firepower that was equal to or close to equal firepower that the police and government currently own, what would we be able to fight them with? single load / single shot shotguns and bolt action rifles???



I once swore an oath to protect the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that oath didn't come with an expiration date.



What or who do you think is implied as a domestic enemy? The government and minion agencies, that's it. Who? Police, Military, DHS (TSA, CBP, etc).



Re-read the 2nd amendment again several times and slowly. What it means will sink it. Without the 2nd Amendment, you can kiss the rest of your rights away.



Do not let the media brainwash you into believing that you need to give up your freedoms to have security. Security starts with Personal security, which is be armed.

Answer 2

I don't hunt anymore, I never did hunt for "sport" While I like to hunt, it was more for the outing, the camaraderie with others, the camping out. I do like target shooting. Even a non shooters have found this to be enjoyable the first time if shown properly. What do you mean by a "overpowered weapon"? Automatic weapons, which are not accessible for the average person are actually rather underpowered in the world of hunting. I would consider a 300 win mag overpower for home defense, where a .223 under the bed would be much better. (Oh, a .223 is that nasty "assault weapon" we hear so much about)



So why do I own guns? My job required it, collector, self defense, it is my Constitutional right, I enjoyed an appreciate a finely crafted machine. It can put meat on the table if I require it to do so.

Answer 3

Well, according to a March 2013 Pew poll, the main reason is for personal protection. This has changed since their last poll in 1999, where the main reason was for hunting.



48%- Personal protection

32%- Hunting

7%- Target shooting

2%- Constitutional right

2%- Collecting

7%- Other reasons

1%- Don't know



As for your other reasons, you'd be surprised that many things that we do for fun harm other individuals. If you enjoy smart phones or electronics, remember the Foxconn suicides? If you like to wear cheap but fashionable clothes, what about the recent garment factory collapse in Dhaka? At least hunting doesn't harm people (except for the occasional accident), and hunting abroad supports the local economies and helps fund nature conservation efforts. Which is better than owning electronics or clothing!



Handguns are not the best weapon for HOME defense. That role generally goes to the venerable shotgun, which is easier to aim and use than a handgun. Handguns are also generally ineffective against assailants wearing any form of armor, and home invasion incidents with armored criminals are sadly becoming more common place. Rifles and shotguns are better instruments for home defense than handguns. As they say, "the handgun is only used for fighting to your rifle or shotgun"!



But home defense is not exactly the same as PERSONAL defense. Personal firearms are still kept for protection against potentially tyrannical regimes. Look no further than Egypt, Libya, or Syria nowadays to see how modern societies can collapse in an instant, where the government can quickly turn on its people. That was the original intent of the 2d Amendment, and it remains completely relevant today.



Fully automatic weapons are heavily regulated and are generally not practical for most Americans. They are a non-issue, and haven't been used in a single crime since the 1920's I believe.



I appreciate the fact that you are willing to listen to reasons rather than give in to irrational emotions!

Answer 4

Two words: "Warsaw Ghetto"



Personal arms are the final "safety" against government tyranny. That's the actual "Need." And the more I hear people tell me how we don't "need" that safety anymore, the more I see that need being more prevalent, not less.



Personal arms are also the first line of defense against unlawful criminal attack, due to the unavoidable time lag between the incident and an official response. "When seconds count, the police are only minutes away."



Further, the US Supreme Court has upheld as late as 2007 that the police have NO DUTY TO PROTECT THE INDIVIDUAL FROM CRIMINALS OR MADMEN. Therefore, it is the duty of the citizenry to take care of itself until help arrives. In many cases, including several which I have personally witnessed or been a part of, personal arms are the best way to do this.



The hobbies, the hunting, the collecting, are all secondary to the primary purpose of personal arms: Self defense. Period. Against criminals. Against madmen. Against terrorists. Against enemies of the Constitution, and against a Tyrannical government.



And I don't need any further justification than that. Citing certain specific misuses of firearms, or your lack of understanding why such behaviors should be allowed, is not justification to prohibit them -- not even close.



And yes, I carry a gun. Both on and off duty. For the primary reason stated above.



It has nothing to do with hobbies or hunting.

Answer 5

Why do I REALLY own guns?



First and foremost, because I enjoy shooting. I don't know what you classify as "overpowered" but I enjoy shooting many types of firearms. It theraputic, its a skill that tests concentration and physical performance and is measureable so I can track progress and improvement. My father is in his 70s and we started shooting together a few years ago because my Mom was worried about a developing tremor in his hands and him needing some kind of fun therapy to work on it. During the summer with good weather he welds stuff (he took a class, we bought him a welder and now he tinkers) which works on control, but during the winter he didn't have anything. So we started shooting together indoor. Now we shoot year round from .22 to "overpowered". Heck we even rented "automatic" one time to get the feel (his last experience was with a BAR back in the Korean War days in the Army) of new gear. It's been a great way for me to connect with my Dad that bridges generations.



Second, I'm not as passionate a hunter as others here, I'm far more of a shooter, but pest animals? I have no problem with putting them down by the dozens if I can, and have no need to eat them or anything else. Most of the out of control pest animals are invasive species that are introduced and need to be harvested to be kept under control and it is the most humane and least environmentally damaging approach.



Third, a pistol under the bed is better than nothing for a home invasion, but my pistol under the bed is going to be a full size high capacity pistol, whereas the pistol I carry is a subcompact single stack. Neither are the same firearm I am carrying out in the woods, which isn't the same firearm I am carrying if I am in serious bear or other dangerous game country.



Fourth, I teach a lot of people to shoot. I'm not a professional instructor, but I've introduced many people to the sport and can teach safety, marksmanship and the like reasonably well. Different guns work differently and fit people differently. Plus it helps people have a pressure free environment for trying out different firearms to decide what they like best for their own purchase.



Fifth, I LIKE guns. They are one of the last bastions of pure Mechanical Engineering innovation. I find them extremely interesting and enjoy thinking about the designs and looking into the different ways that people try and make a better mousetrap.



Thinkingblade

Answer 6

You have to be careful about being too open minded --- your brain will fall out.



How do you feel about bull fighting, or boxing, or even football?



Guns have been an American tradition from the beginning --- hunting, home defense, self-defense, marksmanship, and a means of resisting totalitarian governments, foreign or domestic.



Hunting, done properly, requires skill. If you don't like the thought of a deer being killed and consumed, plan on not associating the steak that you had for dinner with the Chicago slaughter houses that made it possible.



People carry guns, either openly or concealed, because a policeman would be too heavy. As a means of protection, a firearm is without equal. And, when seconds count, the police are minutes away.



Did I miss any of the cliches?

Answer 7

You - are not well informed.



"Sport" hunting - was banned decades ago. Lots of decades ago. Today - hunters are required by law to salvage the meat of all animals for human consumption. Each species from big bears to bunnies - the regulations tell you exactly what you must take, and, what little bits you can leave in the field. The laws in my state are very specific - the meat comes out first - and any antlers must be the last thing transported. You are required by law to bring the antlers and hide of certain species out with you.



If you think some guy is gonne shoot a 1200 pound moose, spend the next 5 days hauling it out on his back 14-16 hours a day - just for 'sport' - so he can have a trophy to put on his mantel - think again. On the other hand, if you hauled 1200 pounds on your back for almost a week - I am 100% sure you would want something to remember it by.



People like you - are why other countires think Americans suck. You dont take 2 minutes to do any research or understand the subject/issue - but somehow feel the whole world is obligated to listen to your opinion.



Honestly - I think we should be talking about curbing the 1st Ammendment rights of people just like you. That would suit me just fine.

Answer 8

Why do I own guns? Mainly for hobby and competitive shooting. I know for a fact that no gun that I own will be used in a crime, at least not while I'm alive and own the guns, and certainly not by me.



I could race cars, build model boats/planes/starships.

I could become a gourmet chef, or enter cooking contests.

I could bike/hike around the country or the world.



Or



I could be a rapist, thug, burglar, drug king pin, or just your garden variety criminal, in and out of jail/prison over the years. The reasons that I'm not are many, but the main reason is I think better of myself. Most people that know me, don't even know that I own guns, heck most people that know me are shocked that I play video games and own a smartphone at 56. They may know that I go to the gun ranges, know that I hunt from time to time, but they have not seen any of my guns, unless there was a reason to show them or inform them that I had them on my person, or just happened to be with me when I made a gun purchase and that is rare, unless they were also a gun owner.



Why others wonder what others own, is a mystery to me. Just because you do not understand a thing, does not make it bad, nor do you have to or even need to understand the reasons why other do or own things.

Answer 9

I own guns because the wood to steel fit is an art form, I hunt and enjoy eating the game I kill. The Sport is in the time limit in which you have to hunt, if you see game or not, and if you bag one legally with in that time limit. You eat meat an animal someone else kills for you and others to eat and enjoy: there is only one difference the food animals is going to die the game animal may not. I have let legal game walk on bye because I felt the animal needed to grow, the guy in the slaughter house kills each animal sent before him.

Also the fees I pay for the right to hunt helps both game and non-game wildlife, pays the Game Wardens pay check, sets land aside for all wildlife game and non-game a like. Thins the herds down so the animals themselves are healthier and can live better lives for most of the year. For I am aloud to hunt for only a few months; the slaughter house is running 24/7. Now U mite start to understand!

Answer 10

Great question. It's not often any more that people ask about a subject they don't know much about before they form an opinion.

Sport hunting is largely about population control. There have been several years when, for instance, I had all the venison I wanted, but after the biologists pleaded for us to kill more does, I did my part and found somebody to eat them. Hunting is essentially the only way to match game populations with carrying capacity to ensure healthy animal populations. As animal habitat becomes more and more limited, hunting becomes more and more needed.

I can't speak to why people have automatic weapons. In over sixty years of shooting, in an area where guns are ubiquitous, I've only known a handful of people who owned them. You'd think they're common, with the media blurring the distinction between automatic and semi-automatic, but they aren't.

The concept of power also seems to have been turned on its head by the media. The poster child for an assault weapons ban is the AR-15 chambered in 223 Remington. It's a particularly LOW-powered cartridge compared to some used to shoot prarie dogs, and insignificant in power compared to most hunting cartridges. Many of the most powerful cartridges, in fact, were developed by somebody hunting dangerous game whose very powerful rifle wasn't quite powerful enough.

Answer 11

Most hunters don't hunt because they enjoy killing things. If that was the case they'd get a job at a chicken factory. Most hunters don't kill things most times they go afield. It's called hunting, not killing for a reason.



People hunt because its an enjoyable outdoor activity that requires skill. It is also a tradition for many people and a social activity. Finally, a successful hunt fills the freezer. For the non hunter, that's the best explanation to give. If you don't get it, you won't understand. A gun is a tool for hunting. Hunters have guns for the same reason a climber has a rope. It's an essential piece of equipment for the endeavor.



Other people have guns for protection againsts threats, real and perceived.



Others appreciate the historical aspect of guns and collect them.



Others appreciate the mechanical engineering aspect of guns. They're really remarkable pieces of machinery.



Others just enjoy to shoot. Guns go bang and make my inner child's heart sing.

Answer 12

To sum up all the other answers, it's because we want to. We don't need a reason to own a car capable of going 200mph and TV's that are 6 feet diagonal or computers with 3TB storage and 32GB RAM, but we have them because we want them. Same applies to firearms. A good minded person could own rocket launchers and not hurt anyone, while a bad minded person could hurt people with a BB gun. The fact is, we all have our own reasons. I personally don't hunt, I don't shoot competitively and I live in a relatively safe neighborhood. I have no thoughts of overthrowing the gov't. I own multiple guns because they are fun. I own 20 and 30 round magazines for my AR-15s because there's no reason I shouldn't own them.

Answer 13

I own guns because:

1) It is my right guaranteed by the constitution to defend against a tyrannical government. It has happened all throughout history and America isn't immune to tyranny.



2) I also own them for self defense. The paper pushers in Washington have no idea what it takes to defend your home if you live on the US-Mexico border and have to deal with illegals or possibly the cartels (who got their weapons from the US Government). Those people have plenty of need for weapons like the AR-15 in a home defense situation.



3) I own them for hunting. I don't hunt for sport. Anything that I kill gets eaten.



4) I own them for recreational shooting. If you've never been shooting I highly suggest going with a friend sometime, because its one of the most fun ways to spend free time (IMO).



And by the way your average citizen doesn't own automatic weapons. Those are extremely expensive and regulated.

Answer 14

1.Historical value. Many of the guns I own are "war trophy's" brought back by my Grandfather, Father and brother.



2. Investment value. Many of the guns I own have had a dramatic increase in value over the last 20 years



3. I hunt



4. Sport, I shoot competitively and for recreation



5. Defense, I live on the Mexican border. Additionally police response times nationwide have been increasing over the last decade



6. Because I can, same reason I own more than one camera, computer, automobile and DVD.

Answer 15

I hunt for sport but I won't kill a creature unless I plan to use it for meat and whatever else I can come up with. I apply the same rule for fishing. If I don't plan to eat the fish, I toss it back.



And I shoot for sport too. It's fun. I have "high powered semi automatic assault weapons" or at least that is what you and the media calls them. My Ak47 is an excellent hog gun and target shooting with it at 50 yards is pretty darn fun.



And a case of guns in the closet? I'm sure you don't understand how having more than a single pistol is beneficial to self defense. You are not into guns and next to marijuana and homosexuality, guns are the most misunderstood thing in our society. You don't understand because you are not interested in learning. Trust me. You can have your one pistol under your bed. I'll take my revolver in my nightstand, carbine in the kitchen closet, shotgun behind bathroom door, and the list of hiding places for an armed and defended individual goes on and on.



Lastly and what it seems that no liberal in America understands or respects is that for some people, guns are just an innocent hobby. It's a hobby that kills people just like poorly cooked food, fast sport cars, alcohol, tobacco, and more and more innate parts of our society.

Answer 16

1, to protect from tyranny. we are subject to more tyranny from government and other people who has a need to control everyone to their liking, than ever before. guns maintain freedom and keeps the individualism of america safe.

2, because the other stuff that goes bang is banned

3, because i like guns



no ethical (legal) hunter hunts just to kill things. hunting is about sporting, practicing a tradition that dates back to the dawn of man. the shot is just a tiny part of the whole adventure.



i own overpowered or 'excessive' gun because i like them and because i can... i have a right to own guns, no one has the right to define what kinds or 'taste' of firearm may i have.

Answer 17

You say, "I'm not bashing guns, I'm actually quite open-minded," ........... You're just joking with that part, right? ... Because you are obviously not open-minded at all... And being Anti-U. S. Constitution, or even hand-picked parts of it, does not make a person "Open minded".



Personally, I believe that if a person is opposed to the U. S. Constitution, or even parts of it, they should pack up and move to a country where they don't have to deal with such things.

Answer 18

Many reasons:



Target practice, competition, other [extremely fun/relaxing] recreational non-hunting sporting purposes.



Self defense and general preparedness



Enforcing our second amendment rights

Answer 19

same reason people own Ferraris or superbikes



same reason people own power tools or atvs



same reason people own electric food processors or 4 tvs



same reason people go to ninjitsu or kickboxing classes



same reason people enjoy a cheeseburger or popcorn



you dont really need all the above and the above often seems nonsensical to others, but heck, if youre a lawful contributor to society, if it rocks your world and you aint going out with the intention of hurting others going about their own lawful business then im fine with it - plus its great for the economy :0)



did you know that assault rifles are very expensive, theyre used in a tiny fraction of crimes due to their prohibitive cost and physical size, they have the same firing mechanism and bore as a pistol, hence why theyre rarely used to commit crimes, which is why im puzzled as to why they were the centerpiece of the recent anti-gun legislation...? :0/

Answer 20

It's just a hobby. If you play golf then you have golf clubs. I hunt so I have guns. Do you want the government telling you how many golf clubs you can have? I don't shoot people with my guns. If someone shoots another person, then go after the person who did the shooting, not the gun. If you bash someone over the head with a golf club, was it the golf club that was evil or was it you?

Answer 21

I hunt, I shoot sporting clays, personal protection, my guns are worth money.

Answer 22

Some keep it as a part of their occupation .

Some to do some bad works .

Some as a personal protection ~

Answer 23

I can literally give you a reason for every gun I own.



1) Marlin 60 .22 LR cal. Semi-automatic 18 round fixed tube magazine. Scoped. Best squirrel/chipmunk rifle I own. Around where I live squirrels and chipmunks will get into walls and tear things up. Their natural predators shy away from people, so they breed rampantly and must be controlled. Very accurate rifle that I've owned since I was 12, originally was my only rifle and owned for target shooting. I do eat the squirrels because I believe even hunting to control pests you should eat them if you can. The chipmunks are eaten by cat/dog. Is also used to hunt pigeons on family farm across town, since they cause thousands in crop damage.



2) SU-22 .22 LR cal. Semi-automatic 25 round detachable magazines. Red dot sight. Used for night hunting. Occasionally racoons move in and will attack the cat and go after neighbors chickens. They are mostly out at night, so a small cal semi auto with a red dot is needed since I'm not willing to pay thousands for night vision. Once your eyes adjust to the dark you can see them and the red dot is a 1x non-magnified sight that doesn't make it hard to acquire the target at night.



3) AK-47, 7.62x39 Semi-automatic, varying detachable magazines. 7.62x39 has ballistics very similar to 30-30, which is popular for close range deer hunting. But the 7.62 is cheaper. I believe that for clean kills practicing with your deer rifle is IMPORTANT. Therefore a cheaper round means I can practice more. When I practice more it's easy to get a heart shot and humanely kill the deer quickly. Open sights, used short range at my home in the woods.



4) Ruger American 30-06 bolt action, heavy 30mm tube scope. For longer range deer hunting at previously mentioned farm. In fields the ranges for shooting deer aren't as favorable for 7.62x39, and a 30-06 is needed for longer range humane kills. Hunting at the farm is a double purpose: hunting is a green way to get meat, and the deer do great damage to the crops on the farm and have to be controlled.



5) Beretta 92FS 9mm pistol. I live in Michigan, we have 4 of the top 10 most crime riddled cities in the U.S., and I regularly have to enter 3 of them (Flint, Lansing, and Detroit). When entering those areas not carrying is a mistake. A decent caliber full size pistol is ideal, and I dress to carry it since it's not something I have to carry every day. Yes, I have had to pull it a few times to protect myself and others, no I haven't had to fire it.



6) P-64 9x18 pistol. Very small pistol used for carrying for easy concealment. Bought after the Beretta since the Beretta is very difficult to conceal in some clothing. If entering dangerous areas without being able to dress to conceal the Beretta, the P-64 is used.



7) AK-74, 5.45x39 Semi-automatic, varying detachable magazines. (not to be confused with AK-47, similar rifles, different caliber) .22 LR rifles are great for pest control and some predator control, but not predators larger than weasels/coons and not even small varmints past 80 yards or so. 5.45 is a cheap and flat shooting varmint size round that is effective out much farther than the range of the 22 LR rifles, and can take coyote when they venture too close and threaten mine and neighbors pets. However, it proved not as accurate as needed for some ranges, which lead the next rifle.



8) AR-15, .223 cal Semi-automatic, varying detachable magazines. After the AK-74 proved not accurate enough for longer range coyote shots, the AR-15 was purchased instead. Even when hunting a predator that will kill my pets if given the chance, I still have a duty for humane kills, and accuracy is what allows that. The AR-15 is significantly more accurate and took over predator/long range pest duty from the AK-74.



All guns owned should be regularly practiced with, as accuracy is life and death for protection weapons, and is humane kills in hunting/pest control weapons. So target shooting is regularly done with all rifles/pistols owned.



People that live in cities, without predators, without large scale pest problems, that cannot hunt regularly, that live in safe areas and don't have to go in bad areas, etc (which describes much of the country's population) don't have a need to own guns (though they still have the right if desired). But they then extrapolate that experience to everyone. That's the mistake. Come live at my house for a week and you'll probably see 4 different guns used for 10 different reasons in 7 days. They are tools, and in many areas of the country they are important tools used daily.

Answer 24

Sorry Adam...but you're coming across as yet another Level one troll who IS anti-hunting and anti-gun.

Answer 25

It's a hobby. Instead of golf clubs, tees, golf bags and golf balls I have guns, targets, bullets and holsters.

Answer 26

Tyrannical Government. Sport in my narrow perspective, is immoral.

Answer 27

To bare arms and **** **** up

Answer 28

it makes me feel big and strong when i have a gun and it makes my penis bigger .............