Why Should You Own Firearms?
Why Should You Own Firearms?
It’s a question that many Americans ask themselves every day, and, in many cases, a hot-button political issue that constantly makes headlines; why should you be a gun owner? Now, I’m not going to sit here and tell you that you need a gun for self defense, or that the government is trying to take our guns away, or even that you’ll definitely enjoy owning and shooting guns in general, but I think it’s important to address the interest that many Americans have in gun ownership, and clear up the misconceptions that often get perpetuated.
First and foremost; you do NOT need to be a bible-thumping red-neck conservative to own firearms and enjoy shooting sports! Many stereotypes about gun owners often involve uneducated southern dudes who speak in an unintelligible accent, toting their guns around all day, yelling all sorts of profanities and causing problems. While there may be a real life version of this stereotype somewhere, this is simply not an accurate depiction of the average gun owner in the US. Among the millions of gun owners in the US, the overwhelming majority are average guys and girls, just like you and me. Maybe they have a rifle or two for hunting, some just have a shotgun for shooting skeet or trap, some have an assortment of guns that they keep for self defense, and many people simply collect and shoot firearms that interest them, like myself.
There are a couple of important questions you should ask yourself before you consider firearms ownership.
One: Are you a responsible, level headed and safety-oriented person?
If the answer is yes, congratulations! You’re the type of person who can safely handle firearms. Above all else, firearms safety is the most important aspect of owning and shooting firearms. Keeping the firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times, keeping your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot, and other rules are absolutely crucial to shooting firearms safely. Eye and ear protection is also a must!
Two: Do you enjoy trying fun and challenging activities?
Shooting sports are incredibly fun, and most people who haven’t tried them don’t know what they’re missing. The average shooter may enjoy plinking around on a backyard range, while more competitive people may pursue competition shooting, trap, skeet, or other target shooting contests. Give it a try! Who knows, maybe you’re a great shot.
Now to address the question of all questions; why should you own firearms?
Well, the answer is simple. If you’re interested in the idea of owning and shooting firearms, whatever that reason may be, you should own firearms, and go have fun shooting them. Every person that I currently shoot with started off no more knowledgeable than you are now. Though the firearms community may seem intimidating at first, I can assure you it’s not some secret club that you need to be inducted into. I can almost guarantee that any gun owner or shooter close to you, whether it be a friend or a family member or what have you, will absolutely take the time to introduce you to firearms, show you how to handle them safely, and teach you how to shoot. Shooters like myself are always looking for more people to shoot with, and we love to show them the ropes.
Start by looking up videos on YouTube about guns and about shooting in general, they’ll help you more than you may think. Now go on, get out there, and shoot safe.
Written by: Connor Carson