I have always had mixed opinions about gun ownership. Between those people who think all handguns should be outlawed and those who think all handguns should be ruled by only minimal laws, I find myself in the middle.
It should be obvious, I own no gun. I would not know what to do with one if I did. However that (being ignorant of something) is no reason why my ignorance should rule public policy. As it is in the constitution I feel private gun ownership should be allowable BUT under strict regulation. Shoot (no pun intended) many other things are regulated and they have the *potential* to be less deadly than guns. So yes people should be able to own guns, but they should expect regulations.
My question does not rest on any prior assumptions, negative nor positive. I am just curious why a person makes the decision to own a gun? I do NOT believe it is an “extension” of one’s “manhood” or any other point like that. I would assume there are many reasons people make the decision to own….fear for personal safety...interest in guns as collectables, etc. But in the many gun diaries and discussions I have read here and elsewhere the reasons why individuals make the choice are not ever fully examined, sometimes strawmen are created, on both sides of the debate, etc., and this, in my view hides any chance of learning.
So,,,,,if you do not mind sharing your rational I’d appreciate it. I am *not* here to judge, just to learn.