I am one of the dwindling number of Americans who have never owned a gun – or a rifle, semi-automatic, shotgun, or RPG.
I did practice using a rifle (M-16) with targets shaped like people in Basic Training, but the idea of firing at a real living person terrifies me. Tramping into the woods to hunt and kill deer or ducks doesn’t excite me either, though I can imagine that the camaraderie of friends dressed up in orange and camo, packing rifles on a camping trip in the woods could be exhilarating.
I just have no fascination with guns. I do not want them in my house or even close to me. I know this puts me in an effete club of sissies to a lot of folks. I’m writing this blog as a question to gun people. Why do you like firearms so much? Or maybe you don’t, but you regard them as necessary instruments of protection in a dangerous, disintegrating world.
I admit my ignorance in understanding the attraction of pistols and rifles. Skeet shooting I can understand because it is a skill, like playing ping-pong. But I just don’t feel the romance of guns.
So tell me your story about why you own a gun or rifle and what it means to you. And if you do not own one, why? If you hate them, why? Do you feel safer with guns around the house, or more threatened? This is a question that has rolled around in my head for a long time. Am I one of the last gun shunners in America?
Question: Why do you own a gun? Or, why don’t you?
Lloyd Graff is Owner and Chief Space Filler of Today’s Machining World, and Owner and Chief Space-Filler of Graff-Pinkert & Co.
88 Comments
YES , PLENTY OF THEM IN FACT !!
Hi Lloyd,
I grew up on a farm and learned at an early age how to safely handle and fire a firearm. I still do some hunting, but love to just go to the range and shoot at targets. I used to shoot competition when i was much younger and met many like minded people that just love to shot.
Never owned a gun, no interest. The damage they can inflict in the wrong hands make you wonder if we’d be better off without them.
It is the great equalizer between the thugs that want to do me or my family harm and myself who is getting older and less capable of hand to hand self defense. Even if were not diminishing in physical capabilty, how could I overcome multiple home invaders, etc?
Lastly, I own because it is my Constitutional right…it is worth participating and in the process protecting.
I own several guns, and carry one (legally) at all times. I have been a victim. I refuse to be a victim again. I am often called “paranoid” by people who do not know me for carrying a firearm, much like you labeled yourself a sissy in your article. I think they have their “p” works mixed up. I much prefer “prepared, protected, pro-active” to describe myself. My firearm is on my person whenever I am awake, even in my own home, and close by while I am sleeping. I didn’t set out in life to become a victim of violent crime, but I didn’t arm myself against it either at one point in time. Should someone else’s will ever attempt to overtake my own again, I will be better equipped to fight for my own life. This world has always been a violent place to be. I want the advantage to be in my favor.
Yes I own guns pleanty of them I have had guns most of my life. I feel safer with them around the house. I keep them locked up in a safe when not being used. I take my grandkids shooting all the time and they have a great time. When doing this I also teach them gun safety. Remember that a gun is a tool and like any tool should be treated with respect.
I’m an avid hunter, I enjoy hunting as it’s been part of our family for decades. I enjoy spending time with family and friends telling and hearing stories of past hunting trips. I also enjoy venison as table fare. I’ve been to other States and countries hunting small and large game. The money that sportsman spend is astronomical, it helps protect our wildlife and state parks throughout the US, without us the wildlife would not be in the shape it is today. I do feel safer in my house because I own a gun but would not want to use it against another human being unless it was to save a family member from harm. I agree the laws should be changed but a lot of thought needs to go into it before it can be changed. The laws are not stiff enough for people that effect harm on others by the use of a gun, if they were I believe things would be different.
Why do I own a gun? Why do I own a circular saw? A gun is a tool. It keeps crows out of the garden, groundhogs out of the cattle guard, skunks out of the garbage, and meat on the table. Not to mention the fact that police protection is a minimum of 45 minutes away.
I own a gun to protect my loved ones and myself. I want to be like a sheepdog protecting my sheep from the wolves. I think every American should protect their family and country from all who try to take something away. We are reponsable for the protection of our loved ones, not the police or government.
Very rarely do we read a story about a gun owner pulling out his concealed weapon to “save the day” against some perpetrator. Yea, I know the NRA publishes the rare occassions in their magazine.
I have a different idea. I don’t care if you have a gun or not – it’s your right. I think we need to pass a federal EXPOSED WEAPONS law. If you have a gun and want to wear it, then it must be on the outside of your clothing – be it a bathing suit or your winter overcoat. That way instead of the mostly amateur concealed weapon owner trying to pull his concealed gun out and shooting himself or some other innocent person, the gun owner would be able to have ready access to “save the day”.
The other benefit would be all the rest of us would know YOU have a GUN and could avoid the places you go because we don’t want to be caught in the crossfire nor in the errant shot the untrained, emotionally upset guy who wants to pull out his gun and shoot somebody.
It’s a win-win for everyone.
Yes I own gunS! I own them because it is my right as an American Citizen. I own them for my families protection and I like to hunt from time to time.
I’m a Vietnam combat vet Lloyd so I learned early on that if you are afraid to use a gun for your own defense that you won’t have to worry about it very long. My father taught me that too because he was with Patton’s third army at Bastogne until the end of WW2 and saw the death camps first hand….something he never forgot.
About 6 million Jews leaned that same awful lesson starting in the mid 1930’s as they willingly gave up their guns to a dictator who then proceeded to murder them….or do you think someone made all that up as some Islamist lunatics do?
Guns in the hands of law abiding citizens are not dangerous Lloyd they have only been portrayed as such by those who want to disarm the citizenery and take them away. Guns in the hands of criminals are dangerous and the only protection from them are owning your own guns.
You of course have the right not to own them but I have a feeling if you had the opportunity to vote my right to own a gun away that you would! Would I obey such a law? Hell NO….sorry but that’s just me.
I own several guns but shoot them very infrequently. I learned to hunt at the age of 8. I stopped deer hunting 40 years ago because of the number of hunters with high velocity guns. I shoot sporting clays and skeet now. I shoot with my son when he visits. Sporting clay is more like golf than ping pong. Certainly a skill. I will go bird hunting if the right opportunity arises. It is a hobby, an avocation, a leisure time activity. I don’t carry a gun, but living in a rural area being invaded by Urban building, I made sure my wife can shoot. We live in Texas and would be thieves think twice about breaking and entering here.
Yes I do and I’m very proud to be an American. I sot to kill and eat what I kill!
Prohibition did nothing to stop alcohol production or consumption so why would anyone with even the slightest bit of common sense assume that gun control laws would have a different result? The communities in the U.S. with the strictest gun control laws have the highest crime rates and those with the least restrictive laws have the lowest. Hey, but let’s not let the facts get in the way of idealism.
Loyd,
I grew up in a home where there were a couple of guns. My Dad never hunted , but would dispatch garden pests from time to time. When some relatives came hunting on our property, I was allowed to walk with them and after that I knew that I needed to hunt as well. The thought of hunting, preparing and eating the pheasants, rabbits, and deer apealed to me and I don’t really know where that came from.
Lloydski,
Before I was drafted I never owned a gun or fired a rifle so when the instructor was instructing I listened. It paid off…..fired expert with three different rifles in three different locations.
Today I keep weapons to protect myself from animals.
Clayton
As a retired law enforcement officer and gun owner for a very long time, I look at guns as tools. Tools for specific uses, hunting, self-defense or the defense of others, target shooting for fun. Tools. I also own a large selection of DeWalt power tools. Just tools.
If you are squeamish about defending yourself or your family, in my world you’re considered sheep, not an insult, just an observation. I am a sheepdog, my role in the world is to protect and guide the sheep to safety. That said, you should not be critical of sheepdogs, you might need one sometime, when the police can’t be there to protect you. And I carry a gun because a gun is a lot lighter than a cop 🙂
I own several guns. It makes me feel more secure knowing I could at least try to protect myself. Beacuse the police are never as close as you need them to be when your life is in danger. At the same time I dread the thought of actually having to use them for self defense.
Even if I did feel 100% safe I would still most likely have a gun or 2 for target shooting. I just like shooting I guess. If it was not a gun I am sure it would be a bow if no bow something else its just what I like to do.
In response to hunting I don’t really get it either not my thing. I know how just in case I ever had to but it’s not something I do for fun.
I’ve owned guns most of my life but didn’t start hunting until my mid forties. I enjoy the precision of target shooting; strange as it may sound it relaxes me. The hunting started when I realized a simple fact… I eat meat and something has to die in order for me to consume it. It may sound simplistic but at least I’m taking responsibility for my choice. I deer hunt mostly because my family loves venison and I live in a state where its possible to fill your freezer.and not need to buy anything at a grocery store.
Hello,
Interesting question and something I have struggled with as well. I am a gun owner and feel safer for having one in my home. I also believe there is some truth to the saying ” An armed society is a polite society”. I also think a certain amount of training needs to be had, similar to the carry requirements in Texas. That being said, I believe you are from Chicago and the Benji Wilson story has been brought to light recently with an ESPN documentary, unfortunately, I just don’t think much change around here in the almost 30 years since he was killed. Is gun ownership to blame?
I have a number of guns for my personal protection and protection of the business. When I was younger, the burglar alarm went off at my business and I would always go over with a loaded gun. Today I am more than happy to let people “steal my stuff ” (they never do as we have low crime where I live at). Someone coming in my home is a different matter, I would shoot to kill. I own a campground / forest with 120 acres. I don’t allow hunting. I like animals. I am not opposed to hunting in cases where people consume the meat. I am personally opposed to trophy hunting. I don’t voice my opinion as there are things I do that other people don’t like. If I lived in a large city Chicago, New York or L.A. etc I would be terrified to not have a handgun. I would have a hand gun permit and I would start wearing boots with a handgun inside.
Our “Founding Fathers” were fascinated with the concept of freedom and liberty and understood the importance that weapons hold in regards to an individuals ability to remain free. The second amendment is very clear and concise The right to keep and bare arms shall not be infringed, it is a stretch to believe it was written to protect hunters and target shooters! Which is a prevalent interpretation by bleeding hearts.
I own a safe full of guns. If my house is broke into I will protect my family. I’m certain that individual didn’t come for a midnight snack. How long will it take for the police to arrive if you can get to a phone? Longer than it would take for the thug to rape or kill a member of your family. I think the thug that was shot by the 12 year old girl hidding in the closet would tell you that the pistol was definately an equalizer. BTW she had never pulled a trigger in her life. That just happened a week ago. Hunting is a wonderful time with friends & family. Watching a dog work a bird in heavy cover couldn’t be any better. It’s a little tough to hit a bird on the wing with a stick. Shooting as a family is a wonderful past time it’s much better than watching your kids play video games.
I own many guns, collect them, sell them, and I have a concealed permit to carry one, which I do quite often. I consider myself one of the good guys. I was always taught there are indeed three types of people in the world; sheep, sheepdogs, and wolves. (The shepard is the higher power, not for humans). I will do what I can to protect the sheep from the wolves, but I will do it in a calm but determined manner if necessary. I don’t blame anyone for not wanting to own or handle guns, they can be quite damgerous in the wrong hands. I ONLY take exception to people telling me that they don’t want me to own guns because they don’t happen to like them, or because they make them feel uncomfortable. I mean, I don’t really care for Subarus, but i would never suggest that they be taken away from people because of it, and they are the cause of more death in the US than any guns are. (OK,….cars in general, not just Subarus).
Lloyd, I as others here own many. They do much more than level the playing field, it will be a complete surprise to a thug as they clearly expect the average citizen to just be another victim of their behavior. You clearly exercise your 1st amendment right yet not your 2nd, why? If you fail to exercise your 2nd, you will surely lose your 1st one day, and wonder why. I no longer hunt. I just practice on paper targets for both hand gun and precision shooting at long distances. Plus you are into metal cutting machinery. Weapons are well made machines. If nothing else, go rent one and shoot for 1/2 hour so you can appreciate the fine work of art they really are. It probably won’t convert you but will increase your understanding of another subject matter around you.
Lloyd,
Actually you fit very well into the current administration’s view of weapons. I assume in the very near future our soldiers will fight with subpoenas viewed on the goverment issued ipads for the joyful approval of the admin & others with child like view of guns and their place.
Unfortunately you are in direct opposition to the machining industry you profess to represent. Many multi spindle machines & your customers vigorously support the gun/ammunition industry, ourselves included.
Guns have been around probably longer the gun shunners and have always been the true symbol of what freedom in society and this country is about. Yeah, freedom of speech is great but we rarely talk about it unless people are spewing hate, and then it is defended. Guns are not a symbol of hate, they provide for a family, they protect a home, they stand for liberty and truth in the birth of a nation, and they supress violence when needed in a volitale world (you do know Detroit – right). I know they can just go to the store and pick up Tofu and bean sprouts, so why the guns?
You suprise me that you are ex-Military. Most old guard understand the need for guns and their proper function. Maybe we would have been better served with the ‘Don’t ask, Don’t tell’ policy in this regards to your military experience and view on guns, because I guarantee in this industry you are in the minority and I wish now that I did not know this about you.
Yes I own several guns. I live about eight minutes out of town. There is usually one or
two deputies covering the entire county overnight. I would consider myself VERY
lucky if I called 911 and they responded in less than five minutes. Probably more like ten minutes. I don’t know of any armed criminal or criminals breaking down my door that will let me call time out and wait for the police to show up. I would rather have a way to fight back than to let someone do any kind of harm to my wife or kids. Would anyone like to be thrown in a room with a crazy drugged up criminal for ten minutes without some way of protecting themselves? I hope never to have to shoot another person, but I’ll be darned if I’m going down without a fight.
Own many, have been taught safty and respect for them as well we pass that on. My belief is it is ” Better to have a gun and not need it then to need a gun and not have it “
I have no interest in firearms, but can certainly understand their appeal for sport and/or protection. Although you could argue that the constitutional right to bear arms only has to do with maintaining a miltia (which is what the amendment says, although militia don’t exist as they did in the 18th century), the history of gun ownership and use is also a deep cultural one that has little to do with the second amendment. Acknowledging that gun ownership is going to stay could diffuse the strident arguments on both sides and allow us to approach gun ownership and use pragmatically. For example, gun registration and required firearms training could help law enforcement and improve gun safety. We require registration and training/licensing to own and operate a car, why not a gun, given their potential for inadvertent injury and their attractiveness to thieves?
I don’t think it is wise to advertise your name and the fact that you don’t or won’t own a gun. The best home security system you can have – response time exceeds 1200 feet per minute. Someone should come out with a motion sensor system that turns all the lights off when someone enters the “no zone”…..and then they hear the universal sound of a pump shotgun loading.
Lars
and yes, my wife owns a pistol and enjoys target shooting….and yes, my grandchildren have guns and learned gun safety at a very early age.
I grew up on a farm and learned how to use a gun at the age of 12, I used to hunt all the time when I was younger,not so much any more, still have guns always will .
There is so much going on in this country not to have a gun. I think every one should learn how to use a gun safely, so if there would ever be a time where it would be needed you would know what to do. If they would take guns away from every one it would only couse
more problems, becouse people who use guns wrongfully would still have access to them, so it would make crime only grow.
I own several guns but I do not shot very often. I have trained all of my kids to shot and to be comfortable with a firearm. I belief the our founding fathers thought that our right to bear arms was and is an important balance of power. If you consider the armed civilian population in the US we have the world largest standing army. I believe that this gives our enemies pause when considering an invasion. I know some may think that these kind of comments are ridiculous but I would rather have a strong deterrent that is never used than to need our guns and not have them.
I also grew up on a Dairy Farm in the midwest where weapons were always aroound. From the first gun I owned (a Daisy BB Gun) as kids we were taught how to handle weapons safely and responsibly. Although I do not own a hand gun I have many other firearms used for hunting. Although I am sure our country founders never believed “that the right to bear arms” would eventually include automatic weapons. I am all for owning weapons but also being responsible with the discharge of them.
I grew up in a household where my father was an avid hunter, and took my brother and me hunting with him as we came of age. We learned proper gun care, etiquette and safety from a very early age. I’m very comfortable around them and not so surprisingly so is my wife, who is the daughter of a retired (and unfortunately now deceased) Police Sargent, who while he did not instill in her the use of the firearm, he did instill the need to be prepared if needed. Currently I own a couple of pistols, all legally registered, one from my grandfather and one left to me by my father-in-law, and they act as the last resort for protection of my family, if they are ever needed as well as perhaps a remembrance of hunting with my grandfather, or of my father in law who after a 25 year career, drew his pistol only once and never shot anybody. While I enjoyed hunting with the friends and relatives, I am too busy with work and family to hunt, and truth be told, for all the years of deer hunting, I never shot one, because I was too much into the cameraderie and not as much into shooting a deer. Pheasant on the other hand, are tasty and I shot my share. It isn’t so much a love of guns, as it is a part of our family life, and a protection of that life. I live in a suburb of Detroit, and just Wednesday, an armed robber took three employees hostage at a Taco Bell less than a mile from my house and locked them in the freezer while he stole the safe. Luckily no one was hurt, but it can happen anywhere and I’m not taking chances. Sorry for the stream of consciousness on this, just a Friday morning kind of feeling.
That’s a dumb question. It’s like asking why you like football. We all have different interests. I have several but don’t fire them often. I like collecting them. It’s the one investments where I have never lost money.
It’s a topic that can polarize. I appreciate how thoughtful most people’s responses are. Here’s the question that I think about –
Confrontation in progress.
Don’t know if the perp is armed, and if so, how their response to my gun will unfold.
Can I get to it fast enough and accurately enough to gain the advantage?
If not perfect, can the confrontation be resolved without bloodshed after introducing another gun to the equation?
With no gun, the confrontation can also end with bloodshed but does it have a higher chance of being resolved without injury.
Guns are a fact of life.
Not clear that having a gun makes me safer.
In Aurora, had any of the movie goers had a gun, I think they could have saved many lives by shooting the perp in camo.
Each circumstance is different.
In the case of the anonymous female, I think she is safer because she has decided to be exceptionally vigilant. This approach to life is a decision that changes the way one lives. I understand why she does it and probably think I would do the same if I were in her shoes. Until you live it, you can’t speak for anyone else. All the rest is theory.
I am not a gun owner – I do not hunt so have no need for a rifle. There needs to be restrictions on the type of weapons that can be sold over the counter and at gun shows to individuals – too many get into the hands of the wrong people – but the NRA continues to give money to those running for office- so nothing will change – and innocent people including children will continue to be killed.
I don’t think it is a good idea to have a society where the only people having weapons are people in the government. The right of the people to keep and bear arms was written into the bill of rights specifically to provide free people a last resort protection against tyranical government.
Hi Lloyd,
I too own many guns. I own them for different reasons. My Father was a collector since he was a little boy and I followed in his footsteps. We hunted with my Grandfather, Uncles, Dad, Cousins and I cherished those times. I still hunt today and miss my Grandpa, Uncle, and Father terribly. However, when I’m hunting and perhaps carrying my Grandpas gun or my Uncles hunting knife, I feel an emotional attachment. Most Non hunters and anti gun people would never be able to understand exactly how personal a gun or knife can be to someone. I love the beauty of fine wood and deep bluing of a fine gun. I love the mechanics of an old rifle, shotgun, or pistol. Many of these being made long before electricity. Guns with knicks and bangs that could tell a story from being thrown from a horse, or being shot at, or?
I’m not a fan of “black guns”, however it’s our constitutional right to own them. So I don’t hold it against anyone owning them. I personally don’t like Fords, but I don’t think they should be outlawed. Law abiding gun owners follow the laws. The criminals do not. Actually, the criminals really don’t care about gun laws. Remember, they are criminals. Chicago has some of the strictest gun laws in the Country and more shootings than I can even fathom. So, I don’t see where excessive gun laws work at all. I also would rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6. Do yourself a favor, and go look at some high quality hunting rifles, shotguns, and handguns and admire the machining and workmanship that went into them. You might be surprised. Read the book about John M Browning, one of the most prolific inventors in the history of firearms. It is truly nothing short of amazing. Guns have a strong place in American History and just because someone doesn’t agree with gun ownership, they shouldn’t try to have them outlawed!
Loyd,
I grew up in a home where there were a couple of guns. My Dad never hunted , but would dispatch garden pests from time to time. When some relatives came hunting on our property, I was allowed to walk with them and after that, I knew that I needed to hunt as well. The thought of hunting, preparing and eating the pheasants, rabbits, and deer apealed to me and I don’t really know where that came from.
As I matured and contemplated what I was going to do for income, I pursued a career in machining. As you aspire to devlop your skill you build an appreciation of craftsmanship and quality design.If you ever get the opportunity to examine a fine german drilling or
I own guns because I have the right to. As a tool for hunting, as protection for my family, and as something to do to enjoy the recreation of target shooting. Guns always get a bad rap, but the reality is, it isn’t the guns that commit the crimes, people do! There are tens of millions of law-abiding people that own guns and will NEVER commit a crime with them. But yet, for so many anti-gunners the answer is “ban firearms” The only thing that will do is keep guns out of the hands of the people that enjoy them for activities such as hunting and target shooting and want them to protect their families. Criminals will always find ways to acquire them. Drugs are illegal, but how many millions of people use them? A lot of people are killed in car accidents involving drunk drivers every year. But yet, neither alcohol nor vehicles are illegal! The point of all this is simple, stop making good, honest, law-abiding citizens pay for the crimes of others. Anything can be used as a weapon, a knife, a hatchet, a baseball bat, a 2″ X 4″. Whatever. If someone has it in their heart to do evil and commit murder, they are going to do it regardless of what weapon they have available, The REAL problem lies within our society and our total lack of morality and not bringing up our kids with the knowledge of what is right and wrong and not showing them the value of human life. Guns are good. Some people are bad. Change the bad people. It all starts in the home.
I was brought up with weapons in my home and I was a deputy sheriff on an emergency squad for a number of years. I can’t tell you how hard we tried to help and quickly respond to people in times of trouble!! Problem is we couldn’t get there in 10 sec’s. or 10 minutes. Peolple have to be ready when something hits the fan.
Lloyd,
I do own some guns – pistols, shotguns, and rifles – that I use for protection at home, hunting, and sport shooting.
The reason for Americans to own guns is because it is a constituional right of the 2nd amendment.
An additional reason is the number of jobs and capital spent on the manufacturing, (do you want to lose this market for your machines?), marketing, and sales of guns, ammunition, gun accessories, and etc.
The additional item to consider is the amount of monies generated by our state departments of natural rescources that sale the hunting and trapping licenses every year.
Growing up in the south guns were and are part of everyday life for hunting,protection of livestock from predators as well as personal protection.Atlanta was just named as the 6th most dangerous city in America and even though i live an hour away i feel the need to have a firearm in the house to protect my family if the need arises.Guns when handled properly as with anything are safe to own. Guns in the hands of the mentally ill or untrained pose a threat to anyone.If you own a gun or are thinking of owning one, get trained and keep all firearms locked away from children.
I own a number of shotguns, game rifles, a 22 rifle, and several pistols. I started hunting when I was about 11 years old and today I really enjoy duck hunting, goose hunting, dove and quail, as well as deer hunting. Some years I get out in the field 10 or 11 times, some years less. I also enjoy the range and I hae taught all my kids (and my wife) to shoot safely and may of them hunt as well. So my main reason I own guns is the enjoyment of hunting and shooting. I hope I never have to use my weapons to defend myself or my family, but if the need arises I would do it without hesitation. I find the urban liberals who want to end private fun ownership offensive to both common sense and the Constitution.
I am guessing that in your car, there isn’t a roll of duct tape, tools and emergency supplies. Preparation for the unexpected to handle anything that can get you out of a sticky situation. Calling a tow truck is a 1/2 to 2 hour solution to most people and the time lost is not a life threating. The same thought pattern for preparation for the unexpected is protecting your home from an intruder. How long to you have before the police arrive, 5 to 15 minutes and this is life threating. Owning and have a gun is the preparation for the unexpected. It carries the responiblity and fear that it maybe discharge in error. But it is the equalizer for the weak against the strong and the many. By the way that Baseball bat by your bed is useless in a hallway, in the dark, or against more that one person.
Lloyd,
Yes I am a trained and legal concealed handgun carrier and long gun own/shooter. My biggest concern is the number of permits being issued to totally untrained people. A one day class does not turn a novice into a responsible and safe gun owner/carrier. No more that I could teach a novice to tool a job on an Acme or any other bar machine. I am a strong advocate of stricter training before issuing carry permits.
Not my own words, but definitely my sentiments:
“I don’t carry a gun because I feel inadequate,
I carry a gun because; without a weapon and facing three armed thugs, I am inadequate.”
“Police protection is an oxymoron.
Free citizens must protect themselves.
Police do NOT protect you from crime, they usually just investigate the crime after it happens and then call someone to clean up the mess.”
I would rather make a mess of my attackers than be the remnants of what needs cleaning up.
As the old, tried and true adage goes, better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
First off I would not label you a sissy. I respect your position on firearms ownership or not to own. Conceal carry licenses are not handed out willy nilly. You have to spend a number of hours in class and on the firing range and pass a test in order to qualify. Secondly, while you are going through the process, your are being evaluated physiologically, to see if you have the mental capacity to have a concealed carry license. So you could pass all the written and live fire and still not get a license. I live near the most violent city in Illinois, response time to my neighborhood is 15 minutes, even if you tell 911 “shots fired.” Thirdly, if I was in your business or neighborhood and you were in a life threading situation, I would come to your aid and think no lesser of you as a person.
Never owned a Gun. Not much desire. However, when you look at places like Iran or Cuba, where the citizens aren’t allowed to have guns it’s impossible for them to overthrow their enslaving regimes. Do you think if the Iranian people had guns they may have been able to overthrow the government a few years ago?
On the other hand, having walked around freely at late hours of the night in places like Japan and Cuba where you feel safe because nobody has guns, that’s pretty awesome. But as people sometimes say, Slavery may be terrible, but at least it’s safe.