For The Love Of... Guns? Why are they so loved?

[Neverhoodian]

The country's finest hour? Shooting Nazis (Yes, I know, we didn't really do that much but we think we did so thats what matters).

[footnote]Deliberate pun[/footnote]

I would strongly refute that assertion with a lengthy analysis, but that would run the risk of derailing the thread. I'll just point out the <a href=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lend-Lease>immense boon Lend-Lease provided to Allied countries even before official American entry into the War (and that's not even covering how the U.S. was able to successfully wage a war on multiple fronts, or how its entry was a huge morale boost to other Allied countries). I realize public perception has greatly exaggerrated America's feats, but I think some folks go too far the other way in an attempt to counter-act it.

Anywho, back to the subject at hand...

I would be lying if I said I don't find them intriguing on some level...and that's coming from a strong gun control advocate with no intention of ever obtaining one (I have fired them on occasion, though). It could be their glitzy presentation in games, films and other media. I mean, try watching one of Ahoy's "Iconic Arms" videos and tell me you don't want to at least try them out for a test fire...

Spoiler

Gotta say though, not a fan of the rise in painting/accessorizing guns nowadays. It looks tacky and makes it feel more like a toy than a deadly weapon. Keep it classic metal and wood for me.

Of course, my interest in history probably helps as well. I do volunteer work at a local air museum, and one of the most memorable experiences for me was when a fellow docent showed off some vintage rifles from his collection, including an M1 Garand and a Springfield Model 1892 used in the Spanish-American War. It's always a treat for me to see and hold a piece of military history like that.

 

[Spade Lead]

The difference is more of a life and death thing. I mean, video games don't kill people. DO NOT SHOW ME A CRAZY CASE SUGGESTING OTHERWISE. Also every time a video game accidently starts up, you don't have to inform the authorises about it.

I am not even pro or anti gun, just wanted to know why is their so much love towards it.

Because it is fun. I learned to shoot in the military, and have been shooting a few times since I got out, and it is just genuinely fun and relaxing. A good way to spend a day.

It is actually more fun the building a car and racing it since you are less likely to break it, and if something does go wrong, you are not going to spend $3,000 repairing it. But I still have to say that cars are my favorite hobby, and I don't own a firearm, either.

 

[Spade Lead]

You can't talk about American history and culture without talking about the firearm. Its 100% ingrained in the nation's identity. The formation of the country? Armed revolution against a foreign body. The greatest crisis in the country's history? Armed conflict between brothers and sisters over, more or less, the country's soul. The country's finest hour? Shooting Nazis[footnote]Yes, I know, we didn't really do that much but we think we did so thats what matters.[/footnote]. The bedrock upon which the country exists today? Western expansion facilitated by frontiersman who were of course armed with rifles.

I really, really don't like this explanation. I've seen it a number of times and it's just...I don't think that makes any sense. We, as a world, tend to use the most efficient weapons for killing in conflicts. Ever since guns came out, they have been the most efficient. In Europe, guns started being used in 16th century, if memory serves correctly. Since they became popular, pretty much everybody wanted to use them. Although, they were expensive, so not everybody could afford them. Some didn't actually want guns, though like the Ottoman empire which suffered a number of defeats over years, of not a couple of decades, because they kept literally bringing knives (albeit oversized ones) to a gun fight. Eventually, though, even they realised that running at the enemy and trying to cut or stab them to death was outdated.

So by the time we roll around to the 18th century, guns weren't really "exclusive" any more but pretty much expected in a conflict. As such, brandishing in battle shouldn't really be considered special. Now, if the newly born USA used swords, or halberds, or, dunno, maybe corkscrews, then that would have been noteworthy. Guns? Maybe if it was a very specific gun - like a particular model of a handgun or a rifle that was predominantly used for whatever reason. That's not the case - it's just guns in general. Sure, they might have been the main weapons used but they were also the main weapons used by everybody else at the time. You may as well claim that walking on your feet is a very key part of 's history because at all major events the residents have done that.

You don't have to like it, it just is true, the same way some people don't like the idea that the world is heating up and we are ruining the environment, just because you don't like it or believe it doesn't make it wrong.

 

[Parasondox]

The difference is more of a life and death thing. I mean, video games don't kill people. DO NOT SHOW ME A CRAZY CASE SUGGESTING OTHERWISE. Also every time a video game accidently starts up, you don't have to inform the authorises about it.

I am not even pro or anti gun, just wanted to know why is their so much love towards it.

Excuse me if this comes off as harsh, but that very idea of "DON'T LINK ME TO A CRAZY CASE SUGGESTING OTHERWISE" smacks of 'I'll only accept the dangers of what I want to accept'.

Reason why I put the sentence there was because I know someone will post several links connecting video games to personal harm or even death. I there is, I just didn't want it to get into a debate about video games and death. So really, it doesn't smack of "I'll only accept the dangers of what I want to accept".

Okay, let's snip this there and there and that.

I do not know if that was a direct response to someone else's post or the main post but my analysis wasn't US based only. They were an example. Of course the world is involved. I have seen failed videos. Scary. From spears to drones, humans will always find ways of advancing warfare and getting a one up on its "enemy".

 

[Leg End]

DID SOMEONE SAY A GUN THREAD MADE BY A PARA
Ooh, gun thread!
TL;DR, America loves them because we have them. It's a circle of fun.

Does it really matter? Should I start an inquisition here about why people love video games so much? Gun collecting'/shooting is literally just like any other hobby. As for why they get defensive, it's just like when gamers and the Internet get angry when people try and enforce laws and rules on them. It's threatening something they care about, that's coming from people who don't know jack about it.

You could just /thread right here really.

The difference is more of a life and death thing. I mean, video games don't kill people. DO NOT SHOW ME A CRAZY CASE SUGGESTING OTHERWISE.

But I can show you many case involving game addiction/hard feelings over a game resulting in death.

Also every time a video game accidently starts up, you don't have to inform the authorises about it.

Don't have to with guns, either.

I am not even pro or anti gun, just wanted to know why is their so much love towards it.

Because craftsmanship, history, and freedom.

Because it gives people a sense of power, I guess?

Plausible for some I imagine.

I don't like guns. They're scary. I've shot a fire arm before (sports reasons), and while I liked aiming and it actually ended up being a decent shot, I hated everything that followed directly after I pulled the trigger.

Not an uncommon event.

The bang, the recoil... It became so very, very clear how much damage it could do. Even though I was the one holding it, I felt a little unsafe.

Also a bit of a natural reaction for some. I trust that the person handing you a firearm was clear about safety procedures?

Like, why should I be trusted with something like this?! I'm just an ordinary person!

That's exactly why you should be. No man is cut from such a cloth as to be superior to the rest in their ability to be trusted and treated beyond anyone else. I'd also like to ask if you feel the same way about motor vehicles?

The idea that people genuinely like everything I hated about it, scares me even more.

From your perspective. Many people like the skill that goes into carefully placing a shot on target and feeling the recoil to feel awake and at the ready.

I think that, like many sorts of power, it's something best left in the hands of people who are responsible enough to not want it.

There is seriously about a 0% chance of that ever happening with any kind of power.

It's quite a bit different. Video games, for one, are an artistic expression: they contain ideas, stories. Most importantly, they do not cause harm.

The last bit can be considered debatable.

Guns are weapons. It's no comparison, really.

Are you implying that guns cannot be art?

Plenty of calls for regulation or prohibition come from people who know about them (sometimes too much).

Got any sources? I haven't seen a reasonable argument from any politician or similar that knew even the slightest bit what they were talking about. At all.

You mean the piece of concept art of a shitty ass derringer that a company put out which would be classed as an AOW and virtually nobody would buy but had Schumer crapping his pants anyway? That gun?

Oh yeah, you mean that piece of shit that just looks like the Taurus Curve but worse? And that probably will explode in your hand? They're getting their pants wet over that?

 

[Something Amyss]

I really, really don't like this explanation.

You may not like it, but it is a thing. Firearms are inexorably linked to freedom and individualism in the US.

 

[Bob_McMillan]

No idea.

My grandfather once showed me a handgun and a revolver that was left over from his gun collection, and his library was full of Guns n' Ammo magazines as well as Glock magazines (which I stole, because I was a young kid who just got into Call of Duty). He let me hold it, and I have to admit I was pretty scared.

I am a pretty negligent person, so I am well aware that I cannot be trusted with owning a weapon. I would like to shoot one though, once in my life.

 

[Saltyk]

There's a ton of reasons to love guns, or at least view them as a necessity.

For starters, in some areas of the country, people may use guns to help protect livestock. For instance, when I lived in Michigan, I had friends that had to worry about some animals (I believe raccoons) killing their chickens. People don't want to give up guns when part of their livelihood depends on them.

Then there are hunters. In a lot of states (e.g. Michigan, Pennsylvania), hunting is a major past time. It's not uncommon for politicians there to go after a rival by claiming that their proposals would put restrictions on hunting. Some people fear gun restrictions would take away (or reduce) the enjoyment (and potential food) they get from hunting.

And then there are people who like shooting sports. Actually, a vast majority of the people I know who are really into guns just like going to a range with a few friends and shooting at targets. It's relaxing and good for socializing and fun competition.

Finally, you'll occasionally get the instances where the person feels legitimately in danger and wants a gun for protection. This is used a lot in ads, but I've rarely seen it play out in real life. It certainly isn't as common as the above reasons.

Edit: Actually, one more reason: A lot of people like collecting guns. I'd imagine this is similar to the desire to collect other weapons like swords or knives.

Basically, think of guns like alcohol. You can easily pull out a lot of statistics on both that show how they are a danger to both the user and those around the user. But any restrictions will be seen as punishing the vast majority of legitimate, safe users because a small percentage misuse whatever it is. As a result, those will probably have a hard time catching on.

That said, most gun owners I know aren't completely opposed to better regulations here. It's just that their voice tends to get drowned out by the NRA leadership.

I'd like to add to this. Plenty of people live in rural areas. Look at a map of any US State. While a large percentage of people probably live in and around the state capital, half or more live in the rest of the state. And that's a lot of people over a lot of space. If you live in a rural area, you can bet the police will take a half hour to arrive at your home if you call 911. If someone is in your house, and it takes the police a half hour to show up, they might end up investigating a homicide when they arrive.

My parents live off a dirt road in the middle of nowhere. They own guns. If they didn't and someone attacked them, they may not survive.

Also, a mountain lion apparently attacked a horse they owned years ago.

 

[Ftaghn To You Too]

I love guns because I enjoy shooting them. Going to the range and firing at targets is extremely enjoyable. I love the history that comes with many firearms. I like the mechanical ingenuity that many guns display. I like to be able to hunt, if I were to choose so (and I personally don't). I like that I can protect myself with them, as I live in a very rural area that has abysmal emergency response rates. I like that I can keep pests off my property with them.

They're just a tool, one that can be extremely useful and even enjoyable if used safely. Any tool can be misused, but both myself and the vast majority of people I know who also own guns, and I would argue the majority of those who own them legally, do not abuse them.

 

[Vigormortis]

Aaaaaanywho. Why are guns so loved. So, embraced. So... loved.

Why is anything loved? Each person you ask will give you a different answer.

You're asking a question that can only be answered with subjective opinions. So any expectations of an objective answer should be dropped right now.

I mean in the US, if you mention any sort of gun control, people lose their shits.

And just as many who "lose their shits" when we don't blanket-ban ALL guns. Like with any topic, there are vocal extremes.

I gave seen those documentaries where parents would by their little ones guns and customise it and love it and name it, take it out for dinner, buy it some sexy Victoria Secret. The works.

Again, extremes. There are people who literally buy houses for their pet chihuahuas. There are people who spend two, three, fours times as much on customization kits for their cars then they actually spent buying that car.

People are crazy. Thus is humanity.

What's the obsession about. Is it a penis thing? It's a penis thing isn't it? A small piece?

Anymore than buying a big car? Or buying the most comics? Or having the most expensive watch? Or building the most muscle mass?

If it relates to a guy, it's almost always about the penis.

Why do guns get so much love? I mean, are they God?... Of course not you dumbass!!

They get at much hate as they get love. Likely even more indifference.

And how DARE you say guns aren't God! Blasphemer! Heathen!

 

[Drathnoxis]

I think this should provide an adequate explanation:

 

[Parasondox]

Anymore than buying a big car? Or buying the most comics? Or having the most expensive watch? Or building the most muscle mass?

If it relates to a guy, it's almost always about the penis.

Aren't most wars started because of a penis. Penetrating the enemy, spreading the area, getting into the right position, completing the mission, pulling out when needed, cleaning up afterwards.

Penis' are dangerous and ugly to be fair.

 

[DudeistBelieve]

I can see the appeal of owning a gun. If you're really aware of all the bad things that can happen to you, you would want something on you to feel less vulnerable. I go to the gym every morning for a workout, I'm sorrounded by virtual strangers. Whats to stop any of them from shooting up the place with a machine gun because they're one of those red pill mofuckers who don't get laid? Or because of some religious idolity?

Or hell, we live in a world were people still get made to bite the curb because they're waving the rainbow flag, and for no other reason. The world really is a deep dark scary place at times.

That said... When push comes to shove, I don't want one. I dunno, I feel like it's too much power for anyone person to have. You hear all the time about people who heard a noise in the middle of the night and they shoot their kid thinking they were an intruder. Maybe if I lived alone, it be a different story. I don' know.

I know a lot of gun owners aren't fucking batshit insane like the NRA is and actually do support reasonable gun control laws, they just are rural folk that want to be able to pass their rifles on to their kids or sell them without dealing with paperwork and I can respect that. Also in those rural areas, the nearest cop might be like an hour and a half away. Hell your nearest neighbor too.

 

[Silvanus]

The last bit can be considered debatable.

It can, but it shouldn't, really.

Are you implying that guns cannot be art?

The vast majority of them aren't. If there are beautifully carved guns out there, they could be pieces of art, but they need not also be functional weapons.

Got any sources? I haven't seen a reasonable argument from any politician or similar that knew even the slightest bit what they were talking about. At all.

This [http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/the-simple-truth-about-gun-control] fella seems to know what he's talking about.

You may not have seen any reasonable arguments because you don't consider them reasonable, not because they are not reasonable.

 

[Zhukov]

They make people feel powerful. With good reason. After all, you can give a skinny twelve year old a gun and ten minutes of instruction and they'll be more deadly than almost any person on the planet who is not holding a gun.

People find them cool and sexy for the same reasons people find a lot of weapons cool and sexy. (e.g. nerds with swords.)

'Murica gonna 'Murica. I say leave them to it and their high rate of gun violence.

(Disclosure: Not a gun owner. Do not plan to be a gun owner. Glad to live in a country with strict gun controls. Have undergone military marksmanship training. Have fired multiple guns, was kinda fun but novelty wore off quickly.)

 

[munx13]

Does it really matter? Should I start an inquisition here about why people love video games so much? Gun collecting'/shooting is literally just like any other hobby. As for why they get defensive, it's just like when gamers and the Internet get angry when people try and enforce laws and rules on them. It's threatening something they care about, that's coming from people who don't know jack about it.

It's quite a bit different. Video games, for one, are an artistic expression: they contain ideas, stories. Most importantly, they do not cause harm.

Guns are weapons. It's no comparison, really. Plenty of calls for regulation or prohibition come from people who know about them (sometimes too much).

It doesn't matter what a hobby in question does. They are both interests and they both have their own audiences. If I got rich and took up collecting cars I'd doubt anyone would question that, even though cars weren't really meant for collecting and don't contain any "ideas and stories", plus they often DO cause harm.

 

[2fish]

I know plenty of people who love their guns and they're not the "Totally insecure about their tiny penis" kind of people; they just really like their guns the same way that I really like my golfing stuff. I don't understand it but as long as they're responsible about it, I have no problem with it.

you talk about being responsible but lets talk about YOU.
Do you store your clubs in a different place than where you store your golf balls?
Do you have a golf cabinet that is locked at all times that the clubs are not in use?
Have you taken a golf safety course? (that shit can kill your knees)
Do you have good tee discipline?


On topic:
Cause they are cool and as in all thing some people get really into stuff. Some people will always take it too far making everyone else look bad. Just in this case we are talking about a device designed to kill people, so more room for things to go wrong.

I can see wanting to own a few for safety/fun/sexy times/ect. But an arsenal? What am I gonna do with that, take over an empty government building?

 

[Leg End]

It can, but it shouldn't, really.

But sadly, from the same people we're talking about, it is.

The vast majority of them aren't. If there are beautifully carved guns out there, they could be pieces of art, but they need not also be functional weapons.

There is beauty in function, my friend.

This [http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/the-simple-truth-about-gun-control] fella seems to know what he's talking about.

No, he doesn't. Even his opening paragraph point to that.

You may not have seen any reasonable arguments because you don't consider them reasonable, not because they are not reasonable.

No, I haven't seen any reasonable arguments because they really have no idea what they're talking about.
I barely even bother anymore because they have no one that can step up to the plate on at least basic terminology. It's all buzzwords or things they learned from movies. Or, you know, hypocrites.

It doesn't matter what a hobby in question does. They are both interests and they both have their own audiences. If I got rich and took up collecting cars I'd doubt anyone would question that, even though cars weren't really meant for collecting and don't contain any "ideas and stories", plus they often DO cause harm.

Which is a fun thing when cars get pulled into the argument. They undergo insane amounts of licensing and registration and require a course to drive on public roads, and people using them kill faaaaaaarrrrrrrr more people per year than any amount of mass shooters could in a century. People don't even think twice about it.
And gun control is supposed to work in a country with one for every person and land-borders two other countries, one of those being entirely run by a criminal government? That is a sick joke if I've ever heard one.

Next time someone attacks Trump for The Wall, ask them if they are in favor of Gun Control and how they plan to deal with Mexico.

 

[Silvanus]

It doesn't matter what a hobby in question does. They are both interests and they both have their own audiences. If I got rich and took up collecting cars I'd doubt anyone would question that, even though cars weren't really meant for collecting and don't contain any "ideas and stories", plus they often DO cause harm.

It matters intensely what the hobby in question does; its impact on other people is precisely what we take into account when we regulate anything, hobby or otherwise. Cars cause harm, but they are also often utterly indispensable in our current society. Guns, not so much.

There is beauty in function, my friend.

In killing? If people see beauty in killing, or the ability to kill, then I frankly do not care, and do not respect that as an argument in its favour.

No, he doesn't. Even his opening paragraph point to that.

The infection analogy has its uses. Gun proponents do often make the asinine argument that if everyone involved had had a gun, then the shooting wouldn't have taken place; a cyclical, ignorant argument.