what does being a gun owner mean to you

[Dead Eye Dave]

For me its two things:  One its about history.  The most modern gun I own is a Springfield .45 auto.  I also own two vintage weapons from WWII.  Knowing how people used weapons is very interesting to me.  I took a friend shooting recently and he shot my Lee-Enfield .303 rifle.  He loved it.  Really made him think it seemed. 

My second point is independence:  I hope that I never have to use a gun to defend myself.  I don't want to be put in that position.  But if necessary I will.  I won't have to wait for a police officer to show up to defend myself.  But as I said I hope never to to have to do that.  But I like the fact that I know how to use a gun.  That I seem to be getting better at shooting and can use a gun if necessary.

What are your thoughts?

DB

[Black Powder]

I'm interested in it because of history, with a mega dose of TV from the 50s and 60s thrown in.  Born, raised and live in the suburbs.  Either because of, or despite this, I cannot imagine not having the right to own whatever I want so I can pursue my interests.  I can't fathom why anybody'd even care.  That's the thing: pokin' noses around tellin' everybody else how to live.  Nope, I don't think so.

BP

[Major 2]

To me it's the fundamential RIGHT.. given by the founding fathers, forged in blood and should not, CAN not ,must not be infringed.
It's just that simple.... If it's legislated and made illegal    I guess I'll have be an OUTLAW....

The history is also fun , then again too,  I can't afford fast cars, fast women and a fast life style anymore... but I can have a few
shooters to plink steel with...
They take that away , Might as well wear a dirt blanket 

[Deadeye Don]

The history is also fun , then again too,  I can't afford fast cars, fast women and a fast life style anymore... but I can have a few
shooters to plink steel with...

Is there something you want to tell us about your past Major?   

[Arcey]

It means I decided to own firearms and carry concealed for reasons I don't wish to publish.

I don't believe the founders of this country gave us any rights. They simply acknowledged them.

Mods, can we move this to the appropriate forum?

[Major 2]

Is there something you want to tell us about your past Major?   

It's all in the book.... if you care to read it, no movie .....yet ! 

[aryfrosty]

I was given an old 1911 when I was 12...and that was a while back. I started carrying daily in 1971 and have carried every day since. I, too, will not wait for someone to arrive to protect me. Spent 25 years "arriving" and I know it ain't always done "in time" to make a difference.  I have some new-fangled firearms, but my favorites are the ones in the Cowboy venue. I like shotguns with hammers, single action revolvers and slide and lever action rifles. I like shooting on the range and do it as often as possible.  Godspeed and my regards to all of you; Chief John Ross.

[Cyrille]

Just haveing a gun engenders feelings that are hard to put on paper all of the above replies are there plus something, well
there's a romance about the gun an aura, something mystical, like the attributes given to the sword or the bow by those who used them as a "weapon of choice."
  I think it has something to do with the power conffered by the weapon on the weilder of that weapon the fact that it can be used to make things right when things go wrong if need be.
  Someone once wrote "When a man's heritage is taken from him it had better be replaced by something of Value."
and I feel that guns are a part of my heritage.

[Matthew Duncan]

I may be old, my eyesite failing and if I don't hit you by empting my gun at you, I'll crack your head open with the cane...

[Coloradian]

Well I was a lawman for many years and still live in the town that I served so it largely means security to me.  Plus we live on the Gulf Coast and the guns are the very first thing to get packed during the many Hurricane Evacuations we get each year.  Also security I suppose but it was a major comfort to my family after Katrina and before the national guard got moved in.

Constitutionally?  My favorite amendment!

[Dog River Dan]

It means that I made a commitment to be responsible, to help others enjoy the shooting sports.
To support my constitutional rights to own firearms, to stay in the fight.
To be able to protect my family, myself and my home without expecting someone else to do it for me.
To enjoy a sport that I derive a great deal of pleasure from.

[Highlander999]

Fundamental Right, and Fundamental Responsibility.  I take both very seriously.

[Leo Tanner]

Big question.  Big answers.
     To me it means I was able to make a purchase and not be declined because I don't work for some agency.  I was able to purchase something legaly that shady folks could get without a permit.  I never chose any fancy highpowered stuff.  Single action pistols and lever riflles suit me fine.  I likie nailing targets, and I like the ritual of cleaning afterward.  I like having something to teach another generation that is beyond all argument in handling.  It's the one thing they seem to respect.
     Most of all, I like the way fellow enthusiasts treat each  other.  A very polite and helpful group if there ever was one.  Proper gun ownership makes you part of an unspoken fraternity.  A lot of people have em that shouldn't, but that makes me more glad I have mine. 

     This prolly outta go in the gun rights board.  Nothin wrong with it, just seems a lot more would respond in there.


Leo

[Frenchie]

I've added a link to a blog to the end of my signature. Food for thought.