Letters to the Editor
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i don't think the problem is the guns
i'm liberal. i own guns.
i own a lot of things, though, and i don't ascribe a lot of emotional weight to what are, basically tools or sporting implements. i don't have them for self defense, or some sense of machoness. i own them because i like to shoot in the same way other people play golf.
it strikes me that cary's advice is good. until you resolve some of the emotional issues that involve your father, and his father, and guns, you should hold off until you are more comfortable. you're young, and you'll always be able to buy a gun (well, depending on how long the constitution lasts). put your money in the bank until you're more comfortable with yourself and your family.
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Other important considerations for gun ownership.
First you should consider your temperament. How irrational are you when you lose your cool? Do you become violent with little provocation? Gun owners should make a commitment to prevent their guns from falling into the hands of criminals, children, or others who are not responsible enough to have a gun. Are you willing to have training to handle a gun safely? Do you want to be able to protect yourself and your loved ones from violent criminals? Law enforcement is unlikely to be cruising near your home when someone kicks your door in.
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A gun is a tool...
Just as dangerous (or not) as a brush cutter, a chain saw, or a kitchen knife. It all depends on how you use them, and what you intend to do with them.
What are you going to use them for? We own guns. I live in a suburb full of over-protective parents who probably wouldn't let their kids come to play if they knew there were guns in our house. However, the guns are in pieces, locked in a safe, with the ammo. We couldn't "brandish them in anger" if we wanted to. My husband goes out with friends on the occasional weekend to shoot pieces of paper at a gun club. When the kids are old enough, we'll take them shooting, so they understand basic gun safety.
There's a huge gulf between responsible gun owners, and people who feel compelled to have an AK-47 under the bed "just in case." Examine your own motives and intentions, and find out if you think you are responsible enough to own guns. How are your guns stored? Would you let your hypothetical toddler play in your house? Safely? These might help you find the answer to your question.
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Do you have to buy bullets?
If you like guns because of the history, because you think they are cool, because you appreciate the mechanical aspect -- do you have to actually load the guns to enjoy those things?
I thought Cary's response is great, and I think you should seriously consider not buying a gun. But I'm just saying, if you do decide to get one, I don't think you should buy bullets.
That way, you would know for sure that your gun will never be fired, accidentally or otherwise. You would own a weapon, but it would not be a loaded weapon.
Gun owners may think it's essential to buy the bullets -- I don't really know anything about this -- but I don't see why they are necessary if you don't intend to shoot anyone.
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But why?
Dear LW:
But why do you want a gun? You don't say.
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Very strange . . . .
I think this is one of the strangest things I've ever read about guns. I mean, usually a gun owner has a practical reason for owning guns. The person may be a collector, enjoy target practice, be a hunter, or carry a concealed handgun for personal defense (with the appropriate license.)
But here is a fellow who wants guns, apparently not for any particular purpose, but simply to "own" guns. To me, this seems like someone who wants to own an automobile, not because he wants to drive anywhere, not because he wants to show the car, not because he does auto mechanics for a hobby, but simply because he likes cars.
Well, to each his own, but this makes no sense to me.
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Guns are for killing people.
They have no other use. If you're attracted to them, I'm inclined to think it's because you're attracted to the power they confer. Even if you convince yourself you never intend to use that power, 'at some level' you entertain the possibility that circumstances might arise that would allow you to use it 'justifiably'. Hey, I can identify. I don't have a gun, but I'd kind of like one. I'd like to feel a bit more powerful. But I'm not going to buy one today, because I think guns are for killing people and I don't want to give myself that illusion of power. I think it is ultimately an illusion. Also I don't want to buy a gun for the same reason I don't want to buy a Hummer, or the same reason I buy organic produce, because as a consumer my small decisions support bigger things, and I want them to be the right things.
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Guns are for killing.
They have no other use. If you're attracted to them, I'm inclined to think it's because you're attracted to the power they confer. Even if you convince yourself you never intend to use that power, 'at some level' you entertain the possibility that circumstances might arise that would allow you to use it 'justifiably'. Hey, I can identify. I don't have a gun, but I'd kind of like one. I'd like to feel a bit more powerful. But I'm not going to buy one today, because I think guns are for killing people and I don't want to give myself that illusion of power. I think it is ultimately an illusion. Also I don't want to buy a gun for the same reason I don't want to buy a Hummer, or the same reason I buy organic produce, because as a consumer my small decisions support bigger things, and I want them to be the right things.
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Navel gazers
Navel gazers should not own guns.
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Buy the gun cabinet first
Dude.
You know you're going to buy them. You've already picked out your make and model. You will buy a firearm or two in relatively short order. So be smart about it.
First, buy a secure, locking, gun cabinet (the steel kind that bolts onto part of the house or apartment, and can't be broken into with a crowbar).
Second, join a gun club. Think about whether that M1 is going to fit in with the other club folks. Target competitions are a lot of fun, but you may need a specific type of rifle to really participate. Check it out before you spring for your first piece.
Third, wait a while for the pistol. I don't ever intend to own a pistol myself (I'm a bit too volatile in the temper department to want to own such an effective one-handed killer). Armies don't routinely give pistols to enlisted men, either. Trust me on this. You shouldn't buy a pistol unless you are either a criminal, a bodyguard, or very, very, calm.
Once you've scoped out a good place to shoot it, and some sane people to shoot it with, get that rifle you want. Have a good time using it for target practice, and maybe some hunting. Take rifle safety and hunter safety classes. Learn to clean it, maintain it, maybe reload some ammo, all kinds of good stuff.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with responsible gun ownership. And if you present a progressive face to what is often a reactionary crowd (gun owners), you might get a chance to puncture some stereotypes and speak a little truth. Though I think you'd be surprised by the diversity among gun owners.
But buy your darn gun. Just make sure you give it a safe, sane home.