Complex Purposes of Gun Ownership: An Insight into the U.S. Gun Culture

Introduction

Gun ownership in the United States is a contentious issue, but there are countless reasons why people choose to own firearms. Recently, a statistic has emerged that half of the guns in the U.S. are owned by just 3% of the adult population, with these owners typically possessing an average of 17 guns each (Source). This raises the question: what do individuals with 15 or more firearms use them for? This article explores a wide range of reasons for gun ownership, backed by personal experiences and insights.

Reasons for Gun Ownership

The reasons for owning more than 15 firearms are numerous, reflecting the multifaceted nature of gun ownership in America. One key reason is recreational and competitive shooting. Enthusiasts often maintain multiple firearms for different shooting disciplines, such as hunting, home defense, and target practice. For instance, a boating accident led someone to lose all their firearms, but if they had kept them, these guns would have been used for hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense.

Purpose-Oriented Collection

A deep dive into the reasons and motivations behind owning 100 or more firearms reveals a complex and nuanced collection. Personal experiences show that owning such a large number of firearms often involves a diverse range of purposes. For example, one individual owns a variety of shotguns (12 gauge semiautomatics, pump actions, and more) for home defense and hunting. Bolt action rifles in different calibers are used for target shooting, skeet, and trap events, while lever action rifles enable both target and hunting activities. Additionally, a range of semiautomatic and revolvers are used for additional self-defense scenarios.

Investment and Hobby

Another significant factor in large firearms collections is the potential for investment and appreciation. Some collectors view their firearms as investments, with the value of collectible firearms often increasing over time. The process of customizing and selling firearms can yield double the initial investment with minimal effort, highlighting the business aspect of firearm ownership.

Lawful Purposes of Gun Ownership

While many firearm enthusiasts have extensive collections, each gun typically fulfills a specific function that it excels at or is reasonably good for within a specific price range. Having multiple guns with different purposes is often necessary to address various needs, such as combat competitions, target shooting, survival kits, and self-defense. For example, an individual might own multiple handguns for self-defense, with a primary and secondary revolver and semi-automatic backup, along with additional firearms for various competitive shooting events.

Hybrid Purposes

Many firearms fulfill hybrid purposes, such as hunting and defense. Individual firearms might be used for a range of activities, from self-defense and home protection to hunting and target practice. The author of this piece mentions owning a range of firearms, including .357 revolvers, modern sporting rifles, and hunting shotguns, each tailored to different needs and scenarios.

It's essential to recognize that the term "gun" is often used in the same way as "vehicle," where each firearm has a specific role or purpose for which it excels. For instance, for competitive shooting, an individual might own multiple guns configured for different disciplines, each suited to specific tasks. This diverse collection ensures that each firearm is put to its best use, whether for recreational, competitive, or home defense purposes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the reasons for owning more than 15 firearms are varied and reflect the multifaceted nature of gun ownership in the United States. Recreational and competitive shooting, self-defense, hunting, and even investment are all valid reasons. Each firearm in one's collection likely serves a specific function, highlighting the importance of owning a variety of guns to address different needs and scenarios. Understanding the complex purposes of gun ownership is crucial in any conversation about firearms and their roles in American culture.