A third of Americans own guns, and gun culture is an integral part of the country’s culture, dating back to the Second Amendment. Guns and gun owners are often misunderstood by some Americans who have never owned a firearm. Here are 17 things only gun owners will understand.
Ballistics and Ammunition Types
Gun owners across America understand the different types of bullets, their purposes, and the importance of choosing the right caliber for specific uses, whether hunting, self-defense, or sport shooting. FasterCapital explains, “The caliber of a bullet refers to its diameter or size, which can significantly impact its performance.”
The Joy of Customizing a Firearm
Gun owners often enjoy customizing their firearms, making upgrades that boost their performance and enhance the shooting experience. Popular modifications include optics, compensators, suppressors, and grips.
The Ritual of Regular Maintenance
Firearm enthusiasts quickly develop regular maintenance rituals to keep their guns running smoothly, extend their lifespan, and increase their understanding of them. Gun owners also often find these rituals relaxing.
The Bond Between Gun Owners
Gun owners build bonds that are difficult for those who aren’t interested in firearms to understand. The shared experiences at shooting ranges and hunting trips build strong bonds that last a lifetime. In an opinion piece for the York Daily Record, John Buffone recalls bonding with his father over hunting experiences as a boy and notes that it taught him life lessons.
Experiencing Misfires and Jams
Gun owners will experience gun jams occasionally when they are starting out and learning how to use their firearms or because of their manufacturing flaws. Misfires are the most common jam they experience, typically caused by a faulty round or mechanism.
The Debate Over Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry
Gun owners are aware of both the political debates surrounding open carry vs. concealed carry as well as the pros and cons of each method. Owners who prefer open carry argue it reduces the likelihood of a crime taking place, while those who prefer concealed carry believe it gives them the crucial element of surprise.
Gun Safety
Every responsible gun owner knows the cardinal rules of gun safety. Always treating firearms as if they were loaded, never pointing at something they’re unwilling to destroy, keeping their finger off the trigger, and always being sure of their target and what’s behind it are deeply ingrained rules. The ATF also recommends wearing “appropriate ear and eye protection when discharging the firearm.”
Navigating Legal Landscapes
Responsible gun owners understand federal, state, and local laws regarding firearm possession, carry, use, storage, and sale. They also keep up to date on changes in gun legislation that could affect them.
The Thrill of the Hunt
Americans nationwide love hunting trips for deer, moose, ducks, and hares. Many hunters also play important roles in conservation. NC State University explains that “hunters play an important role in helping state wildlife biologists manage the size of certain animal populations.”
The Precision of Competitive Shooting
Firearms enthusiasts understand the skills needed for competitive shooting, as well as the mental and physical demands of the sport. Gun owners who participate in shooting competitions know they require intense bursts of concentration to achieve good form.
Collecting Antique and Rare Firearms
The Pew Research Center reveals that 15 percent of gun owners cite their collections as a major reason for owning a firearm. Gun collectors start with one gun and often can’t get enough, slowly building up their collections and restoring and preserving historical and more contemporary firearms.
Advanced Shooting Techniques
Seasoned gun owners who mastered the basics of shooting techniques in their youth often go on to master more advanced techniques. Many attend courses to learn advanced handgun skills to help them defend themselves in dangerous situations and as forms of hunting techniques.
The Cost of Gun Ownership
Guns aren’t cheap, something owners are well aware of. Handguns and pistols typically range from $400 to $1500, and ammunition is an added cost. There are also hidden costs of gun ownership, including range fees and the price of a safe.
Traveling With Firearms
Gun owners are up to date on the most recent regulations concerning transporting firearms across state lines, when flying across the nation, and when driving. States can have vastly different rules on firearms that need to be considered when traveling.
The Importance of Holistic Self-Defense
Gun owners understand that firearms need to be integrated into a broader self-defense strategy. They are often well-educated on the non-firearm aspects of personal safety and have taken training courses in self-defense.
Handling Public Perception and Criticism
Owning a firearm comes with misconceptions and criticism from those who are opposed to guns and misunderstand them. Most gun owners have had to respond to these misconceptions and engage in constructive conversations about gun rights.
The Emotional Weight of Defensive Gun Use
Using a gun in self-defense can be the difference between life and death, but it often has a damaging psychological impact that can last for a long time after the incident. Gun owners understand it’s important to access resources to help them cope and to be open about their experiences.
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