The 3 Biggest Reasons Why People Own Firearms
Gun owners own firearms primarily for self-defense, hunting, and shooting sports. Learn more about the three biggest reasons why people own firearms.
Protection
Many people use firearms for personal defense at home and in public. People can also use guns as part of a self-defense plan if intruders break into their homes.
People also carry their firearms in public as either concealed or open carry. There are several differences between concealed and open carry, but perhaps the biggest is that when a person carries concealed, they keep their weapon hidden. Carrying discreetly can prevent people from targeting you for your gun and bring the element of surprise to your side.
Hunting
Another big reason why people own firearms is for hunting. Hunting is an experience that encompasses more than the moment it takes to fire the rifle. Hunters enjoy connecting with nature, often entering deer stands even before daylight breaks.
For many hunters, the activity is a social occasion. Many people learn the skill as children and pass it on to their own kids. They take pride in harvesting their own meat and need firearms to do so.
Competitive Shooting
Finally, some people own guns for the thrill of competitive shooting events. People can participate in shooting competitions for shotguns, pistols, and rifles. Competitions test different skills and appeal to various interests.
Competitors get a thrill from testing their accuracy, speed, and decision-making skills. Shooting competitions allow participants to sharpen their abilities and learn from other gun owners. Organizers can make matches more or less complicated so everyone, from beginners to experts, can find the right one for them.
Gun owners typically own guns for self-defense, hunting, or competitive shooting sports. Many gun owners own their firearms for all three reasons and train themselves to become adept at using their weapons for all purposes. Ultimately, becoming knowledgeable and experienced about using guns safely and accurately is necessary no matter the reason for ownership.
