Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

ProgressiveProfessor

(22,144 posts)
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 08:19 AM Dec 2012

What kind of gun nut are you?

The term gun nut is tossed around here quite loosely. The problem is no one can agree on what the qualifications are and what separates a "good gun owner" from a gun nut. As the recently appointed worst Gungeoneer, this is my take on it. Though it may not be all inclusive, IME, gun owners fall into distinct groups but share some common features.
==============================
Accidental/Casual: Inherited it, used to hunt 20 years ago etc. Firearm is inactive, in a closet somewhere (unsecured) no one knows where the ammo is.

Self Defense Only: Generally a newer owner, most likely a modern semi automatic handgun. One per adult, with the occasionally a .22LR pistol for low cost practice. No long guns. Meticulous about safety and securing weapons. Likely to have a CCW and carry at least part of the time.

Hunter/Outdoorman: Shotgun(s), hunting rifles which may include semi autos depending on the age of the owner. A hand gun or two, mostly older. A .22LR would be expected. Not always secured well. Might have an AR. Maybe a self defense hand gun or shotgun. Unlikely to have a CCW

Shooting Sports: Long guns depend on the sport, shotguns for clays, rifles for other kinds of shooting. An AR format rifle would be expected. Lots of handguns if a competitor there, otherwise 2-3 would be about the norm. .22LR rifles and pistol would also be there. Maybe a historic piece or two. Cowboy shooters also have a different mix, mostly reproductions of antique designs. Tend to be organized and keeps thing secured. May or may not have a CCW

Collector: Lots of weapons, mostly older, depends on the period of interest. Instead of 44Magnum with a laser sight, you might find a Webley or a SA Colt. Like most shooters .22LR and an AR would not be unusual. Tends to have some in display cases vice safes. Unlikely to have a CCW

Survivalist: Heavy focus on military style weapons with multiple copies within a family. Would also have shotguns, long range rifle, and .22LR weapons. Tend to secure things well and often wants to fly under the radar. Many hide it from friends and even family. Will have a CCW if its available and carries.

Gun Nuts: Different from the above since they focus on guns and not other activities. Rarer than some here think in that their lives revolve around guns. A Hunter type might wear camo in the field. These guys wear camo underwear. These types tend to have diverse and growing collections, without a lot of duplicates. Very big into accessorizing in addition to getting lots of firearms. Tends to secure them but also distributes a few for easy reach. Scary to most other gun owners. Will have a CCW if its available and carries.

Thugs/Criminals: Guns are integral to gang life, they are not called gang bangers for nothing. Guns are a statement of who they are but there goal is respect etc. They have modern pistols, mostly of better quality. Occasional semi auto rifles. All weapons possessed illegally and either stolen or straw purchased. Carries without a CCW. Poorly trained. Most dangerous of all groups and responsible for most gun violence in the country.

I am sure there are more groups that I could enumerate, but that is what comes to mind at the moment.
====================
Some thoughts on the above: Current numbers of households with firearms are mostly based on self identification, which is always questionable. I am comfortable with about 40-60% of American households having firearms, somewhere close to half. However the number of ones with active shooters is no more than 30%, quite possibly less. This is as much based on my experience than any scientific polls.

Its clear to me than numbers alone or the possession of one kind of firearm or another is not a primary indicator of gun nuttery or which group a person falls into. Its a fair bet that a trap or skeet shooter has many shotguns, but what else they have is impossible to tell. A collector with every WWI bolt action every made probably has an AR as well. Just about every gun owner has has some kind of .22LR.

One thing is clear, is that outside of the first two groups, anyone who is comfortable with firearms and likes using them is going to have a growing collection over time. Most don't sell anything they own. I fall into that category. I have never sold a weapon once I owned it. Its a hassle and I did not want the responsibility and liability. Easier just to move it to the back of the safe. That is changing for me now.

So in summary, there are many different types of gun owners, and most of them IME are not gun nuts (which clearly do exist). The issue is not number, or kind, but intent and attitude.Those not familiar with the different groups lump them all together. That is dumb, but it is happening with increasing frequency ("all gun owners have blood on their hands&quot . It polarizes the debate and ultimately reduces the opportunity for effective dialog and reform.


=============================
I believe that this is topical for this forum since it address the kinds of gun owners there are and their preferences. I will gladly repost in GD is our hosts request it.

41 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
What kind of gun nut are you? (Original Post) ProgressiveProfessor Dec 2012 OP
you seem to suggest that if one is a "collector", then would not be a "gun nut" DrDan Dec 2012 #1
As I said IME, its a matter of attitude, not quantity ProgressiveProfessor Dec 2012 #2
What kind of "gun-grabber" are you? safeinOhio Dec 2012 #3
Trying to define terms is a reasonable thing ProgressiveProfessor Dec 2012 #5
Terms like gun grabber and gun nut can not be defined safeinOhio Dec 2012 #9
Guns are boring BeyondGeography Dec 2012 #4
Yes, it is not where my skills lie ProgressiveProfessor Dec 2012 #6
My brother and I used to take cans of pork and beans from the pantry BeyondGeography Dec 2012 #7
If we all had the same interests this would be a boring world. ... spin Dec 2012 #15
I do both holdencaufield Dec 2012 #34
Huh? BeyondGeography Dec 2012 #35
If owning a gun for self defense makes me a " gun nut ": then so be it. darkangel218 Dec 2012 #8
Sickening BeyondGeography Dec 2012 #10
If i would've been armed when i was attacked and raped, it wouldn't have happened! darkangel218 Dec 2012 #11
As long as its legal to own a gun, i will never give up mine! darkangel218 Dec 2012 #12
None of the above? jeepnstein Dec 2012 #13
1911 hardly a weapon of mass destruction hockeynut57 Dec 2012 #25
Seeing as how they don't allow us to carry nerve gas or nukes... jeepnstein Dec 2012 #29
8 in the clip 1 in the chamber. seems like a reasonable loadout for self defense. hockeynut57 Dec 2012 #31
Congratulations on your new appointment sarisataka Dec 2012 #14
Shooting sports and self defense because they're in the house. Remmah2 Dec 2012 #16
Shooting sports. nt hack89 Dec 2012 #17
None of the Above fightthegoodfightnow Dec 2012 #18
No theyre not. darkangel218 Dec 2012 #19
Guns are Bad fightthegoodfightnow Dec 2012 #20
Ok, but you said " guns are bad for you ". darkangel218 Dec 2012 #21
Guns are Bad fightthegoodfightnow Dec 2012 #22
I beg to differ. But youre entitled to your own opinion. darkangel218 Dec 2012 #23
Fair Enough fightthegoodfightnow Dec 2012 #24
Then I recommend you don't buy one holdencaufield Dec 2012 #37
I honestly don't feel that is the business of anybody on this board. madmom Dec 2012 #26
All of the above ... holdencaufield Dec 2012 #27
lol!! nt darkangel218 Dec 2012 #28
Ummm .... thanks? holdencaufield Dec 2012 #30
My statement is my personal assessment of the # of household with firearms ProgressiveProfessor Dec 2012 #33
Guess i'm the "shooting sport nut." actslikeacarrot Dec 2012 #32
I'm the first Collector? Decoy of Fenris Dec 2012 #36
None of your classes define the paranoid hatred anti-RKBA's mean when they use the phrase. nt jody Dec 2012 #38
I have the first 5 covered. ileus Dec 2012 #39
Collector, occasional target shooter, volunteer firearm safety instructor slackmaster Dec 2012 #40
thug, dude. definitely gangsta thug. Tuesday Afternoon Dec 2012 #41

DrDan

(20,411 posts)
1. you seem to suggest that if one is a "collector", then would not be a "gun nut"
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 08:27 AM
Dec 2012

seems to me that the term could also apply to "collectors", "survivalists", sports shooter, hunter.

I don't think it is as neat and clean as you would like to suggest.

ProgressiveProfessor

(22,144 posts)
2. As I said IME, its a matter of attitude, not quantity
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 08:35 AM
Dec 2012

Collectors collect things. They might salivate over a perfect 1898 large ring Mauser, but they do not define themselves by gun ownership.

Similar with the Sportsman, though it might be a Weatherby Mark 5 or a Perratzi trap gun rather than the Mauser.

Survivalists are focused on TEOTAWAKI, guns are important but not the main thrust. They are scary in their own way too.

It is clearly not neat and clean since it is mostly a reading of their attitude, which is always subjective.

ProgressiveProfessor

(22,144 posts)
5. Trying to define terms is a reasonable thing
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 08:45 AM
Dec 2012

Some of the extremists (All gun owners have blood on their hands) are poisoning discussion. I figured it was time to talk about different kinds of gun owners since I have considerable experience in that area. I would not post the equivalent about "gun grabbers" though you and others are obviously free to do so.

My main thrust is that it is not type or quantity that defines a gun nut, its the mindset (and the camo undies). Also wanted to point out that a dozen firearms is in no way remarkable amongst shooters.

safeinOhio

(32,531 posts)
9. Terms like gun grabber and gun nut can not be defined
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 09:01 AM
Dec 2012

In this group. The terms are used to insult anyone with a different take on weapons than the other person. I own guns, but favor more restrictive laws. So I'm called both.

BeyondGeography

(39,283 posts)
7. My brother and I used to take cans of pork and beans from the pantry
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 08:51 AM
Dec 2012

And shoot them with his pellet gun. The bean juice was blood and the beans, well, you know...We also liked the sound it made when we shot into the stream. Then we grew up.

Now many gun owners are surely bright, interesting people. I just found it silly.

spin

(17,493 posts)
15. If we all had the same interests this would be a boring world. ...
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 12:22 PM
Dec 2012

You are undoubtedly interested in hobbies that I would not be.


 

darkangel218

(13,985 posts)
8. If owning a gun for self defense makes me a " gun nut ": then so be it.
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 08:55 AM
Dec 2012

These people who advocate complete ban of our 2nd amendment have gone mad for the past few days. All I see is them equating law abiding citizens with baby killers, and ganging up on anyone who admits to be a firearm owner. It's freaking sickening.

BeyondGeography

(39,283 posts)
10. Sickening
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 09:04 AM
Dec 2012

Strong word. What would you call Newtown?

One way this gets pear-shaped here (remember where you are; this is not FR) is posts like yours that distort the argument most people are making (very few are calling for a repeal of the 2nd amendment) and use the language of the aggrieved to describe the potential for new rules re. guns in the aftermath of a tragedy. That's what many of us find freaking sickening.

 

darkangel218

(13,985 posts)
11. If i would've been armed when i was attacked and raped, it wouldn't have happened!
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 09:10 AM
Dec 2012

The Newtown shooter didn't legally own the firearms, he stole them from his mother who didn't secure them properly. And yes it is sickening to say all gun owners are baby killers. This lynching mob shouldn't be allowed in DU.

 

darkangel218

(13,985 posts)
12. As long as its legal to own a gun, i will never give up mine!
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 09:13 AM
Dec 2012

Like I said before, I was raped once, fuck if I will ever let it happen again!

jeepnstein

(2,631 posts)
13. None of the above?
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 09:51 AM
Dec 2012

I have hunting guns that haven't seen the light of day in many years. I just don't have the time for it anymore. I love hunting and I'm pretty good at it but I just don't have the bug these days.

I also have a few weapons that are used when I'm working as a Deputy Sheriff. They are mine and were bought out of my own pocket as is the custom in most departments. Even though I have a valid ID and can carry in all 50 States I most generally don't carry concealed when not in uniform.

I haven't bought a new gun in years. I may have to in the not-too-distant future as part of my duty gear but nobody is in a rush to have me switch from a 1911.

Oh, and I'm a certifiable gun nut. I keep up on prices, who's buying what, who's selling what, and I'll go shooting any chance I get. My big pet peeve is safety and how lots of folks can't be bothered with even the most basic practices.

jeepnstein

(2,631 posts)
29. Seeing as how they don't allow us to carry nerve gas or nukes...
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 04:45 PM
Dec 2012

I'll settle for the 1911, thank you very much. WMD really isn't all that terribly useful for anything but really large scale killing. I prefer a bit more accuracy.

hockeynut57

(230 posts)
31. 8 in the clip 1 in the chamber. seems like a reasonable loadout for self defense.
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 05:22 PM
Dec 2012

ilike my 1911 too. why does anyone need a 20 round clip?

sarisataka

(18,220 posts)
14. Congratulations on your new appointment
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 12:17 PM
Dec 2012


I would say I am a blend of three:
Self Defense Only: Generally a newer owner, most likely a modern semi automatic handgun. One per adult, with the occasionally a .22LR pistol for low cost practice. No long guns. Meticulous about safety and securing weapons. Likely to have a CCW and carry at least part of the time.

Hunter/Outdoorman: Shotgun(s), hunting rifles which may include semi autos depending on the age of the owner. A hand gun or two, mostly older. A .22LR would be expected. Not always secured well. Might have an AR. Maybe a self defense hand gun or shotgun. Unlikely to have a CCW

Shooting Sports: Long guns depend on the sport, shotguns for clays, rifles for other kinds of shooting. An AR format rifle would be expected. Lots of handguns if a competitor there, otherwise 2-3 would be about the norm. .22LR rifles and pistol would also be there. Maybe a historic piece or two. Cowboy shooters also have a different mix, mostly reproductions of antique designs. Tend to be organized and keeps thing secured. May or may not have a CCW


I carry for SD, either a 9mm semi or .38 revolver depending on how I will dress for the day. I also teach SD and recommend firearms for new shooters (or recommend alternatives to those who I have doubts about) Responsibility, safety and security is emphasized.

I love the outdoors and usually carry for critter protection. I say I hunt but take far more game with my camera than the gun.

Shooting sports help me keep my skills up. Also the focus needed to do your very best at any task is very therapeutic and a good way to escape the stress of life. I also like model trains for the same reason
 

Remmah2

(3,291 posts)
16. Shooting sports and self defense because they're in the house.
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 12:41 PM
Dec 2012

I actually spend more time in the garden and woodshop.

 

holdencaufield

(2,927 posts)
30. Ummm .... thanks?
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 04:48 PM
Dec 2012
" I am comfortable with about 40-60% of American households having firearms"

But I wasn't aware I needed you to be comfortable with my right.

ProgressiveProfessor

(22,144 posts)
33. My statement is my personal assessment of the # of household with firearms
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 08:54 PM
Dec 2012

The current stats are mostly self identified and being misquoted heavily

 

Decoy of Fenris

(1,954 posts)
36. I'm the first Collector?
Mon Dec 17, 2012, 09:25 PM
Dec 2012

Well, there's gotta be a first somewhere. My old man just passed down a gun he got from his old man's old man, a Springfield 1873 Trapdoor, issued to the 7th Cavalry; Custer's crew. I can't see myself ever firing that weapon except if my life depends on it.

 

slackmaster

(60,567 posts)
40. Collector, occasional target shooter, volunteer firearm safety instructor
Tue Dec 18, 2012, 10:40 PM
Dec 2012

Having a large variety of weapons of historical or technical interest makes teaching gun safety interesting.

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Gun Control & RKBA»What kind of gun nut are ...