General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I'm 55 years old and have never owned a gun in my life. [View all]mgc1961
(1,263 posts)My known family history is a mixed bag in regard to gun ownership and their use. One of my Dad's uncles accidentally shot himself in the leg, but was so embarrassed or afraid to admit it to his father he let the wound fester until surgery was needed to remove the infected limb.
The grandfather was not averse to keeping a gun though. He apparently thought it was wise to have one ready for one of his sons-in-law who he suspected of purposely killing one of his daughters with a gun rather than "accidentally" doing so.
My Dad owned a shotgun for many years, but during my lifetime hasn't used it. During his military service he was required to carry a sidearm when he was delivering codes. He says, joking, "I don't even know whether the thing was loaded." Generally speaking, he doesn't care for 'em.
My brother owns two or three handguns. Well, I think he does. I haven't spoken to him for several months so I'm not sure. But that's another story. He occasionally went target shooting. He's not what I would call a gun nut.
I have owned a shotgun since I was 15. I went hunting a few times, but I didn't and still don't have the stomach for killing squirrels, birds, and rabbits. A few years ago I bought a small caliber revolver. It's kept unloaded in a locked case. The ammunition is in a separate location. I bought it in response to the kooks who seem intent on pushing their warped sense of proportion onto me and the country at large. I hope I never have to use it.