Had to defend my gun choice to family

[Alan]

My family member saw my AR and immediately started with the 'why do you need that' speech. I explained hunting, sport shooting, Second Amendment rights. They didn't agree but at least they understood my reasoning. You don't owe everyone an explanation for your legal hobbies, but sometimes education helps reduce fear-based reactions.

 

[I_am_Bulletproof]

Ah! I got that lecture too and it ended with awkward silence and changing the subject..

 

[thegunnut]

I once HAD a friend a couple years ago. During a gun related conversation he stated nobody would ever enter his home while carrying. He is an otherwise nice but since I retired we are no longer friends.

 

[GaryS]

I recently responded to someone with the why anyone would own an AR question. I rattled off a series of answers describing that I had one for deer hunting, that left handed actions were available, the gas operated system reduced recoil to basically nothing, that I was interested in assembling my own rifle, and that the AR design being modular made working on it much easier. I don't know how much she actually understood, but I do think she realized that I was sincere in my response and that there were logical reasons why a sportsman would want one. There definitely is an educational component to all this, because people that don't possess guns frequently get a one sided discussion on the subject.

 

[PapaGeorgio]

I have this conversation respectfully and calmly and not as a smart@ss. I ask why people need motorcycles or sports cars. I then explain how in America we have the choice to have things we WANT, not just things we NEED. I then explain the second amendment isn’t about hunting. Then I explain muskets were weapons of war, them bolt action, and finally semi autos. All through history we have owned the current “weapons of war”. The I explain how the ball hitch on my truck is more dangerous to the shins of the public than any dangers of my firearms. All this respectfully, calmly, and sincerely.

 

[LimaCharlie]

Yep, have seen it, and often with family. I have equated it to owning a shovel. It's a tool. It's not evil or good......it's just a tool and very handy to have if or when the need arises. Do you you use a shovel everyday? Most don't, but most homeowners have at least one and it could be potentially misused. But most shovel owners will never misuse them.

I'll add that I've known a few hundred people that own and enjoy AR's or similar and all they do is either hunt of shoot targets to the detriment of not a single soul.
Media drives so many uninformed people. Have often seen a TV news report on a local stabbing incident and the graphic behind the reporter shows a Glock or an AK. It's ridiculous.

 

[URIT]

I thought Alan's response was spot on.

I might've said, I bought it because I wanted an AR. I don't need to justify my wants to you anymore than you need to justify your wants to me.

 

[Alan]

I recently responded to someone with the why anyone would own an AR question. I rattled off a series of answers describing that I had one for deer hunting, that left handed actions were available, the gas operated system reduced recoil to basically nothing, that I was interested in assembling my own rifle, and that the AR design being modular made working on it much easier. I don't know how much she actually understood, but I do think she realized that I was sincere in my response and that there were logical reasons why a sportsman would want one. There definitely is an educational component to all this, because people that don't possess guns frequently get a one sided discussion on the subject.

Exactly, sincerity goes a long way. People might not fully get it but logical and calm explanations do plant seeds of understanding

 

[Alan]

I have this conversation respectfully and calmly and not as a smart@ss. I ask why people need motorcycles or sports cars. I then explain how in America we have the choice to have things we WANT, not just things we NEED. I then explain the second amendment isn’t about hunting. Then I explain muskets were weapons of war, them bolt action, and finally semi autos. All through history we have owned the current “weapons of war”. The I explain how the ball hitch on my truck is more dangerous to the shins of the public than any dangers of my firearms. All this respectfully, calmly, and sincerely.

I love this approach, comparing firearms to everyday risks like trucks really drives the point home.

 

[Alan]

I thought Alan's response was spot on.

I might've said, I bought it because I wanted an AR. I don't need to justify my wants to you anymore than you need to justify your wants to me.

...sometimes a simple ‘I wanted it’ is all the justification that’s needed, no overexplaining required.