I enjoy owning firearms. I like shooting and I love duck hunting. My wife doesn't shoot and would not be labeled at "pro gun". She has never shot a gun. I usually don't get into gun discussions with my wife because I know her stance - she just doesn't know anything about guns. She comes from a wonderful family, but they have never owned a firearm. I have always just kept my hobbies to myself understanding how difficult it could be to educate people "who don't know." I have asked her to go shooting with me, but have respected her decision when she declines. I have never wanted to push firearms on her.
It occurred to me on Saturday night that it is time to start talking about what we enjoy. We went to a restaurant in Fishers and and walked in at a busy time. The young hostess was chatting with other customers when I heard her say,
"Yeah, and who should be allowed to own a hundred rounds of ammunition anyways?!?"
Jokingly, I mentioned to my wife that it's a good thing she hasn't seen my basement. Right then is when it occurred to me. They just don't get it. This girl, like so many others, has never been around guns. How long would a day at the range be if you were only able to take 30 rounds? Or less? Would duck hunting be the same if you only had 10 shots? Reloading wouldn't be nearly as peaceful when you can only reload one box of ammo.
Later that night, we were watching some of the media coverage which was still full of speculation and uncertain facts. I had a defining moment and I'm almost ashamed to admit it. When they pictured a Saiga 12 gauge (which looked to be SBSed), my wife asked,
"Who needs to own one of those?"
I cowarded and didn't say a thing. I totally tuned out to everything else and just realized that other people just don't get it. My wife knows I love firearms, but she asked the question.
It's like sports cars - who would ever need to own a GT40, a Z06, a viper, etc... Golf clubs - who would need a $2k set? Jewelry - who would need a $10K watch?
I'm now to the point where I feel it's important to speak out about what I enjoy. Is it too late? Probably. Should this have been my agenda the last 10 years of ownership? I feel it's impossible to educate the masses at this point. The media is going to take this negative energy. They have picked up the ball and they are headed for the endzone.
I won't be able to change the world's understanding, but I'm going to do my best in my small world of friends and family.
It occurred to me on Saturday night that it is time to start talking about what we enjoy. We went to a restaurant in Fishers and and walked in at a busy time. The young hostess was chatting with other customers when I heard her say,
"Yeah, and who should be allowed to own a hundred rounds of ammunition anyways?!?"
Jokingly, I mentioned to my wife that it's a good thing she hasn't seen my basement. Right then is when it occurred to me. They just don't get it. This girl, like so many others, has never been around guns. How long would a day at the range be if you were only able to take 30 rounds? Or less? Would duck hunting be the same if you only had 10 shots? Reloading wouldn't be nearly as peaceful when you can only reload one box of ammo.
Later that night, we were watching some of the media coverage which was still full of speculation and uncertain facts. I had a defining moment and I'm almost ashamed to admit it. When they pictured a Saiga 12 gauge (which looked to be SBSed), my wife asked,
"Who needs to own one of those?"
I cowarded and didn't say a thing. I totally tuned out to everything else and just realized that other people just don't get it. My wife knows I love firearms, but she asked the question.
It's like sports cars - who would ever need to own a GT40, a Z06, a viper, etc... Golf clubs - who would need a $2k set? Jewelry - who would need a $10K watch?
I'm now to the point where I feel it's important to speak out about what I enjoy. Is it too late? Probably. Should this have been my agenda the last 10 years of ownership? I feel it's impossible to educate the masses at this point. The media is going to take this negative energy. They have picked up the ball and they are headed for the endzone.
I won't be able to change the world's understanding, but I'm going to do my best in my small world of friends and family.