Next in the Series: Car Owners Are Not Just Hit and Run Drivers and Get-Away Men

Reuters reporter Tim Gaynor ventures into the scary, foreign world and discovers that gun owners "are not just urban criminals and drug dealers. There are hunters and home security advocates, and then there are the gun collectors." The headline: "For some in U.S., guns are a hobby like any other."

[Thanks to Paul in Seattle for the tip.]

Comments

javier | March 13, 2008, 12:58pm | #

wow. he must be a british guy right?? It is hard believe that anybody raised in this country could seem so surprised.

ALthough, when barack and hilldog were debating they both said when we have traveled this country we learned about the gun culture in certain areas. Really you just learned.

Abdul | March 13, 2008, 1:00pm | #

Some drug users actually sick, need medicine.

mediageek | March 13, 2008, 1:06pm | #

But remember, folks, there's no anti-gun bias in the mainstream media.

Episiarch | March 13, 2008, 1:07pm | #

"Not all journalists are morons, some actually work"

mike | March 13, 2008, 1:07pm | #

javier - lol, Hilldog lived in Arkansas for 20 years. Really? No exposure to gun culture? How did your people know how to cobble together that gun, sans serial numbers, that Vince Foster used to "kill himself?"

Click 'n' Learn | March 13, 2008, 1:12pm | #

Go easy on TimGaynor: he's on your side. As a bonus, he even got in one of Reason's favorite groups.

Episiarch | March 13, 2008, 1:19pm | #

"Not all anti-immigration kooks are insane, some just stupid"

SugarFree | March 13, 2008, 1:22pm | #

Actually...

"Not all anti-immigration kooks are stupid, some are insane"

And if you don't believe that you are probably a DirtyMexican.

Cab | March 13, 2008, 1:22pm | #

I'm continuously amazed at how every single subject can redirected to a discussion about illegal immigration. Fascinating.

mediageek | March 13, 2008, 1:29pm | #

Lonewhacko-

Just a bit of advice:

The name "Click 'n' Learn" is the stupidest internet handle ever conceived.

mediageek | March 13, 2008, 1:31pm | #

Cab-

That's because Lonewhacko is completely incapable of looking at the world from any point of view other than how the scarymexicans are out to takehisjob.

Quite frankly, I wonder if his mother didn't repeatedly drop him on his head when he was an infant.

But that's neither here nor there...back to the topic at hand.

Paul | March 13, 2008, 1:33pm | #

But remember, folks, there's no anti-gun bias in the mainstream media.

What I took from the article was the seemingly overt sense from those who populate the media, that guns and gun owners are this completely foreign and novel concept. Like watching a strange species of reptile in a glass jar.

Strange species | March 13, 2008, 1:36pm | #

"I wonder if future generations will realize that their forefathers were such gun nuts?"

Guy Montag | March 13, 2008, 1:37pm | #

This sounds similar to those "Conservatives in the Mist" stories that Jonah Goldberg used to write about.

Gun Owners in the Mist

As time wore on, I began to notice that they had opposable thumbs, just like me . . .

Legate Damar | March 13, 2008, 1:38pm | #

Next thing you know, they'll be telling us that not every CEO is living in a gold-plated yacht decorated with the heads of the orphans that were poisoned by their products.

*gasp*

mediageek | March 13, 2008, 1:42pm | #

What I took from the article was the seemingly overt sense from those who populate the media, that guns and gun owners are this completely foreign and novel concept. Like watching a strange species of reptile in a glass jar.

I was once interviewed by a reporter at a Service Rifle match in Boulder. That was exactly the feeling I got from him.

Also, when he asked if he could shoot one of the rifles, a guy who was (I'm guessing) at least an Expert or Master-ranked competitive shooter was trying to show him proper technique.

After hearing a couple of sentences on proper trigger control, breathing, etc. the reporter turned to the competitive shooter and asked "can I just fire it fast?"

mike | March 13, 2008, 1:44pm | #

Next thing you know, they'll be telling us that not every CEO is living in a gold-plated yacht decorated with the heads of the orphans that were poisoned by their products.

This is true, though. Some CEOs have to live closer to the railroad tracks, so they can tie women to them when trains are coming and then twirl their deliciously Brill-creamed mustaches while laughing ominously.

Morphy | March 13, 2008, 1:47pm | #

So perhaps these people who think that a gun is something they use to decorate the mantle at their summer home might be able to possibly handle the truth?

Guy Montag | March 13, 2008, 1:49pm | #

mediageek,

Seems lots of reporters are on the same script. A chick from TNR wanted to go trap shooting with me for our first "date", but apparently thought it could be done during lunch downtown, or something. Oh, she did not have her own vehicle either.

Never mind proper safety training for someone who has never fired a gun (with or without training), picking up a date in the District, getting out of the District to get the guns and getting out to a trap range in the county takes a little longer than the subsurface-dwelling metro-riders seem to grasp.

technomist | March 13, 2008, 1:51pm | #

"..Guns and gun owners are this completely foreign and novel concept. Like watching a strange species of reptile in a glass jar."

That just about sums it up for much of the rest of the world, but if they are in the jar I suppose it may hard for gun collectors to see that to someone from another culture they might be as quaint a curiosity as medieval collectors of holy relics or chinese collectors of animal parts.

sixstring | March 13, 2008, 2:15pm | #

A chick from TNR wanted to go trap shooting with me for our first "date"

Guy -- you blew it. My experience is that once they get to feel the awesome power of a firearm, they get so turned on that you might not make it out the range before clothes are flying. Always take up an offer to go shoot with a girl. It's part of the code, see section 11, part 6.

JLM | March 13, 2008, 2:16pm | #

"For some in U.S., guns are a hobby like any other."

The article itself was not nearly as silly as that headline.

shecky | March 13, 2008, 2:26pm | #

After hearing a couple of sentences on proper trigger control, breathing, etc. the reporter turned to the competitive shooter and asked "can I just fire it fast?"

So... is that a yes or a no?

Guy Montag | March 13, 2008, 2:37pm | #

Guy -- you blew it. My experience is that once they get to feel the awesome power of a firearm, they get so turned on that you might not make it out the range before clothes are flying. Always take up an offer to go shoot with a girl. It's part of the code, see section 11, part 6.

I did not reject the offer, she did when she found out that it can't be done on the National Mall (I exaggerate a bit). So, we had a whole different fake date.

LarryA | March 13, 2008, 2:37pm | #

It's amazing what the press misses. Last summer was the 100th year of the National Shooting Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. Plus, most of the matches are fired using "assault rifles" (which have no sporting purpose.) Thousands of participants came from all over the U.S. and many foreign countries, both male and female, to participate in an event with two unique angles.

Absolutely no mention in the mainstream sports media, which never fails to cover the Iditarod.

Guy -- you blew it. My experience is that once they get to feel the awesome power of a firearm, they get so turned on that you might not make it out the range before clothes are flying. Always take up an offer to go shoot with a girl. It's part of the code, see section 11, part 6.

I agree. However, shotguns tend to kick quite a bit, and clay birds are harder to hit. Try one of these. The bad news is that she won't leave the range until she's expended all available ammo. The good news is that if you can reload magazines quickly, that doesn't take long.

Guy Montag | March 13, 2008, 2:47pm | #

LarryA,

The Benelli Nova Pump has almost no kick, with sport loads anyway, same with the Saiga-12.

No matter, I got turned into a hybrid driver in that article anyway, no telling what I would have been called when I opened the case of the 12 GA AK-47!

Guy Montag | March 13, 2008, 2:47pm | #

BTW, cool site, I want mine in VOL orange!

Paul | March 13, 2008, 3:08pm | #

Absolutely no mention in the mainstream sports media, which never fails to cover the Iditarod.

LarryA, it sends the wrong message to our children.

Wow, this is easy.

Mike Laursen | March 13, 2008, 3:09pm | #

I'm continuously amazed at how every single subject can redirected to a discussion about illegal immigration. Fascinating.

That reminds me of something Adolf Hitler said about Global Warming.

Guy Montag | March 13, 2008, 3:14pm | #

LarryA,

At least the shooting sports are ignored, instead of the bad press that dog fighting has been getting recently.

Paul | March 13, 2008, 3:24pm | #

At least the shooting sports are ignored, instead of the bad press that dog fighting has been getting recently.

And the sport of shooting dogs? I understand that's illegal altogether. What's next, smoking in public?

Guy Montag | March 13, 2008, 3:25pm | #

Paul,

You mean even if they are running around loose in your yard you can't shoot them any more? UGH!

J sub D | March 13, 2008, 3:27pm | #

At least the shooting sports are ignored, instead of the bad press that dog fighting has been getting recently.

You think that's bad? Bear baiting is derided even more. People are such wussies nowadays.

JLM | March 13, 2008, 3:31pm | #

Don't you think the bear should do his own batin?

Guy Montag | March 13, 2008, 3:32pm | #

Our society has become so womynized.

Bingo | March 13, 2008, 3:42pm | #

Don't you think the bear should do his own batin?

lol

Ken Hagler | March 13, 2008, 4:02pm | #

"And the sport of shooting dogs? I understand that's illegal altogether."

It is? The only people I ever hear of shooting dogs are cops. What's the point of making something illegal if laws don't apply to the only people who do it?

A Bear | March 13, 2008, 4:26pm | #

Go 'way.

Baitin'

joe | March 13, 2008, 4:28pm | #

Thanks to this very web site, I've learned that, rather than being crazies or criminals or wanna-be guerillas, most gun owners are, in reality, geeks.

Like Dungeons and Dragons players.

It's like really loud archery.

TallDave | March 13, 2008, 4:47pm | #

Next week's headline:

Shock: Most Knife Users Are Not Rapists, Murderers

subhed: Surprisingly, many have never stabbed anyone

Laugh now, but in the UK they are banning kitchen knives.

Mith | March 13, 2008, 4:50pm | #

Joe: "It's like really loud archery."

I think you'll find that many gun owners also have bows.

And maybe a sword....

Some knives...

Maybe a blowgun...

But enough about me.

Bags | March 13, 2008, 4:52pm | #

Ahhh, is joe a little peeved from being schooled in every gun thread he's been in? Just stay out of these threads. Please. You just end being made to look like a buffoon.

TallDave | March 13, 2008, 4:58pm | #

And maybe a sword....

Could you recommend a quality swordsmith? I've always thought that would be a great wall decoration, sort of like living in a Zelazny novel.

KD | March 13, 2008, 5:03pm | #

My wife calls me "projectile guy" (keep it clean!) because in addition to my modest collection of shootin' irons I have:
bows/arrows
marshmallow guns
air/pellet guns
slingshots
rubber band guns
radio control airplane
boomerang
tennis balls
bocci balls
not to mention knives, swords (incl.claymores), and flashlights (dunno the relevance of flashlights, but I collect them)

Wifey says it is because I like things that provide "action at a distance"... She's more better eddycated than me.

joe | March 13, 2008, 5:08pm | #

Sure, Bags.

I guess when you're losing an argument on your own turf, asking a question about irrelevant trivia to salvage your pride can count as "schooling" someone.

If you try hard enough. And squint.

Bingo | March 13, 2008, 5:28pm | #

joe is right, gun owners are geeks. The prime example being the precision shooters with the binoculars and calculators and notepads. Hell, ask pistol guys about automatic vs. revolvers or 9mm vs .45 and you will get pissing matches unrivaled by anything except libertarians discussing abortion on the internet.

Purpledicular | March 13, 2008, 5:30pm | #

Thanks to this very web site, I've learned that, rather than being crazies or criminals or wanna-be guerillas, most gun owners are, in reality, geeks. with tiny penises, right!?!

Like Dungeons and Dragons players. with tiny penises!

It's like really loud archery. for people with tiny penises!

Because that's why people get guns, to compensate for tiny penis. Also, that is why people buy hummers and other large vehicles, to compensate for tiny penis.

Luke Johnson | March 13, 2008, 5:32pm | #

There's nothing wrong with being a geek, and tons of gun owners actually are geeks. Talking about muzzle velocity and barrel spin and suchnot isn't much different from talking about video cards and processors and whatnot.

MayorOmalleySuxs | March 13, 2008, 5:38pm | #

...getting out of the District to get the guns and getting out to a trap range in the county...

Guy,

Do you shoot at PG Trap & Skeet?

Colonel_Angus | March 13, 2008, 5:41pm | #

If you're looking for swords, many Chinese districts have at least one cutlery shop. Quality depends but if you are looking for a dust collector you could probably find something that suits the purpose.

lurker kurt | March 13, 2008, 5:44pm | #

I'll agree that there is an element of geekdom in gun ownership.

Let's go easy on Joe. I think he was trying to say his mind has become more open on the subject of gun ownership.

joe | March 13, 2008, 6:29pm | #

Somebody's got issues.

Easy there son, indeed.

joe | March 13, 2008, 6:30pm | #

Actually, I should say, gun rights activists are mostly geeks.

Most gun owners aren't political activists, and are more like people who own snow blowers.

Paul | March 13, 2008, 6:46pm | #

Hell, ask pistol guys about automatic vs. revolvers or 9mm vs .45 and you will get pissing matches unrivaled by anything except libertarians discussing abortion on the internet.

No, that was settled a long time ago. The .45 is a far superior round.

*ducks*

Paul | March 13, 2008, 6:47pm | #

Most gun owners aren't political activists

Hey now, I feel very strongly about this issue, and furthermore...what were we talking about again?

joe | March 13, 2008, 7:18pm | #

Ducks?

The American mallard is objectively superior in every way.

Luke Johnson | March 13, 2008, 9:54pm | #

America(n Mallards)... FUCK YEAH.

Guy Montag | March 14, 2008, 9:32am | #

MOS,

No, I shoot at Bull Run. Might be there tomorrow before the race comes on, but only if the hangover is not too bad. Safety first!

Paul,

Yes, the .45 ACP is the best handgun round ever!

.45 ACP, the only pistol round for me

LarryA | March 14, 2008, 10:37am | #

The Benelli Nova Pump has almost no kick, with sport loads anyway,

True, as long as it’s snug to your shoulder. I use a 20ga Nova for sporting clays, and so far I’m hitting almost half of them. Neat gun.

LarryA, it sends the wrong message to our children.

Here’s another!

Guy Montag | March 14, 2008, 12:00pm | #

LarryA,

I am still trying to break the 24 barrier on trap and skeet and trying to stay in the 21+ range from first round of the day to last. Never got into the sporting clays thing, but love wobble and scrap.

Then again, my main deal is just staying in practice for home defense, not trying to win ribbons, bets or anything.

Both of my scatterguns are 12 GA. The Saiga is the long one, 19" barrel and I use the full choke tube for trap/scrap, no choke for skeet. The Benelli is cylinder only, no threads, but those ghost-ring slug sights are pretty neat :) Was using it for skeet until my range came up with a silly 23" rule. That 18.4" barrel is a little too obvious.

Paul | March 14, 2008, 3:08pm | #

You gun owners are a bunch of weird freaks!

Oh wait...

LarryA | March 14, 2008, 3:10pm | #

Guy:

I'm not competitive either. Just a few guys and gals that get together and shoot a couple of rounds. We barely keep score.

Loads of fun with good folks.

If I wanted to get serious we have an Olympic training facility here in town.

Shirt | March 14, 2008, 3:10pm | #

re: KD@ March 13, 2008, 5:03pm:

What, no spud guns?

stubby | March 14, 2008, 3:12pm | #

KD: You and my husband. And he's a total gun geek. Standing rule in our house when we watch TV and movies that might possibly feature a gun at any point and in any context: I do NOT want to know why that particular gun cannot possibly perform as it's performing in the TV show, or why it shouldn't be held that way, or why its presence in the show is anachronistic, etc. etc. He is allowed to shout out the make and model as soon as he sees the gun, provided he does so and then just drops it.

Nick M. | March 14, 2008, 5:36pm | #

Sadly, the manufacturer of that colored AR-15 furniture in Mr. Volk's photos was recently raided by the ATF. No reason given, other than "violation of federal firearms laws", however, the ATF didn't shut them down. They just took a bunch of guns, trashed the place, and left.