why I own guns ( Archived) (112)

No they didn't!

It's quite easy to own a shotgun in the UK, which is what I used to own, all you need is a shotgun certificate, fairly easy to obtain. So are rifles, with a firearms certificate! Not sure of the calibre size but up to .250 is reccommended for fox shooting. ...look it up!

Yes many, we also have a famous shooting range named "Bisley" where you can enter target contests for pistol and rifle.

Just because individuals cannot own certain guns does not mean we cannot use them in controlled places, in the UK we shoot clay pigeons,sket, etc and wooden/paper targets, it is frowned upon to shoot actual people.

I like that last sentence.

I know many talk about "Self defense" as a reason for owning fire arms in the U.S. It's true that the 2nd amendment was put into place so the people would never be defenseless against the government.

You would be surprised at how many just like them for hunting and/or target shooting, general sport shooting, and even competition. Some collect because over time fire arms accrue value which almost makes them like a type of investment. We have gun lovers that just like to own as many as they can so they have their choices. People that absolutely enjoy the different calibers, grains, and power exist

You might actually be surprised how many with fire arms don't even think about using them on people or view that as a reason for having them.

I actually enjoy teaching my children through the years how to use them. They can almost give their own fire arms safety classes. None have taken to hunting so far( I think it might have to do with all being girls and every thing is so cute), but they love tearing up paper targets, especially the ones with zombies on them.

Yes they do, there's 3 within 10 mins of me, plus lots of rough shooting, on pheasants, partridge etc. And just about every farm has someone shooting the pigeons, foxes and rabbits! With the right license you can still shoot foxes with some rifles from your bedroom window in the middle of London.. There are a few making a good living doing it. Always wise to inform the police what you're doing though! To do this type of pest control you need to have an open license...i do believe you have to be experienced with guns to qualify! It's still possible to own a handgun if you need it for your job..ie gamekeeper.' I do know there are I've 500 handgun licences issued in Scotland. They're issued to dispatch injured deer etc! Apparently it's much easiest in Northern Ireland to own a handgun than the rest of the UK. Just going back to the fox shooting in London, we do have noise laws so you can't blast away all night, or you will get a visit from the law! I chat to gun owners regularly as I hunt with a bird of prey on farms local to me!

Same in the area where I come from in the UK, many shoots. I used to love clay pigeon shoots.
I was brought up with guns, being in Kenya my father always carried a sidearm, and at around 7-8 years of age he taught me how to shoot rifles, shotguns and pistol, I even had my very own 410, but even in the bush we never shot animals, only targets, guns were a protection against any wild creature that may turn nasty. Even today I can remember the thrashing I got when I jokingly pointed an airgun at my sister. My father was beside himself with rage, it was a lesson I will never forget.