Why do I love guns ?

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Why do I love guns ?

Post by colinbentley » 14 Apr 2017, 10:15 am

I love guns and have done since I was a child but I really don't know why. It's a question I have often pondered. As a kid, long before TV I went to the movies twice a week and saw lots of westerns and gangster movies, in which guns played a prominent role, and I played 'cowboys and injuns' with toy guns But I didn't take up shooting until I was in my sixties.Now I'm not talking about hunting. To a hunter a gun is just a tool, but I only go to the range to shoot paper. I love the challenge of trying to put holes into a very small area, so it's a challenge I love. I also really enjoy the reloading part of shooting. But I'm not talking about the challenge or the fun. When I hold a gun I am just so enamored with the engineering and workmanship and to think this item is designed to do one thing and only one thing and that is to kill.Maybe I am harbouring some deep seated hostility. I don't think so as I am not a violent person.I'd be interested in how other members view their guns. I am probably a psychologists wet dream.The thoughts won't bring world peace or stop food shortages but I think the topic is interesting.
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by GLS_1956 » 14 Apr 2017, 11:27 am

I'm also 60, I've been shooting since age 6 or so. Dad was a paratrooper in WWII, he served in the Pacific, but more importantly he, as many Americans, grew up on a farm where guns were a tool that saw considerable use. Dad enjoyed shooting and passed the sport on to his sons.

I fully agree and understand how you feel when viewing the design of and craftsmanship that is involved in firearms. I am enthralled at the many different ways designers have come up with in order to send a round down range. Look at single shots, we have: break action, falling block, tilting block, trapdoor, pivoting block/door ( the Snyder design), sliding breach, and I'm sure some design I've not thought of, Bolt guns have using Mannlicher, Mauser, and Lee actions for the most part. When we look at the self loading we see even more of a variety from simple blowback, multiple recoil actions, and of course gas operated. Lever actions are also varied in the way they lock up, even if they all use a lever to operate the action. Handguns are just as varied as their longer cousins. Then there is the beauty of the guns when viewed, Fine wood, blued steel. engraving, and hand fitting. Yes there is also the synthetic stocked with painted surfaces, but regardless those features, or lack of, all mean the gun is made to fit a niche.

Why I disagree upon your assertion that the designed purpose of a gun is to kill, its purpose is to send a projectile to a chosen point, a point that is selected by the handler. The vast majority of my firearms have never been fired at anything alive, such as game animals or vermin, but instead have punched countless holes in reams of paper as well as tin cans, crackers, and other handy targets. To myself and the greatest number of the shooters I know, we shoot because it is fun.
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by colinbentley » 14 Apr 2017, 12:27 pm

Maybe "love" was a bad choice of word. Maybe I should have said "fascination".
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by juststarting » 14 Apr 2017, 2:01 pm

Nah, love is the right word :)
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by juststarting » 14 Apr 2017, 2:07 pm

P.s. designed purpose of a gun is to kill. It's function is to send projectiles down range. It's purpose is to kill. Let's call spade a spade. Just like fireworks, knifes, slingshots, etc. Their purpose was to kill. We repurpose thing... But if you want to look at it in a purist way, it only had one purpose.

In fact, most technological advances I'd say are from military. Interestingly enough, most IT technological advances in online speed, security and streaming services are a direct contribution from the porn industry. Because there are very few things that stand between a horny teenager and a stash of porn. Lol
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by bigfellascott » 14 Apr 2017, 2:31 pm

I like em cos I can kill stuff with em (which is what I buy them to be used for) too me they are a tool and nothing more, same as a fishing rod or a knife and fork for that matter or anything else I own or use, they have a purpose for which I have bought them for.

I don't have any fascination in them as such, I don't really get off on the history aspect or anything like that, mine just need to shoot straight and do what I need them to do reliably, I don't get off on fancy brand names that promise the earth and deliver very little in reality compared to others that don't promise much and are cheap yet functional and do the same thing without the price tag etc (I personally don't see the point in spending heaps on firearms) they are just a tool to lob a projectile in a particular direction and they all do that well enough to hunt with I guess (some exceptions of course).

I don't abuse my tools, they get maintained well and have never had an issue with any of them.
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by juststarting » 14 Apr 2017, 2:44 pm

Nah, I love my guns. And only one or three is actually a tools. The rest are toys and I love them and I get off in their history, mechanical engineering and workmanship :)

Shotguns, however, I don't see the point paying for anything over a Stoeger, functionally speaking (oh ye, went there).
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by AusTac » 14 Apr 2017, 4:58 pm

Guns are pretty mad
For me theres 2 types

Weapons - i am only the temporary user of this rifle and are drawn from an armoury, semi automatic or automatic, well maintained, i don't pay for accessories or ammunition and are used to take/defend life if the situation required. This chapter is however over

Then my personal guns - just things like a knife/spoon/car, a tool used to do a specific thing, which just happens to be bloody expensive but damn fun at the same time, they also seem to be a huge deal to anyone and everyone its really just another item/posession
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by juststarting » 14 Apr 2017, 6:29 pm

I feel like there's something homoerotic that's about to happen here, ROFL. I am not sure if I am scared or intrigued. Probably intrigued.
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by Title_II » 14 Apr 2017, 7:29 pm

Mostly shooting stuff.

That's why I love guns. That and being able to defend my squad, my friends, my family and loved ones.

They are designed to kill. With rare exception, that is the only purpose they are designed for. Or training to kill. Juststarting is spot on.
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by juststarting » 14 Apr 2017, 7:50 pm

People generally arrive to that conclusion, Title. That I am right. Some wise people (you) sooner than others. It's a gift and a curse. But I will soldier on, for you guys.

To be perfectly honest, I recon, anyone who says it's a tool is lying to themselves.

You are here, you are talking about guns. You are passionate about guns. You are not passionate about your screwdrivers or hammers or you'd be on screwdriver and hammer forum, but you're not, so let's cut this 'it's a tool bulls**t' - it's a toy or at least somewhere below a toy but well above a tool 8-)

Or another example, do you reload? Do you go for anything beyond hunting accuracy in load development? Yes? Not a tool. :drinks:

Like I said, gift and a curse.
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by AZZA'S HJ47 » 14 Apr 2017, 8:03 pm

Looking back i never would have though that i would have got into guns. Both of my parents were i wouldnt say anti gun however wanted nothing to do with them and i was always brought up being told they were "bad"

Starting heading down to the range with a old boss enjoyed the challenge. Changed jobs stopped working nights went back to a normal job and wanted to do somethong in my spare time. I was thinking about getting into wood turning however with space at home and being a rental (yes my landlord is a direct desendant of Hitler) decided to get my gun licence .

I cant image not shooting. I have developed a crack like addiction to mil surp rifles and i find that reloading is something i can do for hours and enjoy just as much.

I have now become quite active in recruiting more people to the sport dispelling misinformation spread by the media and get the ultimate kick of seeing my friends whom I introduced to shooting bringing in their friends.

I love this hobby/recreation my only regret is not getting into it sooner
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by juststarting » 14 Apr 2017, 8:06 pm

AZZA'S HJ47 wrote:I love this hobby/recreation my only regret is not getting into it sooner

Yep.
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by AusTac » 14 Apr 2017, 8:41 pm

Killing and firearms are a different things though, you can kill something that is living with a firearm therefore your using the firearm as a tool to complete the task of killing.

The firearm is just nuts bolts steel and plastic/wood designed to contain a controlled explosion and accelerate and hold a projectile, what it' s pointing at is up to the individual using it.


I can't wait for the debate :silent:
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by juststarting » 14 Apr 2017, 8:51 pm

Image
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by AusTac » 14 Apr 2017, 8:52 pm

:lol: not trying to start anything mate just putting it out there
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by juststarting » 14 Apr 2017, 8:54 pm

Wasn't talking about you, LOL
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by on_one_wheel » 14 Apr 2017, 10:56 pm

It's a precision tool that goes BANG!, sends a projectile down range at warp speed and kills critters.

What's not to love ? :unknown:
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by GLS_1956 » 15 Apr 2017, 12:30 am

[quote="AusTac"]Killing and firearms are a different things though, you can kill something that is living with a firearm therefore your using the firearm as a tool to complete the task of killing.

The firearm is just nuts bolts steel and plastic/wood designed to contain a controlled explosion and accelerate and hold a projectile, what it' s pointing at is up to the individual using it.


Pretty much sums it up.
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by knowsnothin » 15 Apr 2017, 8:23 am

colinbentley wrote:I love guns and have done since I was a child but I really don't know why. It's a question I have often pondered.


Boys playing with toy guns or being superheros / similar, is a them just playing out what they see their future role as males.
ie. to protect their family or loved ones.

Its actually a good sign in that they want to grow up to be good men.

it Infuriates me when i hear of families not wanting toy guns or their boys to have less gender identified toys/ games.

bottom line is - boys should play with guns.
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by colinbentley » 15 Apr 2017, 9:31 pm

The two things I love most in life (after animals ) guns and girls !
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by duncan61 » 15 Apr 2017, 9:58 pm

Spent the afternoon watching the Dockers win and polishing the S/S 7 mm Rem Mag Sendero for tomorrows shooting .I am determined to get it spot on out to 600m.I am going to be running 168 gn match king on 64gns 2213sc as I still have plenty of projectiles and powder from when I was doing F/Class.I am hoping if I hit a small roo in the chest at 450-600m it may go straight through without turning the animal to mush.I hit one in the body with a 100 gn hunting pill before at 270m and the whole lower body was jelly.Even the tail was broken in several places.I have nowhere to take carcasses here in West Aust so we are shooting for sport and food.Under 12 Kg the Western Grays are sort of edible if done in a stew with lots of chile
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by duncan61 » 15 Apr 2017, 10:23 pm

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Forgot the pictures
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by AZZA'S HJ47 » 15 Apr 2017, 10:28 pm

duncan61 wrote:
20170415_194036[1].jpg
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Forgot the pictures


Should throw up a thread some time with what you are using and so on. Im just starting on getting into longer range shooting. Today was my first time shooting at 300m and getting respecable groups. The journey begins
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by duncan61 » 15 Apr 2017, 10:40 pm

Hey AZZA look up the F/Class world record.I was reading it last night this guy built a rifle that put all 20 shots in an 18 inch circle at 1000 yards 13 of them were in the inner circle or X.You have to see this thing it is chambered in 7mm/284 win.32 inch barrel and custom stock trigger etc.I did F/Class with my 7mm Rem but the recoil was pretty full on I have a .243 howa that has a 22 inch barrel that got rusty cos I am an idiot.I am looking for something to build
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by Lokvo » 10 May 2017, 2:21 pm

I can't exactly explain my love/fascination with firearms other than I admire human mechanical engineering feats when it comes to small devices/instruments which is why I'm also a big watch guy. The intricacies of how it works and the craftsmanship involved, which as time moves is probably becoming less and less with machines doing the majority of the work.
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by WatchyShooter » 10 May 2017, 2:45 pm

Lokvo wrote:I can't exactly explain my love/fascination with firearms other than I admire human mechanical engineering feats when it comes to small devices/instruments which is why I'm also a big watch guy. The intricacies of how it works and the craftsmanship involved, which as time moves is probably becoming less and less with machines doing the majority of the work.



I'm the exact same with locks and keys, something about he mechanical and craftmenship makes it unique, I think my most watched YouTube would be forgottenweapons just due to the amazing firearms that pass through, the history and build quality makes them collectable.
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by Doogle1970 » 10 May 2017, 3:07 pm

Ive just found these forums.as a teenager growing up on a farm in the 1980's.it was a normal part of life to have a firearm.i love guns and allways have.ive also had the highest respect for guns as well.now 30 years later and ive just got my license and 1st gun in as many years.a savage arms 223 and a gamo air rifle are my guns of choice.im very passionate about all types of guns and hunting.was a huge part of my life and is once again.
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by Die Judicii » 10 May 2017, 8:19 pm

Something that none of you have specifically mentioned so far is the love of quality or rather,,,, the feel of it.
Unfortunately these days so many firearms are so light, plasticy, rattlley, and loose it makes me wanna puke.

But then when you pick up something of real good quality, ie: timber, fit, finish, blue, etc, a blind man could drool.

I think that the doctor that I had quite some years back summed everything up to perfection.

I had gone through a nasty and dirty marriage break down after 30 plus years.
Two months after the actual split, I had a knock on the door one night by the local cop.
He came in and said to me that he had been ordered to remove all my firearms.
I said WHY ?
He said that in light of what had happened it was a good idea in case I harmed myself.
:wtf: :wtf: :wtf:
I just laughed at him and said Mate,,,,, if I was gonna do anything like that it would've been done about two months ago.

Long story shortened, he bundled em up and took them with him.

To this day I still don't know how it came about, because the order was made and signed off by a doctor that I did not even know,, nor had consulted.

The next day I went to see MY doctor of 10 years, and explained what had happened.
She (doctor) went absolutely ballistic, and rang someone (she didn't say who) and said to the person,,,,,

"What have you done,,,,, If you knew my patient and had come through the correct channels, you would realise that this mans guns are about the only thing keeping him sane at the moment."

>>>>>>> I got all my guns back that afternoon ,, albeit some were dented and scratched by some moron at the major police station <<<<<<<<<<<

At least I know what I love and why. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Re: Why do I love guns ?

Post by Tiger650 » 10 May 2017, 9:43 pm

Guns are the tool of a magician, yesterday there were Indian mynah skulking in a tree out the back and upon my casting a spell one less ****** inhabited the planet.

In that case the spell was made in Czechoslovakia and from a air rifle type wand.

More potent spells require personal engagement of the Magician in creation, Physics and Alchemy and Metallurgy and things called presses and dies, these spells are much better and can smite much larger vermin at vast distances.

The satisfaction of the Magician at entry of the spell into the vermin is brief but immense, best thing since f***ing I reckon !
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