Why Is It Important To Own A Gun?

Ever wondered about the benefits of firearm ownership? Well, there are several reasons why it is important to own a gun. Exercising your second amendment rights is one important reason to own a gun. Additionally, owning a gun provides a means of personal defense. Finally, firearms ownership teaches personal responsibility and provides hands-on education that can be passed to others. Rather than discuss what you can “do” with a firearm, lets look at the benefits of owning a firearm.

2nd Amendment And Owning A Gun

Alright, it’s soap box time. However cliche this may seem, owning a gun is important because you are exercising your Second Amendment right. Failing to own a firearm is tantamount to relinquishing your right to have a firearm.

“What country can preserve its liberties, if its rulers are not warned from time to time that [the] people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms […]”

– Thomas Jefferson

Hopefully, rebellion will never be necessary. However, as T.J. pointed out, the preservation of liberty requires the spirit of resistance. Additionally, here is another pearl from a founding father that echoes the same sentiment.

“Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined.”
-Patrick Henry

For those who believe that tyranny in America is extinct, I pose this simple question: If the court and election systems fail, what recourse do citizens have without firearms?

Owning A Gun For Personal Defense

Personal defense is another important reason to own a gun. Although we envision ourselves constantly surrounded by a sphere of safety, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Here are some statistics to shed some light on the subject.

“A break-in occurs every 26 seconds in the US. This adds up to 2.5 million break-ins every year, with more than half of those burglaries occurring in homes.”
– thezebra.com

If that statistic wasn’t staggering enough, note the violent nature of many home invasions.

“38% of assaults & 60% of rapes occur during home invasions.”
– nationsearch.com

Additionally, more than 25% of home burglaries happened while someone was home! I encourage you to check out the DOJ and FBI Crime statistics for further reading if the above was not enough. Suffice it to say that it is important to own a firearm for your protection and those close to you.

Personal Responsibility & Gun Ownership

Of course, owning a gun does come with certain responsibilities. Learning responsible firearm ownership is another benefit to owning your own firearm. Contrary to popular belief, many firearms owners don’t go around waving their guns in the air. Proper firearm storage is another large part of responsible gun ownership.

Additionally, carrying a concealed firearm comes with even more responsibilities including knowing the laws and restricted areas where firearms are not permitted. Furthermore, simply purchasing a firearm requires federal (and sometimes state) paperwork for a lawful transaction.

Although this seems like a large amount of information to know, it’s really only the tip of the iceberg. Proper firearm ownership also involves proper care and maintenance of your firearms. Thus, it is important to own a gun because you can learn a great deal about personal responsibility.

Benefits Of A Hands-On Education

Many people formulate an opinion about firearms without ever having held one, let alone firing one. You wouldn’t go to your mechanic and discount their opinion about what is wrong with your car. But that is exactly what happens when someone without firearm knowledge begins discussing firearms.

Learning about guns and firearm safety is another reason why it is important to own a gun. Understanding how a firearm works and confidence in handling a firearm allows you to speak intelligently on the topic. Additionally, owning a firearm gives some credence to your opinions on the subject.

Before long, you may end up finding yourself as a firearms ambassador. I firmly believe that education about guns can frame future discussions.

Providing For Future Generations

Politicians are constantly trying to erode away our right to keep and bear arms. Proponents of owning a gun fervently defend that right across public and online forums. However, there is no better way to secure the rights of future generations than to pass down both a firearm and the knowledge needed to own a gun.

Additionally, firearm ownership can be passed onto your family. Oftentimes, a firearm serves as a reminder of the time shared between family members, and is another reason why it is important to own a gun.

Furthermore, the debate about firearm ownership was had long before you and I. This discussion will continue long after we are gone. It is our responsibility to equip future generations with the knowledge and tools to defend their rights.

Reasons To Own A Gun

Above are several reasons why owning a gun is important. Additionally, owning a firearm opens up a world of opportunities. Below are several activities for firearms owners.

Own A Gun For Hunting

Unfortunately, hunting is in a steady decline. Nowadays, many people own a firearm for personal protection (see above). However, hunting is a great introduction to the world of firearms and a great place to introduce firearm safety. Additionally, owning a gun for hunting provides an opportunity to bond with family members, while simultaneously teaching a respect for life.

Compete With Other Firearm Owners

Competition shooting is another activity available to firearms owners. Unlike hunting, competition offers an array of shooting scenarios and skill development opportunities. Organizations like IDPA, USPSA, IPSC and others offer a community that also develops your skills as a marksman.

Recreational Shooting

Not every firearm owner wants to hunt or compete. Some people own a firearm simply because they enjoy the act of shooting for personal development. Meanwhile, others choose to shoot solely for personal defense. Whatever the reason, recreational shooting is another reason to own a firearm.

Gun Collecting

For individuals fascinated with firearm mechanics, gun collecting is another reason to own a gun. Acquiring guns from different eras throughout history and understanding the evolution of firearms is another facet of gun ownership.

Oftentimes, individuals who collect guns end up becoming gunsmiths. What starts out as curiosity blossoms into a full-blown hobby. Additionally, firearms tend to hold their value which makes them a good long term investment, particularly iconic models.

Parting Shots

Undoubtedly, there are other activities closely related to firearm ownership. Whether you are interested in reloading, or becoming an instructor, the first step for many is owning a firearm. Help eliminate the stigma about firearms by owning your own gun and become part of our community. Do you have other reasons it’s important to own a gun? Share them with future readers!