As one who lives in the UK and without any experience of guns I find this thread a fascinating insight to those that have. I'm certainly not being judgemental but am very interested to know why there is such a perception of need where guns are concerned?
I was working for a couple of weeks in Detroit last year. Before leaving for home a colleague and I went into a general store. He was looking for a present to take back for his wife and daughter. I can't remember the name of the store though. Anyway, after passing through the various departments we came across the gun store. I was amazed at what I could buy, pistols, rifles, military style weapons, and ammunition! And yes, I could buy them! I wouldn't have got on the aircraft home though.
It was so easy but I do see a contradiction here. Guns and weapons are so easily available but from what you tell me, rocket motors are under such stringent control. Reading a recent thread, even the design of model rockets may even come under ITAR controls. Are priorities in the right order?
I would also take issue with the attitudes expressed toward the guy who "accidentally" fired the gun. Most stated his obvious incompetence and idiocy, others, I perceived were quite sympathetic toward him. For those that were sympathetic, what would you say if I were to store my Cesaroni motors in a plastic box next to a fire to keep them warm and dry? Or keep them fully loaded (as someone advocated for guns) with an open igniter, in readiness for my next launch? Or even suggested the concept of combining a pyrotechnic with a model rocket? Lock me up and throw the key away!
As for the guy in question, "Forced to attend a firearms safety class"! All that'll teach him is how to use a gun properly. He's a dangerous moron (now that is judgemental) but will that be enough to stop him using guns?
Fascinating isn't it? Why the obsession with guns? Is it really cultural or based on a spurious fear.
Genuine questions from me. I am genuinely interested to understand this need you have to own guns for "defensive reasons". Why have "a right to own guns" in the first place. Shouldn't it be earned and respected?
It's a relatively minor problem in the UK but growing. For most people we only see guns at airports, during military parades, and occasional gang land killings seen on the news.
SO.
I appreciate your questions and I might take a stab at responding to a few of your questions. I don't wish to create an argument or even a discussion per se, just one American's perspective on gun ownership. I highlighted a few of your comments to address -
such a perception of need where guns are concerned? - I don't think there's necessarily a requirement to "need" a gun to purchase one. Simply, it is every American's right to own a gun - some/many Americans choose to exert their freedom and purchase and own one. And the vast majority that own and use firearms......do so safely. But, like any dangerous tool - some people misuse them. Like the guy in the apartment below the O.P.
I was amazed at what I could buy, pistols, rifles, military style weapons, and ammunition! And yes, I could buy them! I wouldn't have got on the aircraft home though. You didn't address this, but are you an American citizen, simply living in the UK....or are you a UK citizen? If you are not a US citizen, actually, you are not allowed to purchase a firearm in the U.S.
Why the obsession with guns? - Who is obsessed with guns? There are an awful large number (as in "most") of gun owners that don't really talk about them, discuss them openly or such.
I am genuinely interested to understand this need you have to own guns for "defensive reasons" There is no "need". But Americans don't need to have a need. If a law-abiding American chooses to own a gun....for any reason - we simply have the freedom to do so. As a collector's item, for defensive purposes, or for hunting. "Need" just doesn't even fit into the discussion. It's simply whether an American wants one of not. Some people want to own one. Some don't. The beauty is....law abiding citizens have the freedom to choose.
Why have "a right to own guns" in the first place. Because our forefathers had the intellect and insight to realize that the right to bear arms is a God-given right to any free individual that abides by laws. Most Americans recognize the value in our Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Shouldn't it be earned and respected? Respected? Yes, absolutely. I would hope that all Americans would respect the responsibilities they have for owning a gun. Just like I would hope they would respect the responsibilities of owning an auto, a power tool or a knife. Earned? Yes, Americans earn the right to gun ownership when they are born or become a U.S. citizen.
I hope this helps address some of your questions. I have no interest in a political exchange/argument - I tried to frame this as non-political as possible.
: 
