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Gun ownership has undoubtedly been a controversial topic in America over the last few years. In a study conducted in 2019 by Gallup, around 43% of Americans reported living in a gun household, and approximately 30% say they personally own a gun.
When taking a look at the facts, there certainly are both advantages and disadvantages of owning a gun, which you should look into regardless of your current view on US gun regulations.
In this article, we are going to look into these pros and cons so that you can determine if buying a weapon is the right choice for you. Sound interesting? Then let’s get right into it.
Pros:
Store of Value
Some gun owners view their firearms as a potential store of value, similar to other collectibles or assets. Should you decide to sell your gun collection in the future, certain rare or high-quality guns may retain or even appreciate in monetary value over time. However, it’s important to note that guns are not generally considered a primary investment vehicle and their value can fluctuate based on market conditions and other factors.
Ability to protect yourself
One of the main reasons why most people choose to purchase a gun is so that they can protect themselves. Whether it be a home invasion, assault, or burglary, having something that can help keep you and your family safe can put a lot of people’s minds at ease. According to polls from a variety of sources, 68% of Americans said they feel safer in a neighborhood where guns are allowed. When you take into account America’s recent crime rates, it certainly does make sense. Around 60% of rapes and 28% of assaults occur in home invasions, and over 2 million homes with experience a break-in/burglary every year.
Symbol of freedom
In America, the Second Amendment guarantees the right for all individuals to defend themselves. Due to this, guns have become quite a symbol of freedom. It enables you to take care of yourself, provide for your family, and own something that nobody can take away from you. Individuals feel that stricter gun laws would take away this form of freedom, which is something that they are entitled to. While this isn’t exactly an advantage, it is still an important aspect for many.
Ability to hunt and harvest food
Guns aren’t just for protection; in many states, the sport of hunting and shooting can be considered part of their culture. You can spend time actually using your advanced guns, enjoy bonding with friends and family, and, most importantly, put food on the table. In 2016, rand noted that around 10 million people used firearms for hunting purposes and target shooting.
Can be considered an asset
Another advantage that many people don’t think about is that firearms can almost be considered an asset. Most guns increase in value over time, meaning that you can resell it at a much better price than what you initially paid. However, there are specific laws involving sales at a Gun Shop which need to be taken into consideration.
On another level, you may even start a collection. These can be worth millions of dollars, especially if you find some rare pieces.
You can grow your knowledge
Owning, maintain, and using a firearm is one thing that requires a lot of practice. You need to learn how to clean it, keep it safe, and of course, how to fire it. Practicing at ranges and going hunting allows you to grow your knowledge. You’ll develop better hand-eye coordination, improve your concentration and accuracy. When it comes to physical skills, the options are pretty much endless.
Cons:
Irresponsible usage
One of the main disadvantages of owning a firearm is that it can be a very deadly weapon. Irresponsible usage can cause severe injury and even death. In a study about gun violence by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, approximately 1.7 million children live with unlocked and loaded guns. Alongside this, 81% of unintentional shootings deaths occurred when children were playing with guns without their parents’ knowledge.
Alongside unintentional shootings, there has also been a spike in suicides and home homicides. Access to firearms plays a vital part in this, as they can easily be purchased and accessed.
Scary to other individuals
Guns are scary. There is no doubt about it. The fact that they are so powerful can be daunting to many individuals, including small children. While many Americans grow up in households where firearms are the norm, not everybody has the same upbringing, especially expats. On top of this, the sight of a firearm, even if not being used, can be enough to startle someone into making an irrational decision.
High costs
Firearms can be expensive, so if you are looking to start collecting, or just want to protect yourself, be prepared for it to be costly. On average, a handgun of good quality is going to cost around $500 without tax. However, the costs don’t just stop there. Guns need ammunition, and that is also going to take about $150 from your wallet (to start with). Then if you want to make sure your weapon stays safe, you are going to want to spend around $200 on accessories. But wait, it doesn’t stop there! You may need a license depending on what state you live and pay for some lessons (another $300) to get yourself started.
In proper training
Another reason why so many individuals get injured with firearms is because they are not taking the appropriate training. Guns aren’t simple to use, and without lessons, you can put not only yourself in danger but others around you. However, as mentioned above, lessons can be costly, so it is understandable why some individuals may be skipping out on the process.
Higher risk of violence
While this point can certainly be debated, many experts argue that the more guns there are, the more violence there will be. The recent amount of mass shootings, gun homicides, and injuries certainly does provide some evidence to support this. One study showed that Americans are 25 times more likely to be murdered with a gun than any other developed country in the world.
Conclusion:
When taking into consideration all of the above, there certainly is equal advantages and disadvantages of owning a gun. However, when it comes down to it, it really depends on how you choose to use the weapon and what safety precautions you are going to take.
