Americans of Reddit, are you pro-gun or anti-gun? Why?

I would say neither.

I kind of wish I lived in a country without access to guns. Whenever I'm in public events I usually consider where I would go if someone started shooting. As such, I get really uncomfortable when people open carry. Like, I don't want to see a 22 while I'm grocery shopping, you know?

I have a fondness for guns though. I like shooting, it's fun. When I was a kid my uncle took me out to shoot all the time. A father figure of mine also took me out with his police coworkers as a teenager so I have a lot of positive experience with guns. Two times I've taken women I was dating to the gun range because they had never shot before. It feels super powerful and I can appreciate the sport of it.

On a personal level though, I don't tend to enjoy the company of someone who would consider them self a "gun enthusiast". I really don't like how reckless people are with weapons. When I was in my early twenties, three different instances occurred where casual friends would show off their gun at a party. That struck me as wildly irresponsible considering that there was alcohol and weed around.

Sometimes I wish there were more restrictions or consequences for irresponsible behavior. Like, those dudes at the party for example: I wish there was an organization I could report that bad behavior to. And I wish that those guys were fined. I don't think they should necessarily have their weapon taken away but I think they need to go through more safety classes. Additionally I wish it was more difficult to get guns. I wish there was more training required. I wish gun ownership was a private thing like religion and your paycheck. Keep it to yourself unless I know you really well or there's a threat.

This summer I'm planning on doing a lot of bike riding across a few states by myself and I considered getting a gun. However, I'm bipolar and I don't know if legally that's cool. Nor if I should. I would never hurt anyone unless I felt my life was threatened but I've also been suicidal and I don't know if it's a good idea to get one.

My thoughts on guns are complicated.

/r/AskReddit Thread