An observation on how to convert anti-gun people.

**Kahrmine** · 08-04-2012, 10:08 AM

I think the primary thing driving anti-gun people is the fear of guns. It's most likely they weren't raised around them, they have never seen one up close, and they have no idea how to handle one. They fear what they do not know.

Another thing we need to consider is the fact that anti-gun people become gun enthusiasts all the time, but very few, if any, gun enthusiasts leave our side of things and become anti-gun. This is a huge advantage in the battle for public perception

Knowing these two things, our best plan to shift perceptions on guns is to get people out shooting with you. Once they learn the basics of handling a gun, and then have some fun shooting one, they will likely become gun enthusiasts themselves. Additionally, parents should be training their children in the safe use of guns so they don't grow up with this fear (which our society feeds through the media and other means).

**knoxy** · 08-04-2012, 11:51 AM

Yes, unless they're a complete moonbat, most non-gunners fear of guns seems to come from not understanding how to handle them safely. They think that guns shoot people all by them selves.

It's ironic that these same people drive cars, handle sharp objects, & use fire. I point this out to my wife often. She's gun-averse, not anti-gun. For instance, we have a magnetic knife holder in the kitchen with 15 sharp knives hanging off it & she loves our collection of medieval weapons. She has no problem that all these things are within reach of young children, who have been drilled on safety since before they could walk. (Unfortunately, she wont let me hang my gun in the kitchen! :( )

I have been getting her more comfortable around guns by emphasizing safety, showing her how the guns work so she has basic handling skills (4 rules, etc) . I picked up a 10/22 for her to shoot if I can ever get her out to the range. I doubt she'll ever be a gun enthusiast ( hates loud noises) , but she's at least over her fear of even looking at or touching guns.

But again, if they're a raging moonbat with liberal self-important superiority complex, there is no hope for them.

**tdn** · 08-04-2012, 01:57 PM

I take new shooters out constantly, four new shooters last week alone. Listening to their fears are humorous but also very telling in regards to how the media has gotten them believing absurd things about guns. I keep politics to a minimum, if at all, but given the opportunity (usually spurred by a question) I'll point out how asinine laws and the anti gun movement can be. Observing the segway from anti to being ok with or even pro, is very interesting.

**cekim** · 08-04-2012, 02:05 PM

Oh, I thought this was going to be a thread on creative uses of a tree chipper and conversion of raw materials into organic fertilizer.

Yes, the are a lot of people who's principle objection stems from fear and ignorance. Don't forget they also fear themselves. Progressive educational systems and parenting have robbed them of a proper understanding of the normal range of human emotions and how to deal with anger, impulse and failure.

**Kahrmine** · 08-04-2012, 02:19 PM

Originally Posted by cekim

Yes, the are a lot of people who's principle objection stems from fear and ignorance. Don't forget they also fear themselves. Progressive educational systems and parenting have robbed them of a proper understanding of the normal range of human emotions and how to deal with anger, impulse and failure.

This is true. I talked with a guy whose main argument was that people get mad and then people use guns to deal with their anger. I thought it was ridiculous because if you get that mad you'll use whatever is within reach to hurt someone. So it's really a problem with someone's inability to control their anger, and not a gun issue whatsoever. You can't legislate evil out of people.

**pdm** · 08-04-2012, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by NortheastShooter

This is true. I talked with a guy whose main argument was that people get mad and then people use guns to deal with their anger. I thought it was ridiculous because if you get that mad you'll use whatever is within reach to hurt someone. So it's really a problem with someone's inability to control their anger, and not a gun issue whatsoever. You can't legislate evil out of people.

Sure we can. We just need one more law... /sarc

**peshooter** · 08-04-2012, 04:40 PM

Originally Posted by NortheastShooter

I think the primary thing driving anti-gun people is the fear of guns. It's most likely they weren't raised around them, they have never seen one up close, and they have no idea how to handle one. They fear what they do not know.

Another thing we need to consider is the fact that anti-gun people become gun enthusiasts all the time, but very few, if any, gun enthusiasts leave our side of things and become anti-gun. This is a huge advantage in the battle for public perception

Knowing these two things, our best plan to shift perceptions on guns is to get people out shooting with you. Once they learn the basics of handling a gun, and then have some fun shooting one, they will likely become gun enthusiasts themselves. Additionally, parents should be training their children in the safe use of guns so they don't grow up with this fear (which our society feeds through the media and other means).

+1. It's not the "primary" thing driving anti-gun people... It's the ONLY thing driving them. Virtually all the evidence supports gun ownership as a good thing. Any rational person will be pro-gun, or be convert-able once you get past their fear of them.

I've got three pairs of earmuffs/glasses now. I think the most important thing for preserving gun rights is getting people out to the range... I've shown anti friends my AR and at first it makes them uncomfortable. Then I hand it to them and after holding it they all go, "can I shoot it?"

**gearjunky13** · 08-04-2012, 05:58 PM

Im a true believer in teaching kids (young and old

) how to be safe around guns if they never had been shown before.

I dont care if you are anti gun or not in regards to the proper handiling of guns it is important every one know how to do it correctly and safely.

And as you 2nd amendment Rights you should at least take and find out about guns and shoot at least once before you make your mind up about them.

this is like not teaching your kid how to swim and thinking they will never go near water. You never know

**cekim** · 08-04-2012, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by gearjunky13

this is like not teaching your kid how to swim and thinking he will never go near water. You never know

That is a parenting fail in my book too...

**swampy** · 08-04-2012, 07:49 PM

If you look at all the laws and poposed laws that ban or try to ban or regulate anything and everything you'll see an entire society scared out of it's wits of nearly everything. We live in a society of chicken littles.

An observation on how to convert anti-gun people.

Thread Tools

Display

An observation on how to convert anti-gun people.

Posting Permissions