Heckled about guns...

[NapaPlinker]

What do you say when people heckle you about owning firearms? It seems like theres always the people; family members, or not who dislike everything about our hobbies and interesst. I was told today to find a new hobby, people being scared where Im "going" with "guns". Not once have I done anything unsafe, unethical, unmoral, or stupid with a firearm they are my hobby and protection as well as all of my fellow calgunners. So once again what am i supposed to say to get my point across my answers never seem to be good enough for people.

[Tack]

How about a little more context. Who, when, where, and an example.

Where I go, people never heckle me about firearms.

[CenterX]

I don't tell anyone out right to start with. If I get flack after they find out or if they are family, I ask if they would like to go shoot. If it continues, I look to change the subject or leave after a few minutes. Life is too short to be around haters. Probably avoidance is fueling the fire, but I just don't have time for an argument these days.
I wish you the best on this.

[OC-Indian]

If they dont get it. They dont get it. Ignorance is one of natures few self-preserving diseases.

[buggsb]

I'm not sure how old you are, but I don't feel the need to justify my hobbies or interests to anybody. While I don't "hide" my interests, accordingly I don't force them upon others who have no interest. This applies not only to firearms related hobbies, but others as well. If someone shows an interest, I am happy to educate them, but I try not to be one of "those guys" who force a conversation upon someone. You'll find that there are some folks who are curious enough to learn the positive aspects of firearm ownership and those that are too close minded to listen.

[Chris M]

I've found the best response is to invite them to the range. I can't tell you how many people have fired their first shots with one of my guns. Plenty of which were scared of firearms prior. Most want me to take them again, and again...

[Bizcuits]

My friends all support firearms or they wouldn't be friends.
Some of my family is anti-gun, because my brother committed suicide with a firearm. However they do not heckle and do not want guns banned.
Everyone I work with for the most part owns guns or is pro-gun.

The most heckling I have ever gotten was teasing. Such as "still planning for the zombies?" "preparing to take on the national guard?" "how do you shoot all the guns you own"....

I do not consider any of that heckling and I tease back... If by heckling you refer to teasing, then I'd say man up and suck it up. If by heckling you mean open harassment, well avoid the people?

[coltn46920]

I just avoid talking about anything of guns with people I know I will get that reaction from. Whether it be friends, family etc...

[Casual_Shooter]

I tell people I like guns because I think they're cool. Seems if I say anything else, like "self defense", "protection", "sport" etc, they have a comeback that can only start a lengthy discussion that I typically don't want to get into.

If I say they're "cool", the only thing they can come back with is "why do you think they're cool".

Because I do. Endeth the conversation.

[sevensix2x51]

id say you live in the wrong part of town! my neighbor is the happy owner of one of my prior c&r's, and there are no less than 4 USMC flags flying on my little cul-de-sac street. and it's a short street.

also, i cut my teeth on handloading in my grandfather's garage, and honed my youth reloader skills in the home of my uncle. i dont think ive ever been heckled by anyone, ever.

i dont get the "why do you need so many guns?!" line, because outsiders dont need to know that i have more than one. a two rifle soft case and a backpack, thats all that ever goes out of the house. pretty unassuming.

this could probably be in general guns discussion...

[Lone_Gunman]

I keep my gun ownership on the down low when first meeting someone. I don't really bring guns up until I know a little about the person. My family is not an issue. My Dad owns more guns than I do and my Mom even owns a few. I do have some extended family that are liberals and I'm sure they're anti gun but we're not close and I'm sure they don't even know I own guns.
I would suggest keeping your gun ownership on the down low with critical people, family or not.

[tonelar]

maybe you and i have different definitions of heckling?
unless you're a standup comic, i don't see how you could be heckled.

to the dolt that suggested you find a new hobby; You're right, i'm going to collect ammunition, targets, clay pigeons now. Thanks!

to whoever says they're afraid of where you're going (with that gun in your hand); I'm making Napa a safer place. Wanna come along?

[Can'thavenuthingood]

Short version.

I offer to take them shooting.
They typically decline at first.
But then they succumb to the curiosity.
They shoot.
Then he/she ask how can they get one.

All are aghast at the process they have to go through to obtain a firearm.
Most often heard comment along the lines of "Shouldn't be that hard for an honest/law abiding citizen to get a gun".
My response is usually something like "Welcome aboard, now write your Congressmen"

Vick

[BigDogatPlay]

Naysayers and doubters I always invite to go shooting. Clays, bullseye, whatever they want. Those who decline in horror are the true believers and we'll never sway them.

Those who agree to go very often become new shooters.

[NapaPlinker]

Well this is what one person said to me "I don't understand why you are so into guns no one in our family has every owned them and it upsets me to see were you might be going with them Please be safe"

And another "U r obsessed with guns! Find a new interest like bowling or something"