Gun Fascination?

[smle-man]

A violence workshop that I attended recently listed a major risk factor as 'fascination with weapons'. The moderator went to great lengths to stress that gun ownership is fine, hunting is fine, the NRA is fine but 'gun fascination' is a major indicator of a predilection to violence.

Does this read like anyone on this board?

1. Owning several weapons, especially exotic weapons.
2. Retaining a large supply of ammunition
3. Frequently talking of weapons.
4. Developing skills with different weapons
5. Frequent trips to gun shops
6. Dressing in fatigues or other military clothing
7. Subscribing to mercenary gun magazines

He got me on everything but #5 and #7. I do swing through the firearms section at Big 5 frequently to see what ammunition is for sale so perhaps that does count as frequent gun shop visits. As to mercenary gun magazines, does that mean gun magazines that are for profit or write about mercenaries?
I sometimes wear DCU pants to work around the house and I have some sweatshirts and T shirts from visits to interesting places overseas with a military theme. Does that count for military clothing?

[IVC]

I'm in, except for #5 and #6. The American Hunter magazine from NRA must be "mercenary" enough for these types.

I have nothing against theories, except that as a scientist I expect a proof. No proof = unsubstantiated drivel.

[1CavScout]

I only wear my old BDU pants when I am doing work on my property (they are better than jeans IMO) and the only mags I get are the ones from the NRA. I guess I fit all the other categories.

[prod39]

I'm always wondering, " What is the motivation of this instructor?"

[krwada]

Weapons Fascination

I believe I am guilty of all except for #7 ... maybe #6 ... however I have worn the gi, and the kendo bogu. I have also worn military style camo when I have gone out with a paintball gun.

I have spent a considerable amount of my lifetime around weapons of all forms and manner. I have even taken seminars on how to train with "weapons of opportunity".

I grew up with firearms when I was a child in the Central Valley California. Being a farm boy ... well ... this is what you do.

For me, the martial arts ... ALL martial arts is about self improvement. One also needs to train the way they will fight ... at least this is what the various instructors I have been student under have taught me.... Even the firearms instructors tell me this too.

Other than firearms ...

I have trained with the following. I also own many of the following too. I believe these are classified as exotic weapons no?

katana
wakazashi
scimitar
spear
naginata
yari
tjian
double-handed tjian
darts
throwing knives
balisong
karambit
bo
hanbo
eskrima

Eventually, I would like to learn how to use various maces and flails. However, I believe most of these types of weapons are banned in California

AS an end note ... I can say this for certain ... also ... The following has been my experience ... even though anecdotal.

All of my friends who have experienced lots of situational violence due to their careers are probably the most peaceful and pacifist types I know. These include:

1. Deep undercover narco-gang officers ... during the 1970's
2. Those who served during the sh#t-storm days of the late 1960's in Vietnam
3. Those who were unable to leave Vietnam after 1975
4. Those who were in Bosnia Herzegovina, fighting in the militia
5. Those who were in the Golan Heights during the Yom Kippur War
6. Those who were in the Sinai during the Yom Kippur War
7. Those who were there during the initial landings on the Gilbert Islands in WW2
8. Those who were there during the liberation of the towns in Northern France in WW2
9. Those who were there during the sh#t-storm in Iraq
10. And yes, I know a fellow who was a medic for a Seal Team in Afghanistan

Yes, I know these people ... All of these folks are my friends, and are probably the kindest most peace-loving people I know. There is something about being exposed to these kinds of horrors that makes one have a more peaceful outlook than one predisposed to violence.

Most of the folk who do the talk ... usually have no clue what I am talking about.

But hey ... it is OK ... A lot of my friends have paid the price so we can go on talking about these things no?

[Tanner68]

What is a "violence workshop"?

How do I sign up and what fighting arts do they teach?

Serious about the first question.

[ConcealedKalifornia]

What is a "violence workshop"?

How do I sign up and what fighting arts do they teach?

Serious about the first question.

I agree! I really would like to channel my violence more efficiently!

[Divernhunter]

Got me on all but #6 &7.
I wear camo when hunting only.
I read gun and hunting mags.
Being retired and with less money I do not go to gun shops as often.

Have not hurt/killed anyone in my life------Yet.

[Doheny]

I think such things as described in the OP could be said about any sport or hobby someone is passionate about. For instance, golf:

1. Owning several golf clubs, especially exotic clubs
2. Retaining a large supply of clubs, balls and tees
3. Frequently talking of golf.
4. Developing skills with different clubs
5. Frequent trips to golf shops
6. Dressing in shorts and polos or other golf clothing
7. Subscribing to golf magazines

.

[boltmopar]

They got me on six and seven as well, but I could care less what that moderator thinks. If I was prone to violence I would of committed a violent act by now. My dad would say yes to all, and he is pretty easy going, and is very difficult to piss off.

[Tarasdad]

Lemme see...

Lots of firearms? Check (at least I used to, plan to do so again!)
Lots of ammo? Check (ditto above)
Frequently talk about guns? Check
Skills with different weapons? Check
Frequent trips? Check (used to be daily - I worked there!)
Fatigues? Check (camo for hunting, still have two complete sets)
Mercenary gun magazines? Hmm...depends on how you define "mercenary" doesn't it? Guns & Ammo? American Rifleman? American Hunter? Shooting Times? Shotgun News?

Awfully broad paintbrush there.

[Felix168]

A violence workshop that I attended recently listed a major risk factor as 'fascination with weapons'. The moderator went to great lengths to stress that gun ownership is fine, hunting is fine, the NRA is fine but 'gun fascination' is a major indicator of a predilection to violence.

Does this read like anyone on this board?

1. Owning several weapons, especially exotic weapons.
2. Retaining a large supply of ammunition
3. Frequently talking of weapons.
4. Developing skills with different weapons
5. Frequent trips to gun shops
6. Dressing in fatigues or other military clothing
7. Subscribing to mercenary gun magazines

He got me on everything but #5 and #7. I do swing through the firearms section at Big 5 frequently to see what ammunition is for sale so perhaps that does count as frequent gun shop visits. As to mercenary gun magazines, does that mean gun magazines that are for profit or write about mercenaries?
I sometimes wear DCU pants to work around the house and I have some sweatshirts and T shirts from visits to interesting places overseas with a military theme. Does that count for military clothing?

Let's see your moderator's education and background and I will decide how to laugh at him

[krwada]

Hey!!!! Wait a minute!

Why did you attend a violence workshop?

Was it a court order?

... no ... you do not need to answer these questions....

Heh!

A violence workshop that I attended recently listed a major risk factor as 'fascination with weapons'. The moderator went to great lengths to stress that gun ownership is fine, hunting is fine, the NRA is fine but 'gun fascination' is a major indicator of a predilection to violence.

Does this read like anyone on this board?

1. Owning several weapons, especially exotic weapons.
2. Retaining a large supply of ammunition
3. Frequently talking of weapons.
4. Developing skills with different weapons
5. Frequent trips to gun shops
6. Dressing in fatigues or other military clothing
7. Subscribing to mercenary gun magazines

He got me on everything but #5 and #7. I do swing through the firearms section at Big 5 frequently to see what ammunition is for sale so perhaps that does count as frequent gun shop visits. As to mercenary gun magazines, does that mean gun magazines that are for profit or write about mercenaries?
I sometimes wear DCU pants to work around the house and I have some sweatshirts and T shirts from visits to interesting places overseas with a military theme. Does that count for military clothing?

[71MUSTY]

Got me on all but #6 &7.

This

[Chaos47]

I think such things as described in the OP could be said about any sport or hobby someone is passionate about. For instance, golf:

1. Owning several golf clubs, especially exotic clubs
2. Retaining a large supply of clubs, balls and tees
3. Frequently talking of golf.
4. Developing skills with different clubs
5. Frequent trips to golf shops
6. Dressing in shorts and polos or other golf clothing
7. Subscribing to golf magazines

.

This.