Gun Shaming

[SharpAsABall]

It appears to me that many of you guys have been involved with firearms shooting, activism, learning, teaching, etc. I wanted to hear about your experiences with "gun shaming."

I am a new (and terrible) shooter. I know very little about firearms (and yet somehow I'm a sporting goods' store "gun specialist"). I hope to one day be as knowledgeable as many of you. Though I'm not great, I love it, and it's an awesome way for me to connect with my grandfather.

Recently, I was hosting a little reunion at my apartment for some people I'd met in college, and someone brought up gun control and how only "crazies" would want to own a gun. I kept my mouth shut. I let this guy (unknowingly) make accusations and assumptions about me, the very few friends I have that enjoy shooting, my "Youtube Heros," and so on. Someone eventually told them that I own two guns. Not wanting to ruin what was a perfectly fine night, I just rolled with the punches, spat out vague statements like "oh, shooting is fun. I can see how some people wouldn't like it. Sorry if I scare you."

I'd like to be proud, or at least, unapologetic when it comes to owning a gun. Deep down, I know how much I was beaming with excitement and joy when I first picked up my gun. I've never gone shooting and regretted the time I spent there. But when your family, most of your friends, and the occasional news story makes you feel like you're at least a bit crazy, it gets exhausting.

How did (or do) you guys handle that? I imagine it gets easier with time. I just don't know if time allows you to gain some epiphany, or you just learn not to give a damn.

[UglyShot]

You did ok by staying calm. Don't concede anything though. Unless somebody is a dyed in the wool pacifist (willing to let their kids get killed before defending them with force) or a villainous hypocrite (Leeland Yee type), then they are likely well intentioned but haven't thought out the whole debate logically. Our choice to own arms has a much stronger argument based on rights, principles, logic and real data.

Buck up, do your homework and be more prepared next time. Don't be afraid to separate the crowd into those you can move incrementally and those who are totally brain-washed against you. Don't push any individual further than they can comfortably go intellectually in one night. There's a lot of ego tied up in being proven wrong and I've seen anti gunners losing debates who do/say some pretty freakish things out of anger and frustration.

If there are certain friends you have that are totally intransigent or close minded, consider not welcoming them back. After all, if they think you are such a "crazy" why would they want to come to you next get-together?

[Merc1138]

It appears to me that many of you guys have been involved with firearms shooting, activism, learning, teaching, etc. I wanted to hear about your experiences with "gun shaming."

I am a new (and terrible) shooter. I know very little about firearms (and yet somehow I'm a sporting goods' store "gun specialist"). I hope to one day be as knowledgeable as many of you. Though I'm not great, I love it, and it's an awesome way for me to connect with my grandfather.

Recently, I was hosting a little reunion at my apartment for some people I'd met in college, and someone brought up gun control and how only "crazies" would want to own a gun. I kept my mouth shut. I let this guy (unknowingly) make accusations and assumptions about me, the very few friends I have that enjoy shooting, my "Youtube Heros," and so on. Someone eventually told them that I own two guns. Not wanting to ruin what was a perfectly fine night, I just rolled with the punches, spat out vague statements like "oh, shooting is fun. I can see how some people wouldn't like it. Sorry if I scare you."

I'd like to be proud, or at least, unapologetic when it comes to owning a gun. Deep down, I know how much I was beaming with excitement and joy when I first picked up my gun. I've never gone shooting and regretted the time I spent there. But when your family, most of your friends, and the occasional news story makes you feel like you're at least a bit crazy, it gets exhausting.

How did (or do) you guys handle that? I imagine it gets easier with time. I just don't know if time allows you to gain some epiphany, or you just learn not to give a damn.

Sounds like you need to find some new friends, or teach the current ones how to keep their mouths shut.

As far as "handling" the hoplophobes, I don't.

The only family member I have that matters and might possibly have an issue with guns would be one of my grandparents, the rest of my family just doesn't bring up the topic around my grandmother. Quite simple to deal with really. Plus, it's not necessarily that she's "anti gun", she's anti anything that she deems dangerous after my Uncle's midlife crisis of skydiving, motorcycles, and so on that put him in the hospital a few times.

Co-workers... guns don't come up as a topic at work. It happened once when we were out to dinner together when someone started yammering on with some non-factual BS about assault 9mm bullets and how powerful they are, 50 round magazines, etc. I simply pointed out that they were wrong, gave them the PC numbers regarding magazines, and pointed out basic differences in cartridges. That led to a couple people asking me why I happened to know that off the top of my head, and sending them off to the gun shop.

Friends... I get to choose my friends. I'm not going to willingly associate myself with some anti 2a crackpots constantly flipping out about crap. At the same time, I'm not going to associate myself with people who can't keep their mouths shut about someone else's business that has nothing to do with them(like the problem you seem to have with people randomly discussing your property with others).

[Dano3467]

Well to start most of the people your taking about only know what they're told by way of main stream media, and friends who learned the same way. So it's not totally they're fault as they have become unknowingly brain washed to think like this.

A little slow unobtrusive enlightenment might help them see the real side of this issue, as not gun problems but issues with how the justice system is so dysfunctional.

An how the infringement of rights...Your rights, THERE RIGHTS, THERE Children rights.... an so on, will lead all in this country to a most terrible situation (in time ).

Granted some people may never be swayed to think like you or I.

Sorry just my 2cent here...

[dyson]

Usually better to share what you own with friends that own or only with nonowner friends willing to go to the range. Friends that fear guns will just blab what you own.

[postal]

The easiest way to stop someone, is remind them it is the 2nd amendment.

If they dont respect the 2nd.... I dont respect their 1st... and they should just shut up.....

Thats the harsh and effective way to shut someone down.... but that cleary isnt your intention.....

Tap dancing the 'I respect your opinions but....." or some such PC nonsense thing isnt *my* strong suit... so I cant guide you through eggshells......

[Jimmybacon43]

I have to deal with gun shaming from my own family.

Not just my parents, but extended family as well. I have one cousin who owns guns, everyone else are libtards. So after every shooting incident that's on the news, the discussion of gun control comes up, and they just **** on gun owners and I usually just leave, 'cause there's no point in arguing with them.

It sounds like you handled the situation pretty well. I probably would have left, but I mean, eh.

[as_rocketman]

There's no reason at all to be ashamed of responsibly exercising your Constitutional rights, or of carrying on our cultural heritage.

Only rarely do I run into someone who wants to pick a fight with me about it... For those people, I simply advise them that I instruct firearms classes with one of the most family-friendly, respectful, safe, and well-controlled nonprofit organizations around. And would they like to come check it out? I'll gladly loan them a rifle.

You don't have to scream what you do or what you own from the rooftops, but you don't have to hide it either. Invite others to the range. Show them the good side. Sadly, many folks only know the bad side from what they've seen on the 11 o'clock news, and that just isn't an accurate sample.

[bubbapug1]

Pistol whipping him on the spot probably would have put you in a bad light.

Seriously, I get that more and more. I tell them there is a second amendment for a reason, and gun control is tantamount and equal to censorship or a civil rights violation.

And if that doesn't work I tell them I am an excellent pistol shot but would never consider using a gun except in a range for sport unless I forget to take my meds...which I seem to have misplaced a few days ago...that usually stops the anti gun talk.


















Just kidding...I found my meds.

[Oldmandan]

Depends on how far you want to get into the debate with them.

Our country is full of people who do not understand that our 2nd amendment protects the 1st, and all 27 after it. They don't understand what countries like Cuba, Venezuela, etc are like. They live in a bubble, called free America, protected by the gun and don't even know it.

You'll have to make a decision on whether you choose to educate these people or ignore them. If you choose educate, then you'll need to educate yourself first.

[MrElectric03]

I usually stay at the same level they do until they start the name calling and facts about guns which they know nothing about. That aggravates me quick and I can't help but set them straight. My feeling is that they have the right to express their opinions and I also have the same right.

As a rule, I really don't discuss religion or politics. I feel that my opinions are my own and I really don't care if someone disagrees, best just not to get into an argument. The only one in my family that disagrees with my opinions on firearms is my sister. She defended me to one of here friends once that I only have hunting rifles and at least I'm not the kind of crazy to own an assault rifle, at which point I informed her that I do own a completely neutered...I mean legal ar15. Then the storm started haha.

[Gem1950]

You might loan him/her a copy of To Ride, Shoot Straight And Speak The Truth to read.

[SharpAsABall]

Thank you all

I appreciate all of your input. Looks like I have a lot to learn, but if you guys are any indication, learning from this board along with the whole wide web could only be a good thing for me.

I just had an interesting thought since I'm going to be starting graduate school soon. Back in my undergrad, I was a research assistant for stereotype threat against students in the hard sciences and math fields. I wonder for my project a few years from now what gamble I'd be taking if I did something on gun shaming.

And if that doesn't work I tell them I am an excellent pistol shot but would never consider using a gun except in a range for sport unless I forget to take my meds...which I seem to have misplaced a few days ago...that usually stops the anti gun talk.


















Just kidding...I found my meds.

The cherry on top of my time on this thread. Again, thank you all.

[Michael Ehline]

[QUOTE=Merc1138;14096568]Sounds like you need to find some new friends, or teach the current ones how to keep their mouths shut.

As far as "handling" the hoplophobes, I don't. <<<<<<< ME!

[MudCamper]

The one who chooses not to be armed is the one who should be ashamed, not you. That person is failing to be responsible for himself. He is failing his civic duty. He's failing as a parent if he has kids.

He sounds like someone with little life experience, or someone who hasn't ever given it any serious thought.