You’re Not Alone in Your Thoughts
Have you ever thought, “I think I’d like to own a gun, but if my friends found out, they’d disown me”? You’re not alone. Many people we work with have had the same thoughts, worried about what their friends might think if they found out they’re a “gun owner.” In this article, I’m not trying to convince you to buy a gun. I want you to understand that the only person you need to answer to when debating this issue is yourself. You don’t need anyone’s permission to think about the pros (and cons) of owning a firearm.
Why You Might Want a Gun
The number one reason most people consider buying a firearm is to protect themselves and their loved ones. Within that group, there’s a large contingent of women—probably more than most would expect. 42 million women owned guns in 2024 and 92% of them cite personal protection as the primary reason vs. 91% of men. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable walking down the street or through a dark parking lot, you can likely relate to why gun ownership for personal protection leads the pack. Perhaps you’ve heard things outside your home at night, and having something to defend yourself and your family feels important. Maybe you have livestock and need to ensure their safety as well. After all, not all threats to safety are two-legged. Regardless of the reason, you may want to know you have the means to protect your family. Knowing you have that capability is quite empowering.
42 million women owned guns in 2024 and 92% of them cite personal protection as the primary reason vs. 91% of men
If personal protection isn’t your thing, that’s fine too. Many people choose to own a gun for recreation or hunting. Going to the shooting range with friends is a lot of fun. Others want to get outdoors and hunt, connecting with nature. Hunting ethically benefits the environment. Maybe you just want a gun because you can. Our Second Amendment right allows us to do just that. Many countries don’t allow their citizens to own guns. As a U.S. citizen, you can, even if you don’t yet know your ultimate reason.
70% of gun owners cite target shooting as a reason for ownership, and 56% mention hunting
Regardless of your reason, it’s okay to want to own a firearm. Your reasons are your own, and they don’t need to be approved by anyone else. You control your choice.
Navigating Pushback from Family and Friends
That may be all well and good to say, but here’s where outside pressure can creep in: friends or family members who don’t like or understand guns. Maybe they haven’t had a situation where they felt uncomfortable or afraid. One of my pet peeves with non-gun owners is the assumption that everyone who owns a gun is a “gun nut.” No one wants to be looked down upon or ridiculed for their thoughts. It’s even worse if you’re already apprehensive about being judged by your friends, only to worry about being called names or looked at differently.
First, choosing to own a gun is not choosing a political team. Your reasons are yours alone and have nothing to do with political affiliation. I’ve sold firearms to people from every political party, lifestyle, and profession—teachers, doctors, nurses, even clergy. Firearms are not about ego, bravado, or aggression; they’re about safe and responsible ownership that aligns with the reason you chose to buy a gun in the first place.
If you share your thoughts about owning a gun with a friend or family member and they disagree, that’s fine. Gun ownership isn’t for everyone. Don’t bother getting into an argument with them. Perhaps just change the subject if you think the conversation is heading in the wrong direction. Feel free to have whatever conversation you’re comfortable with. You can defend your choice without getting into a heated debate. Remember, you’re not changing your lifestyle—you’re simply making a personal choice.
There’s likely common ground even with your anti-gun friends or family. They probably agree that everyone deserves to feel safe but choose a different way to achieve that. You get to decide how you want to protect yourself. Ultimately, you can own a gun and still be the thoughtful, caring person your friends and family love.
The Responsibility of Gun Ownership
I mentioned earlier that I’d address the pros and cons of gun ownership. Let’s talk about the cons a bit. Gun ownership requires responsibility—you’ve got to be aware of that. You’re not buying a piece of clothing or a new BBQ grill. Guns require safe storage and handling. Keeping guns out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have access is a critical responsibility. This is by no means insurmountable, but it’s something everyone who wants to own a gun should consider.
You also need to spend time ensuring you’re safe and proficient with your firearm. This goes beyond any class required to obtain a firearms license. Here in Massachusetts, for example, we’re required to take a mandatory safety class and apply for a license. However, your training shouldn’t stop there. The type of training you need depends on the shooting discipline that interests you most. These things take time, so be sure to plan for it.
Your Choice, Your Journey
Finally, remember this: by having this internal conversation with yourself, you’re already giving the concept of owning a gun a lot of thought and insight. You don’t have to fit anyone’s definition of a “gun owner.” You only need to make the choice that’s right for you.
If you can get some time at a range with a friend that owns guns, try it out before you commit to purchasing a firearm.
Work with a reputable gun shop like Tombstone Trading Company. We love helping new gun owners navigate their way through the process and helping them choose their first gun.
