Previous

Contents

Next

I Love My Guns
by Susan Callaway
[email protected]

Special to L. Neil Smith's The Libertarian Enterprise

Some recent comments on various message boards frequented by shooters indicate that a few people are either changing their minds or are bowing to the politically correct pressure of the day. They have begun to assert that they do NOT "love their guns" and only view them as necessary tools.

While I couldn't agree more that guns are simply tools, pretty much like any others, I don't know why that would make them unlovable. Most men love their tools, all different kinds, and men have always loved their guns. I'm certainly not ashamed to join those men.

But, you might ask, just what is it that we (who still profess it anyway) actually love about guns? Aren't they killing machines, good only for harming others? We hear that a lot.

So, why do I love my guns? Let me count the ways.

To start with, about 30 years ago I was attacked and would likely have died if I had not been armed.

         At that point the man started to walk toward me, in a few words telling me just how he would hurt me. I raised the shotgun, but he just sneered and said confidently, "you won't shoot me" and kept coming.
         He was still too close to my car, so I aimed the .410 shotgun just over his head and pulled the trigger.
         I saw the shocked look, just before I saw the blood on his face and chest where the tiny #6 birdshot had hit him. He turned and ran away, destroying a low ornamental fence in the process, but never even slowing to untangle it from his legs.

How would the world be better and more peaceful if I had been raped and murdered instead, simply because I had no gun?

I love to take my guns apart and clean them, usually after a satisfying day at the range or out on the wide grasslands. I love their mechanical simplicity and elegance, the engineering miracle that really has not changed much for hundreds of years. I love the smell of the cleaning products and the silky sound of the action when it is oiled properly. The crisp "snap" of the trigger release is music to my ears.

Though I protect my hearing religiously, I love the sound of gunfire on the range when I'm there, and in the distance as others shoot. I'm about a mile from the range and can hear it often. It is the sound of freedom to me -- other men and women both enjoying themselves and practicing a useful skill.

I have an old M1 .30 carbine. The scratches and dents in the old wooden stock have a serious story to tell... though sadly I can't read it and the man who could is probably long gone by now. I love to shoot that gun, and imagine the story it might tell if it could. It's a good old gun, and would certainly help me to defend myself and my neighbors if necessary.

My old Marlin 30-30 lever gun is just about perfect for hunting, which could keep me alive if things ever got to that point. That might mean bringing down deer for food, or holding off predators who would take my food away from me. The scared old stock has another and just as beautiful tale to tell, of hunts and shooting matches and the companionship that both can bring to all kinds of people.

The Ruger .357 magnum revolver I carry on my belt each day, everywhere I go, is part of the ongoing story of my life. I'm 65 years old, and not able to run or fight meaningfully with my bare hands. The revolver (or any gun) in that holster gives me the power to overcome my physical shortcomings and equalizes my opportunity to save myself or others from aggression and great harm or death. That is a heavy responsibility and one that most armed people take very seriously.

The most important reason I love my guns is something quite different, however.

They represent self ownership, and true independence. They mark me as one who is responsible for myself and willing to risk everything to protect myself and others. It marks me as a free human being and not a slave. Slaves are not "allowed" to own and carry guns. Free people can't be stopped from doing so.

I love my guns, and the liberty for which they stand.

Susan Callaway is an NRA Certified instructor and other certification for handguns, self defense. Thirty years teaching and shooting experience.

"I Am Not A Victim" is a booklet written as supplemental material for my handgun and self defense classes. It is available free to anyone who will send me an email and request it.

Originally published at thepriceofliberty.org

Was that worth reading?
Then why not: