So I genuinely wasn't expecting such an interesting and passionate response. In some cases it seem more like a common example of forum based 'hating' in others I can see very valid arguments...... however none really touch on what I intended to get across with the original post. I can accept a gun as a tool primarily with sporting events and hunting in mind. So in the interest of making it more clear I'd like to reiterate the comment and ideally generate some more discussion. "What is is about fire arms that cultivates this seemingly innate respect that the OP was giving fire arm owners? Is cultural value? Some intrinsic value I am unaware of? Make it clear to me. Is obtaining a fire arm really that difficult legally in the US?"