SBW, definitely different worlds, but not so far apart as one might think…or at least it seems that way sometimes. Folks still call law enforcement when they see hunters in some areas. Way too many cops aren’t properly trained or informed regarding firearms or hunting, and as a result, they tend to overcompensate in their response.

All the same, the gun ownership situation there should certainly serve as an eye-opener to the folks in the US who take way too much for granted sometimes.

Ahh the gunsmiths art……….

I’ve got to say the workmanship that goes into them is astounding, very very good. But as guns? I don’t really get it – taking a 70 grand toy into the wet, muddy outdoors and then spending an age cleaning it? Not for me. Cool work though.

The second amendment debate is one I can only ever see as a bystander. It’s just so far from our political landscape. In blighty we are still subjects, not even citizens. We lost our guns years back and gun owners here are properly under siege.

This week the papers are full of a guy who found a shotgun in a bag in his garden, took it to the cops, who arrested him, and he’s looking down the barrel of five years in jail now. The way the law is worded is unambiguous possession = jail time.

While I was living ‘up north’ last winter I spoke with a gun shop guy about building an AR15 lookalike from a 10/20 he said it would be legal but he wouldn’t advise it most hunters in the UK are moving away from guns that look military, as the cops armed response units are being deployed more and more after hunters have been seen by the public.

Different Huh?

SBW

As far as differentiating, yeah, there’s often a big leap between Gun Nuts and hunters (called “Fudds” by the gun nuts). That division was made abundantly clear during the Zumbo fiasco, and while I disagree with the way folks went ballistic over his stated opinion, some good points were brought forth too.

I think a lot of hunters got a better perspective on how important the Second Amendment is to us all, and how the attitude of “well, a ban on AKs won’t affect me because I don’t use them for hunting,” puts all gun-owners in jeopardy. Too many folks seem to believe that a gun that isn’t recognized as good for hunting isn’t good for any legitimate purpose. It’s the same superficial focus that enabled the assault weapons ban in the first place.

I also think it was worth repeating that the Second Amendment has nothing, whatsoever, to do with hunting. If it comes to the defense of gun ownership, the hunting tradition will practically carry no weight at all. It’s about the right and responsibility to defend ourselves from criminals and from an oppressive government… regardless of whether or how we choose to exercise that right.

But all that aside…

I’d say a fair majority of hunters fall into the pragmatist camp where you and Holly reside. Hunting isn’t all about guns and such, or at least in the field it’s not. It’s about the right tool for the job. I guess that’s how they can sell butt-ugly shotguns like the Beretta Urika… doesn’t matter what it looks like or how it works, only that it works.

But there are a fair number who fall across the board… from those who see the gun-maker’s work as true art (a fine Searcy double, for example), to those who revel in the gadgetry and engineering (a major reason for the current popularity of the “AR’), to the guys and gals who are seeking the ultimate in performance.

Me, I love looking at them, shooting them, and simply handling them, although I don’t have the technical skill or desire to disassemble and reassemble them (beyond cleaning). I totally recognize that within a pretty broad set of parameters, they all accomplish the same ends in my hands, and that’s killing game, but I still love the variety of functions and styles.

Ahh the whole AR15 thing……….

Where I come from I’m regarded as a bit of a gun-nut. Although by comparison to people on your side of the pond I’m not even close to where gun-nut-ism begins.

People I talk to are usually surprised that I don’t know anything about pistols, and I always make a point of telling them I don’t. It helps to get people out of their comfortable assumption that all people who hunt and shoot are military wannabes, polishing their toys in their mums spare room.

Like Holly I want people to know that I’m into wildfood and hunting, guns are just the tools of hunting. Like boots and warm clothes. I think flagging this up goes a long way towards peoples acceptance of hunting and helps to get beyond the stereotypical view that we are ‘blasting away’ in the country.

But on the flip side……………

Next time I live in a jurisdiction with more liberal gun laws, yeah i’d have an AR15. Out of the box accuracy, and a low price are both very tempting, but its the ‘Meccano’ endlessly customizable side of them that really appeals. I’d probably paint mine orange to make it look less gangster, but i’d have one. Maybe in something nerdish like 6.5 Grendel?

Cheers
SBW

PS the whole Jim Zumbo thing was hilarious – I’m not a fan, but I think he was treated incredibly badly by his fans and sponsors. His sponsors really missed a trick in cowing down to the controversy. Being outspoken used to be an american tradition, using the wrong word and mis-making your point is foolish but its not a hanging offense. I do it all the time.

Josh, I’m surprised the Zumbo thing is new to you. The insanity swept (and divided) the gun and hunting community like nothing I can remember in my lifetime. It was quite the spectacle.

And Holly, I understand where you’re coming from, but I see guns as functional art, not to mention an honest fascination. Tons of intriguing psychology behind the gun nut mentality, but I’m OK with that. But there’s nothing wrong with your take on it either.