I honestly don’t know what most people purchase guns for. I think self-defense is actually a part of the reason for most.
Full disclosure, I do own several guns (if that wasn’t obvious). While I do own some for the expressed purpose of self defense. most I own because they are fun. I do 3-gun, and a few other things, and I like working on and maintaining them (for alot of the same reasons I like building/fixing most things).
This is why I think it’s silly for peeps outside the US to comment on our gun situation based on news headlines. The majority of gun crime is done with handguns. So you’re saying peeps should just get handguns instead? What exactly would change mate?
What you think and actual facts don’t line up.
But what is an “assult rifle”. As I’ve commented before, that term doesn’t actually mean anything.
Most civilians don’t own rifles. the AR15 is the most popular “RIFLE”, the vast majority of guns owned by civilians are handguns. Not rifles.
Most of those rifles are not purchased for self defense.
No offense, but I think you are conflating two separate statistics. Rifle ownership is not driven be self-defense for the most part.
No. I wouldn’t.
I ain’t arguing with fucking Revolver Ocelot. 6 Bullets is enough.
I am a gun enthusiast, but I do find the US gun regulations to be way too lax and allow for shit like this to happen.
Also, why use an AR15 for home defense?
A shotgun is far more effective. Same with a trusty revolver or a carbine with lever reload action.
None taken. It’s always fun to learn about other cultures and stuff.
None of those are good for self defense.
Maybe the shotgun, but you better not miss.
I think this is what sets apart the USA and other countries, even the ones with a high % of gun owners (like the afromentioned switzerland), the “fun factor” isn’t actually perceived or advertised much outside the USA, most people either own guns specifically for hunting or self defense and “gun nuts” are extremely rare, probably because the “gun lobbies” in these countries aren’t as big or influential as their USA counterparts.
Like, here in Italy you won’t see gun commercials in tv or firearms exposed in malls despite hunting being pretty popular especially in the areas infested with boars
Its definitely a part of US culture (and there a lot of reasons for that that would go on for too long to discuss here). As a result, people “want” to own guns, as opposed to “need”. I don’t think that’s a problem in and of itself, but that does mean there are more in circulation.
As a fun trivia bit, I help my friend out with foreign exchange students, and “shooting guns” is usually one of the things they want to do while in America.
You’re telling me that a tool for killing designed for close quarter combat is not good at… close quarter combat, which is where self defense happens? 
One that will also not jam on you and that can be operated one handed and fetched quicker than a rifle?
Context. Gun crime is too broad of a term. We’re talking about mass shootings.
Is it possible to have those with pistols, lots of ammo and speedloaders? Of course.
Is it harder to pull one off with those? I really hope so. At least it would be easier to trace a nut buying speedloaders and loads of pistol ammo.
It’s a step, not the endgame.
Shotgun
Now you’re talking my language.
Yes even in mass shootings handguns are used more than any other weapon. It’s not harder at all. That’s why I asked if you were ok with a beretta with an extended clip. It’s a handgun and would do just as much as a AR-15 you keep bringing up.
It’s a step that would do absolutely nothing.
I don’t like shotguns.
Even if you miss, I believe you will make an effective club out of it.
Most people don’t lol. I’m always an odd ball when I say what I like.
AA-12 is the most fun I’ve ever had shooting a weapon in my life. Lol I have a lot of shotguns. I like the look and feel of em.
That would be more dangerous than the actual slug.
why not? I don’t even like guns but I would definetly try a shotgun just to feel like Arnold in T2
My father had a shotgun and a .22 carbine when hunting and owning guns was legal here.
The shotgun was nice, but he taught me to shoot with the lever action carbine and I fell in love with those.
So much that my favourite gun to rent at the range is a .44 special carbine with winchester lever action.
Second one is the .44 special revolver. Good stuff.
Lotta kick, but not the good kind.
Lots of shotguns are all violence and no finesse. You get bashed in the shoulder and you don’t feel good about it.
Compare that to a 1911 (one of my favorite guns). It kicks like a mule, but it is a precision instrument.