I don't think people get guns to play Rambo. I think they get them for one of three reasons, not mutually exclusive:
first, because they like guns, as someone may like collecting cars or stamps. Second, because they like to shoot, whether at targets on a range, or as hunters. Third, because it gives them peace of mind to know they have a gun, should something happen. There has not been a remarkable upsurge in vigilantism in right- to- carry states.
The sort of people who want to carry guns are not Bernie Goetz (the subway vigilante), but women who are being stalked by an abusive lover or husband; people who carry valuables and/or cash from place to place a lot; people work late, or in high crime areas. Most of the deterrent effect is because the mugger knows that he make confront someone with a gun. Usually, even if they bring the gun into view, it is only to brandish it, which is sufficient for most criminals to run away.
For some purposes, a handgun is better than a rifle. |
