Fascination with Guns
Enthusiasm for guns is more controversial than it ever has been. This is due to higher than ever rates of gun violence in North America. Gun bans have been discussed at great lengths but currently the right for citizens to bare arms is still in place. The fascination with guns is also at an all time high, with personal collectors investing higher and higher amounts into their gun collections, partly due to gun ownership rights being in question. The desire to collect guns is harmless when the collector is a responsible gun owner, and a great many people are.
Handguns are the most widely collected type of gun in North America. Handguns are used in indoor shooting practice and ranges, as well as in outdoor spaces where firearms are permitted. They are the most recreational of guns and are used for a variety of outdoor purposes. Rifles and shotguns are used more for defense and hunting purposes.
The controversy over gun ownership arises due to increased gun violence in jurisdictions that permit private gun ownership. Many people currently feel that gun permit application processes are not careful enough in their screening. Subsequently, dangerous weapons are ending up in the hands of mentally ill and malicious people. This is a valid concern as it puts the public at risk of violent crimes. It raises the question of who should have access to guns, and what kind of guns. Having a passion for guns and building a collection to be used safely is fine, however, having an obsession with guns that makes a person overly focused on them is not.