I own two rifles that could be described as hunting rifles. They are family heirlooms and not used for anything. They get taken to the range maybe once a year and fired. Then they are carefully cleaned, lubed, and put away. Ditto my Dad's service sidearm. These firearms are not for protection, they are family history.
Of all the rifles, shotguns, and handguns my wife and I have purchased, there are perhaps two that were purchased *not* with the intent that they'd be for defense of family/home/self. One is a full sized 1911 that was purchased for it's looks (brushed stainless with black grips) and because, hey, it's a 1911 and we just wanted the legend. It is also just plain fun to shoot. Mr. Browning's big heavy masterpiece does a great job of absorbing recoil and turning it into a shove or nudge rather than a whack. That relatively long sight radius also helps someone (ahem, me) with only modest skills.
The other firearm I purchased "not for defense" is an AR-15 rifle. Yes, I know it would make a very good home defense gun in a lot of ways. When I purchased it, I will admit I purchased it because again, it's extremely popular, and I figured that's probably for a good reason. Also because I knew AR-15s just get under liberal gun-grabber's skin. Yes, I bought it mostly because they don't want me to have it. Turns out it is a lot of fun to shoot. I'd put it in the recreational category - it is both fun at the range and fun knowing I have something libtards hate. But there is a 12 ga next to my side of the bed candy-stripe loaded with slugs and #1 buck as my primary "bump in the night" defense gun.
So just the heirlooms and two "fun" firearms. The rest, an eclectic mix of calibers and styles (celebrate diversity!), are all business - intended for defense.
One suspects that the AR-15, which is NOT an assault rifle as it has no fully automatic fire capability, is owned by a lot of vets as it is the civvie version of iconic rifle of the war(s) in which they served.
And, they would not be so popular if they were not enjoyable to take to the range.
Agree 100%.
All the firearms in our household were purpose-purchased, save one, a lever action saddle rifle I just wanted.
https://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/firing-ar-15-horrifying-dangerous-loud-article-1.2673201
The AR-15 is not “fun to shoot”. It is a terrifying weapon of mass destruction, so devastating that just pulling the trigger once can turn Mother Teresa into Jeffrey Dahmer. From a well-researched article (a classic of modern objectivity):
“I’ve shot pistols before, but never something like an AR-15. Squeeze lightly on the trigger and the resulting explosion of firepower is humbling and deafening (even with ear protection).”
“The recoil bruised my shoulder, which can happen if you don’t know what you’re doing. The brass shell casings disoriented me as they flew past my face. The smell of sulfur and destruction made me sick. The explosions — loud like a bomb — gave me a temporary form of PTSD. For at least an hour after firing the gun just a few times, I was anxious and irritable.”
I had some hunting rifles that I sold in the 70s when I decided that I didn’t really have time to make hunting a priority any more, raising a family etc., Winchester model 70s. Before the fishing accident I had several firearms of the self protection variety I’m still trying to decide if at my age it’s worth getting a sig DMR for those special long range shots.