I don't understand gun culture at all, but support the 2nd Amendment as you all do, at least for the most part. I'd like to require licensed training for some weapons, but other than that I think where the limit on arms that can be owned isn't in a terrible place. I have shot guns at targets before, but I don't at all get a rush from it, not any more than something like darts. So very liberal guy here who supports 2A rights (but not say as much as 1A or some of the others), but just doesn't get shooting, or even hunting that much (not against responsible hunting at all.)
What draws you to it?
Hm, one of my primary enjoyments it the beauty of guns. Now, I'm a historical gun guy, so I like a lot of guns which include brass and wood. Modern guns don't have that in the same way.
There is also the collecting/modifying aspect. It's fun to collect things, and the modify things. Satisfies the same urge as modding cars.
And also... guns are fun to shoot. Maybe not for everyone, but throwing a large round downrange... or getting the chance to run through an obstacle course... or even acting as spotter for someone... it can be exciting, or it can be meditative... either way, its just fun
That said, I don't particularly care that much about the 2nd amendment... very much a relic of olden days, when the most dangerous arm a person had was a Land Pattern Bess. Not every amendment is created equally... I would wager 90 percent of Americans can't even tell you what the 3rd is, and that most Americans think the 2nd is more important than the 9th and 10th. If it was gone, our country would be a safer place.
Anyway... totally not the point of the thread, so I won't bother with discussion of amendments or gun control beyond that simple paragraph.
So, no thoughts on which gun to bring on vacation? Leaning towards the Winchester, since I haven't shot it before... but man, I enjoy the process of firing the muzzle loader, and even the cleaning process... there is something so satisfying about cleaning a black powder gun after use... when that boiling water runs clear, and the patch you run down the barrel comes out clean... even that is very meditative.
For reference... the Winchester...
The Baker...