Americans have responded to the coronavirus epidemic with a record-breaking number of gun purchases, according to new government data on the number of background checks conducted in March. An estimate of a 2.4m of background checks were conducted for gun sales, according to adjusted statistics from a leading firearms industry trade group. That’s an 80% increase compared with the same month last year, the trade group said. (1) The use of firearms in the U.S is very popular because American people exercise their Second Amendment right to bear arms others simply use guns for the protection of themselves and loved ones and in order to hunt and or as a sport.
The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution states: ‘A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.’ Having the Second Amendment U.S citizens have the right to own a gun in the U.S at the minimum age for possession being 18 years of age. To Americans this means they can openly carry a gun in public. For example, the park, historic sites, and public transportation. There is no limit on how many guns an American can own since there is no law limiting it. Having the right to own a gun Americans feel safe and more confident when they are exposed out in the world.
Protection is the top reason why Americans own guns today. Being able to carry a gun in public increases the chances of being able to protect yourself from any danger. When going out for a run, going to the store late at night, or even going out for something to eat. Having a gun will provide you with confidence to go out without a worry of being attacked by someone because you will be able to defend yourself. Sex trafficking is a real thing in America, and it is always useful to have something you can protect yourself with especially if you often are alone in your everyday life. Hundreds of women have had to use a firearm to protect themselves from sexual abuse. Having a firearm may save your life at the end of the day.
Firearms are not only used for protection but to hunt and as a sport. Many Americans hunt in order to take responsibility on their food supply and feel more connected to their food. Hunting is also used to protect livestock and crops from predators. Hunting as a sport consists of pursing and killing wild animals and birds in modern times done with a firearm or a bow and arrow. There is trophy hunting and sport hunting which basically consists of hunting wild animals to later display as a trophy. Hunters try to obtain the largest target usually a male with the larger horns or antlers. Hunters may say it testes their skills and abilities they must study their prey by the movement and tracks they make in order to target them. Americans use firearms to enjoy the sport of hunting and hunt for food supply.
In conclusion guns in America are used for various reasons like protection, it being your right and as a sport or hunting. Despite many people not liking firearms they are here to stay with it being in The Constitution of the U.S and hunting being a sport for many Americans. Guns are a part of America and will continue to be.
References
- Beckett,Lois. “Americans purchasing record-breaking numbers of guns amid coronavirus”. Wed 1 April 2020 Website publisher:© 2020 Guardian News & Media Limited, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/01/us-gun-purchases-coronavirus-record. Accessed 6 June 2020
