Gun Conclusion

Gun Conclusion   

Source

          I researched firearms and the economic principle is “people generally respond to incentives in predictable ways”. In order to do that I decided to break my topic up into smaller topics, so I can easily see the factors that come into effect when purchasing a gun.

          My first question is why do people want firearms? Well, there are surprisingly more reasons than people think. Most people claim that their only use is to kill and destroy things. That is true but their are some other uses. The whole reason firearms were invented was to use in war or self defense but now with the increased security and safety of the world we have found other uses. An article called "The Psychology of Guns" by Joe Pierre explains that many people who have fired a gun describes it as fun and entertaining. Also people use them as a sport such as competitive shooting, where people compete to shoot targets being judged on their speed and accuracy. Others like to collect rare firearms and use them as display pieces. Those are the most peaceful reasons unfortunately. Firearms are mainly bought for a mean of self defense, whether it is for home defense or a conceal carry. All states allow people to own a gun in their home in case of a home invasion. In Illinois you can only use a firearms against someone if they have violent intentions and actions. Illinois also has conceal carry, which is where you can walk around with a gun as long as it is concealed. Farmers are also known to buy guns and use them more as tools. They use them if an animal starts to attack their cattle or if their cattle were to need to be put down. 

          When do gun sales rise? "Why Americans Buy Guns After Mass Shooting, according to Psychologists" by Peter Hess depicts when a democratic politician wins a spot in office or starts trying to limit guns sales tend to start to rise. This happens because they see that the politician is going to be making it harder to obtain a gun or a certain type, so people decide to get it now while the process may be easier. Another time gun sales start to spike up is after a mass shooting or another major crime to public safety. People feel less safe after seeing these things in the news or in person so they feel unsafe. In return they buy a gun in order to protect themselves in case they are ever in a dangerous situation. 

          How easy is it to buy a gun? According to "Illinois gun laws" by Pew Pew Tactical in Illinois you have to be at least 18 to get a FOID card by yourself and be an american citizen. To get a FOID card you must apply for it and get accepted. Only way to get a gun is to first have a FOID card. If you have a parent who has a FOID card they can get you one before you are 18. At that time you can only buy rifle, shotguns, and ammo. At 21 you can purchase any type of gun. You must have a good background of mental health and a clean criminal background to buy a gun. According to "Gun Laws in Illinois", the only things banned in Illinois are suppressors, Shotguns with a barrel length under 13 inches, and fully automatic firearms. Otherwise you can proudly show off your second amendments rights. 

          In conclusion, People buy guns for many reasons. Some want them for defense and others entertainment. Gun sales rise when a politician is planning on restricting gun laws or after a mass shooting because people fear for their safety. Any responsible American who is at least 18 can own a firearm as long as it is not fully automatic, suppressed, or a shotgun with a below 13 inch barrel.