Hi there, Steem. I suppose this is kind of an #introduceyourself and kind of a primer on something I'd very much like to see receive far more education and rational discussion.
My name is Kelly, I am an Army non-combat veteran and I have been handling firearms since I was around 5 years old. I spent a significant amount of time working as a range safety, I have spent a significant amount of money growing my personal firearms collection, I regularly work on firearms, and I have spent a tremendous amount of time learning about firearms.
I am well aware that firearms, particularly in America, are a topic that brings up a whole cacophony of emotions.
Many Americans, like myself, have grown up with firearms or developed an interest in them, participating in the whole range of shooting sports. There's also a large number of people that have an interest but, for whatever reason, don't actually own or handle firearms.
There are also people, and if you have an interest in firearms you've probably come across one or more, that are adamantly and aggressively opposed to firearms ownership, be it some specific aspect or as a concept entirely.
Both ends of the discussion have their extremists, whether it's a Sovereign Citizen collecting military surplus to fight back the encroaching hordes of FEMA helicopters or the ban all guns, everywhere, for anyone, go into their houses and burn them all caricature Liberal.
Most people aren't in those extremes, and the non-extremists are the people I'm interested in talking to.
Jimmy Sovcit and Moonbeam Banemall don't care about anyone's opinions but their own, if they're even their actual opinions and not some weird shouting nonsense they do online to pass the time.
Most people are reasonable, at least moderately open to new ideas, and have an actual interest in something resembling a discussion. That's what I'd like to do.
Firearms aren't for everyone and there are legitimate concerns, on either side, that get drowned out by ignorance, distrust, and snarky pissing contests. There is an incredible depth of history regarding firearms as well as a fairly thick web of legal discussion.
I'm not going to pretend I know everything or have every answer. I do, however, have essentially my entire lifetime so far of a deep-seated interest in and passion for firearms, from their safe handling, their construction, and their history to the various political issues surrounding them.
In addition to that, I genuinely want to listen and, hopefully, educate. I promise that if you are at least moderately civil and genuinely want to discuss something, I will do my absolute best to do the same.
I sincerely welcome any and all questions regarding absolutely any aspect of firearms ownership. I truly do not want to see something like "this is a stupid question" because its not.
If you don't know something there is absolutely never any shame in trying to change that. Ever.
As time goes on my intention is to post regarding all sorts of topics related to firearms. I have a number of ideas already, but I welcome suggestions and requests.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, I am excited to be a part of Steem, and I truly hope I can spark an interest, or at the very least an understanding, of firearms. :-)