That's a tricky question, Rosie.

I own 18 guns at this point, and I am craving two more, even though there will never be a situation where I use them all (even in the same week).

There is nothing exotic about the two that I seek to purchase, and feel no need to hurry, as I am confident that they will not be banned.

Why so many, when you can't use them all?

My very first gun (a .22) is restored and on display. While nothing fancy - it is a gun my grandfather earned by selling Christmas cards when he was 11. He passed it to my Dad, who passed it to me - I have taught my children proper safety and sportsmanship with this very gun, which happens to be the first gun shot by 4 generations of my family. I have a granddaughter who will shoot it in another 2 years - which will make 5 generations.

So - sentiment is a reason some of us keep extra guns.

Practicality and effectiveness are other reasons. I have a variety of hunting rifles, which are suited for different conditions and different sized game. All are designed to have a variety of benefits in different situations. It all comes down to ensuring that you are harvesting game for the table in the most ethical and sportsmanlike manner possible. If you use a small caliber gun on squirrels and rabbits, you minimize damage to meat, where a larger caliber will destroy the animal and render the meat useless. In contrast, a smaller caliber on a larger animal will create undue suffering - One needs a larger rifle for this type of game.

And then there is art:

I have an affinity for over/under double shotguns. Some of them are beautiful works of art with elaborate engraving in the metal and elegant finishes on the wood. I have only one, and usually only use it to shoot clay targets. If I had money falling out of my ears, I'd have a couple more for display.

And Competition:

I keep 2 match rifles tuned up for various target competitions around the area. It is a great way to relax and enjoy the company of people who share your interests.

I could go on, but the simple truth is that people horde firearms for completely different reasons.

I don't worry about the loonies who stockpile assault weapons - because the simple truth is that they can only effectively use one at a time.

I don't see a problem with a hunter/sportsman having a few different guns, let's say a pistol, a rifle, and shotgun for example, or maybe a genuine antique gun collection. But I think what we're seeing now is the stockpiling of weapons by those who would rather not have Obama in the whitehouse, and fear that they may have to defend their homes and properties from lawmakers, and people who disagree with their point of view.

Probably both. I know that I bought a couple of guns that I'd been coveting just in case I wouldn't be able to get them later. I have several guns but this was a great rifle for hunting deer. I also bought a new pistol for concealed carry. The small one I have is highly inaccurate and the larger revolver is difficult to conceal except in a purse. I have several rifles for small game too. One I like for birds and one for rabbits. I also bought another rifle for competitions -- although it's been a while since I've done that, but I'd like to start again.

My husband has his own tastes and often goes for rifles and guns that I would find awkward to use. We have several rifles and guns that we've each inherited that we also maintain, but rarely use.

Think of it like purses. A gun owner likes a variety for a variety of situations.

I really don't understand it. Do people not know how slowly legislation gets passed? To run out and purchase stuff because you want it is fine. To run out and purchase things because you think the pres-elect is going to force through legislation BEFORE you can purchase what you want is really entering into tin foil hat area.

Again, if you just wanted it and bough it....more power to you. Besides, prices are probably low....on everything except gas these days (and actually, even on that for the moment).

I have one gun at this time and it is just an old 22 that a friend asked me to keep 30 years ago and I still keep it in a barrel in an old shed out in back. I keep it for the sentimental value. When I was younger I used to hunt and had several guns. But, I found I didn't like killing the animals and humans hadn't pissed me off enough to bother shooting them so I gave them away. I'll pay the butcher and let someone else who doesn't mind do my killing for me. For a person who likes guns and likes to hunt, one doesn't do it because different weapons are used for different things. So, generally, I think that a hunter would have several rifles and maybe a couple of shot guns and probably a pistol or two.

I think it is a mixture of both Rosie.
People are fearful about Obama's plan.
I think he will have a difficult time if his plan is to take guns away from people. And he may just put his life in danger doing so.

I would think the biggest jump in sales are those who already have guns more so than those who do not have them. Those that do not have them see no need to have them in the first place no matter if a president wants change or not.

Those that have guns already feel that need to have them because of many reasons but always bring up it is my right to bear arms when someone threatens to change that right.

Just a few more. ;)

Seriously, we have 3 rifles. An AR-15, a semi-auto .22 marlin and an AR-7. Two shot guns and a healthy handgun collection. We just purchased an American Derringer in .38 special for her and a sweet 9 shot .22 I've had my eye on for a while.

We bought the new ones more out of a sense of investment than need. With the economy the way it is guns are a very good investment. With the government the the way it is guns are a very good investment.

There is no question gun purchases are on the rise. Whether these are new buyers or people adding to their arsenals is sketchy.

I believe they are ALL motivated by fear that Obama will curtail sales. All you have to do is look at his record to see that is what he wants.

Principles that Obama supports on gun issues:

Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons.

Increase state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.


http://www.ontheissues.org/.../...a_Gun_Control.htm

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,347690,00.html

http://www.marketwatch.com/.../story.aspx

http://www.sportsmenforobama.org/content/view/14/27/

Obama is no friend to gun owners. Present or future.

My cousin's husband went to a gun show the other day. There were many people there. He bought one or two guns although he has at least one gun already. He did it because of fear. I don't own a gun. Isn't it in the constitution that we have a right to bear arms? Will some people in government positions be able to bear arms and the rest of us not at some point? It's our right to be able to defend ourselves.

How much heroin does it take to satisfy a heroin addict?

I have to register my car, to drive it legally.

I have to register to vote, if I wish to vote.

I had to register for Selective Service when I hit 18.

I have to register my kids for school.

I have to register my pets, for their shots.

I have to register my house, for services such as water, fire, and police.

I have to register my marriage license (damn it!).

And so on...

But to many Americans, it's a deal breaker if they're asked to register thier guns.