What's the difference between a 'gun owner' and a 'shooter' (gun culture in America)

This is not an attack on either group, but rather to educate people about the two prominent subsets in the gun world in America. Some people don't even realize there's a difference, and it's common to see this difference misinterpreted by people outside of the gun world. In short: not all gun owners are shooters. Not all shooters are gun owners. Both could be neither, depending on how far you want to take it.<br><br>The two groups are so different in their approach, that it's interesting to examine the differences between them. In this post, I'll be calling people who own guns but don't regularly shoot them, 'gun owners'. People who regularly shoot guns but may or may not own them, I'll call 'shooters'. I think this distinction makes a lot of sense, as you'll see below. gun culture in America is fascinating. People outside of it usually don't understand it, but within it, there are also large subsets of people that may not realize there is a difference, or heaven forbid, one may be better than the other. There's nothing wrong with being in one group or the other, and these differences don't necessarily make one better than the other. The whole idea of this post is to foster understanding and education, as I would implore those with stakes in one side or the other to do as well. In short: not all gun owners are shooters. Not all shooters are gun owners. Both could be neither, depending on how far you want to take it.<br><br>***The Main Difference: Gun Owners vs Shooters***<br><br>The most significant distinction between gun owners and shooters is their primary focus when it comes to guns.<br><br>* ***Gun Owners:*** Their primary focus is on owning a gun, often for purposes such as:<br> * ***Self-Defense:*** Many gun owners purchase guns for personal protection, home defense, or as a means to defend themselves and their loved ones.<br> * ***Sporting:*** Some gun owners enjoy participating in shooting sports like hunting, competitive shooting, or target practice. However, they may not regularly engage in these activities.<br> * ***Collection:*** Some individuals collect guns as a hobby, appreciating their historical value, design, or rarity.<br>* ***Shooters:*** In contrast shooters are primarily focused on the act of shooting itself, often for:<br> * ***Recreation:*** Many shooters enjoy shooting as a recreational activity, whether it's target practice, plinking, or participating in shooting competitions.<br> * ***Skill-Building:*** Some shooters focus on developing their marksmanship skills, either for personal satisfaction, competition, or self-improvement.<br> * ***Socialization:*** Shooting can be a social activity, with many shooters enjoying the camaraderie and community that comes with sharing their passion for shooting.<br><br><br>***Key Differences in Mindset and Behavior***<br><br><br>While both gun owners and shooters may share some commonalities, there are notable differences in their mindsets and behaviors:<br><br><br>* ***Frequency of Shooting:*** Shooters tend to shoot more frequently than gun owners, often visiting ranges or engaging in shooting activities on a regular basis. Gun owners, on the other hand, may only shoot sporadically or occasionally.<br>* ***Gun Maintenance:*** Shooters are generally more meticulous about gun maintenance, regularly cleaning and inspecting their firearms to ensure optimal performance. Gun owners may not prioritize maintenance as much, especially if they don't plan on using their guns frequently.<br>* ***Accessories and Upgrades:*** Shooters often invest in accessories and upgrades to enhance their shooting experience, such as scopes, grips, or muzzle brakes. Gun owners may not see the need for these additions, especially if they don't plan on using their guns extensively.<br>* ***Safety and Training:*** Both gun owners and shooters prioritize safety, but shooters may be more focused on developing their skills and knowledge through training and education. Gun owners may not feel the need for extensive training, especially if they only plan on using their guns for self-defense or occasional recreation.<br>* ***Storage and Security:*** Gun owners tend to prioritize safe storage to prevent unauthorized access, while shooters often prioritize quick access and convenience, balancing safety and accessibility.<br><br>***Intersections and Overlaps***<br><br><br>There are many gun owners who are also shooters, and vice versa. Some gun owners may occasionally engage in shooting activities, while some shooters may own firearms for self-defense or collection purposes.<br><br><br>As you can see in the chart, there is some overlap between the two groups, and these are not mutually exclusive categories.<br><br><br>***Conclusion:***<br><br><br>Both gun owners and shooters, or neither, have a place in the firearm world in America. The two have different trajectories and mindsets, with neither being inherently better than the other. From a historical perspective, shooters have led to the development of better firearms and firearms accessories, including the development of the AR-15 being a great example. From a self-defense perspective, it's safe to say we're all better off with the gun owners than without.