In the U.S., owning a firearm is a highly debated topic. It's in our constitution as the Second Amendment, which many people call "the right to bear arms."
About a third of U.S. adults own a gun, but earlier in the year President Biden and policymakers proposed strict gun laws because of the rising murder rates and mass shootings.
The U.S. has a rate of 120.5 firearms per 100 persons, and often when the conversation of stricter gun laws pops up, people cite Switzerland. The Swiss have been a neutral country for 200 years, but they have always been armed and at the ready.
The Swiss government estimates around half of the guns owned by citizens were former military. Every man "fit to serve" in Switzerland between the ages of 18 and 34 have to serve in the military, and most of them buy their guns after.
However, even with Switzerland's murder rate at nearly zero, it's not because everyone is free to buy a gun at any point. They have incredibly strict gun laws and are highly trained.
Given the highly debated topic, we wanted to know why someone wouldn't want to own a gun.
Redditor LakeSludge asked:
"Non-Gun owners of Reddit, What are your reasons for not wanting a firearm?"
Here are some of their answers.
For mental health reasons.
"I have a history with depression, and something tells me being in the same house with a gun is not a good idea."
- Tylomin
Speaking of mental health, Switzerland actually requires the person selling a gun to consult a psychiatrist. And if there's any history of addiction, you're not qualified to own a gun.
"I love to shoot, but I won't own a gun due to mental health (shout out to all the peeps on the same parade float)."
"I had always wanted to own guns. And I am a gun owner now. But there have been a few times where I took all the guns in the house over to moms and with 0 info asked her to hide them till I ask for them back again."
"She totally thinks you used your guns to murder people and made her an accessory."
"These are the admirable acts of self awareness and consideration that the world needs to see. I'm from Europe and though sometimes understandable (due to the extremists), there is a pejorative messy stereotype of ALL American gun owners when I know this isn't the case. I've lived in the US and know of many responsible individuals. Kudos."
Gun control in Austalia.
"I live in Australia."
- sapage
In 1996, a horrible mass shooting taking 35 lives and wounding 23 others resulted in the government taking hold of 700,000 guns and implementing incredibly strict gun laws. Many Americans point to Australia as a roadmap for firearm controls to stop the mass shooting issue. Australia has definitely shifted their gun culture since then, however there are now more guns in Australia since the strict gun laws were put in place in the late 90s.
"Same but Sweden, I've never witnessed someone use/threaten with a gun since basically no one has them except for hunting. Never even seen a police draw a gun."
"In Australia we don't feel like we need them because you can be pretty sure the next person doesn't have one. I stayed in Texas for a while in a sketchy suburb and it was the first time ever I kind of understand wanting to have one for my own safety knowing that my neighbors/random people were likely armed. I still think it's messed up that most people there own/carry. You only 'need' them if everyone has them."
- axenrot
"Spot on. This is the reason gun control works for us, but it won't ever work for America. I'm thankful the it does work here though. I completely understand why people want to have guns in Australia, but it's difficult to get them for a good reason. If you want to have a gun, apply for a license."
"We haven't had a mass shooting in over 20 years, we need to keep it that way."
There's just no reason to shoot anything.
"I have never wanted to own or use one. I just can't think of a reason why I'd want to do that."
"I can't think of anything I want to shoot on purpose, and can think of plenty of things I'd hate to shoot accidentally."
"In other words, same reason I don't own a can of bear repellent or scuba gear or a portable generator. Just not useful for any of my hobbies and not useful for any realistic emergency in my particular living situation. Except those things also aren't likely to harm me or a loved one."
No wildlife.
"I'm European and never felt the need for one. Zero dangerous wildlife here. Going to the woods? No preparation needed, just comfortable shoes."
"Also we can call the cops, they arrive in a few minutes and don't shoot everyone in sight."
"Eh, I think your mileage might vary depending on what country, and what part of that country you're in."
"I could call the police to tell them someone is trying to break into my house and they might not appear for an hour."
"I'd like to have a gun in the house in the event that the worst was ever to happen, although I hope it never does."
Pew Pew!
"Because these finger pistols are already loaded pew pew."
- karwreck
"Imagine people going to war pew-pew-ing lol"
"Then afterwards they'd get food and talk about their issues."
"Because I'd get arrested lmao."
"Same here, 5 years for possession and death penalty for unauthorized discharge isn't worth the risk."
"Where the hell do you live? That's crazy."
"I live in China, it might be even worse than that."
Children will get into anything.
"I have a small child in my home and understand that kids will find a way to get into just about anything."
"The local news reports about gun-related accidents almost exclusively involve small children."
There are plenty of reasons to own or to not own a gun. Some countries it's just not apart of the culture, some counties it's in the Constitution, and some its completely illegal.
Whatever your reason, it's totally valid.
Want to "know" more? Never miss another big, odd, funny, or heartbreaking moment again. Sign up for the Knowable newsletter here.
@Rob Schneider/X
@Rob Schneider/X
@pancho_runs/Instagram
@risheeee/Instagram
@nickwetzel10/Instagram
@bailey_marie1212/Instagram
@atrain29730/Instagram
Soldier for Life/Facebook