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mrbuck brought up a couple points that I cannot let slide. First automatic weapons have been restricted since 1934. They are not readily availabe to the public. It takes the better part of a year for the paperwork and taxes to go through. When you say automatic weapons I think (correct me if I'm wrong) you misunderstand the term "assault weapon". (It really means absolutely fuck all, but it sounds scary doesn't it?) That term applies to semi-automatic rifle patterned after military rifle. It bans rifles based on cosmetic characteristics. The rifles in question are for the most part some of the least powerful and inefficient ever devised. When you hear the anti (I use the term because I can think of nothing lless crude and vulgar) crowd claiming firearms manufacturers use "loopholes" to produce military rifles, they are flat out lying. Because they are banned based on cosmetic features, all that is needed is to eliminate or reduce said features to make them within the law. Flat out there is no loophole. For the record, I own one of those "assualt weapons." They are the easiest to use, and least complicated rifles on the market.
Secondly, handguns have many uses. (I use the word uses because firearms are a tool) Self-defense, hunting, and sport shooting being probably among the best known. Self-defense I will leave for last, so let's begin with hunting.
People use handguns for hunting for a myriad of reasons. Be it the challenge, (most shots are restricted to less than 50 yards) or simply because someone prefers a lighter weight tool, handguns are a versatile and powerful weapon.
Sport shooting with pistols is not my thing. (yet...) However, many people enjoy many different versions of the sport. From bulls-eye to silhouette, or perhaps you want something more challenging, there is always IDPA or IPSC (sp?) defense/self-defense competitions. Like any other hobby/proffesion/club people want to have competitions and get togethers with like minded people. Most of all, sport shooting is thriving because the participants enjoy it.
Now for the last and perhaps most important use of handguns: self-defense. Handguns are popular for self-defense for one reason, they carry a lot of firepower in a small package. They are easy to maneuver in tight spaces where a long gun (rifle, shotgun) would be cumbersome. Handguns are easy to conceal as well.
Mrbuck, you were wondering why people wish to carry concealed weapons on their person. The reason is two-fold. First, no one, and I mean no-one likes having a potential badguy knowing they are armed. Surprise is the key. It also acts as a deterent. In an area where any one can be armed, badguys must try harder kto spot someone they think will be unarmed. More often than not, said badguy will find some other area where there is less/no doubt.
The second reason for concealed carry (and I really hate to say this, no offense intended) is you people. What is your first reaction going to be when you see someone walking down the street wearing a handgun on his/her hip? Chances are you will call the police. Here in South Dakota, it is legal to carry a pistol so long as it is plainly visible. Most firearm owners are responsible and sensible enough to take other people fellings into consideration and will not jeopardize our Second ammendment rights or the good will with most uninformed americans.
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I've gone on long enough. If anyone wishes clarification or further debate don't be shy (not that any one will any way). I have tried to be a clear and concise (not to mention civil) as possible. I apologize for the long read.
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