Gun Shop Ownership: My Journey and Reflections on Selling Firearms

Introduction

Many consider owning a gun shop to be a high-stakes business, fraught with emotional and ethical dilemmas. As an experienced gun shop owner, I have often been asked, 'have you ever regretted selling a gun?' The answer is multifaceted, reflecting my personal experiences and ethical perspective.

My Personal Experiences in the Gun Shop Industry

I have been involved in the firearms business for nearly a decade, working as a manager for a sporting goods chain and eventually owning a gun shop. Over this period, we conducted over 4,000 background checks and completed around 9,000 firearm sales. While the business dimension of gun shops is clear, my experiences have taught me valuable lessons about the role of firearms in society.

Have I Regretted Selling Firearms?

The short answer is no. Viewing guns as mere tools rather than perpetuators of evil is a crucial perspective.

My spouse and I have owned various firearms, including a 30.06 and a 300 Win Mag. When the latter was sold to a friend and later found burned, no gunsmith would restock it due to its exposure to high temperatures. This incident taught me that no gun is truly irreplaceable or invaluable.

As a manager, I audited 4,473 background checks, ensuring compliance and diligence in the sale of firearms. However, a tragic incident from this period lingers in my mind: a relative who committed suicide despite having no prior signs of mental distress. While it is a sobering reminder of the potential uses of firearms, it does not make me question the morality of the sale itself.

Personal regret has touched me in a different manner. The one instance where I sincerely wish I could have retained a firearm was an inherited pre-ban HK that was sold during financial need. Despite the passage of time, I still long to have it back. Fortunately, the buyer has since shown great understanding and permits me to use it for target shooting.

Despite these anecdotes and personal twists, it is important to remember that firearms are tools. They can be made to serve various purposes, whether it be for hunting, sporting, or self-defense. It is the hearts of humans, not the firearms, that determine whether they are utilized for good or ill.

Firearms and Legal Ownership

Many argue that people with legal firearms are the root of many problems, but this is not borne out in practical experience. The vast majority of firearms purchased legally are used responsibly and lawfully. Out of the thousands of firearms we have sold, only one was reported stolen and recovered.

The argument that legal ownership leads to wrongdoing seems to ignore the millions of law-abiding citizens across the United States. These individuals, just like their counterparts elsewhere, grieve over the loss of loved ones and communities affected by tragedy, regardless of the tools used.

The Role of a Gun Shop in Society

Gun shops and the individuals who work in them play a significant role in ensuring that firearms are sold legally and safely. Our business performs extensive background checks and adheres to strict regulations, doing our part to mitigate any potential misuse. However, the personal connection and ethical considerations, like the emotional weight of each firearm sale, are not always easily quantifiable.

The ongoing debate about gun ownership requires a balanced view, acknowledging both the practical realities of selling firearms and the moral implications of the work we do. Through personal experiences and reflections, we can contribute to a more informed and nuanced understanding of the firearms industry.