Going to the local shooting range isn't about killing. It's about skill, accuracy, and yes, fun. It's something that gives you a chance to get outdoors and unbury your face from the computer screen. Guns are certainly not toys, but shooting can be a "fun" and enjoyable family activity.

It appears to me that shooters have been vilified because of the events of the past few years. I totally understand that and can respect the reactions. I've had some of the same reactions myself.

But Robert, what you don't seem to understand is, shooters see guns as things of beauty, craftsmanship, and marvels of engineering and history. Shooting appeals to the kid in all of us. The power of the recoil, the crack of the report, the working of the action, the smell of powder and the hole in the target are all part of the appeal. And because of this incident we are supposed to be ashamed of ourselves?

You have no concept of use of firearms other than that of self defense, and tend to disavow them for that purpose as well.

I don't see why fun and responsibility are mutually exclusive. Sorry if not everyone has given up childish things.