Guns are a common sight around here. Most everyone has one it seems. In Idaho, you can carry a gun in public although it’s very rare to see that kind of thing. I have to admit, I’m getting less sensitive about seeing them. A few weeks ago, I was filling my car with gas and I saw two older gentlemen talking by the open door on their pickup truck. It wasn’t long before I realized that one of them had a rifle. I observed without giving it much thought. Imagine, men with guns and my heart didn’t skip a beat. They continued to talk as one man was clearly showing the features of the gun to the other. I put the gas cap back on, got in and drove away. I hadn’t given it much thought other than the realization that it wasn’t a big deal here, where as in the hyper-blue state of Illinois, these guys would be facing weapons charges.
It’s interesting that with so many people owning guns around here that somehow gun crimes aren’t that common. Guns are simply a well respected hunting device and not always a dangerous weapon. And about as common and noteworthy as a nice power tool.