I actually expected that Stateside it wasn't as prevalent but I wasn't sure so didn't say it. Here most people don't know someone with guns, let alone have any experience with firearms at all, other than seeing one on a cops duty belt. Even cops mostly have no clue to be quite honest; a fact confirmed by the mates I have who do the job.

I think people get involved for a few different reasons, the need to be heard amongst them I guess. Maybe this chap's wife never listens to him so he feels the need to blurt things out to others, right or wrong. I don't know. This chap is the sort who thinks the only people that should have firearms is the police and military. He doesn't even think it should be an Olympic sport. There's so many use-cases for firearms here but it's just not worth starting that conversation with people as I know where it'll end up...With them calling me an idiot because I don't hold the same opinions.

Before the Port Arthur massacre (1996) people didn't have the same ethos about firearms, certainly not to the same degree as now. They were more tolerant and it rarely came up in conversation. But since then, the rise and rise of social media and the way information flies around so quickly, let's call it propaganda, thigs have accelerated exponentially. The really interesting (sad and pathetic) thing is most people have got literally zero information based around Australia - It's all US based. So...They know nothing.

We'll never get our semi-auto rifles back and at some stage I imagine they'll make a grab at our semi-handguns also...For now...Well, we make do with what we have. I'm happy to have long-range platforms and my handguns and make do with my straight-pull rifles despite the fact they aren't semi. I can still operate.

Thanks for your comment and support.