Our guns, in photos: Stories, reasons and beliefs behind our firearms

By Gable Rhoads

Growing up in North Dakota, guns were a part of life. I remember the thrill I felt when I shot my first Canada goose with my dad's 12-gauge Winchester. The Winchester is now mine, and I also own a .38 revolver for self-defense. I bought my youngest daughter her first gun, and the Winchester shotgun will be passed down to another generation when my time comes. Guns are part of my heritage, and will be a part of my children's ... more 

By Gable Rhoads

Growing up in North Dakota, guns were a part of life. I remember the thrill I felt when I shot my first Canada goose with my dad's 12-gauge Winchester. The Winchester is now mine, and I also own a .38 revolver for self-defense. I bought my youngest daughter her first gun, and the Winchester shotgun will be passed down to another generation when my time comes. Guns are part of my heritage, and will be a part of my children's heritage.

I do not understand the furor over registering weapons and closing the background check loopholes. It is clear that too many "bad guys" are obtaining guns. The man in New York who shot the firefighters in December was a convicted felon, but he was still able to obtain weapons. Somewhere, some "good guys" are selling guns illegally. It will be an inconvenience filling out all the required paperwork, but if it will help expose those who are selling weapons illegally, I don't mind. Bearing arms is a constitutional right, but as I was taught growing up, with rights come responsibilities. less