The energy for the gun argument is the sense of power, competence, authority and ability to cope which is otherwise unavailable to that individual. An inability to deal with the world on equal terms, needing an advantage to be comfortable.

It’s truly a sign of an inadequate personality made adequate, not the sense an accomplished workman gets from a fine tool. Some would call them pathetic.

By the way, pure hunters aren’t behind the gun passions, either. They would regard a gun as a tool.

Discuss the psychological implications of a man who becomes terrified of a weapon placed in his own hands. What does he think will happen?

Then we can discuss false choices.

Most people I know who have guns do not get “excited” by them. They treat them as tools designed for the job they do, self-defense, hunting, or sport, with strict safety protocols.

They may have fun shooting them on a range to perfect skills, in the same way someone might have fun hitting a golf or tennis ball. They may enjoy using them for hunting game, in the same way as someone enjoys using a fly rod to catch and eat fish.