Loaded Questions
Do guns kill people, or do people kill people? Is happiness a warm gun? From the trigger-happy to tree-hugging hippies, everyone has a strong opinion about firearms. We hung out recently at one of the city’s busiest ranges, LAX Firing Range, where we shot first, asked questions later and blew some holes in stereotypes about guns and gun users.
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Derek Spears
Visual effects supervisor
Why are you into shooting?
I grew up shooting in Texas. It’s being as perfect as you can on target.
Is there a gun-fan stereotype?
I’m sure the male adrenaline-junkie misogynist person is [what’s] typified, but I was in a group of guys and girls who came out [to shoot] after going to Starbucks.
Why is America a place where normal citizens go out and pop off a few rounds?
We are a frontier nation to this day. We don’t like to be held back by rules. We value freedom above anything else, and that includes freedom to go out and shoot holes in targets.
Who’s hated at the range?
There’s always the scary guy who got thrown out of the military who’s got something to prove. One time there was a guy who had the Saddam Hussein playing cards up on the target. That was creepy.
Is happiness a warm gun?
No! Happiness is a warm girl!
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Anita Zusman Eddy
Nonprofit executive
What are you shooting today?
I shot a .44 and . . . I don’t know what the big one’s called. I guess it’s a rifle.
What brings you to the range?
My husband is into guns. He has a side business with his father where he sells gun parts. He wanted to show me how it’s done.
What’s surprising about shooting?
Once you get over your initial reluctance, it’s easier than I thought.
Who goes to the range?
Normal people from all walks of life. Professionals.
What would you say to someone who is anti-gun?
Sadly, guns today are part of our culture. For safety reasons, it’s good to have some shooting practice.
Is happiness a warm gun?
I’m not into guns. I’m more liberal than my husband. He’s Republican, I’m Democrat. I’m trying to be open-minded about things he cares about.
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Walter Washington
Teen group-home administrator
What are you shooting today?
Twelve-gauge shotgun and a .380. The 12-gauge is brand-new. I just got married, bought a home and wanted some home protection.
How did you get into shooting?
I was in the military for five years.
What might surprise people about guns?
It is a danger, but it can save your life. Not everyone who holds a gun is a killer. Some do it for sport. If you have the proper training, you control the gun.
But is there any rush when you come out here?
There always is. There’s something about being in control of that power.
Who’s hated at the range?
There’s always that know-it-all guy. The expert, but he can’t shoot worth a lick.
How does shooting a gun fit in with your 9-to-5 life?
I [oversee] group homes with disturbed teens. It relieves stress.
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Heidi Young Blackgoat
Eco-tourism
What brings you to the range?
Today was my first time. We [my husband and I] came as a birthday present for both of us. We share the same birthday. We didn’t go skydiving because we had to leave early, and we stayed up late last night.
How did your first shot go?
The rifle, you could just feel the power of it. I got a rush. I’m still a little shaky from it.
What might surprise people about shooting?
That they might enjoy it, and can do it in a controlled environment.
Is there a gun-fan stereotype?
Where I’m from it’s rednecks--that’s the stereotype.
Why is America a country where normal citizens go out and pop a few rounds?
It’s part of the 2nd Amendment. Our ability to protect ourselves. I’m just thinking of “Bowling for Columbine” here.