Here's a bit of a dilema - as a lifelong progressive lefty I'm very aware of the politics of gun control issues.

I've also experienced the loss of a fairly close relative to suicide by legally owned shotgun.

However, as an average bloke raised on cowboy, war and action movies, guns do hold a definite real fascination.

If Gun ownership was permitted in the UK, I'd more than likely own a collection of the best examples I could afford.

I say this honestly, without shame or guilt.

In the same way I collect guitars as objects of fine design and function.
I'd want to collect guns.

Whatever there is to be said about the dangers of their misuse & abuse.
Guns are still examples of classic design and precision engineering,
like pre digital era cameras, and vintage motor vehicles.

Plus they go 'BANG', which like it or not can be satisfyingly exciting.
Like blasting out a big power chord through a vintage valve amplifier.

Hire a gun range for an hour or two on a weekend, or a rehearsal studio - take your pick.

Truthfully, I'd also feel more secure in old age with guns securely stored in the home.

Though, as gun ownership for responsible citizens is never likely to happen in the UK.

Moral / ideological dilema averted.

The wife can rest relieved there is one fewer range of collectables for me to waste money on.

There's always Discovery channel "Sons of guns" for an entertaining mix of expert precision metal working,
loud bangs and swamp boogie electric guitar music.
Shame the main characters in this series are such ******* *****.