As much as I hate politics, my involvement in them in inevitable. I took a long and much needed break from the political world, but now that I'm getting near the voting age, I've been pressured by many people in my life to get involved again.

I don't expect to necessarily change minds or opinions. This is just how I see it. I will present a few facts here and there, which is what I base my opinions on. But, this is just how I see it, and I hope everyone can keep an open mind. 

It's important that I get back in politics again for one huge reason. This last week, I got my  first rifle. It's a Ruger bolt-action 243. It's not the most controversial firearm out there, though I do plan on getting a much more controversial rifle for my next firearm; either a .308 AR 10, or a .223 AR 15.

Why? Well, mostly because I want another hunting rifle. I know a lot of people say, "AR's aren't practical for hunting". However, with the right sights, an AR can be very practical. They're lighter than most wood and solid plastic stocked rifles. Some stocks on ARs can be folded forward, making it easier to pack away. In the last decade, ARs have gained a lot of popularity in the hunting world for their practicality, especially for hunters who travel for miles on foot or on horseback. It's not unusual to see them being used for hunting. 

Before I go on, I want to clear some things up. I totally understand why people are so concerned about ARs in the hands of civilians. In fact, I understand why people are worried about guns in the hands of citizens in general. Guns are very dangerous in the wrong hands. However, because of the 2nd amendment, and the fact that there's an estimated 500-600+ million civilian owned guns in the United States alone, they aren't going away. I'm an advocate for background checks that are stricter than they already are, and I think every responsible gun owner must keep their guns locked up and kept in a different place than the rounds. Every responsible gun owner must also know how to properly handle, shoot, and take care of a firearm, so I'm also an advocate for training, although I have mixed feelings on making training mandatory. 

However, judging by what I've learned and what I know from being raised around people with guns, banning this weapon or that magazine won't do anything, except give criminals the advantage. I also disagree with gun-free zones. Criminals don't listen to the laws, and I'd rather be armed rather than disarmed. You never know if or when something could happen. But when it does, I want to be prepared with more than a shelf shoved up against the door and a dispatcher on the line.