Lately, I don't really know.

easy answer

because I can

tougher answer

I think we will need them shortly

Mostly because they make me smile when I have time to go shooting, constant fun challenge to get better and better. It was a sad day when we lost our only IDPA range in the area.

Protection is a big plus, but I hope to never need it. But it's available to me, and that makes be feel better.

To expand on my simple video answer on page 1, I have always loved guns as material items, and of course the "idea" of guns, what they can do.

As a suburban kid without a background in firearms, I loved guns. The fact that they made a shit load of noise, a powerful explosion in one's hands, was extremely appealing. The few precious times firing a real firearm as a kid, those moments were with my friend's .22 rifle, it was euphoric. Back then, of course I wasn't thinking of the 2A or gun rights or anything like that. Even after buying my first firearm, a Ruger P89 that just came out, I was not really focused on anything but having something for defense, and having a new toy to blast.

It is a hobby, no question. Many of my guns are not really practical firearms, I like buyin' and collecting them, and shooting them, it's that simple. I'm sure if I pared everything down to a single Glock G17, one AR15, a shotgun, and a CCW, I would still be set for any real world defense situation. And truthfully, the 2A is a byproduct of my enthusiasm for firearms; if NOBODY was trying to take my rights and guns away, it wouldn't be an issue.

I grew up around guns & hunting. My dad taught me to shoot both guns & a bow, as well as fish. I learned how to properly clean guns before I was taught to shoot them. I've always been fascinated with mechanical devices & the ability to remotely punch a hole at a precise & remote location is still appealing on a level I can't quite put into words.

Its my right. I enjoy them. I carry to protect my home and my family.

All of the choices personally.