We are clearly on the same wavelength.

I am (like the Penguin) open to discussion and can be convinced to change my mind or position.

I have written hundreds of stories and thousands of comments. I don't really have suggestions on what of my works you should look at. It is kind of all over the place.

I am sorry for you that you are a combat veteran. I don't say the trite "thank you for your service" because I really don't know any combat in my lifetime that I wanted done. Maybe with your experience you can enlighten me about what good US miliary combat has done in our lifetimes. The closest I can come up with is Kosovo, but I don't think of it as a combat operation.

I am not saying the military is unnecessary, so I am thankful that someone does the job, I just wish our leaders made better choice regarding combat.

Back on subject, yes, firearms were developed to kill people or actually as siege weapons to assault fortifications and then for individual combat. Eventually for hunting as well as self-defense. Recreational shooting does have a long history going on a couple centuries or more.

TEK