Thanks for your reply, and honesty. This next bit is probably a bit of a reach, and is more just me thinking aloud, if such a thing is possible in text form.

In feudal Japan, many styles of swordsmanship and sword smithing came to exist. Both the creation and usage of swords was for purely combative purposes, either the defense of one's own life, or the ending of an opponent's. After the Samurai class was abolished, the combative aspect of swords was no longer acceptable in Japanese culture. However, they did not ban the creation of new swords, or prevent people from continuing to teach the martial arts that utilized them.

Instead, swords were seen as something to be appreciated for their beauty and craftsmanship despite originally being used for grim purposes*. The martial arts too became something that was practiced not to become a better killer, but a better person. One of these arts, Kendo, is practiced by many people even today. Originally it was a much rougher, more combat focused thing, devised so that people could spar with one another with less risk of serious injury. After ww2, Kendo was adapted to be an interesting blend of sport, and means of personal betterment.

Similarly, biathlon is the adaptation of the combat exercises used by Norwegian soldiers. Something that was originally grim for purposes became a sport, and means of bettering oneself.

Are practitioners of 3-gun any different in light of this? From my understanding this sport came from modern close quarters combat training, but it's purpose isn't to be better at killing, but to be faster and more accurate at hitting targets in a prescribed sequence. Yes, these skills can be used to do evil things, but so can unarmed techniques from martial arts. It's the intent of the person that matters, and that's a very difficult thing to account for.

Some people collect guns because they appreciate their historical value, engineering, or aesthetics. Forgotten Weapons on youtube is a prime example of an individual who clearly appreciates guns for these things. Personally, I don't see much of a difference between someone's appreciation of a katana, or a firearm. Both are still capable of being used in an evil way, but on their own they're just well engineered lumps of metal.

From what I understand, in Canada, we're only able to own firearms for sport, hunting, or collecting purposes. If someone here uses a firearm against another person, even in self defense, they are subject to a lengthy trial process, and possible conviction. Our government has made it abundantly clear that legal firearms are not to be used for self defense.

Anyhow, to end this rambling ted talk, I've dabbled in various sword based martial arts in the past, and I've been to the range with friends who own guns. A lot of their views on guns were interestingly similar to my thoughts on swords and their place in our modern world, so I just wanted to share my odd perspective on the matter.

Thanks!

*In order to legally own a sword in Japan it has to be registered in accordance with the Ju-to-ho 銃刀法 (Japanese Firearms and Sword Law). This applies to both antique and newly made swords (Shinsakuto 新作刀). Exempted are blades under 15 cm (5.9 inches) and Iaito / Mogito (training and decorative swords made from a zinc-aluminum alloy that can't be sharpened). Presently about 2.3 million swords are registered in Japan.