GUN OWNERS IN AMERICA

This is a selection of illustrations that were conceived to be featured in a recent article for the New York Times Magazine about the various types of gun owners in America. The owners are paired with illustrations of their preferred gun along with a statement on what gun rights mean to them. These illustrations are meant to be empathetic and an impartial portrait of these Americans as they tell their story with their own words.   

“GUNS ARE THE MUST HAVE TOOL YOU HOPE YOU NEVER USE. BUT I'M PREPARED TO USE MINE IF NEEDED”

Devin, 44

PREFERRED GUN: PISTOLA HFC G17 GLOCK 17

“IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERS ARE AFFECTED BY A FEW IRRESPONSIBLE SHITHEADS. SOCIETY IS NOT VERY HEALTHY.”

Jack, 61

PREFERRED GUN: BLACK EAGLE II 12-GUAGE SHOTGUN

“I THINK BOTH THE SINGLE-MINDED GUN CONTROL ADVOCATES AS WELL AS THE SINGLE-ISSUE GUN RIGHTS ADVOCATES ARE ENDANGERING GUN OWNERSHIP.  THAT’S A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT.”

Bill, 56

PREFERRED GUN: .243 WINCHESTER HANDI RIFLE SB2 

“I GREW UP AROUND FIREARMS AND OWNING A GUN IS FUN. BUT THEY'RE SERIOUS BUSINESS AND DESERVE RESPECT. THEY CAN BE A DANGEROUS WEAPON WHEN THEY ARE IN THE WRONG HANDS.”

Judy, 33

PREFERRED GUN: ROSSI .357 MAGNUM 2” BARREL

“I THINK THERE IS GUN VIOLENCE DUE TO THE UNDERFUNDING OF SOCIAL PROGRAMS THAT WOULD PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE SERVICES NECESSARY TO REDUCE POVERTY IN OUR POPULATION."

Franklin, 57

PREFERRED GUN: RUGER SINGLE-TEN REVOLVER 10/22

“STOPPING VIOLENCE IS IMPOSSIBLE. IT’S HUMAN NATURE, THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN PROTECT SOMEONE FROM VIOLENCE IS TO GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROTECT THEMSELVES.”

Doug, 28

PREFERRED GUN: M4-A1 CARBINE MACHINE GUN