Documentary photographer Kyle Cassidy traveled over 20,000 miles around the country to find out what gun owners look like and why they have chosen to buy guns and keep them in their homes.
His riveting essay became a book, Armed America: Portraits of Gun Owners in Their Homes, which was published in 2007.
With the Sandy Hook tragedy, in which 20 children, 6 teachers and the shooter's mother perished, the discussion about gun control and ban on assault weapons has never been more heated.
We are publishing some of Cassidy's "everyman" portraits of armed Americans and their views on gun ownership here, courtesy of the photographer.
Cassidy published a new book this year, War Paint: Tattoo Culture & the Armed Forces, which portrays the culture of tattooing among servicemen and women.
Howard: I love history and I love old mechanical devices -- guns are both. I also enjoy target shooting.
Howard with his C. Sharps Arms Co. Model 1874 in .45-70
Stan: I think everybody should have a gun. It levels the playing field.
Stan with his Taurus PT38s .38 Super
Drew: Owning a firearm brings me some sort of balance. When I am angry at the world I find relief in dropping a clip into the air. And, at the same time, if the world threatens me or those I love, I find relief in the protection it gives me.
Eleanor and Drew with Obie and their SKS 776, 1958 .22 cal Single Bolt Action, Mossberg Single shot 12g, Mossberg 12g pump, and Ruger P90 .45 cal
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