Some Amish individuals do have guns, but their approach to firearms differs from mainstream society. The They use shotguns and hunting rifles for hunting game for food and protecting their livestock.
The Amish don’t find any need for automatic or semi-automatic weapons.
Why the Amish Have Guns
Hunting
Many Amish communities rely on hunting for food, as it aligns with their self-sufficient lifestyle and traditional values.
The Amish are avid hunters. They hunt to supplement their food supply and typically hunt game such as deer, rabbits, or birds.
They also use bows, crossbows, and muzzleloaders for hunting.
Predator Control
Guns are sometimes used to protect livestock from predators like coyotes or foxes. The Amish might use pistols to hunt small animals or protect their farm animals from predators.
While not all Amish use guns, some may keep them for safeguarding animals from potential threats.
What Do the Amish Think of Gun Ownership?
The Amish don’t own modern rifles, handguns, or guns for casual shooting. Unlike many others, they view guns solely as tools, not for fun or recreation.
Gun ownership is common among the Amish, but they don’t face the same issues with violence or cultural changes as other groups. This means their guns aren’t a concern for others.
Because of their strong cultural values and lifestyle, the likelihood of an Amish person committing a mass shooting is extremely low.
The Amish believe in non-violence, so they see using weapons for self-defense as a sin. They don’t find any need for automatic or semi-automatic weapons. They don’t believe in harming others for self-defense purposes.
Can the Amish Buy Guns?
The Amish can buy guns. They often use them for hunting and protecting their livestock. However, they typically don’t buy modern rifles or handguns, automatic or semi-automatic weapons, preferring traditional hunting rifles and shotguns.
Most Amish people own either low-caliber rifles or low-gauge shotguns.