On a summer Saturday in August, a diverse group of individuals gathered in a conference room at a Wyndham Garden hotel in Central Texas to attend a firearms training course focused on Second Amendment rights. The class, led by Michael Cargill, owner of Central Texas Gun Works and a firearms instructor, aimed to certify participants to apply for a license to carry a concealed handgun.

Among the students was Harel Shapira, an associate sociology professor at the University of Texas at Austin. Over four years, Shapira attended more than 40 classes like this one to conduct ethnographic research for his forthcoming book, “Basic Pistol: Living and Dying by the Gun in America.” Rather than addressing gun ownership through policy debates or statistics, Shapira immersed himself in the daily realities and experiences of gun owners, seeking to provide a nuanced portrait of American gun culture.

Shapira’s research drew him mainly to Texas, one of the most politically conservative states, but he asserts the attitudes he observed transcend regional boundaries and increasingly cross demographic lines. “This is an American story,” he said, highlighting how firearms ownership serves as a lens into broader social and cultural dynamics.

The class attracted individuals from varied backgrounds, including a high school teacher, a truck driver, and a nanny, who shared personal motivations for carrying firearms. Many cited self-defense as a primary concern. For instance, Elizabeth Sabatier, the nanny, noted her decision to pursue gun ownership amid perceived threats to civil liberties since the 2016 presidential election. Another student, Cody, voiced concerns about legal repercussions following a potential self-defense incident, emphasizing the value of formal training.

Texas law does not require a license to carry a firearm openly, but licensed holders gain specific advantages, including some federal exemptions and the ability to carry in certain restricted areas. Alcohol consumption is permitted up to the point of intoxication for license holders carrying concealed firearms.

The instructor, Cargill, stands out from typical stereotypes of gun owners. He is Black, openly gay, and was formerly affiliated with the Democratic Party. He attributes his commitment to firearm training and self-defense to a traumatic family event when his grandmother was violently assaulted. Cargill has also played a role in challenging gun regulations through legal action, including cases at the U.S. Supreme Court.

During the session, a representative from U.S. Law Shield offered information about legal defense coverage for gun owners, selling plans that provide immediate access to Second Amendment attorneys, alongside first aid kits designed for gunshot wounds.

The day's training culminated with a visit to a nearby gun range, where students fired live rounds at targets shaped like human torsos. Failure to hit the target reduced their test scores, which were nonetheless designed to be attainable through repeated attempts.

Shapira’s study reveals a marked shift in the motivations behind gun ownership in the United States. While hunting once dominated reasons for possessing firearms, self-defense has become paramount, now cited by roughly 72 percent of gun owners, according to data referenced in his book.

He cautions that firearms training can paradoxically heighten fears, creating a cycle where insecurity drives people to seek training, which then reinforces their sense of vulnerability. Shapira argues this dynamic encourages suspicion and isolation, potentially weakening democratic cohesion.

However, this view is contested by other experts such as sociologist David Yamane of Wake Forest University. Yamane, who studies gun culture from a liberal and gun-owning perspective, contends that fear in this context does not inherently erode social structures but can motivate individuals to acquire information and skills to manage personal safety responsibly.

The Central Texas class reflected this prevailing sense of uncertainty about public safety. Participants often expressed concern about random acts of violence and the unpredictability of the world around them. This sentiment underscores how contemporary gun culture continues to evolve amid changing social and political landscapes.