Reply #18: I'm not sold 100% on the "irrational" part.

[Glassunion]

It was stated by another poster that it is hardly "irrational" to fear something that is by design quite deadly. I tend to agree.

I fear them to the point of greatly respecting what a firearm can do, but I have a full understanding of them. With that understanding I would not fear one just sitting on a table, but I would make damn sure it was not pointed at anyone while sitting there. I treat them with a due level of respect.

I think it is our level of understanding that determines our level of fear or respect that we give to firearms or anything for that matter.

Phobia is a whole different ball of wax. From reading this author, I would say that they are borderline phobic of firearms, which leans towards unhealthy.

I have the same problem with dentists. My dentist is there to help me. Yet for some stupid reason I reach a level of fear that can paralyze me. I know nothing bad is going to happen, I know that he will not hurt me. Yet my mind plays the "make shit up game" whenever it is time to go. This is unhealthy. BTW... I have an appointment tomorrow... I'm freaking out a bit.