firearm interest
I guess I'm not a fan of the phrase, "gun nut." I prefer gun or firearm enthusiast. Gun nut portrays an image of some "crazy" with all kinds of guns around the house getting ready for the "big one." We have enough problems with the liberals in the NE, don't need to reinforce their perceptions, IMHO.
As to why more police officers are not interested in firearms, shooting sports or firearms training, it's simple. A firearm to most LEOs is just a tool. No different than radar, patrol car, camera, finger print powder, etc. Most consider it just part of the job. Whatever the department gives them for firearm training is fine with them. Most won't shoot their duty weapons outside of department training or seek personal training. Police officers are just like any other Joe and they all have different interests. Some are hunters and fisherman, some like to ride snowmobiles, quads, or travel. Different strokes for different folks...........
I often here the statement, "If I was a police officer, I'd shoot / train all the time." Well this statement usually comes from someone who is already a "gun enthusiast." Most who come on the job (police work) don't have a primary interest in firearms.
My opinion is based on working as a LEO and firearms instr. for the last 12 years. I have been involved in the shooting sports for over 20 years and have always had an interest in firearms, training, and competetive shooting. I do agree that police officers should pursue outside firearms training if their department does not provide proper training, but most will not. That is the reality of it.
Hope this sheds some light on the issue. Oh, on the problems between SP and local police, I think it is pretty over-rated. I work with the SP all the time and we generally get along fine. Sure there are personality clashes, but we are on the same team with the same job to do.
Take care,
Nick-