"AR-15s as a means of defending themselves, family and friends."
"idolizing cowboys and gunfighters"
"have no practical use for it but want to experience a bit of what it might be like to do what their heroes do."

Regardless of what side of the debate you are on, this author touches on a lot of good points. At the heart of AR15 ownership, it is mostly a child-like, Walter Mitty fantasy.